Healthcare in the UK for expats

The United Kingdom was the first healthcare system to be funded by general taxation. Free care is given based on need, rather than ability to pay fees or insurance.

The National Health Service (NHS), a government entity, manages hospitals, physicians, and mental health for the UK. NHS England distributes funds to Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), which replaced Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) as of July 1, 2022, to pay healthcare providers at the local level.

Health insurance is provided for all residents, regardless of employment. Approximately 10.5% of the population carries additional private insurance, which may provide quicker care access, choice of specialists, and better amenities for elective procedures.

Usually referred to as chemists, pharmacies can be found in standalone chains like Boots or in supermarkets. Pharmacists can advise you on minor ailments that don’t require a prescription (e.g., stomach pains, allergies, coughs, and colds) and, in some cases, prescribe medications for conditions that don't require a doctor's consultation. Here are some examples of what residents pay for health services. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for all residents.

Doctor visits Costs Primary care physician £0 Specialist visit £0 Hospital stays £0 Prescriptions (outpatient cost – inpatient meds and contraceptives are free) £9.90 Dental care (England rates) £26.80 - £319.10 Dental care (Wales rates) £20 - £260 Prescribed vision aids Paid by patient Maternity care (prenatal and postnatal) 0

To find your general practitioner (GP), check availability for physicians in your area, either online or by phone. A GP practice must accept you unless reasonable grounds exist to deny you, such as no capacity for new patients.

To see a specialist in the public system, you need to be registered as an NHS patient. You can ask your GP for a written referral or conduct your own research to find a specialist. This also applies to private insurance plans.

If you have private insurance in the UK, you can contact your insurer directly for recommendations or a list of approved providers, including specialists. Dental rates may be lower outside of England, so check with your local dentist for accurate rates.