Adding Family Members to Your Health Policy A Guide
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that your family's health is your top priority. This guide explores adding loved ones to your private medical insurance in the UK, covering the costs, benefits, and crucial details you need to know.
WeCovr explains the costs and benefits of adding partners and children to PMI
Deciding to invest in private medical insurance (PMI) is a significant step towards safeguarding your health. But what about your family? Adding your partner, spouse, or children to your policy can be a smart and cost-effective way to ensure everyone you care about has access to fast, high-quality medical care when they need it most.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to consider, from who you can add and how much it might cost, to the invaluable benefits a family policy provides.
What Exactly is a Family Health Insurance Policy?
A family health insurance policy is a single private medical insurance plan that covers more than one person within the same family. Instead of taking out individual policies for your partner and children, you can combine them all under one umbrella.
This approach offers several advantages:
- Simplified Management: One policy, one set of documents, and one renewal date.
- Potential Savings: Insurers often provide discounts for adding family members, which can make it cheaper than buying separate plans.
- Consistent Cover: Everyone on the policy shares the same core benefits and level of cover, ensuring no one is left with a lesser plan.
It’s designed to provide peace of mind, knowing that your entire family can bypass long NHS waiting lists for eligible treatments. With the NHS referral to treatment (RTT) waiting list in England standing at around 7.54 million in early 2025, having a private alternative has never been more valuable.
The Key Benefits of a Single Family Health Policy
Combining your family's health cover onto one plan isn't just about convenience. It brings a host of tangible benefits that can make a real difference to your family's wellbeing and your finances.
1. Significant Cost Savings
Insurers favour family policies. It's often substantially cheaper to add a partner and children to an existing policy than for each person to have their own. Many providers offer specific family discounts, such as "second adult goes half-price" or even free cover for newborns and young children for a limited time.
2. Peace of Mind for Everyone
When a child is unwell, the worry can be immense. A family PMI policy means you can arrange a specialist consultation quickly, often within days. This prompt access to diagnostics and treatment can alleviate stress and lead to faster recovery, which is invaluable for both children and parents.
3. Streamlined Administration
Juggling multiple insurance policies is a hassle. A single family plan means:
- One monthly or annual payment.
- One point of contact for claims and queries.
- One renewal date to remember. This simplicity saves you time and reduces the mental load of managing your family's affairs.
4. Access to Value-Added Benefits
Modern PMI policies come packed with benefits that the whole family can use, even when you're not ill. These often include:
- Virtual GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call, perfect for when you can't get a local appointment or have a concern about your child in the middle of the night.
- Mental Health Support: Access to counselling and therapy services, a crucial resource for teenagers and adults alike.
- Wellness Programmes: Discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and healthy food. As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help your family maintain a healthy lifestyle.
A Crucial Note: What Standard UK PMI Does NOT Cover
Before we go further, it is essential to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK.
PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
- An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., joint replacement, cataract surgery, hernia repair).
Standard private health cover does not cover the following:
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you (or your family members) had symptoms of, received advice for, or were treated for before the policy started. Some insurers may agree to cover them after a set period (usually two years) without symptoms or treatment, depending on your underwriting type.
- Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. While the initial diagnosis of a chronic condition might be covered, the ongoing, long-term management is typically handled by the NHS.
Understanding this distinction is vital to avoid disappointment when you need to make a claim. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these terms and find a policy that clearly outlines what is and isn't included.
Who Can I Add to My Private Health Cover?
Insurers are generally flexible, allowing you to add immediate family members. Here’s a typical breakdown:
- Spouse or Civil Partner: Your legally married partner or civil partner can almost always be added.
- Cohabiting Partner: Most insurers will allow you to add a partner you live with, even if you are not married. You may need to have been living together at the same address for a minimum period (e.g., six months).
- Children: This includes your biological children, step-children, and legally adopted children. They must typically be financially dependent on you and live at the same address.
Age Limits for Children
Children can usually remain on a family policy until they turn 18. However, many insurers extend this limit to age 21, or even 24, provided the child is still in full-time education and financially dependent on you. Once they exceed this age or start working full-time, they will need to take out their own individual policy.
Understanding the Costs: How Insurers Price a Family Policy
The price of a family health insurance policy, known as the premium, is calculated based on several risk factors for each person covered.
- Age: This is the most significant factor. The older a person is, the higher their premium will be, as the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases.
- Location: Where you live in the UK affects the cost. Premiums are generally higher in London and the South East due to the higher cost of private medical treatment in those areas.
- Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan with extensive out-patient cover and no excess will cost more than a basic, in-patient-only plan.
- Policy Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. Choosing a higher excess (e.g., £250 or £500) will lower your overall premium.
- Hospital List: Insurers have tiered lists of hospitals. A policy that gives you access to every private hospital in the country, including prime central London facilities, will be more expensive than one with a more restricted regional list.
- Underwriting Type: The method the insurer uses to assess your medical history can also influence the price.
Illustrative Cost of Family Health Insurance
To give you a clearer idea, here is a table with example monthly premiums. Please remember these are for illustration only; your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances and choices.
| Policy Holder(s) | Example Monthly Premium (Mid-Range Cover, £250 Excess) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person (35) | £65 - £90 | Based on standard options, non-smoker, living outside London. |
| Couple (both 35) | £120 - £170 | Often represents a saving compared to two separate policies. |
| Family of 4 (Parents 35, Children 8 & 5) | £150 - £230 | Insurers often discount children heavily or offer "free" cover for the first child. |
These are estimates as of late 2024/early 2025. For an accurate quote tailored to your family, speak to a specialist adviser.
How to Add a Family Member to Your Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are two main scenarios for creating a family policy: adding someone to an existing plan or starting a new one from scratch.
1. Adding a Family Member to an Existing Policy
If you already have a policy for yourself, you can usually add a partner or child at any time, though it's often easiest at your annual renewal.
- Step 1: Contact Your Insurer or Broker: Get in touch and state that you wish to add a family member. An independent broker like WeCovr can handle this on your behalf, ensuring you get the best possible terms.
- Step 2: Provide Their Details: You'll need to supply their full name, date of birth, and medical history.
- Step 3: Underwriting: The insurer will underwrite the new member. This means they will assess their medical history to determine if any specific exclusions need to be applied to their cover. This process will follow either the moratorium or full medical underwriting route you chose for your own policy.
- Step 4: Receive Your New Quote: The insurer will provide an updated premium for the new, larger policy. Your monthly or annual payment will increase from an agreed-upon date.
2. Taking Out a New Family Policy
If you don't have cover yet, you can set up a family policy from day one.
- Step 1: Define Your Needs: Think about what's most important for your family. Do you want comprehensive out-patient cover for specialist visits? Is mental health support a priority? What is your budget?
- Step 2: Compare the Market: Don't just go to the first insurer you find. The UK private medical insurance market is competitive, with providers like Aviva, AXA Health, Bupa, and Vitality all offering different benefits and price points.
- Step 3: Work with a Broker: This is the simplest way to compare the market effectively. An adviser at WeCovr can take your family's details and requirements and return with a detailed comparison of the most suitable policies, explaining the pros and cons of each. This service is free to you, as brokers are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.
- Step 4: Complete the Application: Once you've chosen a policy, you'll complete an application form for the whole family.
- Step 5: Policy Goes Live: Once accepted, your cover begins, and you have a single, unified policy for your family.
Choosing the Right Level of Cover for Your Family
PMI policies are not one-size-fits-all. They are typically sold in three main tiers, and the best one for your family depends on your needs and budget.
| Feature | Basic (In-patient Only) | Mid-Range | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-patient & Day-patient Treatment | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cancer Cover | Included as standard | Included as standard | Extensive options available |
| Out-patient Consultations & Tests | ❌ (Or very limited) | ✅ (Typically up to a set financial limit, e.g., £1,000) | ✅ (Often unlimited or with very high limits) |
| Therapies (Physio, Osteo, Chiro) | ❌ | ✅ (Limited number of sessions) | ✅ (More sessions included) |
| Mental Health Cover | Limited or Add-on | Often included | Comprehensive cover included |
| Virtual GP Access | Usually Included | ✅ | ✅ |
For families with young children, a mid-range or comprehensive policy with good out-patient cover is often the most practical choice. It means you can quickly see a paediatric specialist for consultations and diagnostic tests without needing a long wait for an NHS referral, providing reassurance when you need it most.
Special Considerations for Your Family
Adding a Newborn to Your Policy
Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time, and many insurers make it easy to add them to your policy. Most providers have a "newborn rule" which allows you to add your baby within a certain timeframe (usually 3-6 months) without any medical underwriting.
Better yet, many top UK insurers offer free cover for your new baby for the remainder of the policy year. This is a fantastic benefit, but it's crucial to inform your insurer within the specified window to take advantage of it.
Teenagers and Young Adults
As children grow up, their relationship with the family policy changes.
- Age Limits: Be aware of your policy's age limit for children. When they reach this age (e.g., 21), they will no longer be covered.
- Transitioning to an Individual Policy: It's wise to plan ahead. Before they are removed from your policy, you should help them arrange their own individual cover. This ensures they have continuity of protection. Moving from a parent's policy to their own with the same insurer is often a smooth process, with underwriting terms carried over.
Maintaining a Healthy Family Lifestyle
While insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best approach is to stay healthy. Encourage your family to:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Use WeCovr's complimentary CalorieHero app to track nutrition and make healthier choices together.
- Stay Active: Family walks, bike rides, or playing a sport together are great ways to keep fit. Many PMI policies offer discounts on gym memberships and fitness trackers.
- Prioritise Sleep: Good quality sleep is vital for physical and mental health, especially for growing children and teenagers.
- Manage Stress: Open communication and access to mental health support lines (often included in PMI) can help family members cope with life's pressures.
WeCovr's Added Value: Your Partner in Family Health
Choosing the right private medical insurance can feel complex, but you don't have to do it alone. At WeCovr, we provide more than just quotes.
- Expert, Unbiased Advice: As an independent, FCA-authorised broker, our loyalty is to you, not the insurance companies. We compare the market to find the best policy for your family's unique needs and budget.
- No Extra Cost: Our expert service is completely free for you to use.
- Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange PMI or life insurance with us, you receive complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI nutrition app and may be eligible for discounts on other types of insurance cover.
- Trusted Service: We have a proven track record of high customer satisfaction, guiding clients through every step of the process with clarity and care.
Protecting your family is the best investment you can make. A family health insurance policy provides the reassurance that you can all access excellent medical care without delay, keeping everyone happy, healthy, and secure.
Is it cheaper to get a family health insurance policy than separate ones?
Are my children's pre-existing conditions covered on a family policy?
Can I add my partner to my policy if we aren't married?
What happens when my child is too old for my family policy?
Ready to protect your family's health?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our expert advisers will compare the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect cover for you and your loved ones.
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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Who Are WeCovr?
WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.
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