How To Manage Finances In The UK
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Let’s start by saying “Health is wealth, and healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.”
Every year, an approximate number of 130,000 Nigerians move to the UK for both business and leisure. Sometimes, some of these people permanently reside in the country. While they stay in the country, they are entitled to several benefits, which include healthcare. However, understanding the healthcare system in the UK can be overwhelming.
Nonetheless, this article aims to simplify everything, providing insight into the country’s health service system. In addition, we’ll also provide an in-depth look at the registration process and understanding of prescriptions. We aim to help Nigerians in the UK navigate the healthcare system seamlessly.
NHS stands for National Health Service. The NHS is a publicly funded healthcare organization that offers services in multiple regions including England, Wales, and Scotland. Nevertheless, in this guide, we will be looking at the NHS system in the UK, since we aim to help Nigerians navigate healthcare in the UK.
The National Health Service in the UK is known for delivering mostly free healthcare services to all individuals, including Nigerians. However, individuals must legally reside in the country, as the services offered by the organization are limited to residents. Although the services are mostly free, the NHS also offers smaller private healthcare services that people can choose to use if they wish.
1. The NHS offers free healthcare services
2. NHS is tax-funded, thus, its services are accessible to all residents in the UK without exceptions.
3. The NHS is surrounded by qualified professionals who provide quality services ranging from check-ups to emergency care.
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A General Practitioner is a healthcare expert who serves as a gateway to access the NHS services. A GP offers primary health services ranging from consultations to managing patients’ overall healthcare. Registering with a GP grants individuals access to non-emergency appointments, and in some cases, beyond their limit, they refer patients to specialists.
It’s noteworthy that to access healthcare in the UK, individuals must register with a GP of their choice. Registering with a GP is straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide:
The importance of registering with a GP in the UK includes:
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In the UK, a relatively low number of people opt for private healthcare, even though they offer faster services than the NHS. The high cost of medical treatment is a major factor in the private healthcare sector, whereas treatment in the NHS is tax-funded.
Regardless, registering with private medical care comes with potential benefits, which include:
Unlike the NHS, private healthcare sectors are privately funded and regulated, either with personal money or insurance money. As a result, patients will pay a huge amount of money for medical treatment.
Feature | NHS | Private Healthcare |
Access to medical services | Faster access | Delayed access to non-emergency services |
Wait time | Short | Longer waiting period for non-emergency services |
Medical service | Limited | Full range of medical service |
Cost | Expensive | Tax-funded |
Health professionals | Qualified | Qualified |
Facilities | Standard | Basic |
Emergency services | Limited | Available 24/7 |
Prescription cost | Paid | Free in some cases |
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The cost incurred in the private healthcare sector can be facilitated through Private Medical Insurance (PMI). This insurance allows patients to access healthcare services without covering the full medical fee. Popular private health insurance companies in the UK include:
The GP typically provides prescriptions and charges may incur depending on the patient’s medical condition. The National Health Service (NHS) charges for both drugs and appliances. However, in some cases, they provide free medication, including contraception and medicines administered to hospital inpatients. Click here to learn more about NHS prescription charges and eligibility for free prescriptions.
Foreigners in the UK, either skilled workers or students, are eligible for free healthcare in the UK. To utilize this benefit, they must register with a GP near their workplace or university. This ensures fast response to emergency care if needed. For further assistance or information, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee paid by non-UK residents when applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than six months. This surcharge helps fund the National Health Service (NHS), allowing visa holders to access healthcare services during their stay
However, if you work in healthcare in the UK, you might be eligible for a refund of the IHS. Here’s how you can get your money back for the Immigration Health Surcharge:
Navigating the healthcare system in the UK can be overwhelming. But, by understanding the basics, the registration process, and how to access medical services, one can have a smooth experience in the UK.
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