Skip the NHS: Everything You Need to Know About Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance provides quick access to medical services, including specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgeries. However, choosing the right provider can be challenging, especially when seeking family or partner coverage.

1. What Is Private Health Insurance?

Private health insurance covers costs for private healthcare services, including acute treatments such as surgeries and physiotherapy. Policies usually exclude emergency care, chronic illnesses, and cosmetic procedures. Available for individuals, couples, or families, these plans offer peace of mind but vary widely in coverage.

2. Why Consider Private Health Insurance?

With NHS waiting lists reaching 7.5 million, private health insurance is appealing for those who can afford it. While it reduces wait times, costs can be significant—hip replacements, for example, may exceed £10,000 without insurance. Additional benefits include access to private rooms and treatments unavailable through the NHS, such as some cancer therapies.

3. Top Private Health Insurers in 2024

• Western Provident Association (WPA): Offers three levels of coverage and optional add-ons for cancer or mental health care.
• Aviva: Features customizable policies and perks like 24/7 GP access.
• AXA: Includes unique benefits such as menopause support and flexible payment options.

Costs vary significantly; for instance, Aviva offers some of the most affordable plans at £878 annually for a 35-year-old couple, while others exceed £1,000.

4. How to Choose the Best Policy

Select a provider based on your priorities, such as outpatient coverage, access to specialists, and additional benefits like mental health support. Carefully review terms for lower-tier plans, as they may have stricter limits or exclusions.

5. Reducing Costs

• Focus on essential benefits like inpatient care.
• Compare policies through brokers or comparison sites.
• Increase your excess to lower premiums.
• Opt for limited hospital or specialist choices.
• Pay annually to save on premiums.

Proactive planning can help you manage costs while securing adequate coverage.

6. Making a Claim

To make a claim, obtain a GP referral and contact your provider’s claims team. Fully underwritten plans typically have a straightforward process, while moratorium policies may require additional documentation.

Private health insurance is a significant investment, but for many, the peace of mind and reduced waiting times make it worthwhile.