Private health insurance is a way to pay for and access private healthcare services in the UK. You pay a monthly or annual premium; in return, your insurance provider will cover the cost if you need private treatment for specific conditions.
Private medical insurance doesn't replace the NHS, and infact works alongside it. The benefit of private healthcare is that waiting times are usually much shorter, so you can get back on your feet as soon as possible.
Health insurance usually covers medical conditions that develop after the start of the policy. Some policies also cover out-patient diagnostic consultations and testing, physiotherapy, alternative therapies, mental health and even treatments you may not be able to get via the NHS.
Different policies and providers offer different cover levels; you can choose what they cover. Prices can vary significantly and usually increase as you get older, or if you claim, so it's essential you understand how it work
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Here's a short video explaining how private health insurance works:
What your private medical insurance covers will come down to the policy you choose and the cover options you want to include. Medical insurance policies vary between providers, and that's before you start tailoring it.
Take a look at these articles to find out more:
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Private medical cover in the UK is optional, so it's worth considering whether the monthly cost is worth it to you. Here are some of the benefits health insurance can offer:
Health insurance policies vary in price and the cover level they provide. The best private medical insurance plan for you will likely be different to someone else, so it's essential to work out why you want a plan and what you need from it.
You can choose between several types of health insurance plans, primarily based on who you'd like to cover.
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Get a QuoteThere are many reasons why private medical insurance might be a good option for you, especially as things in the NHS aren't too great at the moment. Here are a few reasons why you should consider taking out a policy:
Waiting times in the private healthcare sector are usually much shorter than in the NHS. How long the waits are will depend on the treatment you need and where you live, but, it'll usually be no more than a few weeks, compared to many months in the NHS.
It's frustrating and worrying if you have symptoms or a health concern and you can't get into your GP or spend hours in a queue trying to. Most private medical insurance policies give you 24/7 access to a digital GP to speak to a doctor and get advice around the clock.
All insurance is to give you peace of mind. It's there if something bad happens to help you get back on your feet. We all hope never to need or use insurance, but it's good to know it's there should you need it.
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Start QuoteIt's difficult to say precisely how much a typical private medical plan costs, as many factors will influence the price. Your age, cover level, where you live, policy add-ons and more will play a role in setting your premiums.
That said, we regularly get prices from the leading providers to help people understand roughly what they can expect to
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Compare QuotesHealth insurance is a way to pay for private medical treatment, but it's not the only way. Much like your car and car insurance, you could claim on your policy or pay for a garage out of your own pocket if something goes wrong.
Private medical treatment costs tend to go up with the complexity of the treatment required. So, for example, our 2024 research into private surgery costs found that cataract surgery costs, on average, £2,935, where as a hip replacement costs over £14,400.
It's not inexpensive, but compared to the cost of a new phone, a holiday abroad or buying a car, it's not obscene. Some private treatments, however, such as for cancer, can be very costly.
If you develop cancer, which, according to Cancer Research, at least 1 in 2 of us will in our lifetimes, and you don't have health insurance but want private treatment, the costs can be eye-watering. Last year, we asked the insurer Freedom, what the average claim amounts were for several cancer treatments; here's what they told us:
A recent report from Lord Darzi detailed the issues in the health service and said that 'cancer care in the UK still lags behind other countries, and no progress has been made in diagnosing cancer at stage 1 and 2 between 2013-2023'. It's a reminder of the issues facing the NHS, and given the cost of private cancer treatment, it's unsurprising that many people take out private health insurance to ensure that if they develop cancer, they can get treatment quickly.
When you get a health insurance policy, you'll go through underwriting, and for new policies, there are two types:
Tell us a bit about what you would like, share your age and contact details and our partners will start searching for the best policy for you.
Our partners work with the whole UK private health insurance market, so they compare all the options and help you find the best plan.
As soon as you take out your private medical insurance policy, you're covered, and you can relax knowing that should something happen, you can claim treatment.
Find the best policy at the best price.
The right policy for you will be different from the next person, but there are several key things to look out for when comparing:
Our team of private healthcare experts is constantly assessing the market, and the three best providers, in our opinion, in 2025 are:
To see why we've picked these three and how we rate other leading insurance providers, read this guide: myTribe's impartial reviews of the best private medical insurance providers in the UK.
Most claims start with you seeing or speaking with a GP, which could be your NHS one or the Digital GP with your insurance policy. If needed, they'll give you a referral to see a specialist.
Now's the time to tell your insurer that you need to claim, and you can do that through a mobile app, or by calling or emailing them.
If your policy covers your claim, your insurer will give you pre-authorisation and advise which hospitals and medical consultants you can use.
You'll see your chosen consultant for an initial assessment, and if needed they'll refer you on for further tests and scans. Your insurer will also likely ask for a report from your consultant afterwards.
After each appointment, update your insurer to ensure they approve future tests, scans and treatments. Also, remember to pay your excess if you have one on your policy.
Your insurer will have helped thousands of people going through similar situations, so lean on them, ask them questions and ultimately focus on getting better.
To learn more, please read this guide to private health insurance claims.
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