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International Health Insurance in UK

Get private health insurance in the UK and enjoy this country to its fullest. With international events hosted year-round, you’ll want every minute you can get.

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In the United Kingdom, residents can access healthcare for free through the National Health Service. While the NHS is a great institute, wait times can be notoriously long. Private healthcare can help you spend less time in the lobby or chasing wait lists, and more time exploring the UK’s heritage, landscape, and incredible sporting events.

Whether you’re moving for a change of scenery, or a new work opportunity, Cigna Healthcare can offer you private health care in the UK that can keep you focusing on the best it has to offer.

How does the healthcare system work in the UK?

In the UK, every resident gets access to free healthcare through the NHS. Although, certain functions do come at a cost, such as dentistry. Additionally, prescription medication is usually paid for by the user. It’s funded through tax and contributions from the national insurance, a form of payroll tax. With public healthcare being so accessible, it does mean wait times for issues can be quite high.

The following services are free to everyone:

  • A&E Services (Accident and Emergency.) This does not cover emergency treatment if admitted to hospital.
  • Family Planning Services. However, this does not include infertility treatment or abortions.
  • Treatment of Infectious Diseases. This also includes STIs (sexually transmitted infections.)
  • Treatment of Certain Mental or Physical Conditions. However, if you’ve come to the UK for this treatment, you won’t be covered.

Discover dental insurance in the UK

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How does the healthcare system work for visitors in the UK?

While visiting the UK from abroad, you can access some types of healthcare. For hospital treatment, you must be living in the UK on a settled basis – that either means you have indefinite leave to remain or are verified by the EU Settlement Scheme. If you’re visiting from the EU, you can use the following documentation.

  • EHIC
  • PRC
  • S2

However, if you can’t provide the correct documentation, you could be charged for your care. You can find out more about being a visitor on the NHS website. If you’re visiting England for six months or more then you’ll need to pay an immigration health surcharge for the duration of your visa to access NHS hospital treatment.

It's important that you have health insurance in the UK if you’re visiting for less than six months, as you could be charged up to 150% of the NHS national rate in the event you require hospital treatment.

What’s life like for an expat in the UK?

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Pros and cons of using the UK's healthcare system


Pros

  • Free, Comprehensive Healthcare. Because the UK’s healthcare system is funded by taxation and national insurance, hospital care is free and accessible.
  • Cheaper Prescriptions. When you are given a prescription for over-the-counter drugs, they can often be cheaper with a prescription compared to buying them in stores.
  • Accessibility. The NHS is accessible across the UK. While rural areas may have less access in immediate proximity, community pharmacies are common. Most urban locations have a GP premises within 20 minutes of their home.


Cons

  • Long Waiting Times. There are many reasons for the NHS’s long waiting times, and it’s a common experience whether dropping into A&E or waiting for treatment through your GP.
  • Little Choice in Treatments. Due to the way the NHS works, the only way you can see a specialist is if you’re referred – usually through your GP. This can lengthen the process, and you’re limited in the treatments you can personally select.
  • Understaffed. Many UK citizens feel that the NHS is understaffed or underfunded, often citing this as the reason they believe they are waiting so long to get seen or not getting the quality of treatment they want.

What’s the difference between public and private care in the UK?

Public Private
Free. The NHS is free, which can save you a significant sum if you’re not worried about the longer wait times or restricted service. Paid. Health insurance in the UK isn’t free, so if money is a concern, it’s an important thing to consider. For those after the best service, the additional cost can be worth it.
Slow. Referrals can take significantly longer, and tests may be slower to arrange. While not always the case, every avenue is likely to take more time. Fast. Because the service is paid and less accessible, service should be quicker. This is because health insurance in the UK is a premium feature, not an expectation.
Limited Choice. Generally, you’re going to be limited on choice when being assigned to specialists through the UK. Personalised. By choosing private health insurance in the UK, you can experience a more personalised level of care. If you’d appreciate more choice, especially with serious procedures, this could be an essential benefit to you.

 

How can international health insurance help you in the UK?

Expats looking for health insurance in the UK can benefit greatly from an international policy. This means you may be able to get private treatment both in the UK and in your home country. If you’re planning return trips or splitting your time between locations it can be a convenient option.

Do I need health insurance in the UK?

Choosing your international health insurance

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Cigna Global Health Options Plans

Silver

Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

$1,000,000

Annual benefit limit

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Overview

The core benefits on the Silver plan provide international inpatient and daypatient cover, including hospital stays and treatment.

Available additional modules:
  • Outpatient
  • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Vision and Dental

    • Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $1,000,000
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Private room
    • Full cancer care
    • Newborn care cover

    Gold

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    $2,000,000

    Annual benefit limit

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    Overview

    Comprehensive coverage, with higher overall annual limits and added benefits including inpatient maternity care.

    Available additional modules:
  • Outpatient
  • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Vision and Dental

    • Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $2,000,000
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Private room
    • Full cancer care
    • Inpatient Maternity

    Platinum

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    Paid in full

    Annual benefit limit

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    Overview

    Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full.

    Available additional modules:
  • Outpatient
  • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Vision and Dental

    • Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: Paid in full
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Private room
    • Full cancer care
    • Inpatient Maternity
    • Mental and Behavioural Health care paid in full

    Cigna Close Care℠ Plan

    Close Care

    Country of residence + Country of nationality

    $500,000

    Annual benefit limit

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    Overview

    An essential health plan created for those who need coverage only in their country of residence, and their country of nationality.

    Available additional modules:
  • Outpatient and Wellness Care
  • Dental Care and Treatment

    • Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $500,000
    • Condition limit: $250,000
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Semi-private room
    • Full cancer care

    Why choose Cigna Healthcare for health insurance in the UK?

    • Be seen sooner. Avoid wait lists, and get your issues remedied sooner.
    • Enjoy a Better Service. Choosing Cigna Healthcare for health insurance in the UK means you can enjoy a more personalised healthcare experience. Don’t get left in the dark – our customer service and care team is available 24/7 to support your health care needs and answer any questions about coverage.
    • Select a Range of Cover Options. Get health insurance in the UK that suits your needs, with medical plans made for you.
    • Add Dental. In the UK, dental work is rarely covered on the NHS. Add dental to your medical plan for more options to look after yourself while abroad.

    Get a quote today
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    FAQs

    It’s difficult to give an exact figure on the cost of health insurance in the UK as there are several factors such as the level of cover, existing health conditions and even your age.

    If you value a personalised and speedy service, then health insurance in the UK can be incredibly worthwhile. Additionally, if you’re visiting then you may have to pay for NHS hospital services anyway, which could up the value of health insurance.

    The best health insurance in the UK will depending on your circumstances. It’s worth examining policies to see what they offer, and if they might benefit you more.