Though there is public health care in the UK, many people rely on auxiliary private medical treatment. It is not usually a question of quality, but the issue of long wait times for procedures. A heart bypass operation may be diagnosed for and completed in a couple of weeks with private treatment, but through the NHS this could take two or three months. Most people go private for non-emergency specialist appointments and non-urgent treatment. Around a quarter of all operations are performed privately. Scotland is not as affected by terrible wait times as England, but many people still choose private insurance.
Private Healthcare
UK Health Insurance is bought by three groups of people: an individual, group health insurance for companies and family health insurance for families. If you are interested in private insurance, you should take out an insurance policy with a specialist health insurer. Many employers also provide private health insurance as a benefit.
Prices
Some plans can cost as low as 7.50 GBP a month, but this offers only the basest coverage. In general, the more you spend, the better your coverage.
Premiums are charged for private health insurance plans are based on several factors.
- Your postcode
- Age
- Health Status
- Lifestyle Habits (i.e. smokers, overweight, and people with pre-existing conditions typically pay more for private health insurance)
Many different companies offer different plans. Investigate the terms and compare companies before signing up and request a quote.
Update 16/01/2013
Expatriate health insurance in the United Kingdom
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Edinburgh is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in the United Kingdom So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.
Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to the United Kingdom. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in the United Kingdom, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.
Getting a health insurance quote
Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.
Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.
31/08/2017
"Your expenses will be reimbursed according to the rules and rates of he country in which you received treatment. As a result, please note that it is unlikely you will receive a full reimbursement. The average response time from EEA countries is approximatively 4 months."