Health insurance for diabetes in the UK
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Health insurance for diabetes in the UK
According to Diabetes UK, over 4.9 million people in the UK have diabetes, and by 2030, one in ten adults is expected to have it. You might think having diabetes means you can’t get health insurance, but the good news is you can. However, any treatment or care related to your diabetes won’t be covered, as it is considered a long-term condition. Most health insurance plans do not cover long-term conditions. In this guide, we explain how health insurance for diabetes works.
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Can you get health insurance if you have diabetes?
Health Insurance for Diabetes – is private medical insurance that helps cover medical treatment costs, but it does not include diabetes itself or any related conditions. Diabetes is considered a chronic condition, meaning it has no cure and needs lifelong management. Because of this, most health insurance providers exclude diabetes and its complications from health insurance policies. However, health insurance can still be useful. It covers acute conditions that are not related to diabetes, helping you access private healthcare and avoid long NHS waiting lists.
This means that any conditions caused by your diabetes will not be covered. For example, if you develop diabetic neuropathy and need treatment for nerve damage, your health insurance won’t cover it because it is directly related to diabetes. Similarly, if you suffer from kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy) due to diabetes, private medical insurance won’t pay for dialysis or treatment. However, if you catch pneumonia or need surgery for appendicitis, your insurance would cover those treatments since they are unrelated to diabetes.
When applying for health insurance, you must declare your diabetes to your health insurance provider. This may affect your premium, making it more expensive. Some insurers may even refuse to cover you. That is why it is important to read your policy documents and terms carefully and speak to a broker to understand what is and isn’t covered.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body regulates blood sugar. There are two main types:
| Type 1 diabetes | An autoimmune condition where the body does not produce insulin. |
| Type 2 diabetes | Where the body does not use insulin properly. |
Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney disease and vision problems. In the UK, the NHS provides free care and management of diabetes.
This graph shows the number of people affected by diabetes in the UK. There are 5.9 million people with diabetes in total. Of these, 4.14 million have Type 2 diabetes, and 0.46 million have Type 1 diabetes. Another 6.3 million people have pre-diabetes, meaning they’re at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The graph also highlights 1.3 million people who have diabetes but don’t know it yet. This shows how big of a problem diabetes is in the UK and how many people are at risk.
How does health insurance for Diabetes work?
Health insurance for diabetes works just like any other private health insurance in the UK. You get a quote, choose a plan and once you start paying your premiums, you can use your insurance right away.
Your policy will usually cover new acute conditions that develop after your start date. However, pre-existing conditions may be excluded for the first two years, depending on the underwriting options you choose. Chronic conditions are excluded from day one.
Acute Conditions
An acute condition is a short-term illness or injury that is treatable and curable. Think of things like infections, broken bones or a sudden illness that requires medical intervention. Private health insurance typically covers these fully, ensuring you get the best possible treatment without long NHS wait times.
Pre-Existing Conditions
A pre-existing condition is any medical issue you had before taking out your health insurance. Some insurers won’t cover these at all, while others may exclude them for the first two years of your policy. After that, they might be covered if you have had no symptoms or treatment during that time.
Chronic Conditions
Chronic conditions are long-term illnesses that require continuous management rather than a one-time cure. Conditions like diabetes, asthma or heart disease fall into this category. Private health insurance generally does not cover chronic conditions, meaning you will need to rely on the NHS for their ongoing treatment. However, your insurance may cover complications related to a chronic condition if they require short-term treatment.
What Does Private Medical Insurance Cover?
Your level of cover depends on the plan you choose. Insurance providers typically offer three main tiers of coverage:
Basic (Core) Plan
✅ Full in-patient treatment includes hospital stays and surgeries)
✅ Full cancer cover including advanced treatments and medications)
❌ No or limited out-patient cover (specialist consultations, diagnostics)
Mid-Range Plan
✅ Limited out-patient cover
✅Limited diagnostics, inlciding blood tests, scans, MRI, PET and XRays
✅ Full in-patient treatment
✅ Full cancer cover
Comprehensive Plan
✅ Unlimited out-patient cover including specialist visits, scans and tests
✅ Full in-patient cover
✅ Full cancer cover
You can also customise your plan with optional add-ons to enhance your health insurance plan further.
In-Patient Treatment
If you require a hospital stay, this falls under in-patient treatment. It includes procedures like surgeries, complex medical treatments or overnight stays for monitoring.
Example: Imagine you need knee surgery. Instead of waiting months on the NHS, your health insurance allows you to book the surgery quickly at a private hospital, often with access to better facilities and a private room. Most health insurance providers cover in-patient treatments in full, ensuring you receive top-quality care without worrying about costs.
Out-Patient Treatment
Out-patient treatments involve consultations, specialist appointments, or minor procedures where you don’t need to stay overnight in a hospital. Most basic plans don’t include out-patient cover, but you can add it with a limit of £500, £750, £1,000 or go for unlimited cover. If your outpatient treatment costs exceed your limit, you’ll need to pay the extra yourself.
Cancer Cover
Cancer cover is included in the core plan. Private medical insurance gives you access to treatments and medications that may not be available through the NHS or are too expensive for the NHS. Some insurers even cover experimental cancer drugs. You can choose to exclude cancer cover to lower your premium, but be aware that insurers may also remove this cover at renewal if they assess it as too high-risk.
Virtual GP
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, most health insurance providers now include online GP services as part of their core plans. This allows you to speak to a doctor from home and discuss your concerns, including pre-existing and chronic conditions.
Mental Health
Mental health treatment is usually an optional add-on to your policy. Some insurers offer helplines, while others provide access to therapy and counselling—sometimes without needing a GP referral. Bupa includes mental health cover as standard in many of their plans.
Therapies
If you have a sports injury or joint problems, you can add cover for therapies like physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment. Some policies have a set number of sessions, while others offer unlimited cover. Bupa typically includes this as part of their core plan.
Dental and Optical
Many policies offer cashback for dental and optical care, covering check-ups, treatments, and even emergency dental work. You may also get cashback on glasses or contact lenses, usually up to £250 per year. Some insurers include dental and optical cover in their core plan as an added incentive.
What’s excluded in private health insurance for diabetics?
Health insurance for diabetics often excludes various aspects of diabetes and related conditions. Here’s a summary of what is typically not covered:
| Ongoing Diabetes Management | Glucose monitoring, insulin and routine check-ups. |
| Complications | Heart disease, strokes, eye conditions and kidney issues resulting from diabetes. |
| Pre-existing Conditions | If treated in the last five years, many insurers will exclude coverage, though some offer a two-year moratorium. |
| Addiction Treatment | Therapy or treatment for substance abuse is often excluded. |
| Cosmetic Surgery | Non-medically necessary procedures. |
| Pregnancy and Maternity | Including gestational diabetes care. |
Our expert says…
“Private Medical Insurance is becoming increasingly more popular due to the longer waiting times through the NHS and most people assume PMI will not be affordable given the increased cost of living over the past 12 months. However, as an independent broker with access to the leading UK insurers such as Aviva, AXA and Bupa to name a few, there are hundreds of variations available at any one given time and therefore policies can be tailor-made to meet their requirements and budget.“
How much is health insurance for Diabetes?
Obtaining private health insurance in the UK as a diabetic can be more costly due to the chronic nature of the condition. Premiums vary based on age, cover level and insurer. For individuals residing in the HA1 postcode area and seeking mid-range plan with a £100 excess, here are approximate monthly premiums from most health insurance providers:
| Insurer | 40 years old | 50 years old |
|---|---|---|
| AXA | £50.21 | £65.62 |
| Aviva | £43.76 | £56.90 |
| Bupa | £47.26 | £76.87 |
| Freedom Health Insurance | £83.04 | £116.20 |
| General & Medical | £54.82 | £71.92 |
| Vitality | £50.75 | £64.10 |
| The Exeter | £47.69 | £62.02 |
Please note that premiums for 60-year-olds and above would generally be higher. These figures are estimates and can vary based on individual health assessments and specific policy details. It’s essential to consult with your broker for personalised quotes and to understand how diabetes may affect your policy and costs.
What is the best health insurance option for Diabetes?
Finding health insurance in the UK when you have diabetes can be difficult, but some companies offer good health insurance policies. Each private health insurance plan is different and some may not cover certain treatmentst. If you need regular check-ups, specialist care or cover for diabetes-related problems, some insurers are better than others. Here are the top choices for diabetics.
AXA Healthcare provides great flexibility with core cover that includes inpatient and day-patient care, with the option to add outpatient care. You can choose from over 250 private hospitals and there are no limits on physiotherapy or chiropractic sessions. AXA’s research into Type 2 diabetes, including the impact of wearable tech, adds a unique touch. Their tailored policies make it a solid choice for diabetics looking for good cover.
Aviva’s comprehensive Healthier Solutions policy covers inpatient and outpatient care and includes cancer care, a digital GP, and stress counselling. While the choice of consultants may be more limited compared to other insurers, Aviva offers affordable premiums, making it a great option for those on a budget. Their solid network of hospitals and clinics ensures access to quality care across the UK.
Bupa is one of the most well-known health insurers, offering a robust level of cover as standard. Their extensive network of private hospitals and clinics, along with discounts and other perks, makes them a favorite for many. Bupa is a great choice for diabetics who want access to a wide range of services and healthcare providers.
Freedom offers comprehensive cover with optional extras like outpatient care and no restrictions on consultant choice. They’re one of the few insurers that offer coverage for pregnancy complications, which can be a major advantage for diabetics planning a family. Freedom guarantees that premiums won’t increase during the first two years, which can provide peace of mind for policyholders.
General & Medical offers flexible health insurance with a focus on providing comprehensive care without the high costs. Their plans typically include hospital stays, surgery and outpatient care, with a focus on customer satisfaction. Their policies cater well to those managing chronic conditions like diabetes, offering solid support and good coverage options.
National Friendly may be a lesser-known name, but their approach to health insurance is refreshingly simple and customer-focused. They offer flexible policies with comprehensive cover, including cancer care and other essential treatments. One of the standout features is their promise that premiums won’t increase in the first five years of your policy, offering long-term stability for those with diabetes.
The Exeter is a friendly society that offers a community-rated scheme, meaning your individual claims won’t impact your premium. They are one of the few insurers that provide coverage for people up to 80, and their core policy includes outpatient surgery, cancer care, and mental health services. The Exeter also offers life insurance for type 2 diabetics, making them an excellent option for those who have struggled to secure life cover elsewhere.
Vitality’s health insurance plans focus on encouraging a healthy lifestyle. While some discounts are not available to those with diabetes, they do offer a variety of health benefits aimed at promoting wellness. If you are managing your diabetes through lifestyle changes, their promise to cover all hospital bills could be a big advantage, making it a solid option for those seeking both coverage and a healthier life.
WPA provides top-tier customer service and an easy-to-use claims app. Their policies include a broad list of hospitals and specialists. If you are self-employed or in certain professions, you can enjoy a 20% discount on your premium. With a strong reputation for customer satisfaction, WPA is a great choice for diabetics looking for personalized care and reliable service.
Why should I have health cover for Diabetes?
Even though private health insurance doesn’t cover chronic conditions like diabetes, it still offers valuable benefits. It gives you peace of mind knowing you can see a private doctor quickly, get fast diagnoses, and receive treatment for any other acute conditions that aren’t related to diabetes. With NHS waiting times often long, private medical insurance ensures you get the care you need without delays. It can also cover hospital stays, specialist referrals and outpatient treatments, making it a useful option for managing your overall health alongside your diabetes care.
Why it is important to speak to a private health insurance broker?
Choosing the right health insurance can be confusing, especially when managing diabetes. With so many policies available, it’s not always clear what is covered, which exclusions apply, or how your condition affects your premium. As an FCA-authorised health insurance broker, our medical advisers at PremierPMI tailor quotes to suit your specific needs, ensuring you get the best cover at a fair price. We explain what your policy includes, from private specialists and hospital treatments to virtual GP consultations, so you know exactly what to expect.
Beyond finding the right policy, we also guide you on managing your diabetes within your coverage. Whether it’s understanding waiting periods, exclusions for pre-existing conditions, or the best way to access treatment, we provide expert advice. Speaking to a broker saves you time, avoids hidden surprises, and gives you peace of mind knowing you’re fully informed and covered.
Conclusion
Diabetes affects millions in the UK and while private health insurance does not typically cover diabetes or its related conditions, it can still provide valuable benefits. Health insurance helps with treating acute conditions not related to diabetes, such as infections, surgeries or injuries. It also can speed up access to private treatments, avoiding long NHS waiting times.
When applying for health insurance, it is important to declare diabetes, as this can affect premiums. Chronic conditions like diabetes are excluded, but cover can include hospital stays, specialist consultations and other acute treatments. Premiums may be higher for diabetics, depending on age and policy terms.
Consulting with an FCA-authorised health insurance broker, like PremierPMI, ensures you get a tailored policy suited to your needs. Brokers help clarify what is covered, guide you through exclusions and help you manage your diabetes effectively within your policy. This ensures peace of mind, better treatment access and avoids surprises.
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