Healthcare System in the United Kingdom: everything you need to know

How does the British healthcare system work?

The United Kingdom has a universal healthcare system called the National Health Service. It is funded through taxes and government investment in health. It is one of the great prides of the British due to the high quality of the service, and also the fact that all health services are completely free of charge.

The free system extends to ambulance transfers, emergency care, operations and even long-term treatments such as chemotherapy for cancer.

There are also no deductibles, co-payments or excesses for any service and medications in hospitals are free, while prescription drugs are purchased at very low cost.

However, despite the quality of the public system, about 12% of British residents also have private health insurance. Most of them purchase it through a benefits package provided by their employer. This private insurance allows them to have care in small, specialized clinics with reduced waiting times. 

What should I know as a foreigner about the British health care system?

Any individual who is legally living in the UK is entitled to access the services of the public health care system. You do not need to be employed or have British nationality, so if, for example, you are going to study in the UK you will have access to the free public health care system.

However, if you are traveling to the UK for tourism and require medical attention, you will have to pay the costs of the service. Therefore, it is important to always travel with travel insurance or international health insurance with coverage in the UK. To compare, quote and hire insurance for your trip to the UK, visit InternationalHealth.com.

With a travel insurance plan you will get reimbursed if you have an accident or require any type of medical attention during your trip. 

What do I do if I have an emergency in the UK?

The United Kingdom has two emergency hotlines, 999 and 112. When you call, you will be asked what service you require and you will be redirected to it.

If you have an emergency while traveling, the national health service will provide you with the care you need. If you have travel insurance it may even cover you for ambulance transport, however, if you do not have one you will have to pay all the costs of care. 

This is why it is important to always travel with insurance, as some of the service costs may be high.

How do pharmacies operate in the UK?

Pharmacies throughout the UK are staffed by a pharmacist who can help you choose what medication you need, or if you need to be referred to a general practitioner.

Non-prescription drugs can be found in supermarkets, not just pharmacies, similar to the US.

Prescription drugs can be purchased only in pharmacies with a prescription signed by a licensed physician.

You can enter British territory with medicines as long as they come in their original packaging, with the characteristics of the medicine and in case you require it, with the prescription signed by your doctor.

Entry Requirements

The most important thing to know is if, based on your nationality, you require a visa to enter the United Kingdom. To check, go to the following link.

Currently, there are no restrictions on entry to the UK regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.