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for three months costs £29.10 and for 12 months it’s £104. Sexual health If you get a prescription from your doctor for contraception, it’s entirely free. As is the morningafter pill if you get it prescribed or visit A&E or a sexual health centre. Or you can buy it over the counter from pharmacies from about £25. Women over 25 who are sexually active are recommended to have a smear test every three years, which is also free. These are usually carried out by a nurse. If you want a sexual health test, visit a sexual health clinic – find your nearest one at nhs.uk. The perfect smile So now you know how to deal with anything that’s up with your body, make sure you’ve got your teeth covered. Some dentists are registered with the National Health Service, but these aren’t free; you’ll still need to pay a fraction of your treatment costs.
BE NICE Good manners help you get the best health service. At the doctor’s surgery, remember you’re not the only sick person there. It can take a while to see a GP, but it’s not the receptionist’s fault, so don’t take it out on them. A polite manner and friendly smile might get you seen by the duty doctor if you’re feeling really ill.
Waiting lists are notoriously long, but you can find NHS dentists in your area by calling NHS Direct or visiting their website. If waiting lists are long, there are plenty of private dentists around, but they can be pricey. If you’re brave, you can get yourself an appointment at a dental school for free. The students are supervised by qualified dentists and this is available nationwide, offered by hospitals such as Guy’s in Southwark, London. Hospital treatment The UK’s network of hospitals is extensive, and free treatment on
the NHS is available to anyone living in the country – so being injured shouldn’t ruin you. This extends to all treatment you receive, from X-rays and tests to surgery. You also won’t be surprised with an ambulance bill if you have to call one out in an emergency – they’re also free on the NHS. Private healthcare Some employers offer their staff private health and dental care as a perk. Otherwise, they may give you access to subsidised health benefits, which can take the form of a private health policy. Alternatively, you can buy regular medical insurance through a variety of providers that’ll cover you for quick private treatment at varying degrees of cover. Your employer may also subsidise a health cash plan, or you can join one independently for medical, dental and optical care. These let you reclaim part of the costs of treatment.
An ambulance; left NHS treatment is free to those living in the UK
[Caption] TNTMAGAZINE.COM
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