Tap water

Tap water is generally safe to drink throughout the UK, with high safety standards maintained. There's typically no need to purchase bottled water unless you prefer the taste.

Poliovirus

The UK has been polio-free for decades, though very rare detections in wastewater monitoring have occurred. Standard childhood vaccinations provide adequate protection for most travellers.

Tick-borne illness

Lyme disease can be contracted from tick bites in woodland, heathland, and grassy areas, particularly in spring and summer. Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking, use insect repellent, and check for ticks after outdoor activities.

Elective medical and dental procedures

The UK is known for high-quality healthcare, but any elective procedures should be thoroughly researched. If you’re considering a procedure in the UK, make sure you research the facilities and understand if you have coverage under your travel insurance. Most travel insurers don’t provide cover for elective medical, dental and cosmetic procedures. 

Avian Influenza

Occasional outbreaks of bird flu occur in wild and domestic bird populations. The risk to humans is generally very low, but avoid contact with wild birds and report any dead birds to local authorities.

Australia's reciprocal health care agreement with the UK

In order for the Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement between Australian and the UK to cover your medical costs in the UK, medical care must be:  

• Medically necessary care that can’t wait until you get home to Australia,  

• In the National Health Service (NHS) system  

• Within 6 months after you arrive to the UK.

The RHCA covers the following types of medical costs:

• Care from an NHS doctor or nurse at a GP surgery (you need to register there as an NHS patient)  

• Care in a public ward of an NHS hospital  

• Out-patient care at an NHS hospital  

• Ambulance travel to an NHS hospital or other NHS facilities  

• Prescription medicine if the doctor treats you as an NHS patient (there is a small fee for this)

The RHCA does not cover the following types of medical costs:

• Non-subsidised medicine from pharmacies  

• Prescription medicines if you’re not an NHS patient  

• Any dental services  

Fast Cover's medical benefits

Fast Cover’s international travel insurance policies include:

• overseas 24/7 emergency medical assistance,

• overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses,

• overseas emergency dental, and

• overseas emergency medical evacuation and repatriation

to help cover you if you become unexpectedly injured or sick while in UK.*

Travel insurance for existing medical conditions

If you have an existing medical condition, Fast Cover may be able to provide some cover.* You’ll need to complete a medical screening process online or call our Aussie based sales team. To find out more about our medical screening process, and how the policy will apply in relation to an existing medical condition, please read and consider the PDS for eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits that apply.

Check the UK's medication regulations

Most common prescription medications are permitted in the UK, but some medications containing controlled substances require additional documentation. Check the UK government's website for current regulations.

Obtain a permit for restricted medications

If your medication contains controlled substances like strong painkillers or certain psychiatric medications, you may need to apply for a personal licence from the UK Home Office. Apply well in advance of your trip.

Carry documentation

Always carry prescriptions and a letter from your doctor stating your condition and why you need the medication. Ensure medications remain in their original packaging with pharmacy labels intact.

Travel limits

Generally bring no more than three months' supply of prescription medications. For controlled medications, limits may be stricter (typically 30 days' supply).