Private health insurance can give you greater choice over where and when you receive eligible treatment, while providing access to private healthcare when you need it. The right policy will depend on the level of cover you want, the hospitals you prefer and what fits your budget.
At Heath Crawford, we compare private health insurance options based on your individual requirements, helping you understand the differences between policies, benefits and costs. Whether you need individual, couples’ or family cover, we can help you explore your options and find suitable private health cover in the UK.
Find the Best Private Health Insurance for You
The best private health insurance will depend on your circumstances, healthcare priorities and the level of cover you want. Heath Crawford can help you compare policies based on factors such as prices, benefits, hospital access and additional features.
This makes it easier to understand your options and identify private health cover in the UK that fits your requirements and budget.
What Should You Look for in Private Health Insurance?
When comparing private healthcare insurance in the UK, look beyond the premium alone. Consider inpatient and outpatient treatment, diagnostic tests, cancer cover, dental cover, hospital access, excesses and exclusions, as well as therapies or virtual GP services.
Comparing these features can help you understand what each private health plan actually provides and whether the cover meets your needs.
Compare Private Health Insurance Policies
When comparing private health insurance companies in the UK, the premium is only one part of the picture. Policies with similar prices can provide very different levels of protection, depending on their benefits, limits, exclusions and hospital access.
Use the table below to identify the key features to compare before choosing private medical insurance.
| What to Compare | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient and daypatient cover | Hospital stays, surgery, procedures and eligible treatment | This is a core part of many private medical insurance policies and can cover treatment when you’re admitted to hospital or treated as a day patient. Check whether any waiting period applies, such as a six-week option, and understand how this affects access to private treatment. |
| Outpatient cover | Specialist consultations, tests and eligible outpatient treatment | Policies can provide different levels of outpatient cover, from limited monetary allowances to more comprehensive benefits, which can affect both protection and price. |
| Diagnostic tests and scans | Blood tests, X-rays, MRI, CT and other eligible investigations | Check which diagnostic tests are covered and whether they are subject to an outpatient allowance or other limits. |
| Cancer cover | Diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and eligible cancer drugs | The scope of cancer cover can vary between policies, so check exactly which treatments are included and whether any limits apply. |
| Mental health cover | Eligible inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment | Mental health benefits can vary in scope and may be subject to treatment or financial limits. It’s best to compare them if this cover matters for you. |
| Hospital lists | Private hospitals and facilities included in the policy | Your hospital list determines where you can receive eligible private treatment. A broader choice may come with a higher premium. |
| Excess | Amount you agree to contribute towards eligible claims | A higher excess can reduce your premium but means you may need to pay more towards eligible treatment when you claim. |
| Policy limits | Financial allowances, treatment limits and restrictions | Limits can affect how much treatment you can receive or how much your insurer will contribute towards particular benefits. |
| Additional benefits | Virtual GP services, physiotherapy, therapies and other healthcare services | Additional benefits can add value to a policy, but should be considered alongside the core medical cover rather than instead of it. |
| Exclusions | Conditions, treatments and circumstances that aren’t covered | Understanding exclusions helps you identify potential gaps in your cover and avoid unexpected costs when you need treatment. |
How Does Private Health Insurance Work in the UK?
Private health insurance in the UK helps cover the cost of eligible private medical treatment, subject to the terms of your policy. If you need medical advice or treatment, you may first speak to your GP or use an insurer’s approved referral route. You can then contact your insurer to confirm whether the treatment is covered and follow its claims process.
Once authorised, you can arrange eligible treatment at a hospital or facility included in your policy. The right private health cover in the UK can give you greater choice over where you receive eligible treatment and help manage the associated costs.
What Does Private Health Insurance Cover?
Private health insurance can help pay towards a range of eligible private healthcare treatments and services, depending on the policy you choose.
The level of cover, benefit limits and exclusions can vary between policies, so it’s important to compare what’s included before deciding which private health plan suits your needs.
Inpatient and Day-Patient Treatment
Inpatient and day-patient cover can help pay for eligible treatment when you’re admitted to a private hospital, either overnight or for the day. Depending on your policy, this can include surgery, procedures, hospital accommodation and associated medical care. Check the policy terms to understand exactly what treatment is covered.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient cover can help pay for eligible specialist consultations and treatment that doesn’t require hospital admission. Policies can offer different levels of cover, from limited allowances to more comprehensive benefits. Choosing the right level depends on how much outpatient protection you want and how much you’re prepared to pay for it.
Diagnostic Tests and Scans
Private health insurance can cover eligible diagnostic investigations, including scans, blood tests and other tests needed to assess a medical condition. However, diagnostics may be subject to limits or included within an outpatient allowance. Check your policy carefully to understand what’s covered and whether financial limits apply.
Medication and Treatment Costs
Medication may be covered where it forms part of eligible private treatment covered by your policy. Other associated treatment costs may also be included, depending on the circumstances and policy terms. Private medical insurance doesn’t automatically cover every prescription or ongoing medication, so check the specific benefits, limits and exclusions.
Cancer Cover
Cancer cover is an important feature to consider when comparing private healthcare companies. Depending on the policy, cover may include eligible diagnosis and treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and certain cancer drugs. The extent of cover and any applicable limits can vary, so compare the specific benefits offered by each policy.
Mental Health and Therapies
Some private health insurance policies provide cover for eligible mental health treatment, physiotherapy, dental and other therapies. These benefits may be included as standard, available as an optional feature or subject to treatment or financial limits. When comparing policies, consider whether these services are important to you and check exactly what each policy provides.
What Isn’t Usually Covered by Private Health Insurance?
Private health insurance is designed to cover eligible treatment within the terms of your policy, but it doesn’t cover every healthcare need. Understanding common exclusions, alongside the benefits and limits, can help you compare private health insurance policies more effectively and avoid unexpected gaps in cover.
Are Pre-Existing Conditions Covered?
Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t necessarily prevent you from getting private health cover in the UK. However, existing conditions may be excluded from cover depending on the insurer’s underwriting assessment. Underwriting considers your medical history to determine what can be covered, so exclusions and terms can vary between policies and insurers. Speaking with our brokers can help you understand what is and isn’t covered and compare the terms offered by different insurers.
Are Chronic Conditions Covered?
Private medical insurance generally focuses on eligible acute conditions requiring treatment, rather than the ongoing management of chronic or long-term conditions. Regular monitoring or continuing medication for a condition would not usually be covered. However, policies differ, so check the specific terms, exclusions and benefits to understand what your private health cover provides.
What Type of Private Health Insurance Is Right for You?
Individual Private Health Insurance
Individual private health insurance in the UK is designed for people who want to arrange private medical cover for themselves. Your policy can be selected around your budget, preferred hospitals and the level of healthcare protection you want. Comparing different options can help you find cover that suits your personal circumstances and priorities.
Couples’ Private Health Insurance
Couples’ private health insurance allows partners to arrange private medical cover together, while considering the needs of both people. You can compare joint policies with individual arrangements to understand the differences in price, benefits and cover. This can help you choose an approach that works for both partners.
Family Private Health Insurance
Family private health insurance can provide private healthcare cover for parents and their children under a family policy. When comparing options, consider the needs of everyone being insured, including the level of cover, hospital access, benefits and exclusions. This can help you identify a suitable policy for your family’s requirements.
How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in the UK?
The cost of private health insurance in the UK varies between individuals, so there’s no single premium that applies to everyone. Your age, circumstances and chosen level of cover can all affect the price, making a personalised quote the most useful way to understand what your private health insurance could cost.
What Affects the Cost of Private Health Insurance?
Several factors can influence your private health insurance premium, including your age, location, hospital options and level of cover. The excess you choose and any optional benefits can also affect the price. Adjusting these elements may help you find a balance between the level of protection you want and your budget.
How Can You Reduce the Cost of Private Health Cover?
You may be able to reduce your premium by choosing a higher excess, a more restricted hospital list or fewer optional benefits. However, each adjustment can reduce your choice or level of cover. Consider what matters most to you before making changes, rather than choosing the lowest premium available.
See How Much Private Health Insurance Could Cost
How to Choose the Right Private Health Insurance
1. Decide What You Want Covered
Consider which healthcare services are most important to you. Most private health insurance includes core inpatient treatment, while outpatient appointments, diagnostics, therapies and additional benefits may vary. Before comparing policies, think about the level of protection you need so you can focus on options that provide relevant cover.
2. Set a Budget That Works for You
Decide how much you’re comfortable spending on private healthcare each month or year. Your budget can help narrow down suitable policies, but price should not be the only consideration.
3. Choose Your Excess
An excess is the amount you agree to contribute towards eligible claims under your policy. With policies available through Heath Crawford, this is generally payable per person, per policy year. Before selecting an excess, consider how much you could comfortably contribute if you need treatment.
4. Check Your Hospital Options
Check which private hospitals or facilities are included in each policy’s hospital list, especially if you have a preferred hospital or want convenient access locally. A broader hospital network can provide more choice, while a restricted list may reduce your premium. Make sure the available options suit your needs.
5. Compare Policies and Quotes
Once you know your priorities, compare private health insurance policies on a like-for-like basis. Look at premiums alongside benefits, treatment limits, exclusions, excesses and hospital access. Heath Crawford can help you compare suitable options and understand the differences between policies, making it easier to assess which cover suits your requirements.
Get a Private Health Insurance Quote
Can You Still Use the NHS With Private Health Insurance?
Having private health insurance doesn’t mean you lose access to NHS services. Private health cover in the UK provides an additional option for eligible treatment, allowing you to use private healthcare where your policy applies or continue using the NHS when appropriate.
You can therefore choose the route that best suits your circumstances and healthcare needs.
Why Use a Private Health Insurance Broker?
Comparing private health insurance companies in the UK independently can take time, particularly when policies differ in their benefits, exclusions, limits and pricing.
A broker can help simplify the process by understanding what you need, comparing suitable options and explaining the differences between policies, so you can make an informed decision about your private healthcare cover.
Get A Private Health Insurance Quote
If you’re interested in Private Health Insurance, please fill in the form below with your contact details and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Let Heath Crawford Compare Private Health Insurance for You
Heath Crawford can establish the type and level of cover you need before comparing suitable options from the insurers available to you. We can help you understand differences in price, benefits, excesses, hospital access and policy terms, making it easier to compare private health insurance companies and identify cover that fits your requirements.
Private Health Insurance FAQs
Can I Get Private Health Insurance With a Pre-Existing Condition?
Yes. Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t necessarily prevent you from taking out private health insurance. However, the condition may be excluded from your policy depending on the insurer’s underwriting assessment. Your medical history and the insurer’s approach to underwriting will determine the terms and exclusions that apply.
Can I Choose Which Private Hospital I Use?
Your choice of hospital will depend on the hospital list included with your policy. Some policies provide access to a broader range of private hospitals, while others may have a more restricted list. When comparing private health insurance, check whether the hospitals and facilities you would prefer to use are included.
Can I Add My Partner or Children to My Health Insurance?
Yes. Depending on the insurer, you may be able to arrange couples’ or family private health insurance alongside individual cover. Compare the options available for everyone you want to insure, considering their healthcare needs, the level of cover required and the overall premium.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Dental Treatment?
Routine dental treatment isn’t necessarily included in standard private medical insurance. However, some insurers may offer dental benefits or additional cover for eligible dental treatment. If dental care is important to you, check whether it’s included in the policy and whether any financial limits or conditions apply.
Can I Change Private Health Insurance Providers?
Yes, you can compare alternative providers when your policy is due for renewal. Before switching, check differences in benefits, exclusions and limits, especially if you have existing conditions or ongoing treatment. A new insurer may not provide the same cover for conditions or treatment covered by your current policy.
Do I Need a GP Referral to Use Private Health Insurance?
Referral requirements vary between insurers, policies and types of treatment. Some policies require a GP referral before specialist treatment, while certain services may allow self-referral. Check your insurer’s claims process before arranging treatment to understand whether a referral or pre-authorisation is required.
Is It Cheaper to Pay for Private Health Insurance Annually?
Some private health insurance providers offer a discount when you pay your premium annually rather than monthly, although the amount varies between insurers and policies. Heath Crawford can help you compare the available payment options and consider the overall cost, so you can choose the most suitable and cost-efficient arrangement for your circumstances.
Compare Private Health Insurance Quotes Today
Heath Crawford can help you compare private health insurance based on your budget, healthcare priorities and desired level of cover. We can help you understand your options, so you can choose a policy that provides the protection and flexibility you need.
Get Your Private Health Insurance Quote