Insurance for Expats in the UK
Some cover is legally required, some is just sensible — here's how to tell the difference.
Car Insurance
Legally required if you drive in the UK — compare quotes before you collect a leased or subscription vehicle.
Compare Car InsuranceHome Insurance
Contents cover protects your belongings; buildings cover matters most if you own the property.
Compare Home InsuranceHealth Insurance
Private cover alongside or instead of the NHS, depending on your visa route and preference.
Read the Health Insurance GuideLife Insurance
Financial protection for family and dependants — optional but often valuable, especially with a mortgage.
Read the Life Insurance GuideTravel Insurance
Covers trips home and onward travel, including medical emergencies and disruption.
Read the Travel Insurance GuideBreakdown Assistance
24-hour UK or European cover, sold annually or monthly alongside most vehicles.
Read the Breakdown Cover GuideLegally Required vs. Recommended
Usually Required
- Motor insurance (if driving)
Strongly Recommended
- Home insurance
- Health insurance
- Travel insurance
- Comparison sites let you check multiple providers in one search
- No UK insurance history can mean higher premiums initially
- Overseas driving licences are usually accepted, but confirm with the insurer
- Never accept the first quote you're offered
Insurance Comparison Sites
Comparing multiple providers in one place is usually the fastest way to find expat-friendly cover at a fair price.
Einsure
Wide range of quote types in one place — car, contents, buildings, travel and life cover.
Visit EinsureCompare The Market
One of the UK's best-known comparison brands, covering car, home, travel and life insurance.
Visit Compare The MarketMoneySuperMarket
One of the largest insurance comparison sites in the UK, also covering utilities and business cover.
Visit MoneySuperMarketGo.Compare
Easy-to-navigate quotes for car, home, life and travel cover, plus utilities and mobile.
Visit Go.CompareHow to Choose the Right Policy
- Compare multiple quotes, not just one
- Understand excesses and exclusions before you buy
- Check cancellation policies
- Confirm overseas residents/licences are eligible
- Don't choose on price alone
Insurance Questions
Motor insurance is a legal requirement if you drive. Home, health, life and travel cover are optional but widely recommended.
Yes, though premiums may be higher initially. Comparison sites make it easier to find competitively priced, expat-friendly cover.
Not legally for most visa routes, though many expats take out private cover for faster access to treatment alongside the NHS.
Rarely for car insurance, which must meet UK legal requirements. Some travel and life policies may offer limited cross-border cover — always check the policy terms.