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Medical Services

What is the NHS?

Medical service in the UK is organised through the National Health Service (NHS), which employs 1 million people. Check NHS Direct for any information on the NHS.

How do I find a doctor or get advice on health questions?

Once you settled down into your new flat, you should find a doctor in the vicinity of your house (not your office). This doctor is called the General Practitioner, usually referred to as the "GP", and something like the family doctor. To find a GP, ask neighbours, your landlord, your porter or go to the Local NHS Services website.

For information and advice on health, NHS services, treatment and coping with an illness, call NHS Direct at 0845 46 47 or the Health Information Service at 0800 66 55 44.

To find a dentist, go to the British Dental Association's website. NHS patients pay 80% of dental service expenses up to a maximum of £300.

What formalities do I need to be aware of when I go to the doctor?

You should have registered with a GP before you actually require medical service. This usually means a quick medical check and registering of your medical history. Once you are registered, you can go and get your medical service free of charge. 

Should you require specialist treatment, the GP will refer you to a specialist. However, waiting times can be long in the NHS. It may take months to get an appointment for an operation in hospital (non-emergency operations).

Are there any payments?

No, normally the NHS covers all medical expenses. There may be payments for dental or specialised medical treatment.

Should I get private medical insurance?

You don't need private medical insurance, but it may be worthwhile anyway to escape some of the weaknesses of the NHS, particularly long waiting lists for specialist treatment by doctors or in hospitals. You will also be entitled to better quality service. However, for routine medical treatment you would still go to the GP; private medical insurance complements the NHS, it does not replace it.

About 6 million, or 10%, of the British population have private medical insurance. With about 60% of these, the insurance premium is covered by the corporate health plans of the employee's company.

If your employer is not offering this, you may choose to pay the insurance yourself. A 35 year-old should expect to pay about £35 to 50 per month for a 'budget' cover, or £70 to 90 per month for a 'comprehensive' cover.

You may find this report (‘Are you buying private medical insurance?’), issued by the Association of British Insurers of interest.

Various companies offer private medical insurance in the UK, the largest of which is BUPA with about 40% of this market. Visit their websites or call them to get a free personal quotation:

How will I be covered on foreign travel?

UK taxpayers are automatically covered throughout the European Union by the NHS. For coverage beyond the EU, you will need a supplemental foreign travel health insurance.

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