
Welcome to the UK! As an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that moving here involves many questions, especially about healthcare. This guide explains private medical insurance (PMI) for non-UK residents, helping you secure peace of mind for your health and wellbeing.
Navigating a new country's healthcare system can be daunting. You might be a skilled worker on a visa, an international student, or an entrepreneur setting up a new venture. Whatever your reason for being here, understanding your healthcare options is crucial. This guide will walk you through how the NHS works for non-residents, what private medical insurance covers, and how to choose the right policy for your circumstances.
While the UK's National Health Service (NHS) is a world-renowned institution, it faces significant pressures. For those new to the UK, relying solely on the NHS might not always provide the speed, convenience, or choice you are used to.
The Reality of NHS Waiting Times
The NHS is committed to providing excellent care, but demand often outstrips capacity. According to the latest NHS England data from early 2025, the median waiting time for non-urgent consultant-led treatment can be several months.
Private medical insurance is designed to bypass these queues. It offers prompt access to specialists, diagnostic tests, and private hospital treatment, often within days or weeks rather than months. For a non-resident, this can mean a faster return to work, studies, and daily life.
Key Benefits of PMI for Non-Residents:
Before diving into PMI, it’s essential to understand your entitlement to NHS care. Your eligibility depends on your immigration status.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Most non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals applying for a UK visa for more than six months are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application.
So, if I've paid the IHS, why do I need PMI?
Paying the IHS grants you access to the NHS; it does not grant you priority. You will join the same waiting lists as everyone else. PMI acts as a complementary service, giving you an alternative route to faster treatment in the private sector.
| Feature | NHS (with IHS) | Private Medical Insurance (PMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Included in visa via IHS | Monthly or annual premium |
| Access to GP | Yes, free at point of use | Not usually covered (but helps with fast referrals) |
| Waiting Times | Subject to NHS waiting lists | Fast access to specialists & treatment |
| Choice of Hospital | Limited to local NHS trust | Wide choice from an approved hospital list |
| Choice of Consultant | Assigned by the hospital | You can often choose your specialist |
| Accommodation | Shared ward | Private, en-suite room is common |
| Emergency Care (A&E) | Yes, for everyone | Not covered; use the NHS for emergencies |
Who is not eligible for free NHS hospital treatment?
Visitors on short-term visas (e.g., standard tourist visa for under 6 months) are generally not entitled to free NHS hospital treatment, except for emergencies. They are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel or private medical insurance for the duration of their stay. If they use NHS services, they will be billed for the cost of their treatment, which can be very expensive.
This is the most critical section to understand. UK private medical insurance is designed for a specific purpose: to cover the cost of treating acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
What is an Acute Condition? An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include:
The Golden Rule: No Cover for Pre-existing or Chronic Conditions
This cannot be overstated. Standard UK PMI policies do not cover:
How do insurers handle pre-existing conditions?
They use a process called underwriting. The two main types are:
What's Typically Covered vs. Not Covered by a PMI Policy
| Included ✅ | Excluded ❌ |
|---|---|
| In-patient & Day-patient Treatment: Surgery, hospital stays, nursing care. | Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical issue you had before cover started. |
| Out-patient Cover: Specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, scans (often up to a set limit). | Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension. |
| Cancer Cover: Comprehensive cover for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery is standard on most policies. | Emergency Care: A&E visits are handled by the NHS. |
| Mental Health Support: Cover for therapy and psychiatric treatment (level varies by policy). | Normal Pregnancy & Childbirth: Complications may be covered, but routine care is not. |
| Therapies: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic care after a referral. | Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures that are not medically necessary. |
| Alternative Therapies: Some policies offer limited cover for acupuncture or homoeopathy. | Self-inflicted Injuries & Substance Abuse: Treatment for addiction or injuries from dangerous hobbies may be excluded. |
A specialist broker like WeCovr can help you understand the nuances of each policy, ensuring you know exactly what is and isn't included before you buy.
The UK PMI market is competitive, with several excellent providers. The "best" one depends entirely on your personal needs, budget, and priorities.
Key Factors to Consider When Comparing Policies:
Leading UK Private Health Insurance Providers:
While we work with a wide panel of top insurers, some of the most recognised names in the UK market include:
Comparing these providers alone can be overwhelming. A PMI broker like WeCovr does the hard work for you, comparing policies from across the market to find the best fit at a competitive price, at no extra cost to you.
The cost of a PMI policy is highly individual. Insurers calculate your premium based on several risk factors.
Main Factors Influencing Your PMI Premium:
Example Monthly Premiums (Illustrative - 2025)
Here are some estimated monthly costs to give you an idea. These are based on a mid-range policy with a £250 excess for a non-smoker.
| Profile | Location | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 25-year-old Student | Manchester | £35 - £50 |
| 35-year-old Professional | Bristol | £50 - £70 |
| 45-year-old Manager | London (with London hospitals) | £90 - £130 |
| Couple (both 40) | Edinburgh | £120 - £160 |
Disclaimer: These are illustrative quotes. Your actual premium will depend on your specific circumstances and the insurer you choose.
At WeCovr, we provide personalised quotes that reflect your exact needs. We can also help you find potential savings, such as discounts for purchasing PMI alongside other cover like life insurance. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right cover at the right price for our clients.
For non-UK residents, it's crucial to understand the difference between a domestic UK PMI policy and an International Private Medical Insurance (iPMI) policy. They serve different needs.
| Feature | UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI) | International Private Medical Insurance (iPMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical Cover | Treatment within the UK only. | Global or regional cover (e.g., Europe-wide, or worldwide excluding USA). |
| Target Audience | UK residents or those living in the UK long-term. | Expats, global nomads, frequent business travellers. |
| Portability | Policy is tied to the UK and usually ends if you move abroad. | Policy moves with you from country to country. |
| Benefits | Focused on acute treatment in UK private hospitals. | Often includes broader benefits like medical evacuation, repatriation, and routine wellness checks. |
| Cost | Generally more affordable than iPMI. | Typically more expensive due to wider cover and higher risks. |
Who needs UK PMI? You're living, working, or studying in the UK for an extended period (e.g., 1+ years) and want faster access to medical care within the UK. You plan to use the UK as your healthcare base.
Who needs iPMI? You travel frequently for work, split your time between the UK and your home country, or plan to move to another country after your time in the UK. You need seamless medical cover across borders.
Having the right insurance is a safety net, but the best strategy is to stay healthy in the first place. Adjusting to a new environment can be stressful, so prioritising your wellbeing is key.
1. Register with a GP As soon as you have a stable UK address, register with a local General Practitioner (GP). This is your first point of contact for non-emergency medical advice. It's free to register and see a GP if you've paid the IHS or are ordinarily resident.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet The UK has fantastic fresh produce available in supermarkets and local markets.
3. Stay Active The UK has beautiful parks, countryside, and numerous gyms and sports clubs.
4. Prioritise Sleep Moving country can disrupt your sleep patterns.
5. Manage Your Mental Health Moving is one of life's most stressful events. It's normal to feel overwhelmed.
Choosing the right private medical insurance is a significant decision, especially when you are new to the UK. You don't have to navigate this complex market alone.
The team of experts at WeCovr is here to provide clear, impartial advice. We will:
Secure your health and peace of mind today.






