As a self-employed professional in the UK, your health is your most valuable asset. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker with over 750,000 policies of various types via embedded and direct channels arranged, we specialise in finding the best private medical insurance to protect you from long NHS waits and help you get back to work faster.
When you work for yourself, there is no safety net. There's no statutory sick pay to fall back on, no employer-funded health scheme, and no one to cover your workload if you're unable to work. Every day lost to illness or injury directly impacts your income and your business's continuity.
The reality of the UK healthcare landscape makes this risk even more acute. While we are all incredibly fortunate to have the NHS, the system is under unprecedented strain.
According to the latest NHS England data, the combined waiting list for consultant-led elective care stood at over 7.5 million treatment pathways in early 2025. The median waiting time was approximately 14.8 weeks, but for some specialities and regions, waits can extend for well over a year.
For a freelancer, sole trader, or contractor, a wait of several months for a diagnosis or treatment like a hip replacement or hernia repair isn't just an inconvenience—it's a financial catastrophe. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is the strategic solution that puts you back in control. It's not a replacement for the NHS, which remains essential for emergencies and chronic care, but a powerful complement designed to get you diagnosed and treated quickly.
Private Medical Insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to cover the costs of private healthcare for acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.
Think of it as a fast-track pass through the healthcare system. If you develop a new, treatable medical condition, your PMI policy can cover the costs of specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and private hospital treatment.
The process is straightforward:
This is the most important concept to understand about UK private medical insurance. PMI is designed for short-term, curable conditions.
Condition Type | Description | PMI Coverage | Examples |
---|---|---|---|
Acute | A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. | Yes, this is what PMI is for. | Broken bones, hernias, joint replacement, cataracts, most cancers. |
Chronic | A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, requires ongoing management, or is likely to recur. | No, standard PMI does not cover chronic conditions. | Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, Crohn's disease, arthritis. |
Crucially, PMI also does not cover pre-existing conditions—any illness or injury you had symptoms of or received advice or treatment for before your policy started. We will explore how insurers handle this in the section on underwriting.
For the self-employed, the benefits of private health cover go far beyond comfort and convenience. They are directly linked to financial stability and peace of mind.
Navigating the world of PMI can feel complex, as policies are highly customisable. Understanding the core components allows you to build a plan that suits your needs and budget. As an expert PMI broker, WeCovr helps clients tailor their policies perfectly.
Most insurers structure their plans in tiers.
Insurers use tiered hospital lists to manage costs. The list you choose directly impacts your premium.
Hospital List Tier | Description | Best For |
---|---|---|
Local / Regional | Includes a selection of private hospitals within a specific geographic area. Excludes premium-priced hospitals, especially in Central London. | Those on a tighter budget who are happy with excellent local facilities. |
National | Provides access to a wide range of private hospitals across the UK, excluding only the most expensive Central London clinics. | The majority of people, offering a great balance of choice and cost. |
Premium / London | The most comprehensive list, including top-tier private hospitals in Central London like The London Clinic or The Cromwell Hospital. | Those who want unrestricted access to any hospital in the UK, including the most prestigious. |
An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and receive treatment costing £4,000, you pay the first £250, and the insurer pays the remaining £3,750.
The relationship is simple: Higher Excess = Lower Premium. Choosing a modest excess of £250 or £500 is a popular way to make cover more affordable without exposing yourself to a huge upfront cost.
As mentioned, this covers the costs of medical care that does not require a hospital bed.
Cancer cover is a standard and vital component of all UK PMI policies. It is often described as one of the most valuable aspects of private health cover. Insurers provide extraordinary support, from covering the cost of treatment to providing dedicated nursing support.
Key features often include:
Always check the policy details, as some insurers may place time or financial limits on certain aspects of care.
This is how an insurer decides which conditions to cover and which to exclude based on your medical history. There are two main types for individuals.
Underwriting Type | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Moratorium (Mori) | You do not declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms of, or received treatment for, in the last 5 years. This exclusion can be lifted if you remain symptom, treatment, and advice-free for that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts. | Quicker and less intrusive to set up. You don't need to dig out old medical records. | There can be uncertainty at the point of claim, as the insurer will investigate your history then. May cause delays. |
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) | You complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply, declaring your full medical history. The insurer then reviews this and states explicitly what is and is not covered from the outset. These exclusions are typically permanent. | Provides complete certainty from day one. You know exactly what is covered before you need to claim. | The application process is longer and more detailed. Exclusions are usually permanent and won't be reviewed. |
A specialist PMI broker can provide invaluable guidance on which underwriting option is most suitable for your personal circumstances.
The UK PMI market is mature and competitive, with several excellent providers. While we work with a wide panel of insurers to find the best fit, here are some of the main players known for their quality service.
Provider | Key Strength / Feature | Best For |
---|---|---|
Aviva | Often praised for their comprehensive cancer cover and strong digital tools ('Aviva DigiCare+'). Known for clear policy wording. | Those seeking robust, straightforward cover with excellent digital health support. |
AXA Health | A global leader with a huge network of hospitals. Offers extensive mental health pathways and a strong focus on clinical expertise. | Individuals who value a vast choice of specialists and comprehensive mental health options. |
Bupa | One of the most recognised names in UK health insurance. Offers direct access services for certain conditions (e.g., cancer, mental health) without needing a GP referral. | Customers looking for a trusted brand with innovative, direct access pathways to care. |
Vitality | Unique in its focus on wellness and prevention. Rewards members with discounts and perks for staying active (e.g., Apple Watch, cinema tickets). | Self-employed professionals motivated by rewards and proactive health management. |
Note: This is a general overview. The "best" provider is always the one whose policy best matches your specific needs and budget.
The cost of PMI is highly personal. It is influenced by a range of factors:
The table below provides an estimated monthly cost for a non-smoker living outside of London, with a £250 excess.
Age | Basic Cover (Core Inpatient) | Mid-Range Cover (£1,000 Outpatient) | Comprehensive Cover |
---|---|---|---|
30 | £35 - £50 | £55 - £75 | £90 - £120 |
40 | £45 - £65 | £70 - £95 | £110 - £150 |
50 | £65 - £90 | £100 - £140 | £160 - £220 |
Disclaimer: These are illustrative estimates only. Your actual quote will depend on your individual circumstances and the specific insurer and policy chosen. For an accurate price, it is essential to get a personalised quote.
You could go directly to an insurer, but you would only see one set of prices and one type of policy. As a self-employed professional, your time is money. Using a specialist broker like WeCovr saves you both.
This is a frequent and important question. For a sole trader or a member of a partnership, private medical insurance is typically considered a personal expense, not a business expense. Therefore, you cannot deduct the cost of your PMI premiums from your taxable profits.
The rules can be different for directors of a limited company, where the company can pay for the insurance as a business expense. However, it is then usually treated as a P11D benefit-in-kind, meaning the director will pay income tax on the value of the premium.
Disclaimer: WeCovr provides insurance advice and is not an accountancy firm. You should always seek guidance from a qualified accountant regarding tax matters.
No, standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed for new, acute medical conditions that arise after your policy begins. It explicitly excludes pre-existing conditions, which are any ailments for which you have experienced symptoms, or received medication, advice, or treatment for in the years prior to taking out cover (typically the last 5 years). It also does not cover long-term chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma.
While you may be less likely to claim, PMI can be most valuable when you are young and healthy for two key reasons. Firstly, premiums are at their lowest, allowing you to lock in comprehensive cover affordably. Secondly, illnesses and injuries, such as from sports or accidents, can happen at any age. Having PMI ensures that an unexpected condition doesn't derail your career and income at a crucial stage.
Yes, absolutely. All major insurers allow you to add your partner and/or children to your policy. While this will increase the premium, insurers often provide discounts for family or couples' policies compared to purchasing individual plans separately. It's an excellent way to ensure your entire family has access to fast, high-quality medical care.
Using a broker like WeCovr does not make your premium more expensive. In fact, it can often save you money. Our service is free to you, as we are paid a commission by the insurer you choose. Because we have access to the whole market and special arrangements with insurers, we can find the most competitive price for the level of cover you need. You get expert, impartial advice and market comparison for the same price or less than going direct.
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