While most foreign nationals who relocate to the UK hope they will never need medical care, it is important to understand how the healthcare system works here. Healthcare in the UK differs from many other countries around the world, especially compared to insurance-based systems. In this guide, we will explain all you need to know about private healthcare in the UK for expats, including how it compares to the National Health Service (NHS) and the immigration healthcare surcharge that must be paid for by visa holders.
Why expats choose private healthcare in the UK
The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is known worldwide for its high standard of care. It is free at the point of care for citizens and permanent residents, however, visa holders have to pay a fee to use it. While the standard of care is excellent under the NHS, many expats opt to pay for private healthcare to give them access to quicker appointments to see a primary care doctor (called a general practitioner or GP in the UK), more personalised care, reduced surgical waiting times for specialist treatments, and a broader range of services (e.g. dental).
Paying for private healthcare in the UK is by no means essential, but given the pressures on the public system, many expats feel reassured that they have the backup of the private system if they ever need medical care or treatment.
What are the key differences between NHS and private healthcare?
The NHS is a publicly funded service that provides a wide range of physical and mental health services, including access to general practitioner (GP) consultations, hospital treatments, and emergency care. Unfortunately, due to the high demand and limited resources of the NHS, waiting times for non-urgent treatments can be lengthy.
Private healthcare offers healthcare including treatment and surgery but is paid for by individuals. It typically offers faster access to GPs and specialists, private hospital rooms, and a higher level of personal care. Private healthcare is not necessarily ‘better’ from a medical standpoint. You may have a more comfortable and private room, the food may be better, and you will be seen faster, but the standard of medical practice in both private and NHS care is equal.
Benefits of private healthcare for expats in the UK
The shorter waiting times to be seen by a specialist are much faster than under the NHS. As a private healthcare patient, you can have a GP appointment at short notice, typically by video or audio call, often even in the evening. This is important because you need a GP appointment in order to be referred to a hospital specialist consultant. With private healthcare, expats can see specialists and access treatments without needing an NHS referral, offering a faster route to diagnosis and care.
Many private hospitals and clinics provide private rooms, personalised meals, and additional facilities. As a result, private patients enjoy a more relaxed, dignified, and comfortable experience, particularly as hospital inpatients.
Top private healthcare providers in the UK for expats
The top private healthcare providers in the UK include Bupa, AXA Health, HCA Healthcare UK, Nuffield Heath and Spire Healthcare. Each offers different services and packages, hence it is worth shopping around before you select a provider.
Leading private hospitals and clinics in the UK
There are hundreds of private hospitals and clinics across the UK, including the Harley Street Clinic, the London Clinic (London), Royal Brompton Hospital Private Care, and King Edward VII’s Hospital. If you are unsure which private clinic to use, there are online search tools to find the most suitable for your medical needs.
How to choose the right healthcare provider for your needs
Expats should choose hospitals or clinics with a strong reputation in their area of need, whether in orthopaedics, cardiology, or maternity care. The next factor to consider is location. It is normally advisable to opt for a provider within a reasonable distance, as travelling long distances for appointments can be inconvenient. With that said, if your medical matter is particularly complex, travel may not be too much of a factor in your decision-making.
The next factor is whether the hospital or clinic you are considering is within your private insurance network. If you have health insurance, your provider will tell you if your preferred specialist and hospital is available to you.
Check whether the provider offers amenities such as private rooms, multilingual staff, or on-site interpreters, which are especially useful for expats.
Remember, many healthcare insurance companies free fitness wearable devices and other incentives. While these may be tempting, look at the overall package and cover on offer.
How to access private healthcare services as an expat
Steps to register for private healthcare
Thankfully, registering for private healthcare in the UK is very straightforward. You have two main choices: approach a healthcare provider directly as and when you need it or seek coverage through a private health insurance policy. If you are employed in the UK, we recommend asking if your employer offers private healthcare insurance as part of your package.
Expats can directly register with private healthcare providers. This option allows them to choose doctors and services as and when they need it, offering greater flexibility.
To arrange insurance, we recommend looking at one of the many insurance comparison sites available in the UK (e.g. GoCompare.com, moneysupermarket.com, and Money Saving Expert) so you can compare prices and level of coverage.
How private health insurance works in the UK
Medical health insurers in the UK offer packages which typically provide coverage for online GP consultations, specialist referrals, hospital stays, and outpatient treatments. As an expat, you can pay a one-off annual premium or a monthly fee. When you apply, you will need to provide some details of your medical history. In most cases, there is no need to have a medical consultation before being accepted.
The more coverage you need, the higher the premium. For example, if you require dental, private diagnosis, and private treatment, you can expect to pay more than if you only want treatment (i.e. to be diagnosed by the NHS). In addition, when you need to use your private healthcare insurance, you may need to pay an excess fee each time you use it.
Some providers, such as Bupa and AXA Health, specialise in expat insurance policies, which offer added features like multilingual support and international coverage, which is ideal for expats who may travel frequently.
Comparing costs: private healthcare vs. NHS for expats
Breakdown of costs for common treatments in private and NHS healthcare
The cost of private healthcare varies widely in the UK based on the type of treatment and location. Below is a general cost comparison for several standard procedures in the UK:
| Treatment | NHS (if eligible) | Private Healthcare |
| GP Appointment | Free | £50 – £200 |
| MRI Scan | Free | £400 – £700 |
| Knee Replacement Surgery | Free | £10,000 – £15,000 |
| Maternity Care | Free | £4,000 – £10,000 |
While NHS treatments are free, private healthcare offers faster access, which can be beneficial for those with limited time or pressing medical needs.
When does it make sense to opt for private healthcare in the UK?
As an expat in the UK on a visa, you will already have to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge for you and your family upfront for the duration of your stay. This means that you already have access to the NHS as and when you need it. The NHS is particularly fast and effective at dealing with urgent matters, including cancers. In addition, if you need emergency medical treatment, there is no choice; this is only available through the NHS. As an expat, it can make sense to opt to pay for private healthcare for:
- non-life-threatening issues
- cancers and other acute illnesses if the waiting list is excessive on the NHS
- specialist opinions or advanced treatments
- providing comfort and privacy, such as private rooms and bespoke care
Why the self-sponsored route offers expats the best of both worlds
The self-sponsored immigration route allows foreign entrepreneurs to set up and work for their own business in the UK, removing the need to be sponsored or employed by another person or business. As self-sponsored applicants are required to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge, this visa route grants expats the right to use NHS services when they need it. However, they can also use private healthcare, giving them the flexibility to choose between NHS and private providers based on their healthcare needs and preferences.
