The NHS is there for everyone, offering free, high-quality healthcare when you need it most. But what if you want faster treatment, more choice, or access to private hospitals and specialists? That’s where private health insurance comes in.

What is Health Insurance?

Private health insurance (or private medical insurance, PMI) helps pay for private treatment if you become unwell. It runs alongside the NHS – you’ll still use the NHS for emergencies, A&E, or anything life-threatening.

You pay a monthly fee, and the insurer covers:

Consultations and tests with private specialists
Private hospital stays, operations, and nursing care
Some drugs or treatments not available on the NHS
Sometimes extra therapies or follow-up care

What does it cover?

Most policies cover you for acute conditions – serious but treatable health problems that start after you take out the policy (for example, needing a hip replacement or a scan for a new health concern). They don’t cover emergency care (you’d still use the NHS for that) or most chronic, long-term conditions like diabetes or asthma.

Typical things health insurance covers:

Tests and scans (MRI, CT, blood tests)
Surgery and hospital stays
Outpatient consultations
Some medicines unavailable on the NHS
Shorter waiting times for treatment
Private rooms (sometimes with ensuite and TV)

What it doesn’t usually cover:

Emergency or accident & emergency care
Long-term conditions that existed before your policy started
Routine check-ups and maternity care (except in higher-end plans)
Normal GP appointments

Do you need it?

It’s a personal choice. Here are some questions to help you decide:

Are you happy with NHS waiting times? If not, insurance could give you faster treatment.
Do you want to choose where and when you’re treated? Private cover offers more flexibility.
Are you self-employed? If long NHS waits would mean lost income, insurance could help you get back to work faster.
Does your employer already provide cover? Check – you might already have it as a perk.
Could you pay for private care yourself? Some people “self-insure” by saving for possible costs instead.

For most people, the NHS is enough. But health insurance can be valuable if you want extra peace of mind, more choice, or faster access.

How to choose the right policy

1

Decide What Level of Cover You Need

Basic plans cover inpatient treatment and some outpatient care.
Comprehensive plans cover outpatient, therapies, mental health, and sometimes dental or optical.

2

Compare the Costs

Monthly premium: What you pay each month.
Excess: What you pay towards each claim.
Co-payments: Some plans ask you to share costs.
Limits: Check annual limits for treatments.

3

Check What’s Excluded

Most policies don’t cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
Check for waiting periods (how long before you can claim for certain treatments).
Some policies limit cancer or mental health treatment.

4

Check the Provider Network

Make sure your preferred doctors or hospitals are included.
Some policies only cover treatment at “network” hospitals.

5

Review the Claims Process

Some insurers are faster and easier to deal with than others.
Look for customer reviews and check if claims can be managed online.

Top Tips

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, a complicated medical history, or need cover for your whole family, a broker can help you find the best plan. Brokers understand which insurers are more likely to cover your specific needs and can sometimes negotiate with underwriters on your behalf. They’ll also help you avoid common pitfalls—saving you time, stress, and potentially money.

Many employers offer health insurance as a workplace benefit. Before buying your own policy, check what your work scheme covers and who it covers (just you, or your family too?). You might be able to pay extra to “top up” your work plan—adding more treatments or family members, often at a discounted group rate. This can be cheaper than taking out a separate policy, but always compare what’s actually included.

If you’re changing providers, don’t assume everything will be covered as before. Some policies exclude medical conditions or treatments you’ve had in the past, especially if you’ve made a claim for them. Always check whether your new policy will pick up cover for ongoing or previously treated conditions. Ask about “continuation” or “switch” terms before you cancel your old policy.

Premiums and cover vary widely between insurers—so get multiple quotes and compare the details, not just the price. Use comparison sites to get an overview, but always read the small print: check what’s excluded, any claim limits, and the size of your excess. Also look at customer reviews to see how easy claims are to make in practice.

Health insurance premiums almost always increase as you get older or if you make claims. When budgeting, think ahead: can you afford the policy in five or ten years’ time? Ask your insurer for a premium projection, and consider how you’d cope with future price hikes. If money gets tight, could you downgrade to a cheaper plan rather than cancelling altogether?

Finding a Policy

We can’t recommend specific insurance policies, but you we have listed some common brokers/ providers below to help you with your search:

Summary

Private health insurance is a lifestyle choice – not a necessity. For many people, the NHS is enough. But if you value flexibility, want to skip NHS waiting lists, or just want the peace of mind of knowing you can go private, health insurance could be worth it.

Take your time to weigh up the costs, check what’s covered, and think about your own needs before you decide. If in doubt, speak to a broker or adviser – and always read the policy details before you buy.

Health Insurance