Paul Sanchez
The UK has a government-sponsored universal healthcare system called the National Health Service (NHS), which means expats can access the NHS free of charge. However, eligibility and the extent of cover can vary. For example, in England, you may have to make a small co-payment for prescription medication, while prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If you're travelling abroad, it's recommended that you take out appropriate travel insurance before you go, and check your cover for pre-existing conditions. If you're unable to register with the NHS, or are waiting for registration, private health insurance can be a good option to cover medical costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is entitled to free NHS treatment? | Anyone who has paid the surcharge or is exempt from paying it and whose visa allows them to be in the UK for more than 6 months. |
| What if I'm in the UK for less than 6 months? | You should ensure you're covered for healthcare through personal medical insurance during your visit. |
| What if I'm not a UK resident? | If you're not a UK resident, you'll be charged 150% of the national NHS rate. |
| What if I'm a student? | Overseas students can access NHS services if they pay an annual surcharge of £300. |
| What if I'm a permanent resident? | Expats with 'settled status' or 'indefinite leave to remain' will have full access to the NHS on the same basis as a resident. |
| What if I'm visiting from the EU? | You can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state medical care. |
| What if I'm visiting from outside the EU? | You can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) and some other countries. |
| What if I need urgent medical attention? | Call 999 or 112 if in the UK, or 112 if in Europe. |
| What if I need non-urgent medical attention? | Call NHS 111, contact your GP, or visit a walk-in centre, minor injuries unit, or urgent treatment centre. |
| What if I need advice about a common minor illness? | Ask a local pharmacist for advice. |
| What services aren't covered by the NHS? | Dental treatment, eye tests, and prescriptions are not covered by the NHS and must be paid for. |
| What if I want to avoid NHS waiting times? | You can take out private health insurance to access treatment more quickly. |
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What You'll Learn
When to use the NHS vs private health insurance
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) has been providing free healthcare at the point of use since 1948. It is one of the world's largest publicly funded health services and its quality of care is recognised internationally. However, in recent years, the NHS has faced increasing pressure, causing many people to shift towards private medical treatment.
Private healthcare is medical treatment that you pay for yourself, either directly to the healthcare provider or through private medical insurance. It offers faster treatment, more privacy, and more modern and comfortable facilities. However, it can be expensive, with the cost of treatment depending on the hospital and the treatment needed.
The NHS provides free medical care to the whole population, funded by National Insurance contributions. While treatment should start within 18 weeks of a hospital receiving a referral letter, there is a growing backlog in NHS waiting lists. The type of care, how long you can wait, and your budget will impact whether you choose the NHS or private healthcare.
Private healthcare is not a replacement for the NHS, as it does not offer Accident and Emergency (A&E) services. The NHS is often the best option for emergency care, as most private hospitals lack A&E facilities. Private medical insurance usually does not cover chronic conditions, so opting for private treatment for these conditions can lead to expensive medical bills.
The quality of medical treatment should be the same for both NHS and private healthcare. However, private healthcare facilities can be more comfortable and modern, with additional complementary therapies, and reduced waiting times. Private treatment can also offer a wider range of treatments, including more specialised procedures and surgeries.
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How to get a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a free card issued by the NHS Business Services Authority on behalf of the Department for Health and Social Care in the UK. It is issued to anyone covered by the social security system in the UK and provides evidence of entitlement to healthcare services under the UK's reciprocal healthcare agreements. The GHIC is accepted in EU countries and provides access to necessary healthcare services, including emergency treatment, treatment for pre-existing or chronic conditions, and routine maternity care. It is important to note that the GHIC does not replace travel and medical insurance and only covers essential medical needs.
To apply for a GHIC, individuals can visit the official GHIC website or the NHS website. The application is free, and applicants should be cautious of unofficial websites that charge a fee. The application process involves providing personal information, such as full name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance or NHS number. It is recommended to apply at least two weeks before travelling to ensure the card arrives on time.
GHICs are valid for up to five years and can be used until their expiry date. If an individual already has a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), they can continue using it until it expires. After that, they will need to apply for a GHIC as a replacement. It is also important to note that each family member needs their own card, and family members can be added to the application.
In cases where an individual requires medical attention while travelling but has lost or forgotten their GHIC, they can obtain a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). The PRC provides the same level of cover as the GHIC and can be applied for by contacting Overseas Healthcare Services at the NHS Services Authority.
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What to do if you're incorrectly charged for treatment
If you believe you've been incorrectly charged for medical treatment while abroad, contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services and keep all documents relating to your treatment. You may need to provide more information to confirm your eligibility and the cost of the treatment you received. This could include your passport, proof of address, and details of the treatment you received. NHS Overseas Healthcare Services will review your claim and decide whether you were charged when you should have been covered. If they determine that your treatment should have been covered by your insurance, they will reimburse you or your insurer for the costs of treatment.
If you have a problem with debt collection or credit reporting due to a surprise medical bill, you can submit a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). You can also reach out to them if you need help with an unexpected out-of-network medical bill or if you see a surprise medical charge listed as a negative item on your credit report. To file a dispute, you'll need to pay a $25 non-refundable administrative fee. If the dispute is resolved in your favour, this amount will be deducted from what you owe your provider.
Before travelling, ensure you have the appropriate travel insurance and check the terms of your policy. Share your policy details with your travel companions and friends or family at home. Your insurance policy details should include the policy number and your insurer's emergency assistance telephone number.
If you have insurance and are unsure about the charges, talk to the accounting or billing office of your provider. Check for billing errors, such as being charged for the same service or treatment twice, or being charged for a service you did not receive. If you disagree with the charges or require more information, you have the right to an appeal with your health insurance company, including both an "internal appeal" and an "external review" of the charges.
If you did not use health insurance, review financial assistance guides for ways to reduce your bill. You can also submit a complaint if your provider did not give you a good faith estimate.
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How to choose a private health insurance plan
When choosing a private health insurance plan, it's important to consider your needs and budget. Here are some factors to help you choose the right plan:
Coverage
Understand what the insurance plan covers. Private health insurance can provide access to faster treatment, new drugs, and specialist treatments. Some plans may also offer dental care and mental health support. Consider if you want cover for specific areas, such as cancer treatments or muscle and joint issues.
Cost
The cost of private health insurance depends on various factors, including your age, location, lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking), and the level of cover you choose. You can lower the cost by choosing a higher excess, but this means paying more when you need treatment. Some providers offer savings for couples or family plans.
Flexibility
Look for a plan that suits your needs and offers flexibility. For example, some plans allow you to choose the level of excess you're comfortable with. Also, consider if you want the freedom to choose your own healthcare provider, as some insurers may limit this.
Provider Reputation
Research the reputation of the insurance provider. Read reviews and ratings from independent sources, such as Trustpilot. Consider their customer service, claims processing, and whether they offer guidance and support in understanding the insurance process.
Additional Benefits
Some insurance plans provide additional benefits like emotional support services, access to health-related articles and guidance, and discounts on other health-related services. These extra benefits can enhance the overall value of the plan.
Remember to compare plans from different providers and ask for personalised quotes. Websites like www.phin.org.uk offer independent information about the quality and cost of private care, which can help you make an informed decision.
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What to do if you need medical treatment while travelling
If you need medical treatment while travelling in the UK, the first thing to do is dial 999 if you are experiencing a medical emergency requiring an ambulance. If you can get to the hospital without an ambulance, you should head straight to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
If your need for medical treatment is not an emergency, you should be aware that the UK operates a residence-based healthcare system, so most NHS services are free only to those ordinarily resident in the UK. If you are visiting the UK and need non-emergency treatment, you can apply to register with a GP as a temporary patient if you are in the area for more than 24 hours but fewer than three months. If you are in England for less than six months, you should ensure you are covered for healthcare through personal medical insurance. If you are in England for more than six months, you will need to pay the immigration health surcharge, unless you are exempt from paying it. If you've paid the surcharge or are exempt, and your visa is for more than six months, you'll be entitled to free NHS hospital treatment on a similar basis to a UK resident.
If you are a visitor from Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you can get medically necessary healthcare using your passport. If your visit to the UK began on or before 31 December 2020, you may be able to use your EHIC or PRC for the duration of your visit.
If you are a UK resident, it is recommended that you have a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) and private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip. If you are a UK national, your passport will give you access to emergency healthcare in Montenegro, but you will have to pay for prescribed medicines and other treatment. If you are a UK resident but not a national, you will need your passport and a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) to get emergency healthcare.
If you have a travel insurance plan, make sure you check the details to ensure you are covered for medical treatment and emergency transport in the country you are visiting. Share your policy details with your companions and with friends or family at home, in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are visiting the UK for less than 6 months, you should ensure you are covered for healthcare through personal medical insurance. If you are in the UK for longer than 6 months, you will be entitled to free NHS hospital treatment if you have paid the surcharge or are exempt from it.
The UK GHIC lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) and some other countries on the same basis as a resident of that country. You can apply for a UK GHIC if you are a UK resident.
Expats with 'settled status' or 'indefinite leave to remain' will have full access to the NHS on the same basis as a resident. If you are an expat living in the UK for less than 6 months, you should ensure you are covered by personal medical insurance.
The emergency numbers in the UK are 999 and 112.
Most NHS services are free at the point of care. However, there are some exceptions, such as dental treatment and prescription medication, which you will need to pay for.
