TL;DR
Navigating the world of private health insurance can feel complex, but understanding your options is the first step towards securing fast access to quality healthcare. As experienced brokers who have arranged over 900,000 policies, the team at WeCovr provides this expert guide to Aviva private medical insurance in the UK, one of the country's leading providers. We'll demystify their policies, explain what influences the price, and show you how to compare cover effectively.
Key takeaways
- Chronic Conditions: PMI does not cover the long-term management of conditions that have no known cure, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. These remain under the care of the NHS.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before your policy starts will typically be excluded, at least initially.
- Emergencies: Emergency services (A&E) and initial urgent care are provided by the NHS.
- In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs when you are admitted to a hospital for a procedure, including surgery, hospital accommodation, and nursing care.
- Comprehensive Cancer Cover: This is a major feature. It includes diagnosis, surgery, and treatments like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted cancer therapies. It also often includes monitoring, palliative care, and support for wigs or prostheses.
Navigating the world of private health insurance can feel complex, but understanding your options is the first step towards securing fast access to quality healthcare. As experienced brokers who have arranged over 900,000 policies, the team at WeCovr provides this expert guide to Aviva private medical insurance in the UK, one of the country's leading providers. We'll demystify their policies, explain what influences the price, and show you how to compare cover effectively.
A guide to Aviva private health insurance and Aviva private medical insurance – cover, pricing factors and options
Aviva is one of the most established and recognisable names in the UK insurance market. Their private medical insurance (PMI), branded as "Healthier Solutions," is designed to work alongside the NHS, giving you and your family more choice and control over your healthcare journey.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Aviva's offering, from the core components of their policies to the optional extras that allow you to tailor a plan to your specific needs and budget. We'll explore underwriting, claims, and how to make an informed decision when comparing providers.
What is Aviva Private Health Insurance?
Aviva's private health insurance is a policy you pay for that covers the cost of private medical treatment for specific conditions. Its primary purpose is to help you bypass potential NHS waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions.
An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.
It is crucial to understand what private medical insurance in the UK is not designed for:
- Chronic Conditions: PMI does not cover the long-term management of conditions that have no known cure, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. These remain under the care of the NHS.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before your policy starts will typically be excluded, at least initially.
- Emergencies: Emergency services (A&E) and initial urgent care are provided by the NHS.
The core benefit of an Aviva policy is peace of mind. With NHS waiting lists reaching record highs—with millions of treatment pathways awaiting attention as of early 2026—PMI offers a valuable alternative for eligible treatments, getting you seen by a specialist and starting your recovery sooner.
How Does Aviva's Healthier Solutions Policy Work?
Aviva's "Healthier Solutions" policy is built on a modular system. This means you start with a foundational level of cover and then add optional benefits to create a policy that fits your priorities and budget.
Aviva Core Cover: The Foundation
Every Healthier Solutions policy begins with comprehensive core cover. This is not a 'basic' plan; it's a robust foundation that covers the most significant medical costs.
Standard inclusions in Aviva's Core Cover:
- In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs when you are admitted to a hospital for a procedure, including surgery, hospital accommodation, and nursing care.
- Comprehensive Cancer Cover: This is a major feature. It includes diagnosis, surgery, and treatments like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted cancer therapies. It also often includes monitoring, palliative care, and support for wigs or prostheses.
- Some Mental Health Cover: Provides access to a set number of consultations with a specialist for eligible mental health conditions.
- Digital GP: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or app for consultations, advice, and prescriptions.
- Additional Benefits: Often includes services like a 24-hour stress counselling helpline and discounts on gym memberships.
Optional Extras: Tailoring Your Cover
This is where you can enhance your policy. Choosing these options will increase your premium, but they provide more extensive cover for day-to-day medical needs.
| Optional Benefit | What It Covers | Who Is It For? |
|---|---|---|
| Out-patient Cover | Consultations with specialists, diagnostic tests (like MRI/CT scans), and minor procedures that don't require a hospital bed. | Anyone who wants faster diagnosis and doesn't want to wait for NHS appointments for tests and specialist opinions. |
| Therapies Cover | A set number of sessions for treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care, following a GP or specialist referral. | Individuals with active lifestyles, those prone to musculoskeletal issues, or anyone wanting quick access to rehabilitation. |
| Mental Health Upgrade | Extends the mental health cover included in the core policy, offering more extensive access to therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. | Those who prioritise comprehensive mental wellbeing support and want greater access to talking therapies and psychiatric care. |
| Dental and Optical Cover | Provides cashback for routine dental check-ups, hygienist visits, and optical expenses like eye tests, glasses, and contact lenses. | A useful addition for managing routine healthcare costs, often favoured by families. |
A specialist broker like WeCovr can help you model the costs of these different options, ensuring you only pay for the cover you genuinely need.
Key Features of Aviva Health Insurance Explained
Beyond the core structure, several key features define how an Aviva policy operates and what it will cost.
Hospital Lists
Aviva, like most insurers, uses a "hospital list" to manage costs. The list you choose directly impacts your premium.
- Key Hospital List: A curated list of several hundred quality private hospitals across the UK. Choosing this list results in a lower premium.
- Extended Hospital List: Includes the 'Key' list plus more hospitals, particularly premium private facilities in Central London. This option increases the premium.
- Trust Hospital List: Gives you access to private wings within NHS Trust hospitals. This can sometimes be a cost-effective option.
Insider Tip: Check the hospital list carefully to ensure it includes facilities that are convenient for you before you buy. Don't just opt for the cheapest list if the nearest hospital is a two-hour drive away.
The "No Claims Discount" (NCD)
Aviva uses a No Claims Discount system, similar to car insurance. For every year you don't make a claim, your discount increases, up to a significant maximum (often around 75%). If you do make a claim, your NCD level will be reduced at your next renewal.
This rewards members for staying healthy but can also lead to hesitation when considering a claim for a minor issue, as it will impact future premiums.
Digital Health and Wellness Services
Aviva invests heavily in digital tools to support its members' health. This includes:
- Aviva Digital GP: Fast access to a GP for consultations and advice.
- Aviva Line: A 24/7 helpline for medical questions.
- Get Active: Discounts on gym memberships and health tech.
When you purchase a policy through WeCovr, you also receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, adding another layer of support to your wellness journey.
Understanding Aviva's Underwriting Options
Underwriting is how an insurer assesses your medical history to determine what they will and will not cover. This is arguably the most critical part of your policy to understand. Aviva primarily offers two types.
1. Moratorium (MORI) Underwriting
This is the most common type of underwriting for personal policies because it's quick and simple.
- How it works: You do not declare your medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any medical condition you have had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the five years before the policy start date.
- The "Two-Year Rule": A pre-existing condition may become eligible for cover if, after your policy has started, you go for two continuous years without needing any treatment, advice, or medication for it (or any related condition).
- Pros: Fast and easy to set up.
- Cons: There is a "grey area." You won't know for sure if a condition is covered until you need to make a claim, which can lead to uncertainty and disappointment.
2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
This method provides more certainty from the outset.
- How it works: You complete a detailed health questionnaire as part of your application, declaring your full medical history.
- The Result: Aviva's underwriting team assesses your history and issues policy terms that clearly state any specific conditions that will be permanently excluded from cover.
- Pros: Complete clarity. You know exactly what is and isn't covered from day one.
- Cons: The application process takes longer. Exclusions are typically permanent and will not become eligible for cover later on.
| Feature | Moratorium (MORI) Underwriting | Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Process | Quick and simple, no health forms. | Requires a detailed health questionnaire. |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Automatically excluded for a rolling 5-year period. | Assessed individually and listed as specific exclusions on your policy. |
| Clarity of Cover | Less certainty; cover is determined at the point of a claim. | Full certainty from the start. You know exactly what's excluded. |
| Best For | Those with a clean bill of health seeking a quick setup. | Those with a known medical history who want absolute clarity on their cover. |
What Factors Determine the Cost of Your Aviva Premium?
The price of your private medical insurance is highly personal. Aviva calculates your premium based on a combination of risk factors and the choices you make.
- Age: This is the most significant factor. The risk of needing medical treatment increases with age, so premiums rise accordingly.
- Location: Where you live matters. Premiums are higher in areas with more expensive private hospitals, such as London and the South East.
- Level of Cover: A core-only policy will be significantly cheaper than a comprehensive policy with out-patient, therapies, and dental cover included.
- Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim each year. Choosing a higher excess (e.g., £250, £500, or £1,000) will lower your monthly premium.
- Hospital List: As mentioned, opting for the more restrictive 'Key' list instead of the 'Extended' list will reduce your cost.
- No Claims Discount: A long history of not claiming will result in a substantial discount.
An experienced broker can be invaluable here. We can instantly model how adjusting these different levers—like excess and hospital lists—will affect your premium, finding a balance that delivers the right cover at the best possible price.
How to Compare Aviva with Other UK PMI Providers
While Aviva is a top-tier provider, it's essential to compare them against others like Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality to ensure you're getting the best policy for you. Don't just look at the headline price.
Here's what to compare:
- Core Cover Definitions: Does another provider include something as standard that is an optional extra with Aviva? For example, some providers offer different levels of out-patient cover within their core product.
- Cancer Cover Nuances: All major insurers offer excellent cancer cover, but there can be differences in limits for experimental treatments or post-treatment monitoring.
- Mental Health Pathways: Compare the extent of mental health support. Is it just a few therapy sessions, or is there a fully guided pathway to psychiatric care?
- Added Value Benefits: If a wellness programme is important to you, compare Aviva's offering with Vitality's extensive reward-based system.
- Customer Service and Claims: Look at independent reviews and financial strength ratings. A cheap policy is no good if the claims process is difficult.
High-Level Provider Comparison
| Provider | Key Differentiator | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Aviva | Strong all-round cover, trusted brand, good digital GP service. | Those seeking reliable, comprehensive cover from a major UK name. |
| Bupa | Extensive network of own-brand hospitals and clinics, strong cancer support. | Individuals who value a wide choice of facilities and direct access to care. |
| AXA Health | Flexible policy options and a strong focus on member support and guidance. | People who want a guided healthcare journey and flexible cover levels. |
| Vitality | Unique wellness programme that rewards healthy living with premium discounts and other perks. | Active individuals who want to be rewarded for staying healthy. |
The Aviva Claims Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making a claim with Aviva is designed to be a straightforward process.
- Visit Your GP: The first step for any new symptom is to see your NHS GP. If they feel you need to see a specialist, ask for an 'open referral' letter.
- Contact Aviva's Claims Team: Call Aviva with your policy number and the details from your GP's referral.
- Get Authorisation: Aviva will check your policy to ensure the condition and proposed treatment are covered. They will provide an authorisation number and help you find a recognised specialist or hospital from your chosen list.
- Book Your Appointment: You can now book your consultation or treatment with the approved provider.
- Direct Settlement: In most cases, the hospital or specialist will bill Aviva directly. You will only need to pay the excess if it applies to your policy.
Common Exclusions on Aviva Health Insurance Policies
It's vital to be aware of what is not covered to avoid surprises. All UK private medical insurance policies have standard exclusions.
- Chronic Conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, hypertension)
- Pre-existing Conditions (as determined by your underwriting choice)
- Emergency Treatment (A&E visits)
- Normal Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Cosmetic Surgery (that is not medically necessary)
- Treatment for Alcohol or Substance Abuse
- Self-inflicted Injuries
- Infertility Treatment
Reading your policy documents carefully is the only way to be 100% sure of your specific exclusions.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Health Insurance Plan?
Aviva offers a fantastic, flexible private health insurance product that can be tailored to many different needs and budgets. However, the best provider for you depends on your personal circumstances, location, and health priorities.
This is where expert, independent advice makes all the difference. At WeCovr, our FCA-authorised specialists compare policies from Aviva and all other leading UK insurers, at no cost to you. We handle the complexity, explain the small print, and find the plan that offers you the best value.
Furthermore, when you take out a health or life insurance policy with us, you can benefit from discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect everything that matters for less.
Take the first step towards faster healthcare. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover the right private medical insurance for you.
