Emergencies
Emergency numbers, doctors and ambulances
In case of an emergency, don't worry about insurance issues and head directly to the nearest hospital with A&E (Accident and Emergency) facility.
In Britain, regardless of nationality and ability-to-pay, emergency patients are treated free of charge. Only if you are hospitalised for more than one night and you are a national of a country without a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, would you be later asked to pay for treatment. You will not be refused emergency medical treatment under any circumstances.
If you are physically able, you should get yourself to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department of your nearest hospital. Most of these departments are open 24 hours.
Use the general emergency number 999 if you need an ambulance.
For minor or non-life threatening illnesses you should phone your GP or any local doctor. There are also a number of private 24-hour doctor services that make house calls.
Listings for dentists that provide emergency dental treatment are available in Yellow Pages (under Dental Surgeons). Unlike doctors, dentists are under no obligation to treat anyone, even in an emergency.
For any health related issues you might have, the NHS runs a 24-hour helpline: 0845 4647 ( www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk ).
Also in this section
- National Health Service: Public healthcare in the UK
- Private healthcare: Private healthcare in Britain
- Finding and seeing a doctor: Registering with a GP
- Pharmacies: Advice and medicines
- Dentists: Finding a dentist
- Emergencies: Emergency numbers, doctors and ambulances
