I’m worried I’ve come down with strep throat again and we just arrived to London yesterday. In all the travels we’ve done we’ve been fortunate to never need medical care. Does anyone know if there are US styled “urgent care” facilities here? We’re staying in the general area of the British Museum. Thanks.
Posted by
2 posts
Hopefully you have travel insurance. But either way, yes they do. Go here and put in your post code (aka zip code) you’re likely in WC1 post code.
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/Urgent-Care/LocationSearch/0
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2512 posts
call in to the nearest pharmacist, they can advise
Posted by
OP
Tennessee
6 posts
Thank you for the replies. Surely I don’t need travel insurance to be seen in one of these clinics though? I’m happy to pay out of pocket for a visit, probably less than cost of a travel insurance option.
Posted by
Washington DC
27187 posts
No, they'll surely take cash, which you'd almost certainly have to pay up-front even if you had insurance coverage. And you may have it via your home policy (if you don't depend entirely on Medicare).
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32825 posts
I don't know what a "US-style" facility would look like but I do know that as I pass through Victoria Station from time to time I notice a private walk-in clinic on the left side (coming off the trains, right side looking from the front of the station) on the Gatwick Express, high numbered platforms side. Quite near the toilets.
Maybe they could help.
They are called MediCentre. Website at http://www.medicentre.co.uk/location-1.htm
Both their Victoria and their Bank locations will be open today but only the Victoria one tomorrow.
I've never used them, just know that they have been there for many years.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5331 posts
There is an NHS walk-in centre at 1 Frith Street W1D 3HZ which isn't too far away. Open 8am-8pm.
The examination will be free of charge, but you will pay for any drugs.
Posted by
New York, NY
4007 posts
No need to worry especially as you'll be in London! The pharmacists are GREAT. You can get prescriptions!
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5538 posts
I’ve been to the Medicentre at Victoria Station and it is similar to a U.S. urgent care center. Their fees are posted on their website. I had an ear infection, saw a doctor, and they even gave me meds.
They have been there many years. I went back in 1999 when I was living in London. I’m sure things have changed, but they seem to still operate under the same model.
.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2776 posts
I would suggest going to where Marco recommend. If you go to an NHS center or even an A & E (ER) (but for strep you rally don’t need an A&E) there isn’t any chargers be seen. Was only pointing out that there wouldn’t be a charge for being seen. If you need to get medicine then you will pay for that.
Posted by
York
118 posts
Please don’t go to A&E for just a sore throat! A&E is for accidents and emergencies which a sore throat is neither. Misuse of the service clogs it up for its true purpose.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32825 posts
And unless you have half a day to waste listening to wailing babies and drunks you can get a resolution a lot quicker than in A&E. When you turn up there may be an electronic sign saying that average waiting is up to 4 hours. It is all triage based and minor problems are treated last.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5331 posts
Incidentally the drop in centre I referred to actually mentions minor throat problems as something they deal with.