15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in England
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 are medical services in England like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in England, they replied:
"NHS is okay for minor healthcare - check ups, vaccines, etc. that said, the women's check up (PAP smea) is archaic! Facilities don't have the proper examination table-stirrups to do a thorough screen," said an expat in London.

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What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in England, they replied...
"I will be getting my first vaccine tomorrow at the age of 59. The UK has done an excellent job with the vaccine," commented one expat who moved to London.
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.
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
- UK Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in UK
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in UK
- Real Estate in UK
- Guide to Real Estate in UK
- Pros & Cons of Living in UK
- Cost of Living in UK
- 5 Tips for Living in St Albans, England
- 5 Tips for Living in Hassocks, England
- 5 Tips for Living in Gerrards Cross, England
- 5 Tips for Living in Sevenoaks, England
- 2023 Guide to Living in UK