A&E / Emergency Department
Also known as: A&E, ER, Emergency room, Casualty, Urgencias, Notaufnahme, Accidents et urgences
An emergency department is the hospital unit that treats urgent, unplanned medical problems — the first place you go in a crisis abroad.
Last updated: 2 April 2026
Real-world example
You slip on wet steps in Lisbon and land hard on your shoulder. You can't lift your arm. A taxi takes you to Hospital de Santa Maria, where you follow signs to 'Urgencias'. A triage nurse assesses you within 10 minutes, and you wait roughly 2 hours for an X-ray. The visit costs EUR 20 as a public emergency.
Why travellers need to know
Emergency departments go by different names in every country, and knowing the local term saves critical time. In the UK it's A&E, in the US it's the ER, in Spain it's Urgencias, in Germany Notaufnahme. Costs also vary enormously: free at NHS A&E in the UK, potentially thousands of dollars in a US emergency room. Having your medical history accessible means triage staff can make faster decisions about your care.
Country-specific notes
NHS A&E treats everyone free at point of care
UK emergency departments treat all patients regardless of residency or insurance. No ID, no insurance card, no payment is required at the door. For non-emergencies, NHS 111 can direct you to a more appropriate service.
Tip
Minor injuries units (MIUs) handle sprains, cuts, and minor fractures with much shorter waits than main A&E departments.
Frequently asked questions
How Nomedic helps
Show your Nomedic emergency card at triage and your allergies, medications, and conditions are visible instantly in the local language.
Your health records, anywhere you go
Walk into any emergency department prepared.
Free to start. No credit card required.