Youshutup wrote:
I take "universal check-ups" to mean you can go for a doctor's appointment, a regular check-up (that it's recommended you do every 6 months, right?) for free. But can't you already? Do over 40s have to pay now or does this mean something different?
At the moment it's only a "right" for over 75s.
I can't imagine a GP turning down anyone who asks for a check-up, but there isn't currently a specification for what needs checking unless you're old and smelly.
Although you're young and sprightly, if you ask your GP to give you a once-over (BP, BMI, prostate, respiratory function, cholesterol etc.), she or he will almost certainly oblige. Ask for one every week, he'll tell you to Foxtrot Oscar, but 6-monthly - not a bad idea.
Nobody has to pay for healthcare in the UK unless they're from outside the European Union, and even then, emergency treatment (trauma, fracture, sudden onset illness) is free to any visitor to our shores. Non-EU folk would have to pay for any subsequent medication, non-emergency surgery or inpatient care.
So it's sort of a sound bite, except that promoting regular check-ups for over-40s and making it an explicit 'right' could really help our preventive care.
Nice move, IMHO.