Private Health Care UK

Get Faster Access to Private Treatment

Compare private health care insurance from leading UK providers and get expert advice on the right level of cover for you and your family.

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Comparing policies from the UK's leading insurers

  • Aviva
  • Legal & General
  • Holloway Friendly
  • LV=
  • Royal London
  • Zurich
  • MetLife
  • Exeter

Fast Track

Quicker access to diagnosis and specialist treatment

Flexible

Choose cover levels, excess, and hospital options

Expert Help

Independent advice with no obligation

What is private health care insurance?

Private health care insurance, often called PMI, helps cover the cost of private medical treatment for eligible conditions. It can give you faster access to consultants, tests, and planned treatment.

It is designed to work alongside the NHS, not replace it. You can still use NHS services while using private cover for quicker routes to diagnosis and treatment.

  • Specialist consultations and diagnostics
  • Scans and tests, including MRI/CT (policy dependent)
  • Private hospital treatment for eligible acute conditions
  • Cancer cover options (depending on insurer/plan)
  • Optional extras like mental health and therapies
  • Digital GP services on selected plans
Speak to an Advisor
Private health care illustration

Who It Helps

Who Should Consider Private Health Cover?

Private medical cover is popular with people who value speed, choice, and predictable access to care.

Busy professionals

Reduce disruption to work and family by accessing diagnosis and treatment quickly.

Families

Access specialist care and treatment options with more flexibility around appointments.

People wanting choice

Choose from selected hospitals and specialists based on insurer network and plan.

Core Decisions

How to Choose the Right Policy

These are the biggest factors that shape cover and price.

Underwriting Type

Choose full medical underwriting or moratorium terms. This affects how pre-existing conditions are treated.

Tip: Clarify exclusions before you commit.

Hospital List

Plans differ by which private hospitals you can use. Narrower networks can reduce premiums.

Tip: Check local hospital availability first.

Excess and Outpatient Limits

Higher excesses and capped outpatient benefits can make policies more affordable.

  • Lower excess: higher premium, lower claim cost
  • Higher excess: lower premium, more self-funding
  • Outpatient upgrades: broader specialist access

Premium Drivers

What Affects the Cost of Private Health Cover?

Age

Older applicants generally pay more due to increased medical risk.

Postcode

Where you live can affect medical costs and available hospital networks.

Cover Scope

Adding outpatient cover, therapies, or wider hospital access usually increases premiums.

Excess

Selecting a higher excess can lower monthly premiums.

Simple Process

How to Get Private Health Cover

We make comparing plans straightforward and transparent.

1

Request a Callback

Share a few details and preferred call time.

2

Define Priorities

We map your budget, excess, and cover needs.

3

Compare Providers

Review options clearly with expert guidance.

4

Start Your Cover

Choose the plan that fits your needs best.

FAQ

Private Health Care FAQs

Common questions about private medical insurance in the UK

What is private health care insurance?
Private health care insurance (also called private medical insurance or PMI) helps pay for private diagnosis and treatment of eligible conditions. It can reduce waiting times by giving you faster access to specialists, scans, and hospital treatment.
What does private health insurance usually cover?
Most policies cover consultant appointments, diagnostic tests, surgery, and private hospital stays for acute conditions. Cover levels vary by insurer and plan, so options like cancer care, outpatient limits, and therapies should be checked carefully.
Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Usually not straight away. Pre-existing conditions are often excluded, either permanently or for a period of time. Different underwriting options can affect this, including full medical underwriting and moratorium underwriting.
Can I still use the NHS if I have private cover?
Yes. You can use both. Many people use the NHS for emergency care and GP services, then use private cover for quicker diagnostics and planned treatment where eligible.
How much does private health care insurance cost in the UK?
Premiums depend on your age, postcode, medical history, excess, underwriting type, and cover level. Lower excesses and broader outpatient benefits usually increase cost. Our advisors can compare providers to find value for your budget.
Do I need a GP referral to claim?
In most cases, yes. Insurers usually require a GP referral before authorising specialist treatment. Some digital GP services may be included by insurers depending on your policy.
Can couples or families get private medical cover together?
Yes. Joint and family arrangements are available with many providers, and child cover options vary. Comparing options helps you balance price, excess, and benefits across your household.
Does private health insurance cover cancer treatment?
Many comprehensive plans include cancer cover, but limits and terms differ. Always review cancer benefit wording, follow-up care limits, and drug coverage before choosing a plan.
Is private health insurance worth it?
It can be worth it if faster diagnosis and treatment access would make a big difference to your finances, family life, or ability to work. The right policy depends on your priorities, budget, and risk tolerance.
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Testimonials

Trusted by Thousands of Families

See what our customers have to say about us

  • "

    I recently went through Goinsureme to get home and life insurance cover for me and my partner who have just purchased our first house. The agent that dealt with me was brilliant and very attentive, came through very quickly with the best cover for ourselves and talked us through the whole process and made it as smooth as possible. Would highly recommend using Goinsureme if your going to get insured

    DK

    Declan Knight

    Home and Life Insurance Customer

  • "

    Great experience from start to finish, the advisor uncovered some costs I didn't realise I was paying, so not only brought my costs down but. Feel so happy with my new life insurance policy, I can sleep better at night!

    PF

    Paul Frame

    Life Insurance Customer

  • "

    I recently set up my insurances through my limited company with GoInsureMe, and the whole experience was genuinely brilliant. The agent I dealt with was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and made the whole process feel effortless which is saying something when it comes to insurance.

    LH

    Luke Handley

    Business Insurance Customer

  • "

    I recently took out a new insurance policy and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. From the very beginning, the process was smooth, straightforward and well-explained. The representative was knowledgeable, patient and genuinely interested in helping me find the right coverage for my needs.

    LS

    Leona Skop

    Insurance Customer

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