Healthcare
Residents of the United Kingdom enjoy a life expectancy of over 80 years. The U.K. ranked eighteenth in the Legatum Institute’s Health Sub-Index (2012) out of 142 countries measured. Legatum also noted that the U.K. spends about US$3,399 per capita on healthcare and 83 percent of the population is satisfied with their health. A survey conducted by The Commonwealth Fund in 2011 showed that the healthcare system in the U.K. was one of the best for patients with serious illnesses.
The National Health Service (NHS) is the United Kingdom’s national healthcare provider. The service is run by the government and is funded from general tax revenues. All U.K. residents are entitled to free healthcare provided by the NHS, with only a few services as exceptions.
Required Immunization
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all routine vaccinations be up to date, especially for Hepatitis B. Despite being a medically advanced country, there are some diseases present in Western Europe that the CDC encourages travelers to be aware of. These include tick-borne encephalitis, leishmaniasis, variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob, measles, hepatitis A, and avian flu. However, cases are rare and are usually isolated. Check the CDC website for other up-to-date health warnings.
Health Insurance
Health insurance purchased in the United States most likely will not cover expats overseas. Fortunately, if you intend to permanently live in the United Kingdom, you and your family will be able to receive the same free benefits provided by the National Healthcare Service. According to the U.K.’s Department of Health, expats who have legally entered and reside in the U.K. are entitled to the same free healthcare services as U.K. citizens, but may be required to show proof of residency. Before doing so, you will be required to register for a National Insurance Number by visiting your local doctor. Because the NHS is free, expect facilities to be crowded and wait times to be long. If you are financially capable, private health insurance may provide quicker and more personable services. Visit Private Healthcare U.K.’s page for a list of private medical insurance providers in your area.
Hospitals
Public hospitals in the U.K. are managed by the National Health Service. Usually patients must be referred by their general practitioner before being treated at hospitals, with the exception of emergency care. Expats who are residents will be entitled to free treatments at public hospitals. Emergency care treatment is free to all, even foreign visitors. Hospitals in the United Kingdom generally are clean, well-equipped and well-staffed, but certain clinics may be frequently crowded. Private hospitals may offer faster service due to smaller patient lists. Some general practitioners may even recommend private hospitals for certain treatments, depending on the specialty care the NHS will cover.
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