National Health Services (NHS)

Definition

The National Health Services (NHS) is a publicly funded healthcare system in the United Kingdom that provides medical services free at point-of-use for all residents.

Analogy

Think of it as having access to a giant buffet where you can eat as much as you want without paying individually for each item. In this case, healthcare services are available to everyone without requiring payment for each visit or treatment.

Related terms

Universal Healthcare: A healthcare system that provides medical services to all citizens regardless of their ability to pay.

Publicly funded: Financed by the government using taxpayer money rather than private payments.

Point-of-use: Refers to receiving healthcare services at the time and place they are needed without additional costs.