How does private health insurance work?

Private health insurance (also known as private medical insurance or PMI) gives you access to private healthcare in the UK. It provides faster diagnosis, treatment, and greater choice over when and where you receive care.

While the NHS provides excellent free healthcare for everyone, private insurance is designed to give you more flexibility and peace of mind when you need medical attention.

Get a quote

NHS vs Private Health Insurance

Feature	NHS	Private Health Insurance
Cost	Free at point of use, funded through taxes	Monthly or annual premium based on age, health, and cover level
Waiting times	Can be long for non-urgent treatment	Often seen and treated much faster
Choice of hospital & consultant	Limited to NHS availability	Choose from private hospitals and specialists
Private rooms	Rare, usually shared wards	Usually guaranteed a private en-suite room
Medication and treatments	Based on NHS funding and approval	Access to certain drugs and treatments not always available on the NHS

What does business health insurance cover?

While exact benefits depend on your chosen insurer and policy level, most plans include:

Consultations with private specialists

Diagnostic tests and scans (like MRI, CT, X-ray)

Surgery and hospital stays

Cancer treatment and aftercare

Access to virtual GP appointments

Some policies also include:

Mental health support and counselling

Physiotherapy and complementary therapies

How private health insurance works

Private health insurance (also known as private medical insurance or PMI) gives you access to private healthcare in the UK. It provides faster diagnosis, treatment, and greater choice over when and where you receive care. While the NHS provides excellent free healthcare for everyone, private insurance is designed to give you more flexibility and peace of mind when you need medical attention.

Choose a policy

You buy a plan from a private insurer such as Bupa, Vitality, AXA Health, or Aviva. You can choose individual, family, or company policies depending on your needs.

Pay monthly or annual premiums

Your premium depends on factors like your age, medical history, lifestyle, and level of cover. The more comprehensive your plan, the higher the premium.

Get referred and claim

If you become unwell, you’ll usually visit your GP first. If specialist care is needed, you can ask for a private referral. Once you contact your insurer, they’ll confirm if your treatment is covered and help you book an appointment.

Receive private care

You’ll get treatment in a private hospital or dedicated private wing, often with shorter waiting times, your choice of consultant, and access to private facilities.

The insurer pays the bill

Your insurer covers the cost of eligible treatment (minus any excess you’ve agreed to pay).

What isn’t usually covered

Private health insurance typically doesn’t cover:

Pre-existing medical conditions
Chronic (long-term) illnesses like diabetes or asthma
Emergency care (handled by the NHS)
Pregnancy and childbirth
Cosmetic surgery not deemed medically necessary

Leading UK private health insurers

Vitality – Offers rewards for healthy living, such as discounts on gyms and fitness trackers.

Aviva – Flexible cover with a focus on affordability.

AXA Health – Strong reputation for cancer and mental health support.

Bupa – One of the UK’s largest providers, known for comprehensive hospital networks and 24/7 health advice.

Is private health insurance worth it?

Private health insurance can be a worthwhile investment if you value:

Faster access to treatment
Choice of specialists and hospitals
Comfort and privacy during recovery
Access to treatments not available on the NHS

However, it’s not a replacement for the NHS — you’ll still use the NHS for emergencies and ongoing conditions. Instead, it complements the public system, giving you more control over your healthcare.

Compare and choose the right policy

When comparing policies, look at:

What’s included and excluded
Hospital networks
Cancer and mental health cover
The level of excess
Customer reviews and claims process

Comparing leading providers like Bupa, Vitality, and AXA Health can help you find the best balance of cost, cover, and benefits.