A&E / Emergency Department
An emergency department is the hospital unit that treats urgent, unplanned medical problems — the first place you go in a crisis abroad.
An emergency department is the hospital unit that treats urgent, unplanned medical problems — the first place you go in a crisis abroad.
Also known as
A&E, ER, Emergency room, Casualty, Urgencias, Notaufnahme, Accidents et urgences
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.
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.
Country-specific notes
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
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.
Minor injuries units (MIUs) handle sprains, cuts, and minor fractures with much shorter waits than main A&E departments.
🇺🇸 United States
ER bills start at $1,000+ before treatment
US emergency rooms must assess and stabilise everyone by law (EMTALA), but you will receive a bill. A basic ER visit averages $1,200-2,200 before any tests or treatment. Urgent care clinics cost a fraction for non-life-threatening conditions.
If your condition is not life-threatening, ask your hotel or insurer for the nearest urgent care clinic instead of the ER.
🇪🇸 Spain
EHIC accepted at public hospital Urgencias
Spanish public hospitals accept EHIC for emergency care. Look for 'Urgencias' at any hospital. Private hospital emergency departments are faster but charge EUR 150-300+ for a basic visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can a hospital emergency department refuse to treat me if I can't pay?
In most countries, emergency departments are legally required to assess and stabilise all patients regardless of ability to pay. However, you may receive a bill afterwards. The UK NHS and most EU public hospitals provide emergency care without upfront payment.
What is the difference between A&E and urgent care?
A&E (or ER) handles life-threatening and serious emergencies: chest pain, major trauma, breathing difficulty. Urgent care or walk-in clinics handle conditions that need same-day attention but aren't emergencies: sprains, minor infections, stitches. Urgent care is cheaper and faster for non-critical issues.
Show your Nomedic emergency card at triage and your allergies, medications, and conditions are visible instantly in the local language.