Health Insurance for Brits Moving to the USA: What You Need to Know (2026 Guide)

Moving to America? Don’t Overlook Health Insurance 🇬🇧➡️🇺🇸

Moving from the UK to the USA involves a long list of things to organise: visas, flights, accommodation, banking, schools and getting your new life started.

But there’s one important consideration that deserves attention before you arrive: health insurance.

If you’ve grown up using the NHS, navigating healthcare in America can be a significant adjustment. Medical bills, insurance premiums, deductibles and provider networks all work differently, and understanding your options before you move can help you avoid unexpected costs.

When I moved to the USA, I quickly realised just how different everyday life could be, including the way healthcare works.

Whether you’re relocating for work, moving with your family or waiting for employer-sponsored insurance to begin, it’s worth understanding how the American system works and which coverage options might suit your circumstances.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What British expats need to know about US healthcare
• What happens to NHS access when you move abroad
• The difference between US health insurance and international travel medical insurance
• Where to start when comparing insurance options
• What to look for in a policy
• Common insurance mistakes to avoid when relocating

Important: Insurance eligibility and coverage depend on your individual circumstances and the policy terms. This article is for general information, not personalised insurance advice. Always confirm your eligibility and read the policy documents before purchasing cover.

1. Why Healthcare Can Be a Shock for Brits Moving to America

In the UK, most people are accustomed to accessing NHS services without receiving a bill for every appointment.

In the United States, healthcare works differently. People may receive coverage through an employer, purchase an individual health insurance plan or qualify for certain public programmes.

Without appropriate insurance, medical treatment can be expensive.

Here are some of the differences British newcomers should understand.

Medical bills

The cost of healthcare in America varies considerably depending on the provider, location, treatment required and insurance arrangements.

Even with insurance, you may have to pay part of the cost yourself.

Deductibles

A deductible is the amount you generally have to pay for certain covered healthcare services before your insurance begins paying its share.

For example, a plan with a high deductible might have a lower monthly premium but leave you responsible for more of your initial medical costs.

Copayments and coinsurance

Depending on your plan, you may pay a fixed fee for a doctor’s appointment or a percentage of the cost of certain treatments.

These expenses can add up, so it’s important to look beyond the monthly premium when comparing policies.

Provider networks

Some American health insurance plans have networks of approved doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers.

Using an out-of-network provider can result in higher costs or limited coverage, depending on the plan and circumstances.

Gaps in coverage

Moving countries, changing jobs or waiting for employer insurance to begin can create uncertainty about when your healthcare coverage starts.

Before relocating, establish exactly when your current coverage ends and when your new policy becomes effective.

The key takeaway: Don’t assume that having an insurance policy means every medical expense will be covered. Understanding the benefits, exclusions and out-of-pocket costs is just as important as knowing the premium.

2. Does the NHS Cover You When You Move to America?

This is one of the first questions many British expats ask.

The NHS operates primarily on a residence-based system. If you move abroad permanently, you will no longer automatically be entitled to NHS treatment under the usual rules simply because you are British.

Your precise entitlement depends on your circumstances and the relevant UK rules.

The NHS provides guidance on what to consider before moving abroad.

Useful resource: NHS guidance: Planning your healthcare when living abroad

For most people relocating to America, the important point is that they should not assume the NHS will pay for medical treatment in the United States.

Instead, you’ll need to investigate the healthcare arrangements available to you in America.

Depending on your circumstances, these might include:

• Health insurance provided by your employer
• An individual health insurance plan
• Other US coverage for which you qualify
• Temporary or international insurance, where appropriate

If you’re moving to America for a new job, ask your employer about its health insurance arrangements before you leave the UK.

If you’re relocating independently, you can start by investigating eligibility through the official US Health Insurance Marketplace.

Some people moving to the United States from abroad may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, but eligibility requirements apply. You should confirm your own eligibility rather than assuming that every move automatically qualifies. HealthCare.gov

My advice: Research healthcare before you move, not after you arrive.

It’s much easier to make informed decisions when you understand your options before you’re trying to settle into a new country.

3. Travel Insurance vs International Health Insurance: What’s the Difference?

One of the most confusing parts of researching healthcare coverage is understanding the difference between travel insurance, travel medical insurance and international health insurance.

They serve different purposes, and the right choice depends on your circumstances.

Travel insurance

Traditional travel insurance is generally designed for holidays and other trips away from home.

Depending on the policy, it may include emergency medical expenses alongside travel-related benefits such as trip cancellation, delays or lost luggage.

However, a policy designed for a holiday may not cover someone who relocates abroad or becomes a long-term resident.

Always check the policy wording before assuming it applies to your move.

Travel medical insurance

Travel medical insurance focuses on medical problems that arise during a covered trip.

Depending on the policy, it may cover eligible emergency treatment, hospital stays and other specified medical expenses.

Some products are designed for longer periods abroad, but eligibility, duration, geographical coverage and exclusions vary.

A policy intended for travellers isn’t automatically suitable for someone moving permanently to America.

International health insurance

International health insurance is designed for people who live or work across national borders and need healthcare coverage over a longer period.

Depending on the plan, benefits may include inpatient treatment, outpatient appointments, specialist care and prescription medication.

However, coverage varies significantly between policies. You need to check whether the plan accepts your circumstances and covers healthcare in the United States.

US health insurance

If you’re moving to America for the longer term, US health insurance deserves particular attention.

Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to obtain coverage through your employer or an individual plan.

These plans operate differently from many international policies, so compare their benefits, provider networks, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs carefully.

Which type of insurance do you need?

Here’s a simple starting point:

Important: These are starting points for research, not recommendations to buy a particular type of policy. Your immigration status, residency, intended length of stay and medical needs all matter.

4. What Are Your Health Insurance Options When Moving to the USA?

There isn’t one insurance provider that suits every British expat.

The best place to start is by understanding which types of coverage you may qualify for.

Option 1: Employer-sponsored US health insurance

If you’re moving to America for work, your employer may offer health insurance as part of your benefits package.

Before accepting a plan, ask:

• When does the coverage begin?
• Is there a waiting period?
• Can your spouse and children be included?
• How much will the monthly premium cost?
• What deductible applies?
• Which doctors and hospitals are in the provider network?
• Are prescriptions covered?
• What happens to your coverage if you leave the job?

Don’t assume that your insurance begins on your first day of employment. Ask your employer to confirm the actual effective date.

If you are moving with your family, compare the total cost of family coverage rather than looking only at the employee premium.

Option 2: An individual US health insurance plan

If employer coverage isn’t available, you may be able to obtain an individual health insurance plan.

Eligibility depends on your circumstances, including your immigration status and residence.

The official HealthCare.gov eligibility guide explains the general requirements for using the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.

Depending on where you live, your state may operate its own marketplace.

If you qualify, compare the available plans carefully.

Look at:

• Monthly premiums
• Deductibles
• Copayments and coinsurance
• Annual out-of-pocket maximums
• Prescription benefits
• Provider networks
• Coverage for your family’s medical needs

A lower monthly premium doesn’t necessarily mean a plan will cost less overall.

It’s important to understand how much you could pay if you needed medical care.

Option 3: International health insurance

International health insurance may be worth investigating if your circumstances involve living across borders or needing coverage in multiple countries.

However, don’t assume that every international policy covers someone who relocates permanently to the United States.

Before requesting a quote, establish whether the insurer accepts your nationality, residency status and intended destination.

Also check whether the policy is designed for long-term residency or primarily for travel.

This distinction matters because international health insurance and travel medical insurance can provide different benefits and limitations.

Option 4: Temporary or travel medical insurance

Some people investigate temporary medical coverage while travelling or during a transition between countries.

Whether this is appropriate depends on the policy and your circumstances.

Before purchasing, confirm:

• Whether the insurer accepts someone in your position
• Whether the United States is covered
• Whether your intended length of stay is eligible
• Whether the policy is suitable for relocation or only for travel
• What medical expenses are covered
• Which conditions and treatments are excluded
• Whether the coverage meets your actual needs

Don’t assume temporary insurance is a substitute for comprehensive US health insurance.

If you’re moving permanently, establish which longer-term arrangements you need rather than relying on a travel policy without checking its suitability.

5. SafetyWing: Is It Worth Considering?

If you’re moving from the UK to the USA, you may come across SafetyWing when researching international health and travel medical insurance.

SafetyWing offers different insurance products for people who travel, live and work internationally. The two Nomad Insurance options are designed for different needs, so it’s important to understand the distinction before choosing a plan.

Nomad Essential

Nomad Insurance Essential is primarily travel medical insurance designed to help with unexpected medical issues while travelling. It includes specified medical and travel-related benefits, subject to the policy terms.

This type of cover may be worth investigating if you need medical protection while travelling or during a period when you’re between longer-term insurance arrangements.

However, it shouldn’t automatically be viewed as a replacement for comprehensive US health insurance.

Nomad Complete

Nomad Insurance Complete provides broader international health insurance alongside travel-related benefits. It may be worth exploring if you’re looking for more extensive international medical coverage rather than travel medical insurance alone.

As with any international health policy, eligibility, coverage and exclusions depend on your individual circumstances and the current policy terms.

Explore SafetyWing Nomad Complete

What should you check before choosing a plan?

Before purchasing SafetyWing, check:

• Whether you’re eligible for the specific plan
• Whether the plan provides coverage in the United States for your circumstances
• Whether additional US coverage is required
• How long you can remain covered
• Which medical treatments and services are included
• Whether pre-existing conditions are excluded
• What maternity and cancer-related coverage is available
• Whether the policy is appropriate for your intended residency and situation
• The current exclusions, limitations and policy terms

Don’t assume that international health insurance and US health insurance are interchangeable. If you’re permanently relocating to America, you should also investigate the US health insurance options available to you, including employer-sponsored or individual coverage where applicable.

Who might want to consider SafetyWing?

SafetyWing may be worth investigating if you’re a traveller, internationally mobile person or expat whose circumstances fit the relevant policy.

For someone permanently moving to the USA, however, I would treat SafetyWing as one option to investigate rather than automatically recommending it as a replacement for US health insurance.

The right choice will depend on your immigration and residency situation, how long you expect to be in the USA, your healthcare needs, and the level of coverage you require.

Always review the current policy wording, eligibility requirements, exclusions and costs directly with SafetyWing before purchasing.

Affiliate disclosure: This section contains an affiliate link. If you purchase through the link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only include products that I believe may be relevant to my readers.

6. How to Compare Health Insurance Policies

Once you know which types of coverage may be suitable, comparing the details becomes much easier.

I’d use the following checklist before choosing a policy.

Check your eligibility

☐ Does the insurer accept applicants in my circumstances?

☐ Is the policy suitable for someone living in the United States?

☐ Does it cover my intended length of stay?

☐ Is it designed for travel, temporary coverage or longer-term healthcare?

Check the medical benefits

☐ Are hospital treatment and emergency care covered?

☐ Are GP appointments and specialist visits included?

☐ Are prescriptions covered?

☐ What happens if I need ongoing treatment?

☐ Are pre-existing conditions excluded or subject to underwriting?

☐ Are there waiting periods or other exclusions?

Check the costs

☐ What is the monthly or annual premium?

☐ What deductible applies?

☐ What copayments or coinsurance might I pay?

☐ Is there an annual or lifetime benefit limit?

☐ Could I face significant out-of-pocket costs even with insurance?

Check the practical details

☐ Can I use the hospitals and doctors I expect to need?

☐ Do I need pre-authorisation for particular treatments?

☐ How are claims submitted and paid?

☐ What happens if I change jobs or move to another state?

☐ Does the policy meet any requirements relevant to my circumstances?

Taking time to answer these questions can help you compare policies more effectively and avoid choosing a plan based solely on its headline price.

7. Common Health Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming your NHS entitlement covers you in America

If you’re moving abroad permanently, don’t assume that your British nationality means the NHS will pay for your medical treatment in the United States.

Check your healthcare arrangements before leaving the UK.

Assuming travel insurance is suitable for relocation

A policy designed for a holiday may not cover a permanent move or long-term residency.

Read the terms carefully and ask the insurer if you’re unsure.

Choosing a policy based on price alone

A cheaper premium may come with a higher deductible, narrower benefits or more exclusions.

Compare the overall costs and coverage.

Assuming all international insurance covers the USA

Geographical coverage varies between plans.

Confirm that the United States is covered for your particular circumstances and that you’re eligible to purchase the policy.

Forgetting to check the start date

If your new policy doesn’t begin until several weeks after you arrive, you need to understand what protection, if any, applies during that period.

Ask your employer or insurer to confirm the effective date in writing.

Assuming every medical condition is covered

Read the policy wording carefully, particularly if you have existing medical needs or expect to require ongoing treatment.

Don’t rely solely on a summary of the benefits.

8. Your Pre-Move Healthcare Checklist

Before leaving the UK, work through these steps.

1. Ask your employer about health insurance.

If you’re moving for work, establish whether coverage is provided and when it begins.

2. Research your eligibility for US health insurance.

If you won’t have employer coverage, investigate the options available to you.

3. Identify any potential gap in coverage.

Understand when your existing arrangements end and when your new coverage starts.

4. Compare policies carefully.

Check the benefits, exclusions, deductibles, geographical coverage and eligibility requirements.

5. Keep your insurance documents accessible.

Save your policy documents, insurer contact details and information about making a claim.

6. Review the arrangements for your family.

If you’re moving with a partner or children, establish whether each family member is covered and whether the policy meets their needs.

7. Review your arrangements once you’ve settled.

Your initial requirements may change after you arrive, particularly if you begin a new job or become eligible for a different type of coverage.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Do British citizens get free healthcare in America?

British citizenship alone does not entitle someone to free healthcare in the United States.

Your options depend on your circumstances and eligibility for employer-sponsored insurance, individual coverage or applicable public programmes.

Can I use the NHS after moving to America?

If you move abroad permanently, you will no longer automatically be entitled to NHS treatment under the usual rules simply because you’re British.

Your precise entitlement depends on your circumstances and the relevant rules.

The NHS explains the considerations in its guidance on planning healthcare abroad.

Should I buy travel insurance before moving to America?

Travel insurance may be appropriate for a covered trip, but you shouldn’t assume that it covers a permanent relocation.

Check whether the policy accepts your circumstances and intended length of stay.

Can I get US health insurance through my employer?

Some employers offer health insurance as part of their benefits packages.

Ask your employer about eligibility, premiums, family coverage and the date your insurance begins.

Can I get health insurance if I arrive in America without employer coverage?

Possibly. Your eligibility for individual coverage depends on your circumstances, including your immigration status and residence.

Start with the official HealthCare.gov eligibility information and check the options available in your state.

Is international health insurance the same as US health insurance?

No. International policies can differ from US health insurance in their benefits, eligibility rules, exclusions and geographical coverage.

Always compare the actual policy terms and establish whether the product is suitable for your intended circumstances.

Final Thoughts: Plan Your Healthcare Before You Move

Moving from the UK to America is an exciting step, but healthcare is one area where preparation really matters.

There isn’t a single insurance option that suits every British expat.

For some people, employer-sponsored US health insurance may be the most appropriate route. Others may need to investigate individual US plans or international coverage, depending on their circumstances.

Travel medical insurance may be worth considering for eligible travellers, but it shouldn’t automatically be treated as a substitute for comprehensive US health insurance.

The most important thing is to understand what each policy covers, what it excludes and whether you’re eligible before making a decision.

If you’re still organising your move, these guides from Life Across the Pond may also help:

• Moving to the USA from the UK: Complete Checklist
• Best Bank Account for Brits Moving to the USA
• How to Open a US Bank Account as a Non-Resident
• Best Ways to Transfer Money from the UK to the USA

With a little preparation, you can make more informed decisions about healthcare as you begin your new life across the pond. 🇬🇧🇺🇸