How coverage works here: United Kingdom.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · Canada · Australia.

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How coverage works here: United Kingdom

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/how-coverage-works-here

This sheet explains how health care gets paid for, in general and where you live. It is general information, not medical advice or advice on choosing a plan.

Four ways care gets paid for

A public system, paid for through taxes.
Public programs for particular groups.
Insurance, through work or bought yourself.
Paying yourself at the point of care.

The words

Premium: what you pay to be covered.
Deductible or excess: what you pay before cover starts.
Co-payment or coinsurance: your share of each visit or prescription.
Out-of-pocket cost: anything you pay yourself.

Before you get care, ask

Is this covered, and is anything not?
Do I need a referral or a particular provider?
What will I pay, and does anything need approval first?

Stay safe

If it might be an emergency, call the emergency number first.
Real programs don’t cold-call to sell cover or ask for your details.
Check anything you’re unsure about on the official sites below.

In the United Kingdom

GP care is free to everyone. In England, anyone can register with a GP surgery and see a GP free of charge. You don’t need ID, proof of address or proof of immigration status to register.
Emergency care. A&E services, walk-in centres, minor injuries units and urgent care centres are free to everyone in England, including overseas visitors, though care after being admitted to hospital may be charged for people who are not entitled.
Hospital care depends on residence. Other hospital care in England is free to people who are “ordinarily resident” in the UK. Overseas visitors may be charged for it, though some groups are exempt, and people who have paid the immigration health surcharge may be exempt from charges for some services.
Some things have a charge. In England, most working-age adults pay a charge for each prescription item, and patients often pay towards NHS dental care and eye care. NHS prescriptions in Scotland and Wales are free.
Help with health costs. Some people get free NHS prescriptions automatically, for example if they are under 16 or aged 60 or over, or get certain benefits. People on a low income can apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme for full or partial help.

Official places to check:

NHS (England): www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery
Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (GOV.UK): www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-entitlements-migrant-health-guide
NHS Business Services Authority: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs
NHS Business Services Authority: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/free-nhs-prescriptions
NHS (England): www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/when-you-need-to-pay-towards-nhs-care
NHS (England): www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/how-coverage-works-here