Private Health Insurance: A Guide to Faster and Flexible Healthcare
While the NHS provides essential medical care for all UK residents, many people are choosing private health insurance for faster access to treatment, greater choice of hospitals, and shorter waiting times. Whether you’re self-employed, have a family, or want more control over your care, private medical cover can be a smart investment in your health and peace of mind.
This guide explains how private health insurance works, what it covers, how much it costs, and how to choose the right policy for your needs.
What Is Private Health Insurance?
Private health insurance (also known as private medical insurance or PMI) is a policy that pays for private medical treatment for health conditions that develop after your policy begins. It can supplement NHS services by giving you access to private clinics, consultants, and hospitals.
When you’re insured privately, you can usually:
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Avoid long NHS waiting lists
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Get treatment in private hospitals or wards
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Choose your preferred hospital and consultant
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Access treatments or drugs not always available on the NHS
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Stay in a private room during inpatient care
It’s not a replacement for emergency care or chronic condition management, but it can enhance the quality and speed of your healthcare experience.
What Does Private Health Insurance Cover?
Most standard private health insurance policies in the UK cover the following:
| Feature | Included in Standard Cover | Often Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient treatment (surgery, overnight stays) | ✓ | – |
| Day-patient treatment (e.g., scans, minor operations) | ✓ | – |
| Cancer diagnosis and treatment | ✓ | – |
| Consultant fees and specialist visits | ✓ | – |
| Outpatient tests and diagnostics | – | ✓ |
| Mental health support | – | ✓ |
| Physiotherapy and therapies | – | ✓ |
| Dental and optical treatment | – | ✓ |
| Private GP access | – | ✓ |
Each insurer offers different packages, and optional extras may increase your premium. Always read the policy documents to understand the scope of cover.
What Isn’t Covered?
Private health insurance generally excludes:
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Pre-existing conditions (unless covered by a specialist policy)
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Emergency treatment (accidents, A&E visits)
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Chronic or long-term illness management (e.g., diabetes, asthma)
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Pregnancy and childbirth (unless added as an optional benefit)
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Cosmetic surgery or procedures not deemed medically necessary
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Drug or alcohol rehabilitation
It’s important to understand these limits so you can continue to use NHS services where needed.
Types of Private Health Insurance Policies
There are several types of private medical insurance depending on your lifestyle, employment status, and health goals:
| Policy Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Health Insurance | Personal policy for one person | Freelancers, self-employed, private individuals |
| Joint or Couples Cover | One plan covering two adults | Partners or married couples |
| Family Health Insurance | One plan for two adults and their children | Parents who want private care for the whole family |
| Children-Only Policies | Standalone cover for children | Parents wanting better paediatric care access |
| Company/Group Plans | Employer-provided cover for staff | Businesses looking to offer health benefits |
| International Health Insurance | Covers treatment abroad | Expats, digital nomads, international workers |
Choose the type that matches your living arrangements and who needs cover.
How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost?
Premiums vary based on age, health, location, level of cover, and whether you’re insuring others. Below is an approximate cost range for individual policies in the UK:
| Age | Basic Cover (Monthly) | Comprehensive Cover (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | £25 – £35 | £50 – £80 |
| 35 | £30 – £45 | £65 – £100 |
| 45 | £40 – £60 | £90 – £130 |
| 55 | £60 – £90 | £120 – £180 |
| 65+ | £90 – £140 | £170 – £250 |
These figures are estimates. Smokers and those with health risks usually pay more. Adding outpatient or mental health services also increases the cost.
What Affects the Cost of Private Health Insurance?
Several factors influence your monthly premium:
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Age: The older you are, the higher your premium
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Location: Private healthcare costs more in major cities
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Medical history: Some providers consider lifestyle or BMI
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Level of cover: Basic vs full outpatient and inpatient care
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Excess: Higher voluntary excess lowers monthly costs
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Hospital list: Broader choice of hospitals usually costs more
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Family size: Covering more people increases the total premium
To reduce costs, consider policies with a six-week NHS wait clause—only using private care if NHS treatment exceeds that wait time.
How to Choose the Best Private Health Insurance
Choosing a health insurance policy requires careful consideration. Here’s how to make the right decision:
1. Define Your Priorities
Decide what matters most—speed of diagnosis, access to specialists, private rooms, or specific treatments.
2. Compare Plans and Providers
Use comparison tools to review quotes and cover:
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MoneySuperMarket
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Compare the Market
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GoCompare
3. Understand the Underwriting
There are two main underwriting types:
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Moratorium underwriting: Fast application, excludes recent conditions for a set time (usually 2 years)
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Full medical underwriting: Detailed medical history checked upfront, more transparent
Choose what suits your health background.
4. Review Hospital Lists
Some policies restrict which private hospitals you can use. Higher-tier lists cost more but may include top London clinics.
5. Adjust Your Excess
Choosing a higher excess (e.g. £250 or £500) can lower your premium. Just make sure it’s affordable when you claim.
Do You Still Need the NHS?
Yes. Even with private insurance, you’ll still use the NHS for:
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Emergency treatment and ambulance services
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Ongoing care for chronic illnesses
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Vaccinations and maternity services
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Prescriptions, unless your plan includes private GP access
Private healthcare complements NHS services—it doesn’t replace them entirely.
Popular Private Health Insurance Providers in the UK
These insurers are trusted in the UK market and offer flexible policy options:
| Provider | Key Features | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa | Extensive network, 24/7 helpline, digital GP | bupa.co.uk |
| AXA Health | Digital tools, full outpatient care | axahealth.co.uk |
| Vitality | Wellness rewards, Apple Watch discounts | vitality.co.uk |
| Aviva | Competitive pricing, modular cover | aviva.co.uk |
| WPA | Custom plans for individuals and families | wpa.org.uk |
Visit each provider’s site (opens in new tab) for full policy comparisons and terms.
Can You Claim Tax Relief on Private Health Insurance?
In the UK, private medical insurance is not tax-deductible for individuals. However, if you’re self-employed and the cover is a business expense (such as for employees), you may be able to claim it through your business.
Employers offering group cover to staff may also benefit from tax efficiencies. Always seek financial advice for business-related deductions.
Final Thoughts
Private health insurance offers quicker treatment, greater choice, and more control over your healthcare. Whether you’re a young professional looking to skip waiting lists or a family wanting the best for your children, a well-chosen policy can deliver long-term value and peace of mind.
By comparing plans, understanding your needs, and adjusting your level of cover carefully, you can get private health insurance that’s both affordable and effective. While the NHS remains a vital public resource, private insurance provides an additional layer of protection for those who want faster, flexible, and personalised care.