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The National Health Service provides most healthcare to most people free of charge.
In addition to this however, more and more organisations now involve doctors in a whole range of non-medical work, for example when evidence is required to claim on an insurance policy, or when a medical report is required for the DVLA or for a student to be permitted extenuating circumstances during an exam.
When a doctor signs any form, or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the medical register that they know the information to be true. Even forms that appear simple, may require the doctor to check a patient’s entire medical record. Any inaccuracies can have serious consequences for both the doctor and the patient.
Whilst we will always attempt to assist you with the completion of these requests, GPs do not have to carry out non-NHS work on behalf of their patients, and these services are not funded by the NHS. As with most GP practices, a fee will therefore be charged to cover the costs.
Fees for non-NHS services
Standard ‘To whom it may concern’ letter (Including fit to fly, private sick notes, medication letters and taking part in sporting events)
£35 (inc VAT)
Holiday cancelation forms
£50 (no VAT)
Medical form (Signature only)
£35 (plus VAT)
Short report form (Including Army and Police)
£50 (no VAT)
Long report form
£80 to £100 (no VAT)
Capacity checks and Power of Attorney
£250 (no VAT)
Medical requiring consultation (Including HGV, Taxi driver and DVLA)
The National Health Service provides most health care to most people free of charge, but there are exceptions: prescription charges have existed since 1951, and there are a number of other services for which fees are charged. Sometimes the charge is made to cover some of the cost of treatment, for example, dental fees; in other cases, it is because the service is not covered by the NHS, for example, medical reports for insurance companies.
Surely the doctor is being paid anyway?
It is important to understand that GPs are not employed by the NHS, they are self-employed, and they have to cover their costs – staff, buildings, heating, lighting, etc – in the same way as any small business. The NHS covers these costs for NHS work, but for non-NHS work the fee has to cover the doctor’s costs.
What is covered by the NHS and what is not?
The Government’s contract with GPs covers medical services to NHS patients. In recent years, more and more organisations have been involving doctors in a whole range of non-medical work. Sometimes the only reason that GPs are asked is because they are in a position of trust in the community, or because an insurance company or employer wants to be sure that information provided is true and accurate.
Can you give examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their NHS patients?
Examples of non-NHS services for which GPs can charge their NHS patients include:
accident/sickness insurance certificates
certain travel vaccinations
private medical insurance reports
Is it true that the BMA sets fees for non-NHS work?
The BMA suggests fees for non-NHS work which is not covered under a GP’s NHS contract, to help GPs set their own professional fees. However, these fees are guidelines only, not recommendations, and a doctor is not obliged to charge the rates suggested
Why does it sometimes take my GP a long time to complete my form?
Time spent completing forms and preparing reports takes the GP away from the medical care of his or her patients. Most GPs have a very heavy workload – the majority work up to 70 hours a week – and paperwork takes up an increasing amount of their time, so many GPs find they have to take some paperwork home at night and weekends.
I only need the doctor’s signature – what is the problem?
When a doctor signs a certificate or completes a report, it is a condition of remaining on the Medical Register that they only sign what they know to be true. In order to complete even the simplest of forms, therefore, the doctor might have to check the patient’s entire medical record. Carelessness or an inaccurate report can have serious consequences for the doctor with the General Medical Council or even the Police.
What will I be charged?
The BMA recommends that GPs tell patients in advance if they will be charged, and how much. It is up to the individual doctor to decide how much to charge, but the BMA produces lists of suggested fees which many doctors use. Surgeries often have lists of fees on the waiting room wall based on these suggested fees.
What can I do to help?
Not all documents need signature by a doctor, for example passport applications. You can ask another person in a position of trust to sign such documents free of charge.
If you have several forms requiring completion, present them all at once and ask your GP if he or she is prepared to complete them all at once as a (job lot) at a reduced price.
Do not expect your GP to process forms overnight. You should expect the form(s) to take up to 4 weeks for the GP to complete and return
Page published: 17 July 2025
Last updated: 17 July 2025