Healthcare in the United Kingdom

Written by Lais Cattassini Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Lais Cattassini

Lais is a Brazilian journalist and copywriter with over 17 years of experience, writing about things she knows really well (travelling, cinema, social media trends) and things she loves learning about.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 14, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Interesting facts:

• Approximately 80% of the UK's healthcare is funded through the government.
• Patients might have to wait weeks or months for elective treatments like surgeries or specialist consultations.
• In 2022/23, total health spending in England was £182bn, having increased by an average of 5.5% a year.

Overview of the British healthcare system

The healthcare system in the United Kingdom (UK) is primarily delivered through the National Health Service (NHS), which provides comprehensive healthcare to all residents. It is publicly funded through taxation and operates under the principle that healthcare should be free at the point of use.

General Practitioners (GPs) serve as the first point of contact for patients and provide referrals to specialist services when necessary. For more specialised treatments or hospital care, patients are referred to secondary or tertiary care. Hospitals in the UK are run by NHS trusts and provide services such as surgery, emergency care, and specialist treatments.

While the NHS dominates healthcare delivery, there is also a private healthcare sector. Some individuals choose to purchase private health insurance or pay out-of-pocket for faster access to elective treatments or certain specialist services.

Most medications are covered by the NHS with nominal prescription charges, although certain groups, such as children, the elderly, and low-income individuals, are exempt from paying.

How to access the healthcare system in the UK as an expat

Eligibility for NHS Services

Before Brexit, citizens of EEA countries and Switzerland could access NHS services similarly to UK citizens by using a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Post-Brexit, this arrangement has changed. New arrivals from EEA countries must meet the same requirements as non-EEA nationals, though transitional arrangements apply to those with EHIC cards issued before the end of 2020.

Non-EEA nationals must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application if they plan to stay in the UK for more than six months. The IHS grants access to most NHS services during the visa period. As of 2024, the IHS costs £1,035 per year for most visa categories. This fee allows expats to access healthcare without additional charges for GP visits, hospital treatments, and other services.

Registering with a General Practitioner (GP)

Upon arrival in the UK, expats should register with a local GP surgery to access non-emergency healthcare services.

Use the NHS website to find a GP practice near your residence. You'll need to visit the GP surgery in person or apply online to register. After registering, you'll receive an NHS Number, which you'll use for medical appointments and treatments.

If your GP determines that you need specialist treatment, they will refer you to a consultant or hospital for secondary care. Access to specialist care is generally free under the NHS after referral.

Types of health insurance in the United Kingdom

NHS Coverage (Public Healthcare)

The NHS provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to all UK residents and some international visitors. It is publicly funded through taxation, and there is no need for a separate health insurance plan to access most healthcare services. However, there are charges for certain services like prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests.

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance offers quicker access to private hospitals, specialists, and treatments, bypassing NHS waiting lists for non-emergency care. Private health insurance policies can be tailored to meet the individual's needs, and they are available through various insurance providers like BUPA, AXA PPP Healthcare, and VitalityHealth.

This is the most extensive type of private health insurance that covers surgery, hospital stays, consultations, and diagnostic tests. Many policies include mental health services, such as therapy and counselling.

Inpatient-Only Health Insurance

This policy covers only inpatient care, such as surgeries, hospital stays, and treatments that require admission to a hospital. It does not cover outpatient services like GP visits or specialist consultations.

This plan is usually cheaper than comprehensive insurance but offers less coverage. It's suited for those who want to ensure they're covered for major treatments and hospital stays while relying on the NHS for outpatient care.

Outpatient-Only Health Insurance

An outpatient-only policy covers medical services that do not require hospitalisation, such as GP visits, specialist consultations, and diagnostic tests.

This type of insurance is more affordable than comprehensive coverage but offers fewer benefits.

Cash Plans

A health cash plan is a budget-friendly type of private health insurance that reimburses a portion of the costs for routine healthcare expenses. It typically covers dental care, optical treatments, physiotherapy, and sometimes alternative therapies.

Cash plans don't cover private hospital stays or surgeries, and they have fixed reimbursement limits. These plans are good for those who mainly want to cover everyday healthcare expenses.

International Health Insurance

This is specifically designed for expats, international workers, or students living in the UK, who may require healthcare both in the UK and abroad. It is more expensive than UK-only private health insurance and offers worldwide coverage for medical services.

Business/Corporate Health Insurance

Employers in the UK sometimes offer group health insurance as a perk for their employees. This corporate health insurance can vary from basic coverage to more comprehensive plans, depending on the employer's policy.

How much does health insurance in the United Kingdom cost?

Private health insurance is the most common alternative to the public NHS, and the cost can vary significantly depending on the coverage options. Premiums range between £79 to £170 per month. This wide range depends on factors such as age, health status, coverage level, and location.

Expats living in the UK for more than six months usually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access NHS services. The IHS currently costs £1,035 per year for most visa types and £776 per year for students or those on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. This payment grants access to the NHS for the duration of the visa but does not cover private health insurance.

Expat health insurance in the United Kingdom

Expats who are staying in the UK for more than six months are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. The IHS gives them access to the NHS, meaning they can use most NHS services without additional charges beyond the upfront IHS payment.

Once the IHS is paid, expats are entitled to the same NHS care as UK residents, covering GP visits, hospital treatments, emergency services, and more.

There is no legal obligation for expats to have private health insurance, as the NHS provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for those who have paid the IHS.

Expats or visitors staying in the UK for less than six months are not required to pay the IHS and are generally not entitled to free NHS healthcare, except in emergency situations or for specific services. In these cases, it is recommended that short-term visitors or expats have travel or private health insurance to cover potential healthcare costs while in the UK.

What to do in an emergency?

If someone's life is at risk or they need immediate medical attention, call 999. This number is free to call from any phone, including mobile phones, even without credit or a SIM card.

For urgent but non-life-threatening medical concerns, call 111 (or use the NHS 111 website). NHS 111 is available 24/7 and can guide you to the right healthcare service, such as advice on medical symptoms, where to go for treatment, and arranging an ambulance if necessary.

For serious injuries or medical emergencies that require immediate attention but may not require an ambulance, go to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.