Understand private health insurance with confidence.
Explore how private health insurance works in the UK, what private medical insurance may cover, what exclusions to check, how premiums can vary and what to consider before choosing a policy.
What is private health insurance in the UK?
Private health insurance, also called private medical insurance or PMI, is designed to help pay for eligible treatment provided privately. The exact benefits depend on the policy, insurer, level of cover and terms you choose.
Most UK residents can access healthcare through the NHS. Private medical insurance is therefore generally a choice for people who want additional options around private treatment, subject to the terms and exclusions of their policy.
Look beyond the label and understand the actual benefits.
Health insurance policies differ significantly. The following are common areas you may find in private medical insurance, although eligibility, limits and exclusions depend on the individual policy.
Private Hospital Treatment
Depending on your policy, eligible inpatient and day-case treatment in approved private hospitals may be covered.
Consultations
Some policies provide access to private consultations with specialists and consultants when treatment is eligible.
Tests & Scans
Certain policies may cover eligible diagnostic tests, scans and investigations depending on the level of cover.
Physiotherapy
Some private health insurance plans include physiotherapy or other approved therapies subject to policy limits.
Mental Health Support
Certain plans can include mental health treatment or therapies, but benefits and limits vary considerably.
Cancer Treatment
Some policies provide eligible private cancer treatment, subject to the policy wording, treatment limits and exclusions.
What may not be covered by private health insurance?
Exclusions vary between providers and products, so always check the policy documents before relying on a particular benefit.
Common areas that may be covered
Common exclusions to check
NHS or private health insurance?
Private medical insurance does not replace the NHS. It can be used alongside NHS healthcare depending on your circumstances and the treatment you need.
NHS Healthcare
The NHS provides publicly funded healthcare to eligible UK residents, subject to the applicable NHS arrangements.
Private Medical Insurance
Private medical insurance can help pay for eligible private treatment and may provide additional choice, depending on the policy.
What can affect the cost of health insurance?
There is no single standard price for private health insurance. Premiums and cover can vary depending on the insurer, policy structure and the people being insured.
Age
Age can influence the expected cost of private medical insurance and therefore the premium.
Level of Cover
Broader cover, additional benefits and higher treatment limits can affect the price.
Excess
Choosing an excess can affect the premium, but it also means you may need to contribute towards eligible claims.
Location
Where you live and the hospitals available within your chosen network can influence policy pricing.
Hospital Choice
Wider hospital networks can offer more choice but may affect the cost of your cover.
Underwriting
The way your medical history is assessed can affect what is covered and how the policy is structured.
Individual or Family
Cover for multiple people is priced differently from an individual policy.
Claims History
Depending on the policy and provider, claims history can be one of the factors considered when pricing cover.
A simple checklist before choosing a policy.
Price is important, but the cheapest health insurance policy may not provide the level of cover or flexibility you actually need. Compare the details rather than just the headline premium.
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Questions people often ask about private health insurance.
These answers are general educational information. Always check the current terms and conditions of a policy before making an insurance decision.
Choose protection based on what you actually need.
Compare the level of cover, exclusions, excess, provider network and policy conditions rather than choosing solely on price.