You will not be assigned to a local doctor automatically. You can search for one in your phone book or even by driving around the nearest town or village centre (practices are often well marked). You will need to find a practice that is accepting new patients, you must be prepared to give them your medical history and you will need to fill out a number of forms.

Emergencies

If you cannot get to a hospital yourself you should call 911 and request an ambulance to take you to a hospital emergency room (however, if you can get the emergency treatment from your regular doctor and avoid going to a hospital then you should do so). If you need to go to hospital and are able to get there yourself you may wish to call ahead so that, if possible, you have an appointment scheduled for when you get there. This may save you from waiting for hours in the hospital emergency room.

Paying for treatment

If you have proof of insurance available, show it at the hospital front desk or wherever this information is requested at the hospital you go to. In an emergency they will save your life first, then charge you the money second (it actually costs hundred of dollars just to have an ambulance come pick you up and take you to a hospital). You will be expected to pay before you leave. Even if you do have health insurance, you will need to pay part of the cost when you have finished being seen by your doctor. You will normally be billed for the rest of the fee through the mail.