Healthcare in London

What you need to know about public healthcare in UK

As a resident of the UK, you have access to the free public healthcare system – NHS, which stands for National Health Service. The NHS offers a broad array of healthcare services ranging from general practitioner (GP) consultations, hospital treatments, dental care, to specialist consultations. It’s funded by taxes (this is what you’ve paid for if you were charged IHS upon your visa process). Some NHS services like dental care come at an additional cost.

Most consultations and treatments, including surgical operations and hospital stay, are available to you for free (unless you choose to go private or pay to skip the waiting lines). Ambulance, essential screenings and vaccines are also free.

You would normally have to pay for medications prescribed to you, unless you are eligible for free medications covered by the NHS. Check if you can receive your prescription medicine for free on the NHS website or read the checklist below. The current prescription charge is £9.65 per item.

Waiting lines in the NHS are long. Often very long. Depending on which GP practise you are assigned to, you may be waiting for your initial consultation from a couple of days to a week or more. The queues for specialised consultations or procedures can take months.
If you have medical insurance, you may be able to skip the queues. With most medical insurance packages, you’d still be seen by the same doctors at the NHS affiliated facilities, but significantly faster.
There is a common joke that the majority of specialists in the UK prescribe paracetamol for most conditions. While this may not be entirely true, it’s quite uncommon for doctors within NHS to overprescribe or overtreat – the general advice would usually be to let your body rest and restore by itself, unless interfering is absolutely necessary.

Types of NHS medical facilities

GP Surgeries: Your first port of call for most health issues. GP surgeries offer consultations, basic treatments, and referrals to specialists if necessary. They also manage chronic conditions and provide vaccinations.
Hospitals: Equipped for more complex diagnostics and treatment, including surgery, emergency care, and maternity services. Hospitals are referral-based, meaning you’ll usually need a GP or specialist to send you there.
Walk-in Centres and Urgent Care: For non-life-threatening emergencies when you can’t wait for a GP appointment. These centres treat injuries and illnesses requiring immediate attention.
Dental Practices: Offering both NHS and private services. NHS dental services cover routine and some emergency care, but charges apply for most treatments.
Pharmacies: Beyond dispensing medications, pharmacies offer health advice, vaccinations, and treatments for minor problems.
Sexual Health Clinics: These centres offer confidential advice, testing, and treatment for sexual health issues, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception. Services are available to everyone, regardless of their GP registration status.
Physiotherapy Centres: For patients needing rehabilitation services, such as those recovering from injuries or with conditions affecting movement. Access is usually through a GP referral.
Mental Health Services: Offering support for mental health issues ranging from anxiety and depression to more severe mental health conditions. Services can include counselling, therapy, and psychiatric support, typically accessed via GP referral.
Specialist Clinics: For specific medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, the NHS has clinics that offer targeted care and management programs. Access is through GP referral.
Community Health Centres: These provide a range of services including vaccinations, health screenings, and support for pregnant women and young children. They often house multiple services under one roof, making healthcare more accessible.
Minor Injury Units (MIUs): For treatment of minor injuries like cuts, burns, and simple fractures. Faster than A&E for minor issues, but not equipped for life-threatening conditions.
Children’s Health Services: Dedicated paediatric care, including well-baby clinics, developmental screenings, and vaccination programs. Usually integrated into community health centres or offered via GP practices.

How to register with a GP

Registering with a GP surgery is straightforward and essential for accessing most NHS services. Follow these steps:

1. Find a GP Near You: Use the NHS website’s “Find services” feature to locate GP surgeries in your area.
2. Choose a Surgery: Consider factors like location, services offered, and patient reviews. Note that you may be limited to surgeries accepting new patients in your area.
3. Registration: Contact the surgery to register. This can often be done online, by phone, or by visiting the surgery in person. You’ll need to fill out a registration form and, in some cases, provide proof of address or identity. Some surgeries will require you to send your documents by post, others accept fully digital applications: check with your surgery to find out the exact procedure.
4. New Patient Health Check: Some surgeries offer a health check-up when you register. It’s a good opportunity to discuss any existing health concerns.

How to choose your GP practice

Choosing the right GP practice is important for your health, convenience – and peace of mind. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:

Location: Proximity to your home or work can make appointments more convenient.
Opening Hours: Look for surgeries with hours that fit your schedule. Some offer evening or weekend appointments.
Services Offered: Check if the practice provides specific services you may need, such as women’s health, mental health support, or chronic disease management.
Patient Reviews: Patient reviews can give insight into the surgery’s strengths and weaknesses. Note that most reviews you can find online, especially on Google Maps, will be negative: few people bother leaving positive reviews for doctors. When reading through them, pay attention to the nature of complaints: sometimes that’s how you can learn about the waiting times or the accessibility of certain types of help.
Waiting Times: Enquire about typical waiting times for appointments, though this can vary widely across practices and even across the seasons: for example, waiting lines tend to grow during the vacation season, when some doctors may be away.

How to change your GP practice

Remember, you have the right to change your GP surgery if you’re not satisfied with the service or if your needs change. The process is similar to registering: simply find a new surgery and complete their registration process. Your medical records will be transferred automatically.

How to book a medical appointment

When you have a health problem or a condition you want to discuss, in most cases, it all starts with booking an appointment with your GP (unless your case is urgent – in that case, see the part about urgent care).

A regular GP appointment can be booked via a telephone call or online, depending on your GP practice and your preferred means of communication.
Usually they’ll first book you in for a phone call appointment. Your GP will call you to ask you a few questions about your condition and decide if you need an in-person consultation.
Sometimes you can get booked in for the same day consultation, but to be fair, it’s not very common. On average, you can expect to wait for up to a few days (or a couple of weeks, if the surgery is particularly busy) – but again, it depends on your GP practice.

If you’ve already experienced a similar condition or have a chronic disease, be sure to have your medical history documents at hand (if you have them), and write out all the medications that you have been prescribed for it before. Don’t forget to inform the doctor about your previous diagnoses and treatments, and any allergies or intolerances that you have.

How-To: What to do if you have a health problem in London

1. Assess how serious your condition is. If you have fever, acute pain or don’t feel well enough to get out, call 111 for further assistance. You will either be booked in for a call from a doctor within the next 1-2 hours, or, in rare (and very serious) occasions, have an ambulance sent to you. If you or someone you’re with is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 999.

2. If you’re well enough to get out, consider walking to the nearest pharmacy for a consultation. Some pharmacies even have a separate room for a confidential medical consultation: check this website to find the one closest to you. Some pharmacies can even provide you with prescription medicine for specific common conditions without visiting your GP. As of spring 2024, these conditions include:

Sore throat
Sinusitis
Earache
Infected insect bite
Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
Shingles
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

3. If you haven’t received sufficient help at the pharmacy, or you have been advised to consult your GP, book a GP appointment.

4. Your GP will advise you on the next steps. If necessary, they will refer you to any lab tests or scans as well as specialised centres for further examination and treatment.

5. If your health condition is related to sexual health, you don’t need to contact your GP. Find a sexual health clinic in your nearest area and book an appointment with them – either online or on the phone.

How to get medical help at a pharmacy

Pharmacies in London are a first line of defence for minor health issues. Here’s how you can utilise pharmacy services effectively:

Check Your Symptoms: If you have minor ailments like a cold, cough, minor rash, or need emergency contraception, a pharmacy can help.
Find a Pharmacy: Use the NHS pharmacy finder tool online to locate the nearest pharmacy with consultation services.
Consult with the Pharmacist: Explain your symptoms to the pharmacist. They can offer medical advice, recommend over-the-counter medications, and provide guidance on whether you should see a GP. Many pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss your health concerns without being overheard.
Prescription Services: For certain conditions, pharmacists can supply medicines without a GP prescription under a Patient Group Direction (PGD). This includes treatments for conditions like:

Sore throat
Sinusitis
Earache
Infected insect bite
Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
Shingles
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

Repeat Prescriptions: If you’re on regular medication, your GP can arrange repeat prescriptions that you can collect directly from your pharmacy.
Medication Reviews: If you’re taking multiple medications, ask your pharmacist for a Medication Use Review (MUR). This is a free service to discuss your medicines, how they work, and any side effects.

How to get urgent medical help in London

NHS 111: Start here for urgent medical advice. NHS 111 can guide you to the right service, whether that’s an out-of-hours GP, an Urgent Care Centre, or advice to help you manage your condition at home. Call them on 111 or check your condition via the 111 website first – unless it’s a life-treatening emergency, in which case you should call 999.
Pharmacy: For immediate health advice or treatment for minor concerns, your local pharmacy can often provide the fastest help.
Urgent Care Centres (UCC): For injuries or illnesses that don’t require a hospital visit but can’t wait for a GP appointment, UCCs are an excellent resource. They treat sprains, fractures, wounds, and minor burns.
Walk-In Centres: Similar to UCCs, Walk-In Centres offer treatment without the need for an appointment. They can handle a variety of conditions from infections to minor injuries.
GP Surgeries: Some GP practices offer same-day appointments for urgent cases. Call your GP surgery early in the morning for availability.
Emergency Departments (A&E): For life-threatening emergencies only, go to your nearest hospital’s A&E department or call 999.
Mental Health Crisis: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact your local NHS urgent mental health helpline available 24/7 or go to A&E for immediate assistance.

How to get help for sexual health

Navigating sexual health in London is quite straightforward, thanks to the comprehensive services offered by the NHS and various specialised clinics. Whether you’re seeking advice, testing, treatment, or contraception, there’s a wide range of confidential and accessible services designed to support your sexual health needs. Here’s how to access these services:

1. Understanding Your Options

Sexual Health Clinics: These clinics provide a broad spectrum of services including testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception, and advice on sexual health issues. Services are confidential, free, and available to everyone, regardless of where you’re registered with a GP.

GP Surgeries: For less urgent sexual health concerns or for ongoing contraceptive needs, your GP can also provide support and advice. They can prescribe contraception, conduct some STI tests, and refer you to specialist services if necessary.

2. Finding a Sexual Health Clinic

Use the NHS sexual health service finder online to locate your nearest sexual health clinic. Some clinics offer walk-in appointments while others strictly require you to book a slot, so make sure what’s the situation with yours.

3. Booking Your Appointment

Sometimes booking a consultation at a sexual health clinic can be tricky, especially if it’s located in a popular area. If you don’t see any spots online, call them early in the morning when the new booking spots are released. If you didn’t manage to secure one, don’t give up and call again during the day – sometimes bookings get cancelled, so you may have a chance to snatch a spot.

4. What to Expect at the Clinic

Upon visiting a sexual health clinic, you’ll be asked about your sexual history and any current symptoms. This information helps the healthcare professionals recommend the right tests or treatments. Remember, all information you provide is treated with strict confidentiality.

Testing: Most STI tests involve simple procedures like blood tests, urine samples, or swabs. Results can often be sent to you discreetly via text or phone call.
Treatment: If you’re diagnosed with an STI, the clinic will provide treatment, which is usually free. They can also offer advice on informing partners, if necessary.
Contraception: Clinics can advise on and prescribe the full range of contraceptive methods. Some clinics also offer emergency contraception.

4. Emergency Contraception

If you need emergency contraception (the morning-after pill or an IUD), it’s available at most pharmacies, GP surgeries, and sexual health clinics.

5. Protecting Your Privacy

Your privacy is a top priority in sexual health services. Whether you’re visiting a clinic or discussing issues with your GP, your details and any discussions or treatments are kept confidential. This includes young people under the age of 16, provided the professional believes they understand the information and decisions involved.

6. Online Services and Home Testing Kits

For convenience, many services offer online consultations and home testing kits for STIs. This can be a good option if you’re looking for a discreet way to check your sexual health or are unable to visit a clinic in person.

7. Support and Advice

Beyond testing and treatment, sexual health clinics can also provide valuable support and advice on a range of topics including sexual relationships, orientation questions, or concerns about sexual satisfaction and function.

Getting mental health help in London

In London, there are several pathways to support anyone dealing with mental health issues, ranging from mild anxiety to more severe conditions. Understanding how to access these services can be crucial for yourself or someone you care about. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Recognising the Need for Help

The first step is acknowledging that you or someone you know might need support. Mental health issues can vary widely in symptoms and severity, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, mood swings, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

2. GP Services

Your General Practitioner (GP) can be (but doesn’t have to) the first point of contact for accessing mental health services. They can provide initial assessments, prescribe medication, offer advice, and refer you to specialised mental health services if needed.

Making an Appointment: Contact your GP surgery to book an appointment. Be honest about your mental health concerns so they can understand your needs.
What to Expect: During your appointment, your GP will discuss your mental health with you and may suggest treatment options such as therapy, counselling, or medication.

3. NHS Mental Health Services

The NHS provides a range of mental health services, including talking therapies, counselling, and psychiatric support. These services are free. Some of them require a referral from a GP while others can be accessed via a self-referral.

One of such options is talking therapies (IAPT). For people dealing with mild to moderate depression and anxiety, the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme is available. You can self-refer to this service in some areas, which offers therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).

4. Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, immediate help is available:

NHS Urgent Mental Health Line: use the NHS urgent mental health line finder tool to find the right urgent support in your area.
NHS 111: You can call NHS 111 and select the option for mental health crises. They can direct you to the right support.
A&E: In severe cases, especially if there’s a risk of harm to oneself or others, going to the Accident and Emergency department of your nearest hospital is necessary.
Crisis Teams: Most areas in London have Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment (CRHT) teams available 24/7. They provide urgent assessments and support for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

Community and voluntary support for mental health

Getting mental health through NHS can be a lengthy, daunting process – but it’s not the only way. Several community-based and voluntary organisations offer support and counselling for various mental health issues. These can complement NHS services by providing additional support, peer groups, and activities.

Mind: Offers support and advice for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
Samaritans: Provides confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Call Samaritans for free if you need help right now: 116-123
Tommy’s charity: Mental health advice from midwives.
Childline offers confidential telephone and online counseling for those under 19.
The Mix offers support for under 25s.
Papyrus provides advice for young people considering suicide.

Find other local mental health charities.

Online resources and apps for mental health

Many reputable online platforms offer resources, self-help tools, and apps designed to support mental health. These can be particularly useful for managing mild issues or as additional support alongside other treatments.

One of the go-to apps for mental health to download in the UK is Hub of Hope. Hub of Hope is a comprehensive database that connects you with local and national mental health support and services. Created by the charity Chasing the Stigma, Hub of Hope allows users to find the nearest help and support for mental health issues by entering their postcode. It includes access to a variety of services, from local support groups to national charities.

How can I find a private therapist?

If you prefer not to wait for NHS services, private therapy is an option. You can find accredited therapists through directories such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

How to access pediatric healthcare

Registering Your Child with a GP: The first step in accessing healthcare for your child is to register them with the doctor (GP). This should be done as soon as possible after birth or upon moving to a new area. Your GP is your first point of contact for non-emergency health concerns and vaccinations.

How to Register: Visit your local GP surgery with your child’s birth certificate and proof of address. Some surgeries allow online registration.
Choosing a GP: Consider factors like proximity to your home, surgery opening hours, and whether the practice is child-friendly.

Routine check-ups and vaccinations for children

Health Reviews and Developmental Checks: Regular health and development reviews are usually conducted by your GP or a health visitor at key stages of your child’s early years.

Vaccination Programme: The UK has a comprehensive vaccination programme designed to protect children from various diseases. Your GP surgery will invite you to bring your child in for their vaccinations at the appropriate times. It’s vital to keep these appointments to ensure your child’s protection against preventable diseases.

Specialist Pediatric Services

For children requiring specialist care, London boasts a wide range of services and facilities. Access to these services is typically through a referral from your GP.

Children’s Hospitals: London is home to several world-renowned children’s hospitals, including Great Ormond Street Hospital, which offer specialist care for a wide range of conditions.
Community Pediatricians: These specialists manage conditions like developmental disorders, learning difficulties, and complex medical needs. Referrals are usually made by your GP.

Emergency and urgent care for children

Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments: In cases of serious illness or injury, take your child to the A&E department of your nearest hospital. Some hospitals in London have dedicated pediatric A&E units.

NHS 111: For urgent but not life-threatening issues, you can call NHS 111 for advice. They can direct you to the most appropriate service, including urgent care centers suitable for children.

Support for Parents and Caregivers

Parenting can be challenging, and support is available for those who need it:

Parenting Classes: Many local health services offer courses to help new parents understand and cope with the challenges of caring for a baby or young child.
Support Groups: Joining a support group can connect you with other parents facing similar challenges and provide emotional support.

Children’s immunisation

In the UK, a comprehensive childhood immunisation schedule is in place to protect children from a variety of dangerous diseases. Here’s what you need to know about keeping up with your child’s vaccinations.

Understanding the Immunisation Schedule

The NHS provides a detailed immunisation schedule designed to offer protection at the most appropriate ages. Vaccinations start from as early as 8 weeks old and include protection against diseases such as:

Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis)
Polio
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Hepatitis B
Meningococcal groups B and C
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
Pneumococcal infection

These vaccines are given at key stages of a child’s early development, with booster doses as required to ensure long-term protection.

The NHS vaccination page is a key resource for parents and guardians to understand the timing and purpose of each vaccine, ensuring their children receive the necessary protection against various infectious diseases. You can access this information at NHS Vaccinations and When to Have Them.

Booking Your Child’s Vaccinations

GP Registration: Ensure your child is registered with a GP in London, as this is where most of your child’s vaccinations will be administered.

Vaccination Invitations: You’ll receive an invitation from your GP surgery when it’s time for your child’s next vaccination. These invitations are based on the birth date of your child and the NHS vaccination schedule.

Missed Vaccinations: If you miss a vaccination appointment or have recently moved to London and are unsure about your child’s immunization status, contact your GP surgery. They can arrange catch-up vaccinations.

Accessing maternity care in London

Maternity care in London provides comprehensive support to expectant mothers from the beginning of pregnancy through to childbirth and postnatal care. The National Health Service (NHS) offers a wide range of services to ensure both mother and baby have the best possible health outcomes. Here’s a detailed guide on how to access and navigate the maternity care system in London.

How to sign up for maternity care

Booking Your First Appointment: As soon as you know you’re pregnant, you should make an appointment with your GP or directly contact a midwife at your local NHS hospital. The first official antenatal appointment, often called the ‘booking appointment,’ should ideally take place by the 10th week of pregnancy. This appointment can be longer than subsequent ones, as it involves providing your medical history and discussing your care plan.

Choosing Where to Give Birth: In London, you have options on where to give birth, including NHS hospitals, midwife-led units, or at home. Each choice will be discussed with you, including the benefits and risks associated with each setting, to help you make an informed decision.

Accessing pregnancy care

Routine Check-ups: Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll be offered regular check-ups to monitor the health of you and your baby. These include blood tests, ultrasound scans, and screening for certain conditions.

Antenatal Classes: Many NHS trusts and private providers offer antenatal classes. These classes cover various topics, from preparing for labor and birth to breastfeeding and basic baby care.

Support for High-risk Pregnancies: If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, you may be referred to a specialist team for closer monitoring. This could be due to medical history, complications in a previous pregnancy, or multiple births.

Giving birth in London

Labor and Delivery: When you go into labor, you’ll be supported by midwives, and if necessary, doctors. London’s maternity units are well-equipped to handle various birthing situations, from natural births to more complex cases requiring additional interventions.

After the Birth: After your baby is born, you’ll receive postnatal care for at least 6-8 weeks. This includes support from midwives and health visitors, who can offer advice on everything from feeding your baby to adjusting to parenthood.

Specialised maternity services

Perinatal Mental Health: Pregnancy and the postnatal period can affect mental health. The NHS provides support and treatment for conditions such as postnatal depression.

Breastfeeding Support: Breastfeeding workshops and lactation consultants are available to help with breastfeeding. Many hospitals and community centers in London offer drop-in sessions.

How to register your baby

Birth Registration: You are required to register your baby’s birth within 42 days. In London, you can do this at your local register office.

Child Health Record: After registration, you’ll receive a red book or Personal Child Health Record. This book is an essential record of your child’s health, growth, and vaccinations.

What are NHS screenings?

Screening within the NHS serves as a preventative measure, aimed at detecting potential health risks or conditions in seemingly healthy individuals. By targeting specific segments of the population, screenings ensure those at higher risk receive early intervention, improving outcomes and, in some cases, saving lives. If you have any chronic conditions, you may need to speak to your doctor about the screening programmes that specifically apply to your case.

Available Health Screenings in the NHS

Advised by the UK National Screening Committee, the NHS provides various screenings, including:

For Pregnant Women and Newborns: Screening for infectious diseases, chromosomal abnormalities, and newborn health checks.
Diabetic Eye Screening: Annual check-ups for those with diabetes to prevent eye conditions.
Cervical Cancer Screening: Offered to women and individuals with a cervix aged 25 to 64 to monitor cell health in the cervix.
Breast Cancer Screening: Women aged 50 to 70 are invited for screenings to detect early signs of breast cancer.
Bowel Cancer Screening: Available to individuals aged 60 to 74, using home test kits to identify early signs of bowel cancer.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening: Specifically for men in their 65th year to detect swellings in the aorta.

For detailed info on each screening program, visiting the NHS website will provide the most current guidelines and procedures.

Choosing to participate in a screening program is a personal decision. The NHS ensures you’re well-informed by providing detailed leaflets alongside each screening invitation, outlining the benefits, risks, and limitations of the screening process.

The NHS is stringent about confidentiality and data protection. Your screening records are securely managed and only accessible to medical professionals directly involved in your care or the screening process.

How to access dental care

Dental care in the UK mostly comes at a cost, but NHS dentists offer fixed prices. The National Health Service (NHS) offers dental services that cover routine check-ups, emergency care, and various treatments. Here’s what you need to know about accessing dental care in London.

Registering with an NHS dentist

Finding a Dentist: Unlike GP services, you don’t need to register with a dentist in the area where you live. You can find an NHS dentist near you by using the NHS website’s service locator.
Making an Appointment: Contact the dental practice directly to inquire about registering as a new patient and booking your first appointment. Availability can vary, so you might need to contact multiple practices or be prepared to wait for an opening.

How much does dental care cost with NHS?

NHS Fee Structure: NHS dental services are not free for everyone (especially adults!), but they are offered at a fixed cost. There are three standard charge bands covering everything from diagnostic tests and check-ups to complex treatments.
- Band 1: £25.80
  Includes an examination, diagnosis, and advice. If necessary, it also covers X-rays, a scale and polish, and planning for further treatment.
- Band 2: £70.70
  Covers all Band 1 services plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal work, or extractions.
- Band 3: £306.80
  Includes all Band 1 and Band 2 services plus more complex procedures like crowns, dentures, and bridges.

Find out what’s included in each NHS dental band charge, or ask your dentist to explain the charge for your treatment.

Exemptions and Help with Costs: Certain groups, such as children, pregnant women, and those on specific benefits, are eligible for free dental care. A low-income scheme is also available to help others with costs.
Pediatric Dental Services: Children are entitled to free dental care under the NHS.

If you need more dental treatment

If, within 2 calendar months of completing a course of treatment, you need more treatment from the same or lower charge band, such as another filling, you do not have to pay anything extra.

If the additional treatment needed is in a higher band, you’ll have to pay for the new NHS course of treatment. But once 2 months have passed after completing a course of treatment, you’ll have to pay the NHS charge band for any NHS dental treatment received.

Certain treatments (including lost items) are guaranteed for 12 months from the date they were completed. These are:

fillings
root fillings
inlays
porcelain veneers
crowns

Treatments provided under this guarantee must be similar or related to the original treatment, but they do not have to be like for like.

What if I need urgent dental treatment?

If you require urgent care, you’ll pay a Band 1 charge of £25.80. Most urgent treatments can be done in 1 appointment. Once your urgent course of treatment is complete, you may be advised to make another appointment for a separate course of non-urgent treatment.

Another popular way of dealing with dental emergencies is temporary tooth filling kits – you can buy them in pharmacies or even big supermarkets like Tesco to use at home. While they shouldn’t be used instead of the actual medical treatment, they may help you survive the waiting time!

When you do not have to pay for dental care

There’s no dental charge:

for denture repairs
to have stitches removed
if your dentist has to stop blood loss
if your dentist only has to write out a prescription – but if you pay for prescriptions, you’ll have to pay the usual prescription charge of £9.65

Referral to another dentist

If you’re referred to another dentist to complete your treatment, the amount you pay is dependent on the type of referral and whether the NHS treatment is carried out as 1 course of treatment. Your dentist will inform you how much you have to pay.

Getting eye care in London

Eye tests in London come at a cost for most adults, but specialised eye care, including hospital treatment, is free. Here’s how to navigate the eye care services available in the city, whether through the National Health Service (NHS) or private healthcare providers.

How to get an eye test

Eye tests can be conducted at high-street opticians like Boots or Specsavers for anything between £20 and £30. Many of them offer free NHS-funded eye tests, if you are eligible for them. You can book an appointment directly with an optician of your choice.

For extra £10- £15, you can get an OCT scan (optical coherence tomography), which helps identify various eye conditions and diseases like:

Glaucoma
Diabetic retinopathy
Detached retina
Age-related macular degeneration
Macular hole

If you have problems with your vision, an eye test with an OCT scan may be the first thing your GP would recommend before referring you to further specialist care.

Am I eligible for free NHS-funded eye tests?

Eligibility: Free NHS eye tests are available to specific groups, including people under 16 (or under 19 and in full-time education), those aged 60 and over, people with diabetes or glaucoma, and individuals at risk of glaucoma as advised by an eye doctor. Additionally, people on certain benefits or with an NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2) can also receive free eye tests.
How to Claim: When booking your eye test, inform the optician that you’re eligible for an NHS-funded test. You may need to show proof of eligibility, such as an NHS certificate or benefit entitlement letter.

Specialist eye care services

Referrals for Specialist Care: If your optician or GP identifies a need for specialist eye care, they can refer you to an ophthalmologist or eye clinic. This includes care for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Hospital Eye Services: For complex eye conditions requiring medical treatment or surgery, you’ll be referred to the hospital eye service. These services are covered by the NHS.

Children’s eye care

Children’s Vision Checks: Vision screening for children is typically conducted in schools at an early age to identify any issues that could affect their learning and development. If problems are detected, a referral to an NHS eye specialist will be made.
NHS Optical Vouchers: Children and young people under 19 and in full-time education are eligible for NHS optical vouchers, which help cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

Do I need a Private Medical Insurance?

If your employer doesn’t offer health insurance, you can buy a private medical insurance (PMI) plan to cover yourself and your family in London.

Pros:

Faster Access to Treatment: One of the biggest advantages of PMI is shorter waiting times for consultations, scans, and procedures compared to the NHS. With NHS, you can be waiting for weeks just to get an appointment. With insurance, you can get your concerns addressed in the next couple of days (sometimes even the next day, if you’re lucky!)
Choice and Control: With PMI, you often have more choice in selecting a consultant or specialist for your treatment. You can also choose a private hospital room for a more comfortable recovery experience.
Peace of Mind: Having PMI can provide peace of mind knowing you have access to private healthcare if needed. This can be particularly valuable if you have a pre-existing medical condition or a family history of health concerns.
Additional Benefits: Some PMI plans offer additional benefits like dental, optical, and mental health coverage, which can be helpful for maintaining overall well-being.

Cons:

Cost: PMI plans can be expensive, especially for comprehensive plans with shorter waiting times. The cost can increase significantly with age, pre-existing conditions, and the number of people covered.
Not a Replacement for NHS: PMI doesn’t replace the NHS. It typically doesn’t cover emergency care or pre-existing conditions within a certain timeframe (often 2-5 years).
Limited Coverage: Read the fine print carefully. Some plans might exclude specific treatments or procedures, so ensure your needs are covered before purchasing.

How much does private medical insurance cost?

General Cost Range:

Basic Plans: With limited coverage and longer waiting times, basic PMI plans for a single adult in London might range from £50-£80 per month.
Mid-Tier Plans: These plans offer a balance of coverage and affordability, potentially costing £80-£150 per month. They might have shorter waiting times for some procedures and cover more services than basic plans.
Comprehensive Plans: Offering the most extensive coverage and shortest waiting times, these plans can cost £150+ per month. They might include private hospital rooms, consultant choice, and cover a wider range of treatments.

Important Notes:

These are just estimated ranges. The actual cost of your PMI plan will depend on the factors mentioned above.
It’s crucial to get quotes from different PMI providers to compare prices and coverage details.
Be mindful of policy exclusions and waiting periods before finalising your choice.

How to choose your medical insurance provider

There are a number of online resources you can study before contacting insurance providers for quotes.

Do your own research. Start with a health insurance guide by Which? – a website with useful everyday advice and provider ratings.
Consider speaking to a broker. If you haven’t dealt with private medical insurance before, it may be tricky to pick one by yourself – especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. In this case, you might consider speaking to brokers – for example:

How does private medical insurance work in UK?

The exact procedure for getting medical help with your medical insurance can vary slightly depending on your specific plan and provider, but here’s a general breakdown of the usual steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention: In-Network vs. Out-of-Network:

In-Network: If you choose to use your PMI, it’s generally recommended to seek treatment from a consultant or hospital within your insurance provider’s network. This ensures smoother communication and potentially faster claim processing.
- Check your network list: Your insurance provider should have a network list of hospitals and consultants you can access.

Out-of-Network (Potentially More Complex): While some plans might allow out-of-network treatment, it can be more complex and might not be reimbursed at the same rate as in-network providers.
- Check coverage details: Carefully review your plan documents to understand coverage and reimbursement rates for out-of-network treatment.

3. Pre-approval (Optional, Check Your Plan):

Some insurance plans, particularly for specific treatments, might require pre-approval before you receive them. This verifies if the treatment is covered by your plan and avoids any unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Contact your provider to inquire about pre-approval procedures if applicable to your plan.

4. Receiving Treatment:

Once you’ve identified a suitable consultant or hospital (in-network or following pre-approval if needed), schedule your appointment and receive treatment.

5. Payment (Depends on Your Plan):

Reimbursement (Most Common): In most cases, you’ll likely need to pay for the treatment upfront at the hospital or clinic.
Direct Settlement (Less Common): Some plans, particularly for in-network providers, might offer direct settlement where the PMI provider settles the bill directly with the hospital (you might only pay excess fees).
Refer to your plan details to understand your financial responsibility at the time of treatment.

6. Claim Submission (Reimbursement Scenario):

If your plan requires reimbursement, keep all receipts and relevant medical records.
Submit a claim to your PMI provider following their claim submission process (online portal, mail, etc.).
The provider will review your claim based on your plan coverage and limitations.

7. Reimbursement (Reimbursement Scenario):

Upon claim approval, you’ll receive reimbursement for the covered portion of the cost, typically deposited into your bank account.

Pro tip: Most medical providers typically reimburse your costs after the treatment. But first, you’ll need to pay for them out of your own pocket. That’s why it’s typically advisable to keep at least £5000 in your bank account for health emergencies (unless you choose to use NHS, which is still free). Worth noting that same applies to pet insurance!

Most popular medical insurance providers

Here’s a list of some of the most popular PMI providers in the UK, along with their website links:

Disclaimer: This list is not exhaustive and the popularity of these providers can vary depending on factors like location and individual needs. It’s always recommended to conduct your own research and compare plans from different providers to find the best fit for your situation.

Exclusions and limitations of private medical insurance

Pre-existing Conditions: Most PMI plans exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions for a set period (often 2-5 years). This means they won’t cover treatment related to those conditions until the exclusion period has passed. Be upfront about your medical history when applying for PMI to avoid claim denials.
Specific Treatments: Some plans might have limitations or exclusions for specific treatments (e.g., cosmetic surgery, certain mental health conditions). Always check the details of your plan to understand what’s covered.
Maternity Care: Coverage for maternity care can vary depending on the plan. Some might offer comprehensive cover, while others might have limitations or require additional premiums.
Premiums Can Increase: PMI premiums can increase over time, especially as you age or if you make claims. Be prepared for potential cost adjustments when renewing your plan.
Renewals and Medical History: During policy renewals, your PMI provider might ask for updates on your medical history. Any changes could affect your premium or even your coverage.