Name:   phil - Subject:   Responding to the wrong post again Date:   9/19/2022 5:12:38 PM

**Universal / Free

Also the Universal health insurance is mostly for residents, and some agreements with other countries who have a similar health insurance setup - not for Mr. Illegal, No insurance just walk in off the street and demand free coverage, or even a tourist.  

Since 23 October 2017, all NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts must record when a person is an overseas visitor. All overseas visitors will be charged 150% of the cost of NHS treatment for any care they receive, unless they are exempt from charges for NHS hospital treatment.

Approximately 12% of UK residents hold private coverage. Many people who hold private coverage in the UK do so as part of an employee benefits package. The main benefits of private insurance include reduced waiting times and more comfortable and private facilities.

Who is Eligible for Coverage in the UK?

Anyone who is legally residing in the United Kingdom is entitled to free NHS healthcare. You do not have to be a British citizen or employed to be part of the system. Also, the UK has a number of reciprocal healthcare agreements with other countries, including New Zealand and Australia. As well, EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card can be treated in the UK at no cost.

As a visitor to the United Kingdom, you can be treated in a UK hospital with an emergency room, regardless of whether or not you have an NHS number. However, you will be required to pay for the cost of your treatment after the fact. Therefore, it is important for tourists and other short term visitors to carry travel medical insurance to cover the cost of medical emergencies