999, 111 & UK Emergency Numbers — Free Medical ID Card
The UK's main emergency number is 999 — used for police, ambulance, fire, and coastguard. 112 works the same way (it's the EU-wide number and is recognised by UK networks). For non-emergency medical advice — when you're unwell but not in immediate danger — call 111, the NHS non-emergency line, available 24 hours a day.
Carrying a printed medical ID card with your allergies, medications, conditions, and an emergency contact helps ambulance crews and A&E staff treat you correctly when you can't speak for yourself.
Free, no signup, your data stays on your device.
the United Kingdom emergency numbers
Emergency services
999Police, ambulance, fire, or coastguard. Use only when there is danger to life or a serious crime in progress.
EU emergency number
112Works across the EU and on UK mobile networks. Routes to the same operators as 999.
NHS non-emergency
111Free 24/7 NHS advice line for urgent but non-life-threatening medical issues. Operators can refer you to A&E, a GP, or send an ambulance if needed.
GP / family doctor
LocalYour registered GP for routine care. Save the number on your card so paramedics can contact them for your medical history.
NHS Direct (Wales / Scotland)
0845 46 47Wales: NHS 111 Wales (or 0845 46 47). Scotland: NHS 24 on 111. Northern Ireland: GP out-of-hours service.
Police (non-emergency)
101For crimes that are not in progress, anti-social behaviour, or general police questions. Free from any UK phone.
Why an emergency card matters in the United Kingdom
The NHS handles most medical emergencies in the UK at no cost at the point of use, but it relies heavily on accurate information. A wallet-sized medical ID card is especially useful for older adults, people on multiple prescriptions, and anyone with conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or heart disease.
For travellers in the UK, both 999 and 112 work from any phone, and 112 will usually work from a foreign mobile that doesn't have UK service. NHS 111 is the place to start for urgent but non-life-threatening problems — they can dispatch an ambulance if needed, which prevents 999 from being overloaded.
Used by UK residents in every major city
The card works the same everywhere — emergency numbers, your medical info, and contacts on a printable PDF.
- London
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Liverpool
- Leeds
- Cardiff
- Belfast
In an emergency, call your local emergency number first — 911 (US/Canada), 999 (UK), 1122 (Pakistan), 112 (EU). This card is a supplement, not a substitute, for medical care.
the United Kingdom emergency card — frequently asked questions
Sources
We cite primary, authoritative sources. Read our editorial standards for how we research and verify information.
European Commission
112 — single European emergency number
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