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Expat Exchange - Health Care in London 2024
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Lambeth, London


Health Care in London

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: Health Care in London: Locate providers, hospitals, and medical centers to find the best health services available for expats and nomads.

The healthcare system in London is a combination of public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is the National Health Service (NHS), which is funded by the government and is free for UK citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners are allowed to use the NHS, but they may be charged for some services.

UK's Healthcare System

The NHS provides a wide range of services, including general practice, hospital care, mental health services, and community health services. People generally recommend using public hospitals in London for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced professionals. The quality of care at public hospitals in London is generally good, although there may be long wait times for some services.

Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in the UK. However, many expats choose to use private hospitals for more specialized medical care and for surgeries. Private hospitals in London are well-equipped and staffed with experienced professionals, and they generally provide a higher level of care than public hospitals. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in London

  • The London Clinic: Private hospital located in Marylebone, London. Specializes in cancer care, cardiology, and neurology.
  • The Harley Street Clinic: Private hospital located in Marylebone, London. Specializes in cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics.
  • The Wellington Hospital: Private hospital located in St. John's Wood, London. Specializes in cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics.
  • The Princess Grace Hospital: Private hospital located in Marylebone, London. Specializes in cancer care, cardiology, and neurology.
  • The Royal Free Hospital: Public hospital located in Hampstead, London. Specializes in cancer care, cardiology, and neurology.

Emergency Services in London

London has a well-developed emergency services system. Ambulance services are available and can be called by dialing 999. Ambulances generally arrive quickly, although there may be delays in some cases.

Health Insurance Companies in London

The most popular private health insurers in London are Bupa, AXA PPP Healthcare, and Aviva. These companies provide health insurance plans for individuals, families, and businesses. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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Lambeth, London

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