WeCovr reviews Freedom's policies and compares them with bigger names
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped over 750,000 people find cover, WeCovr provides expert analysis of the UK private medical insurance market. This review dissects Freedom Health Insurance, a specialist provider, helping you decide if its flexible approach is the right fit for your health and budget in 2025.
Private health cover is a significant decision. With NHS waiting lists remaining a concern for many, an increasing number of people are looking for alternatives. In England alone, the waiting list for routine hospital treatment stood at around 7.54 million cases in early 2025, according to NHS England data. This has fuelled interest in providers both large and small.
Freedom Health Insurance offers a different flavour compared to household names like Bupa or AXA. But does different mean better? We’ll explore their policies, pricing, and how they stack up against the competition to give you a clear, unbiased view.
Who is Freedom Health Insurance?
Freedom Health Insurance is a UK-based specialist provider of private medical insurance (PMI). Founded in 2003, they aim to offer a more flexible and straightforward alternative to the larger, more established insurers.
They are not trying to be a one-size-fits-all provider. Instead, Freedom focuses on giving customers more control over their policy, allowing them to tailor cover to their specific needs and budget. This often appeals to individuals, families, and small businesses who find the complex policy structures of bigger insurers daunting.
Key characteristics of Freedom Health Insurance:
- UK-Focused: They concentrate solely on the UK market.
- Flexibility: Their policies are known for their modular design, letting you add or remove options.
- Simplicity: They strive for clear language and transparent policy documents.
- Underwriting Options: They offer a range of underwriting methods, which can be particularly useful for those with a complex medical history.
Freedom Health Insurance is fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing the same level of consumer protection you would expect from any major UK insurer.
First, What Exactly is Private Medical Insurance?
Before we dive into Freedom's specific policies, let's quickly recap what private medical insurance (PMI) is and what it does. Think of it as a way to bypass NHS waiting lists for specific types of medical care.
PMI is designed to cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for hernias.
Crucially, private medical insurance in the UK does NOT cover:
- Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury you had before taking out the policy.
- Chronic conditions: Long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes things like diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.
- Emergency services: If you have a heart attack or are in a serious accident, you will still be taken to an NHS A&E department.
- Normal pregnancy and childbirth.
- Cosmetic surgery (unless medically necessary).
The primary benefit of PMI is speed of access. It allows you to be diagnosed and treated in a private hospital at a time that suits you, often in a private room with more amenities.
A Deep Dive into Freedom Health Insurance Policies
Freedom offers two core products, each designed for a different type of customer. This simplicity is one of their main selling points.
- Freedom Elite: Their comprehensive, top-tier policy.
- Freedom Essentials: A budget-friendly, essential cover policy.
Let's break them down.
1. Freedom Elite Insurance
This is Freedom’s flagship product. It's a comprehensive policy that provides extensive cover for diagnosis, surgery, and treatment. It's built around a core module with several optional add-ons, allowing for significant customisation.
Core Cover on Freedom Elite includes:
- In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: Full cover for hospital fees, specialist fees, and diagnostic tests when you are admitted to a hospital.
- Cancer Cover: Comprehensive cancer cover is included as standard, covering diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
- MRI, CT, and PET Scans: These advanced diagnostic scans are covered on specialist referral.
- Private Ambulance: Cover for medically necessary private ambulance transport.
- NHS Cash Benefit: If you choose to have treatment on the NHS instead of privately, you receive a cash payment for each night spent in an NHS hospital.
Optional Add-ons for Freedom Elite:
- Out-patient Cover: This is a crucial add-on. Without it, you are not covered for specialist consultations or diagnostic tests that don't require a hospital stay. You can choose from different levels of cover, from £500 up to unlimited.
- Alternative Therapies: Provides cover for treatments like osteopathy, chiropractic, and physiotherapy.
- Mental Health Cover: Covers consultations with psychiatrists and psychologists.
- Dental, Optical, and Hearing: A benefit that helps with routine check-ups, glasses, and hearing aids.
This modular approach means you can build a policy that fits you perfectly. For example, a young, fit individual might skip the extensive out-patient cover to save money, whereas someone else might see it as essential.
2. Freedom Essentials Insurance
As the name suggests, this is a more basic policy. It’s designed for those who want peace of mind against the cost of major medical procedures without paying for all the bells and whistles. It’s a low-cost entry into the world of private health cover.
What Freedom Essentials Covers:
- In-patient and Day-patient Surgery: Covers the costs of surgery when admitted to hospital.
- Specialist Consultations and Anaesthetist's Fees related to that surgery.
- Hospital Accommodation Costs.
What's NOT included in Freedom Essentials:
- Initial Diagnosis: You would typically need to get your diagnosis through the NHS. The policy only kicks in once a specialist has recommended surgery.
- Out-patient Treatment: No cover for consultations or tests before being admitted for surgery.
- Cancer Treatment (Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy): While it covers surgery to remove a tumour, it does not cover the ongoing drug or radiation therapy. This is a major difference from the Elite policy.
Freedom Essentials is a good option if your main worry is a long wait for a specific operation, like a hip replacement, and you are happy to use the NHS for everything else.
Policy Comparison: Freedom Elite vs. Freedom Essentials
Feature | Freedom Elite | Freedom Essentials |
---|
Main Purpose | Comprehensive cover | Essential surgical cover |
In-patient & Day-patient | ✅ Full Cover | ✅ Cover for surgery only |
Out-patient Cover | ➕ Optional Add-on | ❌ Not available |
Comprehensive Cancer Cover | ✅ Included as standard | ❌ Not included |
MRI / CT / PET Scans | ✅ Included for diagnostics | ❌ Not included |
Mental Health Cover | ➕ Optional Add-on | ❌ Not available |
Ideal For | Those wanting full peace of mind | Those on a budget, concerned about surgical waiting lists |
How Does Freedom Compare to the 'Big Four' PMI Providers?
This is the key question for many people. How does a smaller, specialist insurer like Freedom measure up against the giants: Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality?
The main difference isn't necessarily in the quality of care—all providers give you access to the same private hospitals and specialists. The difference lies in the policy structure, price, customer service, and extra benefits.
Here’s a high-level comparison:
Provider | Target Audience & Style | Key Differentiator | Typical Monthly Cost (35-yr-old) |
---|
Freedom | Individuals/families wanting flexibility and clear pricing. No-frills approach. | Highly customisable policies. Simple product range. | £40 - £70 |
Bupa | Broad appeal, strong brand recognition. Often seen as the 'gold standard'. | Extensive hospital network, trusted brand, direct cancer care pathways. | £55 - £90 |
AXA Health | Individuals and corporate clients. Focus on practitioner access and support. | Strong mental health support, Doctor@Hand virtual GP service. | £50 - £85 |
Aviva | Wide UK market, often bundled with other insurance. Strong value proposition. | 'Expert Select' hospital pathway, good value comprehensive cover. | £45 - £80 |
Vitality | Health-conscious individuals and families who want to be rewarded for staying active. | Unique wellness programme rewarding healthy living with discounts and perks. | £40 - £75 (+/- based on activity) |
Note: Costs are illustrative examples for a healthy 35-year-old non-smoker with mid-range cover and a £250 excess. Actual quotes will vary significantly.
Advantages of a Smaller Insurer like Freedom
- Potentially Simpler Process: With fewer policy tiers and legacy systems, the customer journey can feel more personal and straightforward.
- Flexibility: You're not forced into a package that includes benefits you don't need. You can build from the ground up.
- Niche Underwriting: They can sometimes be more flexible with underwriting for specific circumstances.
Disadvantages of a Smaller Insurer
- Brand Recognition: They don't have the same brand power as Bupa or AXA, which can matter to some.
- Fewer 'Freebies': Larger insurers often bundle in extensive wellness apps, gym discounts, and other perks that smaller insurers can't match. Vitality is the prime example of this.
- Hospital Network: While Freedom’s hospital list is extensive, the larger providers may have slightly broader or more exclusive arrangements with certain hospital groups.
Working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr is invaluable here. We can quickly compare the granular details of a Freedom policy against a comparable one from Aviva or AXA, ensuring you get the best value and the right cover for your specific needs, at no extra cost to you.
How Much Does Freedom Health Insurance Cost in 2025?
The cost of private medical insurance is highly personal. It's influenced by several key factors:
- Age: The older you are, the higher the premium.
- Location: Treatment costs more in certain areas, particularly Central London, so premiums are higher.
- Cover Level: A comprehensive Freedom Elite policy will cost more than a Freedom Essentials policy.
- Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will lower your monthly premium.
- Hospital List: Choosing a more limited hospital list that excludes the most expensive facilities will reduce your cost.
- Underwriting: The type of underwriting you choose can affect the price.
- No Claims Discount (NCD): Freedom offers a significant NCD (up to 75%) for those who don't claim, which can dramatically reduce premiums over time.
Illustrative Monthly Premiums for Freedom Health Insurance
Here are some example costs for a Freedom Elite policy with £1,000 out-patient cover and a £250 excess. These are for illustrative purposes only.
Age | Location: Manchester | Location: London |
---|
30-year-old | £45 | £60 |
45-year-old | £65 | £85 |
60-year-old | £110 | £145 |
A Freedom Essentials policy for the same individuals could be 40-60% cheaper, as it provides much more limited cover.
Real-Life Scenarios: How Freedom PMI Could Work for You
Let's imagine two scenarios to see how these policies play out in the real world.
Scenario 1: Mark, the Freelance Designer
- Person: Mark is a 38-year-old freelance graphic designer in Bristol. He's active but develops persistent knee pain.
- Problem: His NHS GP refers him to a specialist, but the waiting list for an MRI and consultation is 5 months, followed by a potential 12-month wait for surgery. This impacts his ability to work and cycle.
- His Policy: Mark has a Freedom Elite policy with £1,000 out-patient cover.
- The Outcome:
- He calls Freedom and gets authorisation to see a private specialist.
- He has an appointment and an MRI scan within two weeks.
- The specialist diagnoses a torn meniscus requiring keyhole surgery.
- The surgery is scheduled for three weeks later at a private hospital near his home.
- Freedom covers the full cost of the consultation, scan, and surgery, minus his £250 excess. Mark is back on his feet and able to work with minimal disruption.
Scenario 2: Susan, the Cautious Retiree
- Person: Susan is a 67-year-old retiree in Leeds. She's on a fixed income but worries about long waits for major operations.
- Problem: She doesn't want to pay for a comprehensive policy but wants a safety net for serious procedures.
- Her Policy: Susan chooses a Freedom Essentials policy.
- The Outcome:
- A few years later, her GP diagnoses a severe hip issue requiring a full hip replacement. The NHS waiting list is 18 months.
- Once the NHS specialist confirms surgery is needed, she contacts Freedom.
- Freedom authorises the procedure. She chooses a private hospital from their list.
- Her surgery is done within six weeks. The policy covers the surgeon's fees and the hospital stay.
- Susan used the NHS for her initial diagnosis and consultations, saving her money on her premium, but used her private cover to skip the long surgical wait list.
The WeCovr Verdict: Is Freedom Health Insurance a Good Choice?
Freedom Health Insurance occupies a valuable space in the UK private medical insurance market. It's a solid choice for a specific type of customer.
Pros of Freedom Health Insurance:
- Excellent Flexibility: The ability to build your own policy with the Elite plan is a major advantage.
- Transparent and Simple: With just two core products, it's easier to understand what you are (and are not) buying compared to some rivals.
- Cost-Effective Options: The Essentials policy provides a genuinely affordable safety net for surgical procedures.
- Strong No Claims Discount: The potential for a 75% NCD is a powerful incentive for staying healthy and can lead to very competitive long-term pricing.
Cons of Freedom Health Insurance:
- No Integrated Wellness Programme: Unlike Vitality or Aviva, there are no rewards for being healthy, gym discounts, or integrated wellness apps.
- Essentials Policy is Very Basic: It's crucial that buyers understand the limitations of the Essentials plan, particularly the lack of cancer therapy cover and outpatient diagnostics.
- Smaller Brand: They lack the huge marketing budgets and brand presence of the big four, which might be a factor for some.
Freedom Health Insurance is likely a great fit for you if:
- You want control and flexibility over your cover.
- You prefer a simple, no-nonsense approach to insurance.
- You are on a budget but want a safety net against long surgical waits (Freedom Essentials).
- You want comprehensive cover but don't need the extra wellness perks offered by other providers (Freedom Elite).
Health and Wellness Corner: Small Steps, Big Impact
While insurance is a fantastic safety net, the best strategy is always to stay as healthy as possible. This not only improves your quality of life but can also help keep your insurance premiums down over the long term.
- Diet: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables can reduce the risk of many chronic conditions. Small changes, like swapping sugary snacks for fruit or nuts, can make a big difference. Using an app to track your intake, like the CalorieHero AI app that WeCovr provides complimentary access to, can help you understand your eating habits better.
- Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a range of health issues, from a weakened immune system to an increased risk of heart disease. Establish a regular sleep routine and make your bedroom a screen-free zone.
- Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week. It helps manage weight, improves mental health, and strengthens your heart.
Why Use a Broker Like WeCovr?
Choosing a private medical insurance policy can feel overwhelming. The terms are complex, and the differences between providers are often hidden in the small print. This is where an independent broker shines.
At WeCovr, our service is completely free to you. We are paid by the insurer, but our duty is to you, the customer. We are experts in the UK private health cover market and can:
- Explain Your Options: We'll break down the jargon and explain what moratorium underwriting, six-week options, and hospital lists actually mean for you.
- Compare the Whole Market: We'll get quotes from Freedom, Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, and other specialist insurers to find the policy that offers the best value for your needs.
- Tailor Your Policy: We help you decide on the right level of out-patient cover, excess, and optional add-ons so you're not paying for things you don't need.
- Save You Money: Not only do we find the best price, but if you purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us, you can also get discounts on other types of cover you might need, like home or travel insurance.
- Support You at Claim Time: If you need to make a claim, we can help guide you through the process.
Our clients consistently rate our service highly because we provide clear, unbiased advice that puts their needs first.
Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before your policy start date. PMI is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you join.
What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting?
These are two ways insurers deal with pre-existing conditions. With **Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)**, you declare your entire medical history on an application form. The insurer then tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from day one. With **Moratorium (MORI)** underwriting, you don't have to disclose your medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer will automatically exclude any condition you've had in the last 5 years. This exclusion may be lifted if you go a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition.
Can I add my family to my Freedom Health Insurance policy?
Yes, Freedom Health Insurance allows you to add your partner and dependent children to your policy, creating a family plan. This is often more convenient and can sometimes be more cost-effective than taking out individual policies for each family member.
How does the No Claims Discount (NCD) work with Freedom?
Freedom Health Insurance offers a No Claims Discount to reward you for not making a claim on your policy. For each year you don't claim, you move up a level on their NCD scale, receiving a larger discount on your renewal premium, up to a maximum of 75%. If you do make a claim, your NCD level will be reduced at your next renewal, which will increase your premium.
Ready to find out if Freedom Health Insurance is the right choice for you? Let our experts do the hard work.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and compare the best private medical insurance providers in the UK.