As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we at WeCovr understand that protecting your family’s health is your top priority. This guide explores the costs of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK, helping you make an informed decision for your loved ones.
WeCovr's guide to PMI pricing for families of three, four or more
Navigating the world of private health insurance can feel daunting, especially when trying to budget for your entire family. You want the peace of mind that comes with fast access to high-quality medical care, but you also need a policy that makes financial sense.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the average cost of family private health insurance in the UK. We’ll explore the factors that influence your premium, show you how to get the best value, and explain what is and isn't covered.
What is Family Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?
Think of Private Medical Insurance as a healthcare safety net, running alongside the fantastic service provided by our NHS. It's a policy you pay for, either monthly or annually, that covers the cost of private medical treatment for acute conditions.
An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and from which you are expected to make a full recovery. Examples include joint-pain requiring a hip replacement, cataracts, or hernias.
Crucially, it's vital to understand what PMI does not cover:
- Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury you or your family members had before taking out the policy.
- Chronic conditions: Long-term illnesses that require ongoing management rather than a curative treatment, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.
A family policy simply bundles cover for you, your partner, and your children under a single plan, often at a more favourable price than buying individual policies.
Why Consider Family Health Insurance in the UK?
While the NHS provides excellent care, it is currently facing unprecedented pressure. According to the latest NHS England data from mid-2024, the total waiting list for consultant-led elective care stood at over 7.5 million treatment pathways. For parents, this can mean long, worrying waits for diagnosis and treatment for their children.
Family PMI offers a solution, providing significant benefits:
- Faster Access to Treatment: Bypass long waiting lists for specialist consultations, diagnostic scans (like MRI and CT), and surgery. This means your child could be seen and treated in days or weeks, not months or years.
- Choice and Control: You can often choose the specialist, consultant, and hospital where your family receives treatment.
- Comfort and Privacy: Treatment is typically in a private hospital with an en-suite room. This often means a parent can stay comfortably overnight with their child, reducing stress for everyone.
- Access to Specialist Care: Get quick referrals to leading paediatric specialists.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place to get your family back on their feet quickly is invaluable for parents.
Average UK Family Health Insurance Costs in 2025
So, how much can you expect to pay? The cost of family PMI varies widely based on the factors we'll explore below. However, to give you a general idea, we've compiled some illustrative monthly premium estimates for 2025.
These figures are averages for non-smokers on a standard moratorium underwriting basis, with a mid-range excess (around £250 per person per year).
| Family Composition | Basic Cover (In-patient only) | Mid-Range Cover (Incl. some out-patient) | Comprehensive Cover (Incl. therapies, full out-patient) |
|---|
| Family of 3 (2 adults aged 35, 1 child aged 5) | £85 - £120 | £140 - £220 | £230 - £350+ |
| Family of 4 (2 adults aged 40, 2 children aged 8 & 12) | £110 - £160 | £180 - £280 | £290 - £450+ |
Disclaimer: These are estimated costs for illustrative purposes only. Your actual premium will depend on your unique circumstances and the specific policy you choose. The best way to get an accurate figure is to get a personalised quote.
What Factors Determine Your Family's PMI Premium?
Your family's premium isn't just one number; it's a calculation based on several key factors. Understanding these will empower you to build a policy that fits your budget.
-
Age of Family Members: Age is the single biggest factor. The older the insured members, the higher the statistical likelihood of needing treatment, so the premium will be higher. Children's premiums are generally low and stable until they reach their late teens or early 20s.
-
Your Location (Postcode): Where you live matters. Private medical costs vary across the country, with treatment in Central London and the South East being the most expensive. Insurers use "postcode banding" to reflect this, so a family in Manchester will typically pay less than an identical family in Kensington for the same cover.
-
Level of Cover: This is where you have the most control.
- Basic: Covers in-patient and day-patient treatment only (when you need a hospital bed).
- Mid-Range: Adds a set limit for out-patient diagnostics and consultations (e.g., up to £1,000).
- Comprehensive: Offers full cover for in-patient and out-patient treatment, often including therapies.
-
Excess Level: The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim each year. It works just like car insurance. A higher excess means you take on more of the initial risk, so the insurer rewards you with a lower premium. Excesses typically range from £0 to £1,000.
-
Hospital List: Insurers offer different tiers of hospital access.
- Local/Trust: A limited list of hospitals, often excluding major city centres.
- Nationwide: A broad choice of private hospitals across the UK.
- Premium: Includes top-tier hospitals, usually in Central London.
If you don't need access to the most expensive London facilities, you can save a significant amount.
-
Underwriting Method: This is how the insurer assesses your medical history.
- Moratorium (Most Common): You don't declare your medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes treatment for any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the five years before joining. However, if you remain trouble-free from that condition for two continuous years after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire for your family. The insurer then gives you a list of specific, permanent exclusions based on your declared history. This provides certainty from day one but can be more complex.
-
Optional Extras: Adding more benefits will increase the cost. Common extras include:
- Mental Health Cover: Provides access to psychiatrists and therapists.
- Dental & Optical Cover: Helps with routine check-ups, treatments, and glasses.
- Therapies Cover: Pays for services like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment.
-
Family Discounts: Many insurers actively court families with attractive offers. Look out for providers who offer free cover for children after the first or second paying child, or cover for newborns at no extra cost for the first year. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can help you find these deals.
Understanding Different Levels of Family Cover
To help you visualise the difference, here is a breakdown of what you might expect from each tier of private health cover.
| Feature | Basic Cover | Mid-Range Cover | Comprehensive Cover |
|---|
| In-patient & Day-patient Treatment | ✅ Fully Covered | ✅ Fully Covered | ✅ Fully Covered |
| Cancer Cover | ✅ Included as standard (often with access to latest drugs) | ✅ Included as standard (often with access to latest drugs) | ✅ Included as standard (often with access to latest drugs) |
| Out-patient Consultations & Scans | ❌ Not included (or very limited) | 🟨 Covered up to a set annual limit (e.g., £1,000) | ✅ Fully Covered |
| Mental Health Support | ❌ Usually an add-on | 🟨 May be included as an add-on or with limits | ✅ Often included with higher limits or as a core benefit |
| Therapies (Physio, Osteo, etc.) | ❌ Usually an add-on | 🟨 May be included as an add-on or with limits | ✅ Often included as a core benefit |
| Hospital List | 📍 Usually a more restricted, local list | 🌍 A wider nationwide list, excluding some premium hospitals | 🇬🇧 Full nationwide list, often including premium London hospitals |
How to Reduce Your Family Health Insurance Costs
Securing great cover doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. There are several smart ways to manage your premium while retaining the benefits that matter most to your family.
- Increase Your Excess: The simplest way to lower your premium. Choosing a £500 excess instead of £100 could reduce your cost by 20-30%.
- Choose a "Guided" Option: Some insurers offer a "guided consultant" or "expert select" path. In exchange for a lower premium, you agree to let the insurer choose the specialist from their approved list. This ensures quality while managing costs.
- Opt for the "6-Week Wait" Option: This is a brilliant cost-saving feature. If the NHS can provide the in-patient treatment you need within six weeks of it being recommended, you use the NHS. If the wait is longer, your private policy kicks in. As this reduces the number of claims, it can lower your premium by up to 25%.
- Review Your Hospital List: Be realistic about which hospitals you are likely to use. If you live in Scotland, you probably don't need cover for expensive private hospitals in London. Tailoring your list can lead to big savings.
- Look for Family-Friendly Deals: As mentioned, some insurers offer free cover for younger children. An independent broker is best placed to find these offers across the market.
- Pay Annually: If you can, paying your premium in one annual lump sum can sometimes secure a small discount compared to paying monthly.
- Use an Expert Broker: This is arguably the most effective tip. A broker like WeCovr does the hard work for you. We compare policies from all the leading UK providers (like Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality) to find the perfect balance of cover and cost for your family. Our service is completely free to you, as we are paid by the insurer you choose.
A Critical Note on Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
We cannot stress this enough: standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy has started.
- It will not cover a pre-existing heart condition you were diagnosed with three years ago.
- It will not cover the ongoing management of a chronic condition like diabetes or asthma.
- It will not cover monitoring for a long-term illness.
The NHS remains the right and only place for the care of chronic and pre-existing conditions. PMI is there to give you choice, speed, and comfort for new, treatable health issues that crop up unexpectedly.
The WeCovr Advantage: More Than Just a Policy
When you choose to explore your family PMI options with WeCovr, you get more than just a price comparison. You get a dedicated partner in your family's health and wellbeing journey.
- Expert, Impartial Advice: As an FCA-authorised broker, our primary duty is to you, the customer. We're not tied to any single insurer, so our advice is always unbiased and focused on your needs.
- Whole-of-Market Comparison: We have access to policies from all the major UK health insurers, ensuring you see the best options available.
- Value-Added Benefits: We believe in proactive health. That’s why all WeCovr customers who take out a private medical or life insurance policy receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our powerful AI-driven calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping your family build healthy habits.
- Loyalty Discounts: We value our customers. If you hold a PMI or life insurance policy with us, you'll be eligible for exclusive discounts on other types of cover you might need.
- Trusted Service: Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing clear, friendly, and effective guidance.
Wellness & Health Tips for UK Families
A health insurance policy is for when things go wrong, but focusing on wellness can help keep your family thriving. Here are some simple, practical tips.
- Eat the Rainbow: Use the NHS Eatwell Guide as a template for balanced family meals. Cooking together can be a fun activity and teaches children valuable life skills. Aim for five portions of fruit and veg a day.
- Get Active Together: You don't need an expensive gym membership. Family walks in a local park, weekend bike rides, or joining a scheme like Parkrun are free and effective. The NHS's Change4Life website has hundreds of great ideas for getting kids moving.
- Prioritise Sleep: A consistent bedtime is crucial for children's development and adults' mental health. The NHS recommends 9-12 hours of sleep for school-age children and 7-9 hours for adults. Create a relaxing, screen-free wind-down routine an hour before bed.
- Talk About Feelings: Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Create an open environment where your children feel safe to talk about their worries. Resources like YoungMinds and the NHS's Every Mind Matters campaign offer fantastic support for families.
Finding the right health insurance is a key step in protecting what matters most. By understanding the costs, cover levels, and cost-saving tricks, you can secure valuable peace of mind for your family's future.
Can I add a newborn baby to my family health insurance policy?
Yes, absolutely. Most UK insurers make it easy to add a new baby to an existing family policy. Many providers even offer free cover for the baby until the next policy renewal date, or sometimes for the entire first year. It is important to inform your insurer within a few months of the birth to take advantage of these offers and ensure the baby is covered without needing medical underwriting.
Do I need to declare my family's entire medical history?
It depends on the type of underwriting you choose. With 'Moratorium' underwriting, you don't need to declare your history upfront; any condition from the past 5 years is automatically excluded for a 2-year waiting period. With 'Full Medical Underwriting', you will need to complete a health questionnaire for all family members. This provides more certainty about what is and isn't covered from the start.
Does family private medical insurance cover pregnancy and childbirth?
Generally, standard UK PMI policies do not cover routine pregnancy and childbirth. The NHS provides comprehensive maternity care. However, some more comprehensive policies may offer cover for certain complications of pregnancy and childbirth. If this is important to you, you should check the policy details carefully or speak to an advisor who can highlight policies with specific maternity benefits.
Is private health insurance worth it for a family in the UK?
This is a personal decision that depends on your family's priorities and financial situation. For many, the value lies in the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can bypass long NHS waiting lists, choose your specialist, and receive treatment in a private, comfortable setting. Given the current pressures on the NHS, many families find PMI provides an invaluable sense of security for their children's health and their own.
Ready to find the right health cover for your family? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our expert advisors will compare the market to find a policy that fits your family's needs and budget.