Emergency services and healthcare in London

Find out everything you need to know in case of an emergency, from healthcare to useful phone numbers.
Two police officers on horses ride on a street in London next to a red heritage London Routemaster
The Metropolitan Police protect visitors and residents of London. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Healthcare in the UK

The National Health Service (NHS) is the main healthcare provider in the UK.

NHS treatment is free for UK residents. Most overseas nationals are not eligible for free NHS treatment, except if they need emergency treatment while in the UK.

The UK government strongly advises visitors to take out appropriate travel insurance for the duration of your trip to cover any medical expenses. 

If you're visiting from Europe, carry your valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) in case you need emergency medical treatment in an NHS hospital. Visit the official UK government website to find updates on healthcare for EU citizens visiting the UK.  

Emergency services and important phone numbers

London’s police force is called the Metropolitan Police. Learn more about Project Servator and how to report suspicious activity. 

Call 112 or 999 for police, fire and ambulance in London.

To report non-urgent crime, call the police on 101 from within the UK.

Find out more about staying safe in London.