Best Private Health Insurance in the UK: A 2025 Guide
Private medical insurance (PMI) is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with more people turning to private healthcare options to avoid NHS waiting times, access specialist treatments faster, and benefit from a more personalised experience. If you're considering PMI for yourself or your family, it's crucial to understand what makes a good policy, who the top providers are, and how to choose the best cover for your needs.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we break down everything you need to know about the best private health insurance in the UK, helping you make an informed and confident decision.
Table of Contents
What Is Private Health Insurance?
Private health insurance (PMI) is a policy that covers some or all of your medical expenses when you receive private healthcare. Unlike the NHS, where services are publicly funded and often come with waiting times, PMI allows you to be treated in private hospitals or clinics, usually more quickly and with additional comforts like private rooms and a choice of specialists.
PMI typically covers the cost of:
- Private consultations and diagnostics
- Surgery and treatment in private hospitals
- Certain cancer treatments and mental health services
However, it doesn’t usually cover emergency care, routine maternity services, or pre-existing conditions unless specified.
Why Consider Private Health Insurance in 2025?
With NHS waiting times reaching record highs and growing demand for access to digital and personalised healthcare, more people in the UK are turning to PMI.
Key Motivations:
- Speed: Get treated faster, often avoiding NHS queues.
- Choice: Choose your hospital and consultant.
- Comfort: Private rooms and better facilities.
- Support: Access additional services like mental health counselling, physiotherapy, and digital GP appointments.
According to recent surveys, over 60% of UK adults would consider PMI if it fit their budget and offered real value.
What Does Private Health Insurance Cover?
Coverage depends on the insurer and plan level, but common inclusions are:
| Treatment Area | | Basic Plan | | Comprehensive Plan |
---|
| Inpatient hospitalisation | | ✅ | | ✅ |
| Outpatient consultations | | ☑️ Optional | | ✅ |
| Diagnostic scans (MRI, CT) | | ✅ | | ✅ |
| Physiotherapy | | ☑️ Optional | | ✅ |
| Mental health support | | ☑️ Optional | | ✅ |
| Private GP access | | | | ✅ |
| Cancer cover | | ☑️ Optional | | ✅ |
| Dental and optical | | | | ☑️ Optional |
Always check the policy details before committing, especially for limits on outpatient or mental health services.
Top 10 Private Health Insurance Providers in the UK (2025)
Choosing a provider can be overwhelming, so here’s a list of the top 10 based on cover options, flexibility, digital tools, and customer service:
- Bupa – Comprehensive cover, large network, and digital-first access to services.
- Aviva – Modular plans, great value, and flexible add-ons.
- Vitality – Wellness rewards, mental health strength, and fitness incentives.
- AXA Health – Trusted brand with smart tech and strong outpatient support.
- WPA – Innovative and personalised service, ideal for families and professionals.
- The Exeter – Focused on the self-employed, simple underwriting.
- Freedom Health Insurance – Offers custom cover and international options.
- National Friendly – Flexible underwriting, caters to older individuals.
- General & Medical – Strong support for businesses and individuals alike.
- Cigna Global – Focus on expatriates (non-UK nationals living in the UK, or UK nationals living abroad).
Each provider varies in what’s included, how much outpatient cover is offered, and the size of their hospital network.
How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost?
Pricing is determined by age, location, health status, excess level, and type of cover. Here’s an average breakdown:
| Age | | Basic Plan (London) | | Enhanced Plan (Nationwide) |
---|
| 25 | | £25–£40 | | £50–£70 |
| 40 | | £35–£55 | | £70–£100 |
| 60 | | £70–£120 | | £130–£180 |
Other cost factors:
- Smoking status
- Hospital list access
- Individual vs family policy
- Excess
Using a broker like WeCovr can help you identify competitive pricing from across the market—saving you both time and money.
Comparison Table: Providers, Coverage & Prices
| Provider | | Inpatient | | Outpatient | | Mental Health | | GP Access | | Avg Monthly Cost |
---|
| Bupa | | ✅ | | ✅ | | ✅ | | ✅ | | £55–£120 |
| Aviva | | ✅ | | ☑️ Modular | | ✅ | | ✅ | | £40–£100 |
| Vitality | | ✅ | | ✅ | | ✅ | | ✅ | | £45–£110 |
| AXA Health | | ✅ | | ✅ | | ✅ | | ✅ | | £50–£120 |
| WPA | | ✅ | | ✅ | | ✅ | | ✅ | | £50–£115 |
| The Exeter | | ✅ | | ☑️ Modular | | ☑️ Optional | | ☑️ Optional | | £45–£110 |
| Freedom | | ✅ | | ☑️ Optional | | ☑️ Optional | | | | £40–£90 |
| National Friendly | | ✅ | | ☑️ Optional | | ☑️ Optional | | | | £45–£95 |
| General & Medical | | ✅ | | ✅ | | ☑️ Optional | | | | £50–£105 |
How to Choose the Right Policy
1. Define Your Health Priorities
Do you need mental health support? Are quick diagnostics important to you? Consider the health needs of your household.
2. Set Your Budget
Decide how much you’re willing to pay monthly. You can often reduce premiums by increasing your excess or limiting your hospital list.
3. Compare Providers
Use trusted resources—or better yet, an independent broker like WeCovr, which compares top insurers on your behalf.
4. Look at Flexibility
Do you want to add family members later? Can you customise cover mid-term? Normally you can only do this within the cooling period or at renewal (unless a business policy)
5. Read the Small Print
Check exclusions, claim limits, and renewal terms.
Tips for Getting the Best Value from Your PMI
Here’s how to ensure you’re getting the best value when taking out private health insurance:
1. Compare the Market Thoroughly
Don’t just go with the first quote you see. There are significant differences in cover levels and pricing. A broker like WeCovr can do the comparison for you, often saving you hours of time.
2. Adjust Your Excess
A higher excess can reduce your monthly premiums. Just make sure the excess amount is something you can realistically afford to pay if you need to make a claim.
3. Choose a Hospital List Wisely
Most policies allow you to choose from different hospital lists. A restricted hospital list can significantly lower your premium while still providing access to quality care.
4. Take Advantage of Wellness Programmes
Some insurers like Vitality offer lower premiums or cashback for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes gym visits, wearable tracking, and regular health assessments.
5. Bundle Your Insurance
Adding dental, optical or travel insurance into your PMI policy can offer cost savings, depending on your insurer.
6. Use a Specialist Broker
Independent brokers such as WeCovr do all the legwork for you. They search the market, compare multiple policies and negotiate on your behalf—completely free of charge to you.
Insurers pay brokers like WeCovr a commission if you go ahead with a policy, so you benefit from expert advice without paying a penny.
Using an Independent Health Insurance Broker
Navigating the world of PMI can be daunting. That’s why many people rely on a broker to simplify the process.
What Does a Broker Like WeCovr Do?
- Compare policies from multiple UK providers
- Identify exclusions and tailor cover to your lifestyle
- Provide guidance on claims and renewals
- Offer unbiased advice, with no pressure to buy
Key Advantages:
- No extra cost to you – insurers pay the broker
- Saves time and avoids common pitfalls
- More choice – access to policies not listed on comparison sites
- Personalised service tailored to your needs
If you value expert guidance and want peace of mind, it’s worth reaching out to a broker like WeCovr before committing to a policy.
Common Exclusions in PMI
While PMI covers many areas, it’s important to know what’s not typically included:
- Pre-existing conditions (unless accepted by underwriting)
- Routine maternity care and childbirth
- Accident & emergency services (A&E)
- Cosmetic or elective procedures
- Experimental treatments not approved by NICE
- Organ transplants
Each provider has its own list of exclusions, so it’s vital to read the policy documents or consult with a broker who can explain them clearly.
How to Make a Claim
Making a claim is generally straightforward, but it’s important to follow the correct steps:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit your GP (NHS or private) to get a referral.
- Contact your insurer with your policy number and referral details.
- Receive authorisation for the treatment.
- Book your appointment with an approved consultant or hospital.
- Pay any excess, and your insurer pays the rest.
WeCovr brokers can also guide you through the claims process if you're unsure at any stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I still use the NHS if I have private health insurance?
A: Absolutely. PMI is designed to complement NHS care—not replace it. You can still use NHS services for emergencies and GP appointments and primary GP referred diagnostics (blood tests/x-ray/ultrasound) if you prefer.
Q: Is private health insurance tax-deductible in the UK?
A: For individuals, no. For businesses offering PMI as a staff benefit, yes—it’s often deductible.
Q: Can I get cover with a pre-existing condition?
A: Some providers offer policies that exclude the pre-existing condition, while others may accept it after a moratorium period.
Q: What if I travel abroad a lot?
A: Some insurers offer international PMI or add-ons for overseas treatment.
Q: What’s a health cash plan and how is it different?
A: A health cash plan helps with everyday healthcare costs (like dental or eye care), while PMI covers more serious treatment like surgery, cancer and inpatient care.
Case Studies: Real-Life Scenarios
Case 1: Young Professional in London
Alex, 29, London
Alex wanted quick access to mental health support. With WeCovr’s help, he chose a Vitality plan with virtual GP access and online CBT therapy, all for under £45/month.
Case 2: Family in Bristol
Sarah & Mark, 41 & 43, Bristol
With two children, they wanted family coverage with dental and outpatient services. WeCovr found them a modular Aviva plan tailored to their needs.
Case 3: Semi-Retired in Manchester
David, 61, Manchester
David has seen long delays via NHS. WeCovr helped him find a WPA policy that covered diagnostics and private treatment without the long NHS waiting times.
Glossary of Terms
- Excess: The amount you agree to pay toward a claim.
- Underwriting: The process of assessing health risk.
- Moratorium: A set waiting period before cover applies to pre-existing conditions.
- Inpatient: Treatment requiring overnight hospital stay.
- Outpatient: Consultations, tests or treatments without hospital admission.
- Day-patient: Admitted to hospital for treatment but discharged the same day.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
If avoiding delays, choosing your consultant, and accessing modern healthcare matter to you, then private medical insurance can be a valuable investment.
Whether you're a young professional, growing family or nearing retirement, there’s a policy that can suit your needs and budget.
And remember, working with an independent broker like WeCovr ensures you receive:
- Tailored advice
- Free comparisons from top UK insurers
- Zero cost to you
- Ongoing support before, during, and after you take out a policy
Ready to explore your options? Contact WeCovr today for expert, no-obligation advice.
This guide is for informational purposes only and should not replace personalised insurance advice.