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Best medical insurance for visitors in the UK
With this guide, choosing the best health insurance in the UK for foreigners will be easier. We compare five great options to help you decide.
The public health system (NHS) in the United Kingdom (UK) is one of the most advanced and respected in the world. However, for some foreigners, having additional medical insurance is convenient and, in many cases, necessary. This article provides you with all the information you need to know before taking out medical insurance in the UK.
We’ll explore the best medical insurance for foreigners in the UK, including the type of cover they provide, their costs, advantages and disadvantages. We want to help you choose the plan that best suits your needs, whether you’re planning a shorter or longer stay.
Why medical insurance is necessary in the UK?
The UK’s universal health care system is known as the National Health Service. It’s accessible to all individuals who’re legally living in the UK, without the need to be employed or have British nationality. Therefore, if you plan to study in the UK or spend time working as a digital nomad, you’ll have access to the free public healthcare system.
Public health care in the UK is funded by annual government taxation and investment and is characterised by its excellent quality and free services. The latter applies to ambulance transfers, operations, long-term treatment, medicines in hospitals and emergencies. But, like everything else, there is a limit, especially for dental care, opticians and some medicines, where reimbursement is scarce.
Despite the quality of the UK’s public health system, a proportion of Britons also have private medical insurance, usually purchased through their employer. This insurance allows them to receive medical care in small specialised clinics.
The same applies to most foreigners, who also prefer to have private medical insurance. This type of additional coverage can speed up waiting times and offer access to a variety of services, including specialised consultations and expanded treatment options. In addition, if you’re a foreign national who’ll only be in the UK temporarily or come from a country outside the European Union, having medical insurance can help you cover medical costs that you might otherwise have to pay out of pocket.
Medical insurance in the UK: What are the options for foreigners?
Choosing the right UK medical insurance is key for foreigners to get cover that suits their health and lifestyle needs. Fortunately, there are a number of different plan options, ranging from comprehensive coverage to more basic options. These range from international plans, ideal for those moving between countries, to local insurance designed to cover treatment in the UK.
Here are the main types of medical insurance in the UK for foreigners:
Private medical insurance
For those seeking faster or more specialised care than that provided by the National Health Service, private medical insurance is a good option. With it you’ll have access to consultations and treatment without long waiting lists and coverage for a wide range of services, from specialised consultations to surgical interventions. However, private insurance policies in the UK cannot cover medical emergencies if it isn’t specified in the cover. They are ideal for those who want quick and personalised attention.
International medical insurance
This type of insurance is ideal for foreign nationals who plan to live in the UK for an extended period of time and need comprehensive cover. International medical insurance covers medical services in the UK as well as in other countries, which is advantageous if the insured plans to travel frequently. This type of insurance can include primary care, hospitalisation, specialists and, in many cases, the option to choose any hospital or doctor.
Student medical insurance
Overseas students coming to study in the UK have insurance options designed specifically for their needs, ensuring cover for emergencies and routine consultations for the duration of their studies. Policies usually include general consultations, medicines, emergency care and, in some cases, specialist treatment. In addition, many universities collaborate with insurers to offer insurance at preferential rates.
Temporary insurance plans
For those who are in the UK for tourism or temporary work, temporary health medical insurance can cover from a few days to several months. These insurance options can be less expensive and tailored to specific health needs.
This type of insurance offers basic coverage that may include emergencies, hospitalisation and necessary medical consultations during the stay, but generally doesn’t cover specialised or long-term services. It’s a recommended option for tourists or those who only need temporary cover.
Costs of Medical Services in the UK
It’s important to know the average costs of some medical services to understand the value of having medical insurance in the UK. To help you with this, here’s a table of approximate costs expressed in US dollars. Please note that values may vary according to location and type of care centre.
| Medical Service | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| General medical consultation (GP) | $100 – $150 |
| Consultation with a specialist | $200 – $300 |
| X-ray | $200 – $300 |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | $800 – $1.200 |
| Hospitalisation per day (without surgery) | $1.500 – $3.000 |
| Hospitalisation per day (with surgery) | $5.000 – $15.000 |
| Emergency care (without hospitalisation) | $200 – $500 |
| Ambulance | $300 – $500 |
| Basic dental treatment | $100 – $300 |
| Ophthalmological examination | $50 – $100 |
| Laboratory test (basic) | $50 – $200 |
| Laboratory test (advanced) | $200 – $500 |
| Childbirth (without complications) | $7.000 – $10.000 |
| Childbirth (with complications or caesarean section) | $12.000 – $20.000 |
| Physical therapy (per session) | $70 – $150 |
| Mental health consultation (per session) | $100 – $200 |
The 5 best medical insurance for foreigners in the UK
There are several options for medical insurance in the UK and here are the top five for foreigners, considering their coverage, price and additional benefits. In the end, you can choose the one that best suits your situation (whether you’re a student, remote worker, digital nomad or just travelling for tourism), budget and health condition.
Allianz Care: The best medical insurance in the UK
Allianz Care is a renowned global health insurer offering international medical cover for expatriates, digital nomads, remote workers and students seeking quality medical care abroad. Allianz Care is part of the Allianz Group, one of the world’s largest and most established insurance companies, which stands out for its extensive care network and global coverage. This insurer is ideal for foreigners who need a comprehensive healthcare solution while residing in other countries, including the UK.
Allianz Care offers several plans that vary in coverage and pricing, allowing users to customise them to their specific needs. Prices depend on factors such as age, country of residence, and additional coverage chosen.
| Plans and prices | Essential: This is the most basic plan, covering hospitalisation and emergency care. It doesn’t include outpatient consultations or dental treatment. Cost starts from $50 per month. Classic: Offers broader coverage, including hospitalisation, outpatient consultations and prescription drugs. It’s ideal for those looking for comprehensive coverage for unforseen situations. Between $100-200 per month. Premier: This is the most comprehensive plan, with full coverage including hospitalisation, consultations, dental care, maternity treatment and coverage for chronic illnesses. The cost is around $300 per month. |
| Advantages | Extensive international coverage, ideal for those who move frequently to other countries. 24-hour telephone assistance, facilitating urgent medical care. Some plans include benefits such as maternity, mental health, dental and vision coverage, as well as access to a global network of hospitals and clinics. Policyholders can manage their insurance through the Allianz app, which allows them to quickly make claims, locate doctors and view policy benefits. |
| Disadvantages | High costs, especially for the more comprehensive plans. In some countries or situations, Allianz operates on a reimbursement basis, which means that insured persons must advance payment for some medical services and claim compensation afterwards. Some pre-existing conditions and specialised treatments may require additional premiums or be excluded from certain basic plans. |
| Recommended for | Expatriates, corporate employees, digital nomads |
Cigna Global
Cigna Global is one of the world’s most recognised medical insurance companies, with a long history of providing medical services to expatriates, frequent travellers and digital nomads. The insurer excels in offering flexible, global coverage, adapting to the needs of those seeking medical protection in multiple countries, including the UK. Cigna Global offers several coverage options, allowing you to customise your plan according to your requirements and the nature of your stay abroad.
Cigna Global offers three main levels of plans that vary in coverage and price, designed to provide adequate protection tailored to different profiles,
| Plans and prices | Essential: This is the basic plan that covers hospitalization and emergency treatment. It’s ideal for those seeking affordable cover, focused on high-priority medical situations. The cost is around $100 per month. Gold: Is an intermediate plan that includes coverage for hospitalisation, outpatient consultations, prescription drugs, and some additional benefits such as physiotherapy services and treatments for chronic illnesses. The cost in this case varies between $200-300 per month. Platinum: This is the most comprehensive plan, ideal for those who want full coverage. It includes hospitalisation, outpatient consultations, medicines, dental and optical care, maternity cover and care for chronic and pre-existing conditions. The price of this plan ranges from $400 to $600 per month. |
| Advantages | Cigna has a network of more than 1,000,000 hospitals and medical providers around the world, making it easy to access quality medical services anywhere. Cigna Global plans are modular, meaning you can add or exclude coverages to suit your needs and budget. Support in several languages, 24 hours a day. It offers coverage options for chronic illness, maternity and mental health in its Gold and Platinum plans. |
| Disadvantages | High costs for comprehensive plans. Depending on the country, the cost of certain services may have to be advanced and then reimbursed, which may not be convenient for all users. Exclusions for pre-existing conditions, especially in the Silver plan. |
| Recommended for | Expats, frequent travelers and digital nomads |
AXA Health
AXA is another medical insurance in the UK that we recommend for foreigners. It’s a reliable option, with a wide network of clinics and hospitals. Its plans are designed for expatriates, each tailored to different levels of coverage and budgets.
In the UK, AXA Health is particularly valued for its comprehensive approach to healthcare, flexibility in its plans and extensive network of hospitals and healthcare professionals, providing access to high quality services and reduced waiting times compared to the public system (NHS). In addition, AXA Health stands out for the personalisation of its coverage, which allows each client to adapt their insurance to their specific needs, from basic coverage to more complete plans that include advanced services.
| Plans and prices | AXA Health Personal Health Plan: Is a basic plan designed to provide access to essential health services such as hospitalisation, medical consultations and some emergency treatments. The price starts at around $90 to $120 per month. AXA Health Comprehensive Plan: An intermediate plan that includes the same as the previous plan, plus additional benefits such as psychological therapy, dental and ophthalmological care. The cost of this plan can range from $150 to $250 per month, depending on the coverage and client profile. AXA Health Prestige Plus: This is the most comprehensive plan, which includes comprehensive coverage for hospitalisation, consultations, medication, dental care, optical, maternity coverage and access to specialists without the need for referrals. The price ranges from $300 to $500 per month. |
| Advantages | Extensive network of providers in the UK and overseas, facilitating care for its policyholders. Customisable plans, allowing users to add or remove coverages according to their needs. One of the key benefits of AXA Health is the reduction of waiting times compared to the public health system. Some aircraft offer overseas cover, which is very convenient for expatriates and frequent flyers. |
| Disadvantages | Comprehensive plans, such as Prestige Plus, can be expensive, which can be a limitation for those seeking affordable coverage. AXA Health, like many insurers, may limit coverage for certain pre-existing conditions, especially in basic plans. In some countries and services, the insured must advance payments and then claim reimbursement, which is not always convenient. |
| Recommended for | Expatriates and foreign workers. |
BUPA Global
BUPA Global is a UK medical insurance company renowned for its premium plans, specially designed for people seeking high quality private medical care both in the UK and internationally. The company offers a range of plans that cover everything from the essentials to comprehensive care, ensuring that its policyholders have access to a wide range of health and hospital services worldwide.
| Plans and prices | Essential Care Plan: Covers basic medical needs, such as hospitalisation, surgery and some specialist consultations. It’s ideal for those seeking limited coverage at a lower premium. Price: From $150 per month. Classic Care Plan: More comprehensive coverage, including hospitalisation, specialist consultations, outpatient care, diagnostic services and some therapies. It’s a suitable option for people looking for insurance with intermediate coverage. Price: $250-350 per month. Premier Care Plan: Comprehensive coverage with a wide range of services including full outpatient care, hospitalisation, maternity, annual medical check-ups and mental health care. It’s one of the most comprehensive and recommended plans for expatriates seeking premium care. Price: $450-600 per month. Ultimate Care Plan: BUPA Global’s most advanced plan, which includes all of the above coverages, as well as special treatments, long-term care and full coverage for dental and vision care. It’s a luxury option for those who want comprehensive coverage without significant limits. Price: Over $800 per month |
| Advantages | Most plans allow access to health care networks in more than 190 countries. It includes access to specialist consultations, high-quality hospitalisation and wellness services. It includes annual check-ups and wellness programmes, which is ideal for those seeking a holistic approach to disease prevention. |
| Disadvantages | BUPA Global plans can be expensive, especially those that include global coverage and additional services. Certain levels of cover may have age limitations or apply higher premiums for older people. |
| Recommended for | Expatriates, business people and families who want access to high quality private medical care anywhere in the world. |
Vitality Health
Vitality Health is another medical insurance in the UK that we recommend. This option is chosen by those seeking flexible, rewards-based medical insurance. Its plans offer private coverage with a particular focus on wellness, encouraging policyholders to adopt a healthy lifestyle through a rewards programme. It has customisable plans, allowing you to adjust the level of coverage according to your needs and budget.
| Plans and prices | Vitality Essentials: Basic plan that includes inpatient care and some outpatient consultations. Price: $80-150 per month. Core Health: Provides intermediate coverage including hospitalisation, outpatient care and some specialist consultations. Price: $200-350 per month. Comprehensive Health: Vitality Health’s most comprehensive plan. It covers hospitalisation, specialist consultations, diagnostic treatments, and some mental health services. Also, wellness and preventive services, making it ideal for those looking for comprehensive coverage. Price: $400-600 per month. Wellness & Rewards: This innovative plan is differentiated by its rewards system. It allows policyholders to earn discounts and benefits by meeting certain health goals. Thus, the benefit of being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight or quitting smoking will be doubled. It’s included in all of the above. |
| Advantages | Rewards programme, including discounts on gyms, health devices and other benefits for meeting your health goals. Customisable plans. The Comprehensive Health Plan includes comprehensive coverage ranging from emergency care to mental health services. |
| Disadvantages | Rewards may be contingent on meeting certain health goals, which may be difficult for some insured persons. Advanced plans can be expensive. |
| Recommended for | Expats and residents. |
What is the best medical insurance for foreigners in the UK?
According to our assessment, Allianz Care is the best medical insurance option in the UK for foreigners for a number of reasons, including its comprehensive coverage, flexible plans and global network of doctors. Although it costs more, the quality of care and personalisation of coverage make it ideal for those seeking reliable and comprehensive medical insurance. In addition, Allianz Care is particularly useful for expatriates seeking stability and continuity of cover in other countries.
Medical insurance in the UK: Frequently Asked Questions
No es obligatorio para los extranjeros tener un seguro médico privado en el Reino Unido, ya que el Servicio Nacional de Salud (NHS) proporciona atención médica gratuita o a bajo costo para residentes y personas de ciertos países con acuerdos recíprocos. Sin embargo, los visitantes temporales y estudiantes internacionales suelen beneficiarse de contar con un seguro médico privado, ya que este puede cubrir servicios adicionales, reducir los tiempos de espera y ofrecer acceso a clínicas y hospitales privados.
Sí, el NHS ofrece servicios gratuitos en emergencias y para algunas enfermedades graves, pero el acceso a otros servicios puede estar limitado.
El NHS proporciona atención médica gratuita o a bajo costo. Pero, los tiempos de espera para ciertos procedimientos pueden ser largos. En este sentido, un seguro médico privado permite acceder a atención más rápida en hospitales y clínicas privadas, mayor elección de especialistas y, en muchos casos, habitaciones individuales. Sin embargo, es común que las pólizas privadas no cubran ciertas condiciones preexistentes o tratamientos complejos que sí pueden estar cubiertos bajo el NHS.
El costo de un seguro médico en UK puede variar significativamente según la edad, el nivel de cobertura y la empresa aseguradora. En promedio, un plan básico puede costar entre $60 y $150 dólares mensuales.
