Many French people living in the UK have to navigate between the UK’s public healthcare system, the NHS (National Health Service), and private solutions to meet their medical needs. While the NHS offers free and generally high-quality care for residents, certain specialties or speed of access can represent a challenge by French standards.
Getting started with the NHS: the crucial GP stage
Accessing healthcare in the UK starts with an essential step:registering with a localGP (general practitioner) practice. You’ll usually need proof of residency (even temporary) and your identity.
The GP is the entry point andgatekeeper for your care. He or she assesses the need forreferral to a hospital or specialist.
On the positive side: Despite structural difficulties, the NHS excels in the provision ofAccident & Emergency (A&E) services. These services are available free of charge to anyone who needs them, without delay.
The limits of the British public system
Extended waiting times
A major problem is often the delay in consulting a specialist. Health Minister Wes Streeting recently announced a 10-year restructuring plan to save the NHS. But for many expats, long waits can be a real worry, especially for regular or specialist care.
In July 2025, the total number of patients waiting for planned hospital treatment reached 7.4 million, with only 61.5% of patients having started treatment within 18 weeks of the initial consultation. Although efforts are being made to reduce these delays, projections indicate that the waiting list could increase further in the coming years.
Private healthcare costs on the rise
The cost of private care in the UK has also risen. For example, the average cost of 12 sessions of psychological therapy has risen by 34% since 2022, now reaching £1,550, or around €1,800. This increase is due to growing demand and limited practitioner capacity.
The specific case of specialized care
Some specialties, such asphysiotherapy, may have limitations compared to French standards. NHS treatments are often limited in number of sessions, or take place in group sessions, which are less suited to specialized rehabilitation.
Good to know: In some regions, aself-referral system allows you to make an appointment directly with an NHS physiotherapist without going through the GP, but this does not guarantee rapid follow-up.
Private health insurance: an essential complement
o compensate for these limitations, many expatriates opt for private health insurance to supplement the NHS. This allows :
- Quick access to a specialist and avoid long referral times.
- Teleconsultations with French doctors, 24 hours a day.
- Receive valid prescriptions in the UK.
- To consult a French-speaking specialist based in the UK, offering considerable linguistic comfort.
- Benefit from coverage if you are treated in France during a temporary return.
If you’d like to compare different insurance options, the Santexpat.fr website offers a comparator dedicated to French people living abroad, whether for study, a temporary contract or permanent installation.
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- Evaluate your needs: types of care, frequency of consultations, specific needs (optical, dental, pregnancy follow-up, etc.).
- Understand theExcess: This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance begins to cover the costs. A high excess reduces your monthly premium, but increases your initial cost of care.
- Check access to French-speaking doctors: This is a guarantee of comfort and security for complex medical procedures and explanations.
- Compare offers: Santexpat.fr makes this step easier for French people abroad.
Health doesn’t wait. Living in the UK means understanding how the NHS works, while preparing a private top-up if necessary. It’s best to make an informed decision to protect yourself and live peacefully abroad.
Your health in the UK can’t wait
Living in the UK means understanding how the NHS works, while preparing a private top-up if necessary. Health is a priority, and it’s best to make an informed decision to protect yourself and live serenely abroad.
