Medical services in the UK vs US

Having been in the US for a couple of months now, and with the healthcare debate still raging, I thought I’d post about the differences I’ve found between America and the United Kingdom in terms of health services. One of the first questions I received as an English person at SUNY Albany was from a student wanting to clear up if the NHS and public healthcare meant there were “death panels” in the UK which decided who lived and who died when resources ran out to take care of everyone. This sounds like something out of a horror movie and I’m pleased to say it is not the case! In fact, getting access to medical services in the UK is simple and free of charge for all full time students on courses over 6 months long. Even transferring to health services in the States from the UK has been pretty straightforward.

For Americans travelling to England the process is really straightforward. Students may choose to complete a physical before they travel, in the same way as British travelling students, and some universities like UAlbany even offer an overseas insurance package. An important bonus of studying in the UK is that all full time students studying for more than 6 months get free access to NHS services. Once in Nottingham you will need to sign up to the university’s on-campus health services at Cripps Medical Centre. Further information can be found on the Cripps website, where you can also book appointments and request repeat prescriptions once you’re registered: http://www.unhs.co.uk/

When going to Albany (this is similar for other American/Canadian universities as well) a health insurance package is supplied by the university to be bought by international students which covers you in case of illness or injury. There is also a form to fill out and proof of certain vaccinations and inoculations are necessary from your doctor prior to travel. As well as this, an optional full body physical can be taken in America or with one’s own doctor before departing for Albany. This costs a bit more and is only really necessary when playing sport for the university. Once everything is filled out and paid for you receive an insurance card which must be presented if you go to hospital or need medication (insurance also covers payment for some prescription drugs and over the counter medication). It’s all very simple.

Obviously there is a bit of paperwork on both sides but this is not difficult to sort. Overall both universities are very helpful concerning medical services and work to make sure any accidents or illnesses do not ruin your experience abroad.