Health Insurance may be necessary if you do not qualify to use full UK National Health Service (NHS) services. Access to the NHS is universal, but depending on your immigration status within the UK, you may be charged for accessing certain services. However, there are certain services that are free to everyone:

• Treatment given in an accident and emergency (A&E) department – this does not include any further treatment following an admission to hospital; and

• Treatment for certain infectious diseases (but for HIV/AIDS, only the first diagnosis and counselling that follows it are free); and

• Compulsory psychiatric treatment; and

• Family planning services – this does not include termination of pregnancy or infertility treatments.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is designed to provide medical treatment and support to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. But while it provides a valuable service, paying for private health insurance may offer three key advantages:

• shorter waiting times
• quicker diagnosis
• better facilities, such as a private room.

For more information about whether you qualify for NHS free treatment see the Government website here.