Medical costs in the UK

[pennygates]

Although it is generally thought that we get all our treatment for free in the UK, it is often not recognised that the NHS is funded by everyone via taxes , and National Insurance Contributions. We pay for it , as Priti Patel, a politician, recently pointed out.

[Pippins2]

The correct terminology apparently is "free at the point of access "

[pennygates in reply to Pippins2]

Yes that's correct Pippins2. I think many people from overseas are led to believe that we don't 'pay' for our medical costs. But we do it indirectly via taxation (80%) and National Insurance (20%) towards the NHS. If people don't pay tax, or NI contributions, for many different reasons, their costs are covered by the NHS, which is right and fair.

[Gmc54]

yes, and I always shudder when governments speak of reducing taxes. They think it is a vote catcher........... but, you get what you pay for in this world. Don't get me started!!!!!!