Health & Medical in the UK

The UK is not that much different from Australia when it comes to health standards. If you are a citizen of a commonwealth country you will receive the same duty of care in a hospital as you would expect in your home country.

The UKs National Health Service is  worth visiting so you know what kind of information is available to you. NHS Health and Medical info

If you're travelling to the UK either to start a working holiday like myself or just as a tourist, do yourself a favour and put this telephone number in to your mobile right now

0845 4647  (NHS national advice line non-emergencies).

For Emergency services, ie Police, Fire and Ambulance dial 999 (this number is a free call)

The United Kingdom has a reciprocal health care arrangement with many countries including, Australia and New Zealand. Meaning you can expect the same level of treatment in the UK as you would expect back home. Not just emergency care.

For the full list of countries participating in the reciprocal health care agreement click here

The UK offers free emergency treatment in the Accident & Emergency department of the hospital to everyone, regardless of nationality or how long you've been in the country. So if you break a leg snowboarding, you'll be repaired at no cost (except the cost of associated medication).

You will be treated for free at a hospital or by a GP if you are considered to be 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, that is for all terms and purposes you work and live in the UK - you must be employed to fit this category.

For females, this means you will also be eligible to receive family planning advice and access to the contraceptive pill through a GP (family doctor)

For all this health and medical information, plus more regarding overseas visitors to the UK check out the UKs Department of Health website