🇬🇧 Insurance for Expats in the United Kingdom
🏥 1. Health Insurance in the UK for Expats
NHS Access
- Expats with a valid visa >6 months get access to the National Health Service (NHS) after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Basic services (GP visits, hospital care, A&E) are free at the point of use.
Private Health Insurance
- Used to avoid NHS wait times, access private hospitals, or receive specialist care.
- Recommended for:
- Short-term expats
- High-income professionals
- Those wanting faster treatment
| Provider | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|
| Bupa UK | Top-tier expat plans, private hospital access |
| AXA PPP | Fast-track diagnostics, GP video calls |
| Cigna Global | Worldwide plans, customizable for expats |
| WPA | Family-friendly expat policies |
💰 Cost: £60–£250/month depending on age and coverage
🚗 2. Car Insurance for Expats
- Required by law to drive in the UK
- Expats may need to:
- Convert their driving license (after 12 months)
- Provide a UK address
- Declare foreign driving experience (some discounts apply)
| Cover Type | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Only | Covers damage to others |
| Third-Party Fire & Theft | Adds theft/fire protection |
| Fully Comprehensive | Also covers your own vehicle |
💰 Cost: £500–£1,500/year, depending on vehicle, age, history
🏡 3. Renters & Home Insurance
- Contents insurance: Protects belongings in a rented or owned home
- Buildings insurance: Required for homeowners (not tenants)
| Providers | Special Notes |
|---|---|
| Aviva | Popular with expat landlords and homeowners |
| Admiral | Affordable renters’ insurance for newcomers |
| Direct Line | Bundle with car insurance for savings |
💼 4. Life Insurance
- Available to expats living and working in the UK
- Considered essential if:
- You have a UK mortgage
- You support family overseas
- You’re in a long-term relationship
| Options | Notes |
|---|---|
| Term Life | Fixed payout for a period (10–30 years) |
| Whole of Life | Lifetime coverage, higher premium |
💰 Starts from £10/month (term life), but varies by age and health
✈️ 5. Travel Insurance
- Covers trips back home or within the EU
- Important post-Brexit: no more EHIC coverage in EU unless you have a GHIC card
🇺🇸 Insurance for Expats in the United States
🏥 1. Health Insurance for Expats in the USA
- The US does not have universal healthcare
- Medical care is extremely expensive without insurance
- Expats can choose from:
🔹 A. ACA (Affordable Care Act) Plans
- Available to green card holders and legal residents
- May offer subsidies based on income
- Purchase via HealthCare.gov
🔹 B. Private International/Expat Plans
- Short-term or long-term private insurance
- Ideal for new arrivals, visa holders, students, and remote workers
| Provider | Features |
|---|---|
| IMG Global | Flexible global coverage |
| Cigna Global | Worldwide, customizable expat policies |
| GeoBlue (Blue Cross) | Top-rated for expats in the USA |
| Aetna International | Well-known for global workers |
💰 Cost: $300–$900/month depending on age, preexisting conditions, and location
🚗 2. Car Insurance in the USA for Expats
- Legally required in all states
- Expats often face higher premiums due to lack of U.S. driving history
- Consider:
- Transferring international driving experience
- Getting a local driver’s license ASAP
| Coverage | Description |
|---|---|
| Liability | Covers damage/injury to others |
| Collision | Covers your vehicle after accidents |
| Comprehensive | Theft, weather, fire, vandalism |
| Uninsured Motorist | Optional in many states, covers you if hit by uninsured driver |
💰 Cost: $1,000–$2,500/year depending on state, age, vehicle, credit history
🏡 3. Renters & Homeowners Insurance
- Renters insurance protects personal belongings + liability
- Homeowners insurance covers property structure + contents
| Provider | Features |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | Great for tech-savvy expats |
| Allstate | Customizable plans, bundling options |
| State Farm | Strong coverage, reliable service |
💰 Renters: $12–$25/month | Homeowners: $800–$2,000/year
💼 4. Life Insurance for Expats in the USA
- Available to expats with SSNs/ITINs, or via international life insurers
- U.S. life insurance may require medical exams
| Types | Description |
|---|---|
| Term Life | Affordable, fixed-term (10–30 years) |
| Whole Life | Covers for life, with investment value |
| No-Exam Life | Easier for short-term expats |
💰 Starts at $20/month for healthy 30-year-old (term)
✈️ 5. Travel Insurance
- Highly recommended for:
- Trips back to home country
- U.S. internal travel (delays, cancellations)
- Emergency medical evacuation
| Good Providers | Allianz, World Nomads, IMG, SafetyWing |
⚖️ Legal Requirements for Expats
| Insurance | UK | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Health | NHS with visa, private optional | Mandatory or high-risk without |
| Auto | Mandatory | Mandatory in every state |
| Home | Mortgage lenders require it | Same in the U.S. |
| Life | Not required | Not required |
| Travel | Not required but recommended | Not required but smart choice |
🧠 Expat Insurance Tips
- Get coverage before arriving, especially health
- Choose global providers with expat support
- Keep digital copies of insurance documents
- Understand the claims process—especially for foreign hospitals or repairs
- Bundle policies (auto + renters) for discounts
- In the U.S., always check if doctors are “in-network”
- In the UK, explore NHS vs. private hybrid options for full care.
