International Health Insurance for French expats in the United Kingdom

Key Private Hospitals

In London, the HCA Healthcare UK hospitals (The Wellington, London Bridge Hospital, The Harley Street Clinic and The Portland for women and children), The London Clinic, Cromwell Hospital and King Edward VII’s Hospital are the main choices for international patients. Outside London, national groups such as Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health and Circle Health Group run private hospitals in most major cities.

Why private insurance matters

NHS care is free for residents, but it offers little choice over your specialist or the timing of planned treatment, and private rooms are not standard. Private medical insurance gives fast access to consultants, diagnostics and surgery in private hospitals, which otherwise bill the full cost to the patient. Overseas visitors who are not entitled to free NHS hospital care are charged 150% of the standard NHS tariff, so short-term visitors and people between visas need their own cover.

Visa & insurance requirements

The UK does not ask most migrants to buy private health insurance. Instead, applicants for a visa of more than six months pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) with their application: GBP 1,035 per year for most adults and GBP 776 per year for students, their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants and children under 18. The IHS gives access to the NHS, not to private care.