In 1911, Lloyd George introduced the National Insurance Bill into Parliament. Once this passed and came into operation (July 1912), the provision of health insurance on a national scale began. This system was the forerunner of the Welfare State, introduced after the Second World War.
Compulsory contributions were obtained from employers and employees and used to insure the entire working population against illness, and some people against unemployment. The Insurance Commission for England administered the scheme through approved societies and Local Insurance Committees. Doctors who accepted insured patients would provide them with medical treatment. Some cash benefits were also available.
Links to online catalogues:
Cumberland Insurance Committee
Westmorland Insurance Committee
District Insurance Committee: Barrow