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United Kingdom: Healthcare system

In the United Kingdom, health care is mainly provided by the NHS and is free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a lit path to a hospital.
Figure 1.GP and hospital — United Kingdom: Healthcare system

01Short answer

The NHS is run separately in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and rules can differ a little. You usually see a hospital specialist with a GP referral; there is an urgent referral route when cancer is suspected. For life-threatening emergencies call 999; for urgent but not life-threatening problems use NHS 111. Some overseas visitors and short-term residents may be charged for care.

02Simple explanation

NHS: free care.

GP: referral.

111 and 999: urgent contact.

03Scientific explanation

Four systems: each nation’s NHS has its own rules.

Urgent route: referrals for suspected cancer are prioritised.

04What happens in the body?

GP

The GP assesses symptoms, orders tests and writes the referral.

Four nations

Learn the NHS rules where you live.

On a dark navy background, four lights.
Figure 2.Four nations — United Kingdom: Healthcare system

Urgent referral

When cancer is suspected, the route to a specialist is faster.

On a dark navy background, an arrow carrying a letter.
Figure 3.Urgent referral — United Kingdom: Healthcare system

05Finding your way

Four steps.

GP — Register.1GPRegister.
Referral — Urgent.2ReferralUrgent.
NHS 111 — Advice.3NHS 111Advice.
Nation — Rules.4NationRules.
AccessThe route is clear.
CostsMostly free.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
GPThe GP assesses symptoms, orders tests and writes the referral.
Four nationsLearn the NHS rules where you live.
Urgent referralWhen cancer is suspected, the route to a specialist is faster.

07Key terms

GP surgery
GP practice.
Referral
Referral.
NHS 111
Urgent advice line.
Trust
Hospital trust.

08Key points

  • Register with a GP.
  • Know 111 and 999.
  • Ask about the referral.
  • Follow your test results.
  • Check the rules of your nation.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I see a specialist without a GP?

In the NHS a referral is usually needed; emergencies are the exception.

Is it free for everyone?

Mostly for people ordinarily resident; rules differ for overseas visitors.

What do I do at night?

Non-emergency question: NHS 111; danger to life: 999.

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. Can I see a specialist without a GP?

  2. Is it free for everyone?

  3. What do I do at night?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NHS. GP services
  2. NHS. Hospitals
  3. GOV.UK (Department of Health and Social Care). The NHS Constitution for England
  4. GOV.UK. NHS entitlements: migrant health guide
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI-Designated Cancer Centers
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drugs
  7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Oncology (cancer) / hematologic malignancies approval notifications
  8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Expanded access
  9. HealthCare.gov. Appealing a health plan decision
  10. America's Blood Centers. Official website
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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