Expat Community > England

smgoldin
Joined 2007
Posts: 1

grad students move to London:banking & health ins.?

17 years ago

Hi, my partner and I are graduate students on dissertation fellowships and will be moving to London for 6-8 months this year. We're trying to set up bank accounts ahead of time, but aren't sure what option is best. We don't have a lot of money (under $50,000), so some options mentioned here (like the HSBC Premier International Account) are not available to us.

Are there online banks that would work to use to pay bills in England? One of my friends suggested American Express online banking or ING or HSBC online only. We haven't gotten much useful customer service advice by talking via phone or in person to HSBC.

I wonder if not having a local bank will make certain things difficult, like paying rent or getting a mobile phone. I'm not sure of the implications of this decision but know they may be major.

I also wonder if you can tell me about the British health system. We will have visas as visiting students, but I'm not sure if that entitles us to any free health care. I plan to buy my same student policy from home because I'll be returning to the States for the summer and want to be covered, but I doubt that US policy will cover much abroad.

I appreciate your help.

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Expat Community > England

grad students move to London:banking & health ins.?

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