If you’ve recently moved from the UK to the USA, one of the biggest culture shocks isn’t the driving, the tipping, or even the grocery stores—it’s the healthcare system.
Back in Britain, most of us are used to calling our GP, receiving treatment through the NHS, and rarely thinking about the true cost of healthcare. In America, things work very differently.
Without health insurance, even a simple doctor’s visit can cost hundreds of dollars, while emergency treatment can cost thousands. Understanding how the system works before you need medical care can save you a huge amount of stress, time, and money. Before you fly, make sure you’ve sorted out mobile data. I compare the best eSIMs for Brits moving to America here.
New to America?
If you’re still waiting for employer coverage or haven’t chosen a US health insurance plan yet, I recommend checking out SafetyWing. It’s a popular option for expats, digital nomads, and new arrivals who need temporary medical coverage while settling in.
NHS vs US Healthcare: The Biggest Differences
| NHS (UK) | USA |
|---|---|
| Funded through taxation | Primarily insurance-based |
| GP is usually your first stop | Depends on your insurance plan |
| Most treatment is free at point of use | You usually pay premiums, deductibles, copays, or coinsurance |
| Little concern about provider networks | Insurance networks matter greatly |
| Rarely see large medical bills | Medical bills are common |
The most important thing to understand is that having health insurance does not necessarily mean healthcare is free. Many Americans still pay part of the cost when they visit a doctor, specialist, urgent care clinic, or hospital. You’ll also want a cost-effective way to transfer money between UK and US accounts to handle these expenses. Here’s my comparison of Wise vs traditional banks. Additionally, having a US bank account makes paying insurance premiums and medical bills much easier. Building US credit early can also help when applying for healthcare payment plans and other financial products.
Understanding Key US Health Insurance Terms
Premium
The amount you pay every month for health insurance.
Deductible
The amount you must pay yourself before insurance starts covering most costs.
Copay
A fixed fee for a doctor’s appointment or prescription.
Coinsurance
A percentage of the bill you pay after meeting your deductible.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
The maximum amount you’ll pay in a year before your insurance covers 100% of eligible costs.
Where Should You Go for Medical Care?
This is one of the most confusing parts of American healthcare for new arrivals.
Primary Care Physician (PCP)
Your PCP is similar to your GP in the UK.
Visit for:
- Annual check-ups
- Ongoing conditions
- Referrals to specialists
- Non-urgent illnesses
Urgent Care
Urgent care is one of the best-kept secrets for UK expats.
Use urgent care for:
- Ear infections
- Minor injuries
- Sprains
- Stitches
- Flu symptoms
- Minor burns
Urgent care is typically much cheaper than visiting an emergency room.
Emergency Room (ER)
Only use the ER for genuine emergencies such as:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Broken bones
- Serious accidents
Emergency room visits can be extremely expensive, which is why understanding the difference between urgent care and emergency care is important.
How to Get Health Insurance in America
Most UK expats receive health insurance through:
Employer Coverage
The most common option.
ACA Marketplace Plans
If you’re self-employed or between jobs, you may qualify for plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Travel Medical Insurance
If you’re moving to the USA and don’t yet have employer-sponsored coverage, a travel medical insurance policy can help bridge the gap. I personally recommend SafetyWing because it’s designed for expats and long-term travelers and can be purchased before or after arrival in many cases.
Mistakes British Expats Commonly Make
- Assuming Healthcare Is Included: Many new arrivals are surprised to learn healthcare is not automatically provided.
- Going Straight to the Emergency Room: Many situations can be handled more cheaply at urgent care.
- Not Checking Provider Networks: Using an out-of-network doctor can dramatically increase costs.
- Ignoring Preventative Care: Most insurance plans include annual wellness visits that can help detect issues early.
My Experience as a Brit Living in America
When I first moved to the USA, healthcare felt far more complicated than anything I’d experienced in Britain. The biggest adjustment wasn’t finding a doctor—it was learning how insurance, deductibles, and provider networks all fit together.
Once you understand the basics, the system becomes much easier to navigate. The key is having insurance in place before you need it and knowing whether your situation calls for a doctor, urgent care clinic, or emergency room.
Related Resources for Brits Moving to America
- 🏥 Best Travel Health Insurance for UK to USA Movers
- How to Open a US Bank Account as a Non-Resident
- How to Start Building Credit in the US
- Best eSIM for Brits Moving to the USA
- Wise vs Traditional Banks for Sending Money to the USA
Recommended Health Insurance for New UK Expats
One of the first things I recommend sorting out before moving to America is health coverage.
Medical care in the US can be extremely expensive without insurance, even for routine treatment.
For many Brits moving to the USA, SafetyWing is a good temporary option while waiting for employer coverage or exploring long-term plans.
👉 Check Current SafetyWing Pricing & Coverage
Final Thoughts
The US healthcare system can feel overwhelming when you’ve grown up with the NHS, but understanding the basics before you need medical care makes a huge difference.
The most important things to remember are:
- ✓ Get health insurance as soon as possible
- ✓ Understand your deductible and copays
- ✓ Find a primary care doctor early
- ✓ Use urgent care when appropriate
- ✓ Save the emergency room for genuine emergencies
With a little preparation, you’ll be able to navigate American healthcare confidently and avoid some of the most expensive mistakes new arrivals make.
📌 Next Steps for Your Move
- Step-by-Step Checklist: Moving to the USA Checklist
- Recommended Tools: Resources Page
- Related Guide: Cost of Living: USA vs UK
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.