Does the NHS really provide health care for all? Is it really free?

Question

I mean I know it's paid by taxes but ANYONE can get health care????? Even if you are poor or don't have enough money you don't get rejected????? I am from America and if you don't have money...they don't care about you. They throw you out on the streets. And even if you DO have health insurance, they won't pay for most of your health issues. They make any excuse not to pay. So I think what is the point of paying for health insurance, you know? Wow you guys are lucky that you live in a place where they provide that service. I wish it was like that in America. Can you please explain how it works and they really do treat you until you are better????? Are there special cases where you have to pay out of pocket? Is it all of Europe that has NHS? What countries?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm not going to repeat all the above but add it also covers children's dentistry.



All children up to the age of 16 (or 18 if they are still at school) get free dental treatment. This includes fillings, braces or anything else they might need.



Up until a few years ago adults were covered also but more and more dentists are now going private so getting a NHS one is becoming a problem for many and they are forced down the private route.



I'm lucky to still be with the same dentsist I has as a child so don't pay too much for treatment. There are three payment bands. Band A is around £15 and covers a basic check-up. Band B is for things like fillings (£46) and band C more complicated treatments. (£130 ish I think)



Also, in the UK pregnant women get free dental treatment and prescriptions (and this continues until the child is 1).

Answer 2

Different countries in Europe have different systems, though most have some form of socialised health care.



The NHS covers the United Kingdom. The principle of the NHS is that care is free at the point of use. Most health conditions are covered, but there is concern over the use of expensive drugs where the effect is at best marginal. A body called NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) oversees the policy within the NHS as to what treatments are offered.



The main problem is that the NHS is relatively underfunded and runs at a capacity which few other health services do (98% plus bed usage). This means the system is under very high pressure and cross infections and so on have become an increasing problem with the rise of antibiotic resistant super bugs. Britain expects to get continental type cover with US levels of taxation and then says its management waste that's at fault when this doesn't happen. Of course the politics means that many sectors of the press want to have a go at the social costs, well have you ever met a poor journalist?



Everyone talks about the good points of other peoples systems, and only the bad points of theirs. The NHS isn't perfect, but is covers all the important stuff, allows cheap and easy access and if you ever have a real life threatening issue is generally amazing, which I know from very personal experience.

Answer 3

Yes, the NHS in Britain treats everyone. It is funded through taxes as you stated. For example if you have an accident or illness and get taken to hospital, admitted to intensive care, have an emergency heart transplant (@ a cost over £400, 000) when you are better you go home and dont pay a bill. By the way that figure for a heart transplant is based on no complications, in which case it goes up! We are very lucky.



The NHS does get critised a great deal, much of which is justified, like wasting money, un-clean hospitals and so on, however I still realise we are lucky to have the NHS.....although i should mention we do have to pay for prescriptions and the elderly often have to pay for nursing homes etc.



Most people have no idea how much medical treatments cost, if they new how much they would have to pay out of their own pockets they probably wouldnt critise the NHS so much.

Answer 4

england has the nhs and it is by far a better system than the US. the US's health care system is one of the worst of industrialized countries. you are correct on your facts. in many european countries like sweden who has a very socialized health care system they pay taxes and pay very little (about 15 bucks a year.) but because of this the hospitals are in terrible debt to the government because Dr.s' salaries are fixed and funded by the government as well. technological advances also suffer. but still they provide health care to every single citizen regardless of income. it is unheard of that anyone get turned away. they also use a system of a gatekeeper who screens patients before they are seen (as in england) which increases they're wait time. in germany, their government style is different and the market has more control than in social democracies. the markets compete for patients in a sense but they cannot turn anyone away regardless of health condition, as they can in the US. in places like taiwan they have looked at several of the worlds systems and came up with a blend that keeps prices low, wages low, wait time relatively low, and technological advancements savvy enough to be good and cost effective. if you ask someone there if anyone has ever been turned away or gone bankrupt for medical bills they will say it never happens; it would be a national outrage if it did.



you should watch the Frontline special: Sick Around the World. it explains all of this in great detail. excellent movie. and yes the US has one of the most inneffective health care systems of all industrialized countries. it is becuase of the limited amount of regulation the state has over the political economy of the health care system and how much say the market has. it is way to capitalist, in a system that should not be so concerned with profit but rather helping people.



you're definitely on the right track. keep paying attention.

Answer 5

Im living in america now moved here from the uk, I take antidepressants and in england i could go to the doctor when i want for free, then pay around £7.50 for my medication. Ive been in hospital a few times for broken bones etc, i guess it depends on the hospital and the area you live in, mostly the service you get is acceptable, not brillant by a long shot.



There are long waiting lists for operations needed by people and they sometimes go abroad and pay to get the operation done there. So overall i guess its a good system, but could be way better. I think the medical system in america is very good but a disgrace that a country that calls itself the best in the world leaves people without any medical care if they cant pay for it.

Answer 6

The NHS does it all for you but there are slight anomalies such as care for the elderly. If you are too old, by the standard set, then certain operations will not be carried out on the grounds that your near to dying anyway. Some like enhancing drugs are not available usually due to the high cost. The NHS has reciprocal arrangements with all EC countries.

Answer 7

In the UK healthcare is free, it is funded by taxpayers, and all basic and necessary healthcare is free. You do have to pay a charge of about $10 for prescribed drugs, but that is waived for the elderly, children and pregnant women. Some services, like IVF are not free, but all essential medical care is provided, all hospital treatment is free, including meals and drugs. It is a really good thing, I cannot imagine worrying about being able to afford a doctor's visit, a pap smear, a mammogram, emergency treatment, injections for my kids etc.

Answer 8

free to British citizens, we get a basic treatment and after care no silver bells tho. Due to the aging pop. and very poor mis-managment the strains on the NHS are rising. Other EU nations have a similar welfare system to the UK, but we still need health cover if traveling abroad.

Answer 9

In Britain health care is free. In England not all people get free drugs whereas in Wales and Scotland we don't pay for prescriptions whatever our age and financial status. This is counteracted, in Wales, by making us wait longer if we need surgery - 9 months waiy wheras its amaximum 6 months in England.

Answer 10

Yes all healthcare is free on nhs in uk

Answer 11

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