NHS UK eligibility - the truth?

1 hour ago, partington said:

You should read the actual conditions before trying to be ironic.  

 

The charges refer to non-emergency pre-planned care only:

A& E means accident and emergency, and is specifically defined as being free to all, so you not daring to visit the UK in case you have an accident or emergency during a visit might be considered a bit inappropriate.

If you can be treated at a GP or A&E, well and good. Once you are admitted to a ward you are likely to be charged unless you can prove residence, if they ask you. I know of a resident of Canada who still had a flat in the UK, which he decided to sell, so he went over to do a bit of decoration - fell off a ladder and had a spell in hospital. He was unwise enough to mention that he lived in Canada, and they hit him with a bill for £30,000.