The UK healthcare system: a practical guide for travellers

Going to London, Manchester or Edinburgh is exciting… but one question often comes up among travellers:
« What if I get ill there? »
Don’t panic: here’s everything you need to know about the British healthcare system, known as the NHS, before you take off for the UK.

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🩺 1. What exactly is the NHS?

The NHS (National Health Service) is the British public health system.
It operates in a similar way to the Sécurité Sociale in France, but with some important differences.

• Free care for British residents
• Funded by taxes
• Very good level of care, but sometimes long waiting times (excluding emergencies)

➡️ Not all services are free for travellers. It is therefore important to know what is covered… and what is not.

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💳 2. Is healthcare free for tourists?

❌ No, not totally.
As a tourist (even a European one), you have to pay certain fees, except in the case of a vital emergency.

Here’s what’s usually :

✅ Free:

• Emergency care in the event of a serious accident or illness
• Admission to hospital in critical situations
• Treatment in the event of a pandemic (COVID type)

❌ Chargeable:

• Consultation with a general practitioner (GP)
• Dental treatment
• Prescription drugs
• Non-emergency tests or examinations
• Ambulance (sometimes charged)

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🧾 3. European card or insurance: what do you need?

🇪🇺 For EU/EEA citizens:

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): this is still valid in the UK, even after Brexit.
• It covers medical care required during a temporary stay (holiday, business trip, etc.)
• However, it does not cover repatriation or certain types of paid care.

✈️ For non-Europeans:

• No automatic cover.
• You must take out private travel insurance with medical cover and repatriation.

➡️ Tip: Never leave home without health insurance, especially for children, the elderly or those undergoing regular treatment.

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🆘 4. What to do in a medical emergency

📞 Vital emergency:

Call 999 or 112 (free, as in France). An ambulance will come if necessary.

🏥 Hospital:

Head to an A&E (Accident & Emergency), the equivalent of the emergency department. Open 24 hours a day.

🚑 NHS 111:

A free telephone service that guides you according to your symptoms. Very handy if you’re hesitant to seek medical attention or if it’s not a life-threatening emergency.

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💊 5. Buying medicines in the UK

You can easily buy:

• Paracetamol, ibuprofen, lozenges… in supermarkets or pharmacies (chemist)
• Prescription drugs = you will need a consultation with a doctor (for a fee)

➡️ Remember to bring your usual medication with you, with a translated prescription if possible.

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📋 To sum up: what every traveller needs to know

Situation	What you need to do
Minor aches and pains or fever	Call NHS 111 for advice
Life-threatening emergency	Call 999 or go to A&E
European tourist	Use your EHIC supplementary insurance
Non-EU tourist	Have comprehensive travel health insurance
Simple consultation (non-urgent)	Often at your own expense

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✅ Don’t forget your ETA before you leave

Before you even think about hospitals or insurance, don’t forget that the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is compulsory for certain travellers wishing to enter the UK.

➡️ Simply apply in English here:
👉 Apply for my ETA United Kingdom

Don’t take any chances: without this authorisation, you won’ t even be able to board a plane or Eurostar.