Health insurance for UK visitors isn’t required. However, having one solid plan for every trip would be clever. The right financial protection in hand is essential even if you’re fully vaccinated. So, what should you pick when shopping for health insurance before visiting the UK?
Let’s find out here.
Health Insurance for UK Visitors When Getting Sick While in the UK
A health insurance plan from the US may not cover most medical costs in the UK. Thus, it’s vital to opt for a travel insurance policy that comes with travel medical insurance. It is pertinent for international travel.
Accidents and injuries can happen at any time, anywhere in the UK. Emergency medical coverage can assist you in paying for some of the costs of medical treatment, including hospital stays, prescription medicine, doctor’s visits, and ambulance transfers.
Talk to your US health insurance provider to know if your plan provides coverage when you visit the UK. If not, purchase an insurance policy that offers $50,000 medical coverage.
It’s important to note, though, that not all travel insurance cover illnesses related to COVID.
If you have Schengen Visas, you need to provide proof of health insurance. If you’re from the US traveling to the UK, you don’t have to obtain a Schengen visa.
Read: Are infertility treatments cover insurance?
Can a Tourist Get Health Insurance in the UK?
The government advises UK visitors to obtain health insurance first before their trips to the UK. But there’s no easy way for a tourist to obtain health insurance in the UK.
Thus, it’s paramount that you check your insurance to ensure that it has the necessary coverage to make sure you will get the treatment during your visit.
This is especially vital if you have a pre-existing health condition. You should tell your insurer about your condition to ensure that you are getting the coverage that you need.
Furthermore, talk to your doctor before you even travel to the UK so you can make plans for the steps you can take to manage your condition while in the UK.
Do Visitors to the UK Need Insurance?
It’s highly recommended to obtain insurance when visiting the UK. If you are visiting from an EU country and you fall ill during your stay in England, you can use an EHIC issued by your home country.
The ID will cover the treatment of your pre-existing medication conditions. EHIC may also cover routine maternity care, as long as the reason for visiting isn’t to give birth or receive treatment.
However, even if you have EHIC, you should not treat it as an alternative to travel insurance. It won’t cover private health care, though.
Furthermore, it will not cover lost or stolen property. If you need to be flown back home, the EHIC won’t cover it.
Hence, you need to have your own medical insurance before you UK travel.
Read: Is high deductible health insurance better for pregnancy?
Can a Foreigner Get Health Insurance in the UK?
The UK has an excellent health care system. It’s one of the appeals of visiting this place.
Expats in the UK can have various options for international medical coverage. Cigna is one of the options. It has global HQs in Glasgow.
Another option is GEOBlue Explorer. It’s a wonderful option for all US citizens living in the UK for a few months. The plan can provide coverage for up to 9 months.
Read: How to evaluate health insurance plans?
Is Healthcare Free in the UK for Foreigners?
Access to NHS isn’t based on your citizenship. Rather, it’s based on residency. If you want to enjoy the NHS services, you must be an ordinary resident first.
Ordinary citizen means that your immigration status is “indefinite leave to remain.” Or you are settled in the UK.
However, if your status is not indefinite leave to remain, then you need to carry private medical insurance.
If you visit the UK on a temporary state visa for a term of over 6 months, you need to pay an immigration health surcharge. This is good news because it can be your access to the NHS primary care.
Then again, it’s not a full solution. There are health care services that you have to pay for using your own money, like prescriptions, eye care, and dental care.
Once you have an NHS card, a UK address, and a job, you can register with a local general practitioner for ongoing medical care.
UK visitors must not forgo their coverage. You won’t know what will happen to know during your stay there.
Compared to the costs in the US, medical costs in the UK are more modest. However, a short hospital visit can quickly add up. You may find yourself paying thousands of dollars.
Read: Health insurance in Kerala
What to Look for in a Health Insurance for UK Travels?
Coverage for Unexpected Injury and Illness
It’s easy to get injured in the UK. You may fall or break your leg while walking. Thus, it’s pertinent to use health insurance that covers the following:
- Local ambulance
- Medical expenses from the board and postal room
- Surgery costs
- PT
- Sutures, dressings, and casts
- Prescription medicines
Coverage for Accidental Death Coverage
The UK is safe for foreign travelers. But it’s still international travel. And any international travel has its own risks.
Thus, you need to be ready for a worst-case scenario. If you met an accident that results in the loss of your eye, limb, or life, your policy will pay the amount to your beneficiary.
Coverage for Terrorism
This is a possible scenario as you go on your international adventure. If you become a victim of terrorism in the UK during your visit and you need treatment for injuries or illness, then your policy will pay for it. That is if it has terrorism coverage.
What are the Coverage Options?
There are plenty of them. You can choose a policy that offers coverage of up to $2,000,000. You can also choose the highest possible coverage limits.
There are also options for students and large families. Or if you are traveling to the UK multiple times in a year, you can choose a coverage that offers multi-trip that you can pay once.
Summary
It’s not necessary to obtain health insurance for UK visitors. But it’s pertinent to have medical coverage before visiting such a place. You’ll never know what will happen to you while you’re in London or Ireland.
Speak Now ... Or Forever Hold Your Peace