Can I Use My US Health Insurance in the UK? What You Need to Know

If you're planning a trip to the UK and wondering whether your US health insurance will cover you, the short answer is: probably not. Most US health plans - whether through an employer, Medicare, or a private insurer like UnitedHealthcare or Blue Cross - are designed for use within the United States. They don’t extend to foreign hospitals, clinics, or emergency rooms, even in countries like the UK with strong public healthcare systems.

Why US Health Insurance Doesn’t Work in the UK

US health insurance operates on a completely different model than the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). In the US, insurance companies pay providers directly based on negotiated rates, and coverage is tied to a network of doctors and hospitals. In the UK, the NHS is funded by taxes and provides free-at-point-of-use care to residents. Foreign visitors, including Americans, aren’t automatically covered under this system.

Even if your US plan has some international coverage - like a few travel insurers that offer emergency medical benefits - it’s usually limited. For example, some plans might cover sudden accidents or life-threatening emergencies, but they won’t pay for routine checkups, prescriptions, or ongoing treatment for chronic conditions. You’ll also likely have to pay upfront and file for reimbursement later, which can take weeks or months.

What the NHS Actually Covers for US Visitors

The NHS doesn’t provide free care to tourists or short-term visitors. There are a few exceptions: emergency treatment in A&E (accident and emergency) departments is always free, no matter your nationality. That includes things like broken bones, heart attacks, or severe allergic reactions. But once you’re stabilized, if you need follow-up care - like scans, specialist referrals, or hospital admission - you’ll be billed.

Non-emergency care, like seeing a GP (general practitioner), getting a prescription, or dental work, is not free for visitors. You’ll be charged at 150% of the NHS standard rate. A simple GP consultation could cost $100-$150 USD. A prescription that’s free for UK residents might cost you $10-$20 per item.

What You Should Do Before Traveling

Don’t rely on your US insurance. Instead, buy travel health insurance designed for international trips. Look for policies that include:

• Emergency medical evacuation
• Hospitalization coverage
• Emergency dental care
• Repatriation if you need to return home for treatment
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions (if applicable)

Companies like Allianz, AXA, and World Nomads offer plans specifically for Americans traveling to the UK. Make sure the policy covers the full length of your stay - even if you’re only going for two weeks. Many people assume a short trip is low-risk, but accidents happen. A slip on wet pavement in London or a sudden illness on a train can lead to thousands in unexpected bills.

What Happens If You Get Sick Without Insurance?

If you don’t have travel insurance and need medical care in the UK, you’ll be asked to pay before you leave the hospital. The NHS will send you a bill after treatment, and it can be steep. A simple overnight stay for pneumonia could cost $5,000-$10,000 USD. A surgery? Easily $20,000 or more.

Some people think, “I’ll just pay out of pocket.” But without insurance, you have no leverage. Hospitals in the UK don’t negotiate prices for foreign patients. They charge the full rate, and they’re not required to wait for payment. If you can’t pay, your credit card might be charged, or you could be referred to a collections agency - even if you’re just visiting.

Long-Term Stays: What If You Move to the UK?

If you’re relocating to the UK - not just visiting - your options change. If you’re moving for work and your employer sponsors you on a visa, you’ll pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to the NHS for the duration of your visa. The IHS costs around £1,035 per year for adults (as of 2025). That’s about $1,300 USD. Once you pay it, you can see GPs, get prescriptions, and use hospitals just like a UK resident.

But here’s the catch: you still can’t use your US insurance. You’ll need to cancel it or keep it as a backup for when you return to the US. The NHS doesn’t accept foreign insurance, and your US provider won’t cover you once you’re living abroad.

What About Medicare?

Medicare doesn’t cover care outside the United States, with only a few rare exceptions - like emergencies on a cruise ship near US waters or if you’re living in Alaska and the nearest hospital is in Canada. None of those apply to the UK. If you’re on Medicare and traveling to the UK, you’re completely uncovered unless you buy separate travel insurance.

Real-Life Example: A Traveler’s Mistake

In 2024, a 58-year-old man from Ohio visited London for a family wedding. He fell and fractured his hip while walking near Tower Bridge. He went to the nearest A&E, where he was treated and admitted. After three days, he received a bill for £12,400 ($15,700 USD). He had no travel insurance. His US Medicare plan didn’t cover it. His private supplemental insurance said it only covered emergencies “within the US.” He ended up paying the bill with a credit card and spent months in debt.

He wasn’t alone. Hundreds of Americans face similar situations every year. Most didn’t realize their insurance didn’t work overseas - until they got a bill.

Bottom Line: Don’t Risk It

Your US health insurance is not your safety net in the UK. The NHS is excellent, but it’s not free for visitors. Even a minor injury or illness can turn into a financial emergency if you’re uninsured.

Buy travel health insurance before you go. It costs less than $50 for a two-week trip. Compare plans on sites like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth. Read the fine print. Make sure it covers what you need. Keep the policy number and emergency contact in your phone.

And if you’re moving to the UK long-term, forget your US insurance. Enroll in the NHS by paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. It’s the only way to get reliable, affordable care while you’re living there.

What to Pack for Medical Emergencies

Before you leave, make sure you have:

• A printed copy of your travel insurance policy
• A list of any medications you take, with generic names
• Doctor’s contact info and medical history summary
• Emergency contact numbers for your family and your embassy
• A credit card with no foreign transaction fees

These small steps can save you from chaos - and thousands of dollars.