[cpncrunch]

But NI covers other stuff such as unemployment. Also, I'm pretty sure it's still cheaper than US health insurance in total.

[mseebach]

No, NI is just tax. It doesn't "cover" anything.

The point still stands: even if you have private health insurance, you still have to pay your share of the NHS, even if that share is not a line-item anywhere.

[DanBC]

> It doesn't "cover" anything

Yes, it does "cover" other stuff, and gaps in your NI payments can leave you not getting that other stuff. That's why you're allowed to top up your NI payments.

EDIT: Also, while it's true about health insurance (if you go private you have to pay both) it's not true for pensions. You get a reduced rate of NI if you opt out of the national pension scheme and opt in to a recognised provider.

[mseebach]

"Other stuff" is state pension. Which is an earned entitlement, not an insurance.