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.
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, expats 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 this additional cost. Some expats do choose to use private healthcare to skip the waiting periods characteristic of the public sector. If planning to use private healthcare, it is recommended that expats invest in good comprehensive health insurance.
In the case of a medical emergency (where someone is seriously ill or injured) an ambulance should be called on 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.
Useful links
- Visit the NHS Inform website to learn more about the system
- For more on healthcare in the country, see Healthcare in the UK.
Public hospitals in Edinburgh
Leith Community Treatment Centre
Website: www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Address: 12 Junction Place
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Website: www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Address: 51 Little France Crescent
Royal Hospital for Children and Young People
Website: www.children.nhslothian.scot
Address: 50 Little France Crescent
Western General Hospital
Website: www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Address: Crewe Road South
Private hospitals in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Clinic
Website: www.edinburghclinic.com
Address: 40 Colinton Road
Spire Murrayfield Hospital
Website: www.spirehealthcare.com
Address: 122 Corstorphine Road
Spire Shawfair Park Hospital
Website: www.spirehealthcare.com
Address: 10 Easter Shawfair
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance.
Medical insurance specifically designed for expats. With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider.
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