Relocating to the UK as an expat brings about numerous challenges and adjustments—from identifying your payroll number and setting up bills to scheduling vacations around bank holidays and understanding the healthcare system.
Having the right health insurance is crucial for your well-being. This guide provides a thorough overview of health insurance in the UK, the costs, and how to choose the best plan from different types of insurance for your needs.
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National Health Service
Private Health Insurance
Health insurance for travel
Employee health insurance
Short-term health insurance
Choosing your plan
National Health Service
Expats who are legally residing in the UK and have paid or are exempt from the immigration health surcharge are eligible to use public healthcare. This includes those on work, study, or family visas.
The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK's public healthcare system, providing citizens and residents with a wide range of services. It is funded through general taxation and offers free at-the-point-of-use healthcare services to UK residents, including expats who meet specific criteria.
What Services Does the NHS Cover?
The NHS covers various services, including general practitioner visits, hospital care, emergency treatment, maternity services, and mental health care. Note that some services, such as dental care, may require additional payment.
Private Health Insurance
The NHS provides comprehensive healthcare. But for some expats, health insurance from a private company is a way quicker option, allowing for shorter waiting times and additional comfort.
Types of private health insurance in the UK
There are different types of insurance in the UK, each offering various levels of coverage and benefits:
- Individual plans: Tailored for individuals seeking personal health coverage.
- Family plans: Designed to cover all family members under one policy.
- Group plans: Often provided by employers as part of an employee benefits package.
Best private health insurance providers
These providers are known for offering the best private health insurance in the UK:
- Bupa: Known for extensive coverage and customer service.
- AXA PPP Healthcare: Offers a range of customisable plans.
- Vitality Health: Provides wellness incentives and comprehensive plans.
- Aviva: Offers competitive rates and a vast network of providers.
Health insurance for travel
For expats who travel a lot, having health insurance for travel is essential. It covers medical expenses incurred while travelling outside the UK. It often includes emergency medical treatment, repatriation, and coverage for pre-existing conditions.
International health insurance for expats is specifically designed for foreigners, providing coverage both in the UK and for living abroad. You can get an expat health insurance plan from these companies:
- Cigna: Global Insurance Plan
- IMG: Global Prima Medical Insurance Plan
- Allianz Care: International health insurance
- AXA: Global Health Access
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows expats to receive state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. It covers treatment that is medically necessary until the planned return to the UK.
Employee health insurance
This type of insurance in the UK refers to private health insurance provided by employers as part of their employee benefits package and offers additional healthcare benefits beyond what the NHS provides. Here are some key features:
It typically covers a range of medical services, including specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, and sometimes dental and optical care.
Employees benefit from shorter waiting times for appointments and procedures compared to the NHS. It provides access to private healthcare facilities and specialists, offering more personalised and prompt medical care.
Often, the cost of employee health insurance is partially or fully covered by the employer, although employees may also contribute towards premiums depending on the policy.
Some policies allow employees to add family members to their coverage at an additional cost.
Short-term health insurance
Short-term health insurance in the UK is typically designed to provide temporary healthcare coverage. Here’s what you need to know:
Short-term health insurance is useful for individuals who are in between jobs, waiting for permanent coverage, or visiting the UK temporarily.
It generally covers essential medical services such as emergency care, hospitalisation, and some outpatient treatments. However, coverage may be limited.
Policies can range from a few weeks to several months.
Short-term health insurance plans are available through private insurers and may vary in terms of coverage, cost, and eligibility criteria.
Choosing your plan
There are several steps to deciding on the right company for you:
- Assess your healthcare needs If opting for a family plan, check the healthcare needs of your family members
- Reach out to insurance companies to what what types of insurance in the UK they offer and get quotes
- Compare plans, check maximum coverage limits, and see what’s excluded
- Consider how much you will need to pay out of pocket before the insurance covers expenses
Private insurance costs
The costs of insurance in the UK can vary dramatically depending on your circumstances, such as age and the level of coverage you prefer. Contact the company of choice to get a quote. Here are some approximate costs*:
| Insurance company | Costs |
|---|---|
| Bupa | £30.39 and £39.80 |
| AXA Health, Personal Health plan | £99.82 a month |
| Vitality Health | Starts at £1.45 per day |
| IMG: Global Prima Medical Insurance Plan | Starts at $1,556 per year (for a 35-year-old male) |
*As of late June, 2024.
Today, we’ve covered the most common types of insurance in the UK. Choosing the right one can be daunting. Whether navigating international health insurance for expats or sending money from the UK, Profee is here to assist you in your journey.
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