Health

On returning to civilian life, it's important that you register with a GP practice. Tell them you're a veteran and ask for this to be recorded on your medical notes. 

Form FMED133 is issued at your discharge medical. This should be given to your new GP practice, so they can obtain details of your previous medical history. Call NHS Direct on 111 if you need help. You should also register with a dental practice.

Checklist

  • Collect your summary medical records and documents
  • Talk to a medical officer about continuing treatment
  • Register with an NHS GP surgery
  • Help your GP access your military medical records
  • Tell a GP to record you as a veteran
  • Find a dentist

Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) provides professional help and advice to veterans, their families and dependants, as well as those supporting veterans. We may be able to help you with:

  • The transition from service to civilian life
  • Advising bereaved families
  • Any changes in disablement
  • Completing any forms if needed

With You - A free and confidential service for veterans and members of the UK armed forces community affected by drugs, alcohol and mental health. Call 01743 294700 for advice for yourself or a loved one.

Paying for health care

If you visit your registered GP practice, an NHS Walk in Centre, Minor Injuries Unit or Accident & Emergency Unit you won't have to pay for your treatment.

If the person treating you writes you a prescription, you'll have to pay a ‘standard prescription charge’ if you live in England unless you are exempt. If you need regular medication you can buy a pre-payment certificate to help with the cost.

If you go to an NHS dentist to have teeth checked and cleaned there will also be a standard charge. These costs are much cheaper than having to pay for private health/dental care. Find a dentist via the NHS website.

Some people can get help with these costs. For example, if you receive benefits such as Universal Credit, you could be entitled to free prescriptions, dental care or glasses. 

Check what you may be entitled to with this useful tool.

The NHS also has information specifically on veteran, service leaver and non-mobilised reservists healthcare.

Mental health

Keeping your mind in good shape is really important, and taking care of your physical health can also improve your mental health. In everyone’s lives there are times which are more difficult than others; changing jobs or moving home are two of these. Most people cope with life-changing events well, but sometimes people can become overwhelmed and need to talk about these events with someone who isn't a friend or family member. Your GP can put you in touch with services that could help. There are also many charities who offer support, you can find information on the internet, or in our help section.

There's a wide range of mental health support for civilians. Find out more from our mental health webpage. Additionally, Midlands Partnership University NHS Partnership Trust offer information about community services available in the Shropshire area for veterans experiencing poor mental health.

There is also a Veteran-specific programme; OpCOURAGE which is a specialist NHS service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families.

Self-referrals can be made, but we encourage all veterans to use existing routes (GP and community mental health teams), therefore benefiting from the wide range of healthcare services available to former members of the armed forces.

You could also take a look at:

Combat stress

Combat Stress is the leading veterans' mental health charity in the UK, providing treatment for ex-service personnel suffering with mental ill-health. This includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. It doesn't matter how young or old you are, where you served, or whether you saw combat - they may be able to help. If you're the loved one or carer of an ex-service man or woman, there's support for you too.

Joining Forces - veterans' mental health app

The veterans health app is designed specifically for veterans of the British armed forces, providing information on mental health problems and highlighting where to get help.

If you are looking for information about applying for a Blue Badge, please see view our Blue Badge pages.