Expat Insurance in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧

EU nationals who moved to the UK before 31 December 2020 and obtained Settled or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme are generally entitled to use the NHS on the same basis as UK residents. However, those who arrived after that date are subject to the standard immigration health surcharge (IHS), which must be paid as part of a visa application. During any gap in status — for instance if a Pre-Settled Status application is pending, or if employment changes — coverage can be uncertain. Private health insurance removes that uncertainty entirely and provides faster, more flexible access to care regardless of your settlement status.

Unlike some countries, the UK does not typically require proof of private health insurance as a mandatory condition of most standard visa applications (the Immigration Health Surcharge acts as the NHS access fee instead). However, certain visa categories — including some student visas, visitor visas requiring treatment, and specific skilled worker routes — may have different requirements. More practically, even if not required, private cover is strongly advisable: NHS waiting times for non-emergency care can be substantial, and dental and optical care are not covered in the way most expats expect. Valenvia helps you find a plan that fits your visa situation and budget.

UK private health insurance costs vary based on age, health history, the level of cover, your chosen excess, and whether the plan is comprehensive or a hospital-only policy. As a rough guide, a healthy adult in their 30s can expect to pay £50–£150/month for a solid UK private health plan with full inpatient and outpatient cover. International expat plans (which cover you globally, not just in the UK) from providers like Cigna Global or Bupa International typically start at £100–£250/month for the same profile. Families and older applicants will pay more. Valenvia shows you personalised quotes from multiple providers so you can compare on a like-for-like basis.

Income protection insurance pays you a regular tax-free income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. In the UK, statutory sick pay (SSP) is just £116.75 per week (2024/25 rate) and lasts a maximum of 28 weeks — far below most people's actual living costs, particularly in London or other high-cost cities. For employed expats, SSP is often the only state safety net. For self-employed workers and contractors, there is no SSP at all. An income protection policy typically replaces 50–70% of your pre-tax earnings for the duration of your incapacity (up to a defined benefit period), providing genuine financial stability. If you are an expat without family financial support nearby, it is one of the most important covers to have.

No — travel insurance is designed for short, temporary trips, not long-term residency. Most travel policies cap cover at 30–90 days per trip, exclude pre-existing conditions, and will not pay for routine GP visits, dental care, specialist consultations or ongoing treatments. If you are moving to the UK for work, family or lifestyle reasons, you need either a UK private health insurance policy or an international expat health plan. Some providers like SafetyWing offer "remote health" products that can bridge short gaps, but for proper residency-based protection — including income protection and life cover — a dedicated expat plan is always the right choice.