• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
International Citizens Insurance
  • Home
  • Individual Plans
    ▼
    • International Health Insurance Plans
      ▼
      • Best Global Medical Insurance Companies
      • Student Insurance
      • Overseas Health Insurance
    • Expatriate Insurance
      ▼
      • Insurance for American Expats Abroad
      • Canadian Expats – Insurance and Overseas Health
      • Expat Insurance for Japanese Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Germans Living Abroad
      • Expat insurance for Brazilian Citizens Abroad
    • Travel Insurance
      ▼
      • Travel Medical Insurance Plans
      • Visitors Insurance
      • Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies
      • Evacuation Insurance Plans
      • Trip Cancellation Insurance
      • Student Insurance
    • International Life Insurance
  • Group Plans
    ▼
    • Corporate and Employee Groups
    • Missionary Groups
    • Volunteer Programs and Non-Profits
    • School Groups
    • Top 10 Group Health Insurance Companies
  • Insurance Companies
    ▼
    • Cigna Global Insurance Company
      ▼
      • Cigna Close Care
      • Cigna Global Health Insurance
      • Cigna Healthguard
    • GeoBlue
      ▼
      • Xplorer Health Insurance Plan
      • Navigator Student Health Insurance
      • Voyager Travel Medical Insurance Plan
      • Trekker Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
    • Integra Global
    • International Medical Group
      ▼
      • Global Medical Insurance Plan
      • Patriot Travel Insurance
      • GlobalFusion Health Insurance Plan
      • Student Health Advantage
      • Patriot Exchange – Insurance for Students
    • Now Health
      ▼
      • SimpleCare Health Plan
      • WorldCare Health Plan
    • Seven Corners
      ▼
      • Travel Insurance with COVID-19 Coverage
      • RoundTrip Cancellation Insurance for U.S. Residents
      • Wander Frequent Traveler Plus
    • Trawick International
      ▼
      • SafeTreker Travel Insurance Plan
    • Unisure Group
    • William Russell Insurance
      ▼
      • William Russell Life Insurance
      • William Russell Health Insurance
    • WorldTrips
      ▼
      • Atlas Travel Insurance
      • StudentSecure Insurance
  • Compare
    ▼
    • Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
    • Compare Travel Insurance Plans
  • Country Guides
    ▲
    • Health Insurance Plans in North and Central America
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in the USA
      • Health Insurance in Mexico
      • Health Insurance in Canada
    • Understanding Health Insurance in South America
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in Argentina
      • Health Insurance in Colombia for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Chile
    • European Health Insurance
      ▲
      • UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Germany
      • French Health Insurance
      • Italian Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
      • Portuguese Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
    • Health Insurance Plans in Asia
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in China
      • Health Insurance in Japan
      • Health Insurance in Dubai
      • Health Insurance in India
      • Thailand Health Insurance
      • Malaysian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
    • Understanding Health Insurance in Oceania
      ▼
      • Australian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in New Zealand
    • Health Insurance Options in Africa
      ▼
      • South Africa Health Insurance for Foreigners
    • Travel Insurance Plans by Country
      ▼
      • USA Travel Insurance
      • Australia Travel Insurance
      • Mexico Travel Insurance
  • Resources
    ▼
    • News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips
    • Insurance Articles
    • Travel Advice and Tips
    • Seniors Travel Insurance
    • International Hospitals for Expatriates
      ▼
      • Best Hospitals in the United States
      • Best International Hospitals in the UK
      • Best Hospitals in Mexico
Request a free international health care quote

Or call for a quote:
877-758-4881
+44 (20) 35450909

International Citizens Insurance

Medical and Travel Plans!

U.S. 877-758-4881 - Intl. +44 (20) 35450909

Request a Quote
  • Home
  • Individual Plans
    • International Health Insurance Plans
      • Best Global Medical Insurance Companies
      • Student Insurance
      • Overseas Health Insurance
    • Expatriate Insurance
      • Insurance for American Expats Abroad
      • Canadian Expats – Insurance and Overseas Health
      • Expat Insurance for Japanese Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Germans Living Abroad
      • Expat insurance for Brazilian Citizens Abroad
    • Travel Insurance
      • Travel Medical Insurance Plans
      • Visitors Insurance
      • Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies
      • Evacuation Insurance Plans
      • Trip Cancellation Insurance
      • Student Insurance
    • International Life Insurance
  • Group Plans
    • Corporate and Employee Groups
    • Missionary Groups
    • Volunteer Programs and Non-Profits
    • School Groups
    • Top 10 Group Health Insurance Companies
  • Insurance Companies
    • Cigna Global Insurance Company
      • Cigna Close Care
      • Cigna Global Health Insurance
      • Cigna Healthguard
    • GeoBlue
      • Xplorer Health Insurance Plan
      • Navigator Student Health Insurance
      • Voyager Travel Medical Insurance Plan
      • Trekker Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
    • Integra Global
    • International Medical Group
      • Global Medical Insurance Plan
      • Patriot Travel Insurance
      • GlobalFusion Health Insurance Plan
      • Student Health Advantage
      • Patriot Exchange – Insurance for Students
    • Now Health
      • SimpleCare Health Plan
      • WorldCare Health Plan
    • Seven Corners
      • Travel Insurance with COVID-19 Coverage
      • RoundTrip Cancellation Insurance for U.S. Residents
      • Wander Frequent Traveler Plus
    • Trawick International
      • SafeTreker Travel Insurance Plan
    • Unisure Group
    • William Russell Insurance
      • William Russell Life Insurance
      • William Russell Health Insurance
    • WorldTrips
      • Atlas Travel Insurance
      • StudentSecure Insurance
  • Compare
    • Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
    • Compare Travel Insurance Plans
  • Country Guides
    • Health Insurance Plans in North and Central America
      • Health Insurance in the USA
      • Health Insurance in Mexico
      • Health Insurance in Canada
    • Understanding Health Insurance in South America
      • Health Insurance in Argentina
      • Health Insurance in Colombia for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Chile
    • European Health Insurance
      • UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Germany
      • French Health Insurance
      • Italian Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
      • Portuguese Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
    • Health Insurance Plans in Asia
      • Health Insurance in China
      • Health Insurance in Japan
      • Health Insurance in Dubai
      • Health Insurance in India
      • Thailand Health Insurance
      • Malaysian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
    • Understanding Health Insurance in Oceania
      • Australian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in New Zealand
    • Health Insurance Options in Africa
      • South Africa Health Insurance for Foreigners
    • Travel Insurance Plans by Country
      • USA Travel Insurance
      • Australia Travel Insurance
      • Mexico Travel Insurance
  • Resources
    • News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips
    • Insurance Articles
    • Travel Advice and Tips
    • Seniors Travel Insurance
    • International Hospitals for Expatriates
      • Best Hospitals in the United States
      • Best International Hospitals in the UK
      • Best Hospitals in Mexico
Home > International Plans > Global Health Insurance > Europe Health Insurance > Health Insurance for Foreigners in the UK

UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners

Expat insurance in the UK

International Health Insurance for Expatriates in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations in the world 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 from around the world. And part of the UK’s appeal is the superb reputation of its health care system. But 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 Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates 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 International Health Plan for All Foreigners in the UK

The Cigna Global plan is an excellent option for foreigners residing in the UK as expatriates or immigrants for extended periods of time. 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.

Cigna Global Logo

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

  • The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
  • Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
  • The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Plan Details | View Brochure
Plan Details
Get a Quote

 

The Best Global Health Insurance 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.

GeoBlue Xplorer Global Medical Insurance

Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan

  • Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
  • Define your deductible and prescription benefits
  • For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad
Plan Details | View Brochure
Plan Details
Get a Quote

 

A Third Option: William Russell Insurance

In Europe, William Russell offers a comprehensive plan to international citizens residing in the United Kingdom with a flexible plan design, affordable plan options, and top-notch customer service.

William Russell Health Insurance

William Russell Health Insurance

  • William Russell plans cover you internationally, both in the country you reside in and wherever you are traveling to (addons required for USA)
  • Their network includes 40,000 hospitals around the world.
  • Plans have comprehensive cancer coverage, including genome testing.
Plan Details
Get a Quote

 

Read: Travel Insurance for Visitors to the UK

Health Insurance for Foreigners in the UK is Often Oversimplified

Information about accessing public healthcare in the UK is often oversimplified. A short version goes something like this: An expat 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 who is 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 insurance.

UK Health Care – A Partial Solution Means Partial Healthcare

However, there’s an alternative approach that works well for some expats. If you’re coming to the UK on a temporary stay visa and that visa is for a term of more than 6 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”.

Does the UK Healthcare System Fall Short for Foreigners?

All the paperwork and organization is 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 run the system. 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, as well as access to non-public physicians and general practice specialists.

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 well find themselves rebuked about their own 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 also 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

Cigna Global Logo

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

  • The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
  • Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
  • The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Plan Details | View Brochure
Plan Details
Get a Quote

 

The Best Global Health Insurance Plan for US Citizens in the UK

GeoBlue Xplorer Global Medical Insurance

Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan

  • Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
  • Define your deductible and prescription benefits
  • For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad
Plan Details | View Brochure
Plan Details
Get a Quote

 

A Third Option: William Russell

William Russell Health Insurance

William Russell Health Insurance

  • William Russell plans cover you internationally, both in the country you reside in and wherever you are traveling to (addons required for USA)
  • Their network includes 40,000 hospitals around the world.
  • Plans have comprehensive cancer coverage, including genome testing.
Plan Details
Get a Quote

 

Related:

  • The Best Hospitals in the UK for Expatriates
  • Health for UK Expats Living Abroad
  • International Health Insurance for Foreigners Living in Germany
  • Global Medical Health Insurance for Expats in France
Share this

Primary Sidebar

Search Website

Related Pages

  • European Health Insurance Card – EHIC
  • Germany Health Insurance
  • Health Insurance in Finland
  • Health Insurance in France for Foreigners
  • Health Insurance in Italy for Foreigners and Expats
  • Health Insurance in Panama for Foreigners
  • Health Insurance in Portugal for Foreigners
  • Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
  • Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
  • Hungarian Health Insurance
  • Irish Health Insurance for Foreigners
  • Russia Health Insurance
  • Understanding Health Insurance in Switzerland

International Citizens Insurance

Offering the best international health and travel insurance plans.

Pick a Plan


We Contact You

One of our expert international insurance brokers will respond to you promptly.

Request a Quote Today

Get a fast, free, expat insurance quote.

Request a Quote

Footer

Global Medical Plans

International Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health
GeoBlue Xplorer Premier
IMG Global Medical
Now Health International
William Russell
Travel Medical Plans

Specialty Coverage

Overseas Health Insurance
US Citizens Abroad
US Health Insurance
Senior Travel Insurance
Visitors Insurance Coverage
Nomad Travel Insurance
Annual Multi Trip

Company Info

About Us
The Team
International Brokers
Testimonials
Agents / Affiliates
Group Services

Customer Service

United States 877-758-4881
US Direct 617-500-6738
International +44 (20) 35450909
US Travel Insurance Association Member International Citizens Insurance Business Review

18 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA 02043 USA | info@internationalinsurance.com

Contact US | Privacy Policy | Licensing | Sitemap

Copyright © 2023, International Citizens Insurance, an International Citizens Group, Inc. company


Note: Covid-19, or Coronavirus, coverage is not included in all plans offered on this website. Please indicate your desire for this coverage when working with your agent.
International Citizens Insurance is a licensed agency providing guidance on international insurance plans. Select products and services listed on this site may not be available to citizens or residents of certain countries.
This site provides consolidated and summary descriptions of insurance plans, benefits, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. A certificate containing the complete certificate wording with all terms, conditions, and exclusions will be provided at the time of purchase or upon request. For additional advice and guidance, contact us for assistance.
International Citizens Insurance is a subsidiary of International Citizens Group, Inc. In the State of California, operating as International Citizens Insurance Agency. California Non-Resident Producer License Number: 6005545.

By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies.