15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in England

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 04, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in the UK is generally considered to be of a high standard, with the NHS providing free healthcare to all citizens. In comparison to the US, the UK has a higher life expectancy and lower infant mortality rate. Emergency services in the UK are well-equipped and highly trained, with ambulance services responding quickly to calls. To call for an ambulance in the UK, you can dial 999 or 112 from any phone.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in England?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in England about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is a good idea to research the different healthcare systems in England before having a baby. This will enable you to make sure you access the correct resources and services for your needs. It is also important to consider the costs associated with healthcare, such as obtaining private care or a maternity package as these can be expensive. Make sure to have all necessary documents and information, such as proof of identity and address, ready before labour and birth. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the UK's vaccination programme and make sure your baby is registered with a doctor and given all the necessary vaccinations. Finally, there are various antenatal classes and postnatal support groups available in England which can be really useful for expats, so make sure to check those out," remarked another expat in UK.

"Move to Chipping Norton. Not all units are good units. Chipping Norton has the UNICEF Baby Friendly Award. They care for their mums and do not consider them numbers. As maternity services struggle to provide good care, Chippy is a diamond in the lot," explained one expat living in Chipping Norton.

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Are healthcare services good in England?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in England. They wrote:

"Healthcare in England is provided by the National Health Service (NHS), a publicly funded system of healthcare. It includes hospital treatment, GP visits, and a range of other services such as some dental and optometry treatments. Currently, all citizens and residents in England are entitled to free healthcare at the point of delivery. Primary care in England is provided by general medical practitioners (GPs) and community-based healthcare services, while specialist and hospital services are managed by the NHS. In addition, there are a range of private healthcare services available in England," explained one expat living in UK.

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