Can tourists access the national health care system in the United Kingdom?

[gordianot]

I have never traveled to Europe and my daughter is scheduled to tour England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in March. The question came up this weekend and my response was in an emergency I think it might be possible.

In the 70's an acquaintance went to England and developed a severe rash. She was told to go to a clinic but insisted on seeing a private physician. The physician looked at her did not have a clue and sent her back to the clinic. One of the physicians worked in the United States and thought it might be poison ivy took pictures called the embassy confirmed the diagnosis and provided free treatment.

My response to my daughter this is what civilized countries do. Is this how it still works?

[flamingdem]

1. I did but it was a long time ago

no charge at all. The Dr. was a bit creepy however.

[Cleita]

2. They won't turn you away and I've read stories here on DU that people weren't

even charged although they were supposed to be and when they were it was very little.

[gordianot]

3. That is good to know, if the situation were reversed I would not want to get sick in America. n/t

[jberryhill]

4. When was the last time you saw this headline...

"Wounded US tourist left to bleed to death on Edinburgh street"

If you correctly answered "never", then I hope your daughter has as much fun as everyone else who visits.

[gordianot]

5. Ron Paul is a uniquely American barbarian.

Republicans would stone the good Samaritan.

[SoCalDem]

6. They treat anyone who needs treatment...and often there is ZERO charged.

[eridani]

7. Accident patch-ups yes

Organ transplants no.

[davidpdx]

8. I think the same would probably be true in Korea if you came here and stayed less than 30 days

You could apply for insurance and then pay for the copay and they won't charge you for the premium (which isn't that much like $60).

[Violet_Crumble]

9. Why wouldn't yr daughter just get travel insurance?

That way if something goes wrong, she's covered instead of taking a gamble that could leave her thousands of dollars out of pocket..

The UK doesn't have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the US, which means that US citizens can't access the UK healthcare system while they're there. I could access it while I was there, but I still took out travel insurance anyway...

Here's some info on the agreement and which countries have them...

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/NonEEAcountries/Pages/Non-EEAcountries.aspx