Best UK Hospitals for Internationals in, or Visitors to, the United Kingdom
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is acknowledged as one of the world’s leading health systems. All non-citizens in Britain are eligible for free emergency treatment at NHS UK hospitals. Still, you will likely be responsible for some costs, which are determined by your home country.
The UK has negotiated reciprocal healthcare arrangements with various foreign nations, including New Zealand, Australia, and EU members, meaning their citizens are exempt from healthcare payments.
Although emergency hospital treatment is free for all in the UK, expats must enroll for an NHS number to make routine appointments with a general practitioner. GPs may refer patients, and will be the primary point of contact for most.
Expats should make it their priority to enroll for an NHS number as soon as possible upon arriving in the UK. To enroll, an appointment must first be made; they’ll then be subject to an interview and need to complete some paperwork.
They’ll subsequently be assigned an NHS number that will arrive in the mail within a few weeks.
Private Hospitals in the UK
Private hospitals in the UK can be found almost everywhere. But several of Great Britain’s best are located in Central London. Private hospitals in Britain tend to specialize in a specific type of care.
Most people avoid going to them unless they have international health insurance, as the price of treatment at private hospitals in the UK is relatively high. That’s why many attempts are made to utilize the NHS.
Best Hospitals in the UK
Healthcare in the UK is top-notch and universally highly regarded. The following are the best hospitals in the UK, recognized for their high-quality care to patients, short time patients stay, and the rate of emergency readmissions.
The Wellington Hospital
The South Building, Wellington Place, St John’s Wood, London, NW8 9LE, UK +44 020 8231 6132
King Edward VII’s Hospital
King Edward VII’s Hospital, Sister Agnes Beaumont Street, London, W1G 6AA, UK
+44 020 7467 3221
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
+44 0121 371 2000
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
60 Grove End Road, St. John’s Wood, London, NW8 9NH, UK
+44 020 7806 4000
Cromwell Hospital
164-178 Cromwell Road, London, SW5 0TU, UK
+44 020 7460 5700
Best Health Insurance for Expats in the UK
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Best Health Insurance for US Citizens Living in the UK
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Recommended Hospitals in London, UK
There are many public and private hospitals in London, but not all have an emergency room. Any hospital with an emergency room will accept you without an NHS number.
For more information on hospitals in London, including links to their respective websites, visit the NHS Choices website.
Beckenham Hospital
379-397 Croydon Rd, Beckenham BR3 3QL, UK
+44 1689 863000
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Rd, London SW1W 8RH, UK
+44 20 7730 7733
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley St, London SE1 2PR, UK
+44 20 7407 3100
London Welbeck Hospital
27 Welbeck St, London W1G 8EN, UK
+44 20 7224 2242
North Middlesex Hospital
Sterling Way, London N18 1QX, UK
+44 20 8887 2000
Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland St, London W1W 5AH, UK
+44 20 7580 4400
Priory Hospital
Priory Lane, Roehampton, London SW15 5JJ, UK
+44 20 8876 8261
Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
West Hill, London SW15 3SW, UK
+44 20 8780 4500
St. Anthony’s Hospital, London
801 London Road, North Cheam, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9DW, UK
+44 20 8337 6691
St Luke’s Hospital for the Clergy
14 Fitzroy St, London W1T 6AH, UK
+44 20 7388 4954
St Pancras Hospital
4 St Pancras Way, London NW1 0PE, UK
+44 20 3317 3500
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Pl, London W1U 5NY, UK
+44 20 7486 1234
Weymouth Street Hospital
42-46 Weymouth St, London W1G 6NP, UK
+44 20 7935 1200
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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