Moving from US to UK and looking to purchase UK model, which one is the best value?

Currently have an iPhone 15 Plus. It’s great no issues really. But I’m moving to London in the new year ish and I’m looking to purchase a UK model phone since I heard lots of UK mobile carriers don’t cover US model iPhones.

My current insurance is through AKKO through US Mobile but when I move I’ll switch carriers and won’t have insurance.

I could also get AppleCare + in the US on a new phone but my friend mentioned he broke his phone in Europe and waited 4 days to get a new one shipped since they had to wait for a US model to get shipped to the store.

So I would rather just have a UK or EU model with the sim slot. I’m thinking I would get a used 16 Pro or 17 Pro or 17E but iPhones are more expensive there so not sure