Emergency treatment
In the event of an emergency, dial 999 for an ambulance.
If you become ill while visiting Britain, you are eligible for free emergency treatment in the Accident and Emergency departments of National Health Service hospitals.
However, if you are admitted to hospital as an in-patient, even from the accident and emergency department, or referred to an out-patient clinic, you will be asked to pay unless:
- You are in receipt of a UK state retirement pension
- You are a national or resident of the European Economic Area
- You are a refugee or stateless person living in the European Economic Area or the dependant or survivor of such a person, regardless of your own nationality
- You are a national or resident of countries which have reciprocal health care agreements with the UK
- The following countries have such agreements in place:
Bulgaria, Czech and Slovak Republics, Hungary, Malta, New Zealand, Russia, former Soviet Union states - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, former Yugoslavia - Croatia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and residents of Anguilla, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Channel Islands, Falkland Islands, Isle of Man, Montserrat, Poland, Romania, St Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Obtaining treatment
If you are unwell during your visit to Britain, first consult a pharmacist - also known as chemists. They will advise on treatments available over-the-counter (for example: available without a doctor's prescription). Chains of pharmacists include Boots and Superdrug.
NHS walk-in centres
NHS walk-in centres offer healthcare advice, information and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses. No appointment is needed and assessments are carried out by experienced NHS nurses. They are open and available to anyone who can normally access NHS services.
Note: NHS walk-in centres are open to overseas visitors but a charge may be made.
Keep a written record with you at all times of any medical condition affecting you and the generic names (not just the trade names) of any medication you are taking.
NHS Direct - 24-hour health advice
NHS Direct operates a 24-hour health advice and information service by calling 0845 4647, providing confidential information on:
- What to do if you or your family feel ill
- Health conditions and treatments
- Local healthcare services
- Self-help and support organisations
