Health insurance cover options
Every individual and family is different — and so are their healthcare needs. With private health insurance, you can customise your cover to include the features that matter most to you, from mental health support to cancer treatment and more.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the most popular UK health insurance cover options to help you choose the right protection for your lifestyle and budget.
Mental health cover
Mental health is just as important as physical health.
Many private health insurance policies now include options for mental health support, giving you access to specialists, therapy, and treatment when you need it most.
Typical benefits include:
- Talking therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
- Fast access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors
- Cover for inpatient or day-patient mental health treatment
- Talking therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Private GP access
With private GP cover, you can book same-day or next-day appointments, in person or virtually, at times that suit you.
Benefits often include:
- 24/7 access to online or phone consultations
- Face-to-face GP appointments at private clinics
- Private prescriptions and referral letters if needed
It’s a convenient way to get the medical advice you need, without long NHS waiting times.
Physiotherapy cover
If you’re recovering from an injury, surgery, or experiencing ongoing pain, physiotherapy cover can help you get back on your feet faster.
Most policies include:
- Access to qualified physiotherapists
- Hands-on treatment sessions or online consultations
- Cover for sports injuries, rehabilitation, and mobility issues
Some plans include a set number of sessions per year, while others offer full cover depending on your policy level.
Cancer cover
With private GP cover, you can book same-day or next-day appointments, in person or virtually, at times that suit you.
Benefits often include:
- 24/7 access to online or phone consultations
- Face-to-face GP appointments at private clinics
- Private prescriptions and referral letters if needed
It’s a convenient way to get the medical advice you need, without long NHS waiting times.
Six-week option
The six-week option is a cost-saving feature available on many UK health insurance policies.
With this option, if the NHS can provide inpatient treatment within six weeks, you’ll use the NHS. If not, you’ll have treatment privately under your insurance.
It’s a great way to lower your premium without losing peace of mind — ideal for those happy to use the NHS for short waiting times but want private care if delays occur.
Hospital lists
Your hospital list determines where you can receive private treatment.
Insurers group hospitals by quality, location, and cost — giving you flexibility to balance convenience and budget.
Common types include:
- Standard lists: Access to a wide range of quality regional hospitals
- Extended or London lists: Include central London and specialist facilities
- Local lists: Offer lower-cost cover limited to your region
Choosing the right hospital list helps you control costs while still accessing trusted care near you.
Understanding underwriting
When applying for private health insurance, insurers will assess your medical history through underwriting. This determines what’s covered from the start of your policy.
The main types of underwriting are:
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU):
You’ll provide your full medical history upfront. Any pre-existing conditions may be excluded but reviewed later. - Moratorium Underwriting:
You won’t need to disclose your medical history upfront. Conditions you’ve had in the last five years are excluded initially but can be covered after a symptom-free period (usually two years).
Your choice of underwriting affects how pre-existing conditions are handled — your adviser or insurer can help you decide which is right for you.
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