The National Health Service (NHS), funded through taxation, provides free or relatively low-cost medical care to UK residents. Charges are payable for prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and spectacles, except for those groups of people who are exempt from payment, which include children, pregnant women and those in receipt of unemployment benefits. Hospital care and NHS General Practitioner consultations are free for all residents, and there are hospitals and clinics in all parts of the country. There are relatively few dentists now offering NHS services.

Overseas visitors from non-EU countries are eligible for free emergency treatment at NHS hospitals, but have to pay for in-patient treatment and other medical services. However, the UK has reciprocal health care arrangements with a number of other countries including Australia, the former Soviet Union states and a number of Eastern European countries, and nationals from these countries are exempt from healthcare payments.

On arrival in the UK, you should register with a General Practitioner in your area, and will receive a National Health Service Number. Your GP will provide general medical treatment and advice, issue medical prescriptions and refer you if necessary for specialist treatment.

Information on GPs and dentists in your area can be provided by NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (England and Wales only) or via the NHS website. The NHS Direct is a 24-hour health information and advice telephone service which is run by nurses and trained medical specialists. The NHS also operates 'walk-in centres' around the country for treatment and advice on minor health problems or concerns. These centres are open to overseas visitors but charges may be payable.

Pharmacies can be found in every town and the pharmacist will supply your prescription medicines, as well as providing general advice on medical conditions requiring non-prescription treatments. Some medicines available over-the-counter in other countries may be controlled in Britain, and vice versa.

In the event of an emergency, dial 999 for an ambulance.