Do You Need Health Insurance Before Moving to Canada, the UK, or the USA?

Health insurance should be one of your main priorities when preparing to move abroad. A medical emergency shortly after arrival can create serious financial problems, especially if you are not yet eligible for public healthcare or have misunderstood what your visa provides.

Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States have very different healthcare systems. Canada provides publicly funded provincial and territorial health coverage to eligible residents. The UK operates the National Health Service, commonly known as the NHS. The USA relies heavily on private health insurance, employer-sponsored plans and government programmes for eligible groups.

Because the systems are different, the answer to whether you need health insurance before travelling depends on your destination, immigration status, visa category, province or state, employment benefits and arrival date.

This guide explains whether new immigrants, international students, temporary workers and family members should arrange health insurance before moving to Canada, the UK or the USA.

Why Health Insurance Is Important When Moving Abroad

Health insurance helps protect you against the cost of medical treatment. Depending on the policy or healthcare programme, coverage may include:

Doctor consultations
Emergency treatment
Hospital admission
Surgery
Diagnostic tests
Prescription medication
Maternity care
Mental health treatment
Ambulance services
Specialist appointments

Without suitable coverage, you may have to pay part or all of your medical expenses yourself.

Even countries with public healthcare systems do not necessarily provide every service free of charge. Prescription medicines, dental treatment, eye care, physiotherapy and private treatment may require additional payment or separate insurance.

Health Insurance in Canada, the UK and the USA: Key Differences

The three countries use different approaches to healthcare funding and eligibility.

Canada

Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system administered by individual provinces and territories. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can generally apply for public health insurance, but eligibility and waiting periods depend on where they live. Some newcomers may need temporary private medical insurance until provincial or territorial coverage begins.

United Kingdom

The UK provides healthcare primarily through the NHS. Many people moving to the UK for longer than six months must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application. Payment generally allows access to NHS treatment during the period of immigration permission, although some services still involve charges.

United States

The USA does not have a universal public healthcare system covering every resident. Most people obtain health insurance through an employer, the Health Insurance Marketplace, a private insurer or a government programme for which they qualify.

Lawfully present immigrants may be eligible to purchase Marketplace health insurance and may qualify for premium tax credits or other savings, depending on their income and circumstances.

Do You Need Health Insurance Before Moving to Canada?

Many newcomers should arrange temporary health insurance before travelling to Canada, especially when they will not be covered immediately by a provincial or territorial health plan.

Canada’s public healthcare system is managed separately by each province and territory. This means that eligibility rules, application procedures and waiting periods are not identical across the country.

In some provinces, eligible newcomers may have to wait up to three months before public health insurance begins. The Government of Canada recommends obtaining private health insurance during any waiting period.

Before travelling, contact the ministry of health in the province or territory where you will live. Confirm:

Whether your immigration status is eligible
When your public coverage will begin
Which documents you need
Whether your dependants are covered
Which services are included
Whether a waiting period applies

Who May Qualify for Public Health Insurance in Canada?

Eligibility differs by province and territory, but groups that may qualify include:

Canadian citizens
Permanent residents
Some temporary foreign workers
Some international students
Protected persons
Certain family members and dependants

Having permission to enter Canada does not automatically mean that you qualify for provincial healthcare immediately.

Your eligibility may depend on:

Your immigration category
The length of your authorised stay
Your employment status
Your province or territory
Residency requirements
The validity period of your immigration documents

How to Apply for a Canadian Health Card

Eligible residents must normally apply for a provincial or territorial health card. A health card provides access to insured medical services under the plan in that jurisdiction.

You may be asked to provide:

Passport
Permanent resident document
Work permit
Study permit
Confirmation of permanent residence
Proof of your Canadian address
Employment confirmation
Other provincial identification documents

Apply as soon as possible after becoming eligible. Do not assume your employer, landlord or immigration representative will complete the application for you.

What Does Canadian Public Health Insurance Cover?

Provincial and territorial health plans generally cover medically necessary hospital and physician services. Coverage varies, but it may include:

Visits to family doctors
Medically necessary hospital treatment
Emergency care
Some specialist services
Some diagnostic tests
Some surgical procedures

Public plans may not fully cover:

Routine dental treatment
Prescription medicines outside hospital
Eye examinations and glasses
Physiotherapy
Ambulance services
Private hospital rooms
Travel outside the province or Canada
Some mental health services

Additional benefits may be available to particular groups, such as children, older residents or people receiving income-related assistance.

Health Insurance for International Students in Canada

Health insurance requirements for international students vary by province, territory and educational institution.

Depending on where you study, you may receive coverage through:

A provincial health insurance plan
A university or college student health plan
A mandatory private insurance programme
A personal international student insurance policy

Before travelling, ask your school:

When student health coverage begins
Whether enrolment is automatic
Whether the premium is included in tuition fees
Whether your spouse and children can be added
Whether you need temporary coverage for your first weeks
Which hospitals and clinics accept the policy

Do not assume your university admission or study permit automatically provides health insurance.

Health Insurance for Temporary Workers in Canada

Temporary foreign workers may qualify for provincial or territorial health insurance, depending on their work permit, employment period and province.

Your employer may also provide extended health benefits covering services that the public plan does not fully pay for, such as:

Prescription medicines
Dental care
Vision care
Physiotherapy
Mental health support

Ask your employer:

When workplace benefits begin
Whether there is a probationary waiting period
Whether family members are included
How much of the premium you must pay
What happens if your employment ends

You may need private insurance between your arrival date and the start of either provincial coverage or employer benefits.

Special Insurance Rules for International Experience Canada

People entering Canada through International Experience Canada must have health insurance valid for their entire authorised stay when they arrive at the border.

The policy must generally cover medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation. If the policy is valid for a shorter period than the intended stay, the work permit may be issued only until the insurance expires.

Do not rely only on future provincial coverage or employer benefits when travelling under this programme.

Do You Need Health Insurance Before Moving to the UK?

Whether you need private health insurance before moving to the UK depends on your visa, the length of your stay and whether you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Most people applying from outside the UK for a visa lasting more than six months must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Applicants extending or changing immigration permission from inside the UK may need to pay it for applications of any length, unless an exemption applies.

You generally still need to pay the surcharge even if you already have private medical insurance.

What Is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?

The Immigration Health Surcharge, commonly called the IHS, is a payment made as part of certain UK visa and immigration applications.

After the visa is granted, payment normally allows the visa holder to use NHS services on broadly similar terms to people ordinarily resident in the UK for the duration of the immigration permission.

The surcharge is normally paid in advance for the length of the visa. Each dependant usually has a separate charge unless an exemption applies.

The amount can change, so always use the current official UK government calculator or visa application service rather than relying on an old blog post.

Does Paying the IHS Make All UK Healthcare Free?

No. Paying the Immigration Health Surcharge does not mean that every health-related service in the UK becomes free.

Depending on which part of the UK you live in and your individual circumstances, you may still have to pay for:

Some prescription medicines
Routine dental treatment
Eye examinations
Glasses and contact lenses
Private healthcare
Cosmetic procedures
Some travel vaccinations

NHS rules and patient charges differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Who May Be Exempt From the Immigration Health Surcharge?

Some applicants do not need to pay the IHS. Exemptions may apply to certain immigration categories, applicants for indefinite leave to remain, some health and care workers and other specified groups.

Visitors applying from outside the UK for six months or less do not normally pay the surcharge. However, this does not mean they receive comprehensive free NHS treatment.

Always confirm your exemption through current official guidance. Do not assume that being exempt from the surcharge means you will never be charged for medical treatment.

Do UK Visitors Need Travel Medical Insurance?

Visitors should strongly consider purchasing comprehensive travel medical insurance before travelling to the UK.

A visitor visa does not provide the same NHS access as a long-term visa for which the Immigration Health Surcharge has been paid.

Travel medical insurance may provide coverage for:

Emergency medical treatment
Hospital admission
Emergency dental treatment
Ambulance transportation
Medical repatriation
Trip cancellation or interruption
Lost or delayed luggage

Read the policy carefully because pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, hazardous activities and planned treatment may be excluded.

Should Long-Term UK Immigrants Buy Private Health Insurance?

Private health insurance is not normally required for someone who has valid NHS access through their immigration status. However, some immigrants choose private medical insurance for additional flexibility.

Private health insurance may offer:

Faster access to some specialists
Private hospital facilities
More choice of appointment times
Access to certain treatments or consultants
Employer-funded healthcare benefits

Private insurance does not always cover:

Emergency treatment
Long-term chronic conditions
Pre-existing medical conditions
Pregnancy and childbirth
Routine dental and eye care
Every prescription medicine

Compare exclusions, waiting periods, annual limits and excess payments before purchasing a UK private medical insurance policy.

How to Access Healthcare After Arriving in the UK

After arriving, register with a local general practitioner, commonly known as a GP.

You may need:

Your name and date of birth
Your UK address
Contact information
Details of your previous doctor
Information about medication and medical conditions
Your NHS number if you already have one

Do not wait until you become seriously ill before registering with a GP.

Keep copies of:

Prescription information
Vaccination records
Medical summaries
Allergy information
Specialist letters

Do You Need Health Insurance Before Moving to the USA?

Yes, arranging health insurance before or immediately after moving to the United States is strongly recommended.

Unlike Canada and the UK, the USA does not provide automatic universal public healthcare coverage to all new residents. Medical treatment can be extremely expensive without insurance.

You should understand how you will obtain coverage before travelling, particularly if you have:

A chronic medical condition
Regular prescription requirements
Young children
A planned pregnancy
An upcoming medical procedure
A physically demanding job

How New Immigrants Get Health Insurance in the USA

New immigrants may obtain health coverage through:

An employer-sponsored health plan
The Health Insurance Marketplace
A spouse or parent’s plan
A private insurance company
Medicaid, where eligible
The Children’s Health Insurance Program
Student health insurance
Temporary visitor or travel medical insurance

Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance in the USA

Many American employers offer health insurance as part of an employee benefits package.

The employer may pay part of the premium while the employee pays the remaining amount through payroll deductions.

Before accepting a job offer, ask:

When health insurance begins
Whether there is a waiting period
How much the employee premium costs
How much family coverage costs
Which hospitals and doctors are in the network
What deductible applies
What the annual out-of-pocket maximum is
Whether dental and vision insurance are included

If employer coverage does not begin on your first day, you may need a temporary insurance policy to cover the gap.

Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage for Immigrants

Lawfully present immigrants may qualify to purchase insurance through the federal or state Health Insurance Marketplace. Eligible applicants may also qualify for premium tax credits or other cost reductions based on household income.

Potentially eligible immigration categories include certain:

Lawful permanent residents
Refugees
Asylees
Employment-authorisation holders
Temporary workers
International students
Other lawfully present non-immigrants

Eligibility rules can change and may depend on current federal guidance and court decisions. Check the current Marketplace immigration-status list before applying.

Special Enrollment After Moving to the USA

Moving to the United States or experiencing another qualifying life event may allow you to enrol in Marketplace coverage outside the normal annual Open Enrollment Period.

Do not assume that you can enrol at any time without a qualifying event. Check the enrolment deadline and submit documents promptly.

You may need:

Proof of immigration status
Passport information
Social Security number where applicable
Household income information
US address
Details of available employer insurance

Medicaid and CHIP for Immigrant Families

Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to eligible low-income individuals, while the Children’s Health Insurance Program provides coverage to eligible children in families that meet programme requirements.

Eligibility differs by state and can depend on:

Immigration status
Income
Age
Pregnancy
Disability
Length of residence

Mixed-status families may apply for eligible household members even when other family members are not applying for coverage. Marketplace and state agencies cannot require immigration information from household members who are not seeking benefits.

Health Insurance for International Students in the USA

Many American colleges and universities require international students to have health insurance.

Your school may:

Automatically enrol you in a student health plan
Add the premium to your tuition bill
Allow you to waive the school plan if you have equivalent coverage
Require insurance meeting specific minimum standards

Before travelling, confirm:

The date coverage begins
Whether summer holidays are covered
Which hospitals are in the network
Whether dependants can join
Whether prescriptions are covered
What deductible and copayments apply
Whether treatment outside the university area is covered

Health Insurance for Visitors to the USA

Visitors should purchase travel medical insurance before entering the United States.

A visitor visa does not provide government-funded healthcare. If you become ill or have an accident, you may be responsible for the medical bill.

Visitor health insurance may cover:

Emergency doctor visits
Hospital treatment
Emergency surgery
Ambulance services
Emergency dental treatment
Medical evacuation
Repatriation of remains

Policies may exclude routine treatment, maternity care, preventive care and pre-existing conditions.

Important US Health Insurance Terms

American health insurance policies use several terms that new immigrants should understand.

Premium

The premium is the amount you pay to keep the policy active. It may be paid monthly or deducted from your salary.

Deductible

The deductible is the amount you must pay for covered medical services before the insurer begins paying certain costs.

Copayment

A copayment is a fixed amount you pay for a service, such as a doctor visit or prescription.

Coinsurance

Coinsurance is the percentage of a covered medical bill that you must pay after meeting the deductible.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

This is the maximum amount you are required to pay for covered in-network services during the policy year, excluding certain expenses such as premiums.

Provider Network

A provider network is the group of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and medical facilities that have agreements with the insurer.

In-Network Care

In-network care is provided by a doctor or facility participating in the insurance plan’s network. It is normally less expensive than out-of-network treatment.

Prior Authorisation

Prior authorisation means the insurer must approve certain treatments, tests or medicines before they are provided.

What to Look for in an International Health Insurance Policy

Whether you are moving to Canada, the UK or the USA, do not choose insurance based only on the cheapest premium.

Compare:

Maximum medical coverage
Emergency hospital coverage
Deductible or excess
Prescription coverage
Pre-existing condition exclusions
Maternity coverage
Mental health benefits
Dental emergency coverage
Ambulance services
Medical evacuation
Repatriation coverage
Geographical limits
Waiting periods
Direct billing arrangements
Claims procedures

A policy with a low premium may have a high deductible, low medical limit or significant exclusions.

Does Travel Insurance Replace Health Insurance?

Travel insurance and long-term health insurance are not always interchangeable.

Travel insurance is generally designed for temporary trips and unexpected emergencies. It may not cover:

Routine doctor appointments
Long-term treatment
Management of chronic conditions
Regular prescription medicines
Pregnancy and childbirth
Preventive healthcare
Pre-existing conditions

Someone moving permanently or for several years may require a local public plan, employer plan, Marketplace plan or international private medical policy rather than basic holiday travel insurance.

Health Insurance for Dependants

Do not assume your spouse and children are automatically covered because you have insurance.

Confirm:

Whether each dependant must be enrolled separately
Whether an additional premium applies
When dependant coverage begins
Whether newborn children are covered automatically
Whether maternity services are included
Whether dependants use the same provider network

In the UK, each dependant may have a separate Immigration Health Surcharge requirement. In Canada, each family member may need a provincial health card. In the USA, family coverage can cost significantly more than individual coverage.

Health Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

A pre-existing condition is a medical condition that existed before the start of an insurance policy.

Examples may include:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Asthma
Heart disease
Cancer
Pregnancy
Mental health conditions

Public healthcare systems may treat eligible residents regardless of pre-existing conditions, but private travel and international insurance policies may exclude them or charge additional premiums.

Do not hide medical information on an insurance application. Providing inaccurate information can lead to a rejected claim or cancelled policy.

Moving Abroad With Prescription Medication

Before travelling:

Speak with your doctor
Obtain an adequate lawful supply
Carry medication in its original packaging
Bring a copy of the prescription
Carry a medical letter explaining the treatment
Check whether the medicine is restricted in your destination
Confirm whether your new insurance covers the prescription

A medicine available under one brand name in your home country may have a different name or require a new prescription abroad.

Common Health Insurance Mistakes New Immigrants Make

Assuming Public Healthcare Starts Immediately

Some Canadian newcomers may face a provincial waiting period. Confirm the exact start date before travelling.

Assuming the UK Immigration Health Surcharge Covers Everything

Dental care, prescriptions, eye care and private treatment may still involve additional costs.

Moving to the USA Without Confirmed Coverage

Do not assume your employer’s health plan begins on your first working day.

Buying the Cheapest Policy

A low-cost plan may have high deductibles, limited hospital coverage or major exclusions.

Ignoring Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions

A policy may refuse to pay for treatment related to an existing medical condition.

Forgetting to Cover Family Members

Each spouse, partner or child may need separate enrolment.

Not Checking the Provider Network

In the USA, using an out-of-network hospital or doctor can substantially increase your costs.

Allowing a Gap Between Policies

Arrange temporary coverage when public, university or employer insurance does not begin immediately.

Failing to Carry Medical Records

Bring summaries of important diagnoses, vaccinations, allergies and prescriptions.

Confusing Travel Insurance With Comprehensive Medical Insurance

Short-term travel insurance may not meet the healthcare needs of someone relocating permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance for Immigrants

Do permanent residents get free healthcare in Canada?

Permanent residents can generally apply for provincial or territorial public health insurance. However, coverage rules and waiting periods vary by jurisdiction, and not every health service is free.

Should I buy insurance before landing in Canada?

Yes, when your provincial coverage will not begin immediately. Canada’s official newcomer guidance recommends private insurance during any waiting period.

Does a Canadian visa include health insurance?

No. A visa or permit does not automatically provide comprehensive health coverage. Eligibility depends on your status and provincial or territorial rules.

Does paying the UK Immigration Health Surcharge provide NHS access?

Generally, yes. After immigration permission is granted, IHS payment allows access to NHS treatment during the permission period, subject to the same charges and rules that may apply to other residents.

Do UK visitors get free NHS healthcare?

Visitors may receive certain services without charge, but they should not assume all NHS treatment is free. Comprehensive travel medical insurance is advisable.

Do I still pay the IHS if I have private insurance?

Usually, yes. Private medical insurance does not normally remove the Immigration Health Surcharge requirement for an application that is subject to the charge.

Can immigrants buy health insurance in the USA?

Yes. Lawfully present immigrants may be eligible for Marketplace insurance and possible income-based savings. Employer and private insurance options may also be available.

Can international students get US health insurance?

Yes. Many universities provide or require student health insurance. Students should confirm the cost, start date, provider network and waiver rules with their institution.

Can I wait until I become ill before buying insurance?

This is risky. Enrolment periods, waiting periods and eligibility rules may prevent immediate coverage, while travel insurance will not normally cover an illness that began before the policy started.

Does health insurance cover dental care?

Not always. Dental insurance may be separate, and public systems may provide only limited dental coverage for eligible groups.

Does health insurance cover pregnancy?

Coverage varies significantly. Public plans may cover eligible residents, while some private travel policies exclude pregnancy or apply waiting periods. Confirm maternity coverage before becoming pregnant or travelling.

What happens if I travel without health insurance?

You may have to pay medical costs yourself. In the USA, even a short hospital visit can be expensive. In Canada, uninsured newcomers can be billed while waiting for provincial coverage. UK visitors may also be charged for NHS hospital treatment.

Pre-Departure Health Insurance Checklist

Before Moving to Canada

Check provincial or territorial eligibility
Confirm whether a waiting period applies
Buy temporary private insurance if necessary
Ask when employer benefits begin
Collect the documents needed for a health card
Confirm dependant coverage

Before Moving to the UK

Confirm whether the IHS applies to your visa
Pay the required surcharge through the official application
Understand which NHS services may still involve charges
Consider travel insurance for your journey
Review private insurance only if you need additional coverage
Prepare to register with a GP after arrival

Before Moving to the USA

Confirm how you will obtain health insurance
Ask when employer coverage starts
Check Marketplace eligibility
Understand the premium and deductible
Review the provider network
Arrange temporary insurance for any coverage gap
Add your spouse and children where necessary

Medical Documents to Carry

Vaccination records
Prescription information
Medical summary
Allergy information
Recent test results
Specialist letters
Health insurance documents
Emergency contact details

Final Thoughts on Health Insurance Before Moving Abroad

You should never assume that immigration permission automatically provides complete health insurance.

When moving to Canada, check whether you qualify for provincial or territorial coverage and whether a waiting period applies. Temporary private insurance may be essential during your first months.

When moving to the UK, determine whether your visa requires payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge. Paying the surcharge generally provides NHS access, but it does not eliminate every prescription, dental, eye-care or private treatment cost.

When moving to the USA, confirm your insurance before or immediately after arrival. Employer plans, Marketplace coverage, student insurance and private policies may be available, but coverage is not automatic.

Compare more than the monthly premium. Review the deductible, exclusions, provider network, prescription coverage, waiting periods, pre-existing condition rules and maximum benefits.

Arranging the right health insurance before travelling can protect your savings, support your immigration journey and allow you to settle into your new country without the added fear of an unexpected medical bill.

Last updated: August 2026

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and does not constitute medical, legal, financial, immigration or insurance advice. Healthcare eligibility, immigration rules, insurance premiums and public health benefits vary by country, province, territory, state, visa category and individual circumstances. Confirm current requirements through official government sources and consult an authorised insurance or immigration professional before making decisions.