Get treated faster with Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance is a type of insurance that covers the cost of medical treatment in private healthcare facilities. It allows policyholders to access faster treatment, private hospital rooms, a choice of specialists, and often a more personalized healthcare experience. This is in contrast to the NHS, which, while free at the point of use, can involve longer waiting times for non-urgent procedures.

No. NowPatient’s Private Health Insurance is a lead generation service. We will introduce you to trusted intermediaries. Every company we work with is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). NowPatient is not authorised to give advice and we are not liable for any financial advice provided by, or obtained through a third party.

Once you have completed the questions on the chat, we will assess your needs and then connect you to one of our trusted intermediaries. Every company we work with is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The agent will most likely call you or email you with details about the quote and level of coverage as well as information about monthly premiums. At this time, you can discuss further coverage modifications or customisations. Our partners only provide no-obligation quotes. You can decide then if you want to proceed.

Private health insurance offers several key benefits, including:

• Reduced Waiting Times – Access to quicker diagnostics and treatments.
• Choice – Freedom to select your specialist, hospital, and treatment time.
• Privacy – Private rooms for inpatient stays, rather than shared wards.
• Additional Services – Coverage for therapies and treatments not always available on the NHS, such as certain physiotherapies or mental health support.
• Peace of Mind – Assurance that you’ll receive timely and tailored care when you need it most.

Most people can apply for private health insurance. However, eligibility and cost may depend on:

• Age
• Medical history (pre-existing conditions may not be covered)
• Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption)

While private health insurance is open to all, those with significant pre-existing conditions may face limited coverage or higher premiums.

Policies vary between providers, but common inclusions are:

• Consultations with specialists
• Diagnostic tests and scans: MRI, CT, and blood tests
• Surgical procedures: Both inpatient and outpatient surgeries
• Hospital accommodation: Private rooms and nursing care
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health support: Psychiatric consultations and therapies

Optional add-ons may include dental care, optical treatments, and coverage for complementary therapies like acupuncture.

Most private health insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions, defined as any illness, injury or condition you had prior to starting the policy. Some insurers may offer coverage after a specified period if the condition has been stable and symptom-free. Policies with “moratorium underwriting” might cover pre-existing conditions after a set duration (e.g., two years) of no symptoms or treatment.

Typically, standard private health insurance does not cover GP visits, as these are widely accessible through the NHS. However, some comprehensive policies or add-ons may include online GP consultations or private GP appointments.

Routine maternity care (e.g., antenatal appointments, childbirth) is usually excluded, as the NHS provides these services. However, some policies offer limited maternity benefits, such as:

• Private hospital delivery
• Complications during pregnancy and childbirth
• Access to private midwives

These benefits often come as optional add-ons or part of a high-tier policy.

Premiums vary depending on factors such as:

• Age – Older individuals typically pay more.
• Health and lifestyle – Smokers or those with pre-existing conditions may face higher costs.
• Coverage level – Comprehensive plans cost more than basic ones.
• Excess – Higher excess amounts (the portion you pay per claim) reduce premiums.
• Region – Premiums are higher in areas with expensive private facilities, like London.

Typical monthly premiums range from £30 to £150+, but family policies or add-ons can increase costs.

Yes, you can reduce premiums by:

• Opting for policies with higher excess levels.
• Limiting coverage to a specific hospital network.
• Excluding optional benefits, such as dental or optical care.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to avoid higher risk classifications.
• Using a no-claims discount or loyalty bonuses offered by insurers.

There are no direct personal tax reliefs for private health insurance in the UK. However:

• Businesses – Employers providing health insurance can claim it as a deductible business expense.
• Employees – Employer-provided health insurance is considered a benefit-in-kind and  subject to tax.

Yes, switching providers is possible, but there are considerations:

• Medical underwriting – A new insurer may reassess your medical history.
• Continuation of cover – Some insurers offer to carry forward your existing coverage, including pre-existing conditions.
• Waiting periods – Benefits for pre-existing conditions may reset.

Our intermediary partners will carefully assess your personal situation, if you already have a policy, to ensure you avoid losing coverage for treatments you need.

The typical claim process is as follows:

• Get a GP referral – A GP or specialist may need to confirm that treatment is necessary.
• Contact your insurer – Obtain pre-authorization for the treatment or procedure.
• Receive treatment – Book your appointment at an approved private facility.
• Payment – Insurers typically pay the provider directly. In some cases, you may pay upfront and be reimbursed later.

Terms vary based on the insurance provider, however, If you miss a payment, you will typically get a grace period (e.g., 14 days) to resolve the issue. After this period, your policy may lapse, resulting in:

• Loss of coverage
• Potential need for reapplication or underwriting

You should contact the policy provider immediately if you anticipate payment difficulties.

This depends on your actual policy. If you require mental health coverage, you should raise this with our insurance partner. Some basic plans exclude mental health treatment or limit the number of sessions per year.

Mental health coverage, if included, may cover:

• Psychiatric consultations
• Inpatient care for severe conditions
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Counselling sessions

Yes, family health insurance plans allow you to cover multiple members under one policy. These plans often offer discounts compared to individual coverage. When you complete the assessment, we will ask you if you want a single, couple or family quote. Family quotes usually cover 2 adults and up to 6 children under 18 years of age.

NowPatient’s Private Health Insurance is a lead generation service. We will introduce you to trusted intermediaries. Every company we work with is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). NowPatient is not authorised to give advice and we are not liable for any financial advice provided by, or obtained through a third party.

Private health insurance complements NHS care, providing quicker access to certain treatments while allowing you to use the NHS for routine or emergency care.