Comprehensive Health Insurance
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Finding the right private health insurance can be overwhelming, especially when deciding between basic and comprehensive levels of cover. Let’s take a closer look at what comprehensive coverage is and if it is the right fit for you.
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Comprehensive health insurance is the best option if you want private medical cover that includes everything from diagnostics to treatments and anything in between.
In the UK, health insurance providers offer different levels of health insurance cover. A comprehensive one is the most complete, while basic plans allow you to add services for more extensive policies.
This type of health insurance pays for private treatments, helping you skip the long NHS waiting lists. It fully covers inpatient care, like hospital stays after surgery and outpatient care, such as consultations, tests and scans.
If you are looking for the highest level of private health cover, a comprehensive medical plan is the right choice. Most UK private health insurers offer comprehensive policies as their top option and this guide will explain how they work, what they cover and what to expect in terms of costs.
What Is comprehensive private health insurance?
Comprehensive private health insurance is a policy level that offers private medical care for many health issues across the UK. It provides a more extensive level of cover than standard policies. This ensures you have access to treatments and care not always available through the NHS.
You can get treatment in private hospitals, skipping long NHS waiting times. It also includes hospital stays but also goes beyond that, covering outpatient treatments like seeing specialists and getting tests. Most policies also include extras like physiotherapy, mental health support and dental cash benefits. Your policy will include:
- Outpatient, day-patient and inpatient treatments
- Full diagnostics
- Access to private hospitals
- Unlimited Virtual GP
- Comprehensive cancer cover
Our expert says…
“Comprehensive health insurance offers faster care, bypassing NHS waiting times, and ensures you receive treatments when needed. With affordable comprehensive health insurance, you can access top coverage without breaking the bank. Speak to your broker today to find a plan that best suits your needs.” Ilana Eldad, Health Insurance Adviser”
How does comprehensive health insurance work?
A comprehensive health plan works just like any health insurance policy in the UK. You can choose from three levels of cover: basic, mid-range or comprehensive plan. The main difference is how much outpatient cover included in your policy.
After choosing the policy that suits you best, you will start paying an insurance premium. Once your policy is active, you can immediately start claiming for any new acute medical conditions that develop after your policy start date. However, it’s important to note that pre-existing conditions might be excluded.
Does it replace NHS services?
No, comprehensive health insurance does not replace the NHS. It supplements it. How much you rely on NHS services depends on the level of outpatient cover you choose:
No outpatient cover
Limited outpatient cover
Comprehensive outpatient cover
With a comprehensive plan, the NHS is mainly for your GP referrals, while the rest of your consultations, diagnostics and treatments are covered privately.
What Does Comprehensive Health Insurance Include?
Comprehensive health insurance is the most extensive and expensive type of private medical insurance, offering full access to private treatments, diagnostics, and consultations. Each insurer offers similar benefits, and while some services are included as standard, others might need to be added to the plan. Here’s an overview of what a comprehensive health insurance plan typically covers:
- Access to specialists for consultations,
- Diagnostics, X-ray, MRI, CT, PET and blood test
- Full Inpatient and day-patient treatments
- Postoperative treatments for recovery
- Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and advanced drugs
- Private hospitals and private wings in NHS hospitals
- Home nursing services for recovery
- Unlimited Virtual GP
Most private medical insurance providers offer extra benefits for an additional premium. These can be added to your comprehensive policy plan to enhance it. The options give you more flexibility.
Optional Add-ons:
- Dental and optical cover, which includes check-ups and treatments
- Worldwide travel cover to cover you for unexpected bills while you are abroad.
- Upgraded hospital list for London Care if you live in London
- Therapies, which include acupuncture and chiropractor etc
- Mental health support
What’s not covered?
Even the best policies have exclusions. Comprehensive health Insurance typically does not cover:
- Pre-existing conditions.
- Routine pregnancy care.
- Alcohol and substance abuse.
- HIV and AIDS.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Fertility treatment.
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Self-inflicted injuries.
- Chronic conditions
- Emergency treatments
How much does comprehensive health insurance cost?
Health insurance premiums are calculated based on several key factors that assess the risk the insurer takes by covering you. These factors include:
Age
Older individuals typically pay higher premiums because they are more likely to require medical care.
Medical History
Your health history can affect premiums. Those with pre-existing conditions or a history of serious illnesses may face higher rates.
Lifestyle
Habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and exercising regularly impact the cost. Smokers and those with unhealthy habits usually pay higher premiums.
Postcode
Health insurance costs depend on where you live. Areas with higher healthcare demand or more expensive medical care may result in higher premiums.
Excess
The excess is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurer covers the rest of the medical costs. A higher excess can lower your monthly premium. You should have the amount readily available at the point of claim.
Cost of comprehensive medical policy
| Insurer | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Aviva | £111.03 |
| AXA | £120.98 |
| Bupa | £108.67 |
| Vitality | £98.13 |
| The Exeter | £124.54 |
| Freedom Health | £137.63 |
These prices are for comprehensive health plans that exclude certain high-cost hospitals, like HCA hospitals, a 35-year-old healthy individual, in London postcode NW7 with a £250 excess.
How can I reduce my monthly premium?
Increase your policy excess
Higher excess amounts (the portion you pay before the insurer covers costs) can reduce your premium. Excesses range from £100 to £5,000.
Lower your hospital list
Opt for the basic hospitals list which does not include HCA hospitals, you may reduce your premium by 20-25%.
Opt for the six-week option
If treatment is not available through the NHS within six weeks, you will be treated privately. By choosing this option you may reduce your policy premium by 30%
Limited outpatient cover
Agreeing to a cap on outpatient treatments (cupped only up to a specific amount) can reduce premiums. Also, you can opt for full diagnostics with insurers like Vitality and The Exeter.
Speak to a broker
Speaking to a broker can lower health insurance premiums. They have access to exclusive offers not available directly from insurers. Brokers compare multiple insurers to find the best deal. They negotiate better terms and tailor plans to your needs. Brokers also help with claims, ensuring the best value.
The UK’s best providers of Comprehensive Health Insurance
Aviva
Aviva is one of the largest health insurers in the UK, known for offering flexible and comprehensive health insurance plans. They provide covers for hospital stays, outpatient treatments, mental health support and cancer care. Aviva is also known for its strong customer service and a wide network of private healthcare providers. One of their standout features is a 6-week option to reduce your premium.
AXA Health
AXA PPP is a well-regarded provider offering both individual, family and business health insurance plans. Their policies typically cover hospital treatment, outpatient services, and specialist consultations, with options to include extras like dental, physiotherapy, and even health and wellness services. AXA is known for its fast claims process and a broad network of healthcare providers.
Bupa
Bupa is one of the most recognised names in the health insurance market, offering comprehensive plans that include treatment for acute illnesses, surgery, outpatient consultations, mental health services and cancer care. Bupa provides extensive options for adding benefits like dental cover, health assessments and physiotherapy. They are renowned for their customer support and wide choice of hospitals and clinics.
The Exeter
The Exeter is not for profit organisation that focuses on offering high-quality, affordable cover. They are particularly known for their innovative approach to health insurance, with flexible policies that let you tailor your cover to suit your needs. Their HealthWise App and Second Opinion stand out from all insurance providers. Their claiming process is the quickest among all providers.
Freedom Health
Freedom Health is a family-run health insurance company which offers plans for both individuals and businesses. Their policies can cover essential treatments like surgery, hospital stays, and consultations, with options to add additional coverage for outpatient treatments and specialist care. Freedom Health is particularly known for its plans which are not postcode rated and prices are the same around the UK.
Vitality
Vitality is an innovative health insurance provider that rewards healthy living. They offer comprehensive coverage, including hospital stays, outpatient treatments, and wellness services. What sets Vitality apart is its focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle by offering incentives, such as discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and cashback for reaching health goals. Vitality’s rewards-based model encourages members to engage in physical activity and make healthier choices, which can result in lower premiums on your renewal.
Conclusion
Comprehensive health insurance provides peace of mind. It covers a range of treatments, including hospital stays, outpatient care and specialist treatments. While premiums are higher, the benefits are clear. You get quicker access to treatments, more choice of care, and comfort in private facilities. Providers like Vitality reward healthy choices, which can lower premiums.
If you already have health insurance, review your policy regularly. Plans change, and a market review ensures you are still getting the best deal. Comparing different insurers can help you find better prices. The right health insurance gives you the care you need and helps you stay healthy and protected.
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