1. Preparing for a
healthy 2012 Games
Get set
If you have an existing
medical condition,
plan ahead.
…and the walking…
You will probably do a lot of walking
for a healthy
Speak to your doctor at least four
weeks before you travel to the UK
during London 2012, whether
seeing the sights, travelling between
venues or climbing stairs at tube and
2012 Games
to make the necessary preparations. train stations. Make sure you bring
comfortable shoes and plasters
Bring any prescribed for blisters.
medicines with you
as well as details of Get set check list
your prescription. Y
our Get set for a healthy 2012
If you take medicine prescribed by Games leaflet
a doctor, check with your Foreign
Health insurance and/or a valid
Office that you are able to bring it
European Health Insurance Card
into the UK. Make sure you bring
enough for your entire trip and a letter A
ny prescribed medicine you need
from your doctor with details of the Comfortable walking shoes
medicine you take. If you need to get
more medication in an emergency, Clothes for all weathers
go to your nearest pharmacy with Sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15
your letter and prescription details.
Details of your travel insurance
For your nearest pharmacy visit including a contact number
www.nhs.uk/London2012
Be prepared for the
British weather… Useful information
We British love to talk about our NHS Choices We want everyone who comes to the London 2012
weather, but it can be variable, www.nhs.uk/London2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to have a happy,
especially in the summer. Bring safe and healthy experience. This leaflet provides
London 2012
clothes for hot, cold, sunny and information and advice to help you prepare for
www.london2012.com
rainy weather. And don’t forget your visit.
your sunscreen with a minimum Public Transport in the UK
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. www.transportdirect.info
Transport for London
www.tfl.gov.uk
Mayor of London
www.molpresents.com
2. Where can I get medical Do I have to pay for
treatment or advice healthcare in the UK?
during the Games?
If you are ill or injured during the London 2012 Walk-in services: Remember your
Games, choosing the right health service will health insurance
mean that you will get the quickest The NHS provides a range of
and most appropriate treatment. walk-in services such as urgent We hope you enjoy the Games
care centres, walk-in centres and without experiencing any illness or
ONLY call 999 or 112 in an emergency. There are minor injuries units. Walk-in services injury, but just in case, ALL visitors
lots of other health services on hand to help with offer convenient access to a range should have travel insurance with
less serious health concerns. of treatments. Many centres are appropriate health care coverage
open 365 days a year and outside before travelling to the UK.
Minor illness and injuries normal office hours. You can see
a health professional without an This will ensure you can claim back
any treatment costs you incur
Information and advice: appointment for treatment for a
during your stay.
minor illness or injury that requires
i To find a health service near you or
for information about minor illnesses
immediate attention.
Are you from a European
or injuries and how to treat them, For your nearest walk-in centre visit Economic Area Member
visit NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/London2012 State or Switzerland?
www.nhs.uk/London2012
If so, you may be entitled to free
Pharmacies: Life threatening emergencies healthcare for an illness or injury
that becomes immediately and
You can visit a pharmacist without an Accident and medically necessary to treat during
appointment for advice about a minor Emergency (AE): your stay and cannot wait until you
illness or injury and the medicine you
If you need urgent hospital treatment return home. You will need to show
need to treat it. At pharmacies and
for something that is not life a valid European Health Insurance
most supermarkets you can buy many
threatening, such as a broken bone, Card (EHIC) and proof of your
medicines and healthcare products,
visit the nearest AE Department. identity when accessing treatment.
such as paracetamol, ibuprofen,
indigestion remedies, emergency If your illness or injury is not an Are you a resident of a country
contraception, plasters, bandages emergency, you may have to wait with a reciprocal healthcare
and sunscreen SPF 15. a long time to be seen by a doctor agreement with the UK?
For your nearest pharmacy visit or nurse in AE. If so, you may be entitled to
www.nhs.uk/London2012 If you or someone else is seriously free healthcare if the need for
ill or injured and you need treatment arises during your visit.
emergency care fast, call 999 For more information go to NHS
or 112 for an ambulance. Choices www.nhs.uk/London2012