London for travelling couples: emergencies, sexual health and what the NHS covers

London has one of the largest nightlife offers in Europe, but BarSwinger does not currently verify any venue in the city that is open to the public: the only one we know has no published address, so we do not recommend it. What we can offer is useful, checked information for a couple travelling: whom to call, which sexual health services exist and what costs you would bear. This guide is informative, contains no explicit content and is based on the NHS and GOV.UK, consulted on 7 November 2026. It does not replace medical advice or travel insurance.

Emergencies: 999 and NHS 111

According to the NHS, 999 is for life-threatening emergencies such as serious road traffic accidents, strokes and heart attacks. If you are unsure whether a situation justifies 999, the NHS advises calling 111 first, which checks symptoms and tells you what to do; there is also an online symptom checker at 111.nhs.uk. When you call 999 have your location ready (postcode or landmarks), what happened and a contact number, and stay reachable in case they call back. The page does not say whether the calls are free, so we do not claim it. An ambulance is not always sent: you may be told to make your own way to A&E or to be seen elsewhere.

Sexual health: NHS clinics

The NHS says sexual health clinics offer free STI testing, pregnancy tests, contraception and treatment, with tests including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and hepatitis. Emergency contraception is available from pharmacies and these clinics. To find one the NHS provides a sexual health clinic finder on its website. The page does not detail whether an appointment is needed or walk-ins are accepted, and it does not mention post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), so call or use the finder before you go.

What does a visitor pay?

The GOV.UK guide to NHS entitlements says services for diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted infections are among those free regardless of normal residence, as is HIV treatment. A&E care is also free for visitors provided they did not travel to the UK to receive that treatment, although later care (admission or follow-up appointments) can be charged. Anyone in England can register and consult a GP without charge; if you are treated as a private patient, prescriptions are paid privately. Non-exempt visitors are charged 150 percent of the cost of hospital treatment, and non-urgent care generally has to be paid in advance. The page does not mention travel insurance: taking it out is still prudent.

Before you leave

• Carry your health card or policy from your home country and its assistance number.
• Save your accommodation's address on your phone.
• If you plan to attend a private party, our guide on swinging and the law in England and Wales explains what the rules say.

NHS terms change: always confirm on nhs.uk and gov.uk before travelling.