The Northern Ireland Medical card contains your Health & Care number. The Health & Care number is a unique personal identifier for everyone who is eligible to receive, health care and/or social care from the Northern Ireland Health and Social Services (HSCNI).
Everyone who is or has been registered with a GP/Doctor or receives health care in a hospital will have a Health & Care Number. This number is your unique identifier for your medical records. It is not confirmation that you have entitlement to access publicly funded health care in Northern Ireland.
Medical Card Services
If you need a replacement medical card or need to update your address or personal details please complete the Medical Card Service Form.
New Residents to Northern Ireland
If you are new to Northern Ireland and you do not currently have a Health & Social Care (HSC) number you need to first register with a Doctor/General Practice. As part of this process your entitlement to access services will be assessed.
Find out more at Access to Healthcare – Patient Guide to Entitlement and Lawfulness
If you are already registered with a Doctor/GP in another part of Great Britian, you will need to complete the change of doctor form below. In most cases your previous NHS number will be used for registration in N Ireland.
Change your Doctor
You can change doctor without giving a reason or without the consent of your present doctor.
Just visit your new GP/Doctor and ask them for the HSC200 form, or download the form below and bring to your new practice.
HS200 – Download form (PDF)
If you have recently moved to Northern Ireland from Great Britain, and wish to transfer from one GP to another, please download and complete the HSC200 form above.
Find Your Nearest GP
You can search for your nearest Medical Practice and other front line health services on NIDirect – Find a GP practice.