As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance market inside and out. In this guide, we'll delve into Aviva's PMI offerings for 2025, helping you decide if their robust plans are the right fit for you as an individual or for your family.
Navigating the world of private health cover can feel complex, but it doesn't have to be. Aviva is one of the UK's most recognised and established insurers, providing a flexible and comprehensive policy called 'Healthier Solutions'. Let's break down exactly what it offers, who it's for, and how you can tailor it to your precise needs and budget.
Private Medical Insurance (PMI), often called private health cover, is an insurance policy designed to cover the costs of private healthcare for specific conditions. Its primary benefit is providing prompt access to medical specialists, diagnostic tests, and treatments, helping you bypass potentially long NHS waiting lists.
In 2025, the need for timely medical care remains a significant concern for many across the UK. According to the latest NHS England data, the number of people on waiting lists for consultant-led elective care remains in the millions. While the NHS provides exceptional care, particularly for emergencies, PMI offers a valuable alternative for planned treatments.
It is vital to understand what private medical insurance is designed for. PMI covers acute conditions — illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for hernias.
Crucially, standard UK private medical insurance, including Aviva's policies, does not cover:
PMI is your partner for getting you back on your feet after a new, unexpected health issue arises.
Aviva's flagship private health insurance product is called Healthier Solutions. It's built around a core level of cover, which you can then customise with a range of optional extras to create a policy that perfectly matches your requirements.
Every Healthier Solutions policy starts with a strong foundation of essential benefits. This core cover ensures you are protected against the costs of significant medical events that require a hospital stay.
Core Benefit | Description |
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In-patient & Day-patient Treatment | Covers all eligible costs when you're admitted to hospital for treatment, including hospital fees, specialist fees, and diagnostic tests. |
Comprehensive Cancer Cover | Includes cover for surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and advanced options like stem cell and bone marrow transplants. Aviva's 'Advanced Cancer Cover' is a key feature. |
Private Ambulance | Covers the cost of a private ambulance if medically necessary to transport you to a hospital. |
NHS Cash Benefit | If you choose to receive eligible in-patient treatment on the NHS instead of privately, Aviva pays you a cash sum (e.g., £100 per night) up to a set limit. |
Child Speech Therapy | Up to two sessions of speech therapy for children following an in-patient or day-patient stay. |
Home Nursing | Covers the cost of a registered nurse to provide care at home immediately after you've had eligible private in-patient treatment. |
'Underwriting' is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide the terms of your policy. Aviva offers two main types, which have a big impact on what is and isn't covered.
Underwriting Type | How it Works | Best For |
---|---|---|
Moratorium (Most Common) | You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any conditions you've had in the 5 years before joining. However, if you go 2 full years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. | Individuals who are generally healthy, have no significant recent medical history, and want a quicker application process. |
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) | You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer then reviews this and states precisely what conditions will be excluded from cover from day one. These exclusions are typically permanent. | Individuals with a more complex medical history who want absolute certainty from the start about what is covered. It can sometimes result in conditions being covered that a moratorium would exclude. |
Choosing the right underwriting is a critical decision. A PMI broker like WeCovr can provide expert guidance on which option is most suitable for your personal circumstances.
The real strength of Aviva's Healthier Solutions policy lies in its flexibility. You can add a variety of optional modules to your core cover to create a truly comprehensive plan.
This is one of the most popular and valuable additions. Out-patient cover pays for diagnostic tests (like MRI and CT scans) and consultations with a specialist before you are admitted to hospital. Without it, you would need to rely on the NHS for your initial diagnosis, which can involve long waits.
Aviva typically offers several levels:
Aviva uses a system of hospital lists to manage costs. The list you choose determines which private hospitals you can use for treatment.
You can significantly reduce your monthly premium by opting for the 'Expert Select' journey, which guides you to a pre-approved specialist and hospital from their 'Key' list.
This valuable add-on covers treatments to help with musculoskeletal issues. It typically includes a set number of sessions for:
This is a fantastic option for anyone with an active lifestyle or a job that puts a strain on their body.
With a growing focus on mental wellbeing, this is an increasingly important option. Aviva's mental health upgrade provides cover for consultations with psychiatrists and treatment at specialist hospitals for acute mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
This add-on works differently from the rest of the policy. It's a cashback benefit that helps with the routine costs of check-ups, dental treatments, and prescription eyewear, up to set annual limits.
Aviva's Healthier Solutions policy is exceptionally well-suited to individuals, particularly those who value flexibility and control over their healthcare and budget.
An individual might choose Aviva PMI if they are:
Alex is a 38-year-old self-employed IT consultant living just outside Manchester. His income depends entirely on his ability to work. Last year, he developed a persistent pain in his knee. His NHS GP referred him to a specialist, but the waiting list was over 9 months long.
With an Aviva policy, Alex could have had a different experience. He would:
- Get a GP referral.
- Contact Aviva, who would approve an initial consultation with a private orthopaedic specialist within a week.
- The specialist would likely order an MRI scan, which could be done within days.
- With a diagnosis of a torn meniscus, surgery could be scheduled at a private hospital within a few weeks.
For Alex, a policy tailored to his needs—perhaps with full out-patient cover, a £250 excess, and the 'Key' hospital list—would be an affordable way to protect his livelihood.
Individuals can fine-tune their Aviva policy to manage costs effectively. By choosing a higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim), a more restricted hospital list, or limiting out-patient cover, you can create a plan that fits your budget without sacrificing the core protection.
For families, private medical insurance is often about one thing: peace of mind. Knowing you can get fast access to the best care for your children or partner is invaluable. Aviva's policies are very competitive for families due to their comprehensive cover and family-friendly features.
Why Aviva works well for families:
The Patels, a family of four with two children aged 8 and 11, live in Birmingham. They lead a busy life and worry about the disruption an unexpected illness could cause. They opt for an Aviva family policy with mid-range out-patient cover and the Therapies add-on.
Six months into their policy, their son, Rohan, falls while playing football and hurts his ankle badly.
- They use the Aviva Digital GP for an immediate video consultation. The GP suspects a fracture and provides an open referral letter.
- They call Aviva's claims line, who authorise a visit to a private urgent care centre for an X-ray that same day.
- The X-ray reveals a severe sprain, not a fracture. The specialist recommends a course of physiotherapy to ensure a full recovery.
- Because the Patels included Therapies cover, Aviva authorises eight sessions with a local private physiotherapist, and Rohan is back to playing sport within two months.
For the Patels, the policy provided not just treatment, but also speed, convenience, and reassurance during a stressful time.
Modern private health cover is about more than just paying for treatment; it's about supporting your overall wellbeing. Aviva excels in this area with its suite of digital health services, primarily delivered through the Aviva DigiCare+ app.
These benefits are often available to use without needing to make a claim and are included at no extra cost.
DigiCare+ Feature | What It Offers | Why It's Useful |
---|---|---|
Digital GP | 24/7 access to GP video consultations. You can get medical advice, prescriptions, and referrals. | Incredibly convenient for busy individuals and parents. Avoids waiting for an NHS GP appointment. |
Mental Health Support | Access to consultations with mental health professionals to help with stress, anxiety, and other concerns. | Provides early, confidential support before a problem escalates, promoting mental resilience. |
Nutritional Advice | Consultations with registered dietitians to help you achieve your health goals, whether it's weight management or dietary planning. | Empowers you to take control of your diet, which is a cornerstone of long-term health. |
Annual Health Check | A yearly check-up via a simple at-home finger-prick blood test that screens for 20 different health markers. | A fantastic proactive tool to monitor key health indicators like cholesterol and diabetes risk. |
Second Medical Opinion | If you are diagnosed with a serious condition, you can get a second opinion from a world-leading expert to confirm the diagnosis and treatment plan. | Offers invaluable peace of mind and confidence in your healthcare journey. |
Taking a proactive approach to your health by improving your diet, getting enough sleep, and staying active can reduce your risk of developing many acute conditions. Tools like Aviva's DigiCare+ and WeCovr's complimentary CalorieHero AI-powered calorie tracking app can be powerful allies in your personal wellness journey.
There is no one-size-fits-all price for private medical insurance. Your premium is unique to you and is calculated based on several key factors.
The table below provides an estimate of potential costs. These are for illustrative purposes only; your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances.
Profile | Assumed Cover | Estimated Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|
Individual, 30, non-smoker | Core Cover, £1,000 Out-patient, £250 Excess, Key Hospitals | £45 - £65 |
Individual, 45, non-smoker | Core Cover, £1,000 Out-patient, £250 Excess, Key Hospitals | £75 - £100 |
Family of 4 (Parents 40, Children 10 & 12) | Core Cover, Full Out-patient, £500 Excess, Signature Hospitals | £180 - £250 |
While you can go to Aviva directly, using an independent PMI broker like WeCovr offers several distinct advantages at no extra cost to you.
As FCA-authorised experts with high customer satisfaction ratings, we work for you, not the insurer. Our job is to:
Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr receive discounts on other insurance products, providing even greater value.
Aviva offers a superb, flexible, and highly-regarded private medical insurance product that is an excellent choice for both individuals and families across the UK. The ability to customise the policy allows you to strike the perfect balance between comprehensive cover and an affordable premium.
For individuals, it provides the speed and control needed to protect your health and income. For families, it delivers the priceless peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved ones can access first-class medical care when they need it most.
Ready to explore your Aviva private medical insurance options? Contact the experts at WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us help you find the perfect cover for your needs.