UK Healthcare System – Pros And Cons, Insurance Quotes & More

The U.K. is an independent island nation separated from Europe by the English Channel. It has a long history with the 56 Commonwealth nations. One of the world’s top tourist and expat destinations.

National health systems are also famous in the UK. It differs from many countries’ systems and inspires others. Citizens, visitors, and foreigners living in the UK receive different services. However, high wait times are forcing more U.K. citizens to go private, and you may want to too. What expats and digital nomads should know about UK healthcare.

The National Health Service, or NHS, is a universal healthcare system in the United Kingdom. The NHS is in charge of all parts of the UK healthcare system. Today, the NHS is also one of the world’s largest public health systems. Every 36 hours, it serves an average of one million people. Universality, free delivery, equity, and central funding are among its guiding principles.

UK Healthcare System Pros & Cons

Even the famous NHS has its positives and negatives. Learn about what makes the United Kingdom’s healthcare system a global leader and the challenges it faces today.

Pros of the UK Healthcare System

The 2021 World Index of Health Innovation ranked the NHS 10th globally for healthcare quality. Newcomers to the UK will notice that the NHS is revered. It topped a 2013 assessment of British pride factors. The NHS prioritizes community health and online care to improve its services.

The NHS standardizes UK health care costs by location. Many products are free, including hospital-prescribed drugs. Cancer patients’ leg braces and wigs are heavily subsidized by the NHS.

Many U.K. private healthcare services seem inexpensive to North Americans. IVF therapy is 35% cheaper in the UK than in the US.

Cons of the UK Healthcare System

Today’s main critique of the U.K. healthcare system is that the NHS is under pressure and functioning poorly. NHS emergency rooms and appointment offices have lengthy wait times. These waits are longer than ever due to NHS funding cuts and staff shortages. Specialist referrals take longer.

Long wait times affect patient health. 26% of suspected cancer patients wait over 6 weeks for a diagnostic test, and many wait over 13 weeks. 39% of cancer patients wait two months for treatment. Emergency care wait and visit times are being reduced by the NHS. This aim is harder to attain due of the COVID-19 epidemic.

The public NHS has also been criticized for using antiquated equipment and technology, which slows care delivery. This may not alter general patient care. It may be vital if you need surgery or particular care.

Although Britons complain about wait times and antiquated equipment, they value the NHS. Visitors should reconsider criticism!

Challenges of Healthcare in the United Kingdom

The U.K. healthcare system is regionally inconsistent, which is a problem. Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have NHS healthcare systems. If you reside in London for six months and use the NHS, each prescription costs £9.35. If you move to Edinburgh, Scotland, your UK health care system will change. Free prescribed products. If you move across the country and need health care, note these distinctions. Your general practitioner (GP) can help.

Many expats love British countryside. Rural residents have restricted access to GPs and specialists. It can include maternity care, dentists, and opticians.

Many adults have had to use private treatment due to NHS wait periods. This costs. Many expats in the UK need private healthcare. Because of this, more people are buying U.K. private health insurance to ensure they can get care when they need it.

Does the United Kingdom Have Universal Healthcare?

The United Kingdom provides universal healthcare to UK citizens and residents who have an NHS number. For these persons, the NHS provides free medical treatments in all areas. Ambulance trips, emergency hospital visits, prophylactic measures, surgical procedures, and continuous treatment programs such as chemotherapy are all included. There are no copayments, deductibles, or excess charges. All medications related with hospital visits are provided at no cost. Prescription medication is either subsidized or free under the United Kingdom’s healthcare system.

Dental, Optical, Mental Health, and More are Covered by the NHS

In the United Kingdom’s public health system, the NHS covers or subsidizes many areas of care. Check this list and its links to NHS pages to learn more.

• Dental: The NHS provides subsidized coverage of dental care. You need to make a payment towards the cost of your care, from 23.80 for an examination or cleaning to 282.80 for serious dental work such as crowns or dentures.
• Optical: The NHS provides free eye tests for many people. If you are an adult in good health, you can expect to pay for an eye exam or glasses prescription and for your eyeglasses, too. If you are eligible for a free eye test, you may also be eligible for an optical voucher towards vision aids.
• Mental Health: The NHS provides free mental health services. Most mental health services are accessed through a GP referral.
• Physical Therapy: The NHS provides free physiotherapy to patients who have a referral from a GP, a doctor, or through occupational health services.
• Alternative Care: In most cases, the NHS does not cover alternative care. Rarely, the NHS may cover a few physical or herbal treatments.
• Prescription Drugs: The NHS subsidizes prescription medication. You need to make a payment to get a prescription in some parts of the U.K., like England.

While these services are provided, it is crucial to highlight that they are subject to lengthy waits through the NHS. Up to a quarter of those seeking NHS mental health care had to wait longer than 12 weeks. People in some parts of England must wait three years for a dentist visit. Many people in the United Kingdom rely on the private health care system for immediate or emergency care.

How to Access & Receive Healthcare in the UK

Many expats will qualify for NHS healthcare in the United Kingdom. The sign-up process takes patience and preparation.

For UK Healthcare, Get an NHS Number and a General Practitioner

To schedule normal GP appointments, foreign residents in the U.K. need an NHS number. For an NHS number, international residents must register with a GP or visit their local health authority. Interviews, forms, and residency proof are required for the NHS number. You must prove your UK residence. Your NHS number will be mailed to you after completion.

National Insurance (NI) numbers are required for NHS applications by expats. All biometric residence permit holders have an NI number on the back.

Register with a general practitioner after receiving an NHS number. You need a GP to get care. GPs are your primary care providers and gateways to specialists. GPs are necessary even if you pay privately. Finding a remote GP who accepts new patients may be tough. If you relocate to a different UK region, you may require a new GP.

Getting Different Types of Medical Care in the UK

Here is how to get different types of medical care in the U.K., from emergency care to private specialist care.

Do you have an NHS number, or are you outside the NHS system?

Your answer determines your first step in getting U.K. healthcare. If you have an NHS number and GP, you can look to NHS care, from the emergency room to your NHS GP. If you are outside the NHS system, you need to go to private practices and clinics. Or you need to be prepared to pay for care from NHS providers, such as an emergency room.

Do you need a check-up or a family appointment?

Call or visit your GP, your primary care provider. They can provide you with the routine health care you need, including vaccinations and medical exams for travel.

Do you need urgent medical care?

Urgent treatment centers are open at least 12 hours a day. They are a way to get fast care instead of going to the emergency room. They are meant to ease the pressure on hospitals. Learn about your local urgent treatment center. You can book appointments through your GP or by dialing 111.

Are you having a serious or life-threatening emergency?

Go to your nearest hospital’s emergency room, also called the A&E. Though this is an experience Britons try to avoid because of long wait times, you will receive excellent care.

Do you need to see a specialist?

You may ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. In the U.K., if your GP refers you, you have the right to start treatment with a specialist within 18 weeks. You can also make an appointment with a specialist in private practice. Most specialists cost £80 to £250 per appointment.

Do you want faster treatment or a private hospital?

Seek out the private health care system in the United Kingdom, where you pay for health care. Private hospitals and clinics in the United Kingdom are not the same as NHS hospitals. Private hospitals typically provide specialized care. For example, if you had a heart attack, you would not seek emergency care at a private hospital. You might, however, follow up with a private visit to a cardiology clinic.

Who is Eligible for UK Healthcare?

Free NHS healthcare is available to UK residents. The scheme does not require British citizenship or employment, but you may pay an immigration health surcharge. Some foreigners and visitors can get treatment in the UK. Some Commonwealth and EU citizens (with a European Health Insurance Card) have limited UK emergency coverage.

Whether you have an NHS number or not, UK hospitals with emergency rooms can treat visitors. However, you must pay 150% of the NHS fee for treatment. Most U.K. visitors and short-term residents have travel medical insurance for medical emergencies.

Healthcare for Expats in the UK

Some expats choose to simply pay out of pocket for the healthcare they need – but the costs can add up fast in an emergency. If you plan to live in the United Kingdom for six months or more and you are not entitled to NHS health care, consider international health insurance.

Expat Insurance for the United Kingdom

Expats in the United Kingdom who are not covered by the NHS can obtain private health insurance.

Private healthcare coverage is held by approximately 13% of UK people. Private insurance has several advantages, including shorter wait times and more pleasant and private facilities, such as private hospitals. Foreigners with private health insurance are also eligible for these benefits.

The Best Health Insurance in the UK for US Citizens

• GeoBlue Xplorer plan

Many US citizens living in the U.K. choose the GeoBlue Xplorer plan. It has an excellent global network of hospitals and offers up to 9 months of coverage in the USA if you need to return home for a long stay. It also offers excellent customer service.

The Best Health Insurance Options in the UK for Non-US Citizens

• Cigna Global

One of the top choices for expats in the U.K. is Cigna Global. It has an enormous network of healthcare providers around the world, including in the United Kingsom. With offices in London and Glasgow, there is always help available in your time zone. Its modular system offers you the flexibility to tailor the plan to your needs.

Another option for foreigners in the U.K. is William Russell. They offer a flexible plan design, affordable plan options, and top-notch customer service.

The Best Health Insurance for UK Expats Globally

U.K. expats living overseas will want to have international health insurance, too. Some countries, such as Australia, may provide some reciprocal health coverage. But overall, U.K. citizens outside the U.K. must pay for health care.