Private Health Insurance Guide UK — Costs, Benefits + Is It Worth It?
How private health insurance works in the UK, what it costs, what it covers, and whether it is worth the money alongside the NHS.
·3 min read
With NHS waiting lists at record levels, private health insurance is increasingly popular in the UK. Around 4 million people have individual private medical insurance, with millions more covered through employer schemes. Here is what it offers and whether it makes sense for you.
What Private Health Insurance Covers
Standard Cover
Cover
Detail
Inpatient treatment
Surgery, hospital stays, procedures
Day-case treatment
Procedures not requiring overnight stay
Diagnostic tests
MRI, CT scans, blood tests
Specialist consultations
Referrals to specialists
Cancer treatment
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery
Enhanced Cover (Often Optional)
Cover
Detail
Outpatient treatment
GP referrals, follow-up appointments
Mental health
Therapy, psychiatry (often limited)
Physiotherapy
Sessions with a physiotherapist
Dental
Check-ups, treatment, hygiene
Optical
Eye tests, glasses, contact lenses
Maternity
Pregnancy and birth (usually moratorium)
What Is NOT Covered
Excluded
Detail
GP services
Most policies require NHS GP referral
Emergency treatment
Use A&E/NHS
Pre-existing conditions
Usually excluded (see underwriting)
Cosmetic surgery
Unless medically necessary
Chronic condition management
Long-term conditions (diabetes, arthritis)
Pregnancy (standard plans)
Often excluded or limited
Organ transplants
Usually excluded
Typical Costs
Individual Plans
Age
Basic
Mid-Range
Comprehensive
25–30
£30–£50/month
£50–£80/month
£80–£120/month
30–40
£40–£65/month
£65–£100/month
£100–£150/month
40–50
£55–£90/month
£90–£140/month
£140–£200/month
50–60
£80–£130/month
£130–£200/month
£200–£300/month
60–70
£120–£200/month
£200–£300/month
£300–£450/month
Family Plans
Family Size
Basic
Comprehensive
Couple
£80–£150/month
£200–£350/month
Couple + 1 child
£100–£180/month
£250–£400/month
Couple + 2 children
£120–£200/month
£280–£450/month
Types of Underwriting
Type
How It Works
Pros
Cons
Moratorium
No medical questions; pre-existing conditions from last 5 years excluded
Quick, easy setup
Less comprehensive
Full medical
Detailed health questionnaire; insurer decides what to cover
Clearer about what’s covered
Time-consuming; may exclude more
Continued personal medical exclusions (CPME)
Switching from another insurer; maintains existing cover
Keeps previous cover
Must have existing insurance
NHS vs Private
Feature
NHS
Private
Cost
Free
£30–£300+/month
GP access
Through NHS GP
Usually need NHS GP referral
Waiting times
Can be 18+ weeks for elective treatment
Days to weeks
Choice of consultant
Limited
Full choice
Choice of hospital
Limited
Private hospitals, private NHS rooms
Accommodation
Shared ward
Private room
Emergency care
Excellent (and free)
Use NHS A&E
Continuity of care
Variable
Consistent named consultant
Reducing Costs
Strategy
Saving
Higher excess
£100–£500 excess reduces premiums significantly
Six-week wait option
Only use private if NHS wait exceeds 6 weeks
Guided/guided option
Insurer helps choose consultants (lower cost)
Hospital list
Choose a limited list of hospitals
No outpatient cover
Reduces premium but limits cover
Employer scheme
Often cheaper than individual (group rates)
Pay annually
5–10% discount vs monthly
Is It Worth It?
Consider Private Insurance If:
NHS waiting times concern you for non-emergency treatment
You want choice of specialist and hospital
Your employer offers it as a benefit
You need regular specialist care
You value private rooms and flexible appointment times
Mental health support with faster access
The NHS May Be Sufficient If:
You are generally healthy
Emergency/urgent care is your main concern (NHS excels here)