Finding suitable treatment is an important step for anyone struggling with addiction. An effective rehab centre, no matter where it’s located, can provide the conditions needed to begin recovery.
Castle Craig welcomes patients from outside the UK for residential treatment at our rehab centre in the Scottish Borders. Some people who contact us have tried to arrange care where they live but find that dedicated addiction hospitals are limited, or that treatment is offered mainly as short admissions or outpatient care.
Many already have links to the UK through work, family, or international medical insurance that covers rehab overseas and allows admission to approved clinics in another country.
This page explains how international rehab admission works, how insurance is handled, and what to expect when arranging private rehab in the UK.
Coming to the UK for addiction treatment at Castle Craig
Patients travel to Castle Craig from a range of countries. Before travelling, we’ll ask for details about your current substance use and medical history, so the clinical team can confirm our programme is suitable and prepare for admission.
Where private insurance is involved, the insurer usually asks for medical details and a proposed start date before authorising treatment.
Some patients who come to us are already living in the UK but hold international private medical insurance through work or relocation packages, and admission is then arranged through their overseas insurer.
Health insurance cover for overseas rehab patients
You may be eligible for private rehab in the UK with international health insurance if:
- You live outside the UK, and your insurance allows treatment abroad.
- You are currently in the UK, but insured through an international policy.
- A doctor or your insurer has suggested residential treatment in another country.
Each person’s insurance plan is different, so coverage is approved based on what health benefits are included in your plan and the level of your clinical needs.
What your policy needs to include
Some insurers offer coverage for inpatient mental health treatment when it’s medically necessary. Residential addiction treatment overseas may be approved under these benefits if you’re eligible.
Policies often need pre-authorisation, meaning the insurer reviews a medical summary from your doctor and agrees on an initial length of stay before admission is agreed upon.
Some insurers also set limits on the number of days they’ll cover, require progress updates during treatment, or specify approved hospitals within their network. Having this information in advance supports a smoother admissions process and ensures you can make informed decisions about your treatment.
You can start by reviewing your insurance policy documents or calling your insurer directly to understand what’s covered.
Insurers we work with
Castle Craig works with a number of UK and international insurance providers, including:
- Aetna International
- Allianz
- AXA Health
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions
- BUPA International
- Cigna Global
- Healix
- Henner
- JSIS (European Union)
- TRICARE
- United Healthcare (UHC)
- Vitality
- WPA
We also receive referrals funded through government or employer schemes.
If your insurance doesn’t cover treatment
If an international insurance policy doesn’t include cover for residential rehab treatment in the UK, patients can choose to self-fund.
Our admissions team can explain the cost of rehab treatment and payment options, so you can decide what’s practical before making plans to travel.
How rehab admission works from abroad
The admissions process for international patients generally follows a few clear steps:
Initial enquiry and clinical assessment
The first contact may come from the patient, a relative, or a doctor. We ask for a brief history of substance use, current health problems, prescribed medication, and any recent hospital care. A member of the clinical team may then speak directly with the patient to understand current risks and whether residential treatment is appropriate.
Insurance verification and approval
After the assessment, medical information is shared with the insurer if cover applies. The insurer confirms whether treatment is authorised, how long the initial approval lasts, and whether updates will be required during the stay. This is completed before travel, so admission can proceed on arrival.
Arrival and first days in treatment
On arrival, you meet the nursing staff and a doctor for an admission assessment. Physical health and withdrawal risk are reviewed first. If detox is required, medical care can begin immediately. The first days focus on stabilising sleep, eating, and safety before regular therapy sessions begin.
Travelling to the UK for rehab treatment
Most patients travelling to our overseas treatment in the UK fly to Edinburgh Airport, which is around a 45-minute drive from our clinic in the Scottish Borders. After landing, you can travel directly to Castle Craig for admission.
Before you leave home, you’ll be given our address, arrival time, and details on how to get here. We can also arrange sober transport from major airports and train stations in Scotland.
Patients who travel for rehab from outside the UK may need to arrange a visa, depending on their nationality. We can provide an admission letter confirming medical treatment, dates, and contact details to support a visa application. You should also bring ID, insurance documents, and a list of current medications when you travel.
What happens during our private addiction treatment in the UK
Castle Craig has provided evidence-based residential treatment for alcohol, drug, and behavioural addiction since 1988. Our programme includes medical care during withdrawal, one-to-one therapy, supportive group work, and planning for your return home.
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Medically managed detox
If alcohol, sedatives, or certain drugs have been used regularly, the first stage may be a medically managed detox. A doctor reviews your health and current medication, and nursing staff monitor withdrawal symptoms.
Medication is prescribed when needed to reduce discomfort and manage risk while the body stabilises. This usually takes place during the first days of admission.
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Residential therapy programme
After detox, the focus shifts to daily therapeutic work. Days follow a routine with group sessions, one-to-one meetings with a therapist, and time for meals and rest.
The aim is to understand patterns of use and practise ways of managing situations that have previously led to drinking or drug use.
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Mental health and dual diagnosis care
Many patients arrive with anxiety, depression, or trauma-related symptoms alongside substance use. This is known as a dual diagnosis.
Our Consultant Psychiatrists review medication where appropriate and support psychological care. Therapy at Castle Craig addresses both addiction and mental health difficulties together, which aims to reduce the risk of relapse.
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Complementary therapies
Our holistic treatment options include mindfulness, physical fitness, art therapy, drumming therapy, and nutritional support, all designed to support your body and mind during recovery.
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Aftercare when you return home
During the final stage of treatment, you work with the clinical team on a practical plan for returning home.
International patients can continue care remotely as an outpatient if needed. Follow-up therapy sessions can take place online, and written information can be shared with your local doctor or therapist. This helps keep care consistent once you’re back in your usual environment.
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Support for families living overseas
Families can remain involved, even when they’re in another country. With the patient’s consent, relatives can speak with staff to understand how treatment is progressing and what to expect after discharge.
Family therapy and education sessions are also available online, allowing relatives to learn more about addiction, communication, and boundaries without needing to travel.
A trusted private rehab centre for international patients
Our private countryside setting in Scotland offers a peaceful and supportive environment for those looking for addiction recovery options abroad, with decades of recognised experience treating substance misuse disorders.
Our team is led by Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Peter McCann, as well as a full-time staff of medical professionals specialising in both addiction and mental health.
The cost of private rehab in the UK
Fees can vary widely, but generally range from around £650 to £1,500 per day, depending on the level of medical care required and the length of stay. This typically covers accommodation, nursing care, medical review, and the daily therapy programme.
If treatment is self-funded, payment arrangements are agreed before admission, so there’s clarity about all costs before travel.
How to contact our admissions team
You can get in touch with our admissions department by:
• Calling +44 (0)1721 546 263
• Completing the online enquiry form
• Using LiveChat on the website
• Emailing info@castlehealth.eu
We can explain the next steps and what information we need from overseas patients, so you can decide whether to proceed before making travel plans.
Frequently asked questions
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Does my health insurance cover addiction rehab in the UK?
It depends on your policy and provider. Some international health insurance plans do cover inpatient addiction rehab in the UK, especially those that include mental health or substance use treatment as part of their benefits.
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Can I travel from abroad for rehab in the UK using private health insurance?
Yes. If your private health insurance policy includes private alcohol or drug rehab in the UK, we can liaise with your provider once coverage is confirmed. We’ve treated patients from across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America at Castle Craig.
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Does Cigna cover inpatient rehab in the UK?
Some Cigna policies include personal coverage for treatment in UK addiction rehab centres. It also covers patients in the UK. At Castle Craig, we regularly accept patients with Cigna health insurance.
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How quickly can I be admitted to rehab overseas?
Admission to UK private rehab for overseas policyholders can usually be arranged within days once clinical information and insurer authorisation are in place. Timing depends mainly on insurance approval and travel arrangements rather than waiting lists.
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Do I need a visa to travel for rehab treatment?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many patients travelling for overseas rehab enter the UK as private medical patients. The hospital can provide an admission letter confirming treatment at a UK rehab centre for overseas patients to support a visa application.
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Can my insurer pay a private rehab clinic directly?
Many insurers can settle fees directly with the hospital once treatment is approved. In some cases, you might need to pay a deposit or excess first, depending on the terms of your policy and level of cover.