National Health Insurance The United Kingdom

National Health Insurance The United Kingdom

National Health Insurance The United Kingdom

Introduction to National Health Insurance The United Kingdom

The British system of national health insurance, comprising social security and the National Health Service, was thoroughly reorganized after World War II and is one of the most comprehensive systems in operation. National health insurance is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and Social Security, which administers the payment of cash benefits for sickness and maternity. All employed and self-employed people up to the age of 65 are eligible for benefits, and the funds for the program are derived from weekly contributions by employers and employees. Sickness benefits are payable up to pensionable age if a sufficient number of weekly contributions have been made. Maternity benefits include weekly allowances, before and after confinement, to women who ordinarily work, as well as certain cash grants.

The National Health Service administers the National Health Service Act, which went into effect in 1948. The cost of the program is met largely from public funds. Benefits, which are of unlimited duration, include hospital services, general medical services outside of hospitals, and local health services. Hospital services are provided in general and special hospitals, for inpatient, outpatient, and day-patient care, including the services of specialists. General medical services include those of general practitioners and dental, pharmaceutical, and ophthalmic services. The local health services include maternity and child-welfare services, domiciliary nursing care, aftercare, immunization, and some mental-health services.

A person may use all the facilities of the National Health Service, or only a part of the service. He or she may, for example, make private arrangements with a practitioner for medical care and apply for free hospitalization. Practitioners are not required to participate in the program. Those who participate and work outside of hospitals receive a fee for each patient as well as a basic practice allowance. Participating physicians may also engage in private practice. Almost all of the hospitals in Britain are administered by the National Health Service.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

  • Information about National Health Insurance The United Kingdom in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia
  • Guide to National Health Insurance The United Kingdom


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