Guidance

Mental health support for British nationals in Nepal

Updated 1 July 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nepal-mental-health-support-abroad/mental-health-support-for-british-nationals-in-nepal

The information contained in this note is intended for your general guidance only, it is not a substitute for obtaining your own medical and legal advice. While all due care has been taken in compiling this information, accuracy cannot be guaranteed, and the applicable law and procedures may occasionally change. For these reasons neither Her Majesty’s Government nor any member of the British Consular staff can accept liability for any costs, damages or expenses which might be incurred.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office holds and uses data for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998 (which may be viewed at www.ico.org.uk. Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK Government Departments and public authorities.

FCDO consular support

Whenever possible we will seek your permission before taking any action on your behalf.

We can:

  • listen to you and help you look at your options
  • help you to contact friends and family members if you want to
  • visit you in hospital or prison in line with our usual procedures
  • raise any concerns about your treatment or welfare with the responsible authority (such as a hospital or prison)
  • help overseas medical staff contact medical staff in the UK who may be able to provide advice on your medical history
  • give information about local medication suppliers
  • be available, as appropriate, to offer you assistance if you choose to remain overseas
  • liaise with your travel rep or travel insurance company if you want us to

We cannot:

  • give advice on mental health issues
  • buy or supply medication
  • withhold or remove a passport
  • stop you from travelling abroad or require you to return to the UK
  • pay for you to return to the UK; pay for food, accommodation or medical bills
  • get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people

What to do if you need help

If there is an emergency or an urgent need for medical attention, you should either:

  • call 102 for ambulance emergency service or call 100 for the police. 100 is a police hotline number requesting help with regard to emergencies
  • go to the emergency ward at any hospital
  • list of medical facilities in Nepal

For less urgent requirements, the first option, as in the UK, is to make an appointment with a general physician (GP). A GP will make a first assessment, is able provide basic support and signpost you elsewhere if necessary or assist you in going to hospital.
Psychotherapy, counselling, and related services are limited for foreigners in Nepal. Even in the capital city of Kathmandu, such services are only available at large private hospitals.

Repeat or replacement prescriptions

Pharmacies will issue any medication they have stock provided you have a prescription from a registered doctor in Nepal. You should contact a local pharmacy who will be able to provide advice and will normally be able to provide you with a list of local GPs. Some specific brands of medication or brand names may not be available in Nepal.

Carrying a copy of your prescription while on holiday, or after your move to Nepal, can help doctors to find the exact, or a similar generic medication for you.

Mental health hospitalisations

Compulsory hospitalisations

As in the UK, people with mental health needs may be hospitalised and detained without having given their consent if they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.

Nepal has provisions for compulsory hospitalization of individuals with mental health needs under specific circumstances. The law emphasizes voluntary hospitalization as the primary approach but allows for involuntary admission in cases where an individual poses a danger to themselves or others.

Costs of hospitalisation

You should always take out adequate insurance before visiting Nepal, or if you live here.
You will need to cover any costs using your private insurance, or by personal funds if you do not have travel insurance.

Some clinics and hospitals in Kathmandu accept credit card payment, but others only accept cash. Travellers should be prepared to pay their bills in full before treatment begins or before discharge from an in-patient facility. Government hospitals require payment in cash. No credit cards or insurance payments will be accepted.

The Embassy strongly encourages British nationals to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling to Nepal to confirm their insurance policy applies will cover emergency expenses and all of their planned activities.

Return to the UK

Once the medical team at the hospital have agreed that the patient can be released, they may issue a fit to fly letter indicating whether the patient requires a medical escort or can travel by him/herself.  The medical team will also provide a medical report to show to a doctor on arrival in the UK.

The repatriation can be organised by road or air travel through a medical repatriation company. If the patient needs to be hospitalised in the UK, the transfer will be to their local hospital or institution.

The cost of any repatriation will be covered by travel insurance, or by personal funds of the patient if there is no travel insurance.

Support from other agencies and organisations in Nepal

Organisation Telephone/email Website/email
Patan Mental Hospital   +977 01 – 5521333/5530000 mentalhospitallagankhen@gmail.com
Rhythm Neuropsychiatric hospital and Research Centre +977 9810146559; +977 01 – 5450977; +977 01 – 5450411 https://rhythmofmymind.com  

Other useful information

See guidance for people with mental health issues traveling in Nepal (includes links to UK NGOs/services).

UK organisations

The NHS list of mental health helplines has a list of organisations that can offer advice to those in the UK by phone. These organisations in the UK may be able to help you before you travel, or support family and friends in the UK.

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