This is kind of a reverse post as usually I see this question about USA Healthcare. I have a possible opportunity to move to London for work in the near future. However, two things I am hesitant about is that my salary will be significantly less and needing good healthcare as I have a chronic illness I need to be monitored for. I am not familiar about UK Healthcare system and would like to learn more.
I have it good compared to others who post here regarding health insurance. My insurance only costs me $130 a month and my out of pocket is nominal. The most I will spend a year is $3500 and that is only if I need a surgery or am hospitalized. That money is also set aside each year in a pre-tax account so I never have to worry about coming up with the funds.
I have a chronic illness and one of my biggest fears is having to wait long time to get in to see the specialist. Currently, I do not have that issue now. I can see any doctor or gets any diagnostic test needed with very short notice. Recently, I needed an MRI and got it within 72 hours. Last year I needed a colonoscopy and from seeing the specialist to the procedure was 1 week.
Can someone explain how it works in with NHS? I would have access to private insurance there as well but my reading online it looks like that anything pre-existing or chronic must go through NHS. (Please let me know if this is an incorrect statement)
Finally, my medication costs over 10K a month (No I don't spend that) It costs me $5 for a three month supply with a coupon the manufacturer supplies me. Not sure how specialty medication works with NHS. If I emigrate and it takes a while to see a specialist I will not be able to get my medication which would stop me from being in remission.
I would love to move to the UK but trying to figure out if I can with my medical issues and it not be disrupt my current treatment. I read online the wait times to see a specialist or get a test done is pretty long. Additionally, the few people I know from the UK are not fans of the healthcare system and some have shocking stories about not getting proper diagnosis or treatment in a timely manner.
TDLR: Tr