Commonly asked Questions & Answers
Where is the hospital?
View map and
directions
Can I use my private insurance?
Yes. King's College Hospital is pleased to accept patients from a
wide range of private health insurance companies and has Agreements
with most UK private health insurers and a large number of
international private health insurers.
Download list of UK
Companies
Download list of International
Companies
If your insurance company is not listed, please contact us. We
can sometimes come to an arrangement with your insurance company so
that you do not have to pay in advance and claim back.
I am a UK patient - how do I make an
appointment?
Visit our UK
patients page
I am an International patient - how do I make an
appointment
Visit our International
patients page
What are the visiting
times?
There are generally no restrictions on visiting hours, however, if
there is a risk of infection or if the patient's condition warrants
it we may restrict visitors.
We recommend no more than three visitors at any one time and
children are welcome to visit as long as they are with a
supervising adult.
What do I need to bring
with me?
You should bring:
- Comfortable loose fitting nightwear, a dressing gown, slippers,
toothbrush and toothpaste and any other toiletries you require
- Your own hairdryer
- A small amount of money for purchasers from the hospital
shops
- The name, address and telephone number of your GP is you are a
UK patient
- Any tablets and medicines you have been taking at home
- A book, personal computer, DVD player, MP3 player or any other
entertainment items you require. Security is a high priority on the
ward, but we are unable to take responsibility for the safekeeping
of valuable equipment.
If you are admitted to the Guthrie Ward we provide a
complimentary toilet pack which includes a flannel, soap, shower
gel, shampoo and conditioner.
Is there internet
access?
The Guthrie ward does have wi-fi access, however, you will need to
bring in your own laptop. Security is a high priority on the ward,
but we are unable to take responsibility for the safekeeping of
valuable equipment.
English is not my
first language, so how will I communicate with you?
We provide Arabic and Greek interpreters who are available to
patients free of charge. Translation services are also available in
other languages through Language Line.
Can I
smoke?
There are some designated areas where you are permitted to smoke,
however, King's College Hospital operates a no smoking policy and
smoking is not permitted outside of any of the hospital
entrances.
What sort of meals do you
provide?
The Guthrie Ward has a dedicated team of chefs to cater for the
needs of different cultures and dietary requirements. The menu
changes daily and has a range of meals including halal and
vegetarian options. If you require kosher or vegan meals, please
let us know in advance.