The Best Places to Live in the UK
Explore the best places to live in the UK in 2026, based on living costs, safety, job opportunities, healthcare access, and quality of life.
Health Insurance for Foreigners in the UK
Find the best UK health insurance for expats, compare plans, understand coverage options, and learn how to access care in the country.
The UK is a popular destination for expats, but understanding your health insurance options should be one of the first steps when planning your move. While eligible residents can access the NHS, many foreigners choose private UK health insurance for greater flexibility, faster access to care, and international coverage. Here’s what you need to know about private medical plan options, typical costs, NHS access rules, and whether private coverage is right for your situation.
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
Best International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in the UK
Private international health insurance may be useful for expats who want faster access to private healthcare, worldwide coverage, or treatment options outside the NHS. We recommend the two leading providers listed below.
Cigna Global Medical is a great option for most, and you benefit as its global headquarters are located in Glasgow.
The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan is an excellent option for U.S. citizens living in the United Kingdom, as it provides up to 9 months of coverage in the USA and worldwide.
The plans below are available in England, Scotland, Wales, 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 for extended periods as expats or immigrants. 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 provides access to a large international network of doctors and private hospitals in the UK and worldwide, ensuring access to quality care.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
The Best Medical Plan for U.S. Citizens in the UK
The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan is a popular option for U.S. 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 hospital network includes the Blue Cross Blue Shield network in the United States, along with 24/7 multilingual customer support.
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.
A Third Option: Global Prima
In Europe, the Global Prima plan provides comprehensive benefits to international citizens residing in the United Kingdom, offering multiple plan designs and optional benefits for international residents. For EU residents in the UK, consider Europe-only coverage to help keep your costs down.
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
Cost of Private Health Insurance in the UK
A private medical plan in the UK will cost you as little as £74 ($100) per month for basic health coverage. For more comprehensive benefits, the monthly cost will increase to £222-£370 ($300-$500).
Clients who are older or opt into the best coverage might pay as much as £740 ($1,000) per month or more. An individual who is 60 years old will pay about twice as much as a 40-year-old applicant.
The average annual cost of private medical insurance in the UK is £4,470 ($5,651), based on our historical data of quotes provided to more than 4,000 clients.
At the same time, younger clients (18- 24 years of age) pay significantly less, approximately £1,477-£2,220 ($2,000-$3,000) annually, for their coverage.
UK Healthcare Access for Foreign Nationals
Information about accessing public healthcare in the UK is often oversimplified. Healthcare in the UK is publicly funded through taxation and is provided through the National Health Service (NHS).
Access to NHS services is not automatically based on citizenship or nationality. Instead, eligibility is generally determined by factors such as immigration status, ordinary residence, and whether a person meets the requirements for NHS healthcare access.
For many foreigners living in the UK, access to NHS services depends on their individual circumstances. People with eligible visas, including many workers, students, and family visa holders who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), can usually access NHS healthcare during their stay.
However, the situation may differ for visitors, short-term travelers, and those who do not meet NHS eligibility requirements. These individuals should consider appropriate travel insurance for the UK or private medical coverage before arriving in the UK to help protect against unexpected healthcare costs.
Can International Citizens in the UK Use the NHS System?
Access to NHS services is not automatically based on citizenship but generally depends on whether you meet NHS eligibility requirements, which may include factors such as ordinary residence and immigration status.
Ordinary residence is assessed based on a person’s circumstances, including whether they are living lawfully in the UK with a settled purpose. It is not limited to people with indefinite leave to remain.
If you are not eligible for NHS healthcare, private health insurance or travel insurance may help protect you from unexpected medical costs.
Visitors and short-term travelers should also consider travel insurance for the UK with medical coverage before arriving. Unlike eligible UK residents, tourists may not have full access to NHS services and could face costs for certain treatments. A suitable policy can help cover unexpected medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital treatment, and medical evacuation if needed.
Does UK Healthcare Fall Short for Foreigners?
Once you have the appropriate immigration status and a UK address, you can register with a local GP for ongoing medical care. Your GP can also refer you to specialists and arrange diagnostic tests when needed.
However, expats should note that a common criticism of the NHS is that waiting times for GP appointments and specialist hospital treatment have become a concern. Another issue is that there are insufficient resources to cover the costs of providing timely access to residents.
This is one of the primary motivations for UK residents and expats alike to carry supplemental health insurance. Such coverage offers more comfortable care, including private rooms should you be hospitalized, and access to non-public physicians and general practice specialists.
The Role of the NHS in UK Healthcare
The NHS is a central part of healthcare in the UK and provides publicly funded medical services to millions of residents each year. Like many healthcare systems, it faces challenges including workforce pressures, increasing demand, and waiting times for some non-urgent treatments. Despite these challenges, the NHS remains highly valued for providing broad access to healthcare across the UK.
Is Private Health Insurance in the UK Worth It?
Whether private health insurance is worth it depends on your personal circumstances, healthcare preferences, and the level of flexibility you want.
For many expats who are eligible for NHS healthcare, private insurance is not essential. The NHS provides access to GP services, hospital treatment, and specialist referrals for eligible residents.
However, some expats choose private health insurance because it can provide additional benefits, including:
- Faster access to some medical treatments
- A wider choice of specialists and private facilities
- International healthcare coverage
- The option to receive treatment outside the UK
Private insurance may be particularly useful for people who:
- Move between countries frequently
- Want access to private healthcare
- Prefer shorter waiting times for certain treatments
- Need coverage that extends beyond NHS services
If your UK visa requires payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), you will generally have access to NHS healthcare during your stay.
The current IHS rates are:
- £1,035 per year for most visa and immigration applications
- £776 per year for students, their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, and applicants under 18 at the time of application
The IHS provides access to many NHS services, but some healthcare costs, including certain dental services, optical care, and prescriptions, may involve additional charges depending on your circumstances and location.
Private health insurance is therefore usually a personal choice rather than a requirement. For some expats, it provides greater convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind, while others may be comfortable relying on the NHS alone.
Request a Quote for Global Medical Cover in the United Kingdom
Leading International Health Plan for All Foreigners 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
The Best Global Medical Policy for US Citizens 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.
Affordable Plan for Europeans Living in Europe: IMG Global Prima
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