Medical Treatment in the UK

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 a national or resident of the European Economic Area;

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, Russia, former Soviet Union states - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, former Yugoslavia - Croatia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Poland, Romania,

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).