Private health insurance for expats in the UK

Private health insurance for expats in the UK: what you need to know

The UK’s NHS provides comprehensive healthcare free at the point of use to all ordinarily resident in the country — and expats who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) are fully entitled to NHS treatment. So why do many expats choose private health insurance on top of this? The primary reason is speed. NHS waiting lists for non-urgent specialist appointments and elective procedures can stretch to months or even years. Private medical insurance (PMI) allows you to bypass these queues and access specialists, diagnostic tests and treatment on your own schedule.

UK PMI policies typically cover inpatient treatment (hospital stays, surgery, anaesthetics), and many extend to outpatient consultations, diagnostic imaging, cancer treatment and mental health support. Most policies do not cover GP appointments, A&E visits, or chronic ongoing conditions that pre-existed when you took out the policy — though some insurers offer moratorium underwriting or medical history disregarded options that may provide partial cover for pre-existing conditions after a waiting period.

For expats who have recently arrived from outside the UK, international PMI (such as Cigna Global or Allianz Care) may be worth considering during a transition period, particularly if you have ongoing healthcare needs or travel frequently between countries. International plans typically offer more flexibility but at a higher premium than domestic UK PMI.

When comparing policies, pay close attention to the excess (the amount you pay per claim or per year), the hospital network (some insurers only cover treatment in their own network hospitals), outpatient limits, and mental health inclusion. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates health insurance products in the UK — always check that any insurer or broker you use is FCA-authorised before purchasing.