Medical Insurance for UK Expats Moving Abroad Tips

We have been hearing from several news sources and also our expat tax and legal associates that a huge number of wealthy UK citizens are moving abroad. In fact, Henley & Partners suggests up to 16,500 UK millionaires are expected to leave this year, marking the largest recorded outflow globally. This exodus highlights the importance of medical insurance for UK citizens moving abroad because most will lose their NHS or private healthcare in the UK when they move abroad.

Why Are the Wealthy Leaving the UK?

The reason for this change is a combination of high taxes, economic and social insecurity, and a perceived lack of value in the fiscal burden compared to the returns from living in Great Britain. The shift in the non-domiciled (non‑dom) tax regime in April 2025 has been a key motivator. In previous years, “non-doms” could reside in the UK safely for up to 15 years before triggering UK taxation on their foreign income.

Many citizens flocked to the UK in the past, but they and GB citizens have realized that, after four years of residence, moving beyond means all income and gains are taxed; after ten years, even worldwide assets face a 40% inheritance tax. Additional measures, such as VAT (Value Added Tax) on private school fees, higher dividend taxes, increased capital gains, and frozen tax thresholds, have only increased the incentive to move from the UK. Even top executives in the financial sector are relocating to Milan, attracted by Italy’s more favorable flat-tax non-dom scheme.

Will UK Expats Lose their NHS and UK-Based Private Health Coverage?

The short answer is usually yes. The NHS is funded through your taxes in the United Kingdom. Your “free” healthcare applies only to those who are “ordinarily resident” in the UK. When you move outside of the UK permanently, you will lose that coverage.

Read more: What expats should know about UK’s National Health Service (NHS)?

It is also unlikely that your domestic-based private healthcare plan through your employer or one that you bought yourself will cover you after you move overseas. There are exceptions for UK expats in certain European countries, or those travelling abroad for short periods. However, in most cases your UK health schemes won’t follow you abroad. That means you will need to purchase an international medical insurance for UK expats moving abroad to maintain continuous coverage.

Why Should UK Expats Buy Global Health Insurance?

Because we often get this question from our UK website visitors and also from referrals from expat tax advisors, we have put together ten reasons why future and current UK expats should buy global healthcare:

The National Health Service (NHS) doesn’t cover you abroad
- While the NHS provides emergency hospital care, many UK citizens now realize it is overstretched and often requires private medical treatment even within the UK. This makes medical insurance for UK expats moving abroad even more important, as the NHS does not follow you once you relocate.
Quick Access to Medical Care
- Most people will agree that timely access to medical care is a key step to resolving medical problems and chronic conditions. Delayed care can become serious, and local plans may limit access. Expat health plans provide wider medical networks and better support.
Local Healthcare May Not Be Available to Foreigners
- In many countries, access to universal and even private healthcare may not be available for several months or even years.
Government Healthcare in Your New Country May Be Inadequate
- Even in developed countries such as Canada there are long wait lists for surgeries and specialists. In other less developed nations, government health facilities may be poorly run and staffed.
You Need Portable Health Coverage
- We find that many UK expats will move from one country to another, but local c0verage doesn’t. So this is yet another reason to buy a policy via our website.
Local & Regional Plans May Not Meet Expat Needs
- As you would expect, local plans are made for locals, not foreigners.
Local Plans May Not Cover Treatment Back in the UK
- While you may receive care in your new country, many expats also return home to visit loved ones and get treatment from their usual doctor or hospital in the UK.
Medical Care May Be Limited in Your Destination
- As noted above, a lot of countries in the developing world have little or no medical care for local citizens and even private clinics may not be up to first world standards, so you may need to get care regionally or even need medical evacuation.
Peace of Mind for Life Overseas
- Moving abroad brings enough challenges—new cultures, job responsibilities, housing, schooling, and finances. A global health plan removes the uncertainty around medical care. If anything, having a good policy can allow you to concentrate on your life abroad, not worrying about your coverage.
Healthcare Abroad Can Be Very Expensive
- There are numerous stories in the media of tourists and expats receiving medical care that resulted in huge bills. Buying a comprehensive expat health plan can help eliminate this risk.

A high quality global healthcare policy purchased via our website can help address all the above points. While it may be tempting to get a “cheap” plan from a “n0-name” insurance provider, we recommend that you choose one of our top global healthcare insurance providers.

How Should UK Citizens Choose the Right International Healthcare?

There are some key considerations when choosing medical insurance for United Kingdom citizens moving abroad. Here are five things for future and current expats to consider:

1. Deductibles & Excess Options for UK Expats:

All global medical plans have many deductible or excess levels. This is the amount you pay before the insurance provider will pay a valid claim, so the higher the deductible, the lower your premium, as you are taking more of the risk. Which excess you take depends entirely on your financial comfort level, expected usage, and appetite for risk. Many younger or healthy expats choose higher deductibles to reduce premiums. Families or those with chronic conditions often prefer lower deductibles for peace of mind.

2. Pre-Existing Conditions & Underwriting for Expat Health Plans:

Individual expat health plans will have medical questions to ask you before making a decision, which may be a full approval, a decline, or an exclusion. No insurance plan can cover everyone or everything. Insurers will review your medical history and may approve the application as standard, apply an exclusion, add a premium loading, or decline coverage. UK expats with existing or past medical conditions should carefully review underwriting rules. It may also be worth exploring employer group coverage or global plans that include medical history disregarded (MHD).

3. Medical Evacuation Coverage for UK Expats Abroad:

This is essential if you are moving to a country with questionable local healthcare facilities and treatment. Even expats living in well-developed Caribbean countries should consider medical evacuation coverage, as treatment for serious conditions may be limited.

4. Worldwide Area of Coverage Options:

We find that many expat insurers offer different “geographical coverage” zones—such as Worldwide, Worldwide excluding the USA, or regional options. UK expats should consider whether they plan to return to the UK for treatment, travel frequently, or visit the United States. Selecting a plan that includes the UK and USA will increase premiums but may provide essential flexibility for globally mobile families or executives. For UK expats in the Caribbean, consider paying extra for a plan that includes treatment in America as local care may be substandard.

5. Insurer Reputation & Global Capabilities:

We can help you wish this question and give you some advice on which insurers are more well known, secure and capable. The more capable the insurer, the more likely you will have to pay a higher premium.

6. Portability of International Health Coverage:

Most UK expats should consider the possibility that they may have to move jobs and countries when retiring or working abroad. A plan you purchase should be portable to your next expat destination. This can be very key for those who move frequently or whose immigration status may change.

7. Lifetime Renewal Options

Look for policies that guarantee lifetime renewal, provided you remain continuously enrolled, pay your premium and stay an expat. Most global health plans won’t cover you if you move home, but some will. Lifetime coverage protects you from losing insurance after developing a serious condition—an essential safeguard for long-term expats.

8. Premiums & Affordability for UK Expats

Everyone has a budget for medical care, but the cheapest international plan is rarely the best value. Consider the long-term cost, benefits, waiting periods, and excluded treatments. Some insurers offer discounts for paying annually or choosing higher deductibles. We can often obtain discounts for expats as we have strong relationships and numerous clients that give us negotiation strength.

9. Advice & Support From a Specialist Expat Broker

Working with a specialist expat insurance brokerage ensures you receive independent advice. It can also give you more options from multiple global insurers. We have often helped resolve claims and service issues for clients as you get a dedicated claims advocacy. As an experienced broker supported by TFG Global, we can help you compare plans, understand exclusions, and find coverage that truly fits your needs overseas.

Some Final Thoughts for Future & Current UK Expats

In the end, choosing reliable medical insurance for UK expats moving abroad is about protecting your health and financial stability, as you begin a new chapter overseas. We are expecting that the number of people moving from the UK will increase over the coming years. Of course, every UK expat’s situation is different—your budget, your health history, your travel habits, and even your long-term plans all play a role in finding the right fit.

Take time to compare deductibles, pre-existing condition coverage, and evacuation benefits—these details matter when the unexpected happens. We also offer a helpful booklet you can download that explains all the ins and outs of medical coverage abroad.

Over our many years working with UK citizens living overseas, we’ve learned that a high-quality global health plan should feel like a safety net, not a headache. With the right insurer and guidance from a specialist who understands expat life, you can move abroad feeling protected, supported, and worry-free. We hope that you can contact us soon to discuss your requirements. The quote button above can also help you get started.

Written by: David Tompkins – President – TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd. David has extensive experience in working with UK expats and people of many nationalities who are moving abroad or already living that global nomad life.