How to get health insurance in the UK

The NHS is one of the best things about the UK – free healthcare for everyone. The National Health Service, funded by direct taxation and founded in 1948, makes healthcare publicly accessible. For those who aren’t from the UK, there are ways to find affordable alternatives to health insurance.

We’ve compiled three tips on how to get health insurance in the UK!

Learn languages at your pace

Choose your plan

Register for free healthcare with NHS

According to InternationsGO, the free public healthcare system is available for non-residents and UK residents, so expats are entitled to free healthcare. Great news, right?! It’s not that tricky to apply to be a part of it either. Here’s how to access the NHS if you are new to the UK:

Firstly, the EHIC will allow you to access NHS services. If you’re not a European citizen, you will require a European health insurance card and can then apply easily to this via the NHS wesbite.

Additionally, according to Expatica.com, if you are from outside of the EU and will stay for longer than 6 months in the UK, you have to pay a health surcharge of £150-200.

Then, a trip to your local GP is necessary to register with a valid passport and proof of address. Afterwards, you’ll receive a medical card to use for appointments.

With those steps completed, you can go to the doctors for free and be covered by the NHS. If you prefer paying for private healthcare, then here’s how to get a health insurance in the UK.

Learn languages at your pace

Choose your plan

Research for private healthcare

NHS aside, private health insurance in the UK is also available although only 10.5% of the UK population pay for it. The benefits of private health insurance are bountiful because you can skip the long waiting time and access specialists help quickly.

Here are three popular private health insurances in the UK:

ALLIANZ CARE – One of the biggest health insurance providers, CEO, Ida Luka-Lognoné says Allianz Care is about, “Making life simpler, easier and safer for clients”.
BUPA GLOBAL – Bupa is one of the leading healthcare providers in the UK. Its dental care is the leading provider of private dentistry. A monthly subscription covers the cost of treatment.
AXA PPP healthcare – According to Activequote.com, AXA PPP healthcare are “at the forefront of offering flexible and cost-effective healthcare plans, allowing you to choose the cover that fits your needs or the needs of your business – and your budgets.”

Compare health insurance quotes

Lastly, when finding your ideal health insurance in the UK, make sure to compare quotes and find what’s best for you. Activequote.com is a website you can perform this on, offering free advice over the phone too. So there is a short but well-rounded guide on how to get health insurance in the UK!