Medical Services in London

NHS Services

NHS treatment is free to UK residents.

Overseas nationals are not eligible for free NHS treatment except if they need emergency treatment while in the UK.

You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.

Healthcare Agreements

If you come from a country that holds a UK healthcare agreement, you are entitled to free or reduced-cost medical treatment if needed immediately for a condition that started after your arrival in the UK.

If you're visiting from Europe, you need to carry a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) in case you need immediate and necessary medical treatment in an NHS hospital. Without this you can be charged for treatment.

Travel insurance is still advisable as it offers greater flexibility over where and how you're treated, and can cover expenses not paid for by the NHS.

Find out more on the Department of Health website

NHS Direct

NHS Direct is a one-stop shop for free health advice. You can telephone for advice if you are feeling ill, or need to find your nearest doctor, pharmacist, dentist or support group.

• Telephone: 0845 46 47
• Visit the NHS Direct website

Emergencies

To contact police, fire and ambulance services by telephone, dial 999. The operator will ask you to select a service.

The single European emergency number (112) also works in the UK.

Hospitals with Emergency Departments

If you require emergency healthcare, you can go straight to an Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at a hospital.

Not all hospitals have A&E departments. You can search for your nearest A&E on the NHS website or call NHS Direct.

The following hospitals have 24-hour Accident and Emergency departments (this is not a complete list):

Central London Hospitals

St Thomas' Hospital
University College Hospital

West London Hospitals

Charing Cross Hospital
St Mary's Hospital

South London Hospitals

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

North London Hospitals

Royal Free Hospital

East London Hospitals

Royal London Hospital
Homerton University Hospital

Walk-in Medical Centres

NHS Walk-in Centres offer confidential advice and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses.

Staffed by experienced nurses, they are open seven days a week and you don't need an appointment.

Search for your nearest Walk-in Centre on the NHS website or call NHS Direct.

Doctors

Local doctor's surgeries (clinics) provide a wide range of services including diagnosis, health advice and medication prescriptions.

Visitors can contact a surgery for treatment, but care will be provided at the surgery's discretion.

Search for your nearest surgery on the NHS website or call NHS Direct.

Dentists

The NHS provides dental treatment considered necessary for oral health. There is a charge for most treatments. Dental treatment is also available privately.

To find a dentist, contact NHS Direct or the British Dental Association

Chemists

Chemists (pharmacists) dispense prescriptions and offer advice on minor ailments. In emergencies, chemists may be able to dispense medications without a prescription.

Search for your nearest chemist on the NHS website or call NHS Direct.

Inclusive London

Inclusive London is an online nationwide access register to buildings, venues and services.  Inclusive London’s listings are compiled from Access Audits, guided telephone access assessments, information supplied by the businesses listed and user-contributed information.

Visit the Inclusive London website for comprehensive access information on accessible healthcare in London.