In my previous post, I briefly mentioned the NHS which is a very different healthcare system to the Swiss healthcare system. In this post, I will dive a little deeper into some key things a Swiss expat should know about the NHS.
Before I list the key points worth knowing about the NHS, I will share my personal experience having lived here over 20 years. Generally speaking, for my family and me, the NHS has proven to be good and reliable for very urgent or serious matters. However, the NHS is also under a lot of resource pressure as it is open to all, so there have been times of excessive waits, whether that is over 6 hours in A&E or waiting to be referred to a specialist. The quality of care, or referral time for specialist care, can vary based on NHS resources at a given time, or the skill of your General Practitioner (please see point 3 below).
Over time, I have found the right balance in terms of using the NHS and additional private health insurance when needed, I have not been able to fault the quality of care received for serious matters on the NHS, which has been good to excellent. However, I have also chosen to use private healthcare for referrals where the waiting list was too long on the NHS or for more additional comfort in terms of healthcare, such as selecting my specialist, having a private room or speedier referrals where the NHS waiting list was too long, Likewise, I have preferred to have any dental work done privately as the options on the NHS are limited (when you actually manage to register with an NHS dentist as the waiting list can be long - I had to wait over 3 years).
Below are the key things a Swiss expat should know about the NHS:
Universal Healthcare: The NHS is a publicly funded healthcare system that provides healthcare services to all residents of the UK, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. It's based on the principle of universal healthcare, so you don't need to worry about your immigration status when seeking medical care.
Free at the Point of Use: One of the key principles of the NHS is that it provides most healthcare services free at the point of use. This means that many essential healthcare services, such as doctor's appointments, hospital visits, and emergency care, are provided without direct charges.
GP System: In the UK, you will typically need to register with a General Practitioner (GP) who will serve as your primary care provider. GPs are often the first point of contact for medical issues, and they can refer you to specialists or hospitals when necessary.
Prescription Charges: While most healthcare services are free, there are some charges for prescription medications in the UK. The cost of prescriptions can add up, so it's worth considering any prescription drug needs you may have.
Dental and Optical Care: Routine dental and optical care, such as some check-ups and cleanings, are not typically covered by the NHS, and you may need to pay for these services or consider private dental and optical insurance.
Healthcare Coverage for Dependents: In the UK, spouses and dependent children are usually covered by the NHS if they are also residents. However, you will need to register them separately with a GP.
Health Insurance: It's a good idea to consider private health insurance in the UK, especially if you want faster access to specialist care or want to cover additional services that are not provided by the NHS, such as dental and optical care.
Waiting Times: While the NHS provides excellent care, you may encounter longer waiting times for certain non-emergency procedures. Private health insurance can help you access quicker treatment if needed.
Swiss Health Insurance: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to maintain Swiss health insurance for a period after moving to the UK, as Switzerland has a mandatory health insurance system. Consult with Swiss authorities and insurance providers to understand the requirements.
Cultural and Linguistic Differences: Be prepared for differences in healthcare practices, such as terminology and how appointments are scheduled. English is the primary language, so if you are not proficient in English, you may want to have a translator or interpreter for medical appointments.
It's important to research and understand the healthcare system in the UK and how it may differ from what you're used to in Switzerland. Make sure to register with a local GP and familiarize yourself with the specific healthcare services available to you as an expatriate in the UK. Additionally, consider any personal healthcare needs and whether private health insurance is necessary to supplement your care.