Expats will have numerous options for private and public healthcare in Edinburgh. Public sector services are provided by the National Health Service (NHS) Scotland. All citizens and residents are eligible for enrolment in this system, funded through deductions from salaries. In short, no payment is required for doctor or hospital visits, though expats on certain visas may be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access NHS care.
The NHS is generally efficient and provides high-quality care, but waiting times may be long. Upon finding accommodation in Edinburgh, expats will need to register with a local general practitioner. Once registered, they will be given an NHS number.
Private healthcare is also available, though it can be expensive, and the superb standard of complimentary public care leads many expats to forego it. Some expats do choose to use private healthcare to skip the waiting periods characteristic of the public sector. Expats planning to use private healthcare should invest in comprehensive health insurance, as costs are high.
In the case of a medical emergency (where someone is seriously ill or injured), call 999. If medical attention or advice is needed in a non-life-threatening instance, 111 can be dialled instead.
Ambulances called on the national number will take the patient to the nearest NHS hospital. Once the patient has been examined, they may be sent to another hospital specialising in their particular ailment. This may be a public or private hospital, but as long as the initial hospital was an NHS hospital, the NHS will pay for the treatment regardless.
Healthcare in the United Kingdom
Useful links
Public hospitals in Edinburgh
Leith Community Treatment Centre
Website: www.nhslothian.scot
Address: 12 Junction Place, EH6 5JQ
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Website: www.nhslothian.scot
Address: 51 Little France Crescent, EH16 4SA
Royal Hospital for Children and Young People
Website: www.children.nhslothian.scot
Address: 50 Little France Crescent, EH16 4TJ
Western General Hospital
Website: www.nhslothian.scot
Address: Crewe Road South, EH4 2XU
Private hospitals in Edinburgh
Nuffield Health General Hospital
Website: www.nuffieldhealth.com
Address: 40 Colinton Road, EH10 5BT
Spire Murrayfield Hospital
Website: www.spirehealthcare.com
Address: 122 Corstorphine Road, EH12 6UD
Spire Shawfair Park Hospital
Website: www.spirehealthcare.com
Address: 10 Easter Shawfair, EH22 1FE