The United Kingdom is home to the National Health Service (NHS), regarded by many as one of the world's best public healthcare systems. The NHS is complemented by a wide range of excellent public hospitals, so when relocating, you won't have to worry about finding quality healthcare in London.

As an expat, you may not be immediately eligible to use the NHS free of charge, and you may have to pay a visa surcharge. Once the surcharge is paid, you will be able to receive free or heavily subsidised healthcare.

While the quality of care in public and private hospitals is broadly similar, the NHS is notorious for its long waiting times. To bypass this, you might prefer to use private healthcare. This can be expensive, though, so it is advisable to invest in a comprehensive health insurance policy to ensure that costs are covered.

Below is a list of some of London's top public and private hospitals.

Public hospitals in London

Close-up of two medical professionals in a hospital setting. A doctor in a white coat with a stethoscope draped over their arm is in the foreground, while a nurse in blue scrubs stands in the background with arms crossed

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Website: www.chelwest.nhs.uk
Address: 369 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW10 9NH

Guy's Hospital

Website: www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk
Address: Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT

King's College Hospital

Website: www.kch.nhs.uk
Address: Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS

Royal Brompton Hospital

Website: www.rbht.nhs.uk
Address: Sydney Street, Chelsea, London SW3 6NP

St Bartholomew's Hospital

Website: www.bartshealth.nhs.uk
Address: West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE

Private hospitals in London

A stethoscope lies on a desk, while a medical professional in a white coat types on a laptop in the background.

Cromwell Hospital

Website: www.cromwellhospital.com
Address: 164-178 Cromwell Road, London SW5 0TU

King Edward VII's Hospital

Website: www.kingedwardvii.co.uk
Address: 5-10 Beaumont Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AA

Highgate Private Hospital

Website: www.highgatehospital.co.uk
Address: 17-19 View Road, Highgate, London N6 4DJ

London Bridge Hospital

Website: www.londonbridgehospital.com
Address: 27 Tooley Street, London SE1 2PR

The Princess Grace Hospital

Website: www.theprincessgracehospital.co.uk
Address: 42-52 Nottingham Place, Marylebone, London W1U 5NY

Further reading

► For a more comprehensive overview of the country's healthcare system read the Healthcare in the United Kingdom page

Are you an expat living in London?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to London. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.