As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr provides this expert guide to Bupa and AXA Health. Choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK can feel overwhelming, but we're here to give you the clarity you need to make an informed decision.
When it comes to private medical insurance in the UK, two names stand head and shoulders above the rest: Bupa and AXA Health. They are the titans of the industry, covering millions of members and setting the standard for private healthcare. But which one is right for you in 2025?
Making this choice is about more than just price. It's about understanding the nuances of their cover, the flexibility of their options, and the quality of their service when you need it most. With NHS waiting times remaining a significant concern—with the overall waiting list in England still numbering in the millions according to recent NHS data—more people than ever are considering private health cover to gain peace of mind and faster access to treatment.
This in-depth comparison will break down every key aspect of Bupa and AXA Health's offerings, from their core policies and hospital networks to their digital health tools and customer service.
Before we dive into the details, let's get to know the providers.
Bupa Founded in 1947 just before the NHS, Bupa (the British United Provident Association) has a unique structure. It's a company limited by guarantee, meaning it has no shareholders. Any profits are reinvested back into the business to improve services and facilities. This heritage and structure often appeal to those looking for a provider with a singular focus on healthcare. Bupa is a global brand but has deep roots and an extensive network within the UK.
AXA Health Part of the global AXA Group, a world leader in insurance and asset management, AXA Health brings formidable financial backing and a modern, innovative approach to the market. Originally known as PPP (Private Patients Plan), it was acquired by AXA and has since built a reputation for flexible, modular policies and a strong focus on digital health and preventative wellbeing.
Feature | Bupa | AXA Health |
---|---|---|
Founded | 1947 | 1940 (as PPP) |
Structure | Company limited by guarantee (no shareholders) | Part of the global AXA Group (PLC) |
Market Focus | Strong heritage, reinvests profits into healthcare | Global insurance giant, focus on innovation & flexibility |
Known For | Comprehensive cover, extensive own-brand facilities | Modular policies, strong digital health offerings |
Both Bupa and AXA Health build their policies around a core foundation of cover, primarily focused on treatment for acute conditions that arise after you join. It is vital to understand that standard UK private medical insurance does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. We'll explore this critical point in more detail later.
The core cover is designed to handle the most significant medical costs associated with in-patient and day-patient treatment.
Here’s a typical breakdown of what’s included in their standard policies:
Core Benefit | Bupa 'By You' | AXA Health 'Personal Health' |
---|---|---|
In-patient Treatment | Covered in full (for eligible conditions at a partner hospital) | Covered in full (for eligible conditions at a Directory of Hospitals facility) |
Day-patient Treatment | Covered in full | Covered in full |
Cancer Cover | Extensive cover as standard, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical procedures. Some advanced therapies may be optional. | Comprehensive cancer cover as standard, including therapies and support. |
Virtual GP Access | Yes, Digital GP app available 24/7. | Yes, Doctor at Hand service available 24/7. |
Mental Health Support | Access to mental health support lines and resources as standard. | Access to mental health support lines and resources as standard. |
Post-treatment Therapies | Limited cover for therapies like physiotherapy following a related in-patient or day-patient procedure. | Limited cover for therapies like physiotherapy following an eligible in-patient or day-patient procedure. |
What does this mean in practice?
Imagine you develop severe knee pain and your GP suspects a torn meniscus. A standard Bupa or AXA Health policy would typically cover:
The fundamental protection offered by both is very similar. The main differences start to appear when you look at the optional extras and how you can tailor the policy to your needs.
This is where you can truly shape your private health cover to match your priorities and budget. Both providers offer a 'menu' of add-ons.
This is arguably the most important optional extra. While core cover handles your treatment in a hospital bed, out-patient cover pays for the diagnostic stage—the consultations and tests needed to find out what's wrong in the first place.
This extends the cover for services like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment beyond what's included post-surgery. If you lead an active lifestyle or are prone to sports injuries, this is a valuable add-on.
While both offer some mental health support as standard, this optional extra provides comprehensive cover for psychiatric treatment, including consultations with psychiatrists and sessions with psychologists. Given the growing focus on mental wellbeing, this is an increasingly popular choice.
This add-on provides cashback for routine check-ups, treatments, and new glasses or contact lenses. It functions more like a cashback plan than traditional insurance.
Optional Benefit | Bupa Approach | AXA Health Approach | WeCovr's Insight |
---|---|---|---|
Out-patient Cover | Monetary limits (£500, £750, £1000) or comprehensive. | Named options ('Standard', 'Full') or none. | This is the biggest lever for controlling your premium. We can help model the cost differences for you. |
Therapies Cover | Can be added to cover a set number of sessions for physiotherapy, etc. | A distinct optional benefit that can be added or removed. | Crucial for active people. Consider your lifestyle and history of musculoskeletal issues. |
Mental Health | Comprehensive add-on for in-patient and out-patient psychiatric care. | A dedicated mental health pathway that can be added to your plan. | Increasingly vital. Both providers have robust options here. |
Dental & Optical | Available as a cashback add-on for routine care and treatments. | Also available as a cashback benefit. | Can be good value if you are a regular visitor to the dentist and optician. |
Where you can be treated is a fundamental part of your policy and has a major impact on your premium. Both insurers use a tiered hospital list system.
Bupa refers to its networks as 'Essential Access' (the most restricted), 'Extended Choice' (a good national network), and 'Extended Choice with London' (the premium option).
AXA Health has its 'Directory of Hospitals', and you can choose to add the 'London and UK Hospitals' option for more comprehensive access.
Choosing the right list is a balancing act. If you live outside a major city and are happy to be treated locally, a restricted list can save you a significant amount of money. If you want the ultimate flexibility to be treated anywhere, including the top London consultants, you'll need a premium list. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you assess the hospital lists in your specific area to ensure you're not paying for access you don't need.
This is a technical but crucial part of any private medical insurance UK application. It determines how the insurer will treat any medical conditions you've had in the past.
There are two main types for new customers:
Moratorium Underwriting (Mori): This is the most common and simplest option. You don't have to declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes treatment for any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before your policy starts. However, if you then go 2 full years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. It's often described as a "wait and see" approach.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): With this option, you complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer then assesses this information and gives you a definitive list of what is and isn't covered from day one. It provides certainty but can mean certain conditions are permanently excluded.
Which is better?
Both Bupa and AXA Health offer both options, as well as switching options for those who already have a policy elsewhere.
This cannot be overstated. Private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that begin after your policy starts.
Standard PMI policies from Bupa, AXA Health, and all other UK providers will not cover the routine management of chronic conditions or any pre-existing conditions (as defined by your underwriting terms).
This is why PMI is seen as a complement to the NHS, not a replacement. The NHS provides excellent care for chronic condition management and emergencies. PMI provides a way to bypass waiting lists for eligible acute conditions.
In 2025, a PMI policy is about more than just claims. It's about proactive health and wellbeing support. This is a key area where Bupa and AXA Health compete fiercely.
Feature | Bupa | AXA Health |
---|---|---|
Virtual GP Service | Bupa's Digital GP: 24/7 access via an app, offering video consultations and private prescriptions. | Doctor at Hand: A 24/7 service provided by AXA Health, also offering appointments and prescriptions. |
Mental Health App | Access to resources and support through the Bupa Touch app. | Strong focus with dedicated support lines and access to the 'Mind Health' service. |
Health Information | Bupa's 'Healthline' is a 24/7 nurse-staffed phone line for general medical advice. | 'Health at Hand' is AXA's equivalent, a 24/7 phone line staffed by nurses and counsellors. |
Wellness Incentives | Bupa offers member discounts on gym memberships, health screenings, and other lifestyle products. | AXA has a similar range of member offers, including gym discounts and deals with health-related brands. |
WeCovr's Added Value: When you arrange your policy through WeCovr, we provide complimentary access to our own AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero. This tool helps you track your diet and make healthier food choices, complementing the wellness benefits offered by your chosen insurer. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us often receive exclusive discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance.
A policy is only as good as the service you receive when you need to use it. Both Bupa and AXA Health have large, UK-based claims and customer service teams.
Ultimately, customer service can be subjective. Both providers handle millions of claims a year and generally receive positive feedback, though like any large organisation, they are not immune to occasional service issues. High customer satisfaction ratings on independent review sites are a good indicator for both giants.
It's impossible to say definitively which provider is cheaper, as the cost of a policy is highly personalised. Your premium will depend on:
Illustrative Monthly Premiums (2025) The following are for illustration only and are not real quotes.
Profile | Bupa 'By You' (Mid-range cover) | AXA Health 'Personal Health' (Mid-range cover) |
---|---|---|
30-year-old, non-smoker, Bristol | ~£55 | ~£50 |
45-year-old, non-smoker, Manchester | ~£80 | ~£75 |
55-year-old, non-smoker, London | ~£140 | ~£130 |
Generally, AXA Health can sometimes appear slightly more competitive on price for younger individuals, while Bupa's comprehensive cancer cover and integrated network are strong value propositions. However, the only way to know for sure is to get a personalised comparison from a specialist PMI broker.
There is no single "best PMI provider" for everyone. The right choice depends entirely on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose Bupa if:
Choose AXA Health if:
Trying to compare Bupa and AXA Health on your own can be complex. The terminology is confusing, and the impact of different choices (like hospital lists or underwriting) isn't always clear.
This is where WeCovr adds huge value.
Navigating the world of private health cover doesn't have to be a challenge. With the right guidance, you can secure a policy that gives you and your family invaluable peace of mind.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our expert advisors will compare Bupa, AXA Health, and other leading UK insurers to find the perfect policy for your needs and budget.