Healthcare services for everyone living in the UK

Navigating the NHS as a new arrival takes time. Whether you need a private GP while you wait for NHS registration, international health insurance that covers UK treatment, or specialist care for a specific condition — this directory covers providers who regularly see and understand international patients.

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Healthcare

Find healthcare services in the UK

Every sub-category has its own curated list of vetted providers, plus practical guidance on how the UK health system works for new arrivals.

Doctors & GPs

Private GPs and medical centres offering same-day appointments for new arrivals waiting for NHS registration, plus ongoing private primary care.

Private GP Same-Day Appointments Nationwide
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Health Insurance

International and UK private medical insurance — from comprehensive expat health plans to top-up cover sitting alongside NHS entitlement.

International PMI Top-Up Cover Expat Plans
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Hospitals & Clinics

Private hospitals, specialist clinics and diagnostic centres across the UK — for those who need prompt access to secondary care without NHS waiting times.

Private Hospitals Specialist Clinics Diagnostics
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Maternity Services

Private maternity units, independent midwives and birth planning services — including options for those unfamiliar with NHS maternity pathways.

Private Maternity Independent Midwives Birth Planning
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Mental Health

Private therapists, psychologists and mental health clinics offering prompt access to talking therapies, assessments and psychiatric care.

Therapy & Counselling Psychologists Psychiatry
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Featured providers

Highlighted across Healthcare

A selection of highly-regarded healthcare providers from across all Healthcare sub-categories, reviewed by our editorial team.

Cigna Healthcare

One of the world's leading international health insurers. Cigna Healthcare offers comprehensive expat health plans with access to a vast network of hospitals, clinics and specialists worldwide — including full UK coverage.

International PMI Global Network Expat Specialist
Visit Cigna Healthcare
The London Clinic

One of the UK's most respected independent hospitals, situated in central London. Offering a comprehensive range of specialist consultations, diagnostics, surgery and cancer care with a dedicated international patient service.

Private Hospital Central London International Patients
Visit The London Clinic
Priory Group

The UK's largest independent provider of mental health services, with clinics nationwide. Priory offers prompt assessments, talking therapies, psychiatric care and inpatient treatment — all evidence-based and consultant-led.

Nationwide Clinics Assessments Inpatient & Outpatient
Visit Priory Group
Mind

The UK's leading mental health charity. Mind provides information, advice and local support services for anyone experiencing a mental health problem — a trusted first point of contact for new arrivals unsure where to start.

Mental Health Charity Local Support Free Resources
Visit Mind

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Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions

Common questions from expats and new arrivals navigating healthcare in the UK.

You can register with any NHS GP practice that is accepting new patients in your area — there is no requirement to use the practice closest to your home. You will need to provide proof of your address, but you do not need a visa, passport or National Insurance number to register. Practices cannot refuse to register you solely on the basis that you are a foreign national. In the meantime, many private GP services offer same-day appointments while you wait for NHS registration to complete.
Most people on a visa of more than six months will have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application, which entitles them to the full range of NHS services at no extra cost — the same as a UK citizen. If you are from a country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, you may also be covered. Those on short-term or visitor visas are generally charged for NHS treatment, so private health insurance is strongly recommended.
The IHS gives you full access to NHS care, so private health insurance is not strictly necessary. However, many expats choose to take out private medical insurance to access faster specialist appointments, avoid NHS waiting lists, get private hospital rooms, and have access to treatments not always available on the NHS. International health plans from providers like Cigna Healthcare can also provide continuity of cover if you move countries again.
Via the NHS, your GP is the first point of contact — they can refer you to talking therapy services (IAPT) or specialist mental health teams. NHS waiting times for therapy can be significant in some areas. For faster access, private therapists, online therapy platforms and charities such as Mind offer support without a referral. If you are in crisis, you can call NHS 111, contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7), or go to your nearest A&E.
It depends on your policy. Some international health insurance plans provide global coverage including the UK, but domestic health plans from most countries will not cover treatment abroad. You should check your policy carefully and contact your insurer to confirm what is covered. If your home country insurance does not cover UK treatment, an international health plan or top-up cover from a UK provider is worth considering — especially if your stay is longer term.
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