Each summer, over 3.5 million international visitors arrive in London, ready to experience the best the city has to offer. Whether you’re here for open-air theatre at Regent’s Park, a packed week of West End shows, strolls through Hyde Park, or a rooftop cocktail with skyline views, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
But between jet lag, sudden heatwaves, unfamiliar foods, and full schedules, travel can take a toll on your health, often at the most inconvenient time. Even a minor issue like a sore throat or stomach bug can disrupt your plans, especially if you’re unsure where to turn for medical help.
The good news is, London is well-prepared to support visitors, and Doctorcall’s Private GP and Urgent Care services offer quick, reliable care when you need it most. Whether you need a doctor to visit your hotel room, a prescription delivered, or a consultation over video, help is available 24/7.
Here’s how to stay well during your London visit this summer, and how Doctorcall can assist if something unexpected comes up.
Prepare Ahead for Your London Visit
A little preparation before your trip can go a long way in preventing disruption due to illness while abroad. Here are a few essentials to sort out before you arrive in London.
➔ Pack a Basic Medical Kit
It’s helpful to travel with a few health essentials, especially for managing minor issues like headaches, allergies, or the occasional cut or scrape. This saves you the trouble of searching for a pharmacy when you’re tired or pressed for time.
If you take regular medication, pack enough to last your entire stay and keep it in its original packaging. Non-UK residents should also carry a doctor’s letter confirming the medication was prescribed to them. This letter should include your name, travel dates, a list of your medications (with dosage and strength), and include the signature of your prescribing doctor.
For full guidance on bringing medicine into the UK, visit the official UK government website here.
➔ Bring Medical Documentation
If you have an existing condition or are on prescription medication, carry a printed summary or digital copy of your medical history. This is especially helpful for continuity of care if you need to see a GP during your trip. Also, keep prescriptions labelled clearly with dosage instructions.
A few small steps now can save valuable time and stress later. And if you do need medical help while you’re here, Doctorcall is available 24/7 to support you.
Staying Comfortable in the London Summer
While London isn’t known for extreme weather, the summer months can still catch visitors off guard. Average daytime temperatures range between 25°C and 28°C, but during heatwaves, it’s not unusual for the city to see highs of over 30°C. Many older buildings, including hotels, shops, and even parts of the public transport system, lack air conditioning, which can make the heat feel more intense.
Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sun-related skin issues are all common during this time of year, especially for those walking long distances, attending outdoor events, or not used to warmer climates. As part of our broader health tips for tourists in London, it’s important to take simple precautions to avoid discomfort or illness in the heat.
To stay safe:
➔ Drink 6-8 glasses of fluids per day, you may need to drink more if pregnant, in a hot environment, physically active or ill/recovering from illness.
➔ Hydration is essential during busy sightseeing days. According to the NHS “The Eatwell Guide”, most people should aim for 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day, including water, lower-fat milk, and sugar-free drinks like tea or coffee. A good sign you’re drinking enough is pale yellow urine.
Note: You may need more if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, spending time in hot weather, physically active for long periods, or recovering from illness.
➔ Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and at least 4 star UVA protection, and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
➔ Protect yourself from the sun, especially between 11am and 3pm:
🔹Spend time in the shade during peak hours
🔹Wear loose, light clothing that covers your skin
🔹Use a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses
🔹Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher and 4–5 stars), reapplying every 2 hours
🔹Don’t rely on sunscreen alone. combine it with shade and clothing
🔹Take extra care with children, who are more sensitive to sun damage
For more sun safety advice, visit here.
Recognising and Responding to Heat Exhaustion
Most people recover from heat exhaustion by cooling down within 30 minutes. But if it’s not treated promptly, it can lead to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.
If you or someone else is showing signs of heat exhaustion (feeling dizzy, sick, tired, or sweaty), take these steps immediately:
🔹Move to a cool, shaded place
🔹Lie down and raise the feet slightly
🔹Remove unnecessary clothing
🔹Drink plenty of cool water, a sports drink, or rehydration solution
🔹Cool the skin with water (sponge or spray with cool water and fan the body)
🔹You can also apply cold packs, wrapped in a cloth, to the armpits or neck
🔹You should start to feel better within 30 minutes.
When to Call 999:
Call 999 immediately if you or someone else:
🔹Still feels unwell after 30 minutes of resting and rehydrating
🔹Has a very high temperature
🔹Has hot, dry skin that isn’t sweating (this may be harder to notice on darker skin)
🔹Develops a fast heartbeat or rapid breathing
🔹Feels confused, struggles to coordinate movements, or has a seizure
🔹Loses consciousness
If the person becomes unresponsive, place them in the recovery position while waiting for emergency help.
You can read the full NHS guidance here.
Doctorcall’s private GPs are available 24/7 to assist with heat-related illness that does not require emergency care. We offer in-person visits to your accommodation or video consultations if you’re feeling unwell from the heat.
Managing Jet Lag and Fatigue
For many international travellers, particularly those coming from North America, the 5 to 8 hour time difference can be one of the more disruptive aspects of arriving in London. Even the excitement of a holiday doesn’t always offset the effects of long-haul travel and a sudden change in routine.
Common symptoms of jet lag include insomnia, daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a general feeling of being unwell. In some cases, the disruption to your body clock can also affect your immune response, making you more vulnerable to minor infections or digestive upset.
➔ Begin adjusting your sleep schedule by an hour or two in the days leading up to your flight
➔ Get outside during daylight hours once you arrive, as natural light is key to resetting your circadian rhythm
➔ Stay hydrated during and after your flight, and try to avoid alcohol and caffeine until your sleep stabilises
➔ For short trips (2-3 days), try to keep sleep and mealtimes the same to avoid switching back
If jet lag becomes more than just a minor inconvenience, especially if it leads to persistent fatigue, mood changes, or trouble sleeping, Doctorcall can help. Our GPs offer support for fatigue-related concerns, provide short-term sleep guidance when necessary, and can assess for any underlying issues that may be complicating your recovery. Appointments are available both in-person and via video, depending on what works best for your schedule.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
London’s food scene is one of its biggest attractions, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food stalls. But new foods, unfamiliar ingredients, or simply eating on the go can sometimes affect digestion, especially when combined with travel fatigue or dehydration. Many travellers experience mild stomach discomfort at some point during their trip, which can be disruptive if you’re out for the day or have busy plans.
We recommend bringing basic remedies like antacids or rehydration sachets. If symptoms persist or worsen, Doctorcall can help with same-day GP visits or virtual consultations.
As part of our practical health tips for tourists in London, it’s worth keeping a few things in mind when exploring the local food scene:
➔ Stick to well-reviewed or recommended eateries, especially when trying new dishes
➔ Introduce unfamiliar foods gradually and avoid overindulging early in your trip
➔ Carry a few basic remedies with you, such as electrolyte sachets or antacids, especially if you’re out for long periods
If you experience more than just a mild upset, whether it’s ongoing stomach cramps, nausea, or food poisoning, Doctorcall can help. Our private GPs are available for same-day hotel visits or remote consultations, and we can arrange prescriptions to be delivered quickly so you can get back to enjoying your trip without delay.
Be Allergy Aware
Summer in London may be full of sunshine and feastivals, but it also brings higher pollen counts that can affect those with hay fever or other seasonal allergies. Pollen exposure varies throughout the year depending on the source, tree pollen peaks in spring, grass pollen in late spring and summer, and weed pollen from late summer into autumn.
Even if you haven’t experienced symptoms before, being in a new environment can trigger reactions like sneezing, itchy eyes, sinus congestion, or respiratory discomfort.
Urban areas like London may not seem like hotspots for pollen, but the combination of green spaces and pollution can make symptoms more pronounced, especially during warm, dry spells (also when windy).
Here are some practical health tips for tourists in London dealing with allergies:
➔ Monitor daily pollen forecasts (the Met Office offers reliable updates)
➔ Travel with your usual antihistamines or allergy relief
➔ If pollen counts are high, limit time outdoors in parks or open areas, especially in the morning
➔ Put petroleum jelly around the nose to trap pollen
➔ Shower and change clothes after being outside
If your symptoms become difficult to manage or you’ve forgotten to pack your regular medication, Doctorcall can help. Our GPs can provide stronger prescription treatments such as steroid nasal sprays or antihistamines, either via video consultation or an in-person visit to your hotel or accommodation.
Travelling with Children? Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Children can be especially sensitive to the changes that come with travel, new routines, different foods, unfamiliar weather, and long days out exploring. It’s not uncommon for little ones to come down with a fever, develop an ear infection, or have an unexpected allergic reaction while away from home. When that happens, getting quick and professional care becomes a priority.
One parent visiting London recently shared their experience in a Google review, after needing urgent medical advice for their child on a Sunday. Within the hour, they were able to speak with a Doctorcall GP via video consultation, without needing to leave their hotel.
Doctorcall’s GPs are experienced in treating children and understand how stressful it can be for families when illness strikes mid-trip. Whether you need a same-day hotel visit or a virtual consultation, our service is available seven days a week, including evenings and weekends, so you can focus on your family, not the logistics of care.
How Doctorcall Supports Visitors in London
For over 35 years, Doctorcall has been providing private medical care to both London residents and the millions of international visitors who come through the city each year. Whether you’re here on business, enjoying a family holiday, or ticking off a dream summer itinerary, access to reliable healthcare can make all the difference if something goes wrong.
Our service is built to support travellers with convenience, speed, and professionalism:
✔️ 24/7 access to private GPs, available every day of the year
✔️ Hotel and home visits or video consultations
✔️ Live ETAs available in London
✔️ Same-day appointments in major cities including Manchester, Edinburgh, Exeter, Liverpool, and Birmingham
✔️ Child and family-friendly care, tailored to the needs of young patients
✔️ Help with prescriptions, sick notes, and onward referrals where needed
We work closely with London’s top hotels and are trusted by thousands of travellers every year.
Final Tips for a Healthy Summer in London
A little preparation can go a long way in avoiding stress if you or a family member starts to feel unwell during your trip. Before you set off each day, make sure you’ve covered a few simple essentials:
✔️ Carry a copy of your travel insurance documents and a brief summary of any important medical history
✔️ Save Doctorcall’s number in your phone: +44 20 7535 1888
✔️ If you feel symptoms coming on, don’t wait. Early care often prevents bigger problems later!
If you’re in London and need to see a doctor quickly, Doctorcall is available 24/7 to provide professional, discreet medical support right where you are.
Enjoy your summer. We’ll take care of the rest!
References:
https://www.gov.uk/take-medicine-in-or-out-uk
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/first-aid
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/sun-safety
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jet-lag