Guide to getting health insurance in the UK in 2026

Private health insurance in the UK is an option for those not able to access the National Health Service (NHS) or who want a greater choice of healthcare treatments.

This guide details how health insurance in the UK works, with sections on topics such as:

• Private health insurance in the UK health systemCan foreigners access the NHS?What should tourists and visitors do for health coverage?Do I need private health insurance in the UK?

• Can foreigners access the NHS?

• What should tourists and visitors do for health coverage?

• Do I need private health insurance in the UK?

• The advantages of getting private health insurance in the UKAccess to private treatments not covered by the NHS

• Access to private treatments not covered by the NHS

• Getting private health insurance in the UKChoosing a private medical insurance provider in the UKPrivate and international health insurance providers in the UKHow do you apply for private medical insurance in the UK?

• Choosing a private medical insurance provider in the UK

• Private and international health insurance providers in the UK

• How do you apply for private medical insurance in the UK?

• How much does British health insurance cost?Is the NHS really free?How much does private insurance cost in the UK?How do you get reimbursed for your medical expenses?How much does international health insurance cost?

• Is the NHS really free?

• How much does private insurance cost in the UK?

• How do you get reimbursed for your medical expenses?

• How much does international health insurance cost?

• Useful resources

APRIL International

Looking for expat-friendly health insurance in the UK? APRIL International has a long history of providing health coverage tailored to the unique needs of the expat lifestyle, ensuring peace of mind for you and your family. Whether you’re relocating to the UK or simply staying short-term, APRIL International has the right policy for you.

Private health insurance in the UK health system

The UK has a universal healthcare system in which most residents are covered by the state-funded NHS.

Public healthcare in the UK is different from that of many other European countries, as it is tax-funded and residence-based. That means that there is no need to take out public health insurance, all residents can access NHS services free of charge without an insurance plan.

However, private healthcare is also available in the UK. To access it, you’ll either need to pay upfront for services or take out a private insurance policy. Around 11.8% of UK residents have private health insurance.

Healthcare in the UK: understand how the NHS works

UK companies sometimes offer private health insurance as part of a benefit package to employees, especially multinationals employing workers from overseas.

Another option is international health insurance, which you can use to access private healthcare in the UK. These types of plans are also useful if you are likely to travel or relocate often.

Can foreigners access the NHS?

Foreigners can use NHS services, but they may need to pay an upfront surcharge.

Your employment situation makes no difference to whether you can access British healthcare. This includes:

• Employed, even if working for a foreign company

• Freelance

• Unemployed

• Pensioner

• (International) student

• Asylum seekers and refugees

What should tourists and visitors do for health coverage?

If you’re a visitor or tourist in the UK, you’ll either need to pay for services; get private, international health, or travel insurance; or bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

EHIC: The European Health Insurance Card explained

Do I need private health insurance in the UK?

There’s no obligation to take out private health insurance in the UK, but it can be advisable in certain situations.

For example, it can work out cheaper if you require regular dental or vision treatment not fully covered by the NHS. It can also help you avoid waiting times and provides perks such as private hospital rooms. Many expats coming to the UK find it simpler to take out a private or international plan.

The advantages of getting private health insurance in the UK

The NHS is a world-renowned healthcare provider, but it struggles to meet demands. Also, the quality of facilities can vary across different regions. Because of this, some people prefer to take out health insurance and ‘go private.’

Advantages of private health insurance in the UK include:

• greater choice in GPs and hospital facilities

• wider range of treatments, including some specialist treatments not available on the NHS (e.g., dental treatments, complementary therapies)

• shorter waiting times, as services aren’t as overcrowded

• more exclusive facilities (e.g., private hospital rooms)

Access to private treatments not covered by the NHS

In addition to the above benefits, taking out a private health insurance policy can save you money. For example, if you regularly need treatment that’s not available on the NHS, it can work out cheaper than paying for private treatment out of pocket:

• Certain dental procedures

• Most vision care

• Cosmetic procedures

• Certain specialist treatments

• Alternative medicine

• Many fertility treatments

• Non-essential health services such as health screening

Expat health insurance: costs, coverage, and how to choose a plan

Getting private health insurance in the UK

Choosing a private medical insurance provider in the UK

There are two national bodies that regulate the UK insurance industry:

• Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), which makes sure that companies are financially secure enough to offer insurance protection;

• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which makes sure that companies operate in compliance with laws and guidelines

When choosing a private health insurance provider, make sure that they sign up to the FCA financial services register.

You can pick from different coverage plans with private insurers. Not everything is part of a basic plan, but you can opt for add-ons. Most companies don’t include dental insurance in their standard plans. Therefore, if you want insurance for dental treatment, you will probably need to pay extra for this or take out a separate policy.

Private and international health insurance providers in the UK

The UK health insurance market isn’t as big as in many other countries. However, there is still plenty of choice. You are free to choose your own provider. If you receive private coverage from your employer, you may need to go with a company with whom they are partnered with. This is unless they allow workers to arrange their own coverage.

When choosing a health insurance provider, there are a number of things you might want to consider. These include:

• premium costs

• whether you can cover additional family members

• what treatments and conditions receive coverage

• whether you have coverage if you travel overseas

See the Expatica guides to choosing a health insurance provider and UK health insurance quotes for more details.

Best expat health insurance quotes in the UK

Also, international insurers cover private healthcare in different countries. You can use their policies in the UK, and they’re a great option if you plan to travel. Companies offering this coverage include:

• Allianz Care

• APRIL International

• Cigna Global

How do you apply for private medical insurance in the UK?

If you wish to apply for private medical insurance in the UK, first work out what your needs are. For example, who is the coverage for, and which conditions and treatments should it cover?

You can then approach a health insurance provider for quotes. They usually have an online form which you can fill out with your personal details, and you’ll receive a quote tailored to your situation. It’s always a good idea to compare offers from a few providers.

Once you sign up, you then pay a monthly premium to the insurance company.

Employees should check what happens to their health insurance once their contract ends, you’ll still be covered for NHS treatment, but it will likely end your access to private services.

How much does British health insurance cost?

Is the NHS really free?

Although treatment is free on the NHS if you’re eligible, there are some costs that patients may incur. For example:

• Prescriptions

• Dentistry

• Eye care

• Wigs and fabrics

However, there are exemptions. You may be exempt if you’re under 16 or in full-time education. Help is available for costs if you’re on a low income or unemployed.

How much does private insurance cost in the UK?

Private health insurance costs about £1,020 annually on average. However, you can find basic policies for around £500.

Your health insurance premium will be affected by:

• level of coverage

• how many people are covered

• age

• lifestyle

• medical history

You can use a UK comparison site such as ActiveQuote to compare costs from different providers.

How do you get reimbursed for your medical expenses?

Most health insurance companies charge a monthly premium plus an excess fee when you use your cover. You normally pay for treatment upfront and then file a reimbursement claim with your insurer. Check with your provider for details of their claims process.

How much does international health insurance cost?

International health insurance is generally more expensive than other private insurance. You can expect to pay a couple of thousand pounds per year, usually via a monthly premium.

Like other private policies, the prices depend on your level of coverage, who’s covered, and your health situation. Check the terms and conditions carefully.

Useful resources

• The National Health Service (NHS)