The UK healthcare sector is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, offering numerous opportunities for international professionals. For those looking to explore the UK while gaining valuable work experience, healthcare work and travel jobs are an excellent choice. These roles combine the chance to work in rewarding healthcare settings with the flexibility to travel and explore different parts of the country.
Whether you’re a qualified nurse, a support worker, or an allied health professional, there’s a wide variety of positions available. Many of these jobs offer visa sponsorship, making it easier for international applicants to work legally in the UK.
In this article, we’ll highlight 10 top healthcare work and travel jobs in the UK, their locations, pay rates, how to apply, and visa requirements.
Also Read: 10 Healthcare Work and Travel Jobs in the USA That Pay up to $60,000/per year
Requirements for Healthcare Work and Travel Jobs in the UK
Before applying, international applicants must typically meet the following requirements:
- Relevant qualifications (e.g. nursing degree, healthcare diploma)
- Professional registration, such as with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- English proficiency (IELTS or OET scores if from a non-English-speaking country)
- Work experience (varies by role)
- A clean criminal record and updated DBS check
- Right to work in the UK (visa or sponsorship)
How to Apply
You can apply for these jobs through:
- NHS Jobs website (https://www.jobs.nhs.uk)
- Private healthcare recruitment agencies
- Job boards like Indeed, Reed, and TotalJobs
- Direct applications to care homes or hospitals
Make sure your CV is UK-standard and highlights your healthcare experience, certifications, and any international work exposure.
Do These Jobs Require a Visa?
Yes, most international applicants will need a Health and Care Worker Visa, which is part of the UK’s skilled worker route. The good news is that many healthcare employers sponsor visas for qualified professionals. Sponsorship is usually offered for full-time roles, especially in high-demand areas like nursing, care work, and certain allied health professions.
10 Healthcare Work and Travel Jobs in the UK
Here are 10 healthcare jobs that offer work and travel opportunities across the UK:
1. Travel Nurse – NHS Trusts Nationwide
Location: Various cities across England
Pay: £25–£35/hour
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Description: Travel nurses fill temporary staffing shortages in NHS hospitals. Shifts and locations vary, offering flexibility and the chance to explore different cities.
How to Apply: Apply through NHS Jobs or agencies like Pulse Nursing or Your World Healthcare.
2. Live-in Carer – London, Kent, Midlands
Pay: £700–£900/week
Visa Sponsorship: Yes (select agencies)
Description: Live-in carers provide round-the-clock care in a client’s home, supporting elderly or disabled individuals.
How to Apply: Apply via agencies like Helping Hands, The Good Care Group, or Cera Care.
3. Healthcare Assistant (HCA) – Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds
Pay: £10.50–£14/hour
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Description: HCAs support nurses and doctors in hospitals and care homes. Duties include personal care and vital signs monitoring.
How to Apply: Search on NHS Jobs or via HC-One, Bupa, or Newcross Healthcare.
4. Occupational Therapist – Scotland and Northern Ireland
Pay: £28–£35/hour
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Description: Support patients recovering from injury or illness to regain independence. Roles are available in both urban and rural locations.
How to Apply: Check with NHS Scotland or via agencies like JustOT.
5. Physiotherapist – Wales and the North West
Pay: £30–£40/hour
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Description: Treat physical impairments through exercise, massage, and manual therapy. Travel contracts allow relocation to different clinics.
How to Apply: Use NHS Jobs or TotalJobs, or agencies like Medacs or TFS Healthcare.
6. Mental Health Support Worker – London, Bristol, Liverpool
Pay: £11–£15/hour
Visa Sponsorship: Often available
Description: Support individuals with mental health issues in clinical or community settings.
How to Apply: Apply through Priory Group, Elysium Healthcare, or via UK Care Guide.
7. Care Home Nurse – Cornwall, Lake District, Yorkshire
Pay: £19–£25/hour
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Description: Work in picturesque regions of the UK providing medical care to elderly residents in care homes.
How to Apply: Apply directly to Barchester, Care UK, or Avery Healthcare.
8. Radiographer – Midlands and Greater London
Pay: £30–£45/hour
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Description: Operate imaging machines and support diagnostics. High demand in NHS trusts and private clinics.
How to Apply: Use NHS Jobs or agencies like Globe Locums or Maxxima.
9. Community Health Worker – Rural Wales and Northern England
Pay: £12–£18/hour
Visa Sponsorship: Occasionally
Description: Visit patients in their homes to provide care, medication, and follow-up support. Great for exploring scenic areas.
How to Apply: Contact NHS Community Trusts or apply through local councils.
10. Midwife – London, Birmingham, Glasgow
Pay: £28–£40/hour
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Description: Support women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. Midwives are in high demand in both hospitals and birthing centers.
How to Apply: NHS Jobs or recruitment agencies like HCL Workforce or ID Medical.
Conclusion
Healthcare work and travel jobs in the UK offer a unique opportunity to gain professional experience while exploring a new country. With competitive pay, flexible locations, and visa sponsorship options, these roles are especially appealing to qualified healthcare workers from around the world.
If you’re passionate about care and eager for adventure, now is the perfect time to take the leap and apply for a healthcare job in the UK. Be sure to research the visa process, prepare your documents, and connect with reputable employers or agencies that support international applicants.
