"Free" Medical Treatment

JoJo wondered about medical/dental charges in the UK, thinking they were free. Not any more, not for most of use. At least, not all of them.

Medical treatment remains free. I can go to the doctor or the hospital and not incur any charges. If I need a prescription I have to pay (not sure of the exact amout, but around £6.75 per item). If I were under 18, on benefits, or of pensionable age, they would be free. In fact, for such people, everything is free. But there are some things that, if you want more than the basics, you have to pay extra for.

I pay for eye examinations, and I buy good glasses with quality lenses. I pay for dental examinations, and for treatment, though the prices are not extortionate. But when it comes to things like crowns, as with glasses, you pay more for better quality items. I could have bought a National Health Service porcelain crown for £180. There were various grades up to the best at £350, which of course I paid, as it was the first molar from the front.

On the otherhand, when I had my hip replacement, absolutely everything was free, from first x-ray, through the hospital stay and operation, to the drugs I needed post-surgery to home nurse visits to change dressings, to physiotherapy, right up to the insert they put in my shoes to rectify my leg length discrepancy. (only 2 pairs a year, though, and I'm told they pay £100 pair to the company that does it).

Of course, I pay for all this through my taxes, but it seems to me that it's worth every penny.

As long as you don't get MRSA...