Expats - All you need to know about Health Insurance

The United Kingdom stands out as a top choice for many expatriates, drawing them in with its convenient travel location, diverse business prospects, and the advantage of not needing to learn a new language. The country's best healthcare system is another reason for many expats to choose the UK. However, newcomers to the UK, whether foreign nationals or expats, must go through various logistical considerations. One crucial aspect among them is obtaining health insurance in the UK, a priority that should not be overlooked.

If you're moving to the UK or have just arrived, having a health insurance is like building a strong safety net, especially if you are with kids. It sets a reliable foundation for your future too.

Why do expats need a health insurance in the UK?

In the UK, everyone, including expats, can access both inpatient and outpatient healthcare services through the National Health Service (NHS). But, recently, there are additional fees for some services. A health insurance in the UK will cover these extra costs.

Because the NHS has long waiting lists, having expat health insurance helps you skip the lines for important treatments. It also lets you enjoy private medical care benefits, like staying in private hospitals.

What are the health covers available for the UK residents?

• Depend solely on the public healthcare system (NHS).
• Add a local private medical insurance plan to your NHS coverage.
• Enhance your NHS coverage by including international medical insurance.

However, If your stay in the country is less than six months, you should get travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Can expats use the NHS system?

If you're very sick, injured, or dealing with an infectious disease in the UK, emergency services and hospital care are free for everyone. However, the NHS is funded through taxes, so there are charges for certain services.

Having an NHS number means you can access many services for free. But, unless you're exempt, you still have to pay for things like prescriptions, eye care, dental care, and certain therapies, such as physiotherapy and chiropractic services.

How much will private healthcare insurance cost?

Getting basic health coverage with a private medical plan in the UK can start at $100 per month. If you want more extensive benefits, the cost can go up to $300-$500 per month.

On average, the yearly cost for private medical insurance in the UK is around $5,651 (£4,470), based on data from over 4,000 clients.

If you're older or want top-notch coverage, you might pay $10,000 or more each month. A 60-year-old pays about double what a 40-year-old does. Younger clients (18-24 years old) pay considerably less, around $2,000-$3,000 annually for their coverage.

How to choose the best healthcare insurance for you?

• Check if the plan covers the country you live in; some plans have limitations.
• Choose a plan that fits your needs; it determines your access to private healthcare.
• Customize your plan; many companies allow you to add or increase coverage for specific benefits like dental or doctor visits.
• Decide on an excess; the amount you're willing to pay before the insurance kicks in affects your premium. Higher excess amounts can lower your premium.

Do expats need to buy health insurance before they move to the UK?

You don't have to get health insurance in the UK, but even though the NHS provides free healthcare to expats, you must be an official resident before you can use it for non-emergencies. Sorting out residency can take time and may leave you and your family without coverage during that period.

What is UK private medical insurance?

In the UK, private medical insurance (PMI) is like an extra layer of coverage to go along with the NHS. It helps address some of the limitations of the NHS.

This insurance works all across the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and sometimes even in places like the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Having UK PMI means you can skip waiting lists for specialists and hospital treatments, and you get a more comfortable experience in private hospitals. It's usually cheaper than expatriate insurance and works well for those who like the NHS but want to avoid its drawbacks, like waiting times, and are okay with being covered only in the UK.

However, it might not be the best fit for everyone. It doesn't cover private GPs, maternity, or prescriptions. Dental and optical costs aren't included either, but you can add them with certain limits. You still need a GP referral to see a private specialist. Ongoing care for chronic conditions, like regular check-ups for asthma, isn't covered, except for cancer. It's limited to the UK, and you can only see practitioners approved by your insurance, which might not include doctors of your nationality. Plus, if you make a claim, your premium may go up.

What is an international health insurance?

Choosing international health insurance for the UK can be a better option for expats compared to a local health plan. It lets you avoid the limitations of a UK private medical insurance (PMI).

Here's why international health insurance might be a good choice:

• Your coverage isn't limited to the UK; you can get treatment anywhere within your coverage area, which may include your home country.
• You're covered for private GP consultations.
• Maternity, dental, optical, and prescription costs can be included.
• You can see a specialist without needing a referral from your NHS GP.
• Chronic conditions are often more comprehensively covered, sometimes even entirely.
• Most international policies don't apply a no-claims discount (NCD), so your annual increase is based on factors like age and inflation, not your claims history.
• Unlike a UK PMI, you can choose to pay your insurance policy in pounds sterling, euros, or dollars.

Choosing the right health insurance in the UK is a personal decision because there's no universal solution that fits everyone. What works for one expat may not be the best for another because everyone has unique needs and preferences.

To figure out the best health insurance for you, think about things like your medical history, age, specific medical needs, and your situation in the UK. Consider these factors along with anything else that's important to you in order to find the insurance that suits you best.