Get a Free Private Health Insurance Quote

Getting a quote through NowPatient is straightforward:

1. Complete the assessment. Navigate to the Private Health Insurance Service Card and select the option ‘Start Quote’. Answer a series of questions about your needs, health, and preferences. You can request a quote for an individual, a couple, or a family.
2. We match you with an intermediary. Based on your answers, we connect you with one of our trusted FCA-regulated partners who specialises in your type of cover.
3. Receive your quote. The intermediary will contact you (usually by phone or email) with details about recommended coverage, monthly premiums, and policy options.
4. Discuss and decide. You can ask questions, request modifications, or explore different coverage levels. All quotes are no-obligation and you decide if and when to proceed.

Private health insurance covers the cost of medical treatment in private healthcare facilities. It gives you access to faster treatment, private hospital rooms, a choice of specialists, and a more personalised healthcare experience. It complements the NHS, which is free at the point of use but can involve longer waiting times for non-urgent procedures.

Having private health insurance does not replace your NHS care — you can continue to use the NHS for routine appointments and emergencies while using your private cover for quicker access to certain treatments.

• Reduced waiting times — Access quicker diagnostics and treatments without NHS queues.
• Choice — Select your specialist, hospital, and treatment time.
• Privacy — Private rooms for inpatient stays, rather than shared wards.
• Additional services — Coverage for therapies not always available on the NHS, such as certain physiotherapies or mental health support.
• Peace of mind — Assurance that you’ll receive timely, tailored care when you need it.

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

• Your age
• Your medical history (pre-existing conditions may not be covered or may increase premiums)
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption
• Budget

Those with significant pre-existing conditions may face limited coverage or higher premiums. Our intermediary partners can help you understand your options based on your personal circumstances.

Policies vary between providers, but common inclusions are:

• Consultations with specialists
• Diagnostic tests and scans (MRI, CT, blood tests)
• Surgical procedures (inpatient and outpatient)
• 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 complementary therapies such as acupuncture.

Premiums vary depending on several factors:

• 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, such as London.

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

There are no direct personal tax reliefs for private health insurance in the UK. However, there are business-related considerations:

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

Family health insurance plans cover multiple members under one policy and often offer discounts compared to individual coverage. During the NowPatient assessment, you can choose whether you want a single, couple, or family quote. Family quotes typically cover 2 adults and up to 6 children under 18.

You can switch private health insurance providers, but there are important considerations:

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

If you already have a policy, our intermediary partners will carefully assess your situation to help you avoid losing coverage for treatments you need.

The typical claim process is:

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

Terms vary by provider, but if you miss a payment you will typically receive a grace period (for example, 14 days) to resolve the issue. After this period, your policy may lapse, which could result in loss of coverage and a potential need for reapplication or underwriting. Contact your provider immediately if you anticipate payment difficulties.

You can generally cancel your policy at any time, provided you give advance notice (for example, 30 days). Some insurers may apply a cancellation fee or only refund unused premiums under specific conditions. Check your policy terms for details.