Which came first, the NHS or private medical insurance (PMI)?

The National Health Service (NHS) was established in the UK in 1948, providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents without charging for patients at the point of use. This marked a significant shift in how healthcare was delivered, prioritizing accessibility and universal coverage as a fundamental right.

Private medical insurance (PMI) existed prior to the NHS, but it was more fragmented and not as prevalent across the population. The introduction of the NHS fundamentally changed the healthcare landscape, leading to a decline in the reliance on PMI as the primary means of obtaining healthcare. Therefore, the correct answer indicates that the NHS indeed came first. This historical context underscores the significant impact the establishment of the NHS had on the evolution of healthcare provision in the UK, influencing the role of PMI in the system thereafter.