I've just had an operation and luckily we had private healthcare, otherwise i would probably still be waiting for the operation. It does cost and i see the same surgeon as i would if it was NHS, it's just at a private hospital and had the op quicker.
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This is confusing me. One argument here is that private insurance would not be needed. The idea is to have it all under one system.
This is confusing me. One argument here is that private insurance would not be needed. The idea is to have it all under one system.
I'm in scotland and my healthcare is good. If its an emergency I can be seen almost straight away or my doctor will come to the house. As for just a regular appointment you can usually get an appointment the same day with any doctor or if you want a particular doctor you may have to wait for a couple of days. Our prescription charges are just £5 although all children and senior citizens ones are free. We also get free eye test.
The NHS is really good as no matter how much money you have, or don't have, you still get the same healthcare with no worries of how you are going to pay for it.
Private insurance isn't needed in the UK but it's always an option. We have private health insurance provided by my DH's employer and it has been a godsend for dealing with certain health issues that have required swift resolution but aren't prioritised by the NHS.
However, on a day-to-day basis we use the NHS and see a local GP (general practitioner) for minor healthcare issues...
This is the same as us. When DH was self employed and we didn't have private cover we also paid on an adhoc basis for some Heamatology tests to be rushed through when I was pregnant.
We have a wonderful GP surgery, they always see the children the same day and I've never waited more than 24hours for an appointment.
I think the issues arise when health care is needed on an elective basis, generally the emergency services and operations are run well, it's when waiting lists complicate things that the NHS let down it's clients. I also think outpatient services could always be improved.
My DD is having a Tonsiloctomy at a local private hospital on Monday as the waiting list for this on the NHS is months and months, she is suffering so regularly with it this winter that we want it resolved quickly, if we use private healthcare we can choose a day during school holiday thus minimising her time off school too.
I'm in scotland and my healthcare is good. If its an emergency I can be seen almost straight away or my doctor will come to the house. QUOTE]
That's surprising to hear. House calls here have gone the way of the horse drawn carriage. It is either go to the doctor or emergency room.
This is confusing me. One argument here is that private insurance would not be needed. The idea is to have it all under one system.
I don't think house calls are that common anymore, I know here the doctors don't do them as much and will say go to a drop in centre if it is an emergency. They does seem to be an increase of drop in centres in south manchester lately.