Moving house is one of life’s most stressful events, and updating your healthcare shouldn’t make it harder. If you’ve just moved, you’re likely asking: “Can I keep my current doctor, or do I have to find a new one?”
As of 2026, the answer depends on your new address, your health needs, and recent changes to the NHS GP Contract. Here is everything you need to know to make the right choice for your health and stay compliant with NHS rules.
Most GP practices have a defined geographic boundary called a catchment area.
If you move within the boundary: You can usually stay with your GP, but you must still notify them of your new address.
If you move outside the boundary: The practice is technically entitled to “de-register” you. However, you may be able to stay under an “Out of Area” registration.
Thanks to the “Out of Area” registration scheme (updated in the 2025/26 GP contract), many practices now allow patients to stay on their books even if they move further away.
| Feature | Staying with Old GP (Out of Area) | Changing to a New Local GP |
| Continuity | High: They know your full medical history. | Low: You’ll need to “start fresh” with a new team. |
| Home Visits | None: The practice is not required to visit you. | Included: Your local GP must provide these if needed. |
| Urgent Care | Must travel to the old surgery or use 111. | Close by and easily accessible. |
| Referrals | Can be complicated for local community services. | Seamless for local hospitals and specialists. |
Crucial Update for 2026: Under the latest GP contract, practices must now seek approval from NHS England or their Integrated Care Board (ICB) if they want to register “out of area” patients at a large scale. This ensures the practice remains safe and effective for everyone.
While “Out of Area” registration sounds convenient, it isn’t right for everyone. You should prioritize finding a new local GP if:
You have a chronic condition: Managing long-term illness often requires local support services (like physiotherapists or district nurses) that are tied to your new postcode.
You have young children: Home visits and proximity for childhood vaccinations are vital.
You have mobility issues: If you cannot easily travel back to your old neighborhood, a local surgery is safer.
You need “joined-up” care: Referrals to hospitals and mental health services are generally smoother when your GP is in the same NHS Region as the specialists.
The process has become significantly more digital in 2026. You no longer need to visit a surgery in person to hand over paper forms.
The NHS App: This is now the primary way to switch. Select “Change GP surgery,” enter your new postcode, and the app will show you which practices cover your area and are currently accepting patients.
Online Registration: All GP practices are now mandated to offer online registration. You will need your NHS Number (though it isn’t strictly required, it speeds things up) and proof of your new address.
Automatic Record Transfer: Once your new GP accepts your application, your electronic health records (GP2GP) will usually transfer within 24 to 48 hours.
If you move and don’t update your records, the NHS may send sensitive medical letters or screening invites to your old house.
Furthermore, if the practice discovers you are out of their area without a formal “Out of Area” agreement, they can remove you from their list with 30 days’ notice, potentially leaving you without care when you need it most.
[ ] Check if your new home is in your current GP’s catchment area.
[ ] If not, ask your current GP if they offer “Out of Area” registration (and confirm you are okay with no home visits).
[ ] Use the NHS Find a GP service to compare local surgeries in your new area.
[ ] Register via the NHS App to ensure your records move with you.
Do you have a specific health condition that requires frequent hospital visits, or is your move a relatively short distance?
Yes. If you move to a different area of the country, please inform your GP (and local hospital) of your new address.
You will need to register with a new GP, and your old surgery will pass your records on.
You may also need to ask your consultant to transfer your care to your new hospital. You can do this by ringing their secretary.
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