Private Health Insurance Comparison from PremierPMI
We have continued giving guidance on health insurance to our thousands of clients for over 40 years. Over this time our health insurance advisors have built a depth of knowledge of the product and continue to grow strong relationships with all the insurance providers. We are more than a comparison website, we have thousands of loyal clients who chose us because we are independent, unbiased and best at what we do.
Family Health Insurance
At PremierPMI, we offer family-focused plans to fit you. We provide access to quality private healthcare through an extensive range of healthcare products and services that ensure your family enjoys the best care possible, at the best price, no matter what.
Self-Employed Health Insurance
Self-employed health insurance in the UK covers health-related expenses for self-employed individuals, including outpatient, diagnostic, and dental care. It often allows policyholders to choose their preferred hospital and access a wider range of treatments and specialists. Most UK insurers offer this type of insurance, with different plans and benefits. Private medical insurance also allows policyholders to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive treatment more quickly.
Self-Employed Health Insurance
Self-employed health insurance in the UK covers health-related expenses for self-employed individuals, including outpatient, diagnostic, and dental care. It often allows policyholders to choose their preferred hospital and access a wider range of treatments and specialists. Most UK insurers offer this type of insurance, with different plans and benefits. Private medical insurance also allows policyholders to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive treatment more quickly.
Health Insurance for Over 50s
Healthcare matters a lot, especially if you’re over 50. At this age, it’s nice to see specialist doctors quickly, not wait long for NHS appointments, and have peace of mind about your health. That’s what health insurance for people over 50 is all about. In this article, we’ll explain why it’s a good choice and how it can keep you healthy and stress-free.
Health Insurance For Over 60s
This is the time to relax and enjoy life after a long and rewarding career. Also, remember that your health is extremely important. Having private health insurance will give you peace of mind in knowing that you will be able to receive prompt treatment and diagnostics. Health insurance for seniors over the age of 60, on the other hand, will almost certainly be expensive. There are, however, policies that are specifically designed to help you keep your monthly premiums low.
Health Insurance For Over 60s
This is the time to relax and enjoy life after a long and rewarding career. Also, remember that your health is extremely important. Having private health insurance will give you peace of mind in knowing that you will be able to receive prompt treatment and diagnostics. Health insurance for seniors over the age of 60, on the other hand, will almost certainly be expensive. There are, however, policies that are specifically designed to help you keep your monthly premiums low.
Private Health Insurance for Children
In a world where time is of the essence, children’s health insurance in the UK offers an alternative to the NHS’s long waiting list for treatments and services. Parents can skip the queue, ensuring their kids have prompt access to specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and private hospital care, providing peace of mind that their child will receive personalised care tailored to their specific needs.
Corporate Health Insurance
Almost all companies (95%) in the UK believe they should care for their employees’ health and happiness. They know that employees feel happier with their jobs, take fewer sick days, and work harder when they are healthier. The benefits of this type of insurance, even after the pandemic, include reduced waiting times for medical treatment, and allowing employees to access timely and efficient healthcare services.
Corporate Health Insurance
Almost all companies (95%) in the UK believe they should care for their employees’ health and happiness. They know that employees feel happier with their jobs, take fewer sick days, and work harder when they are healthier. The benefits of this type of insurance, even after the pandemic, include reduced waiting times for medical treatment, and allowing employees to access timely and efficient healthcare services.
Private Health Insurance for Employees
Offering private health insurance to employees can be a strategic move for your business. It helps mitigate the lengthy NHS waiting times, ensuring prompt medical attention and a quicker return to work. This not only enhances employee retention and attraction but also underscores your commitment to their well-being. By prioritising their health, you create a supportive environment that fosters loyalty and productivity.
Groupe Health Insurance
Group Health Insurance offers employees access to private healthcare funded by an insurance provider. This enables them to avoid the extended waiting times of the NHS for eligible medical conditions, facilitating quicker recovery and a swifter return to work compared to waiting for NHS treatment. The employee benefits survey indicates that Health Insurance is the most popular benefit among small and medium-sized businesses, mainly because it helps employees avoid lengthy NHS waiting times.
Groupe Health Insurance
Group Health Insurance offers employees access to private healthcare funded by an insurance provider. This enables them to avoid the extended waiting times of the NHS for eligible medical conditions, facilitating quicker recovery and a swifter return to work compared to waiting for NHS treatment. The employee benefits survey indicates that Health Insurance is the most popular benefit among small and medium-sized businesses, mainly because it helps employees avoid lengthy NHS waiting times.
Couples Health Insurance in the UK
Couples health insurance is a type of policy that lets you and your partner share one health plan. This means both of you can get private healthcare together. This guide will look into the benefits of joining your health insurance policy, including how it can save you money and make managing your health insurance cover easier.
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What is health insurance?
Private health insurance is designed to cover the costs of private medical treatment, tests, and surgeries, typically for acute, short-term, and curable conditions. You can get private health insurance through your employer, who might offer it as part of your benefits package or by applying for individual, couple, and family plans by yourself.
There are major health insurance companies like AXA, Bupa, Aviva, and Vitality, as well as family-run insurers like Freedom Health. All of which provide excellent coverage for your health needs.
When you have private health insurance, you pay a monthly premium. In return, your insurer covers the cost of eligible treatments while your policy is active.
The policy works alongside NHS services, so routine GP appointments are still done through the NHS. However, for specialised treatments, private health insurance can provide faster and more personalised care.
Benefits of having private medical insurance (PMI)
- Faster access to treatments and procedures.
- Choice of preferred specialists and hospitals.
- Availability of treatments and medications not offered by the NHS.
- More privacy and comfort in private rooms.
- Consistent care from the same specialist.
- Coverage for services like physiotherapy, mental health support and dental care.
- Flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
- Regular health screenings and checks.
- Coverage for second opinions from specialists
How does health insurance work?
Understanding how health insurance works is essential before choosing a plan, as coverage levels can vary significantly. Here’s a straightforward explanation:
GP Referal
To address a medical issue, you usually start with a GP consultation. Many health insurance policies include free online GP services, helping you avoid long waits. Comprehensive policies might cover simple diagnoses and treatments, such as prescriptions, though the cost of the prescriptions themselves is often not included.
Specialist Consultation
If the GP cannot diagnose the issue or further tests are needed, your policy might cover the costs of private diagnostics, including hospital or specialist referrals. Depending on your cover level, you can choose the consultant and hospital where you want to be seen. If you don’t have a preference, your insurer can find one closest to your address.
Treatment
After a diagnosis, treatments are categorised as either in-patient (requiring a hospital stay) or out-patient (no hospital stay required). Insurance policies may cover or contribute to the costs of both types of treatments, with basic plans typically covering only in-patient care.
Example
Here is an example of how to make a claim through your AXA policy:
Imagine you have a mole that is changing colour, which concerns you. The first step is to consult with your GP or use the online GP service through the Doctor on Hand app to avoid long waits with the NHS. You can make a claim online or by calling AXA’s claim number at 0345 600 4461. You’ll receive an authorisation code at this point, and you will need to pay the agreed excess.
- Your GP may refer you to a specialist. You can either choose a specific consultant or have one selected for you from AXA’s hospital list, based on your location.
- Once your appointment is arranged, the consultant will investigate your symptoms with further tests and scans.
- If a diagnosis is made, any necessary treatments will be arranged.
- After treatment, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with your consultant to ensure everything is okay.
- Your insurance provider will pay the bill directly to the healthcare provider or reimburse any payments you made yourself.
Having private health insurance does not replace your access to NHS services. You can still use NHS services even if you have private insurance.
What is covered by health insurance?
Private medical insurance typically covers treatments for acute conditions that begin after your policy starts. However, it does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
Acute conditions
These are short-term illnesses that start after your policy begins and can be cured with treatment.
Pre-existing conditions
These are health issues for which you had symptoms, received treatment, or took medication before your insurance plan started.
Chronic conditions
These are long-term illnesses that persist and have no cure.
A health insurance plan is defined by the extent of hospital bed usage. Basic plans typically cover in-patient treatments like tests and surgeries, while comprehensive plans extend cover to full out-patient treatments such as consultations with specialists, diagnostics, tests and scans. Most insurance companies offer additional benefits like a fixed amount for each night spent in an NHS hospital.
| Plan | Description |
| Basic Cover | Includes only inpatient treatment. |
| Mid-Range Cover | Includes limited outpatient treatment with options to choose from £500, £750, £1,000, or £1,500. Some insurers include full diagnostics; with others like BUPA, diagnostics and consultations are deducted from your outpatient limit. |
| Comprehensive Cover | No limits on cover. includes all diagnostics, inpatient, daypatient and outpatient treatments. |
Inpatient Treatment
This is the medical care you receive when you’re admitted to a hospital and stay overnight or for a longer period. It’s for procedures or surgeries that need close monitoring, like major surgeries or complex medical conditions. These treatments are covered in full by all insurance providers.
Day Patient Treatment
When you have day-patient treatment, also called outpatient surgery, you undergo medical procedures that don’t require an overnight stay. You come to the hospital or clinic, have your procedure, and go home the same day. It’s for minor surgeries or procedures that are simple and don’t need a long recovery.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is for medical services you get without being admitted to the hospital. This includes visits to the doctor’s office, diagnostic tests, consultations with specialists, physical therapy sessions or outpatient surgeries. You get care and then go home the same day. You can opt-out and use NHS Services for outpatient treatments but have limited or full outpatient cover
Example of Inpatient and Outpatient treatment
If you need a hip replacement, basic inpatient and day-patient coverage will cover the consultations leading up to the operation and the surgery itself.
If you experienced joint pain before requiring the hip replacement, outpatient coverage would have paid for all the tests, scans, and consultations needed to diagnose the condition.
The exact process and interaction between the NHS and your medical insurance will depend on the level of coverage and the type of treatment required. The main distinction is whether your policy includes outpatient cover.
Note. Without outpatient coverage, you may need to rely on the NHS outpatient waiting list for diagnostic tests and initial consultations, which could lead to delays in your care.
Your health insurance will include the following by most insurance providers:
- Treatment for acute conditions
- Private consultations
- Virtual GP
- Hospital stays
- Inpatient diagnostics, scans, x-rays, tests
- Cancer Cover
- NHS Cashback
- Prostheses, wigs
- Private ambulance
- Home Nursing
Comprahensive Cancer Cover
All health insurance plans offer access to advanced cancer treatments, including readily available or experimental drugs and procedures that are often not accessible on the NHS due to their high costs.
Other benefits of private cancer care include:
- The option to receive chemotherapy at home instead of in a clinical setting.
- Coverage for the cost of wigs and prostheses needed due to cancer treatment or surgery.
- Financial support for scalp cooling to reduce hair loss from chemotherapy.
- Donations to a hospice if palliative care is required.
- Access to home nursing with a dedicated private nurse visiting your home to provide care during your treatment.
To reduce the monthly premium, you can choose to opt out of private cancer cover and rely on NHS cancer treatments.
Add-ons
You can add additional benefits like mental health support, therapies, worldwide travel cover, private GP services, dental and optical cover to your core plan. Some providers include mental health support and therapies as standard, while others may charge an additional fee to your monthly premium.
H2. What isn’t covered?
While specific exclusions can vary between insurers, there are several common exclusions across most UK Health Insurance policies:
- Pre-existing Medical Conditions
- Chronic Conditions
- Organ Transplants
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Certain Injuries (e.g., from dangerous sports, war-like hostilities)
- GP Services
- Emergency Services
- Normal Pregnancy
It’s important to review the policy wording of your specific insurance plan to understand the full scope of your health plan and exclusions.
Health insurance underwriting options PremierPMI
When setting up your Private Medical Insurance, you have a couple of underwriting options to consider:
Moratorium Underwriting
Moratorium underwriting is a popular choice. Instead of requiring a full medical history, it excludes most pre-existing conditions you’ve experienced over a set period, usually the past five years. This can simplify and speed up the application process.
Full Medical Underwriting
Full medical underwriting involves providing your entire medical history to the insurer from the start. The insurer then assesses your health and specifies any exclusions due to pre-existing conditions right at the beginning of the policy. This option gives a clear and detailed picture of what is and isn’t covered.
Choosing the Right Option
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for which underwriting option is best. It depends on your personal circumstances and health status:
- Moratorium Underwriting: This option is great if you want a fast and easy application process without sharing detailed medical history. It’s usually best for younger people who want health insurance just in case.
- Full Medical Underwriting: This option might be better if you want all exclusions clearly listed from the start, giving you more certainty about what is covered. It’s more suitable for older people with existing health conditions.
How much does private health insurance cost?
Private health insurance UK prices also depend on these variables, so being aware of them can assist you in estimating your potential expenses.
Age
One significant factor is your age. Generally, as you get older, the cost of insurance tends to increase. This is because older individuals may require more frequent medical care and treatments.
Postcode
Where you live also plays a role in determining the cost of private health insurance in UK. If you reside in an area with higher healthcare costs, such as major cities like London, your premiums may be higher than those in a less expensive area.
Level of Cover
Do you want comprehensive coverage that includes outpatient care, or are you comfortable with a more basic plan that only covers inpatient treatments? The more extensive the coverage the higher the premium is likely to be.
Medical history
Your medical history can also influence health insurance uk price. If you have pre-existing conditions or a history of health issues, insurers may consider you to be at a higher risk of making claims, which could result in higher premiums.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle habits, such as smoking or engaging in high-risk activities, may impact the cost of insurance. Insurers may charge higher premiums to individuals with riskier lifestyles due to the increased likelihood of needing medical treatment.
Example of Monthly Premium
To give you an idea of what to expect, let’s consider an example. These quotes are based on the standard outpatient cover, consult select hospital list, £100 excess, London postcode and certain assumptions about your health and lifestyle.
| Type of policy | Average Premium |
| Single Individual 30 years old | £57 |
| Single Individual 65years old | £121 |
| Couple | £132 |
| Family of 4 | £198 |
To get an accurate quote, speak to our experts who can find the best quote at the best price and support you throughout the whole process. Please call us at +44 20 4525 0884 or email contact@premierpmi.co.uk.
Types of Private Health Insurance
Personal Health Insurance
Individual Health insurance
This type of insurance covers individuals, providing access to private medical treatment when needed. It is tailored to meet the specific health needs of the insured person.
Family Health Insurance
Family health insurance in United Kingdom covers the entire family under one policy, ensuring that everyone, including children, has access to private healthcare.
Health Insurance for Children
Specifically designed to cover the health needs of children, this insurance ensures that your child receives prompt medical care when necessary.
Couples Health Insurance
This policy covers both partners, offering a comprehensive health plan for couples.
Health Insurance for Over 50s
This insurance caters to individuals over 50, covering age-specific health issues and providing timely access to healthcare.
Health Insurance for Over 60s
Tailored for individuals over 60, this insurance covers age-related health concerns, providing peace of mind as you get older.
Health Insurance for Over 70s
Specifically designed for those over 70, this policy covers more complex health needs and offers comprehensive support for older adults.
Health Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions
This policy is designed for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, offering coverage for ongoing treatments and care.
Business Health Insurance
Self-employed Health Insurance
For those who are self-employed, this insurance provides access to private healthcare, ensuring you can stay healthy and continue working without long NHS waiting times.
Corporate Health Insurance
Designed for larger companies, this insurance provides health cover for employees, enhancing employee benefits and well-being.
Small Business Health Insurance
Tailored for small businesses, this policy offers health coverage for a smaller group of employees, ensuring they receive the necessary medical care.
Do I need health insurance?
Personal health insurance uk can be a useful addition to NHS services, especially with the challenges the NHS currently faces.
NHS Challenges and Statistics
At the end of April 2024, 5,013 patients in England had been waiting more than 18 months to start routine treatment, up from 4,770 in March, despite the government and NHS England’s pledge to eliminate such waits by April last year.
Additionally:
- 50,397 patients had been waiting over 65 weeks to begin treatment, up from 48,968 in March.
- 302,589 people had been waiting over 52 weeks for routine hospital treatment, down from 309,300 in March.
- 42,555 patients waited more than 12 hours in A&E from a decision to admit to admission in May, up from 42,078 in April.
- 74% of patients were seen within four hours in A&E last month, down from 74.4% in April.
- 73.5% of patients urgently referred for suspected cancer in April were diagnosed or had cancer ruled out within 28 days, below the 75% target.
The NHS is crucial, but private medical insurance can offer quicker access to care, more choices for specialists and treatments, and peace of mind. If it fits your budget and needs, it’s worth considering for better healthcare options.
What should I consider when choosing private health insurance?
Cost
Private medical insurance comes at a cost, which can vary based on the level of coverage, age, and health status. It’s important to weigh this expense against the benefits.
Exclusions
Not all conditions or treatments may be covered by private insurance. Pre-existing conditions, for example, are often excluded.
Combination with NHS
Private healthcare can be used in conjunction with NHS services, allowing you to benefit from the strengths of both systems
The UK’s best providers of health insurance
When comparing the top health insurance providers in the UK, you’ll find they all offer core cover for inpatient and day-patient care, along with options for outpatient care and specialised treatments such as cancer, mental health, therapies and dental care.
Depending on pre-existing conditions you can choose from Full Medical Underwriting, Moratoriums or Continued Personal Medical Exclusion underwriting options.
Excess amounts range widely, from £0 to £5,000, allowing you to adjust premiums according to your financial situation.
Here’s a comparison of some of the top health insurance providers in the UK, highlighting key aspects of their offerings:
- Core Cover: Inpatient and day-patient care, cancer cover, Virtual GP
- Outpatient Cover: Options for no cover, limited cover (£500 or £1,000), or full cover
- Underwriting: Full Medical Underwriting, Moratorium, Continued Personal Medical Exclusions
- Hospital List: Consult Select, Key Hospital and Signature List
- Excess: £100, £200, £500, £1,000, £3,000, £5,000 per year
- Additional Benefits: Dental and optical, Mental Health, Therapies and 6-week option
- Core Cover: Inpatient and day-patient care, cancer cover, Virtual GP
- Outpatient Cover: Standard (up to 3 consultations)or Full
- Hospital List: Guided or Full hospital List
- Underwriting: Full Medical Underwriting, Moratorium, Continued Personal Medical Exclusions.
- Excess: £100, £250, £500, £1,000, £2,500, £5,000.
- Additional Benefits: Therapies, Mental Health, Dental and Optical, Worldwide Travel
- Core Cover: Comprehensive (inpatient and outpatient care, including mental health) or Treatment & Care (inpatient-only), Virtual GP
- Outpatient Cover: Paid in full or with optional limits (£500, £750, £1,000).
- Hospital List: Essential, Extended, Central London (you can opt for Guided Care)
- Underwriting: Full Medical Underwriting, Moratorium, Continued Personal Medical Exclusions.
- Excess: £0, £100, £200, £500, £1,000, £2,500, £5,000.
- Additional Benefits: Dental 20
- Core Cover: Inpatient and day-patient care, cancer cover, Virtual GP
- Outpatient Cover: Paid in full or with optional limits (£500, £1,000).
- Hospital List: Specialist Select, Standard, Extended
- Underwriting: Full Medical Underwriting, Fixed moratorium, Rolling moratorium, Continued Personal Medical Exclusions.
- Excess: £0, £100, £250, £500, £1,000, £3,000, £5,000.
- Additional Benefits: Mental Health, Therapies
- Core Cover: Inpatient and day-patient care, cancer cover, Virtual GP
- Outpatient Cover: Paid in full or with optional limits (£500, £750, £1,000, £1,250, £1,500).
- Hospital List: Consult Select, Countrywide, London Care
- Underwriting: Full Medical Underwriting, Moratorium, Continued Personal Medical Exclusions.
- Excess: £0, £100, £250, £500, £1,000
- Additional Benefits: Mental Health, Dental, Optical and Audiology, Therapies, Worldwide Travel
How can I cut the cost of health insurance?
To reduce the cost of private health insurance, consider these options:
Increase Excess
Opt for a higher excess amount, which is the initial cost you pay for treatment each policy year. A higher excess typically lowers your premiums.
Add the 6-week Option
Choose this option to use the NHS for treatment if it’s available within 6 weeks. Your private insurance kicks in only if NHS treatment isn’t available or the wait exceeds 6 weeks, reducing your premium costs.
Reduce Outpatient Cover
Lower your outpatient cover and choose full diagnostics like tests and scans. This reduces the scope of services covered, lowering your premiums.
Reduce your Hospital Choice
Consider a policy that excludes Central London hospitals, which are more expensive. Opting for a lower tier that still offers access to national private facilities can reduce costs while still providing adequate coverage.
Opt for NHS Cancer Care
Choose a policy that allows you to receive cancer treatment through the NHS. This option can significantly lower premiums.
Use a Broker
Consider using an insurance broker or agent. Brokers have access to multiple insurance providers and can help you compare policies to find the most cost-effective option. They can often negotiate better rates or find discounts that may not be available directly from insurers.
Do I Need to Review My Health Insurance Every Year?
Like other types of insurance, such as car insurance and life insurance, private health insurance policies typically undergo a renewal process each year. Many insurance providers offer auto-renewal, which means your policy will automatically continue for another year unless you actively decide to make changes or switch providers.
While auto-renewal provides convenience, it’s essential to periodically review your health insurance policy to ensure it still meets your needs and remains competitive in terms of coverage and cost. Insurance markets can change, and premiums may increase over time, so comparing options from different providers can help you find the best deal and potentially save money.
Revisiting the market before each renewal allows you to assess whether your current policy is still the most suitable for your circumstances or if switching to a different provider could offer better value or additional benefits.
Get Private Health Insurance Quotes and Professional Advice from PremierPMI.
With over 40 years of experience, our team of dedicated advisors is here to help you understand health insurance options confidently. We make insurance easy to understand, giving you clear information to make smart decisions. Join the thousands we’ve assisted over the years, ensuring your health insurance needs are in good hands.
Why choose PremierPMI?
- Expert Advice
Our advisors have extensive expertise in health insurance plans. We offer personalised advice to help you find the right coverage that matches your health and financial needs.
- Wide Range of Options
Gain access to a diverse selection of health insurance plans from leading providers. We research for you, presenting multiple options so you can compare coverage, benefits, and costs effortlessly.
- Efficiency and Convenience
Save time and effort with our streamlined process. We handle everything from gathering quotes to explaining policy details, making it easy for you to choose a plan that fits.
- Personalised Recommendations
Receive tailored recommendations based on a thorough assessment of your healthcare needs. We work closely with you to customise coverage options that align with your preferences and budget.
- Ongoing Support
Count on us for assistance throughout your insurance journey, including claims processing and policy renewals. We ensure your experience with PremierPMI is seamless and hassle-free.
Private Health Insurance FAQ’s
Can I get insurance that covers my pre-existing condition?
More people have been interested in health insurance since the COVID-19 pandemic, especially because of the long wait times in the NHS. People mainly want coverage for existing health issues. It’s important to know that only new health problems after starting the policy will be covered. Any existing or long-term health issues won’t be covered. Depending on the type of coverage you choose, some existing conditions might be covered after a certain number of years. Check our guide to understand the different underwriting options.
How can I get a second opinion?
Seeking a second opinion can be pursued through various avenues. The most common approach is to ask your doctor or specialist for a referral to another expert in a different hospital and it’s important to follow the guidelines set by the General Medical Council (GMC).
Will I need to complete any medical assessments to take out Private Health Insurance?
No, if you don’t have any pre-existing medical conditions, you only need to provide the insurer with your personal information.
Can I get cover for infertility?
In the UK, health insurance typically does not cover infertility treatments as a standard part of the policy. Most health insurance plans in the UK focus on providing coverage for acute medical conditions and emergencies. Infertility is often considered a pre-existing condition or falls under elective or specialized treatments, which are typically excluded from standard health insurance cover.
Will I need to complete any medical assessments to take out Private Health Insurance?
INo, if you don’t have any pre-existing medical conditions, you only need to provide the insurer with your personal information.
Can a Pharmacist Prescribe Antibiotics In the UK?
Seeking a second opinion can be pursued through various avenues. The most common approach is to ask your doctor or specialist for a referral to another expert in a different hospital and it’s important to follow the guidelines set by the General Medical Council (GMC).