National Center for Health Care (NHS) performs the work with clients on health issues. Medical care can be both paid and free. It also depends on your status: a British citizen or has a residence in the UK.
British nationals do not need to pay for treatment by a medical practitioner (general practitioner or GP) or hospital.
British citizens with low income can count on an additional free medical aid from the National Center for Health (NHS), such as dental, vision, and, if necessary, purchase points.
If you - the visitor in the UK or have a temporary residence permit, you are, in some cases, you can register with a medical practitioner (GP) in your area of residence and get free treatment. In this case, the doctor decides he will register you in their own or not. Not all treatment is free, as There are some requirements of the residence. This requirement also applies to British citizens.
Some health services are free for all. They are:
- In case of accident. With the necessary assistance can be rendered in the department of occupational accidents and emergencies (Accident and Emergency department or A & E) or in section «walk-in» at the Center for Health (NHS), which by the nature of the same with A & E.
- Treatment of certain infectious diseases (but for HIV / AIDS only the initial diagnosis and consultation, which are free);
- A special psychiatric treatment;
- Family planning.
Certain categories of people are getting a complete package of hospital services, those who lived in Britain legally for the past 12 months, and diplomats.
Several categories of staying in the UK can receive medical care in case of ill health on arrival in the UK. This includes residents of EU countries and countries with which Britain has a bilateral agreement on health care.
If you are not located in any of the categories receiving free medical care, you can use paid services. In this case, all costs must be covered by insurance, which you are making when entering the country.
In emergencies, you should go to the nearest hospital and ask the Department for accidents and emergencies. If you can not get to the hospital, please call 999 or 112 to call an ambulance. At these numbers you can call from any phone, including mobile, but only in an emergency.