Compare health insurance

Finding the right private health insurance shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze of confusing policy documents and hidden exclusions. With NHS waiting times at record levels and more UK families turning to private healthcare, comparing health insurance properly has never been more important - or more overwhelming.

Since 2017, we’ve helped thousands of UK customers find health insurance that actually fits their needs and budget. We’re a broker, not an insurer, which means we don’t push one provider’s products. Instead, we search across multiple insurers to find coverage that works for your specific situation. The process often starts with answering a few simple questions about your health and coverage needs, making it straightforward to compare health insurance options.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:

• How private health insurance works and what it actually covers (and doesn’t)
• The real costs you’ll pay, from premiums to excess to treatment caps
• How to compare policies properly so you don’t end up with gaps when you need care most
• Which insurers suit different needs, from budget options to comprehensive cover
• The step-by-step process to get covered, including what medical questions you’ll face

What is private health insurance?

Private health insurance (also called private medical insurance or PMI) pays for private healthcare treatment when you need it. You pay monthly or annual premiums, and when you need treatment for a covered condition, your insurer pays the bills directly to the private hospital or consultant. Health insurance cover varies by policy and company—different companies offer a range of plans with varying benefits, optional extras, and levels of coverage.

You might also hear it called:

• Private medical insurance (PMI)
• Health cover
• Medical insurance
• Private healthcare insurance

The key difference from the NHS is choice and speed. With private cover, you typically choose your consultant, pick your hospital, and get treated within weeks rather than months. But you’re not replacing the NHS - you’re supplementing it. Your NHS access remains completely unaffected.

How it works in practice:

You notice a persistent problem - let’s say hip pain that’s affecting your daily life. Instead of joining an NHS waiting list that could stretch 18 months or longer for orthopaedic assessment, you contact your insurer. Health insurance pays for private medical care, including consultations, diagnostics, and treatment, enabling faster diagnosis and access to your choice of doctor or specialist. They authorise you to see a consultant privately. Within two weeks, you’re in a private clinic. If surgery’s needed, it could be scheduled within weeks, not years.

Example with real numbers:

Sarah, 42, from Manchester pays £68 per month for comprehensive cover with a £100 excess. When she needed a knee arthroscopy, she saw a consultant within 10 days of her GP referral. Surgery happened 3 weeks later. Total claim: £4,200. Sarah paid £100 excess. Her insurer covered the rest. Her comprehensive policy included private diagnosis and allowed her to see a specialist quickly, demonstrating the benefit of faster diagnosis compared to NHS waiting times.

Step 1: Application and medical underwriting

When you apply, insurers assess your health history to determine what they'll cover and at what price. This is called underwriting, and there are three main approaches:

Full medical underwriting (FMU): You answer detailed health questions upfront. Any pre-existing conditions are typically excluded permanently or for a set period. The advantage is you know exactly what's covered before you start paying.

Moratorium underwriting: No health questions initially. But any medical condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past 5 years is automatically excluded for the first 2 years of cover. After that, it becomes covered if you've had no related symptoms or treatment during those 2 years.

Continued personal medical exclusions (CPME): Used when switching insurers. Your new policy matches exclusions from your previous cover, so you don't lose benefits you've built up.

Step 2: Paying your premiums

You'll pay monthly or annually. Annual payment often saves 5-10% compared to monthly, though you're committing to a larger upfront sum.

Premiums depend on:

• Your age (older typically means higher premiums)
• Where you live (London and the Southeast generally cost more)
• Coverage level (comprehensive costs more than basic)
• Excess amount (higher excess means lower premiums)
• Whether you include extras like dental, optical, or mental health

Expect premiums to increase each year. According to industry data, annual increases of 5-10% are common, though they can be higher in years when healthcare costs rise significantly.

Step 3: Getting treatment approved

When you need treatment, you don't just book an appointment. Here's the typical process:

1. See your NHS GP first (most policies require GP referral)
2. Contact your insurer to pre-authorise treatment
3. Insurer confirms coverage and gives you an authorisation number
4. Choose from your insurer's approved hospitals and consultants
5. Book your appointment using the authorisation number

This pre-authorisation step is crucial. Skip it, and you might find yourself paying the full bill even for covered conditions.

Step 4: Receiving treatment

Private hospitals feel different from NHS facilities. Expect:

• Private room as standard (usually)
• Shorter waiting times for consultations
• Flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends
• Choice of consultant (within your insurer's network)
• Hospital food that's actually edible

Treatment quality should be identical to NHS care - often it's the same consultants working in both systems. The difference is environment and timing, not clinical outcomes.

Step 5: Claim settlement

For most treatments, you won't handle money at all. Your insurer pays the hospital and consultant directly. You just pay your excess (if any) and any charges above your policy limits.

Some policies work on a reimbursement basis for specific treatments, where you pay upfront and claim back. This is more common for day-to-day benefits like physiotherapy or GP services.

Types of private health insurance

Not all health insurance is created equal. Health insurance plans are often categorised by tiers, with coverage level ranging from standard core cover to comprehensive plans with optional extras. Understanding the different policy types helps you match coverage to your actual needs.

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Budget and essential policies

These cover the basics: inpatient treatment where you need to stay in hospital overnight, and day-patient procedures. You're protected against the big stuff - surgery, cancer treatment, heart procedures - but outpatient care like consultant appointments and diagnostic scans may be limited or excluded.

Advantages:

• Affordable premiums, often under £50/month
• Protection against expensive hospital treatments
• Suitable for those mainly concerned about NHS waiting lists for surgery

Disadvantages:

• Limited or no outpatient cover
• May have hospital or consultant restrictions
• Mental health coverage often basic or excluded

Best suited for: Young, healthy individuals who want a safety net without high costs.

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Mid-range policies

The sweet spot for many UK families. Mid-range cover typically includes inpatient treatment, outpatient consultations, diagnostics (MRI, CT scans, blood tests), and often some cancer cover beyond just treatment.

Advantages:

• Good balance of coverage and cost
• Usually includes outpatient diagnostics
• Often covers physiotherapy and other therapies

Disadvantages:

• Still has limits and exclusions to watch
• Mental health may have annual caps
• Some advanced treatments may need pre-approval

Best suited for: Working professionals and families who want meaningful coverage without premium prices.

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Comprehensive policies

Maximum protection, maximum price. Comprehensive policies aim to cover almost everything the private healthcare system offers, including extensive mental health coverage, alternative therapies, dental, optical, and sometimes even wellness benefits.

Advantages:

• Minimal gaps in coverage
• Higher outpatient limits and hospital allowances
• Often includes worldwide cover and evacuation

Disadvantages:

• Significantly higher premiums
• May include benefits you'll never use
• Still won't cover pre-existing conditions (usually)

Best suited for: Those who want peace of mind and can afford higher premiums, or professionals with demanding careers who value comprehensive health support.

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Health cash plans

Not technically health insurance, but often confused with it. Cash plans pay fixed cash amounts when you use certain health services - £20 for a dental check-up, £50 for new glasses, £30 per physiotherapy session.

They don't cover private hospital treatment or replace health insurance. Think of them as a way to recoup everyday health costs.

Advantages:

• Very low premiums (often £10-25/month)
• Predictable benefits
• Good for regular users of dental and optical services

Disadvantages:

• Not health insurance - won't cover serious illness
• Low payout limits
• Benefits may not exceed premiums for light users

Best suited for: Those who already have health insurance (often through work) and want to cover everyday health costs.

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Corporate and group schemes

If your employer offers health insurance, you're likely registered on a group scheme. These work differently from individual policies.

How group schemes differ:

• Employer negotiates rates for all employees
• Less (or no) individual medical underwriting
• Pre-existing conditions often covered from day one
• Cover ends when you leave the job
• Less flexibility in choosing coverage levels

Advantages:

• Often free or heavily subsidised by employer
• May cover pre-existing conditions
• Simple enrolment, minimal paperwork
• Sometimes extends to family members

Disadvantages:

• Not portable - lose it when you change jobs
• Limited customisation options
• Employer controls coverage levels
• May have restrictions you'd avoid in personal cover

Best suited for: Anyone whose employer offers it - generally accept employer cover and consider supplementing personally if needed.

International and travel health insurance

Different from standard health insurance, international cover protects you when abroad. Some UK health policies include worldwide cover; others are UK-only.

Key considerations:

• Does your policy cover treatment abroad?
• What about medical repatriation?
• Are there geographic exclusions (US healthcare is expensive)?
• What's the difference between travel insurance and international health insurance?

For frequent travellers: Consider policies with worldwide cover or supplementing with annual travel insurance.

For expats: You'll need dedicated international health insurance, not a UK policy.

How to make a health insurance claim

Understanding the claims process before you need it reduces stress when you’re actually ill.

To make a claim on your health insurance, you need to have treatment information, GP referral letters, and relevant medical records ready. Preparing these documents in advance can help save time and make the process smoother.

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The standard claims process

Step 1: Get a GP referral

Most policies require your NHS GP to refer you to a specialist. Book an appointment, explain your symptoms, and request a referral to a consultant. The GP should provide a referral letter.

Step 2: Contact your insurer

Before booking any private appointments, call your insurer's claims line or use their app/portal. You'll need:

• Your policy number
• GP referral details
• The condition or symptoms
• Your preferred hospital/consultant (if you have one)

Step 3: Get pre-authorisation

Your insurer will confirm whether the condition and proposed treatment are covered. They'll provide an authorisation number. This might take 24-48 hours for complex cases, but is often immediate for straightforward claims.

Step 4: Book your appointment

Using your authorisation number, book with an approved consultant at an approved hospital. The provider will typically invoice your insurer directly.

Step 5: Receive treatment

Present your insurance card and authorisation number at the hospital. You'll pay any excess due (often at reception). Your insurer handles the rest.

Step 6: Follow-up claims

For ongoing treatment, you may need fresh authorisation for each stage - diagnostics, surgery, follow-up consultations. Keep your insurer informed throughout.

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What to do in an emergency

Health insurance doesn't cover A&E - go to NHS emergency services for genuine emergencies. But if emergency treatment leads to planned follow-up care (non-emergency surgery after an accident, for example), your insurance may cover the elective element. Contact your insurer as soon as practical to discuss.

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Keeping records

Maintain a file with:

• All authorisation numbers and dates
• Copies of correspondence with your insurer
• Receipts for any payments you make
• Details of consultants and hospitals used
• Dates of all treatments

This documentation helps if there are disputes or you need to track spending against annual limits.

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What affects how quickly you're treated

Insurer factors:

• Speed of authorisation processing
• Size of approved hospital network
• Consultant availability on their lists

External factors:

• Demand in your specialty (orthopaedics often busier)
• Time of year (winter can be busier for some treatments)
• Your geographic location
• Urgency of your condition

Your actions:

• How quickly you get a GP referral
• How promptly you contact your insurer
• Whether you're flexible on consultant/hospital choice

What private health insurance covers and doesn't cover

Understanding coverage boundaries prevents nasty surprises when you claim. Here’s a detailed breakdown.

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What’s typically included when you compare health insurance

Most private health insurance policies cover:

• In-patient treatment (hospital stays, surgery, tests)
• Out-patient treatment (consultations, scans, specialist referrals)
• Cancer care and drugs not always available on the NHS
• Mental health support
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

Other benefits may also be included, such as private ambulance services, parent accommodation if your child is in hospital, and NHS cash benefits that pay you a lump sum if you use NHS treatment instead of private care.

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What’s usually excluded

Pre-existing conditions—health issues you’ve had treatment, advice, or symptoms for in the last five years—are often excluded. Most private health insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, especially those treated in the last five years, and most providers have a definitive list of exclusions that are not covered by their policies.

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Limits, excesses and caps

Policies may set annual or lifetime limits on claims, and you’ll usually pay an excess per claim or per year. Some policies include an Out-of-Pocket Maximum, which limits the total amount you pay in a year for covered services, providing financial protection.

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What's typically included

Inpatient treatment:

• Hospital accommodation (usually private room)
• Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
• Operating theatre costs
• Nursing care
• Drugs and dressings during stay
• Diagnostic tests related to admission

Day-patient treatment:

• Surgery that doesn't require overnight stay
• Day-case procedures
• Same-day diagnostic procedures

Outpatient treatment (varies by policy):

• Consultant consultations
• Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, blood tests)
• Physiotherapy
• Specialist nursing
• Follow up phone calls

Cancer treatment:

• Oncologist consultations
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Cancer surgery
• Cancer drugs (subject to policy limits)

Mental health (increasingly common):

• Psychiatric consultations
• Psychotherapy
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• In-patient psychiatric care (often limited)

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What's typically excluded

Pre-existing conditions: Any health issues you had before the policy started. This is the biggest exclusion and catches many people off-guard.

Chronic disease management: Ongoing treatment for conditions like diabetes, COPD, or rheumatoid arthritis. You're covered for acute episodes, but not day-to-day management.

Routine and preventive care:

• Routine GP visits
• Well-person check-ups (unless specifically included)
• Vaccinations
• Screening programmes

Pregnancy and childbirth:

• Antenatal care
• Delivery
• Postnatal care
• Fertility treatment

Cosmetic procedures:

• Procedures primarily for appearance
• Weight loss surgery (usually)
• Breast enlargement/reduction (unless medically necessary)

Emergency care:

• A&E treatment (go to NHS)
• Ambulance services
• Emergency surgery when life-threatening

Other exclusions:

• Self-inflicted injuries
• Injuries from dangerous sports (check policy)
• Experimental treatments
• Treatment abroad (unless policy specifies)
• HIV/AIDS treatment (some policies)
• Drug and alcohol rehabilitation
• Dental and optical (unless added)

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Grey areas to clarify

Some treatments fall into unclear territory. Always check your specific policy for:

Back problems: Often excluded or heavily limited due to chronic nature.

Mental health: Coverage depth varies enormously between policies.

Physiotherapy: May have session limits (e.g., 10 sessions per condition).

Alternative & lifestyle therapies: Acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic rarely covered unless specified.

Specialist drugs: Some expensive cancer drugs or biologics may hit coverage caps.

Eligibility and requirements

Health insurance isn’t available to everyone on the same terms. Understanding eligibility helps you set realistic expectations before you apply.

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Medical history and pre-existing conditions

Insurers will ask about your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is typically any illness, injury, or symptom you’ve had before your policy starts. Most private health insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions that have been treated in the last 5 years.

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Self-employed or business owners

If you’re self-employed or applying for business health insurance, you may need to provide extra documentation. This typically includes:

• Proof of income
• Company number (if applicable)
• Business registration details
• Tax returns or accounts

This helps insurers verify your eligibility and tailor your policy to your circumstances.

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Quick eligibility checklist

Most insurers accept you if you:

• Are a UK resident
• Are aged between 18 and 75-80 at application (varies by insurer)
• Don't have certain terminal or very serious active conditions
• Can afford ongoing premiums

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Age requirements

Age affects both your eligibility and your costs.

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Some insurers stop accepting new customers at 65 or 70, though they'll continue covering existing policyholders. Others specialise in later-life cover and accept applications up to 80+.

Practical tip: If you're approaching upper age limits, consider taking out cover before you become harder to insure. Locking in coverage at 64 is easier than trying to get it at 74.

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Medical history and pre-existing conditions

This is where health insurance gets complicated. Pre-existing conditions are health issues you had before taking out the policy, and they're typically not covered - at least initially.

What counts as pre-existing? Generally, any condition where you:

• Had symptoms in the past 5 years
• Received treatment in the past 5 years
• Are currently on medication
• Were diagnosed at any point

How insurers handle them:

Permanent exclusion: Condition is never covered under this policy. Common for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders.

Temporary exclusion: Condition excluded for a set period (often 2 years) with moratorium underwriting. If you have no symptoms or treatment during that time, it becomes covered.

Loading: Rather than excluding the condition, insurer charges higher premiums to account for the risk.

Example: David, 52, has controlled high blood pressure managed with medication. Under full medical underwriting, any conditions related to cardiovascular disease would likely be excluded. Under moratorium, he'd need 2 years without related symptoms or treatment before any heart-related conditions became covered.

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For self-employed individuals

Self-employed people often have the most to gain from private health insurance - there's no sick pay safety net, and time off work directly impacts income.

Key considerations:

• You can claim tax relief on health insurance premiums as a business expense if you're a limited company director
• Consider income protection alongside health insurance
• Look for policies with fast-track treatment pathways

Documentation typically needed:

• Proof of self-employment (SA302 or company accounts)
• Business address confirmation
• Standard identity documents

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For those with health concerns

Having an existing health condition doesn't automatically disqualify you from cover. But you need to be realistic about what will and won't be covered.

Options include:

• Accept exclusions for your specific condition but get cover for everything else
• Choose moratorium underwriting and wait for conditions to potentially become covered
• Look for specialist insurers who cover specific conditions (some will cover controlled diabetes, for example)
• Consider a cash plan to help with ongoing treatment costs your health insurance won't cover

Important: Never hide health conditions on your application. Insurers can void your entire policy if they discover non-disclosure, leaving you with no cover at all when you need it most.

Complete cost breakdown

Understanding the true cost of health insurance means looking beyond the headline premium. Here’s everything you'll actually pay.

Before switching health insurance, it’s worth reviewing your existing policy, as some insurers may negotiate with your current provider to get you a better price for an equivalent level of cover. This can help you save on medical costs without needing to replace your current policy.

Example: Total annual cost for a family

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Premium costs

Monthly premiums vary enormously based on your circumstances. Here are realistic ranges based on industry data:

Individual cover:

• Budget/essential: £30-60/month
• Mid-range: £60-120/month
• Comprehensive: £100-200+/month

Couples:

• Budget: £55-110/month
• Mid-range: £110-220/month
• Comprehensive: £180-350+/month

Family (2 adults, 2 children):

• Budget: £80-160/month
• Mid-range: £160-300/month
• Comprehensive: £250-450+/month

What affects your premium:

1. Age: Single biggest factor. A 25-year-old might pay £40/month where a 55-year-old pays £120 for identical cover.
2. Location: London and the Southeast can be 15-25% more expensive due to higher treatment costs.
3. Coverage level: Each upgrade tier typically adds 40-80% to premiums.
4. Excess choice: Increasing from £0 to £500 excess might reduce premiums by 15-25%.
5. Hospital list: Full hospital choice costs more than restricted lists.
6. Added benefits: Mental health, dental, optical each add 5-15%.

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The excess

Your excess is what you pay towards each claim before insurance kicks in. Most policies offer a choice:

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Excess types:

• Per claim: You pay once per condition treated
• Per policy year: You pay once per year, regardless of how many times you claim
• Per person: Each family member has their own excess

Check which type your policy uses - it makes a big difference if you have multiple treatments in one year.

Hidden costs to watch

Beyond premiums and excess, watch for:

Treatment caps: Many policies limit how much they'll pay per condition or per year. A £1 million policy sounds impressive until you realise there's a £5,000 annual cap on outpatient care.

Consultant fee shortfalls: Some consultants charge more than insurers' benefit limits. You'd pay the difference. Ask about "fee-assured" or "fee-covered" options.

Specialist drugs: Cancer drugs and biologics can cost tens of thousands. Check your policy covers advanced therapies without excessive caps.

Rehabilitation: After a major operation, you might need weeks of physiotherapy. Check therapy limits aren't too restrictive.

Our commitment: Our service is completely free to you. We're paid by providers when you take out a product through us, but this doesn't affect your price - you pay the same as going direct. More importantly, it doesn't influence which products we recommend. We give unbiased advice based on what's right for your situation.

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Application process

Getting covered is straightforward if you know what to expect. Here’s the timeline from start to finish.

The process of getting a quote usually starts with answering a few simple questions about your health and coverage needs. Using comparison engines can help in finding more accurate health insurance rates by providing side-by-side health insurance quotes, making it easier to compare health insurance quotes and compare quotes from different providers. This ensures you can choose the best policy for your needs and budget.

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Typical timeline

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Step 1: Getting quotes

Start by comparing quotes from multiple insurers. You'll need basic information:

• Your age and date of birth
• Postcode
• General health status (smoker/non-smoker, approximate weight)
• Coverage level you're interested in
• Family members to include

At this stage, quotes are indicative. Final prices may change after full underwriting.

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Step 2: Completing your application

Once you've chosen a policy, you'll complete a full application. For full medical underwriting, this includes detailed health questions:

• Have you had any symptoms, illness, or injury in the past 5 years?
• Have you seen a GP or specialist for any reason in the past 5 years?
• Are you currently taking any medication?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with specific conditions? (list provided)
• Is there any family history of certain conditions?

Be thorough and honest. It's tempting to forget that minor issue you saw the GP about, but non-disclosure can void your entire policy later.

For moratorium underwriting, you'll answer fewer questions now but face restrictions on what's covered initially.

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Step 3: Underwriting decision

The insurer reviews your application and decides:

• Accepted on standard terms: You get the policy as quoted
• Accepted with exclusions: Specific conditions won't be covered
• Accepted with loading: Higher premium due to health risks
• Declined: Insurer won't offer cover (rare, but happens with severe pre-existing conditions)

If exclusions are applied, you'll receive details before your policy starts. You can then decide whether to proceed.

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Step 4: Policy begins

Once you accept and pay, your cover typically starts immediately (unless you've requested a future start date). You'll receive:

• Policy document (the full contract)
• Certificate of insurance (summary of your cover)
• Claims contact information
• Online account access
• Insurance card (some providers)

Key tip: Read the policy summary carefully. Note particularly the exclusions, excess, and any benefit limits. These matter most when you actually claim.

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Tips for smooth applications

1. Gather medical history in advance. If you're unsure about past conditions, request your GP records before applying.
2. Ask about anything unclear. Better to clarify underwriting terms before you commit.
3. Compare like-for-like. Make sure you're comparing the same coverage levels across providers.
4. Consider timing. Some policies have waiting periods for certain benefits. Plan ahead if you know you'll need treatment soon.
5. Review annually. Don't just auto-renew. Check your needs haven't changed and compare alternatives.

Common mistakes when choosing health insurance

Learning from others' errors helps you avoid expensive or frustrating surprises.

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Mistake 1: Choosing on price alone

The cheapest policy isn't always the best value. A £40/month policy with a £5,000 outpatient limit might leave you paying thousands for diagnostics and consultations. A £60/month policy with better outpatient cover could actually save you money if you claim.

Solution: Compare coverage depth, not just premiums. Work out what you'd pay in different claiming scenarios.

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Mistake 2: Not declaring medical history honestly

Tempting to "forget" that minor issue you saw the GP about, but non-disclosure can void your entire policy. Insurers can access your medical records when you claim, and any discrepancy gives them grounds to refuse payment - even for unrelated conditions.

Solution: Declare everything, no matter how minor it seems. An exclusion is better than a voided policy.

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Mistake 3: Assuming everything is covered

Health insurance isn't NHS-replacement. Expecting cover for A&E, GP visits, pregnancy, or pre-existing conditions leads to disappointment and financial shock.

Solution: Read exclusions carefully before buying. Understand what you're getting, not just what you hope you're getting.

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Mistake 4: Ignoring annual limits and sub-limits

A policy might advertise "£1 million" coverage but have a £5,000 annual limit on outpatient care, £1,500 on physiotherapy, and £3,000 on mental health. These sub-limits bite more often than headline limits.

Solution: Check sub-limits for the treatments you're most likely to need. Mental health, therapies, and outpatient care limits matter most for many people.

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Mistake 5: Not pre-authorising treatment

Skip the pre-authorisation step and you might find yourself paying the full bill, even for covered conditions. Insurers require advance notice to confirm coverage and control costs.

Solution: Always call your insurer before booking treatment. Get an authorisation number before you proceed.

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Mistake 6: Letting policies auto-renew without review

Insurers increase premiums annually, sometimes significantly. Auto-renewing without checking alternatives means potentially overpaying for years.

Solution: Each year before renewal, compare alternatives. Even if you stay, you might negotiate better terms.

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Mistake 7: Not understanding excess structures

Per-claim excess means you pay for every condition treated. Per-year excess means you pay once regardless of how many claims. The difference can be hundreds of pounds annually if you have multiple health issues.

Solution: Clarify excess structure before buying. Choose based on your likely claiming pattern.

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Mistake 8: Focusing on hospital choice over consultant access

A policy offering "any hospital" is less useful if the consultant you need isn't on the approved list. The specialist matters more than the building.

Solution: Check consultant lists, especially for any specialties you're likely to need. If you have a specific consultant in mind, verify they're included.

Advantages and disadvantages of health insurance

Private health insurance isn't right for everyone. Here's an honest assessment of both sides.

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Key advantages

Faster access to treatment: This is the primary benefit. While NHS waiting lists can stretch to 18 months or longer for some procedures, private treatment typically happens within weeks. For conditions causing pain or affecting your ability to work, this speed is genuinely life-changing.

Choice of consultant: You select who treats you from your insurer's approved list, rather than seeing whoever's available. This matters if you want a specific specialist or have had poor experiences before.

Better hospital environment: Private rooms, flexible visiting hours, better food, and more comfortable recovery. It doesn't affect clinical outcomes, but it makes the experience less stressful.

Flexible appointment times: Many private facilities offer evening and weekend appointments, making it easier to fit healthcare around work and family.

Comprehensive diagnostics: Private MRI scans, blood tests, and specialist assessments can happen within days rather than weeks, speeding up diagnosis significantly.

Mental health support: While NHS mental health services are severely stretched, private insurance often provides faster access to therapists and psychiatrists.

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Important disadvantages

Doesn't cover everything: Routine GP care, A&E treatment, pregnancy, and chronic condition management usually aren't covered. You're still relying on the NHS for a lot.

Pre-existing conditions excluded: The health issues you already have - often the ones you most want treated - typically aren't covered, at least initially.

Rising premiums: Expect costs to increase year-on-year. A policy affordable at 35 might feel punishing at 55. The longer you have insurance, the more you'll feel this pressure.

Complexity and exclusions: Policy wording is dense. It's easy to assume something's covered when it isn't, leading to shock when claims are rejected.

Duplication with NHS: You're paying for private cover while still funding the NHS through taxes. For some conditions, private care offers minimal advantage over NHS treatment.

No guarantee of continued cover: If your insurer withdraws from the market or significantly changes terms, you might struggle to get equivalent cover elsewhere, especially if your health has deteriorated.

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Who should consider health insurance

Ideal if you:

• Value speed and choice in healthcare highly
• Have disposable income to sustain premiums long-term
• Are relatively healthy (no major pre-existing conditions)
• Want protection against long NHS waiting lists
• Would struggle financially if unable to work during illness

Consider alternatives if you:

• Have multiple pre-existing conditions (they won't be covered anyway)
• Would struggle to maintain premiums if your circumstances changed
• Only rarely use healthcare services
• Live in areas with excellent NHS provision

Health insurance compared to alternatives

Private health insurance isn’t your only option. Here’s how it compares to other approaches.

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When deciding between these options, it’s worth considering the support of a health insurance broker. Consulting a specialist broker can be especially beneficial for individuals with complex medical histories, as they can help you compare health insurance policies and find tailored plans that suit your specific needs.

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Health insurance vs health cash plans

Health insurance: Covers expensive private medical treatment - consultations, diagnostics, surgery, hospital stays.

Cash plans: Pay fixed cash amounts for everyday health costs - dental check-ups, optician visits, physiotherapy sessions. Won't cover anything serious.

When health insurance wins: You need knee surgery, cancer treatment, or any substantial medical procedure. Cash plans won't touch these.

When cash plans win: You just want help with glasses, dental check-ups, and the occasional physio session. Much cheaper than health insurance if that's all you need.

Can you have both? Yes, and many people do. Use health insurance for the big stuff, cash plan for everyday costs.

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Health insurance vs self-insurance

Self-insurance means building a savings pot to cover potential healthcare costs rather than paying premiums.

When self-insurance works:

• You have substantial savings (£50,000+) set aside specifically for health
• You're comfortable paying large bills if needed
• You're young and healthy with low expected healthcare needs
• You'd rather invest premium money and accept the risk

When it doesn't work:

• You couldn't cover a £20,000+ treatment without hardship
• You'd struggle to build sufficient savings
• You have a higher risk of expensive health issues

The maths: If you'd pay £100/month in premiums (£1,200/year), you could invest that instead. After 20 years at 5% growth, you'd have about £40,000. But one major procedure could cost that much - and you might need it in year 3, not year 20.

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Health insurance vs NHS reliance

NHS strengths:

• Free at point of use
• Excellent emergency care
• Good for chronic condition management
• No coverage gaps or exclusions

NHS challenges:

• Long waiting lists for routine and elective procedures
• Limited choice of consultant or hospital
• Stretched mental health services
• Overcrowded, sometimes uncomfortable environments

The combination approach: Many people use health insurance alongside the NHS - private for quick, non-emergency treatments; NHS for A&E, pregnancy, and ongoing chronic condition care.

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Decision framework

Choose health insurance if:

1. NHS waiting times would significantly impact your life or work
2. Choice of consultant and hospital matters to you
3. You can afford premiums long-term
4. You're relatively healthy with limited pre-existing conditions
5. Speed of diagnosis and treatment is important

Stick with NHS if:

1. You rarely need healthcare beyond GP visits
2. Your pre-existing conditions mean little would be covered anyway
3. Local NHS services are good with manageable waits
4. Premium payments would strain your budget
5. You'd prefer to save/invest the money instead

Comparing UK health insurance providers

The UK health insurance market includes well-known names and specialists. When you compare health insurance companies, always check their company number and regulatory status to ensure they are legitimate and comply with UK regulations. Here’s how the main providers compare.

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Major insurers at a glance

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Bupa

Britain's best-known health insurer, Bupa has been operating since 1947 and doesn't just sell insurance - it owns hospitals and clinics too.

What stands out:

• Largest private hospital network in the UK
• Strong brand recognition and reputation
• Good cancer cover options
• 24/7 GP services available
• Dental and optical add-ons available

Watch out for:

• Premiums tend to be at the higher end
• Digital tools less sophisticated than some competitors
• Standard policies may have tighter outpatient limits than you'd expect

Best for: Those who value brand security, want maximum hospital choice, and are willing to pay premium prices.

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AXA Health

Part of the global AXA insurance group, AXA Health has been growing its UK presence with competitive pricing and solid digital tools.

What stands out:

• Usually competitive on price
• Good online portal and app
• Clear policy documentation
• Strong mental health provisions
• Fast-track diagnosis services

Watch out for:

• Hospital network slightly smaller than Bupa
• Some specialist treatments may need referral to specific providers
• Renewal increases can be significant

Best for: Price-conscious buyers who want good digital management and don't mind a slightly smaller provider network.

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Vitality

Vitality takes a different approach - it rewards healthy behaviour with discounts and perks. Gym memberships, coffee, cinema tickets, and Apple Watch offers feature prominently.

What stands out:

• Unique rewards programme for healthy behaviour
• Premiums can reduce if you stay active
• Partnerships with gyms and wellness brands
• Good app for tracking and managing

Watch out for:

• Rewards require consistent effort to maintain
• Policy structure can be confusing
• Base premiums aren't always cheapest even with discounts
• You need to actively engage to get value

Best for: Active, health-conscious individuals who'll genuinely use the wellness features and enjoy gamified rewards.

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Aviva

Major insurer with extensive experience across all insurance types. Their health insurance is known for flexibility.

What stands out:

• Flexible policy building (choose your modules)
• Strong mental health coverage options
• Good family policy structures
• NHS cashback option (pay less, use NHS more)

Watch out for:

• Hospital network varies by region
• Some advanced features only on premium tiers
• Customer service experiences vary

Best for: Families wanting to customise coverage, and those who want flexibility between private and NHS care.

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Smaller specialists worth considering

WPA: Non-profit insurer often offering comprehensive cover. Premiums are higher but may be worth it for those wanting maximum protection.

The Exeter: Known for not penalising claims history and potentially covering pre-existing conditions after a period. Good for long-term policyholders.

Freedom Health Insurance: Strong on mental health coverage with flexible policy options. Less household name recognition but solid offering.

Saga: Specifically for over-50s market with products designed for older applicants.

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How to compare providers effectively

Don't just compare headlines. Dig into:

1. Hospital lists: Can you use the hospital you'd actually want to use?
2. Consultant access: Are the specialists you might need on their approved list?
3. Outpatient limits: What's the annual cap on consultations and diagnostics?
4. Mental health depth: How many sessions? What conditions? In-patient available?
5. Cancer cover: Are advanced drugs included? What about experimental treatments?
6. Excess structure: Per claim? Per year? Per condition?
7. Claims process: How easy is pre-authorisation? Can you manage online?
8. Customer reviews: What do people say about claims experiences specifically?

Special circumstances

Standard policies don’t work for everyone. Here’s how to find cover if your situation is more complex.

If you’re looking to insure your family, some providers offer comprehensive coverage for the whole family under a single plan, which can be more convenient and cost-effective than arranging separate policies for each member.

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Self-employed and freelancers

When you're self-employed, illness doesn't just mean discomfort - it means lost income. Health insurance can get you back to work faster.

Key considerations:

• Tax efficiency: Limited company directors can often treat premiums as a business expense
• Income protection: Consider alongside health insurance - it replaces income while you're unable to work
• Fast-track options: Some insurers offer accelerated pathways for self-employed claims

Documentation you'll need:

• SA302 tax calculations or company accounts
• Business bank statements (sometimes)
• Standard ID and address proof

Typical premiums: Same as employees - your employment status doesn't affect health insurance pricing (though income protection premiums are different).

Example: Emma runs a graphic design business. She pays £75/month for mid-range cover. When she needed shoulder surgery, she was treated within 3 weeks rather than the 8-month NHS wait. Total time off work: 4 weeks. Without private cover, she estimates she'd have lost £8,000+ in work while waiting.

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Those with existing health conditions

Having a health condition doesn't mean insurance is impossible - but you need realistic expectations.

Conditions and typical underwriting response:

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Strategies:

1. Be honest: Declare everything. Non-disclosure voids your entire policy.
2. Try moratorium underwriting: If conditions are old, you might gain coverage after 2 years symptom-free.
3. Accept partial cover: Insurance for everything except your existing condition is still valuable.
4. Use specialist brokers: Some brokers specialise in non-standard risks and know which insurers are more flexible.

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Older applicants (60+)

Age makes health insurance more expensive but not impossible. Here's what changes:

Premium impact: Expect to pay 2-4x what you'd pay at 30 for equivalent cover. A policy costing £60/month at age 35 might cost £180+ at age 65.

Underwriting changes: More detailed health questions. Higher likelihood of exclusions.

Options narrow: Some insurers stop accepting new customers at 65, 70, or 75. But plenty still do.

What to prioritise:

• Focus on inpatient cover (most expensive treatments)
• Consider higher excess to reduce premiums
• Ensure cancer cover is robust
• Check mental health provisions aren't too restricted

Example: Robert, 68, wanted to take out cover for the first time. After exclusions for his controlled blood pressure and previous knee surgery, he found a policy at £145/month with a £250 excess. Not cheap, but he valued the peace of mind.

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Families with children

Family policies cover parents and children (usually up to age 18-24, depending on insurer).

Children's cover specifics:

• Often significantly cheaper per person than adult cover
• May include well-child checks and vaccinations
• Mental health coverage increasingly important for teens
• Some policies include orthodontics

Family vs individual policies:

Family policies usually work out cheaper than separate individual policies. But if one adult has significant pre-existing conditions, separate policies might mean only their cover has exclusions.

What to prioritise for families:

• Good mental health coverage (anxiety and depression rising in young people)
• Physiotherapy for sports injuries
• Quick access to children's specialists
• Dental if children need orthodontics

Common uses for health insurance

Understanding how people actually use health insurance helps you assess whether it's worth it for your situation.

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Quick access to diagnostics

One of the most common uses. When you have concerning symptoms, private insurance gets you answers fast.

NHS reality: MRI scan might take 6-12 weeks from referral. Blood tests can be quick, but specialist analysis and consultant review add weeks more.

Private reality: MRI often available within 3-7 days. Results and consultant review within days after.

Example: Jane had unexplained fatigue. Her GP suspected thyroid issues but NHS blood tests showed nothing obvious. Through her insurance, she saw an endocrinologist within a week, had comprehensive blood panels done, and got answers (vitamin deficiency, easily treated) within 2 weeks total. NHS pathway might have taken months.

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Joint and orthopaedic problems

Hip replacements, knee surgery, shoulder operations - these have some of the longest NHS waiting lists. Private insurance dramatically accelerates them.

NHS waiting times: 12-24 months for many orthopaedic procedures. Some areas longer.

Private timeline: Usually 2-6 weeks from consultant to surgery.

Example: Mark, 58, needed a hip replacement. NHS consultant said 16-month wait. Through insurance, he had surgery 4 weeks after initial consultation. Cost covered: £14,000+.

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Mental health support

NHS mental health services are chronically underfunded. Private insurance increasingly fills this gap.

What's typically covered:

• Psychiatric assessments
• Psychotherapy and counselling sessions
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
• Treatment for anxiety, depression, and other conditions

Watch the limits: Many policies cap mental health at a certain number of sessions (often 10-20) or a monetary limit per year.

NHS reality: Waiting lists for talking therapies can exceed 6 months. Private access can be within 1-2 weeks.

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Cancer treatment

If you're diagnosed with cancer, speed matters. Private insurance ensures quick access to oncologists, scans, and treatment.

What's covered:

• Diagnostics (scans, biopsies)
• Oncology consultations
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy (subject to policy)
• Advanced cancer drugs (check policy carefully)

Important: Some cutting-edge treatments and drugs may not be covered, or may have caps. Check your policy's cancer cover thoroughly.

NHS comparison: Cancer care is prioritised on the NHS, with 62-day targets from referral to treatment. But these targets are regularly missed, and some cancers aren't deemed urgent enough for fast-track.

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Other common uses

Physiotherapy: After injury or surgery, or for chronic pain management. Check session limits.

Private GP services: Some policies include private GP consultations - useful for convenience and speed.

Specialist consultations: Second opinions, access to specific experts, or simply faster assessment.