UK: What Are the Best Private Health Insurance Plans in 2025?
- Strong prevention and wellness incentives
- Customisable plans with broad specialist access
- Top-tier cancer and mental health support
- Highly digital, app-integrated experience
- Moderately expensive for full options
- Strong prevention and wellness incentives
- Customisable plans with broad specialist access
- Top-tier cancer and mental health support
- Highly digital, app-integrated experience
Vitality’s Personal Healthcare Plan stands out for its focus on wellness and prevention, offering a comprehensive and highly rated package with notable dental coverage (80% up to £400/year), mental health support, virtual GPs, and full inpatient care. It includes extensive outpatient options and is complemented by a well-developed rewards programme tied to healthy behaviour. Cancer care is covered without limitations, and members can access a wide network of providers. Pricing is not disclosed in the table but the breadth of coverage and perks suggests a premium positioned offer. Compared to the UK market, it offers strong added value especially for users who engage with wellness incentives and digital care.
Best suited for professionals or families with moderate to high healthcare needs who are proactive about prevention and open to digital health tools and reward-based engagement.
For all these reasons, we recommend the health insurance plan from Vitality.
- Comprehensive outpatient and inpatient care, including full cancer coverage
- Wellness rewards and incentives promote engagement and healthy habits
- Strong dental and mental health benefits
- High virtual accessibility and GP responsiveness
- Likely to be among the more expensive plans on the market
- Incentive model may not appeal to users who prefer passive insurance use
- Not-for-profit with patient-first focus
- Flexible and modular extras
- Broad coverage for hospital and therapies
- Fewer incentives or rewards than competitors
- Detailed options require careful planning
- Not-for-profit with patient-first focus
- Flexible and modular extras
- Broad coverage for hospital and therapies
WPA’s Complete Health plan offers a balanced, non-profit insurance solution that emphasizes patient-focused care and flexibility. It includes emergency dental treatment (up to £250) and accidental dental coverage (£1,000), full inpatient and outpatient coverage, and virtual GP access. Its cancer care package is robust, and users benefit from home nursing and optional extras like therapies. The not-for-profit model contributes to better reinvestment into care, and the plan allows some degree of modular customization. Though pricing isn’t specified here, it’s generally seen as competitive for the level of comprehensiveness. Its positioning makes it a strong contender among mid-to-premium health plans in the UK.
Well-suited for individuals or families seeking broad coverage with a human-centred approach, particularly those who value ethical reinvestment and customizable benefits.
For all these reasons, we recommend the health insurance plan from WPA.
- Broad inpatient and outpatient coverage
- Ethical, non-profit provider focused on member needs
- Optional extras and strong cancer support
- Dental emergencies and virtual GP included
- Routine dental and optical not fully covered
- May require careful tailoring to get full value
- Leading brand with strong cancer and outpatient services
- Extensive digital tools and app
- Flexible outpatient limit options
- Premiums may be higher than average
- Less transparent around non-cancer drugs
- Leading brand with strong cancer and outpatient services
- Extensive digital tools and app
- Flexible outpatient limit options
Bupa By You is a popular and established private health plan offering strong brand recognition and reliable coverage, particularly for outpatient and cancer care. The plan includes access to basic dental, with optional add-ons for routine or accidental treatment, and has a wide provider network. Users benefit from high-quality virtual services and comprehensive diagnostics. Although no pricing is listed in the table, Bupa typically positions itself at the mid-to-high range, reflecting its brand strength and network quality. This plan is particularly attractive to those who want peace of mind through a trusted, established insurer with excellent continuity of care.
Ideal for individuals or families seeking reliable, established private care with strong outpatient and cancer coverage, and access to one of the UK’s most trusted healthcare networks.
For all these reasons, we recommend the health insurance plan from Bupa.
- Extensive outpatient care and unlimited cancer coverage
- Optional dental upgrades for flexibility
- Strong provider reputation and service quality
- High availability of diagnostics and virtual care
- Routine dental and optical not included by default
- Premium pricing may not suit budget-conscious users
- Budget-conscious structure
- Tiered outpatient with good mental health support
- Limited alternative medicine access
- Maternity care quite restricted
- Routine optical/dental not included by default
- Budget-conscious structure
- Tiered outpatient with good mental health support
Aviva’s Healthier Solutions plan is designed as a cost-effective private medical insurance option with tiered outpatient care and customizable modules. It includes dental coverage (£250/year for routine and £600 for accidental treatment) and offers cancer care, virtual GP access, and specialist consultations. However, many services—particularly outpatient diagnostics—are limited or optional, meaning the default plan may appear more basic than competitors. Aviva’s approach allows policyholders to control their premiums, but the trade-off is the potential for underinsurance if critical modules are omitted. Its positioning as a value-focused product reflects a middle ground between affordability and core protection.
Appropriate for individuals or families seeking private cover on a budget, willing to tailor their plan carefully and accept limited outpatient support unless extended.
For all these reasons, we do not recommend the health insurance plan from Aviva.
- Affordable entry point with flexible tiered structure
- Dental benefits included as standard
- Virtual GP and cancer care integrated
- Outpatient and diagnostics may be limited unless upgraded
- Careful configuration needed to ensure adequate coverage
- Good cancer and inpatient cover
- Several add-ons increase flexibility
- No basic dental or optical support
- Confusing tier structure
- Average mental health support
- Good cancer and inpatient cover
- Several add-ons increase flexibility
AXA’s Health Select / Personal Health plan delivers solid inpatient and cancer coverage with access to virtual GPs and a selection of outpatient services. However, basic dental care is not included, and consultations may be subject to restrictions or additional fees. While AXA is a known and reliable brand, the plan’s value depends heavily on the options selected and how actively one uses the service. Compared to other market offers, it appears less comprehensive by default and better suited to users who want to focus on serious medical events rather than everyday care. Its mid-tier rating reflects the trade-off between cost control and coverage depth.
Best for individuals prioritizing core hospital and cancer treatment coverage over routine care, and who are looking for a recognised brand without the need for extensive outpatient services.
For all these reasons, we do not recommend the health insurance plan from AXA.
- Solid cancer and inpatient coverage
- Access to digital GP and virtual consultations
- Reputable international insurer with broad network
- No dental, optical, or routine consultation cover by default
- Customization required to match other plans’ comprehensiveness
- Transparent fixed options
- Reasonable limits for diagnostics
- Solid mental and cancer coverage
- No online GP or app tools
- Simple but slightly dated interface
- Transparent fixed options
- Reasonable limits for diagnostics
- Solid mental and cancer coverage
Freedom Elite is a straightforward and transparent health plan offering fixed options and reasonable coverage for key services like inpatient treatment and cancer care. Dental cover is optional, with up to £300/year for routine and £600/year for emergencies. It also includes mental health support and virtual GP access, but lacks the modular flexibility seen in other plans. While the limits are clear and the pricing is often attractive, outpatient coverage is minimal unless expanded, and some users may find the offer less comprehensive overall. It suits those who want clarity and simplicity, though it may not compete with premium offerings in service scope.
Ideal for individuals who want transparent coverage with no surprises, and who are primarily concerned with inpatient and major event protection over everyday care.
For all these reasons, we do not recommend the health insurance plan from Freedom Health.
- Clear fixed coverage options with no hidden complexity
- Optional dental benefits and mental health support
- Virtual GP and cancer treatment included
- Outpatient care limited unless expanded
- Less comprehensive than premium alternatives
- Clear modular pricing
- Excellent cancer support
- Limited outpatient without add-on
- No dental or optical
- Fewer prevention/wellness services
- Clear modular pricing
- Excellent cancer support
The Exeter’s Health+ plan is a modular, build-your-own insurance option aimed at offering clarity and flexibility. While it includes strong inpatient and cancer coverage, outpatient and diagnostic services are limited by default and must be added manually. Dental and optical care are excluded. Virtual GP access is limited, and some consultations have fees (e.g. £50 cap per mental health visit). This structure can suit users with very specific needs, but it may not offer good value unless well-tailored. Positioned at a mid-range level, its transparency is welcome, but it may fall short for users expecting seamless, all-in-one care.
Suitable for users who want precise control over what is and isn’t included in their plan, and who don’t need frequent outpatient or day-to-day care services.
For all these reasons, we do not recommend the health insurance plan from The Exeter.
- Clear modular pricing and transparency
- Strong inpatient and cancer treatment coverage
- Allows users to customise coverage to their exact needs
- Limited outpatient coverage by default
- No dental, optical or full virtual GP support
- May require complex configuration for full coverage
- Structured in clear tiers (1–4)
- Solid diagnostic access at higher levels
- Limited non-cancer outpatient drug support
- No lifestyle or wellness benefits
- Optical and dental weak unless hospitalised
- Structured in clear tiers (1–4)
- Solid diagnostic access at higher levels
National Friendly’s My PMI plan offers private health cover structured in four tiers, with decent cancer and inpatient care in higher levels, but restricted benefits in its base configurations. Dental is limited to hospital-based procedures only, and outpatient diagnostics and consultations are often capped or excluded. Though the plan has the advantage of clear tiering, lower levels may not provide sufficient protection for most users, and mental health support is notably weak. Positioned at the budget end of the market, it may attract cost-conscious buyers, but the trade-offs in coverage and responsiveness are significant.
Best suited for younger or healthier individuals with minimal care needs who want some protection for major events at a low monthly cost.
For all these reasons, we do not recommend the health insurance plan from National Friendly.
- Simple tier structure with budget options
- Inpatient and cancer care improve with higher tiers
- Weak outpatient and diagnostic coverage in lower tiers
- No routine dental or optical support
- Limited mental health coverage
- Low-cost cash plan alternative
- Suitable for basic day-to-day health expenses
- No inpatient or surgical cover
- Strict annual limits on categories
- Limited flexibility across tiers
- Low-cost cash plan alternative
- Suitable for basic day-to-day health expenses
Simplyhealth offers a low-cost cash plan rather than traditional private medical insurance, designed to help with everyday health expenses rather than hospital-based treatment. It includes limited dental coverage (up to £200/year depending on plan level), optical support, physiotherapy, and virtual GP access. However, it does not cover inpatient care, major diagnostics, or surgeries, making it unsuitable for serious health conditions. While affordable and useful as a supplement to NHS care, it is not comparable to PMI in protection level. The plan is best considered as a financial buffer for routine care rather than a safety net for critical needs.
Suitable for individuals on a tight budget who only want help with routine healthcare expenses like dental, optical, or basic consultations—not for those seeking full insurance.
For all these reasons, we do not recommend the health insurance plan from Simplyhealth.
- Affordable and accessible cash plan
- Includes dental, optical, physio, and GP access
- No underwriting or complex eligibility
- No inpatient or serious illness coverage
- Not a replacement for private medical insurance
- Affordable non-profit membership model
- Excellent remote consultation access
- No dental, optical or drug reimbursement
- Limited surgery scope (no critical or chronic conditions)
- Long waiting periods and rigid eligibility rules
- Affordable non-profit membership model
- Excellent remote consultation access
Benenden Health offers a distinctive low-cost, non-profit health plan that includes 24/7 access to a GP helpline, up to £2,500 in diagnostic tests with an NHS referral, and coverage for a limited set of pre-approved surgeries. Its pricing is well below the market average, making it financially accessible, but this affordability comes with significant trade-offs. The plan does not cover dental, optical, or prescription medications, and excludes major surgeries such as cancer treatments or cardiac care. Moreover, all services are subject to eligibility rules and waiting periods, reducing immediate accessibility. While the service is positioned as a supplement to NHS care—particularly by covering some gaps in diagnostic access—it does not offer the level of protection or responsiveness found in private insurance. As such, it should not be seen as a full alternative for those seeking comprehensive health coverage in the UK.
This plan is best suited for healthy working-age adults with minimal medical needs who primarily want easier access to diagnostics and virtual GP consultations, without paying for full private health insurance.
For all these reasons, we do not recommend the health insurance plan from Benenden Health.
- Very low-cost, non-profit membership model
- Access to GP services and diagnostics that can shorten NHS delays
- No coverage for prescriptions, dental, or optical services
- Extremely limited surgical coverage, with strict eligibility and delays
- What benefits should you include in your health insurance?
- Why take out health insurance in the UK?
- How to choose the right health insurance for me?
- How to lower the cost of my health insurance?
- Which is the best health insurance based on my profile?
- FAQ
Did you know that private hospital stays in the UK can cost over £300 per night — and that this isn’t covered by the NHS?
GP visits, hospitalisation, dental or optical care… do you know what the National Health Service (NHS) actually covers? And more importantly, what it doesn’t? Whether you're a UK resident or an expat, taking out private health insurance can help reduce waiting times and give you access to faster, more personalised care.
At HelloSafe, we help over a million users each month compare health insurance. Our experts have analysed dozens of local insurance plans available in the UK to offer you a detailed comparison and guidance tailored to the British market.
Health insurance: what to remember
- Mandatory? The NHS provides free public healthcare in the UK and health insurance is not mandatory. However, private health insurance is increasingly recommended to reduce waiting times and access faster, more specialised care.
- Why take it out? NHS coverage does not include private rooms, most dental or optical care, or certain outpatient services. A private policy can offer access to additional treatments, shorter wait times, and a wider choice of providers.
- What does it cover? Private medical insurance can cover hospital stays, surgeries, specialist consultations, cancer treatment, mental health support, dental and optical care, alternative therapies and digital GP services, depending on the plan.
- How much? Premiums depend on your age, level of cover and medical history. Expect to pay between £25 and £60 per month for an individual, and up to £100 or more for a family policy with enhanced coverage.
- Who can benefit? Private insurance is useful for anyone wanting more control over their care — whether for faster diagnosis, better hospital facilities or broader specialist access.
- Did you know? Some UK insurers like Vitality or WPA reward healthy lifestyle choices with premium discounts or benefits — a unique model that encourages prevention as much as protection.
What benefits should you include in your health insurance?
Taking out private health insurance means selecting the benefits that truly match your needs. Here's an overview of the main types of cover available in the UK, organised by importance.
Hospitalisation
Importance: 🟢 Essential
Hospital cover is the foundation of any solid private health insurance policy.
- What it covers: inpatient stay, surgery, private room, nursing care, diagnostic tests.
- What the NHS covers: treatment is free in shared rooms, but no cover for private rooms or enhanced comfort.
- With a private insurer: full access to private hospitals, shorter waiting times, private rooms and consultant-led care.
- Impact on price: 🔺moderate to high depending on hospital access and private room cover.
- Indispensable for anyone seeking faster care, a private room or more choice of specialists.
- Not recommended: ⚠️ Benenden Health does not cover private room stays or non-surgical inpatient care, limiting its relevance for full hospital coverage.
Routine care (GP, specialist, pharmacy)
Importance: 🟡 Important
- What it covers: GP and specialist consultations, medical tests, prescription drugs.
- What the NHS covers: most routine care is free, but private GP or faster access is not included.
- With a private insurer: faster appointments, choice of consultants, private prescriptions, wider access to diagnostics.
- Impact on price: 🔻low to moderate depending on frequency and level of cover.
- Very useful for regular consultations or chronic conditions, especially if you want to avoid NHS delays.
- Not recommended: ⚠️ Freedom Health includes outpatient care only as an optional add-on, which limits access unless selected and paid for separately.
Optical
Importance: 🟡 Recommended
- What it covers: frames, corrective lenses, contact lenses, laser eye surgery.
- What the NHS covers: limited to basic vouchers for children and low-income adults; no support for surgery or regular glasses.
- With a private insurer: annual allowance for glasses and contacts, potential coverage for laser correction.
- Impact on price: 🔻low to moderate depending on level of cover.
- Useful if you wear glasses or change your prescription regularly.
- Not recommended: ⚠️ Freedom Health only includes optical cover as part of an add-on bundle, with limited reimbursement and no standalone option.
Dental
Importance: 🟡 Recommended
- What it covers: routine care (check-ups, fillings), prosthetics (crowns, bridges), orthodontics.
- What the NHS covers: basic dental care with limited coverage for complex treatments and long waiting times.
- With a private insurer: wider range of treatments, higher annual limits, faster access to private dentists.
- Impact on price: 🔺moderate to high depending on prosthetics and orthodontic options.
- A valuable option if you have ongoing dental needs or children requiring orthodontic care.
- Not recommended: ⚠️ AXA Health offers no dental cover unless a separate dental plan is purchased.**
Maternity
Importance: 🟡 Recommended (depending on profile)
- What it covers: antenatal classes, delivery costs, private room, postnatal care.
- What the NHS covers: full maternity care in public hospitals, but no private room or enhanced services.
- With a private insurer: faster access to obstetricians, better comfort, choice of hospital and optional childbirth cash benefit.
- Impact on price: 🔺varies significantly depending on the level of maternity coverage.
- Ideal for couples planning a pregnancy and looking for more personalised care.
- Not recommended: ⚠️ Foyer and DKV only offer indirect coverage via hospitalisation without specific maternity benefits.
Alternative therapies (osteopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy)
Importance: 🔵 Optional
- What it covers: non-conventional treatments like osteopathy, acupuncture and homeopathy.
- What the NHS covers: usually nothing, or only in very specific cases through a GP referral.
- With a private insurer: partial reimbursement per session, often capped annually (e.g. £150 to £350 depending on plan).
- Impact on price: 🔻low to moderate depending on usage and session cap.
- A good add-on if you regularly use these therapies or want non-drug alternatives.
- Not recommended: ⚠️ National Friendly provides no dedicated reimbursement for alternative therapies under standard plans.
Digital services and teleconsultation
Importance: 🟡 Recommended
- What it covers: 24/7 access to GPs online or by phone, digital prescriptions, health advice.
- What the NHS covers: limited access via NHS app or GP surgery, often with delays.
- With a private insurer: unlimited consultations, faster access, integrated app-based services.
- Impact on price: 🔻low, often included in core cover.
- Very practical for families, frequent travellers or those living in areas with fewer GP options.
- Not recommended: ⚠️ AXA Health offers no native telehealth platform and relies on third-party options not always included by default.
Assistance and repatriation
Importance: 🔵 Optional (but essential if you travel frequently)
- What it covers: medical transport, home assistance, emergency repatriation abroad.
- What the NHS covers: only for treatment within the UK, no international assistance.
- With a private insurer: full coverage 24/7 for emergencies abroad and logistical support.
- Impact on price: 🔻low, often included in comprehensive plans.
- Highly recommended for expats, frequent travellers or anyone spending time abroad.
- Recommended provider: ✅ Allianz offers the most complete support with clear, reliable cover for emergencies overseas.
Why take out health insurance in the UK?
The UK benefits from a universal public healthcare system, the National Health Service (NHS), which provides free access to most medical services including GP visits, hospital care and emergency treatment.
However, the NHS does not cover everything. Waiting times can be long, access to private facilities is limited and many services such as dental care, optical treatment or alternative therapies are either excluded or only partially reimbursed. This is why many residents choose to take out private health insurance to supplement their care and gain more comfort and flexibility.
Here are examples of coverage levels with or without private health insurance:
| 🩺 Type of care | NHS reimbursement | What you pay | What a private insurer covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 👨⚕️ GP consultation | Free | £0 | Private GP access without delay |
| 🧑⚕️ Specialist consultation | Free via referral, long delays | Often weeks of waiting | Fast-track access, direct booking |
| 👓 Optical (glasses, lenses) | Vouchers for eligible individuals | £100 to £300 depending on correction | Up to £250/year or annual allowance |
| 🦷 Routine dental care | Band system, partial coverage | £25 to £70 per visit | 70% to 100% depending on the plan |
| 🦷🦾 Dental prosthetics | Limited NHS coverage, long delays | £250 to £1,000 per tooth | 100% or fixed allowance depending on plan |
| 🏥 Hospitalisation (shared room) | Fully covered | £0 | Faster admission, private hospital access |
| 🛏️ Hospitalisation (private room) | Not covered | £150 to £300/day | Fully covered with private room comfort |
| 🧘 Osteopathy, acupuncture | Not covered | £40 to £60/session | Reimbursed up to 80–100% or annual allowance |
| 🤰 Maternity (comfort, additional services) | Fully covered for basic maternity care | Additional services not covered | Better facilities, private room, pre- and postnatal support |
Good to know
Although NHS care is free, patients often face long waiting times — sometimes several weeks or even months for a specialist appointment or non-urgent surgery. Private health insurance lets you skip the queue and access treatment much faster.
How to choose the right health insurance for me?
Health insurance plans vary depending on the provider, level of cover and your personal profile. Here are the key criteria to consider.
1. Define your profile and needs
The first step: identify your situation. Health coverage needs differ depending on your circumstances:
- A UK employee: already covered by the NHS for basic care but may want private insurance for faster access, private rooms, dental or optical care.
- An expat: new to the UK, may face delays in accessing the NHS or prefer broader cover during the transition. Private insurance ensures continuous care.
- A family with children: regular check-ups, dental care or specialist access may justify enhanced cover for peace of mind.
- A senior: more frequent medical care, hospitalisation and chronic illness management require more comprehensive support.
- A self-employed person: not tied to an employer's benefits, private cover can offer greater flexibility and tailored protection.
Good to know
The NHS does not cover medical care abroad. Private health insurance is especially useful if you travel often or need treatment while outside the UK.
2. Compare the levels of cover
Each policy offers different levels of cover. Ask yourself the right questions:
| Type of care | Questions to ask yourself |
|---|---|
| Hospitalisation | Do you want a private room? Extra comfort? Shorter waiting times? |
| Dental & optical | Do you wear glasses? Need dental care or expensive prosthetics? |
| Routine care | Do you often see specialists? Need to avoid long waits or private consultation fees? |
| Alternative therapies | Do you regularly use osteopathy, acupuncture or homeopathy? |
Warning
Some low-cost health insurance plans exclude key benefits like dental or optical care, or impose very low reimbursement limits. Always check what’s actually included.
3. Study the prices and value for money
The cost of private health insurance in the UK depends on several factors:
- Your age: premiums tend to rise as you get older.
- The benefits you choose: the more comprehensive the cover, the higher the cost.
- The level of reimbursement: a plan that covers 100% of your expenses will cost more than one covering 70–80%.
- The insurer: in the UK, providers like Vitality, WPA, Bupa or Aviva offer modular and tiered plans to suit different needs.
Good to know
Some UK insurers offer customisable plans: you can choose specific modules like hospital-only cover, or add dental and optical depending on your needs.
4. Check waiting periods and eligibility conditions
An often overlooked but crucial aspect:
- Waiting periods: some benefits (like optical, dental or maternity) only become active after 3 to 6 months.
- Introductory limits: reimbursements may be capped during the first year and increase gradually.
✔️ Smart tip: if you’re planning treatment (glasses, surgery, pregnancy), make sure to take out cover well in advance.
5. Look at additional services
Beyond reimbursements, some insurers include useful features:
- Mobile app to track claims and manage your policy
- Access to teleconsultation with GPs or specialists
- Multilingual customer support (including English 24/7)
- User-friendly online member portal for documents and updates
- Overseas cover or support in case of dual healthcare systems (ideal for expats or frequent travellers)
6. Read the exclusions and general conditions
Before signing:
- Check exclusions: some treatments or conditions may not be covered at all.
- Review annual reimbursement limits: especially for dental, optical or alternative care.
- Look at cancellation terms: many UK policies are annual, with cancellation possible at renewal and subject to notice periods.
Expert Advice
Choosing the right health insurance in the UK means balancing what you truly need with what you’re willing to pay. Our comparison tool helps you instantly find and compare the most relevant plans for your profile.
How to lower the cost of my health insurance?
Private health insurance represents a monthly cost, but there are ways to reduce your premium without sacrificing protection. Here are some smart ways to optimise your policy:
| 💡 Tip | 📌 Explanation |
|---|---|
| 🎯 Adjust your cover | Only pay for what you need (e.g. no optical cover if you don’t wear glasses). |
| 💷 Choose a deductible | By covering a small part of the costs yourself, you reduce your monthly premium. |
| 🔄 Compare regularly | Offers change every year — use a comparison tool to find the best value. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Use family or group plans | Grouping family members or enrolling via your employer can reduce the overall cost. |
| 🎁 Look for promotions | Free months, welcome discounts or free benefits can help cut your bill. |
| 💻 Go 100% digital | Online insurers often offer lower prices and easier policy management. |
Which is the best health insurance based on my profile?
| 🧍♂️ Profile | 🩺 Specific needs | 🔍 Recommended cover |
|---|---|---|
| 👨👩👧👦 Family | Regular care for children, orthodontics, paediatrics, hospitalisation | ✅ Vitality: customisable plans, up to £400/year dental, strong digital tools, good paediatrics and maternity |
| 👵 Senior | Frequent care, chronic conditions, potential hospitalisation | ✅ WPA: up to 100% inpatient cover, mental health up to £2,500, flexible outpatient cover |
| 👨💼 Working adult | Comfort, optical/dental, quick access to specialists | ✅ Aviva: structured outpatient cover, hospitalisation included, optical £250/year, good cancer care |
| 🌍 Expat | Waiting periods with NHS, fast and wide medical access | ✅ The Exeter or AXA: immediate access to private hospitals, optional dental/optical, 24/7 cancer hotline |
| 🎓 Student | Small budget, basic needs (optical, emergencies) | ✅ Simplyhealth: cash plan up to £200/year optical, GP access, suitable for routine and occasional use |
| 🧑💼 Self-employed | No employer support, tailored plan needed | ✅ Freedom Health: optional outpatient and dental, maternity bonus, birth cover, flexible diagnostics |
| ✈️ Frequent traveller | Travel abroad regularly, needs repatriation/emergency support | ✅ Benenden Health: affordable membership model, access to treatment, cancer support line, optional therapies |
FAQ
Is health insurance mandatory in the UK?
No, private health insurance is not mandatory in the UK. The National Health Service (NHS) provides free access to most healthcare services for all residents.
What is private health insurance?
Private health insurance covers medical services that are not fully available on the NHS, such as faster access to specialists, private hospital stays, dental and optical care, or alternative therapies.
How much does health insurance cost in the UK?
Private health insurance costs between £25 and £60 per month for an individual, and up to £100 or more for a family plan with enhanced cover.
How do I cancel private health insurance in the UK?
Most policies can be cancelled at the end of the 12-month contract, with written notice (usually 1 month). Some providers allow cancellation at any time, but fees may apply.
What is a cash plan?
A cash plan is a low-cost alternative to private medical insurance. It reimburses part of your everyday healthcare expenses — like dental check-ups, glasses, or physiotherapy — up to a fixed annual limit. It doesn’t cover private hospital stays, but is ideal for those with light medical needs or tight budgets.
Is health insurance mandatory in the UK?
No, private health insurance is not mandatory in the UK. The National Health Service (NHS) provides free access to most healthcare services for all residents.
What is private health insurance?
Private health insurance covers medical services that are not fully available on the NHS, such as faster access to specialists, private hospital stays, dental and optical care, or alternative therapies.
How much does health insurance cost in the UK?
Private health insurance costs between £25 and £60 per month for an individual, and up to £100 or more for a family plan with enhanced cover.
How do I cancel private health insurance in the UK?
Most policies can be cancelled at the end of the 12-month contract, with written notice (usually 1 month). Some providers allow cancellation at any time, but fees may apply.
What is a cash plan?
A cash plan is a low-cost alternative to private medical insurance. It reimburses part of your everyday healthcare expenses — like dental check-ups, glasses, or physiotherapy — up to a fixed annual limit. It doesn’t cover private hospital stays, but is ideal for those with light medical needs or tight budgets.
