Private Health Insurance FAQs UK

Do I need private health insurance if I have the NHS?

The NHS provides essential healthcare, but waiting times for specialist referrals, diagnostics and elective procedures can be lengthy. Private health insurance gives you faster access to consultants, diagnostic scans and treatment at a time and place that suits you. Many people use it alongside the NHS rather than instead of it. Whether it is right for you depends on your circumstances, priorities and budget.

Why should I use a broker instead of going direct to an insurer?

A broker compares policies across the whole market, not just one insurer's range. This means you are more likely to find cover that actually matches your needs and budget. Brokers also provide ongoing support with claims, renewals and policy changes. Using My Health Protected costs you nothing extra — we are paid by the insurer, not by you.

Do you charge for your advice?

No. Our advice is provided without charge. We are paid a commission by the insurer if you choose to take out a policy through us. This does not affect the price you pay — it would be the same if you went direct to the insurer. We are fully transparent about how we are paid and will always recommend the option we believe is best for you.

Are you FCA authorised?

Yes. My Health Protected Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FCA number 785132. You can verify this on the FCA register. Being FCA-authorised means we must follow strict rules around suitability, transparency and treating customers fairly.

How do I get started?

The simplest way is to get in touch. We will ask a few questions about your current situation, any existing cover and what matters most to you. From there, we compare the market and present clear options with our recommendation. The whole process is straightforward and there is no pressure to proceed.

How much does private health insurance cost in the UK?

Costs vary depending on your age, medical history, chosen level of cover and excess. As a rough guide, individual policies can start from around £40 to £80 per month, though comprehensive cover or policies for older individuals may cost more. We recommend speaking to an adviser who can compare quotes across the whole market for your specific situation.

What is an excess and how does it affect my premium?

An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer covers the rest. Choosing a higher excess typically reduces your monthly premium. Excesses can be per-claim, per-condition or annual, depending on the insurer. It is worth understanding how the excess structure works before choosing a policy, as it affects your out-of-pocket costs when you make a claim.

Can I reduce the cost of my health insurance?

Yes, there are several ways to lower the premium. Choosing a higher excess, opting for a six-week NHS wait option (where you only use private treatment if NHS waiting times exceed six weeks), limiting your hospital list, or adjusting your out-patient cover can all bring the cost down. A broker can help you find the right balance between affordability and the level of protection you need.

Is there a no-claims discount on health insurance?

Some insurers offer a no-claims discount or a claims-free benefit that can reduce your premium if you have not made any claims. However, this is not universal and the way it works varies between providers. It is one of the factors worth considering when comparing policies, alongside the overall premium, excess and level of cover.

What are pre-existing conditions and how do they affect my cover?

A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury or symptom you have had before taking out a policy, or within a defined look-back period. Most insurers will either exclude these conditions or apply a moratorium period. Some offer full medical underwriting at the point of application, which can provide more clarity upfront. An experienced broker can explain your options and help you understand what will and will not be covered.

What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting?

With moratorium underwriting, you do not need to disclose your medical history at the point of application. Instead, any condition you have had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years is automatically excluded for the first two years. With full medical underwriting, you provide a detailed medical history upfront and the insurer tells you exactly what is and is not covered before you start the policy. Both approaches have advantages depending on your situation.

Can I get cover if I have a chronic condition?

It depends on the condition and the insurer. Most new policies will not cover ongoing treatment for a pre-existing chronic condition, but some insurers may cover acute flare-ups or related conditions after a qualifying period. If you are already on a policy that covers your chronic condition, it may be possible to carry that cover across when switching. An adviser can review your specific circumstances and explain the options available.

Will my mental health history affect my cover?

It may do. Mental health conditions are treated similarly to other pre-existing conditions. If you have a recent history of anxiety, depression or another mental health condition, this may be excluded under moratorium or full medical underwriting. Some policies include mental health cover as standard, while others offer it as an optional extra. The extent of the cover also varies, so it is worth comparing carefully.

What does private health insurance typically cover?

Most policies cover in-patient treatment (surgery requiring a hospital stay), day-patient procedures and out-patient consultations such as specialist appointments and diagnostic tests. Many also include cancer cover, mental health support and physiotherapy. Cover varies between insurers and policy levels, so it is important to compare the detail rather than just the price.

What is not usually covered by private health insurance?

Most standard policies do not cover GP visits, emergency or A&E treatment, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatment, pre-existing conditions (unless specifically agreed) or routine dental and optical care. Pregnancy and childbirth are also typically excluded unless you have held cover for a qualifying period. Some of these can be added for an additional premium. The specific exclusions vary between insurers, so always check the policy wording carefully.

Does private health insurance cover cancer treatment?

Most policies include cancer cover, and it is one of the most important reasons people take out private health insurance. Cover typically includes diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and follow-up care. However, the extent of the cover and any sub-limits can vary. Some policies may impose caps on certain treatments. It is worth checking the detail and choosing a policy that offers extensive cancer cover if this is a priority.

What is the difference between in-patient and out-patient cover?

In-patient cover applies when you need to be admitted to hospital, whether overnight or as a day patient for a procedure. Out-patient cover relates to consultations, diagnostic tests, scans and follow-up appointments where you do not need to stay in hospital. Some policies include full out-patient cover, while others limit it or exclude it to keep costs down. Out-patient treatment is often where the first costs arise, so it is worth understanding your options.

Can I switch health insurance without losing cover for existing conditions?

In many cases, yes. If you already have continuous cover, most insurers offer what is known as a switch or transfer basis, which can protect your existing cover for conditions that were previously included. This is not guaranteed and depends on the insurer and your policy history. A broker can review your current policy and advise on the safest way to switch.

What happens at renewal and why do premiums increase?

Each year, your insurer reviews your premium based on factors such as your age, claims history and medical inflation. Premiums tend to rise over time. At renewal, it is worth reviewing your cover to check you are still getting good value. A broker can compare your renewal terms against the rest of the market and advise whether switching could save you money without losing important cover.

Should I switch insurer at every renewal?

Not necessarily. Switching can sometimes save money, but there are occasions when staying with your current insurer is the better choice — for example, if you have claimed for a condition that a new insurer would exclude. The key is to review each renewal on its merits. An independent broker will advise honestly, even if that means recommending you stay put.

I am leaving a company scheme — what are my options?

If you are leaving an employer-provided health insurance scheme, you can usually take out a personal policy to continue your cover. Many insurers will recognise your continuous cover history and offer terms that protect your existing cover for conditions you have claimed for. It is important to arrange this before your company cover ends. Speak to an adviser as soon as you know you are leaving so we can help you make a smooth transition.

Can small businesses get group health insurance?

Yes. Most insurers offer group schemes for as few as two employees. Group policies can be more cost-effective than individual policies because the risk is spread across the group. They are also a valuable recruitment and retention tool. We work with many small businesses and can help you find a scheme that fits your team and budget.

Is private health insurance tax-deductible for businesses?

Yes, in most cases. If a business provides private health insurance as an employee benefit, the premiums are usually an allowable business expense and can be offset against corporation tax. However, employees will typically pay benefit-in-kind tax on the value of the cover. We recommend speaking to your accountant alongside a broker to understand the full tax position.

What is the difference between a group scheme and individual policies for directors?

A group scheme covers multiple employees under one policy and is usually simpler to administer. Individual policies offer more flexibility, allowing each person to choose their own level of cover. For small businesses with two or three directors, either approach can work depending on budget and preferences. A broker can model both options and recommend the most suitable route.

Can business cover include family members?

Yes. Most group schemes allow employees to add their partner and dependant children to the policy. The employer can choose whether to fund this or allow employees to pay for family cover themselves. Adding family members to a group scheme is often more cost-effective than taking out a separate individual family policy.

How do I make a claim on my private health insurance?

Most claims start with a GP referral. Once referred to a specialist, you contact your insurer to pre-authorise treatment. The insurer confirms whether the treatment is covered and directs you to an approved specialist or hospital. Some insurers offer online or app-based claims processes. Your broker can guide you through the process and help resolve any issues that arise.

Do I need a GP referral to claim?

In most cases, yes. The majority of private health insurance policies require a GP referral before you can see a specialist or start treatment. Some policies include a GP service or virtual GP that can provide this referral. A small number of policies allow self-referral for certain services such as physiotherapy, but this is not standard across all insurers.

What if my claim is declined?

If a claim is declined, the insurer should provide a clear reason. Common reasons include the condition being pre-existing, the treatment not being medically necessary, or the specific procedure not being covered by the policy. If you believe the decision is incorrect, you have the right to appeal. Your broker can advocate on your behalf and help challenge the decision if appropriate.

Can my broker help with claims?

Yes. One of the main advantages of using a broker is ongoing claims support. We can help you understand the claims process, liaise with the insurer on your behalf and intervene if there is a dispute. Many of our clients find this particularly valuable during stressful times when dealing directly with an insurer can feel overwhelming.