Private health insurance for expats in the UK

No — NHS access is comprehensive and free for those who qualify. However, many expats choose private cover to avoid long waiting lists for non-urgent specialist care, elective procedures and diagnostic tests. Private insurance is entirely optional but can meaningfully reduce wait times and give you more choice over where and when you are treated.

Standard PMI policies typically exclude pre-existing conditions at the point of application. However, some insurers offer moratorium underwriting — where a condition is excluded initially but may become covered after a set period (usually two years) of being symptom-free. A small number of insurers offer medical history disregarded (MHD) policies that cover pre-existing conditions from day one, usually at a higher premium. A specialist broker can help you compare your options.

UK PMI covers you for private treatment within the UK only. International health insurance (IPMI) covers you for treatment in multiple countries — useful if you travel frequently, have family abroad, or are in a transitional period between countries. IPMI premiums are generally higher, but the coverage is far broader. Many expats start with IPMI and switch to UK PMI once settled.

UK PMI premiums vary significantly depending on age, health history, chosen excess, hospital network and the level of cover (inpatient only vs comprehensive). A healthy adult in their 30s might pay £50–£100/month for a standard plan; older applicants or those requiring comprehensive cover including outpatient and mental health will pay more. Getting quotes from a broker who compares multiple insurers is the most effective way to find competitive pricing.

Yes. Health insurance products sold in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can verify that an insurer or broker is FCA-authorised using the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk. Always check authorisation before purchasing a policy — unauthorised firms offer no consumer protection if things go wrong.

The excess is the amount you agree to pay yourself before the insurer contributes to a claim. It is usually applied per policy year, though some insurers apply it per claim or per condition. Choosing a higher excess lowers your monthly premium but means you pay more out of pocket when you do claim. It is worth checking how the excess is structured, as the headline figure can mean very different things between insurers.

Most UK and international insurers offer family or couple policies that cover a partner and dependent children under a single plan, often at a lower combined cost than separate policies. Cover levels and any age limits for dependent children vary between insurers, and each person may be underwritten individually for pre-existing conditions. If you are relocating as a family, a broker can compare family plans across several insurers in one go.

Routine dental and optical care is not usually included in a standard private medical insurance policy, which focuses on treatment of acute medical conditions. Many insurers offer dental and optical cover as an optional add-on for an additional premium, and some international expat plans bundle these in at higher tiers. If routine dental or eye care matters to you, check whether it is included or available as an extra before choosing a plan.

Both routes are valid. Buying directly from an insurer can suit you if you already know exactly which plan you want. A broker compares policies across multiple insurers and can match your circumstances, destination and budget to a suitable option, which is often helpful if you are new to the UK system or have pre-existing conditions to factor in. FCA-regulated brokers do not usually charge you a fee directly. Whichever route you take, confirm the firm is FCA-authorised.

Yes. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory part of most UK visa applications and is paid regardless of whether you also hold private health insurance. Paying it gives you access to the NHS on broadly the same basis as a UK resident. Private insurance sits on top of that NHS entitlement — it does not replace the IHS or exempt you from paying it.