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United Kingdom: Insurance and payment

In the United Kingdom, NHS leukaemia treatment is free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a lit hospital door.
Figure 1.Open door — United Kingdom: Insurance and payment

01Short answer

Hospital treatment, medicines and transplantation are paid for by the NHS. People on some visas pay the immigration health surcharge in advance, and some short-term visitors may be charged for treatment. Patients on low incomes may get help with travel costs to hospital. Charities such as Macmillan give free advice on benefits and money. Private medical insurance is optional.

02Simple explanation

NHS: free.

Travel: sometimes help.

Benefits: get advice.

03Scientific explanation

Rules: government regulations decide who is entitled to free care.

Support: charities offer money advisers.

04What happens in the body?

Free care

People ordinarily resident get no bill for treatment.

Travel costs

Ask the hospital about help with travel costs.

On a dark navy background, a ticket and key.
Figure 2.Travel costs — United Kingdom: Insurance and payment

Advice

A benefits adviser can check your rights.

On a dark navy background, a calm desk.
Figure 3.Advice — United Kingdom: Insurance and payment

05Keeping costs in hand

Four steps.

Entitlement — Check it.1EntitlementCheck it.
Travel — Ask for help.2TravelAsk for help.
Benefits — Get advice.3BenefitsGet advice.
Insurance — Check it if you have it.4InsuranceCheck it if you have it.
ClarityCosts are known.
CalmNo surprises.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Free carePeople ordinarily resident get no bill for treatment.
Travel costsAsk the hospital about help with travel costs.
AdviceA benefits adviser can check your rights.

07Key terms

Ordinarily resident
Living in the UK on a settled basis.
Immigration health surcharge
Health fee paid with some visas.
Benefits
State financial support.
Private medical insurance
Optional private cover.

08Key points

  • Check your entitlement.
  • Keep travel receipts.
  • Get benefits advice.
  • Talk to your employer.
  • Read private insurance terms.

09Frequently asked questions

Do I pay as a foreign national?

It depends on your status; ask the hospital’s overseas visitors office.

Which benefits exist?

It depends on your situation; a Macmillan adviser can help.

Do I need private insurance?

No; the NHS provides core treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Do I pay as a foreign national?

  2. Which benefits exist?

  3. Do I need private insurance?

My questions

12Sources

  1. GOV.UK. NHS entitlements: migrant health guide
  2. Macmillan Cancer Support. Official website
  3. NHS. Hospitals
  4. GOV.UK. Overseas NHS visitors: implementing the charging regulations
  5. Government of the Netherlands. Standard health insurance
  6. Zorginstituut Nederland (National Health Care Institute). Official website
  7. ZorgkaartNederland. Find care providers (in Dutch)
  8. Hematologie Nederland. Official website (in Dutch)
  9. HOVON (Dutch-Belgian Hemato-Oncology Foundation). Official website
  10. CBG-MEB (Medicines Evaluation Board). Official website
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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