Ever wondered how much you’ve cost the National Health Service (NHS)?
From broken bones to missed appointments, the costs add up. Let’s explore how to calculate your NHS expenses.
What is the NHS?
The NHS provides high-quality healthcare to UK residents, improving mental and physical health throughout their lives. Its central administration budget for England was £608 million in 2022/23.
Calculating Your NHS Costs
In 2017, “The Bill of Health” tool was created to help you calculate your NHS expenses. Simply:
- Open The Bill of Health tool
- Enter your data
- Press calculate
You’ll see your total NHS costs, including:
- GP appointments (£41.35-£45)
- Prescriptions (£41.35-£45)
- 999 calls (£64.59)
- Childbirth (caesarean section: almost £1,800 more than natural birth)
Most Expensive NHS Procedures
As life expectancy increases, surgery becomes more likely. The top three most expensive NHS procedures are:
- Complex brain surgery for children (£40,936) and adults (£22,469)
- Bilateral cochlear implants (£37,904)
- Complex spinal deformity correction (£35,106)
Is the NHS Free?
Most healthcare is free, but exceptions include:
- Prescriptions
- Dental care
- Eye care
- Wigs and fabric support
Some patients are exempt from these costs, including those with prescription prepayment certificates or exemption certificates. Check the NHS website to see if you’re eligible.
Find Out Your Contribution
Input your annual salary into The Bill of Health tool to discover how much you contribute to the NHS each year.
Now, is curiosity satisfied? Calculate your NHS costs and explore the tool to learn more about the NHS’s expenses.