kraftiekortie wrote:
From what I read, I was mistaken when I said I would pay through the nose if I broke my arm in the UK
I would actually receive free healthcare in an "accident and emergency" department in the UK. I might have to wait a while, though.
Actually, I should have known better. My wife's son is an A & E physician in the UK.
This is true. Anyone can get treatment for free at Accident and Emergency. You'll be triaged, like everyone else. Not sure where this idea that foreigners are prioritised comes from.
You can also see a GP and if you have something infectious like chicken pox or something you'll get treated.
But you won't get treatment for chronic diseases or anything like that on the NHS unless you're a UK resident. You won't get a referral for a specialist in anything.
We have a reciprocal arrangement with the EU for wider treatment including existing diseases and chronic illness. You can get things like blood dialysis and cancer treatment if you're an EU citizen or in the EEC. Somehow this survived Brexit.
Also be aware that not all treatments are available on the NHS. And others, particularly mental health issues, have crazy long waiting lists. If for example, you can even get on the waiting list for an ASD assessment, you'll be waiting a couple of years, depending on where you live.
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