London, England, is a multicultural hub of the world. Located by the River Thames, it is a bustling city of 8 million that was not so long ago the center of the British Empire.
You could spend weeks in London and still not see all there is to see. But before you leave, be sure to purchase travel medical insurance to protect yourself against unexpected accidents, illnesses, injuries, or travel disasters.
London Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
London is one of the most well-developed cities in the world. England has a strong public healthcare system, but it is overburdened and is not even available to the visitors. If you fall ill, you will have to seek private healthcare. The treatment is quite expensive. For this reason, we recommend securing yourself with a travel medical insurance plan.
Do I need travel medical insurance for London?
There is no requirement for mandatory travel medical insurance for London. But it is best to be prepared for any eventuality and buy adequate travel health insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance for London?
Though it is a stunning and endearing city, accidents do happen on vacation. It is impossible to rule out the possibility of you falling ill. Even a bad case of flu brought on by the unpredictable weather could cause pneumonia and cost a lot of money for care. You can also receive coverage for situations like emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, accidental death & dismemberment, and the return of mortal remains. Buy travel medical insurance and be protected.
Things to Do for Travelers in London
You might get bored anywhere else, but not here. There is simply too much to do, too many places to visit, and too many things to see for one vacation. London can only be explored fully if you live here for a year or more. What are the best places to fit into a vacation?
British Museum
It is a close contender for the title of best museum in the world. The 8 million artifacts stored here span a jaw-gaping 2 million years (you read that correctly). The most famed attraction is probably the Rosetta Stone, which has writings in hieroglyphics and Greek. Dating back to 196 BC, it was the key to unearthing the mysteries of Egypt. Beyond that, there are hundreds of Greek statues and 140 mummies dating back 3,500 years. Every culture and every age can be seen on display here. It is hard to do it justice in a day or even a month. An informed guide would greatly help.
Tower of London
It looks more like a prison than a tourist attraction from the outside. However, it is well known as the place that safeguards the King's prized possessions. The most notable piece is the Imperial Crown that the monarch wears when he opens the Parliament. The 12 towers are guarded by Yeomen Warders in magnificent uniforms. There are other artifacts that belonged to past luminaries, including regal robes worn by Charles I.
Buckingham Palace
The Buck House, as it is called affectionately, is the King's official residence. It is here that he receives heads of state and conducts royal affairs. Parts of the palace have become quite famous due to the television series "The Crown" on Netflix. The real thing is, however, on a different scale. First of all, it is immense. Constructed in the early 18th century, it has 775 rooms, including 19 staterooms. Its grounds extend 39 acres. Unless accompanied, most visitors would easily lose their way. The top tourist draw is the Changing of Guards at 11:00 a.m. daily.
Westminster Abbey
A grand medieval church that we know so well from Royal Wedding events over the years, from Charles and Diana to William and Kate. It was founded over a millennium ago as a Benedictine monastery and serves as the royal family's own cathedral. Famous icons of history—Chaucer, Tennyson, Dickens, and more—are buried here beside members of the royal family. There are plenty of free guided tours of the abbey online, and a little research might prove invaluable.
Hyde Park
A huge park in Central London that is popular for the Speakers Corner. It is also known for mass gatherings and protests. Standing in the middle of this huge grassland, it is easy to forget that you are in one of the busiest cities in the world. The 350-acre park is divided in two by a 40-acre lake in the middle. Not only can you find Taylor Swift performing here (at the British Summer Time Festival) but also gun salutes on Coronation Day and the King's Birthday.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in London
London is an international city. The standard of living is high. It is well protected, as it is the seat of the British government and monarchy. But no city can be completely free of dangers. In London, too, you have to exercise caution.
- Do not stand on the left side of an escalator. It is meant for walking, and you would earn angry glances if you block the way.
- The weather is unpredictable, to say the least. Even if you do not pack galoshes, take a raincoat. Most hotels and lodges would be glad to lend you an umbrella (or a "brolly", as they call it here).
- Avoid the subway (or "the Tube", as Londoners call it) during rush hour. Sardine cans leave more space to maneuver. The rush hour lasts from 7:30–9:30 a.m. and 5:00–9:00 p.m. Try to fit in your sightseeing between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. as much as possible to avoid congestion both above and below ground.
- Scams abound in London. The most frequent are vendors selling fake tickets to fake shows and concerts. Be wise in your dealings, and buy from authorized agencies.
- London is well known for binge drinking. Take care not to get into an argument with inebriated locals. Many of them are quick to get into a brawl at the slightest excuse. Also, be aware that many insurance companies will deny claims for incidents that occurred while you were under the influence.
Before You Travel to London - Do This
Enjoy the sights and sounds of London to your heart's content, but pay attention to our advice.
Keep your travel documents, including passport and visa, in a safe place.
Practice basic safety precautions and common sense when exploring the city, especially by yourself.
Make sure that you obtain sufficient travel medical insurance for you and your travel companions before you depart. Enter some basic information about your trip, compare a few different options, and select the plan that best matches the needs of your travel itinerary, your destination, and your budget.