NHS as a tourist

[fozzie 41]

Maybe this thread should conentrate on home remedies to avoid us draining the NHS when we are not legally entitled to it

[Gemmie 142]

This isn't really about the NHS entitlement, but I once had an experience that US healthcare really helped with.

I woke up and couldn't hear anything apart from my own footsteps. I took myself down to the walk-in clinic (do you know how hard it is to interact with them when you can't hear a thing??) and the nurse told me to use olive oil for 2 weeks. Hydrogen Peroxide is apparently the instant way to clear blocked ears but the UK had banned it because of terrorists!

I went to the US the following day (flying and going through the border with broken ears was fun) and went to the doctor and he instantly cleared them out, and I was able to use the peroxide to my hearts content. They did charge me $75 but I could actually hear my husband's voice.

[amykathleen2005 441]

Maybe this thread should conentrate on home remedies to avoid us draining the NHS when we are not legally entitled to it

Actually as a student I was entitled to it, however I had just gotten there did not have my official registration yet.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

On a slightly related note, I found my old plastic NI Number card the other day. I don't believe they even give those out anymore -- it's an antique!

[Boiler 44,927]

My one is brown card.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

I've always found it a bit "interesting" how some Brits want to move to the US but want to retain the right to ####### back home for the Good Old NHS.

Not saying that I blame them, mind you.

I think the NHS is one factor a Brit should consider thoughtfully in any decision to move abroad, especially when moving to the US. It's easy when you are young, healthy and madly in love to ditch the NHS and move willy-nilly for the paved-gold streets of the US. But when you hit your first major medical emergency in the US, you might be longing for Old Blighty.

Just sayin'.

[Boiler 44,927]

I think a lot of people expect to go back in their dotage.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

I think a lot of people expect to go back in their dotage.

That would be a fine plan except a serious uninsured (or under insured) illness in the US can financially decimate you at any age.

[Boiler 44,927]

Do not carry ID. Especially ssn.