UK health insurance is largely dominated by the public healthcare scheme, the National Health Service (NHS). This program provides free medical services to all UK nationals.
UK Health Insurance: NHS Core Values
The core principles of the NHS as enshrined in the establishing law are:
To promote the universal healthcare system.
To provide a comprehensive range of services from primary healthcare to hospital-based treatment.
Development of services to meet the medical requirements of individuals, families.
To cater to individual needs of different sections of the society.
To maximize the quality of services and minimize errors.
To use public funds in order to provide universal healthcare facilities.
To secure confidential information pertaining to each patient.
UK Health Insurance: Services Covered Under the NHS
The National Health Service (NHS) refers to a consolidated healthcare system in the UK. However, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have set up different regulations in relation to the public healthcare system. Some of the facilities that are common throughout all regions are:
General Practitioners: The NHS has enrolled general practitioners to offer primary healthcare and make referrals for advanced medical treatment whenever necessary. Every individual has the liberty to choose a general practitioner in the locality as a primary point of contact for medical facilities.
Healthcare Centers: These are miniature hospitals that provide routine medical and clinical services. Healthcare centers are established to offer services at the nearest location possible.
Hospitals: These are well-equipped diagnostic centers. Most hospitals have surgical department and trauma centers to provide emergency services. UK health insurance provides free hospital treatment to all nationals.
Advisory services: NHS Direct is the 24-hour telephone-based advisory service. People can seek advice on health issues, first aid treatment and health precautions.
Ambulance services: UK health insurance provides free ambulance service for patients in critical conditions. Several socially active organizations also offer ambulance services under the NHS, such as the Red Cross Society and St. John ambulance.
Dentistry: Health insurance UK provides dental healthcare services through private practitioners. However, these practitioners are obligated to charge patients as per the NHS rates. Private dental care is also available from dentists who are not enrolled under the NHS.
To have extended health cover, people also choose to buy private UK health insurance, which excludes primary medical treatment guaranteed under the NHS.