Health insurance
Types
- Health insurance for Children
- Family health insurance
- Health insurance for over 50s
- Health insurance for over 60s
- Health insurance for over 70s
- Small business health insurance
- Corporate health insurance
- Group health insurance
- Health insurance for self-employed
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Health insurance for pre-existing conditions
- Couples health insurance
Cover
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Private health insurance is similar to other types of insurance. You pay a monthly or yearly fee called a premium.
How does private health insurance work?
Private health insurance is similar to other types of insurance. You pay a monthly or yearly fee called a premium.
Getting Referred
Informing Your Insurer
Cost Coverage
What is health insurance?
A health insurance policy covers the expenses associated with private medical services. Despite the availability of free healthcare in the UK through the NHS, private healthcare provides the advantage of faster access to specialised medical treatment and diagnosis. It offers a range of benefits, from facilitating prompt appointment bookings to accommodating surgeries or therapies based on your schedule.
Get a health quoteWhat are the options for private health insurance policies?
Private medical insurance policies typically cover health conditions that arise after the policy has been initiated. Since policies can vary, it's crucial to select one that aligns with your specific needs. You have the option of obtaining coverage for yourself, or opting for a joint health insurance policy that extends protection to both you and your partner
There are many health insurance policies available
The choice of policy depends on the client's age, health, marital status and financial capacity. It is important to consult a specialist to determine the best option for you.
Why get private health insurance?
Private health insurance may offer personalised and comprehensive coverage beyond what public health services provide. Here are some key advantages:
Shorter waiting times
Appointments can often be found more quickly than on the NHS.
Choice of hospitals
There may be a selection of hospitals, so you can choose where you would like to be treated.
Physiotherapy
Private healthcare can offer quicker access to physiotherapy.
Private rooms
Policies can offer private rooms rather than open wards.
Specialist referrals
Policies can let you get GP referrals for consultations from specialists.
Specialist treatments
You may be able to access specialised treatments that are not available on the NHS, broadening your options for healthcare.
What does private health insurance cover?
What can be covered
Hospital charges: Tests, scans, appointments, and X-rays.- Specialist fees: Including for procedures that require an overnight stay in hospital.
- Virtual GP app: Virtual appointments that give you access to a GP from your home.
- Physiotherapy: Carried out by a specially trained physiotherapist.
Not generally covered
Pre-existing conditions: Medical conditions that you already had before you took out the policy.- Emergency treatments: Care to address sudden medical conditions or injuries that require immediate attention.
- Cosmetic surgeries: Treatments to enhance appearance rather than to address medical conditions.
What types of health insurance are available?
Personal
- Health insurance for Children
- Family health insurance
- Health insurance for over 50s
- Health insurance for over 60s
- Health insurance for over 70s
- Group health insurance
- Health insurance for self-employed
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Health insurance for pre-existing conditions
- Couples health insurance
- Eye care insurance plans
- Health insurance with cancer cover
- Health insurance with dental cover
- Mental health insurance
- Physiotherapy insurance
- Private GP insurance
What optional extras can you get with private health insurance?
Private health insurance providers let you shape your coverage to fit your needs. You can add extra features to your policy, depending on what matters to you and what suits your budget. Here are some extras that you can choose to include:
- Dental Cover: Get coverage for dental check-ups, treatments, and emergencies as an added option with many policies.
- Eyecare Cover: Improve your policy by adding coverage for eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses.
- Physiotherapy: Include physiotherapy coverage for help with muscle and joint issues to gain timely access to rehabilitation services.
- Homoeopathic Medicine: Some policies offer coverage for homoeopathic medicine, providing an alternative healthcare approach.
- Mental Health Cover: Prioritise mental well-being with added mental health cover, giving you access to counselling, therapy, and other mental health services.
- Pregnancy or Maternity Services: Tailor your policy to cover pregnancy-related expenses and maternity services, providing support during this important life stage.
Choosing these optional extras gives you flexibility. It lets you create a private healthcare policy that addresses your specific needs.
What are the benefits of private medical insurance
Advantages of health insurance
- Faster Access to Medical Care: Private health insurance ensures quick access to treatment, reducing wait times compared to the public system.
- More Choice: Choose from a broader range of providers, treatments, and facilities, ensuring flexibility not available on the NHS.
- Reduced Waiting Times: Private health insurance minimises waiting times for elective procedures, tests, and consultations.
- Access to Private Rooms: Enjoy private hospital rooms for enhanced comfort and privacy during stays. This is a feature often lacking in public healthcare.
Disadvantages
- Premiums: Private medical insurance premiums can be expensive. The more coverage you need, the higher the premiums become, impacting your budget.
- Range of Cover: Some policies may not cover all conditions, leading to additional expenses for specific treatments.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Individuals with pre-existing conditions may face higher premiums or limited coverage. This will impact their ability to fully benefit from the insurance.
What type of health insurance plans can I get?
| Plan | Level |
| Basic health insurance cover | This typically covers inpatient treatments and stays, focusing on hospital care. |
| Mid-level health insurance cover | This plan usually covers outpatient care along with time spent in the hospital. It's a step beyond basic coverage. |
| Comprehensive health insurance | This includes everything mentioned previously, plus additional benefits such as physiotherapy. This plan is all-encompassing, providing a broad range of healthcare support. |
Can I get health insurance for my business?
Yes, you can get private healthcare for your business. This type of insurance offers benefits to both employers and employees. When you consider health insurance for your business, it means quicker access to medical treatments and services for your staff.
This contributes to their well-being and job satisfaction. There are various options to explore, with private health plans and insurance plans that can be customized for your company and its workforce. These plans may cover different medical services, specialist consultations, and even access to private hospitals.
The process of getting business health insurance involves choosing the most suitable plan from various providers and tailoring it to meet your employees' needs. This ensures your business and its workforce get the healthcare support they need for overall well-being and job satisfaction.
How much does health insurance cost?
Health insurance costs can vary, and your premium is calculated based on several factors. Here's what influences the cost:
Your age
Age plays a role in determining your health insurance premium. As you age, the risk of developing health conditions increases. This impacts the cost of your premium.
Your lifestyle
Your lifestyle choices matter, too. If you smoke, you may be considered a higher risk. Cutting down on alcohol intake can help reduce costs, as well.
Your cover options
The extent of your coverage affects the cost. Comprehensive health insurance with more coverage is pricier than basic options.
Your excess level
Understanding your excess is crucial. It's the amount you contribute to your healthcare costs. Opting for a higher excess lowers premiums. However, make sure you can afford it if you need to make a claim.
Postcode Impact
Living in London or other major cities may increase the price of your policy. This is due to the higher costs of medical services in these areas.
Age is one of the key factors affecting the cost of insurance
As we age, the risk of developing diseases increases, resulting in higher insurance premiums.
Approximate prices for health insurance
Approximate prices based on a typical comprehensive policy in January 2024:
| Age | Monthly Premium (£)* |
| 20-years-old | £38.36 |
| 30-years-old | £51.57 |
| 40-years-old | £64.25 |
| 50-years-old | £83.50 |
| 60-years-old | £121.60 |
| 70-years-old | £193.90 |
How can I get a cheaper quote for health insurance?
Getting a more affordable health insurance quote is possible. Here are some straightforward tips:
- Give up smoking. If you smoke, your premiums will likely be higher. Quitting can lead to getting a better deal. NHS support services are available to help you give up.
- See what your job package offers. Many employers offer health insurance as part of their benefits packages. Check what your company provides before buying a separate policy.
- Increase the excess. Consider a higher excess. This is what you pay before any claim is processed. Ensure it's realistic and affordable for you.
- Pay annually. Opt for an annual payment. Paying in a lump sum tends to be cheaper than spreading it over the year to pay monthly.
- Live a healthy lifestyle. Staying fit can lead to a more affordable deal with certain insurers. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle pays off in more ways than one.
- Exclude anything you don’t need. Customise your coverage based on your specific needs. Remove anything from your policy that you don't think you'll require.
- Shop around. Compare quotes from different insurers. This ensures you get the most comprehensive policy at the best price.
When choosing health insurance, focus on your needs
Assess your personal health needs, considering your medical history, ongoing treatments, and frequency of doctor visits. Understand the total costs, including premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance.
What do I need to get a health insurance quote?
With prolonged waiting periods on the NHS, many choose private family health insurance to take control of their family's well-being.
Personal details
Provide details about your smoking habits, medical history, and any ongoing health issues. Specify if you want to include family members on your policy.
Your policy
Share your coverage preferences. Decide how much protection you want from your health insurance policy.
We will browse the market
Rest assured, our service will actively search for the best options from leading UK health insurance providers, ensuring you get the most suitable policy at the lowest price.
What to consider when choosing private health insurance?
Keep the following points in mind while choosing your health insurance and get the best options:
Cover level
Choose a coverage level that suits your healthcare needs. Comprehensive policies cover most situations without cost limits. Cheaper ones may cap your claims.
Hospital Location
Consider where the hospitals covered by the policy are located. Access to some, especially those in major cities like London, may cost more.
Perks
Check for extra benefits. Some plans offer incentives like discounts on gym memberships.
Exclusions
Review the policy exclusions carefully. Some might limit outpatient treatment or exclude it altogether.
Cost
Balance affordability and coverage. Prices tend to rise as you age. This is because you are more likely to claim.
Deferred period
Watch for a deferred period, like the first three months. Some insurance companies may not allow claims during this time.
Private health insurance FAQ
We've compiled the questions that customers most often face when choosing a health insurance plan
Catherine Davis
Take the time to review and select extras carefully to ensure your policy aligns with your unique health requirements and personal circumstances.