Health and Emergencies

Travel insurance

It is strongly recommended that you take out private travel insurance which covers all potential medical expenses when in the UK or Ireland.

United Kingdom

If you become ill while visiting the UK, you can get free emergency treatment in the Accident and Emergency departments of National Health Service hospitals. However, if you are admitted to hospital as an in-patient, or referred to an out-patient clinic, you will be asked to pay unless you meet certain exemption criteria.

Republic of Ireland

Hospitals in Ireland may not accept North American insurance coverage. Patients are expected to pay all costs up-front at the time of treatment and apply for reimbursement from their own travel insurance later.

COVID-19

We want to assure our clients that the health and safety of all those who travel with us is paramount. Read more here.

Emergencies

In an emergency in the UK dial 999 for an ambulance, the police or the fire brigade. If you need urgent medical help or advice but it isn’t a life-threatening situation call 111.

In the Republic of Ireland call 999 or 112 in an emergency.

Pharmacies

There are many pharmacies across the UK and Ireland which can provide a range of treatments for minor ailments as well as medical advice and referrals. Pharmacies generally open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, but many pharmacies in towns and cities open late and at weekends. 

Our travellers have reported that it can be extremely difficult to file a prescription ordered by a US doctor in the UK and Ireland. It can also be challenging to buy over the counter medications which have the same or similar ingredients to US ones. It is therefore recommended that you bring regular medications with you on your tour.

The information on this webpage is for guidance only. We are unable to accept responsibility for any changes, omissions or errors.