An honest, independent comparison of the UK’s leading health insurers — written by an FCA-authorised broker who works with all of them daily. We review Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA and The Exeter in detail, and cover other providers worth knowing about.
Expertly comparing the UK’s leading providers
Private medical insurance (PMI) pays for private healthcare when you develop a new, acute health condition. It sits alongside the NHS rather than replacing it — you keep your NHS entitlements while gaining faster access to consultants, diagnostic imaging, surgery and in-patient care at private hospitals.
The distinction between acute and chronic conditions is central to every policy. An acute condition is one that responds to treatment and is expected to resolve — a torn ligament, a hernia, a newly diagnosed cancer. A chronic condition is one that persists or recurs over time, such as diabetes, asthma or rheumatoid arthritis. Standard PMI covers the former. Long-term management of the latter falls to the NHS, although some insurers include helpful chronic-condition support tools.
Depending on your plan, PMI can cover consultations with specialists, diagnostic scans (MRI, CT, PET, ultrasound), blood tests, day-patient and in-patient surgery, hospital accommodation, cancer treatment including advanced drugs, mental health therapy, physiotherapy, and aftercare. Some policies also bundle extras such as virtual GP access, optical cover, dental cover and worldwide emergency treatment.
Around 7.6 million UK adults now hold PMI (FCA Financial Lives Survey, 2024), and the broader UK health cover market grew 13.8% year-on-year to £8.64 billion (LaingBuisson, 2025), with private medical insurance specifically at £7.02 billion. With NHS waiting lists in England reaching 7.4 million patients in October 2025 (The King’s Fund), private cover has become an increasingly practical choice for individuals, families and employers alike.
Most people overestimate how expensive PMI is. A 30-year-old non-smoker outside London can typically access inpatient-only cover from around £35–50 per month. Adding outpatient cover and choosing a higher excess keeps comprehensive plans affordable. The right broker helps you find the configuration that covers what matters to you without paying for what doesn’t.
Understanding five key concepts helps you navigate UK health insurance confidently: underwriting, cover levels, hospital lists, excess, and the claims process.
When you apply, the insurer decides how to handle your medical history. There are two main routes. Moratorium underwriting is the faster option — you answer no medical questions upfront, but the insurer reviews your history only when you claim. Conditions for which you had symptoms, treatment or advice in the five years before joining are excluded, though they can become eligible after you have been symptom-free on the policy for a continuous two-year period (subject to each insurer's specific rules). Full medical underwriting (FMU) requests your GP records before the policy starts, so you know exactly what is and is not covered from day one. FMU tends to result in more generous terms for people with a clean recent medical history.
Policies typically split into inpatient (hospital admissions, surgery, overnight stays), day-patient (procedures where you leave the same day), and outpatient (consultations, scans, blood tests, therapies you receive without admission). Most providers include inpatient and day-patient cover as standard. Outpatient cover is usually optional but, in our experience, is where most people actually use their policy. Cancer cover, mental health cover and therapies each come with their own sub-limits depending on the insurer and plan.
Every insurer maintains a network of approved hospitals and consultants. Choosing a wider list gives you more options but increases premium cost. Bupa, for example, offers tiers from Essential (around 360 hospitals) to Extended + London (over 1,500). AXA, Aviva and Vitality each have their own tiered lists with similar trade-offs, with a side-by-side of the two largest in our AXA Health vs Bupa comparison. If a specific hospital or consultant matters to you, check they are on the list before you buy.
The excess is the amount you pay before the insurer covers the rest. A higher excess lowers your premium. Most providers offer excess options from £0 to £500 or more, applied either per condition per year or once per policy year. Choosing a £250 excess, for example, can reduce your monthly cost meaningfully while keeping your out-of-pocket exposure modest.
When you need treatment, the typical process is: visit your NHS GP, obtain a referral letter to a private consultant, contact your insurer to pre-authorise the treatment, attend your appointment, and the insurer settles the bill directly with the hospital. Most claims are cashless — you do not pay upfront. For more detail on the claims process across providers, see our guide to making a health insurance claim.
Whether PMI is worth the premium depends on how you weigh three things: time, choice and peace of mind. The NHS remains an excellent service for emergency and critical care, but elective and diagnostic waiting times have stretched significantly. If you would rather not wait weeks or months for a scan, a consultant appointment or a routine procedure, PMI closes that gap.
Beyond speed, PMI gives you choice — which consultant you see, which hospital you attend, whether you have a private room, and how quickly your treatment happens. For cancer, musculoskeletal injuries and mental health conditions in particular, the difference in speed of diagnosis and treatment can be significant.
For employers, group PMI is consistently ranked as one of the most valued workplace benefits. It can reduce sickness absence, support recruitment and demonstrate a genuine duty of care to staff. It is also a potentially cost-effective route for businesses — check with your accountant for the specific tax treatment.
For individuals and families, the key question is whether the monthly premium is proportionate to the risk you are covering. Younger, healthier people pay lower premiums but also tend to claim less. Older policyholders pay more but are statistically far more likely to need the cover. The sweet spot often lies in securing a policy while you are relatively young and healthy, locking in favourable underwriting terms, and retaining it long-term.
We compare every provider side by side, free of charge. Tell us your age, location and what matters most, and we will show you exactly what each insurer would charge and cover.
Trustpilot scores give a useful snapshot of overall customer sentiment, though it is worth noting that larger insurers attract more volume (and more complaints) while niche providers benefit from smaller, self-selecting review pools. Scores below are verified as of April 2026.
WPA — 4.7 out of 5 from approximately 5,000 reviews. Among the higher Trustpilot scores in UK PMI we track, reflecting WPA’s reputation for personal, human-led service.
Bupa — 4.5 out of 5 from over 41,000 reviews. Consistently strong for an insurer of this scale, with most five-star reviews citing speed of treatment authorisation and quality of care.
Vitality — 4.5 out of 5 from over 63,000 reviews. Note that this score spans health, life and rewards — health-specific sentiment is broadly positive but slightly more mixed on claims complexity.
Aviva — 4.3 out of 5 from over 57,000 reviews. A strong score considering this covers all Aviva products.
AXA Health — 4.1 out of 5 from over 19,000 reviews. Customers frequently praise claim-handling professionalism; some note the modular plan structure can be initially complex to navigate.
The Exeter — 4.1 out of 5 from over 1,000 reviews. A solid score for a smaller mutual. Policyholders particularly value the no-claims discount structure and personalised service.
The table below compares the six providers we advise on most frequently across the dimensions that matter in practice. Scroll sideways on mobile. Data verified April 2026.
| Feature | Bupa | AXA Health | Aviva | Vitality | WPA | The Exeter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship Product | Bupa By You | AXA Health Plan | Healthier Solutions | Personal Healthcare | Complete Health | Health+ |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.5/5 (41k+) | 4.1/5 (19k+) | 4.3/5 (57k+) | 4.5/5 (63k+) | 4.7/5 (5k+) | 4.1/5 (1k+) |
| Defaqto Rating | 5 Star | 5 Star | 5 Star | 5 Star | 5 Star | 5 Star |
| Cancer Cover | Unlimited inc. breakthrough drugs | Full (module required) | Unlimited, no cap | Advanced, as standard | Full on Complete Health | Full on Health+ |
| Mental Health (In-patient) | Up to 45 days; does not reclassify as chronic (per current policy wording); includes addiction treatment | Available; some exclusions apply | Included but more limited | Included; limits apply | Available as add-on | Optional add-on |
| Direct Access (no GP referral) | Cancer, MSK, mental health | Cancer diagnostics & MSK | BacktoBetter & Mental Health Pathway: no GP referral | Self-refer for physio & some mental health; cancer risk assessments | Fast Track Pathways for some conditions | GP referral required |
| Underwriting Options | Moratorium & FMU | Moratorium & FMU | Moratorium & FMU | Moratorium & FMU | Moratorium & FMU | Moratorium & FMU |
| No-Claims Discount | Up to 70% (£300 bar; max 3 levels/year) | Up to 80% (no general bar) | Up to 75% (£250 bar) | ABC model (claims & engagement) | Up to 73% (£250 bar) | Up to 75% (£300 bar; £2,000 ceiling) |
| Hospital Network (widest tier) | 1,500+ hospitals | Large national network | Circle, Nuffield, Spire, NHS PPUs | Large national network | Major groups + NHS PPUs | Major groups + NHS PPUs |
| Rewards / Wellness Programme | No | No | MyHealthCounts (15% discount) | Extensive: gym, Apple Watch, cinema, Waitrose | No | HealthWise app |
| Virtual GP | 24/7 included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included (HealthWise) |
| Best For | Cancer & mental health cover | Modular flexibility | Value for money | Active, health-conscious people | Personal service & tailoring | Complex histories & NCD |
Sources: insurer policy documentation, Trustpilot (checked April 2026), Defaqto ratings 2026. Hospital network sizes are approximate and vary by tier selected. Speak to an independent broker for a personalised comparison.
Save or share this infographic. Right-click and select “Save image as” or download the full-size version.
Bupa is the name most people associate with private healthcare in the UK, and for good reason. Founded in 1947 — a year before the NHS — Bupa has no shareholders and reinvests profits back into healthcare services. They currently cover approximately 2.3 million health insurance members in the UK, serve over 43 million customers globally, and look after more than 46,000 UK businesses. For a detailed look at their employer plans, see our Bupa business health insurance review.
Their flagship individual product, Bupa By You, comes in two tiers: Treatment and Care (inpatient-focused) and Comprehensive (adds full outpatient diagnostics and consultations). Both include Bupa’s unlimited cancer cover as standard, which extends to advanced drugs, home chemotherapy and breakthrough therapies that may not yet be available on the NHS.
Cancer cover. Bupa is consistently strong on cancer cover. Cover on Bupa By You Comprehensive is unlimited, includes eligible breakthrough drugs, and extends to home chemotherapy and post-treatment aftercare with no time limit. If cancer cover is your top priority, the Bupa Cancer Promise is one of the strongest cancer propositions on the market.
Mental health. Bupa is known for broad mental health cover compared with many UK insurers. Their current policy wording provides for up to 45 days of in-patient mental health treatment on Bupa Select Complete (28/45/90 days depending on the plan tier) and, based on that wording, they do not reclassify a recognised mental health condition as chronic simply because it persists. They also fund one addiction treatment programme per member — a relatively unusual feature in UK PMI. This makes Bupa one of the stronger choices for anyone who values broad mental health provision.
Direct Access. Bupa’s fast-track self-referral pathways let you see a specialist without first visiting your GP. This is available for cancer, musculoskeletal conditions and mental health. In a market where most insurers still require a GP referral letter, Direct Access is a genuine differentiator.
Hospital network. Bupa offers multiple hospital list tiers. Their Comprehensive tier gives access to over 600 hospitals; the Extended + London list covers more than 1,500 facilities. Their Essential list (around 360 hospitals) keeps costs lower while still including the major private hospital groups.
Price. Bupa is rarely the cheapest quote. You are paying for the breadth of network, the strength of cancer and mental health cover, and the brand. For younger, healthy individuals who primarily want inpatient cover, other providers may offer comparable protection at a lower premium.
Complexity. The number of options, add-ons and hospital list tiers can be overwhelming if you are choosing a plan without guidance. This is one area where working with an independent broker adds genuine value.
Renewal increases. Like all insurers, Bupa applies annual increases driven by medical inflation and claims history. Some policyholders report steeper-than-expected renewals after a claim year. It is always worth reviewing your options at renewal rather than auto-renewing.
Bupa tends to be a strong fit for people who want one of the broadest hospital networks, comprehensive cancer cover, and one of the more extensive mental health propositions, and who are willing to pay a premium for those things. It is also a good choice for families (Bupa covers all your children for the price of one when more than one child is on the policy) and for anyone with a history of mental health conditions who wants to know they will be covered.
Bupa UK Insurance holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from over 41,000 reviews. The majority of five-star reviewers praise speed of claims processing and quality of customer service.
AXA Health is part of the global AXA Group and is one of the “big three” UK PMI providers alongside Bupa and Aviva. What sets AXA apart is its fully modular plan structure. For their employer plans, see our AXA business health insurance review.
Unlike most insurers, the AXA Health Plan has no fixed “core” cover. Instead, you build your policy from four modular blocks — Hospital, Cancer, Out-patient and Therapies — choosing exactly which elements to include and at what level. This means two AXA policies can look very different depending on how they have been configured.
Modular flexibility. AXA gives you more granular control over your cover than any other major insurer. You can buy hospital-only cover without cancer, or add comprehensive outpatient without therapies. Each family member can even have different modules. This flexibility makes AXA a strong choice if you know precisely what you want to cover.
Direct-access services. AXA offers two strong self-referral pathways — Working Body for musculoskeletal issues and Stronger Minds for mental health — letting members skip the GP referral step on those two common claim areas. Full medical underwriting is available alongside the standard 5-year moratorium if you prefer upfront certainty about what is and isn’t covered.
Cancer diagnostics pathway. AXA offers a direct-access cancer diagnostic service, letting you self-refer for assessment without a GP referral if you are worried about potential cancer symptoms.
Defaqto 5-star rated. The AXA Health Plan holds a 5-star Defaqto rating, reflecting the quality of its feature set.
Cancer exclusion for prior history. AXA excludes all previous cancers regardless of when they occurred. Most other insurers treat past cancer the same as any other pre-existing condition under their standard moratorium or FMU terms. If you have a cancer history, this is a significant point to discuss with your broker.
Mental health and cancer exclusions. Unlike Bupa, AXA excludes some cancer treatments and mental health conditions on certain configurations. The specifics depend on which modules you select and at what level, so it is essential to check the detail.
Complexity of configuration. The modular system is powerful but can be confusing. It is easy to accidentally leave out a module you need, or pay for cover that overlaps. Broker guidance is particularly valuable with AXA.
AXA is a strong option if you want to tailor a policy precisely to your needs and budget. It works particularly well for people who want comprehensive outpatient cover without paying for extras they will not use. It is less ideal if you want the simplicity of a pre-packaged plan with everything included as standard.
AXA Health holds a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from over 19,000 reviews. Customers frequently praise the professionalism of claims handling and helpfulness of phone support.
Aviva is one of the UK’s largest insurers and financial services companies, and their PMI arm is a major force in the market. Their individual product, Aviva Healthier Solutions, is a well-rounded plan that competes aggressively on price while maintaining broad cover. For their employer plans, see our Aviva business health insurance guide.
Aviva won the Moneyfacts Private Medical Insurance Provider of the Year award in 2025 — an independent marker that suggests they are getting something right.
Premium flexibility. Aviva gives you more ways to reduce your premium than most competitors. Six excess levels, an NHS six-week wait option (where you only go private if the NHS cannot treat you within six weeks), the ability to limit or remove outpatient cover entirely, and a potential 15% first-year discount through their MyHealthCounts wellness assessment provide significant control over cost.
Cancer cover. Aviva’s cancer provision is comprehensive. It covers diagnosis, treatment and aftercare with no upper limit, including access to approved advanced therapies.
No-claims discount. Aviva uses a structured no-claims discount that rewards claim-free years with lower premiums. The terms are clear and relatively generous compared to the market average.
Pricing. In multiple independent comparisons, Aviva consistently comes in among the most competitively priced of the major insurers for comparable cover levels — sometimes significantly below Bupa and AXA for identical demographic profiles.
Supplementary wellbeing services. Aviva includes access to a range of supplementary services including menopause support, a virtual GP, mental health support via the Aviva Wellbeing app, and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. These sit outside the core insurance product as added-value wellbeing tools.
Some direct-access pathways. While most Aviva claims start with a GP referral, there are exceptions. Aviva’s BacktoBetter musculoskeletal service and their Mental Health Pathway allow you to access support without first seeing your GP. This is not as broad as Bupa’s Direct Access, but it covers two of the most commonly claimed areas.
Mental health cover. While Aviva includes mental health as part of its outpatient module, the provision is less extensive than Bupa’s. In-patient mental health treatment, in particular, is more limited.
Admin experience. Some customers report that Aviva’s administrative processes can feel slower or more bureaucratic than smaller, more nimble providers. Their digital tools are improving but do not yet match the best in the market.
Renewal pricing. While first-year discounts are attractive, some policyholders have reported significant step-ups at second and subsequent renewals. Always compare at renewal.
Aviva is a strong choice for price-conscious buyers who want comprehensive cover from a well-known, financially secure insurer. The range of excess and cover options makes it particularly flexible for families and for people who want to keep premiums under control without sacrificing inpatient and cancer protection. Aviva also accepts new applicants at any age, with no upper joining limit.
Aviva holds a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from over 57,000 reviews. This covers all Aviva products; health-specific feedback is broadly positive for claims handling and pricing.
Vitality is the insurer that does things differently. Owned by South African financial group Discovery Limited, Vitality’s model is built on “shared value”: they incentivise you to live a healthier lifestyle, which in theory reduces claims, and they share that benefit back with you through rewards and potentially lower premiums.
Their individual product, Vitality Personal Healthcare, combines solid PMI cover with an extensive rewards programme that includes discounted gym memberships, an Apple Watch benefit, free cinema tickets, Waitrose cashback and discounts on travel. Over 1.7 million UK customers hold Vitality health or life insurance.
Rewards programme. No other health insurer comes close to the breadth of lifestyle rewards Vitality offers. If you are someone who exercises regularly and engages with wellness tracking, the rewards can offset a meaningful portion of your premium cost. Vitality members at Platinum status saved an average of £332 per year on rewards in 2023.
Cancer cover. Vitality includes advanced cancer cover as standard on all plans, encompassing diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapies and ongoing monitoring.
Core cover breadth. The standard plan includes in-patient and day-patient treatment, virtual GP access, mental health support and an NHS cash benefit. Optional extras cover outpatient diagnostics, therapies, dental, optical and worldwide travel.
Some self-referral options. While most Vitality claims begin with a GP referral, members can self-refer for physiotherapy and for some mental health support pathways. Vitality also offers direct cancer risk assessment and support routes. This is not as comprehensive as Bupa’s Direct Access, but it reduces friction for common claim types.
ABC pricing model. Instead of a traditional no-claims discount, Vitality uses its own “ABC” renewal formula that factors in both your claims history and your engagement with the wellness programme. Members who stay active and claim less may see lower renewal increases.
Complexity. Between the rewards programme, the points system, the status levels and the insurance product itself, Vitality can feel overwhelming. The value proposition only works if you actively engage with the programme — if you do not track steps or go to the gym, you are paying for a feature you are not using.
Mental health limits. While Vitality includes mental health support, the depth of cover is not as extensive as Bupa’s. In-patient mental health treatment and addiction cover are more restricted.
Claims experience. Some customers report that the claims process can be slower or less transparent than with providers like WPA or Bupa. Filtering Trustpilot reviews to health-specific feedback shows a wider spread of experiences than the headline score suggests.
Vitality is an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals and families who will actively use the rewards programme. If you regularly exercise, track your activity, and value lifestyle perks, the total package can represent outstanding value. It is less suited to people who want a simple, set-and-forget insurance policy with no engagement requirements.
Vitality holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from over 63,000 reviews. This covers both health and life insurance products. Health-specific reviews praise the rewards programme and customer service responsiveness.
WPA (Western Provident Association) is a not-for-profit health insurer that has been operating since 1901. Like Bupa, it has no shareholders and reinvests surplus into its services. What sets WPA apart is its focus on customer service and clinical expertise — it consistently achieves the highest Trustpilot score of any UK health insurer.
Their flagship product, WPA Complete Health, is one of the most customisable individual policies available, letting you fine-tune a wide range of individual benefit limits to build a plan that matches your exact requirements.
Customer service. WPA’s customer service stands out. You tend to speak to the same people, claims are handled with a personal touch, and the company has a reputation among brokers for going the extra mile. Their 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot rating from approximately 5,000 reviews is the highest of any UK health insurer.
Flexibility. The ability to set individual limits across a wide range of benefits — from outpatient consultations to therapies to dental — gives you more pricing control than virtually any other plan. This makes WPA popular with brokers for finding the exact configuration that meets a client’s needs and budget.
Clinical-first approach. WPA employs in-house clinical nurses who actively case-manage policyholders through treatment pathways. This can result in better outcomes and a smoother claims experience.
Fast Track Pathways. While most WPA claims start with a GP referral, WPA offers Fast Track Pathways that allow access to some treatments without needing to see your GP first. This is a helpful feature for common conditions where speed matters.
Cancer cover. WPA’s Complete Health plan includes comprehensive cancer cover with access to specialists, surgery, chemotherapy and outpatient oncology care.
Brand recognition. WPA does not have the household name recognition of Bupa or AXA. This does not affect the product quality, but some people are more comfortable with a name they already know.
Rewards and wellness extras. WPA does not offer the lifestyle perks that Vitality or Aviva bundle in. If gym discounts, Apple Watches and wellbeing apps are important to you, WPA’s proposition is more stripped-back.
Age restrictions on moratorium. Based on current product literature, WPA restricts new applicants aged 66 and over to full medical underwriting with a minimum £500 excess. There is no stated upper age limit, but the stricter joining terms may deter some older applicants. If you are joining later in life, it is worth comparing terms across providers — several others may offer more flexible routes.
WPA is the provider we often recommend for people who value personal service, clinical expertise and the ability to tailor every aspect of their cover. It is a strong fit for professionals, self-employed individuals and families who want a high-quality, no-frills health insurance product without paying for lifestyle extras they will not use.
WPA holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from approximately 5,000 reviews — the highest score of any UK health insurer. Reviewers consistently highlight the quality of personal service.
The Exeter is a mutual society founded in 1927, meaning it is owned by its members rather than shareholders. Alongside health insurance, they also offer life insurance and income protection. Their individual PMI product, Health+, has become one of the most talked-about plans in the broker market thanks to its innovative no-claims discount structure and transparent approach to underwriting.
No-claims discount. The Exeter has one of the most protective NCD structures in the market. Claims under £300 leave your discount level unchanged. Even larger claims have a graduated impact, with a £2,000 threshold before you drop the maximum three levels. This gives real predictability around renewal pricing — something many policyholders value highly.
Underwriting flexibility. The Exeter offers both moratorium and full medical underwriting, and takes a personalised approach to medical histories. They are often one of the more accommodating insurers for people with complex or pre-existing conditions, though — as with all insurers — specific outcomes depend on individual circumstances.
Unlimited Diagnostics option. Unlike most providers, The Exeter lets you separate your diagnostic benefits from your outpatient allowance. This means a scan or blood test does not eat into the same pot as your consultant appointments.
Clarity of information. The Exeter consistently scores well for the transparency and readability of its product documentation. If you want to understand exactly what you are buying before you buy it, The Exeter makes it easier than most.
HealthWise app. Includes a virtual GP, physiotherapy, and other digital health services integrated into the policy at no extra cost.
Mental health cover. Mental health therapy is available as an optional add-on rather than a core inclusion. If mental health is a priority, Bupa includes more extensive provision as standard.
Brand recognition. Like WPA, The Exeter is less well-known than the major insurers. This can make some people hesitant, though the mutual structure and Defaqto 5-star rating are strong markers of quality.
Smaller hospital network. The Exeter’s network, while adequate for most people, is not as extensive as Bupa’s or AXA’s widest lists. If you need access to a specific consultant or facility, check availability before committing.
The Exeter is a strong option for people who want predictable renewal pricing, transparent underwriting, and a personal touch from a member-owned insurer. It is particularly worth considering if you have a complex medical history or are looking for a policy that will not penalise you heavily for making a claim. The Exeter also accepts new applicants up to age 80, making it one of the more accessible options for older joiners.
The Exeter holds a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from over 1,000 reviews. Policyholders praise claims handling and the fairness of the NCD structure.
The six providers above are the ones we advise on most frequently, but they are not the only options. Two others are worth a brief mention.
Freedom Health Insurance is a smaller independent insurer that takes a straightforward approach to cover. They are one of the few providers that do not use location-based pricing, meaning your postcode does not affect your premium. Their Freedom Elite product is competitively priced and can be a good option for families or for people in higher-cost postcodes who want to avoid the London weighting that larger insurers apply. Freedom holds a 4.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
General & Medical offers simple, budget-focused health insurance aimed at people who want essential cover without complexity. Their plans tend to be among the most affordable on the market, though the trade-off is a narrower range of benefits and fewer optional extras than the major providers. General & Medical holds a 3.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot from a smaller review base.
We also occasionally advise on Saga (aimed at over-50s and underwritten by Bupa Insurance Limited) and niche international providers depending on client circumstances. If you are unsure which provider is right for you, an independent broker can compare the full market.
Every health insurance policy in the UK falls somewhere on a spectrum from basic inpatient-only cover to a fully comprehensive plan. Understanding the key tiers helps you choose the right level for your situation and budget.
This is the most affordable option. It covers hospital admissions, surgery, day-patient procedures and associated consultant fees. It does not typically cover outpatient appointments, diagnostic scans before admission, or therapies like physiotherapy. Inpatient-only plans work well if your primary concern is avoiding NHS waiting lists for surgery, and you are happy to use the NHS for initial consultations and diagnostics.
Adding outpatient cover brings in consultant appointments, diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, ultrasound), blood tests, pathology and, on many plans, therapies such as physiotherapy and osteopathy. This is the tier most of our clients choose, because outpatient services are where people typically interact with their policy most frequently. You can often set a limit on the outpatient benefit — for example £1,000 or £1,500 per year — to keep the premium manageable.
A comprehensive plan typically includes unlimited or high-limit inpatient, day-patient and outpatient cover, plus full cancer cover, mental health provision, and often extras like a virtual GP, optical, dental, worldwide travel cover and wellbeing services. These are the most expensive plans but offer the broadest protection and the fewest surprises when you need to claim.
The right level depends on your health, your age, your budget and what would cause you the most worry if it happened. If you can afford comprehensive cover, it is almost always the better choice. If budget is a constraint, an inpatient + outpatient plan with a reasonable excess typically offers the best balance of protection and cost. Inpatient-only plans are worth considering as a safety net if comprehensive cover is out of reach.
We can show you exactly what each cover level would cost for your age and location across every provider. It takes two minutes and costs nothing.
Most insurers let you bolt on additional cover modules beyond the core policy. The most common extras and what they include:
Covers routine dental check-ups, hygienist appointments, fillings, eye tests, prescription glasses and contact lenses up to an annual limit. Typically £200–£500 per year depending on the plan. Useful if you have regular dental needs, though the cost of the add-on should be weighed against what you would spend out of pocket.
Some plans include mental health as standard (Bupa does this comprehensively); others offer it as an add-on. Cover typically includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, psychotherapy and, on fuller plans, in-patient psychiatric treatment. Given increasing awareness of mental health, this is one of the most valuable extras available.
Covers physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment and sometimes acupuncture or homeopathy. Particularly relevant for active individuals, those with desk-based jobs prone to back and neck issues, or anyone recovering from musculoskeletal injury.
Extends your PMI cover to medical emergencies while travelling abroad. This can be more cost-effective than standalone travel insurance if you travel frequently, though you should always check the specific terms, as coverage and repatriation limits vary between insurers.
Most leading insurers now include 24/7 virtual GP access as standard or as an easily added extra. This gives you same-day video consultations for minor ailments, prescription requests and referral letters without needing to wait for an NHS GP appointment.
Some plans pay a daily cash benefit if you are treated on the NHS rather than privately. This is a useful feature if you are comfortable using the NHS for certain treatments but want a financial contribution towards lost earnings or other costs during recovery.
With meaningful differences between insurers, choosing the right provider comes down to understanding what matters most to you. Here is a practical framework we use with our own clients.
If cancer cover is your top concern, Bupa sets the standard with unlimited provision including breakthrough drugs. If mental health matters most, Bupa again leads — based on current policy wording, it does not reclassify persistent mental health conditions as chronic and includes addiction treatment. If price is the primary driver, Aviva and WPA are typically among the most competitive. If rewards and lifestyle perks appeal, Vitality is the clear leader. If personal service is your priority, WPA and The Exeter consistently outperform larger insurers. If you have a complex medical history, The Exeter’s flexible underwriting and Bupa’s FMU route are both worth exploring.
The cheapest policy in the world is useless if it does not cover the hospital or consultant you want to use. Before you buy, confirm that the facilities near you — and any specific consultants you may want access to — are on the insurer’s approved list at the tier you are considering.
First-year premiums tell only part of the story. Ask about the insurer’s typical renewal increases, their no-claims discount structure, and what happens to your premium after a claim. The Exeter’s graduated NCD is among the most protective; Vitality’s ABC model rewards engagement; Bupa and AXA use more traditional approaches.
An independent, whole-of-market broker compares every insurer for your specific circumstances — age, location, medical history, budget and priorities — and explains the differences that matter. The service is free to you; the broker is paid a commission by the insurer, which is the same whether you buy through the broker or go direct. There is no cost penalty for using a broker, and the guidance can save you from buying the wrong policy.
We are an independent, FCA-authorised health insurance broker (FCA number: 785132) based in Putney, London. We are members of BIBA and AMII, and we work with every major UK health insurer. Our advice is free, impartial and tailored to your situation. Read our reviews on Trustpilot.
Private medical insurance (PMI) covers the cost of private healthcare for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. It gives you faster access to consultants, diagnostics and treatment, bypassing NHS waiting lists.
Most policies exclude conditions you had before joining. Moratorium underwriting on the major UK insurers (Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA and The Exeter) typically looks back five years; a condition may become eligible for cover after two continuous symptom-free years on the plan. Full medical underwriting assesses your history upfront so you know exactly what is covered from day one. The Exeter is well-regarded for precise, targeted exclusions, and some Bupa plans are flexible for complex medical histories.
Premiums depend on age, location, chosen excess, hospital list and cover level. A 30-year-old in a regional area might pay from around £40 per month for inpatient-only cover, while a 55-year-old couple in London on a comprehensive plan could pay several hundred. An independent broker can compare the whole market for free.
Inpatient cover pays for treatment that requires a hospital bed, including surgery, overnight stays and day-patient procedures. Outpatient cover adds consultations, diagnostic scans, blood tests and therapies you receive without being admitted. Most people find outpatient cover the most-used part of their policy.
Yes. Most policies accept an NHS GP referral letter to see a private consultant. Some insurers, notably Bupa, also offer direct-access pathways for cancer, musculoskeletal problems and mental health, meaning you can self-refer without seeing your GP first.
An independent broker compares policies across every insurer, explains the differences that matter for your situation, and typically secures the same or better pricing than going direct. The service is free because the broker is paid by the insurer, not by you.
Yes. Many employers offer group PMI as a workplace benefit. It is often more cost-effective than buying individually because of group pricing. Employer-paid premiums are treated as a benefit in kind for tax purposes — check with your accountant for the exact impact on your position.
Standard exclusions include chronic disease management, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatment, routine pregnancy and childbirth, dental and optical care (unless added as extras), and injuries from extreme sports. Pre-existing conditions may also be excluded depending on your underwriting route.
Some plans offer worldwide emergency cover as standard; others provide it as an optional extra. Always check whether your policy covers international travel and what limits apply, as the specifics vary between providers.
You can switch at any time, though it is usually best to do so at renewal to avoid overlapping premiums. If you have an existing policy with full medical underwriting, some insurers will honour your existing underwriting terms through a process called “continued personal medical exclusions” (CPME), provided there is no break in cover. An independent broker can manage the switch process for you. For more detail, see our guide to switching health insurance.
At My Health Protected, we give you clear, accurate, and up-to-date information about private health insurance. Our goal is to help you compare different insurance providers and the coverage options they offer so you can make informed decisions.
We know that health insurance can sometimes be confusing, so we explain things in simple terms. Whether you're looking to understand the difference between basic and comprehensive plans or want to learn more about specific benefits and exclusions, we're here to guide you.
Understanding what's not covered by health insurance can help you plan better and avoid unexpected costs. It's important to read your policy carefully and get advice to make sure you have the coverage you need.
We're also proud members of the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) and the Association of Medical Insurers and Intermediaries (AMII). These memberships show our commitment to high standards in the health insurance industry.
Our customers have left many positive reviews on Google and Trustpilot, praising our service. Feel free to check those out to see what others have said about us.
At My Health Protected, we are here to help you find the best insurance plan for your needs and budget. If you have any questions or need help, our team is always ready to assist you.
The information on this site is for general guidance only and not professional advice. For tailored advice or a personalised quote, contact us directly.
Get a free, no-obligation comparison from our expert brokers. We work with all the major providers.
Patrick Baxter is the founder of My Health Protected, an FCA-authorised independent health insurance broker based in London. LinkedIn →
