Heathcare in England?

Question

Could someone tell me how the healthcare system works in England?

Answer 1

It's very simple really... healthcare treatment is designed to be free for all at the point of delivery. In other words you see your family doctor and it is free. If s/he recommends that you see a specialist - it is free. If you have to have hospital treatment as a result of your consultation - it is free.
Critics occasionally complain about 'waiting for treatment ', but this is only when the condition is chronic and not life threatening (and in any case the waiting time will vary according to where you live). BUT - and this is really important for any Brit's peace of mind - for acute/serious/emergency conditions you will be seen immediately, and receive world class treatment, no matter where you live, or how much it costs.

Furthermore, any medicines you require are available at low cost, and for many people, e.g., seniors, children, students under a certain age, people on social security, all medicines are free.

And how is this funded? Well, a small sum of money, called National Health Insurance, is deducted each week/month from the salary of people in work. This goes to fund the system.

[NB Some people supplement their health care by taking out private health insurance, but even then the same NHS surgeons will be involved on a private basis. Private insurance is mainly used to cover possible chronic/no threatening conditions.]

The most comforting thing when you are are ill in the UK is the knowledge that, irrespective of income or employment status, you will be looked after. This means you can concentrate on getting well instead of lying there wondering if your insurance will run out, or be terminated. And you don't have to fork out hundreds of £s/$s per month on prescription medicines like a friend of mine in the USA. Neither are there questions like 'Where's your credit card or insurance proof?" like in some countries.

We Brits often complain about our NHS, but you just try to take it away from us!!

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

NSH is a free health service only for people who reside in Britain and paytaxes or those on income support which are those with no or low income.

NSH is not free for tourist or visitors.
Only Accident & Emergency services are free for everyone no matter of their immigration status including tourist, however if you require further treatment such as operations that will cost you.

NHS for UK residents cover hospitals bills, and local doctor appointments for free. Drugs and medicines are not provided free by the NHS neither are most dental procedures.

Answer 3

nhs and its free