Global Medical Insurance Plans for UK Expats
British citizens have a long history of traveling, studying, and working abroad. While exact figures are difficult to obtain, a 2006 publication by the Institute for Public Policy Research estimated that approximately 5.5 million British-born people reside outside the United Kingdom. This accounts for nearly 1 in 10 British citizens, which is a significant number. Additionally, around 400,000 people have emigrated from Britain each year for the past decade.
The majority of UK expats abroad are in Australia, followed by Spain, the United States, Canada, and Ireland. However, nearly every country worldwide has an active British expat community. Every year, approximately 230,000 people between the ages of 18 and 25 take a gap year to break up their studies and travel overseas to work as expats.
Experiencing life abroad is hugely popular in the UK. While international citizens may come from different backgrounds and have varying motivations for living abroad, they all share one common consideration: sorting out their healthcare.
Healthcare overseas is very different from what it is at home. Thus, health insurance for Brits living abroad should be a top priority when planning a big move.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Buying Private Global Insurance While Living Abroad
The UK enjoys one of the highest standards of healthcare in the world. As such, British citizens and UK expats abroad are in for a surprise when they visit many of the world’s public hospitals and clinics.
Things that they take for granted in the UK Healthcare System are hard to find or even non-existent overseas, including private examination rooms, climate-controlled facilities, and modern diagnostic equipment.
Carrying private international health insurance is the best way to receive exemplary care, just like you would at home.
Private facilities have shorter wait times, access to more specialists, and many staff members are multilingual. Facilities are more exclusive and comfortable, and you are in a clean, safe, and modern environment.
UK expats abroad are initially hesitant about obtaining private insurance. They imagine that it is something reserved for celebrities, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Private insurance is not about luxury but about getting an excellent standard of healthcare. It is about receiving the proper medical attention when needed the most.
Additionally, it is a way to reduce strain on limited public facilities.
Best Health Insurance for UK Citizens Moving Abroad
The Cigna Global Medical insurance plan is an excellent option for UK expats who plan to work in any country worldwide.
Cigna Global Medical’s coverage is extensive and customizable, making it an excellent choice for health insurance for Brits living abroad.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Additional Health Insurance Recommendations for UK Expats
IMG Global Prima Medical Insurance
- Five flexible plan levels with optional add-ons
- Choose your coverage area based on where you live or travel
- Freedom to select your healthcare provider anywhere in the world
Insurance for UK Citizens Moving to the US
The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan is insurance made for UK citizens in the US. It is a premium plan that provides U.S. health insurance for UK citizens abroad, at home, and everywhere in between.
The Worldwide Premier health insurance plan lets you access the vast Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Network of doctors, clinics, and hospitals worldwide.
BCBS International is the largest insurance network in the US, offering excellent service through a vast network of exceptional professionals.
Whether you are a solo expatriate or you want to move to America with your family permanently, the Worldwide Premier Health Plan can provide you with sufficient coverage inside and outside the country. It is a popular insurance choice for UK citizens in the US.
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.
Will Your United Kingdom Health Insurance Cover You Abroad?
If you are moving abroad permanently, you will no longer automatically be entitled to medical treatment under standard NHS rules. (The NHS is a residence-based healthcare system.)
In short, if you are not contributing to the taxation system that funds the NHS, you are not eligible for NHS coverage.
It would be best to look for reliable health insurance for Brits living abroad that will make medical services more accessible and affordable.
Before you move abroad, you will have to notify your GP, so you and your family are removed from the NHS register. Talk with the staff about how you can access your file if needed for overseas transactions.
Access to UK Health Insurance in EU Countries
There was once no problem with access to national healthcare for UK expats visiting or living in the EU.
If UK residents decided to live permanently in another EU country, they were eligible for the healthcare services available there, provided they remained legal residents there.
UK residents living abroad may also receive treatment upon returning to the UK.
However, this is no longer applicable after the UK’s exit from the EU. This has affected UK expats abroad, as they will no longer have access to the NHS when they visit the country.
They will no longer be able to enjoy the medical benefits they used to before December 31, 2020.
New healthcare agreements have been made between the UK and the EU, affecting UK expats abroad.
UK Healthcare Agreements With Other Countries
The United Kingdom has reciprocal healthcare agreements with several non-EU countries and jurisdictions.
They include Anguilla, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Israel, Jersey, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Montserrat, New Zealand, St Helena, Serbia, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
In most cases, these agreements only cover emergency healthcare at public hospitals. As such, expats from the UK should not consider them a substitute for comprehensive health coverage.
It is still advisable to get comprehensive health insurance for peace of mind.
How To Access Healthcare Abroad
Before leaving for your new destination, it is essential to check what health services are available to you in that country.
Many countries have based their healthcare systems, at least in part, on the NHS model. However, that does not mean they will offer the same services and benefits as the NHS.
In most cases, you will have to register with the relevant authorities in your new country. Once you can legally work and contribute to payroll deductions or other national insurance programs, you will be entitled to register for public healthcare services.
The process for registering in the local healthcare system varies widely among different countries. Some countries may deem you eligible for public insurance coverage as soon as you start working, while some will require you to stay in the country for several years before being granted access to the healthcare system.
Government Recommendations For UK Expats Abroad
The UK government has extensive resources for British citizens living abroad. You can use the GOV.UK healthcare guides to determine what rules apply in the country you are moving to.
Additionally, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides valuable information for UK expats abroad, including healthcare in foreign countries.
You may also find tips on selecting a reliable, legitimate health insurance provider for Brits living abroad.
Planning to Return Home
If you are returning to the UK after living abroad to stay home, you can use the NHS benefits for your healthcare. You need to complete a GMS1 form to register with a GP near your home.
The first time you have treatment anywhere within the scope of the NHS, you will need to bring proof that you are eligible for free healthcare.
You should get documents that prove your UK residency. This could be proof of your property purchase or a tenancy agreement, a recent utility or council tax bill payment, or a UK bank account showing recent UK activity.
Alternatively, you can also bring documents that prove your employment status in the UK. Some common examples include a payslip or letter from an employer, a bank statement, your unique tax reference number, or documentation from your local employment office to show that you are receiving a job-seeker’s allowance.
If you do not have these kinds of documents, you can also prove that you no longer live as a UK expat abroad.
For example, you could provide proof that you have sold or rented your house in your previous country of residence.
Other acceptable documents include evidence of terminated employment or studies in your last country of residence, shipped goods or transferred assets to the UK, or ended insurance policies and utility contracts.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Mackenzie is the Director of User Experience at ICI, creating intuitive, user-centered digital solutions for global insurance clients. With expertise in UX design and content strategy, she simplifies complex offerings to improve accessibility for expatriates, travelers, and international employers.
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