Best Private Health Insurance

Our top 5 private health insurers in the UK

At myTribe, we regularly review the UK's leading providers and plans. Below are our top picks for 2026 based on policy benefits, independent customer reviews and industry awards.

1. Bupa

myTribe rating: 5.0

Bupa and its Bupa By You Comprehensive is our top-rated private health insurance policy for 2026, scoring 91.4% across our six assessment categories. Bupa offers an exceptional product with unique benefits, excellent customer reviews, and is accessible to people of all ages, being one of only a few insurers to accept new members after their 80th birthday.

Our expert view

What sets Bupa apart is a combination of benefits you won't find elsewhere: it's the only insurer to commit that it won't treat mental health as a chronic condition, meaning cover continues year after year regardless of how long treatment is needed. Free face-to-face private GP appointments for all members, Bupa Direct Access for cancer, mental health and musculoskeletal concerns, and a dental allowance round out what we believe is the strongest overall package on the market.

HIGHEST RATED

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Pros

Go direct to Bupa for cancer, mental health and musculoskeletal concerns
The only insurer that commits to covering recurring mental health conditions
Free face-to-face private GP appointments and dental care for all members
Per-member no claims discount with a £300 claims threshold³
No upper age limits & 10% family discount

Cons

Consultations, diagnostics, therapies and complementary medicine share one outpatient allowance, so a course of treatment could reduce what's available for later care in the same policy year

2. WPA

myTribe rating: 5.0

WPA and its Complete Health plan scored 89.7% in our 2026 private health insurance reviews, finishing first or joint first in four of six assessment categories. We believe it's an outstanding product, combining unrivalled flexibility with market-leading customer reviews.

Our expert view

What sets WPA apart is the level of control it gives you over your cover. Complete Health is built around a core inpatient policy with six independently configurable Optional Extras, each available at multiple levels¹. Outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, therapy, and mental health each draw from their own pot, so using one benefit doesn't reduce what's available for another. New Fast Track pathways for cancer, skin lesions and physiotherapy now let you bypass your GP for quicker treatment access¹, closing what was previously a gap with Bupa.

Flexible and Highly Rated

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Pros

Separate allowances for consultations, diagnostics, therapy and mental health
Access to 1,000+ hospitals with no guided consultant restriction
Fast Track pathways for cancer, skin and physiotherapy
Self-refer for counselling and complementary therapies
Highest Trustpilot rating of all ten providers reviewed

Cons

Harder to join after 66, with broader disclosure requirements
Flexibility adds complexity to policy documents

1. Six sessions per year following assessment.

WPA has the highest Trustpilot rating of the ten health insurers we assessed: 4.7/5 from approximately 5,000 reviews (checked 16th February 2026), rated Excellent. These reviews primarily cover health insurance and many are post-claim, not post-sale. The review volume is lower than larger insurers, but the rating itself is the strongest in our analysis.

Click here to read our in-depth review of WPA health insurance.

3. The Exeter

myTribe rating: 5.0

The Exeter and its Health+ plan scored 86.2% in our 2026 private health insurance reviews, finishing in the top three in four of six assessment categories. We believe it's one of the best policies available, combining strong core cover with what we consider the most protective no claims discount structure in the market.

Our expert view

What stands out most is The Exeter's approach to long-term affordability. Its 15-level NCD scale offers up to 75% discount, each member gets their own, and you'd need to claim over £2,000 in a single year to drop the maximum three levels. The Exeter also excels on underwriting transparency, publishing a "Do Not Disclose" guide for switchers that clearly explains what you don't need to share. The HealthWise app rounds out the package with unlimited GP consultations, physiotherapy, mental health support and an annual Health MOT blood test.

Clear and Fair

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The Exeter has a Trustpilot score of 4.1 out of 5 from 1,292 reviews (checked 16th February 2026). While it's a solid score, review volumes are lower than larger insurers, with just 264 reviews in the past 12 months⁶. Keep in mind that The Exeter's Trustpilot rating also includes feedback from life and income protection customers, not just health insurance members.

Click here to read our in-depth review of The Exeter health insurance.

4. Vitality

myTribe rating: 5.0

Vitality and its Personal Healthcare plan scored 82.2% in our 2026 private health insurance reviews. Its unique "Shared Value" model doesn't merely provide health insurance but actively rewards members who look after themselves, making it a genuinely distinctive option for active individuals and couples.

Our expert view

Vitality operates entirely differently from other UK health insurers. Your renewal premiums are shaped by your Vitality Status alongside claims activity, rewarding engagement through partner perks like gym memberships and an Apple Watch. All plans include self-referred physiotherapy and talking therapies without a GP referral, and uniquely, after three months on the policy, Vitality waives the pre-existing condition exclusion for its included talking therapies. The Vitality GP can also authorise onward treatment during the video call, removing a step that most other insurers require.

For the health conscious

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Pros

Vitality Programme rewards healthier living with renewal discounts and partner perks
Self-referred physio and talking therapies included as standard
Vitality GP can authorise treatment during the consultation
Cover for specific weight-loss surgeries
Up to £100/year towards prescriptions and minor tests

Cons

There isn't a no claims discount, so there is less protection from renewal price rises.
Shared claims thresholds mean a child's claims could affect adult premiums
Recurring mental health conditions may be classified as chronic and excluded

Vitality has a Trustpilot score of 4.5/5 from 61,544 reviews (checked 16th February 2026), rated Excellent. In the past 12 months alone, 12,115 reviews were submitted, the second-highest volume of any insurer we assessed. These reviews cover more products than just health insurance, but reflect broad satisfaction across its membership.

Click here to read our in-depth review of Vitality health insurance.

5. Aviva

myTribe rating: 4.5

Aviva and its Healthier Solutions plan scored 79.8% in our 2026 private health insurance reviews, climbing from eighth to fifth place. Aviva offers the most ways to reduce your premiums of any insurer we assessed, alongside no upper joining age and unlimited outpatient cover as standard.

Our expert view

What makes Aviva stand out is the sheer range of tools available to manage what you pay. A potential 15% first-year discount via My Healthy Discount, seven excess levels, a 6-week NHS wait option, and the MyHealthCounts programme that can reward healthy habits at renewal all combine to give members more control over their premiums than any other insurer we reviewed. Aviva is also one of only three insurers to accept new members at any age, and the only provider to include unlimited outpatient cover as standard¹.

Comprehensive cover

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Pros

Most extensive range of premium reduction tools
Unlimited outpatient cover included as standard
No maximum joining age
Per-member NCD so children's claims don't affect adult premiums
Only charges for the eldest child under 20

Cons

Claims over £250 drop your NCD three levels regardless of size
Three claims for the same mental health condition triggers chronic exclusion
Reducing outpatient cover also reduces some inpatient benefits
Very few health insurance-specific customer reviews

Aviva has a Trustpilot score of 4.3/5 from 56,268 reviews (checked 16th February 2026). However, these reviews cover Aviva's entire range of products and services. From our assessment, only 109 reviews in the past 12 months could be confirmed as relating to health insurance, which is too few to draw meaningful conclusions about service levels.

Click here to read our in-depth review of Aviva Health Insurance.

How can I get a health insurance quote?

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Core cover*

In-patient and day-patient treatment – when you're admitted to hospital for a day or overnight.
Cancer treatment – most insurers offer extensive cancer care once you are diagnosed with cancer.
Private room in hospital – enjoy some privacy while you're in hospital and a more relaxed environment.
NHS Cash Benefit – get a cash benefit when you stay overnight in an NHS hospital.
Virtual GP service – 24/7 access to a private GP, on the phone or via video call.
Out-patient surgery - cover for minor surgery where you’re not admitted to hospital.

Optional Add-ons

Out-patient diagnosis – for out-patient consultations, tests and diagnostic tests.
Diagnostic scans – X-rays, MRIs, CTs and other pre-diagnosis tests.
Mental health cover – psychiatry and psychology services.
Routine dental and optical cover – cash benefit designed to help towards the cost of regular
Alternative therapies – acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractors, homoeopaths or podiatrists.
Travel cover – cover when you're overseas..

Please note: Precise cover levels will vary between health insurance providers and policies. Comprehensive health insurance often includes an element of out-patient cover.

What does private medical insurance exclude?

What’s specifically excluded will vary between providers and policies, but generally speaking, you can expect the following not to be covered:

Pre-existing conditions - medical conditions you’ve suffered from or sought treatment for in the past five years.
Chronic medical conditions - conditions like asthma, diabetes and dementia are excluded.
Cosmetic surgery - although some insurers will pay for restorative, cosmetic surgery after a major operation.
A&E treatment - you’ll still need the NHS for accidents and emergency treatment.
Learning difficulties - ADHD, autism and other learning difficulties are excluded.

This isn't an exhaustive list; please refer to your health insurance policy documentation for more details.

5 Tips when buying health insurance

There's a lot to think about when choosing private health insurance. Here are 6 tips worth considering before getting a new policy.

An experienced health insurance broker can help you find a policy tailored to your budget and requirements.

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1. Understand how are medical insurance premiums are calculated

Insurance is fundamentally about risk and how likely it is that you’ll make a claim. The probability of you making a claim is then reflected in your premium (the higher the chances, the higher your premium is likely to be).

To calculate the risk, insurers will consider multiple factors, including:

Your age: Health insurance premiums increase as we age because we become more vulnerable to illness and injury.
Location: Private medical care costs can vary based regions, for example costs in London are higher.
Smoking, vaping and nicotine replacement: Smoking or using nicotine replacement products such as vapes can increase your premium, and most insurers will ask you if you use any sort of nicotine-based product before you take out a policy.
Medical history: If you’ve suffered from various illnesses in the past or are prone to injury, it could affect your premium, and you could pay more. It may even be excluded from your policy depending on how recent your illness was or how severe your condition is. In other words, your insurer won’t cover you for that specific ailment.

Choice of policy: Health insurance plans vary depending on the provider but in most cases, you’ll be able to choose from different levels of cover, for example, from a basic, mid-tier or comprehensive policy. These varying plans typically determine the type of treatment you can access. Some insurers will also let you add extra features for a fee (such as alternative or complementary treatments).

2. Tailor the policy to your needs

When you start researching before buying health insurance, you'll find differences in how each insurance company tailors its plans. You may discover structured packages with different levels of coverage. These can be ideal if you want a good comprehensive policy that covers all the bases and don't have any particular health concerns in mind. However, it also runs the risk of paying for something you don't use.

You may want to ensure that diagnostic tests and scans are covered and that you have the best health insurance plan for cancer treatment. At the same time, you might not be interested in alternative therapies. Flexible private medical insurance lets you handpick and tailor each element to suit your priorities and fit your budget.

3. Higher excess can help save one in the short term, but making a claim could be costly

The excess on your health insurance is the amount you'll contribute towards your care before your insurance policy covers the rest. Increasing the excess will reduce your premiums. You'll pay the excess every time you claim, so it's vital to ensure it's affordable. A higher excess can mean you only use your health insurance for more serious illnesses while using the NHS for minor ailments or injuries.

4. What would you like cover for?

Private health insurance plans offer different types of coverage depending on your chosen policy. Every health insurance plan has core coverage, and you can also add optional extras. Some insurance companies offer various policy levels with a package of coverage options.

Find out more about the different types of health insurance coverage you can expect to see on a basic health insurance plan and optional extras that you can add as needed.

5. Understand exclusions and restrictions so you know what you are covered for

Every health plan has exclusions; some are standard clauses that apply to every policyholder, while others depend on your medical history. Understanding exclusions can help you make an informed choice about the right health insurance plan.

Learn more about the most common health insurance exclusions.

Frequently asked questions

How can I buy health insurance?

There are a couple of ways you can buy health insurance in the UK. Firstly, you could research all of the providers and policies and then contact them directly for quotes. The second way, which we and many others do, is to speak to a health insurance broker who can perform a market review for you and help you select the best policy for the best price. Brokers are paid by the insurers, so the service they provide to you is free, and you’ll get the same price going through one as you would going direct.

Who are the primary providers of private medical services in the UK?

There are a number of excellent private hospitals groups in the UK, which of those you can access under your health insurance will vary, however. In short, these are the main providers:

Nuffield Health - One of the best known Private Healthcare providers in the UK, Nuffield Health is a not-for-profit charity, which invests its income back into improving the nation's health. They currently have 31 hospitals and over 100 fitness and wellbeing clubs across the UK. They work with the NHS, private medical insurers, employers and the public to provide private health and wellbeing services.
Spire Healthcare - Spire Healthcare has 39 private hospitals across the UK and provides a large range of treatments, from cancer and cardiac care, through to diagnostic scans, tests and investigations. An award-winning provider, Spire Healthcare are committed to providing high-quality care to the UK.
BMI Healthcare - BMI Healthcare started in 1970 and today has 54 private hospitals and clinics throughout the UK. Offering over 500 different medical treatments, they have centres of excellence for cancer, spinal, orthopaedic, neuro and cardiac care.
HCA - HCA operates six world-class private hospitals across London and the Christie Private Care Hospital in Manchester. Due to location and their first-class facilities, healthcare at these hospitals tend to cost more than with some of the other providers mentioned and often isn’t covered by health insurers’ standard hospital lists.
Ramsay Healthcare - Ramsay Healthcare has a network of 33 private hospitals in England and Wales, which provide a comprehensive range of clinical services to over 200,000 people per annum and employ over 5,000 people.

‍Best Private Health Insurance 2026

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Our top 5 private health insurers in the UK

1. Bupa

Our expert view

Pros and cons of Bupa health insurance

Pros and cons of Bupa health insurance

Bupa customer reviews

Bupa customer reviews

2. WPA

Our expert view

Pros and cons of WPA health insurance

Pros and cons of WPA health insurance

WPA customer reviews

WPA customer reviews

3. The Exeter

Our expert view

Pros and cons of The Exeter health insurance

Pros and cons of The Exeter health insurance

The Exeter customer reviews

The Exeter customer reviews

4. Vitality

Our expert view

Pros and cons of Vitality health insurance

Pros and cons of Vitality health insurance

Vitality customer reviews

Vitality customer reviews

5. Aviva

Our expert view

Pros and cons of Aviva health insurance

Pros and cons of Aviva health insurance

Aviva customer reviews

Aviva customer reviews

How can I get a health insurance quote?

Tell us a bit about yourself and your requirements.

Receive a whole of market comparison quote.

Save money and get covered.

Get the best pricing from the best health insurance companies

What does health insurance cover?

Core cover*

Optional Add-ons

What does private medical insurance exclude?

5 Tips when buying health insurance

1. Understand how are medical insurance premiums are calculated

2. Tailor the policy to your needs

3. Higher excess can help save one in the short term, but making a claim could be costly

4. What would you like cover for?

5. Understand exclusions and restrictions so you know what you are covered for

Frequently asked questions

How can I buy health insurance?

Who are the primary providers of private medical services in the UK?