The UK is home to the world-famous National Health Service and a growing private healthcare sector

• Public sector care
  • The National Health Service (NHS) is the main provider of healthcare in the UK. Founded in 1948, it is state-funded and encompasses hospitals, doctors, dentists, opticians, pharmacies, walk-in centres and emergency services.
  • Find out if you are entitled to free or subsidised NHS treatment
• Private sector care
  • There are numerous private healthcare organisations in the UK, from private hospitals and consultants to counsellors and psychotherapists.
    Find out more about London-based practitioners
• Emergency Services
  • UK emergency services span medical, eye and dental treatment, minor accidents and injuries and first aid
  • The NHS also delivers health information through NHS Direct — a confidential telephone and web-based service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • The NHS runs a number of 'walk-in' centres providing advice, information and treatment for minor illnesses
  • The NHS runs 'accident and emergency' (A&E) departments for treating cases of serious injury and illness.