Medical Services

NHS Services

NHS treatment is free to UK residents. Foreign nationals can access some services as well as receiving immediate and necessary treatment at hospitals and General Practitioner (GP) surgeries (treatment at surgeries is on a discretionary basis).

Visitors can also access services provided by NHS Direct, Walk-in Centres and Minor Injuries Units, although some services may not be covered. You must pay for NHS hospital treatment. It is strongly advised to take out travel insurance, as this will typically offer greater flexibility over where and how you are treated, and will cover services that are not paid for by the NHS.

Healthcare Agreements

If you come from a country which holds a UK healthcare agreement, you are entitled to free or reduced-cost medical treatment that is needed immediately for a condition that started after your arrival in the UK. Travel insurance, however, 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 for anyone who needs it. You can telephone for advice if you are feeling ill, or find your nearest doctor, pharmacist, dentist or support group.

• Telephone: +44 (0)845 46 47
• Textphone: +44 (0)845 606 4647
• 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.

If you require emergency healthcare, you can go straight to an Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at a hospital. If your injury is less serious (such as a sprain, cut or graze), you can be treated at a Minor Injuries Unit. NHS Direct can help you find the appropriate place.

Hospitals with Emergency Departments

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 their 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. Dental treatment is also available privately. To find a dentist (public or private), contact NHS Direct or the British Dental Association.

Chemists 

Chemists (pharmacists) dispense prescriptions, provide some services related to specific health issues, and offer advice on healthy living and minor ailments. In emergencies, chemists may be able to dispense medications without a prescription. Chemists are usually located in shops that stock over-the-counter medicine and cosmetics. Search for your nearest chemist on the NHS website or call NHS Direct.

Chemists in London that are open late include:

• Bliss Chemist
  Hours: 9am -10pm every day (except Christmas Day and New Year's Eve)
• Bliss Pharmacy
  Hours: 9am - 12am every day
• Boots, Regent Street
  Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 12am. Saturday, 9am - 12am. Sunday, 12pm - 6pm
• Zafash Pharmacy
  Hours: Open 24 hours every day