Insurance

Healthcare

Anyone who is engaging in paid employment in the UK will be eligible for free health care.  If you require medication this will not a huge cost to you either as all prescriptions have a standard charge of approx 7 GBP regardless of the type or actual cost of that medication.  You will need to register with a local GP in your area when you arrive.  The easiest way to find your local GP is to contact the local council who has a list of GP’s in the area.  You will need to call the GP’s office to make an appointment to register.

At present you can also visit a Dentist in the UK but this will be at a cost dependent on the type of Dentist Practice you visit.  Whilst there are some National Health Dentists who still practice within the public health service and therefore charge a standard low rate for work, many Dentists are moving in to private practice where the cost is more expensive but the wait for appointments is shorter.  Unless you have an emergency situation it is definitely worth shopping around for National Health Dentists who are willing to take on new patients as this will certainly be a lot cheaper.  If are able to register with a National Health Dentist you will probably be expected to visit your Dentist at least every 6/12 months for a check up and to ensure they keep you registered with the practice.

For more information visit http://www.dh.gov.uk

Travel Insurance

Insurance is really a matter of choice and your perceived risk.  Travel insurance premiums vary in cost and the type of cover.  Travel insurance may include valuable medical coverage, trip interruption, coverage for theft of baggage and personal effects, accident coverage, backpackers insurance, expatriate insurance, luggage insurance, missionary health insurance, skiing travel insurance and more.

If you do choose to purchase a vehicle (which may be essential if living outside of London/Home Counties) you will be expected to have appropriate insurance for your vehicle and this will depend on the value and age of your vehicle.  Remember to ask your current car insurance provider to write you a letter or certificate stating your “no claims” status as some insurers in the UK will take into account the number of past claims you have made when calculating your premium.  For each year you have not made any claims you will be given a discount which could save you hundreds of pounds!

Driving in the UK

For citizens of many countries, as long as you have your full licence or driving permit and it remains valid for up to 12 months from the date of entering the UK, then you are licensed to drive in the UK.  We do recommend that you clarify this for yourself before you go. See http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/drvingb.htm