Are you planning to move to London, study in Glasgow or work in Liverpool? Whether you're coming to the UK for a short or long term, it's important to know how the healthcare system works.
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General information about healthcare in the UK
The UK healthcare system is a universal system, based on where you live. It is mainly funded by taxes and is generally free to all UK residents who use public National Health Service (NHS) services. If they wish, they can take out private health insurance.
Healthcare in the UK is largely decentralised, meaning that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make their own decisions about how healthcare services are organised.
The NHS is largely based on free care, although patients have to pay for some types of care.
These include
- consultations with general practitioners or specialists
What you need to know before traveling to the UK for medical benefits
The NHS offers a wide range of medical services, from general medicine to specialist care in hospitals and for long-term conditions. The British healthcare system offers free access to most medical services, but there is one condition: you must be registered with a general practitioner. Most therapists work in offices with other doctors (health centers) and make few home visits, except for the very sick and those who cannot travel. However, if you are not registered with the NHS, remember to show your European Health Insurance Card.
How do I register with the NHS and a therapist?
Whether you are in the UK for a short or long stay, it is advisable to register with the National Health Service to access free treatment. Otherwise, you better have really good insurance!
When you register with the National Health Service, you will receive an SNS number, a unique identifier that allows you to access health services across the country. It appears on National Health Service (NHS) documents, prescriptions, tests, etc. and makes it easier for NHS staff to work with you.