UK, Healthcare system, National health system, NHS
The UK healthcare system, National Health Service (NHS), came into existence in the aftermath of the Second World War and became operational on the 5th July 1948. It was first proposed to the Parliament in the 1942 Beveridge Report on Social Insurance and Allied Services and it is the legacy of Aneurin Bevan, a former miner who became a politician and the then Minister of Health. He founded the NHS under the principles of universality, free at the point of delivery, equity, and paid for by central funding [1]. Despite numerous political and organisational changes the NHS remains to date a service available universally that cares for people on the basis of need and not ability to pay, and which is funded by taxes and national insurance contributions
The UK government has just announced plans that according to some will produce the most radical change in the NHS since its inception. In the 12th July 2010 White Paper “Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS”, the current Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government outlined a strategy on how it will “create a more responsive, patient-centred NHS which achieves outcomes that are among the best in the world
Challenges facing the UK healthcare system
Overall the health, as well as ideological and organisational challenges that the UK Healthcare system is facing are not dissimilar to those faced by many national healthcare systems across the world. Life expectancy has been steadily increasing across the world with ensuing increases in chronic diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. Negative environment and lifestyle influences have created a pandemic in obesity and associated conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In the UK, coronary heart disease, cancer, renal disease, mental health services for adults and diabetes cover around 16% of total National Health Service (NHS) expenditure, 12% of morbidity and between 40% and 70% of mortality [3]. Across Western societies, health inequalities are disturbingly increasing, with minority and ethnic groups experiencing most serious illnesses, premature death and disability. The House of Commons Health Committee warns that whilst the health of all groups in England is improving, over the last 10 years health inequalities between the social classes have widened—the gap has increased by 4% for men, and by 11% for women—due to the fact that the health of the rich is improving much quicker than that of the poor [16]. The focus and practice of healthcare services is being transformed from traditionally offering treatment and supportive or palliative care to increasingly dealing with the management of chronic disease and rehabilitation regimes, and offering disease prevention and health promotion interventions. Pay-for-performance, changes in regulation together with cost-effectiveness and pay for medicines issues are becoming a critical factor in new interventions reaching clinical practice
International Health Insurance for Expatriates in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations in the world for expats. It has easy flight connections, a wide array of business opportunities, and the attraction of not having to learn a new language. It’s easy to see why it’s so beloved by American expats and those from around the world. And part of the UK’s appeal is the superb reputation of its health care system. But for foreigners or expats in the UK for the first time, there are a lot of logistics to sort out. UK Health Insurance should be at the top of your priority list.
Best Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates in the UK
Expatriates in the UK have many options for their global medical coverage. Two leading providers are listed below. Cigna Global Medical is a great option for most, and you benefit as their global headquarters are located in Glasgow. GeoBlue Xplorer plan is an excellent option for US citizens living in the United Kingdom as they will provide up to 9 months of coverage back in the USA as well as worldwide. The recommended plans are available in England, Britain, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
A Leading International Health Plan for All Foreigners in the UK
The Cigna Global plan is an excellent option for foreigners residing in the UK as expatriates or immigrants for extended periods of time. The plan offers a range of coverage options, each with different costs. Cigna also has offices in London and Glasgow, making customer service more accessible. Cigna’s network of doctors and private hospitals in the UK and around the world is excellent, so access to quality care is not a concern
The Best Global Health Insurance Plan for US Citizens in the UK
The GeoBlue Xplorer plan is a popular option for US citizens living in the UK. One primary benefit is that the plan offers up to 9 months of coverage in the USA should you want to receive care back home. Their global network of hospitals is excellent, including the Blue Cross Blue Shield network in the USA. Customer service is strong so you will be well taken care of.
Health Insurance for Foreigners in the UK is Often Oversimplified
Information about accessing public healthcare in the UK is often oversimplified. A short version goes something like this: An expat is a foreign citizen living in the UK legally to work. And if you’re working in the UK, the cost of healthcare is deducted from your paycheck. Therefore, you’re in!
In reality, the situation is more nuanced. Healthcare in the UK is publicly funded (yes, through payroll tax as a primary means). It’s known as the NHS or National Health Service. It’s available for everyone who is permanently residing in the UK (in other words, the people who are funding it). But where is that line between the long-term visitor, business person, expat, and permanent resident?