Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The National Health Service (NHS) is a publicly funded healthcare system in the United Kingdom that provides medical services to all residents, regardless of their ability to pay.
Related terms
Universal Healthcare: A system where healthcare services are provided to all citizens of a country, regardless of their income or social status.
Single-Payer System: A healthcare system where a single entity, usually the government, is responsible for financing and managing healthcare services.
Publicly Funded Healthcare: Healthcare services that are paid for by taxes and provided by the government to its citizens.