UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners (2024)

International Health Insurance forExpatriates in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations for expats. It has easy flight connections, a wide array of business opportunities, and the attraction of not having to learn a new language. It’s easy to see why it’s so beloved by American expats and those worldwide. And part of the UK’s appeal is the superb reputation of its health care system. However, for foreigners or expats in the UK for the first time, there are a lot of logistics to sort out. UK Health Insurance should be at the top of your priority list.

Best Medical Plans for Foreigners in the UK

Expatriates in the UK have many options for their global medical coverage. Two leading providers are listed below. Cigna Global Medical is a great option for most, and you benefit as their global headquarters are located in Glasgow. GeoBlue Xplorer plan is an excellent option for US citizens living in the United Kingdom as they will provide up to 9 months of coverage back in the USA as well as worldwide. The recommended plans are available in England, Britain, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

A Leading Private Health Plan for Immigrants in the UK

The Cigna Global plan is an excellent option for foreigners residing in the UK as expatriates or immigrants for extended periods. The plan offers a range of coverage options, each with different costs. Cigna also has offices in London and Glasgow, making customer service more accessible. Cigna’s network of doctors and private hospitals in the UK and around the world is excellent, so access to quality care is not a concern.

The Best Medical Plan for US Citizens in the UK

The GeoBlue Xplorer plan is a popular option for US citizens living in the UK. One primary benefit is that the plan offers up to 9 months of coverage in the USA should you want to receive care back home. Their global network of hospitals is excellent, including the Blue Cross Blue Shield network in the USA. Customer service is strong so you will be well taken care of.

A Third Option: Global Prima

In Europe, the Global Prima plan offers comprehensive benefits to international citizens residing in the United Kingdom with multiple plan designs, affordable benefit packages, and top-notch customer service. For EU residents residing in the UK, ask about the option for Europe-only coverage to keep your costs down.

Read: Travel Insurance for Visitors to the UK

How Much is Private Health Insurance in the UK

A private medical plan in the UK will cost you as little as $100 per month for basic health coverage. If you want more comprehensive benefits, the monthly cost will increase to $300 – $500.

The average annual cost for private medical insurance in the UK is $5,651 (£4,470) based on our historical data of quotes provided to more than 4,000 clients.

Clients who are older or opt into the best coverage will pay $10,000 per month or more. An individual who is 60 years old will pay about twice what a 40-year-old applicant will pay. At the same time, younger clients (18- 24 years of age) pay significantly less, approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually, for their coverage.

Medical Benefits for Foreigners in the UK are often Oversimplified

Information about accessing public healthcare in the UK is often oversimplified. A short version goes something like this: An expatriate is a foreign citizen living in the UK legally to work. And if you’re working in the UK, the cost of healthcare is deducted from your paycheck. Therefore, you’re in!

In reality, the situation is more nuanced. Healthcare in the UK is publicly funded (yes, through payroll tax as a primary means). It’s known as the NHS or National Health Service. It’s available for everyone permanently residing in the UK (in other words, the people who are funding it). But where is that line between the long-term visitor, business person, expat, and permanent resident?

Related:A Guide to Expatriate Health Insurance and Benefits

Can International Citizens in the UK Use the NHS System?

Access to NHS services isn’t based automatically on citizenship but rather on residency. To fully enjoy the NHS services – including both primary care and secondary care (hospital treatment) – you must be considered an “ordinary resident.” But who decides what is “ordinary”? In legal terms, it means your immigration status is “indefinite leave to remain.” Sometimes, this is referred to as being “settled” in the UK.

This page of the UK government’s website walks you through the process of determining if your immigration status is “indefinite leave to remain.” If your status is anything but “indefinite leave to remain,” you should carry private health coverage.

Does UK Healthcare Fall Short for Foreigners?

All the paperwork and organization are well worth it, for once you have an NHS card, a job, and a UK address, you can register with a local GP for ongoing medical care. That GP can also refer you to specialists for health services and order tests.

Related:Five Tips for Becoming an Expat

However, expats should note that a common criticism of the UK Healthcare System or National Health Service is that waiting lists to see general practice specialists are growing. Another is that there are not sufficient resources to cover the costs of providing access to residents on a timely basis. This is one of the primary motivations for UK residents and expats alike to carry supplemental health care insurance. Such coverage offers more comfortable care, including private rooms should you be hospitalized and access to non-public physicians and general practice specialists.

Is It Worth Having Private Health Insurance in the UK

A Partial Solution Means Partial Healthcare. However, an alternative approach works well for foreigners and expats. If you’re coming to the UK on a temporary stay visa and that visa is for a term of more than six months, there’s good news. You’ll have to pay an immigration health surcharge during the application process. That surcharge is a hefty £150 for students and £200 for everyone else. But it really is good news! It’s your gateway to access NHS primary care.

However, it’s only a partial solution. There are some health care services under the NHS for which you have to pay a contribution, like dental care, eye care, and prescriptions. You are also only covered for primary care. Secondary care (hospital-based care) is not included, as your status is not “indefinite leave to remain.”

For most foreigners living in the UK, a private global medical insurance plan will provide comprehensive coverage and access to the best hospitals and doctors worldwide, including back in your home country.

Appreciating the Role of the National Health Service in British Society

The NHS has had its share of ups and downs over the course of its 70-year history. It was a saving grace to many impoverished families and communities who were still struggling to rebuild post-war Britain. In the early 1980s, it faced a major scandal over contaminated blood products, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people. During the administration of the Thatcher government, restructuring arguably led to a decline in the quality of care. And during the campaign for the “Brexit” referendum, the NHS’s strained resources once again were in the news. Pro-Brexit campaigners argued that funds earmarked for sustaining the European Union should be redirected to UK healthcare.

But throughout the highs and lows, the UK’s overall standard of health care remains excellent. The National Health Service is a cherished national institution. Expats from America who harp on about National Health Service waiting times may find themselves rebuked about their health care system. You’ve been warned!

Why Expats in the UK Should Never Gamble on Their Health

Expats in the UK tempted to forgo coverage in favor of taking their chances may find they’re in for a rude surprise should they need emergency care. While costs are more modest than in the United States, even a short hospital visit in the UK can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. This story from a British expat living in America who needed to access emergency care while on a return visit home to England gives some great insight into the costs and structure of British health care from the point of view of a citizen who’s also an expat themselves. As always, when it comes to your health, you’re better safe than sorry. Expats should consider an international medical insurance plan to ensure they are covered in other countries they may be traveling to as well as back in their home country.

Request a Quote for Global Medical Cover in the United Kingdom

A Leading International Health Plan for All Foreigners in the UK

The Best Global Medical Policy for US Citizens in the UK

A Third Option: Global Prima Plan for Europeans

Author / Editor: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Related:

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• Health Plans for UK Expats Living Abroad
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• Global Medical Insurance for Expats in France