Private health insurance

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What is health insurance?

Health insurance gives you access to private healthcare, which can help you get faster appointments and treatment than through the NHS. You pay a monthly or annual fee and your insurer covers some or all of certain medical costs.

Keep in mind that:

Most policies cover new conditions that start after your policy begins, not pre-existing ones.
Cover and costs can vary, so it’s important to check what’s included before you buy.

Some policies renew automatically, but it’s still worth comparing health insurance before your cover ends. That way, you can check it still meets your needs and budget.

Did you know?

Nearly 44% of adults on an NHS hospital waiting list report their experience as “poor”, according to a September 2026 Office for National Statistics survey.

59% of those surveyed said shorter waiting times could improve their experience.

What types of health insurance plans are available?

Picking the right health insurance starts with thinking about why you want it and who you’d like it to cover.

Plan type	Who it covers	Key benefits
Individual health insurance	Just you	Can give you faster access to medical care and likely more choice of consultant and hospital
Joint health insurance	You and your partner	Usually cheaper than taking out two separate policies
Family health insurance	Your family	Usually cheaper than individual plans for each person
Child health insurance	Your child	Your child could get faster treatment in private hospitals and clinics if they become ill
Self-employed health insurance	Self-employed individuals	You can choose when and where you’re treated, which can be invaluable if you have inflexible working hours

Quick tip

Before you start comparing policies, check if you already have private health insurance through your employer.

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What does private health insurance cover?

What health insurance covers can vary between providers, so you should always check the T&Cs, but here’s an idea of what might be included.

Can be covered

Standard policy:

Inpatient treatment (such as diagnostic tests and surgery)
Outpatient care (for example, follow-up tests and scans)
Physiotherapy

Comprehensive policy - the items in a standard policy, plus:

Outpatient consultations, tests and scans before treatment
Outpatient mental health care
Cancer care
Complementary therapies such as osteopathy and chiropractic treatments
Virtual or in-person appointments with a private GP

Often excluded

Pre-existing conditions
Pregnancy and childbirth
Chronic conditions (for example, asthma and diabetes)
Injuries from high-risk activities
Emergency treatment
Cosmetic surgery

What is moratorium cover?

Moratorium cover (also called moratorium underwriting) is a quicker way to apply. You don’t fill in a medical questionnaire when you apply. Instead, your insurer only checks your medical history if you make a claim.

Five-year look-back - Anything you’ve had symptoms, treatment or advice for in the last five years isn’t covered at first. Some providers set different time frames, so check before taking out a policy.
Two-year rule - If you go two years without symptoms or treatment for that condition, it could then be covered.
The clock can restart - If you need treatment or advice for the condition, the two-year period usually starts again.
New conditions - Anything that starts after your policy begins is covered as normal.

Quick tip

The two-year rule is strict. It usually means no GP or specialist appointments, no medication (including over-the-counter) and no special diet for that condition.

What optional extras can you get with private health insurance?

You may be able to add extra cover to suit your needs and budget, such as:

Dental care
Eye care
Hearing care
Additional physiotherapy
Complementary medicine
Comprehensive mental health cover.

Did you know?

In August 2026, the NHS England waiting list stood at 7.37 million, according to the British Medical Association (BMA). Around 2.56 million of these patients had been waiting over 18 weeks.

Almost 72% of cancer patients were able to access treatment within the 62-day target. That’s below the operational standard of 85%.

How does private health insurance work?

Private health insurance involves paying monthly or annually for cover that can help pay for eligible private medical treatment when you need it.

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Choose a policy

Decide which policy you want: are you looking for individual, joint, or a family policy? How much cover are you looking for?

Choose whether to pay a monthly or annual fee. Paying annually is usually cheaper, as insurers may charge interest on monthly payments.

Agree an excess

The excess is the amount you pay yourself if you make a claim. A higher excess can cut the cost of your premium, but you’ll need to pay more when you claim.

If you’d like to speak to someone about your options, call our expert partner Howden Life & Health on 0808 141 1244.

Make a claim

When you need treatment, you can claim for the cost of private medical care, rather than paying for it yourself or going through the NHS.

Take a £250 excess and £2,000 treatment as an example. You pay the first £250 and your insurance provider pays the other £1,750 (if within any maximum condition payout limit

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Did you know?

Howden Life & Health won ‘Insurance Broker of the Decade’ at the British Insurance Awards in 2024, so you know you’re in good hands.

What affects the cost of private health insurance?

The cost of private health insurance in the UK depends on things like your age and the cover level you choose.

Age

The cost of cover usually increases as you get older because you’re more likely to need treatment

Postcode

Hospitals and private treatment centres tend to be more expensive if you live in London or other major cities

Lifestyle

Smokers usually pay more, while some insurers offer rewards for healthier lifestyles

Cover level

Comprehensive cover is more expensive than a basic plan, while adding optional extras to your cover could also push up the price of your policy

Excess level

Paying a higher excess could bring down the price of your monthly or annual payment

Claims history

If you’ve made claims in the past, this could affect the price you pay when renewing your policy.

How can I get cheaper health insurance?

You may be able to lower your health insurance costs in several ways – just make sure your policy still meets your needs.

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Pay a higher excess

Reduce your outpatient cover

Accept a reduced hospital list

Agree to a ‘six-week option’

Choose the right cover levels

Quit smoking

Look for a no-claims discount on renewal

What to consider when choosing private health insurance

To find the best health insurance for you, it’s always worth comparing policies. Terms and conditions vary, so always check what you’re covered for. Here’s what to keep in mind when comparing health insurance quotes:

Cover level

A comprehensive policy can cover a wider range of treatment, and some come without a cost limit. Cheaper policies tend to set a cap on how much you can claim.

Choice of providers

Some health insurance providers will only pay for treatment from healthcare providers on their approved list.

Perks

Providers may offer incentives, such as discounts on gym memberships.

Exclusions

For example, you could find the policy only covers limited outpatient treatment or doesn’t include it at all.

Cost

Look at the total cost over a year, including the excess, rather than just the monthly price.

Waiting period

Some health insurance companies will cover you instantly, others could make you wait for certain treatments.

3 things to know about your health insurance excess:

• Often, you’ll only have to pay your excess once per year, on your first eligible claim.

• You may be able to choose between a one-off annual excess and a per-claim excess.

• Choosing a higher excess usually lowers the monthly cost of your cover, but you’ll pay more if you need to claim.

How do I know what to prioritise when choosing health cover?

If your priority is…	Focus on…	Why it matters
Faster treatment	Short waiting periods, strong outpatient cover and access to approved hospitals or specialists near you.	These can affect how quickly you’re diagnosed, referred and treated.
Keeping costs down	A higher excess, reduced outpatient cover, a smaller hospital list or fewer optional extras.	These can lower your monthly costs, but may limit where, when or how you’re treated.
More choice and flexibility	Wider hospital lists, consultant choice and comprehensive cover.	You’ll usually pay more, but you may have more control over your care.

What are the benefits of private medical insurance?

Private medical insurance can offer a range of benefits, from specialist treatment to faster access to care.

Reduced waiting times

Meaning faster access to consultants, tests, therapies and treatment. For example, you can sometimes get a private GP appointment on the same day.

Specialist referrals and treatments

Be treated by experts and get an earlier diagnosis or a second opinion. You could also potentially get access to treatments and drugs not available on the NHS.

More control over your care

You can usually choose a specialist and hospital that suits you, subject to it being on the insurer's list of approved healthcare providers.

Private rooms

You may get a private room for a more comfortable stay, often with an en-suite bathroom and TV.

Recovery and aftercare

Get faster access to treatments such as physiotherapy.

24/7 GP support

Some health insurance providers offer 24/7 access to virtual GP appointments.

The potential disadvantages of private healthcare

Cost and cover limits

It can be costly and the price usually goes up as you get older.

Pre-existing medical conditions aren’t usually covered and adding cover for them will push up the price.

If you miss payments, your policy could be cancelled, and you may not get money back. You’ll normally have to pay an excess to access treatment.

What may not be covered

Chronic, long-term or incurable conditions may not be covered, or cover may be limited.

There may be a maximum payout per condition.

There’s also no guarantee you’ll be approved for a particular treatment or drug or that you’ll be able to see a certain specialist.

Access and availability

Some policies have an approved list of hospitals and consultants, which may mean you have to travel for treatment.

Private healthcare doesn’t include emergency care – in an emergency, you’ll still need to go to an NHS hospital.

Other things to consider

Private healthcare isn’t always better than NHS care, and not every treatment will be quicker or available privately.

Some argue that the push towards private healthcare is having a negative effect on NHS staffing levels and resources.

Is private health insurance worth it?

Whether private health insurance is right for you depends on your circumstances. It can offer quicker treatment and more choice over your care compared to the NHS.

But you’ll need to research the right level of cover as private medical insurance can be costly depending on your age and medical history.

Don’t forget that you can get a health insurance quote from us in just 7 minutes².

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What our expert says...

“News of huge NHS waiting lists – around 113,000 people have been waiting over a year for treatment as of August 2026 – has naturally prompted a renewed interest in private health insurance.

“But don't forget that many procedures need to be carried out in fully equipped NHS settings anyway. Health insurance offers far more than just queue-jumping, including valuable benefits that are under-used.

“For example, many policies now offer telephone-based mental health support as standard. It’s a free service that you, and even family members who don't have their own policy, may be able to access as often as necessary.”

Tim Knighton, Life, health and income protection insurance expert

How to get started with private healthcare

See a GP and contact your insurer

It’s a good idea to contact your insurer early on – they’ll explain what’s covered and guide you through the next steps. But generally, the first thing you’ll need to do will be to speak to a GP.

Some policies include access to a private GP who can diagnose issues, make referrals, or give you a prescription as part of your claim.

If you see your NHS GP, tell them you have private cover.

Ask about your options

If the GP recommends further diagnostics or treatment, they should give you a referral which you can show your insurer to arrange the next steps.

Arrange further treatment or tests

Talk to your insurance provider after the appointment.

They can help you understand any policy limits and suggest approved specialists or treatment centres. You may also be able to choose your own – just check they’re covered before booking.

Bear in mind...

You don’t always need a GP referral for private treatment, but some insurers won’t cover you without one, so it’s important to check your policy first.

Health insurance guides and help

Explore how health insurance works, what it can cover and how to choose a policy that suits you

Child health insurance

Learn about the benefits of a private healthcare policy for your child

Policy & cover

International health insurance

Plan healthcare abroad for work, study, family moves or longer stays

Family health insurance

Cover your household with flexible treatment, tests and care options

Self-employed health insurance

Build cover around your work, income and health needs

More health insurance guides

FAQs

Is there an age limit for health insurance?

Yes, there is an age limit for health insurance.

You’ll usually need to be over 18 to take out your own policy, but children can normally be added to a family policy
There can also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, depending on the provider. And even if there isn’t, you’ll typically pay more the older you are.

Do I need private health insurance if I’m covered through work?

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you might not need extra medical cover.

But keep in mind that:

There may be a limit on the cover or it may not cover your whole family
Any insurance you get through work will only cover you for as long as you work there and will end as soon as you leave.

What’s the difference between health insurance and a health cash plan?

A health cash plan – sometimes called NHS top-up cover – helps with routine costs like dental, optical, physio and prescriptions.

Health insurance is for bigger, less predictable costs, covering eligible private diagnosis and treatment for new medical conditions.

Will I need a medical exam to get covered?

If you don’t have any pre-existing conditions, you don’t usually need a medical exam to get cover.

You’ll just need to:

Fill out a medical history form (unless you choose moratorium underwriting)
Choose your level of cover.

Some health plans might offer you a general health assessment if you want one.

What’s the difference between inpatient and outpatient care?

Here are the main differences between inpatient and outpatient care:

Inpatient care is when you need to stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night
Outpatient care is for treatments or tests that don’t involve an overnight stay in hospital – for example, minor diagnostic tests such as an x-ray, or physiotherapy sessions.

What’s the difference between health insurance and critical illness cover?

Private health insurance:

Takes care of your medical treatment if you fall ill.
Is often a policy that you renew each year.

Critical illness cover:

Pays out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy. You can use it however you like, for example to cover lost income if you can’t work.
Is usually bought for the long term.

Will my policy cover me outside of the UK?

Usually not. Most health insurance policies are designed to offer cover in the UK only.

If you need cover abroad for a short trip, choose a travel insurance policy with good medical care to cover you for accidents and emergencies
If you spend a lot of time abroad, think about international health insurance. This might be useful if you work overseas or have a holiday home and spend part of the year there.

Some providers offer private health insurance plans for home and abroad, but you may have to pay more for your cover.

How are health insurance premiums taxed? Are they tax deductible?

If your employer provides health insurance, it’s seen as a ‘benefit in kind’, which means you'll usually pay income tax on the cash equivalent value. Your employer should work out any tax you owe and take it from your pay.

If you buy your own policy, it's not tax-deductible.

If you operate through a limited company, the company can pay for private medical insurance and deduct the cost as an allowable business expense. But this would trigger income tax on the benefit in kind for you as the employee.

What is a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is anything you’ve previously had symptoms of, or medical treatment for, in the five years before your cover starts – though some providers look back further, so double check.

Common conditions include:

Diabetes
Heart disease
Asthma.

What is the difference between full medical and moratorium underwriting?

Full medical underwriting means you fill in a health questionnaire when you apply, and your insurer may contact your doctor. With moratorium cover, your insurer only looks at your medical history if you claim.

Full medical underwriting means you’ll know from the start exactly what is and isn’t covered, while moratorium cover means this might not always be clear until you claim.

Can I switch to another policy without losing my cover?

Yes, you may be able to switch to another health insurance policy without losing cover, but only if you do it on certain terms.

Ask for CPME - Continued Personal Medical Exclusions means your new insurer copies across the exclusions you already have, rather than assessing your medical history from scratch
On a moratorium instead? Ask about continued moratorium (sometimes called switch underwriting). It carries over the trouble-free time you've already built up, so you don't restart the two-year clock
Switch at renewal - It avoids cancellation fees and keeps your cover continuous. Never cancel your old policy until the new one has started.

Insurers may say no if you've claimed in the last five years, you're mid-treatment, or your health has changed. Always get your transferred terms confirmed in writing.

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Reviewed 23 Oct 2026 byTim KnightonLife, health and income protection insurance expert

Tim Knighton is an expert in building and managing relationships with big brands for the benefit of customers, with more than 20 years of experience. He seeks out the right products that look after you and those you love most during the toughest times.

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¹ Based on Trustpilot ratings (October 2026).

² Correct as of September 2026.