Private Health Insurance
Get faster access to diagnosis and treatment, with greater choice over where you are seen. Private health insurance gives you control and peace of mind.
GET A QUOTEWhat is Private Health Insurance?
Private health insurance, also known as private medical insurance (PMI), covers the cost of private medical treatment for acute conditions that develop after your policy begins. It works alongside the NHS, giving you faster access to diagnosis, treatment and specialist care, without the wait.
With NHS waiting lists at record levels, private health insurance ensures you can be seen quickly by a specialist of your choice, in a hospital of your choice, at a time that suits you.
How Does Private Health Insurance Work?
You pay a monthly premium and, if you need treatment for an eligible condition, you can claim through your insurer to be treated at a private hospital or clinic. There are two main types of private health insurance policy:
Treatment-Only Policies
A more budget-friendly option. You receive your initial diagnosis through the NHS, then switch to a private hospital for treatment. This can still involve some NHS waiting time for tests and diagnosis.
Comprehensive Policies
The most popular option. Includes outpatient cover, meaning after a referral from your NHS GP or remote GP service, all subsequent consultations, diagnostic scans and treatment can be carried out privately, giving you the fastest possible route to recovery.
Not sure which type is right for you? Our independent advisers will help you compare options from leading UK insurers at no cost.
Why Choose Private Health Insurance?
Reduced Waiting Times
Skip NHS waiting lists and access diagnosis and treatment in days, not months.
Specialist Treatments
Access advanced treatments, drugs and therapies not always available on the NHS.
Choice of Hospital
Freedom to choose from a network of leading private hospitals across the UK.
Flexible Appointments
Book appointments and treatments at times that suit your schedule.
Private Rooms
Recover in comfort with private en-suite rooms, superior facilities and dedicated nursing care.
Recovery & Aftercare
Comprehensive follow-up appointments and aftercare to ensure a successful recovery.
Who is Private Health Insurance For?
Tailored policies designed to suit your specific lifestyle and requirements.
Families
Protect your loved ones with comprehensive family cover. Ensure fast access to private diagnosis, treatment and specialist consultations for the whole family.
Couples
Joint cover designed for you and your partner. Enjoy shared benefits, simplified management and often better value than two separate policies.
Individuals
Take control of your healthcare with prompt private diagnosis and treatment. Choose your specialist, your hospital and your appointment time.
Company Directors
Tax-efficient private healthcare solutions designed for business owners and executives. Protect your most important asset, your health.
Contractors
Flexible private medical cover that keeps you working. Minimise downtime with fast access to treatment when you need it most.
Self-Employed
Your health is your business. Private health insurance ensures you can get back on your feet quickly if illness strikes.
What Does Private Health Insurance Cover?
Private health insurance covers the cost of private treatment for acute medical conditions, illnesses or injuries that arise suddenly and require short-term treatment with a full recovery expected.
Examples of acute conditions include:
- Treatable joint and back pain
- Hernias and gallstones
- Cataracts and eye conditions
- Cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Heart conditions requiring surgery
- Broken bones and sports injuries
Pre-existing and chronic conditions are typically excluded at the start of a policy. However, some insurers may cover pre-existing conditions after a qualifying period. Our advisers will explain your options clearly.
Core Cover vs Comprehensive
Understanding what's included helps you choose the right level of cover.
Core Cover: What's Typically Included
- Private GP service
- Private hospital fees and accommodation
- Surgeon's fee and anaesthetist's fee
- Drugs and dressings
- Tests and scans (covered as an inpatient only)
- NHS cash benefit
Comprehensive Cover: Additional Benefits
- Private remote GP service
- Diagnostic tests and scans
- Outpatient consultations and surgery
- Outpatient physiotherapy
- Mental health and therapies (some policies include as part of overall outpatient limit)
How Your Medical History is Assessed
When you apply for private health insurance, the way your medical history is assessed determines what is and isn't covered. There are two main underwriting methods.
Moratorium Underwriting
Quick Setup
No medical reports or GP involvement needed at the start. Your policy can be arranged quickly and simply.
Minimal Questions
You only answer a few basic lifestyle and eligibility questions when you apply.
Assessed at Claim Stage
When you make a claim, your insurer reviews your medical records to check whether the condition existed before your policy began. Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded for the first two years.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Detailed Health Questionnaire
You provide your full medical history when you apply, including conditions, medications, operations, and investigations.
Exclusions Confirmed Upfront
Your insurer confirms in writing exactly what is and is not covered before your policy starts. No surprises later.
Greater Certainty When Claiming
Because everything is agreed at the outset, claims are processed faster with no unexpected exclusions based on past health.
What Isn't Typically Covered?
Like all insurance, private health insurance has some exclusions. Understanding these helps you make an informed decision.
Many of these exclusions have nuances. For example, some pre-existing conditions may be covered after a qualifying period. We'll explain exactly what's included and excluded for each policy we recommend.
Why Choose Elective Health?
Finding the right private health insurance can feel overwhelming. With dozens of providers, hundreds of policy options and complex medical terminology, it's easy to feel lost. That's where we come in.
- Independent, whole-of-market comparison
- Free expert advice. No cost, no obligation
- Deal directly with Kingsley and Louis. No call centres
- 5.0 stars on Google from 42 independent reviews
- Ongoing support from initial setup through renewals and policy changes
- Specialists in family, business and international cover
What Our Clients Say
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Frequently Asked Questions
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