The UK’s National Health Service provides free medical services to residents, including preventive, predictive, and personalized treatment plans. It is the largest healthcare programs globally and has continued to benefit residents of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland- member states of the United Kingdom.
Since it was established in 1948, it has been financed through general taxation by the government and benefitted millions of lives through a smooth-working system.
If, like most people around the globe, you are also wondering who is eligible for the NHS, it would be the residents of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland- member states of the United Kingdom. However, regulatory changes in 2015 provided a guide for a free access to the National Health Service in various hospitals in the region and checked-out certain eligibility criteria.
However, important to note that eligibility for NHS does not depend on nationality but on their current place of residence which has affected former residents. Owning a property in the United Kingdom, payment of UK taxes, registration with a GP, contribution towards national insurance, or having NHS number also play no role in being eligible for free health care in the UK.
If you are a UK pensioner living abroad and intending to fly back for free hospital treatment through NHS, you need to fulfil certain conditions like register a valid UK S1 form with the concerned authorities in the country you are currently residing in.
For a non-resident of any of the four countries forming the UK, you are only eligible to free NHS services for emergency treatment but without hospital admission.
Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) can access free emergency medical care during their temporary stay in England only if they have a valid European Health Insurance Card. Overseas visitor to the UK are charged for hospital care by the NHS. Former UK residents and non-residents must pay a higher cost for healthcare if they do not have personal health insurance.
Wondering if you can get free healthcare in the UK if your brother is a citizen? The answer is yes, you can. But there are certain questions to this question like if you are resident of the UK.
The following services are free to all regardless of whether you are a resident:
- Outpatient treatment in the accident and emergency department
- Treatment for tuberculosis, pandemic influenza, cholera, and malaria
- HIV testing and family planning
Paying tax is the best way to support the UK’s healthcare system. Wondering how to register for PAYE online? We are here to help you! At FBS Accountants, we make things easier for employers by offering simple steps to submit your registration online. Contact us or visit our website for more information on the same.
