Few politicians spark more argument about the NHS than Nigel Farage. Over the years he has alternated between fierce criticism and qualified praise. To separate opinion from record, here are Farage’s comments on the NHS in his own words — with dates and sources.
2012–2015: From insurance talk to “the NHS almost killed me”
At a filmed event in September 2012, published by The Guardian on 12 November 2014, Farage said:
“I think the state-funded NHS should move towards an insurance-based system run by private companies.”
(Guardian, 12 Nov 2014)
After public criticism, on 13 November 2014 he clarified:
“Ukip will keep the NHS free at the point of use.”
(Guardian, 13 Nov 2014)
On 20 January 2015 he told the BBC the UK would have to “consider” an insurance-based model
(Independent, 20 Jan 2015).
In his memoir The Purple Revolution (March 2015) Farage described his cancer diagnosis:
“In the NHS the system is so battered and poorly run that unless you are really lucky, you will fall through the cracks… Without private health care I would probably be dead.”
(Telegraph, 13 Mar 2015)
That same week he added:
“When I had cancer, the incompetence and negligence of the NHS almost killed me, but it has also saved my life… If you can afford private health care, you should take it, particularly for diagnostics and preventative medicine.”
(Independent, 17 Mar 2015)
What he says the NHS does well — and where it “lets you down”
In March 2015 media rounds he said:
“I’ve been in big trouble in my life and the NHS has been fantastic. I’m not certain when it comes to diagnosis that it always gets it right.”
(TV/book promo, Mar 2015)
2024–2025: Social insurance debate returns
In June 2024 he said the NHS funding “model is wrong,” pointing to French-style social health insurance as an example worth study
(Nuffield Trust, 12 Jun 2024).
In interviews during early 2025 he said he was “open to anything,” including insurance models, while keeping care free at the point of use.
“I’m not saying we should absolutely mimic the French system, but let’s have a much deeper, broader thing.”
(Full Fact, 30 Apr 2025)
So, what is Farage’s position today?
- He has repeatedly floated insurance-based funding (2012, 2015, 2024–25) but insists the NHS should remain free at the point of use.
- He distinguishes between emergency/specialist care—which he praises—and diagnostics, which he says “probably let you down.”
- He encourages those who can afford it to use private diagnostics to relieve pressure on the NHS.
Final thoughts
Across more than a decade of statements, Farage portrays the NHS as both a lifesaver and a system in need of reform. He remains open to insurance-based alternatives while maintaining that care must stay free at the point of use. Whether that signals pragmatism or a step toward privatisation remains the political debate.