Treatment in the United Kingdom
Brain and spine surgery, heart care, cancer care, complex orthopaedics and eye care in London and Manchester, planned from Bahrain with a Saleem doctor on your case.
Before you travel to the United Kingdom
- Patients go there for
- Cities
- London and Manchester
- Partner hospitals
- Partner hospitals in London and Manchester
- Arabic interpreter
- Arranged by your case manager when you need one
Travelling from Bahrain
- Visa for Bahraini passports
Bahraini passport holders do not need a visa for short visits. They apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel, which allows visits of up to 6 months each time and is valid for multiple trips over two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Medical visa
Private medical treatment is an allowed purpose of a UK visit, so treatment of up to 6 months can be done on the ETA. For treatment expected to last longer, patients apply for an 11 month Standard Visitor visa before travel, or apply to extend from inside the UK, with a letter from a registered doctor or consultant and proof they can pay for treatment.
- Flights from Bahrain
Gulf Air flies direct from Bahrain to London Heathrow, usually twice a day, and to Manchester several times a week, with flights taking about 7 to 8 hours. Check the current schedule with the airline before booking.
- Time difference
The UK is 2 hours behind Bahrain during British Summer Time and 3 hours behind in winter. In 2026 the clocks go back on 25 October, so from then until 28 March 2027 the gap is 3 hours.
- Language
English is the main language, and hospital care is delivered in English. Many London hospitals with private or international patient units offer Arabic interpreters, but patients should confirm this before booking.
- Currency
The currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).
- Good to know
Visitors are not covered by the NHS for planned hospital treatment in England. NHS hospital care is charged to visitors at 150 percent of the standard NHS rate, and while A&E (emergency department) care is free, any hospital admission after it is charged, so patients should arrange private treatment and travel insurance before travelling.
Patients who stay on to continue treatment can extend their stay from inside the UK in blocks of up to 6 months, with no limit on the number of extensions. Each extension needs a letter from their UK doctor and proof that they have paid for treatment so far and can pay for further treatment.
Checked 4 October 2026. Rules change: your case manager confirms visa requirements for your passport before anything is booked.
Where you could be treated in the United Kingdom
Partner hospitals we work with.
What treatment in the United Kingdom might cost
| Treatment | Estimated range | Recent quotes |
|---|---|---|
| Knee replacement | BD 7,200 to BD 9,800 | 5 |
Ranges from recent quotes at partner hospitals, in Bahraini dinars. Your itemised quote is final.
A Saleem doctor reviews your reports first, then your case manager plans the treatment and the trip with you, through to follow-up at home.How it works
Travelling from Bahrain to the United Kingdom
Do I need a visa for the United Kingdom?
Can a family member travel with me?
Will someone speak Arabic with me there?
Still not sure? Let's talk.
Message us to start. A Saleem doctor looks at your reports first, then we bring you itemised quotes from the United Kingdom.