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Charges for Medical Treatment
Overseas visitors who become ill while in Britain are only eligible for free emergency treatment in the Accident and Emergency departments of National Health Service hospitals. If you are admitted to hospital as an in-patient, even from an 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.
Nationals or residents of countries which have reciprocal health care agreements with the UK are also exempt from charges. 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, Kazakstan, 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.
Exemption from charges applies only to treatment needed during the visit. You are strongly advised to take out adequate insurance cover before travelling to Britain. Your travel agent will be able to suggest a suitable policy.
Obtaining Treatment
If you are unwell during your visit to Britain, firstly consult a pharmacist (also known as chemists). They will advise on treatments available over-the-counter (ie, available without a doctor's prescription). Chains of pharmacists include Boots and Superdrug.
Medicentres are walk-in private medical centres based in London. No appointment is necessary and you will normally be seen within 20 minutes. New and repeat prescriptions may be issued. For general enquiries telephone 0870 6000870. Medicentre locations are as follows:
Victoria Railway Station
(Adjacent to Platform 15)
London SW1V 1JT
Open Monday-Friday 0800-2000, Saturday, Sunday 1000-1600
Euston Railway Station
1st Floor
London NW1 1DF
Open Monday-Friday 0900-1900
Waterloo Railway Station
1st Floor
London SE1 7LY
Open Monday-Friday 0800-1800
Plaza Medical Centre
120 Oxford Street
London W1N 9DP
Open Monday-Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 1000-1900, Thursday 1000-2000, Sunday 1200-1800
Bank Medicentre
1-6 Old Jewry Street
London EC2R 8DN
Open Monday-Friday 2000-1900
Keep a written record on your person of any medical condition affecting you and the generic names (not just the trade names) of any medication you are taking.
In the event of an emergency, dial 999 for an ambulance. |
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