Private health insurance for UK work visa holders

United Kingdom, 30th June: UK Home Secretary Theresa May announced that all UK work visa holders will have to get private health insurance in the country.

This step is aimed to help cut growing burden on the NHS (National Health Service).

Nonetheless, the latest announcement is receiving criticism from several small as well as medium businesses in the UK since this will involve added financial strain on them.

The policy by the UK government to get private healthcare is a part of the UK government’s announcement regarding cap on non-EU workers to be allowed entry into the UK. The interim cap introduced by the UK government on number of immigrants to be allowed into the UK will not affect foreign workers coming to the UK on intra-company transfers.

The decision by the UK government of arranging private health cover by foreign workers in the UK for the contract period of their job is going to cost nearly hundreds of pounds for the UK employers. 

It may be noted that soaring rates of immigration in the UK have not only placed increased financial burden on the NHS but also on housing and schools in the UK. 

The UK government has clarified that although all non-EU immigrants will have get private health cover, but they will be provided treatment for emergency and accidents on the NHS. 

Moreover, foreigners in the UK already possessing UK work permits will be exempted but will have to apply again once their work permit expires making it necessary for them to seek medical insurance. 

Justifying private health cover for all UK work visa holders, May said that the move is being introduced in recognition with the piling up burden on UK’s public services. 

Meanwhile, the decision will not have any effect on investors or entrepreneurs moving to the UK since they contribute significantly towards creation of jobs and wealth in the UK. Also, international football players will also be exempted from the latest ruling by the UK government. 

Hence, the announcement by the UK Home Secretary will only affect one out of seven prospective migrants coming to the UK.