Health Insurance for Expats UK

UK expat health insurance typically costs £100–£400/month depending on age, destination and cover scope. Outbound expats (UK → abroad) need international PMI; inbound expats (abroad → UK) need UK PMI with no residency restrictions. Bupa Global, AXA Global and CIGNA are the leading providers.

Health Insurance for Expats: what the cover actually does

Expat PMI falls into two categories: outbound (UK nationals moving abroad) and inbound (international professionals relocating to the UK). The products are different: outbound requires international PMI with cover in the destination country; inbound requires UK PMI that doesn't require existing UK residency.

Outbound expats should secure cover before leaving the UK — it's easier to underwrite while you're still a UK resident, and continuity options exist if you later return. Key considerations: destination country, US inclusion, and repatriation cover if you want to return to UK hospitals for major treatment.

Inbound expats arriving in the UK face NHS registration delays and waiting lists. UK PMI gives immediate access to private healthcare while you settle — and often remains valuable long-term as NHS waits stretch.

Key numbers our brokers work from

• UK nationals living abroad: ~5.5m (ONS 2024)
• Foreign nationals in UK: ~10m (Migration Observatory 2024)
• NHS GP registration average wait (new arrivals): 2–4 weeks (NHS England 2025)
• International PMI global avg premium: $2,000–$6,000/yr (IPMI Magazine 2024)

Indicative monthly cost by scenario

Illustrative only — final premiums depend on age, postcode, excess, hospital list, underwriting and insurer terms at the time of quote.

Which insurers tend to fit best

Before you buy — broker checklist

• Determine direction: outbound (UK → abroad) or inbound (abroad → UK).
• For outbound: confirm destination country is covered and US inclusion if relevant.
• For inbound: confirm no UK residency requirement before policy start.
• Review repatriation cover if you want to return to UK hospitals for major treatment.
• Ask about continuation options if you later return to or leave the UK.

PremierPMI broker desk notes

• Outbound expats should secure cover before leaving the UK — underwriting is easier while you're still resident.
• US inclusion roughly doubles premium — skip it unless you'll spend significant time in North America.
• Inbound expats arriving in the UK should start UK PMI immediately — NHS GP registration can take weeks, and waits for specialists are long.

Common questions

Can I keep my UK PMI if I move abroad?

No — UK-resident PMI requires you to live in the UK. Outbound expats need international PMI (Bupa Global, AXA Global, CIGNA).

Do I need PMI if I'm moving to the UK?

Not legally, but NHS waits are long. UK PMI gives immediate private access while you settle.

What's repatriation cover?

Cover for treatment back in UK hospitals if you're abroad and want to return for major surgery or cancer care.

PremierPMI is a UK private medical insurance broker specialising in whole-of-market placement across 10+ leading UK health insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Freedom Health, The Exeter, General & Medical and National Friendly. FCA regulated (Tesha Family Ltd, FRN 1029667). Speak to a broker on 020 4525 0884, WhatsApp 020 8064 2273, or email contact@premierpmi.co.uk.