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