Medicine in the UK

Today, almost all medical institutions in The United Kingdom is financed from the state budget at the expense of tax revenues. Everything in this area works on the basis of the National Health Service (NHS - National Health System), which was created shortly after the end of World War II. The health of the nation after the war with Hitler was in a depressing state, so the public demand for an affordable system for the treatment and maintenance of health in the UK was huge. Since the creation of the NHS and up to the present moment, the field of medicine in the country has significantly succeeded. For example, in 1948, out of every 1,000 children born, 36 did not live to be a year old, today this ratio has fallen to 4 out of 1,000. Since 1948, the average life expectancy of Britons has increased by 13 years.

When it comes to the UK, it is important to understand that the United Kingdom consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. And each of them has had its own independent NHS system for several years, which is subordinate to the relevant national executive authorities. This happened in 2013, as a result of reforms in the healthcare sector, the structure of the NHS underwent systemic changes and was actually divided between the relevant national jurisdictions.

Advantages and disadvantages

The NHS health service is free for all residents of the United Kingdom. The exception is only some types of paid services - for example, dentistry or cosmetic surgery, which are not particularly necessary in a particular case. Previously, citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland could also receive free medical care within the NHS if they had a European health insurance card (EHIC), but after the UK left the EU, this was no longer possible.

The country has recently introduced fees for obtaining certain categories of visas, holders of which can also use the services for free. This was due to the fact that a lot of people come to the UK precisely in order to get high-quality free medical care here. But even in this scenario, foreigners have the right to receive emergency assistance and medical services for family planning free of charge, and other medical services are provided only if they have a medical insurance policy. Since 2015, citizens of other countries who stay in the UK for more than six months are required to pay an immigration fee to the healthcare system (immigration health surcharge) in the amount of 150-200 pounds. If a foreigner has not paid for it and he does not have a private health insurance policy, then he will pay 150% of the standard cost according to the price list established by the NHS.

As for the British themselves, some of them, who have a high level of income, sometimes prefer private insurance to public provision, and sometimes employers provide their employees with commercial insurance policies. According to the latest data, only 13% of Britons have private insurance. But in general, the British themselves do not seek to have it, especially since this option does not provide the same amount of services as under the state program.

Today, the NHS is one of the largest employers in the kingdom, and it is considered very prestigious to work in this structure. Salaries of doctors in the UK are among the highest when compared with specialists in other countries. For example, therapists with good experience can receive up to 120,000 pounds a year here, and dentists even more.

How can a foreigner register with the NHS

A foreigner arriving in the UK must register at one of the clinics at the place of residence (surgery). This process can take a couple of weeks, so it makes sense to register immediately upon arrival, so as not to lose medical care in an urgent situation. You can also register temporarily (in case of staying in the UK from 24 hours to 3 months). It is also worth considering that not all surgeries accept new patients. In addition, you will additionally need to register with dental surgery to receive dental services (they are paid in the country, exceptions are children, people receiving benefits, pregnant women and women with children under 1 year old).

To register for surgery, you need to fill in form GMS1 and present an identity card (for example, a passport) and a document confirming the address of residence in the UK (for example, a utility bill). After registration, an NHS number will be issued, which will serve as a medical policy.

Surgery usually employs one or two general practitioners and a secretary - this is where the patient will be sent to the necessary specialist after the examination. Such reception rooms may be private, but they also receive funding from the state. The therapist can also issue a prescription for medication. A referral to a specialized specialist is issued in the form of a letter, which usually comes a couple of weeks after the visit to surgery. According to the law, according to the direction of the therapist, the patient must be admitted within 18 weeks.

Private health insurance

Both Britons and foreigners purchase private insurance primarily in order to quickly get to a doctor's appointment in cases where a disease or injury requires urgent medical care. It is possible to insure both yourself and your family. The insurance premium is calculated based on the set of covered risks, lifestyle, age and the presence of chronic diseases. In most cases, health insurance programs are provided with a deductible: the insured independently pays part of the cost of medical services upon the occurrence of an insured event.

Many employers in the UK include private health insurance policies in their employees' social packages. It is also possible to apply for a private health insurance policy for one medical service when a patient needs a specific type of treatment or an operation that has to wait a long time within the NHS. It should be borne in mind that the cost of such a policy depends on the type of treatment that the patient needs, as well as on the age, health status and lifestyle of the person. For example, for a healthy non-smoking 35-year-old man, the price can range from 688 to 935 pounds per year. For a non-smoking 70-year-old man, the purchase of insurance will be from 2,238 to 2,834 pounds per year. Without insurance, an appointment with a good private doctor will cost at least 100 pounds.

Hospitals in the UK

You can get to a hospital for treatment in the United Kingdom by referral from a general practitioner (except for emergency care). There are two types of hospitals in the country: free NHS hospitals and paid private ones run by private or charitable organizations. Most general clinics provide emergency care in case of accidents and emergencies, surgical care, maternity services, care for the elderly, etc. There are also a number of specialized hospitals - ophthalmological, orthopedic, etc.).

The best clinics

St Thomas'&Guy's Hospital ranks first in the ranking of clinics in the UK and is among the best in Europe. There is a full range of hospital services for the successful treatment of cancer, cardiovascular, gynecological and pediatric diseases, kidney diseases and orthopedic problems

The Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) has been providing medical care in Newcastle for more than 250 years, is one of the safest and most advanced clinics in the country and is among the top 15 best clinics in Europe. Some of the RVI departments are officially designated regional centers of expertise with an international reputation, for example, the Center for Neuroscience, which treats people with diseases affecting the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Patients from all over the UK and abroad come to the center to receive innovative treatment.

University College Hospital - University College Hospitals include the department of Acute stroke, cancer treatment, intensive care, endocrinology, general surgery, ophthalmology, dermatology, general medicine, general neurology, rheumatology, orthopedics, pediatrics and adolescent medicine, urology.

Pharmacies and purchase of medicines

Pharmacies in the UK are most often located in the city center or next to the surgery reception. In addition to the usual pharmacies, there are also departmentsat large stores and supermarkets, such as Boots and Tesco. Some types of medicines in the UK are available only by prescription. In 1951, a standard payment for prescription drugs was introduced, regardless of its type and cost. Today, this fee in England is a little more than 9 pounds, and in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the payment has been canceled altogether.

Thank you for your help in preparing the material:

Olga Katrich, Director of the International Projects DepartmentSavillsin Russia

Elena Utyumova, Director of the company"INDOM"