Compare Private Health Insurance

Private Health insurance also known as medical insurance or PMI, is a policy designed to cover the costs of private healthcare. This form of insurance is used to cover expenses for illnesses or injuries incurred after the policy begins. Different policy types provide varying levels of cover, so the costs can differ a lot.

Health insurance cover can help you to avoid NHS waiting lists and access treatment quicker by providing fast-track access to consultations, diagnostics and medical treatments that may not be available through the NHS.

Health insurance policies can be tailored to cover individuals, couples, or entire families. By paying a monthly fee, typically via direct debit, policyholders can claim expenses for private treatments as needed. For a full grounding in how cover is built, from underwriting to claims, read our guide to what private health insurance is and how it works.

Could be covered:

Inpatient Treatment: Inpatient care involves medical treatments that require you to stay in a hospital overnight or for multiple days. When selecting a health insurance policy, you'll find that some policies offer comprehensive inpatient coverage, while others might limit certain types of inpatient treatments or cover them only under specific conditions. It's important to review the details of each policy's inpatient care coverage to ensure it aligns with your healthcare needs.

Outpatient Care: Outpatient care involves medical services that don't require you to stay overnight in a hospital. This includes things like for example, minor diagnostic tests such as an x-ray, or physiotherapy sessions. When choosing a health insurance policy, you might find options that only cover a limited amount of outpatient care, or some that don't cover it at all. It's important to check the details of what each policy includes regarding outpatient treatment to make sure it meets your needs.

Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy involves treatments that help you recover movement and function after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition. When you're looking at health insurance policies, you might find that some cover physiotherapy extensively, while others may offer limited sessions or not cover it at all.

Cancer cover: Many private health insurance plans now include cancer coverage, which supports the cost of treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and other therapies. This helps ease the financial stress of cancer care.

Pregnancy or Maternity complications: Includes comprehensive care for complications with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.

Could be excluded:

Pre-existing medical Conditions: Many health insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, at least initially. This means if you have a health issue that was diagnosed or treated before your insurance policy started, your insurer might not cover any treatment related to that condition. Some insurers may eventually cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period has passed and if no symptoms have been treated or diagnosed during that time. It's crucial to fully disclose all existing health issues when applying for a policy and to understand the rules and restrictions regarding pre-existing conditions in any plan you consider.

Chronic Conditions: Each individual health insurance policy often have specific rules regarding chronic conditions—ongoing health issues that require long-term management, like diabetes or heart disease. Some policies may not cover treatments related to chronic conditions, or they may only offer limited coverage. This means that regular check-ups, ongoing medication, or treatments specific to managing your chronic condition might not be fully covered.

Emergency Treatment: Immediate medical interventions needed for severe conditions are usually not included.

Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures intended for aesthetic improvements rather than medical necessity.

Optional extras

To meet diverse needs, many insurers offer additional coverage options that can be included for an extra fee:

Dental Care: Covers both routine check-ups and emergency dental treatments necessary for oral health.

Eye Care: Supports costs associated with eye examinations and corrective lenses.

Complementary Medicine: Includes alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, and herbal medicines.

Mental Health Coverage: Provides access to psychiatric treatments and psychological counselling necessary for managing mental health issues.

While private health insurance offers many advantages, there are notable disadvantages:

High Cost: Monthly premiums can be substantial and typically increase with the policyholder's age.

Limitations on Coverage: Exclusions for pre-existing conditions and chronic diseases can limit the usefulness of the policy.

Exclusion of High-Risk Activities: Injuries resulting from activities deemed high-risk by insurers, such as extreme sports, are generally not covered.

First, get in touch with your insurance company, and they'll explain what steps to take. If your NHS doctor has given you a referral letter, you'll need to give a copy to your insurance company. If your insurance covers the treatment you need, they will approve your claim and discuss your options with you. They will also let you know about any coverage limits and help you find the right specialists and consultants if you're not sure where to go.

It's important that you know how to make a claim so you can get the most out of your health insurance.

Referral: Start by getting a referral from your GP or an NHS specialist if necessary.

Contact Your Insurer: Before receiving treatment, contact your insurance provider to ensure the service is covered.

Submit Necessary Documentation: Provide any required documentation, such as referral letters or medical reports, to your insurer.

Follow Up: After your claim is submitted, keep in touch with your insurer to ensure it is processed timely.

Private health insurance, consider the following strategies:

Choose a Higher Excess: Choosing a high excess can lower your health insurance costs. When you agree to pay more out of your own pocket before your insurance starts covering costs, your monthly premiums go down. Just keep in mind, if you need medical care, you'll need to pay more upfront before the insurance covers you.

Limit Coverage: Choosing a health insurance plan that doesn't include add-ons or optional extras like dental or vision care can help lower your costs. Having less outpatient cover, or none at all, could reduce your premiums. When you pick a plan that covers only the basics, you don't pay for services you might not use, which makes your monthly payments cheaper. Just remember, if you need dental or vision care, you'll have to pay for those yourself.

Choose a Restricted Network: Choosing a restricted network of providers can lower your health insurance costs because it limits the number of places you can go for treatment. Insurance companies often negotiate lower rates with a specific group of hospitals and doctors. When you agree to use these providers, it costs the insurance company less, and they pass some of these savings on to you in the form of lower premiums. This can make your insurance more affordable, but remember, your options for where you can receive private medical treatment are more limited.

Annual Payment: Paying your health insurance premium annually can lower your costs. When you pay for the whole year at once, many insurance companies offer a discount because it saves them administrative costs and guarantees your business for the year. This upfront payment can reduce your overall expenses compared to paying monthly.

Review Regularly: It's important to review your health insurance policy regularly to make sure it still meets your needs and you're getting the best value. Over time, your healthcare needs or financial situation might change, and what used to be a good fit might not be anymore. A broker can be a huge help in this process. They understand the market and can compare different plans for you, making it easier to find one that matches your current needs and budget. Using a broker can save you time and money, ensuring you always have the best coverage possible.

Can I get a no-claims discount on my private health insurance?

Yes, you can get a no-claims discount on your private health insurance. This works similarly to car insurance; if you haven't made any claims for a certain period, some insurers will offer a discount on your premiums as a reward. This incentive encourages policyholders to avoid unnecessary claims and can lead to substantial savings over time. Always check with your insurance provider to see if they offer a no-claims discount and understand the specific terms.

The relevance of different types of private health insurance may change as you move through various stages of life:

Young Adults: May prioritise lower-cost plans with higher excesses, as they typically require less medical care.

Families: Should look for plans that cover prenatal, paediatric, and family healthcare needs comprehensively.

Older Adults: As health issues become more frequent with age, a plan with a lower excess and comprehensive specialist coverage becomes more important.

When you're ready to get a quote for private health insurance policy, you'll need to provide some specific information to ensure that you receive the most accurate estimate for a health insurance policy. Here's what you typically need:

Personal Information: This includes your age, location, and possibly your gender and marital status, as these can affect the cost of your policy.

Medical History: You may be asked about your past and current health conditions, as well as those of family members if the policy will cover them. This helps insurers assess your risk level.

Coverage Needs: Decide what type of coverage you need. Do you need a basic plan or a more comprehensive one? Are there specific treatments or medications you want to be covered?

Budget: Have a clear idea of how much you are willing to spend on premiums. This will help narrow down the options to what's affordable for you.

Lifestyle Information: Some insurers might inquire about lifestyle habits such as smoking or regular exercise, as these can influence risk assessments.

Current Health Insurance Status: If you currently have health insurance, details about your existing plan might be required.

Gathering this information beforehand can streamline the process and help you get the most relevant quotes based on your specific needs and circumstances.

This site is run by My Health Protected, an FCA-authorised broker. Our guides compare UK private health insurance providers and are reviewed regularly against current insurer wording.

We aim to give you a clear, honest read on each insurer and plan: what is covered, what is not, where the trade-offs sit and where there might be gaps, including for people with pre-existing conditions. Always read your own policy documents and check details directly with your insurer or a broker before you buy or switch.

If you would like a quote, or a second opinion on a plan you already hold, contact us. The advice is free, independent and without obligation.