This was the most shocking experience I’ve had yet 😳

We here in the UK are quick to complain about the NHS, because we take it for granted Sometimes stories of experiences of the NHS from visitors from abroad are needed to remind us of what we have, and how lucky we are

Sadly it's also part of the problem, far too many 'new arrivals' are abusing our NHS system and travelling here to get medical treatment for free because they can't get it in their own country but then staying here, also for free

girlfriend came over and missed her flight back, aher asthma medications had near enough run out, had to take her to a&e, went in and they gave her exactly what she needed she got a normal inhaler a rescue inhaler and some vials for her breathing mask and paid £9.90 her face 😱

That's why the NHS is not fit for purpose. Anyone can use it but only the working British pay for it

Americans often belittle the NHS but almost every one of them who travels here and uses it comes away feeling like this I'd imagine most British people who go to America, have mild food poisoning and come home £129,000 in debt to HealthCorp don't have the same fondness for it

The people who will make the point about the NHS not being perfect (it hasn't been in a great state for a few decades now) and who talk only about the taxation element really do miss the central point here: Our grandparents, a few generations ago, after 1945, made an unbelievably amazing step forward in terms of the *humaneness* of our society. They achieved an unbelievably beautiful thing. They set a floor which basically nobody in the UK need fall below in health terms. It's simply astounding. (I'm a two time kidney transplantee. The NHS has saved my life multiple times).

Read a fellow American called Rob Delaney's book, who was living in Britain and sadly lost his little boy due to a brain tumour. The love from the staff at the hospital where he went through numerous operations is the saddest read ever.

It’s not free- we the taxpayers have to pay for it! We pay for the whole world to get treated and then when we need it - it’s not there! 8 weeks I had to wait for a gp appointment!!!

I’m really pleased that the NHS looked after you. I just wish they’d do the same for me as a Brit ….. with left ventricular heart failure and associated kidney failure.

This can stir up a big debate about whether we should charge non-UK taxpayers to use the NHS. I had a horrible (& expensive) experience on a visit to LA one time. US seem happy to let people suffer until they see their credit card. Land of the 'free'..? 🤬 Glad you’re OK buddy.

This is something that we should be rightfully proud of and yet, inexplicably, some people would vote for a party who wants to move to an American style insurance based system. Why would anyone think that was a good idea….. unless of course you could make some money from it???

Really glad you are ok. The NHS has its problems but to me it is the greatest asset we have and I will fight tooth & nail to keep it that way. Take care.

But you should have been charged. NHS is duty bound to reclaim the cost of any interventions if not a UK resident.

Only initial A&E is “ free “ So any fecker booking a flight to seek an operation, I’d cancel if I were you.

I slipped and hurt my back on holiday at the Marriott in Florida. The hotel insisted I book an appointment with the hospital and gave me a letter saying that they would cover the bill. I had an x ray and got checked over. Doctor said I’d pulled a muscle in my lower back and gave me a prescription for painkillers. The hospital contacted me 3 weeks after I got back home to sign a form confirming I’d been treated by them so Marriott will pay them. The bill was over $5000 !!

keep in mind. a&e free for non admited patience for everybody. but you will be charged (depending on visa) if your admited for your health care. but it cost nothing like america health cost. so much lower.

I know bro. People literally come here on holiday to give birth.

I am from Au. I got drunk and fell over in SFA, someone called an ambulance. I was fine and the ambulance people said I must go with them. It cost over 5k US and they chased me down for payment. I had to get a loan.

Trouble is they’ll treat you and the rest of the world. Us natives get to pay for you in the meantime we get to be at the back of the queue. I’m not bitter, get it while you can.

This isn't exclusive to the UK either. It's like this in three other countries I've lived in - Spain, the Netherlands and Australia. I've never been given a bill at any hospital I have ever had treatment in. I can't imagine it any other way. Americans should be revolting!

Crazy is the word. The NHS is funded by taxation. That means I paid for my doctor to see you. I've had to go private for my heart operations because the waiting lists for even basic tests are many, many months. But I PAID for MY NHS. And the whole world gets to use it. Not me.

@adam_r21 You will be billed btw, but it’ll be hundreds rather than tens of thousands, and your travel insurance should cover it. Hope you’re feeling better soon!

Believe me that the tax payers of the UK also are also mind blown. This is especially because our NHS is screwed and if we go abroad we have to have insurance or pay out of pocket. Which I have done including in the USA.

That's the difference between a civilised country and America.

As an English person, sometimes I moan about the NHS but I know I shouldn’t. I went to the GP with some side pain under my ribs as a previous BC sufferer, my GP organised and ultra sound and an x-ray within 2 days! No bill obviously. We are indeed blessed and should remember this

No offence to you, but thats why people like my mate was sat in A&E for 19 hours with chest pain. Why an old boy I know phoned an ambulance at 4:30pm with a bleeding head injury and it arrived 11am the nextday. Millions of foreigners our resources every year, and we lose out.

It's not free British people work hard to pay for foreigners free health care.

The Gammons are gonna have a meltdown about this. Only half a meltdown though cos you’re not brown

@PaulReeceHam I’m glad you were seen and everything was ok. We love our NHS. Although it has declined over recent years, it’s still accessible by all who needs it. Of course there are some that abuse it and there always will be, sadly.

Surprised you didn't have a 12 hour wait.

Glad you had a great experience dude. Nhs is up and down but its ups beat the downs

How long did you have to wait to be seen though?

Ye exactly Incredible for you But when my taxes are going to every foreigner (third worlders) who wants to come use the nhs, it’s destroying the nhs I am glad you got sorted tho !!