Here's a link to the NHS (National Health Service), Kathy. It provides a link to the way it is funded.

http://www.nhshistory.net/a_guide_to_the_nhs.htm

A background on National Insurance. There are variable rates of contribution to the NI because taxation is on a pay-as-you-earn basis.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/BeginnersGuideToTax/DG_4015904

And, for the rest of your queries here

http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/homepage.aspx

I'll have to come back with my personal experience of the NHS later and that of my daughter's as her medical practice is with the NHS. Must dash off to work.
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