Are you planning to move to the UK soon, or are you already there? The question of healthcare is probably in the back of your mind. This is understandable: the British system, with its famous NHS, is very different from our French Sécu.
To find out more, Santexpat organized a live chat with Laurence Lévy, founder of MeditSimple. She and Raphaël discussed in detail everything to do with health over there: how to consult a doctor, what cover to choose, the steps to take… in short, everything you need to know when you’re French on the other side of the Channel.
Whether you’re preparing to leave, already settled in or just curious to understand how things work over there, this video can really help you.
Why health care in the UK matters
The British healthcare system (NHS and complementary private healthcare) is quite different from the French model: entitlements, costs, operation, redirections, etc.
- Fundamental differences: The British model relies heavily on the National Health Service (NHS), which can mean long waiting times, whereas the French system often offers quicker access to liberal medicine.
- Safety and peace of mind: The issue of health is vital to the peace of mind of your installation.
- Avoid unpleasant surprises: Understanding the subtleties can help you avoid unreimbursed costs, long waits or restrictions.
- Concrete exchanges: The live format enabled questions and answers in real time, enriching the discussion with concrete cases and feedback.
Overview of the British healthcare system
The NHS is the backbone of healthcare in the UK. This public service takes care of the essentials: you can consult a GP, go into hospital, give birth or go to A&E without taking out your bank card. It all starts with registering with a GP (the local general practitioner), who becomes your gateway to specialists and hospitals if you need them.
It’s a great advantage to have access to the NHS when you live there, but let’s be honest: it’s not perfect. Delays in seeing certain specialists can be very long, not all care is covered, and you’ll sometimes have to dig deep into your wallet for procedures or medication. It’s a good idea to be aware of this before you leave, especially if you’re planning a long stay.
As a result, many expatriates are also turning to the private sector. The advantage? No interminable waiting, you choose your doctor, and comfort is often the order of the day. The drawback? The bill can quickly mount up. That’s why a good international health insurance policy is almost indispensable. It covers you not only in the UK, but also when you travel. But be sure to read up on what’s included, what’s not, and how repatriation works if necessary.
In the end, mixing NHS and private insurance is often the best way to get quality care without financial stress.
Rights and obligations of French nationals in the United Kingdom
Residency status, visa & health coverage
Access to the NHS is strongly linked to your immigration status:
- Long-term visas: For long-term visas (work, study, etc.), anImmigration HealthSurcharge is applied at the time of application. This payment gives access to the NHS for the duration of the visa.
- Essential step: Whatever your situation, it’s crucial to register with a local GP to benefit from basic care and open your medical file.
Emergency care when traveling
As a French citizen, post-Brexit, the travel coverage situation is more nuanced:
- EHIC/GHIC: The old European card (EHIC) has been replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for UK residents, or equivalents depending on post-Brexit arrangements (it’s imperative to check for updates).
- Travel outside the UK: For non-emergency treatment or travel outside the UK, specific arrangements or additional insurance are strongly recommended.
Supplementary health insurance / private insurance
To complement what the NHS has to offer and be better covered, private insurance can make a real difference. It allows you to consult specialists quickly, access private clinics, and be reimbursed for care that the NHS doesn’t cover or only partially covers: hospitalization, dental, ophthalmology, or even repatriation if things go wrong.
The key is to choose a plan that really suits you. Remember to check where you are covered geographically, whether there is a waiting period before you are reimbursed, what the annual ceilings are, and under what conditions the insurance intervenes.
In the live show, Laurence reviews the best options for each profile: single, family with children, senior citizen… Everyone has their own needs, depending on whether they prefer to rely on the NHS or the private sector.
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Practical advice to help you plan ahead
Here are the essential tips from the video to remember for a worry-free installation:
- Start early – begin the process of obtaining status and registering with the GP before you leave or as soon as you arrive.
- Compare insurances – study international insurance offers according to your specific needs (family, pre-existing health problems, budget).
- Build your network – registering with a GP is the first step. Consider your future network of healthcare professionals locally.
- Keep your medical documentation – history, prescriptions, and translations of important documents to facilitate transitions.
- Check post-Brexit conditions – regulations may change. Stay informed via official channels.
- Set aside a financial reserve – for uncovered care, insurance deductibles, or unforeseen events.
Testimonials and case studies
One of the highlights of this live event was the live question-and-answer session, where participants were able to put forward concrete cases (insurance, pregnancy, medical follow-up, specific care…).
NHS appointment times for specialists
The time taken to see a specialist on the NHS can vary considerably, depending on the specialty and the region. For some routine consultations, it’s possible to wait a few weeks, while for more in-demand specialties or complex examinations, waiting times can be several months. For this reason, early registration with a General Practitioner (GP) is essential, as they manage referrals and can sometimes help speed up access to care if necessary.
Drug management
Most medicines prescribed by the NHS are partially reimbursed or subject to a co-payment, which may vary according to the region of the UK. In England, for example, the NHS charges a flat rate for prescriptions, while in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland they may be free. Private health insurance may be taken out to cover more expensive drugs or those not reimbursed by the public system.
Care on temporary return to France
If you’re staying temporarily in France, your international insurance or complementary private insurance may cover urgent care. However, always check the conditions of cover before you leave. Some policies offer temporary cover for stays in your home country, while the NHS does not cover treatment outside the UK.
Dental and optical care: public vs. private
In the UK public system, dental and optical care is partially covered, often with limitations on the types of treatment or quality of services. For faster access, a wider choice of practitioners or better-quality equipment, the private sector is generally preferred. A suitable international insurance policy can then cover these costs, offering financial protection and greater freedom of choice.
Key facts about healthcare in the UK
For French expatriates or those preparing to move to the UK, this live site is a real goldmine. You’ll find concrete information, clear explanations of the regulations, and feedback from experience to help you see things more clearly. It helps you understand how to juggle the NHS, private insurance and all the administrative paperwork.
To make your expatriation a success, don’t neglect the health issue. It’s the kind of thing you’re better off anticipating than dealing with in a hurry.
