Brits, I know the UK government has the National Health Service that pays for all your medical needs. Break your arm, go to the ER and it's all covered, including followup treatment at a regular doctor, removing the cast, physical therapy if needed, etc. I see this as basically a good thing.

However, my question is are there any limitations designed to prevent people from abusing the system? For example, if a woman's pregnant, she of course goes to the hospital and professionals help to deliver the baby, make sure she's safe, do a C section if needed, etc. Is there a limit on this? Can she get this paid for up to 4 babies, for example, and has to pay after that? Or could she have 14 kids and the NHS would foot the bill for every single one.

Another example. If you're sick with an ordinary cold, there's no cure for the virus, so all you can really do is stay home, drink plenty of fluids, eat chicken soup, and get plenty of rest. There's really nothing a doctor can do to help you. Are Brits therefore encouraged to take care of minor problems like this themselves, or can anyone even with a cold go in there for free medical care?

This is not meant as a wise guy post or to put anyone down. I'm just genuinely curious, and I mean this to be about the UK, not about the US. Do you guys end up having debates on how much the NHS should cover?