We are living fewer years in good health: Is the NHS part of the problem?

We are living fewer years in good health: Is the NHS part of the problem?PublishedJust nowByEleanor LawrieSocial affairs reporterAngie currently lives in the English Midlands but is preparing to move to Bulgaria. She has suffered for years from multiple chronic health issues including ME and an autoimmune thyroid condition. She says holidaying in Bulgaria has been transformative - enough that she has decided to leave the UK.A strong sense of community and the fresh air of the Bulgarian mountains are part of the pull.But she also feels the Bulgarian healthcare system is more responsive than the one she is leaving behind in the UK."You have to pay a small fee to see a doctor, but then you see one quickly," Angie says, describing her experience in Bulgaria.While she is "very glad" the free at the point of use NHS exists,  she believes it is failing to deliver. "People aren't getting a service - particularly with chronic health issues - that actually makes a difference to their health outcomes or quality of life," she says."Once you're diagnosed, that's it, you're left to your own devices. I've had to spend a fortune on private healthcare because I couldn't get any improvements [with]in the NHS."A 2025 study from National Voices charity found 37% of people with a long-term health condition did not feel supported by the NHS to manage their physical health, compared with 16% of those with no long-term conditions.Image source, NurPhoto via Getty ImagesImage caption, Angie is preparing to move to Bulgaria - partially because of her healthUnlike the UK, Bulgaria's healthcare system is a mix between public and private. Employees, including foreign nationals, pay a compulsory 3.2% of their pre-tax salary into a healthcare insurance fund topped up by their employer. However, there are many extra costs for non-emergency medical treatment, such as doctor's appointments. Despite progress, Bulgaria'...