TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr provides in-depth analysis of the UK’s leading insurers. This guide offers a comprehensive review of Aviva’s private medical insurance, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your health and wellbeing.
Key takeaways
- Core Benefits: What you get as standard with every policy.
- Policy Customisation: How you can tailor your cover to suit your budget and needs.
- Optional Add-ons: The extras you can choose to enhance your protection.
- Family & Child Cover: New options designed specifically for families.
- Wellness & Digital Tools: The extra support Aviva provides to keep you healthy.
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr provides in-depth analysis of the UK’s leading insurers. This guide offers a comprehensive review of Aviva’s private medical insurance, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your health and wellbeing.
Benefits, add-ons, and new Aviva family health cover options
Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) can feel complex. With so many providers, policies, and optional extras, how do you know which one truly fits your needs? Aviva, one of the UK's largest and most established insurers, offers a flagship policy called 'Healthier Solutions'.
This article will break down every aspect of Aviva's private health cover. We will explore:
- Core Benefits: What you get as standard with every policy.
- Policy Customisation: How you can tailor your cover to suit your budget and needs.
- Optional Add-ons: The extras you can choose to enhance your protection.
- Family & Child Cover: New options designed specifically for families.
- Wellness & Digital Tools: The extra support Aviva provides to keep you healthy.
- Costs & Expert Verdict: An honest look at pricing and our professional opinion.
Our goal is to give you the clarity and confidence to make an informed decision about your healthcare.
Who is Aviva? A Giant in UK Insurance
Before diving into the policy details, it's worth understanding who Aviva is. With roots stretching back over 325 years, Aviva is a household name in the UK, providing insurance, savings, and retirement products to millions of customers. As a FTSE 100 company, its scale and financial stability are significant trust signals for anyone considering a long-term health insurance policy.
In the private medical insurance UK market, Aviva is a major player, known for its comprehensive cover, particularly for cancer, and its integration of digital health services. Choosing a provider with a long-standing reputation like Aviva's means you are partnering with an organisation that has a proven track record of paying claims and supporting its members.
Understanding the Core of Aviva Healthier Solutions
Aviva's main private health insurance policy is called Healthier Solutions. It's designed to provide fast access to diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.
However, it is absolutely vital to understand what private medical insurance is for.
Critical Information: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions Standard UK private medical insurance, including Aviva's, is designed to cover 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. Examples include joint pain requiring a hip replacement, cataracts, or hernias.
- A chronic condition is an illness that continues for a long time, such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis, or high blood pressure. These conditions can be managed but not cured.
PMI does not cover chronic conditions. It is also not designed to cover pre-existing conditions—any illness or injury you had before your policy started. The primary purpose of PMI is to handle new, treatable health issues that arise after you join.
What's Included as Standard?
Every Aviva Healthier Solutions policy comes with a strong foundation of core benefits, covering the most significant (and often most expensive) aspects of private healthcare.
| Core Benefit | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Full In-patient & Day-patient Cover | If you need to be admitted to hospital for surgery or treatment (either overnight or just for the day), your eligible hospital bills, specialist fees, and diagnostic tests are covered in full. |
| Comprehensive Cancer Cover | Aviva's cancer cover is a standout feature. It covers your diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies. It also includes support for palliative care, home nursing, and NHS cash benefits if you opt for NHS cancer treatment. |
| Aviva Digital GP | Get 24/7 access to a GP via your phone or tablet. You can get medical advice, prescriptions, and onward referrals without waiting for a local GP appointment. |
| Mental Health Pathway | This includes access to a 24-hour stress counselling helpline and initial consultations. More extensive mental health cover can be added as an optional extra. |
| Advanced Diagnostics | Scans like MRI, CT, and PET are covered in full when you are admitted as an in-patient or day-patient. Out-patient scan cover depends on your chosen options. |
Building Your Aviva Policy: Core Components and Choices
One of the strengths of Aviva's PMI is its flexibility. You can adjust several key components to create a policy that aligns with your budget and preferences. Think of it like building with LEGO bricks—you start with the core base and add the pieces you want.
1. Choosing Your Hospital List
Aviva offers a tiered list of hospitals where you can receive treatment. The more extensive the list, the higher your premium.
| Hospital List | Description | Who It's Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Key | Provides access to a carefully selected national network of private hospitals and NHS Private Patient Units. Excludes most central London hospitals. | Those looking for the most affordable cover who live outside major city centres. |
| Signature | Includes the 'Key' list plus a wider selection of hospitals, including some in London. Some high-end central London hospitals are still excluded. | A good balance of choice and cost, suitable for most people. |
| Extended | Offers access to almost all private hospitals in the UK, including the premium facilities in central London (e.g., The Lister, The London Clinic). | Those who want maximum choice, especially if living or working in London. |
| Trust | A unique option that limits your treatment to NHS hospitals with dedicated private patient units. This significantly reduces the cost. | The most budget-conscious, who are happy with NHS facilities but want to skip the waiting lists. |
2. Setting Your Excess Level
An 'excess' is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim in each policy year. For example, if you have a £200 excess and make a claim for £2,000, you would pay the first £200 and Aviva would pay the remaining £1,800.
- Available Excesses (illustrative): £0, £100, £200, £500, £1,000, £3,000, or £5,000.
- The Rule: A higher excess leads to a lower monthly premium.
Choosing a small excess like £100 or £200 is popular, as it keeps the premium manageable without exposing you to a large upfront cost if you need to claim. (illustrative estimate)
3. Deciding on Out-patient Cover
Out-patient treatment refers to consultations, tests, and diagnostics that do not require a hospital bed. This is one of the most important customisation options.
| Out-patient Option | What's Typically Included |
|---|---|
| No Cover | You would rely on the NHS for all specialist consultations and diagnostic tests leading up to any in-patient treatment. This is the cheapest option. |
| Standard Cover (£1,000 limit) | Provides up to £1,000 per policy year for specialist consultations and diagnostics. Scans (MRI, CT, PET) are covered in full, separate to this limit. |
| Full Cover | No annual monetary limit for eligible out-patient consultations and tests. This gives you complete peace of mind but is the most expensive option. |
Real-Life Example: Sarah, a 45-year-old teacher, develops persistent knee pain.
- With Full Out-patient Cover: Her GP refers her to a private orthopaedic specialist. Her consultation (£250), MRI scan (£600), and follow-up appointment (£150) are all covered by Aviva.
- With No Out-patient Cover: Sarah would use the NHS for her consultation and MRI scan. She could face a lengthy wait. If the scan revealed she needed surgery, her Aviva policy would then cover the private operation as an in-patient.
4. Selecting Your Underwriting
This sounds technical, but it's a simple choice about how Aviva assesses your medical history.
- Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common option. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, Aviva will generally not cover any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before your policy started. However, if you go 2 full years on the policy without any trouble from that condition, it may become eligible for cover. It's a "wait and see" approach.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. Aviva assesses your history and explicitly lists any conditions that will be excluded from cover from day one. This provides certainty but requires more admin upfront.
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can provide invaluable guidance on which underwriting method is best for your personal medical history, ensuring there are no surprises when you need to claim.
Enhancing Your Cover: Aviva's Key Add-ons
Once you have the core of your policy built, you can add optional benefits to create more comprehensive protection.
Therapies Cover
This is a popular add-on that covers treatments to get you back on your feet after an illness or injury. It includes:
- Physiotherapy
- Osteopathy
- Chiropractic treatment
Usually, the number of sessions is linked to your GP's referral and your overall out-patient limit. For many, this is a non-negotiable add-on, as musculoskeletal issues are a leading reason for seeking private treatment. According to 2023 NHS data, over 7.5 million people are on waiting lists for consultant-led elective care, with a significant portion being for trauma and orthopaedics.
Mental Health Upgrade
While all Aviva policies include a mental health support pathway, the 'Mental Health Upgrade' significantly enhances this. It extends cover to include:
- Access to a wider range of therapists and psychiatrists.
- Cover for in-patient and day-patient psychiatric treatment.
Given the growing awareness of mental wellbeing, this add-on provides peace of mind that comprehensive support is available if needed.
Dental and Optical Cover
This add-on helps with the routine costs of staying healthy. It's not for major cosmetic work but provides cover towards:
- Dental: Check-ups, scaling, fillings, and emergency treatment.
- Optical: Eye tests, and a contribution towards glasses or contact lenses.
It operates with set annual limits, so it's best viewed as a way to budget for these expenses rather than full insurance.
New for 2025: Aviva's Focus on Family Health Cover
Aviva has refined its offering to be particularly attractive for families. Structuring a family policy allows you to protect your loved ones and often proves more cost-effective than individual plans.
Key benefits for families include:
- Cover for Children: You can add your children to your policy, often up to the age of 24 if they are in full-time education.
- Flexible Cover: You don't all have to have the same level of cover. For example, parents might opt for a comprehensive plan with the Extended hospital list, while adding their children on a more basic plan to keep costs down.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your child can bypass long waiting lists for common procedures like tonsillectomies or grommet insertions is a huge relief for parents.
- Digital GP for the Whole Family: The 24/7 Digital GP service is invaluable when a child falls ill in the middle of the night, saving a trip to A&E.
A family policy simplifies administration with one renewal date and one point of contact. Discussing your family's specific needs with a broker ensures you build the most effective and affordable protection for everyone.
Beyond Treatment: Aviva's Wellness and Digital Health Tools
Modern private health cover is about more than just paying hospital bills. It's about proactive health and wellbeing. Aviva excels in this area.
- Aviva Digital GP: As mentioned, this is a cornerstone of the policy. Quick, convenient access to a GP can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, preventing minor issues from becoming major problems.
- Get Active: Aviva offers discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and other health and wellness products from major brands. It's a tangible incentive to lead a healthier lifestyle.
- Stress Counselling Helpline: Available 24/7, this provides a confidential ear and professional advice for anyone struggling with stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.
Proactive Health Management with WeCovr
At WeCovr, we believe in empowering our clients to take control of their health. That's why clients who purchase private medical insurance through us receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. By monitoring your diet and activity, you can make informed choices that contribute to long-term health, potentially reducing your reliance on medical treatment down the line.
A balanced diet, regular physical activity, and sufficient sleep are the pillars of good health. Tools like CalorieHero and the wellness benefits from providers like Aviva help you build and maintain these healthy habits.
How Much Does Aviva Private Medical Insurance Cost?
This is the million-dollar question, but the answer is: it depends. Your premium is personalised based on several factors:
- Age: Premiums increase as you get older.
- Location: Living in an area with high private hospital costs (like London) will increase your premium.
- Cover Level: The options you choose (hospital list, out-patient cover, excess) are the biggest drivers of cost.
- Lifestyle: Smokers will pay more than non-smokers.
- Claims History: Your No Claims Discount (NCD) will affect your renewal price.
To give you a general idea, here are some illustrative examples for a non-smoker with a £250 excess and the 'Signature' hospital list. These are not quotes.
| Age | Location | Sample Policy (Mid-Range Out-patient) | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | Manchester | Healthier Solutions with £1,000 out-patient | £45 – £60 |
| 45 | Bristol | Healthier Solutions with £1,000 out-patient | £70 – £95 |
| 60 | London | Healthier Solutions with £1,000 out-patient | £150 – £200+ |
The only way to get an accurate price is to request a personalised quote. A specialist broker can compare Aviva's pricing against other leading providers like Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality to ensure you're getting the best possible value.
WeCovr's Expert Verdict on Aviva Health Insurance
Having helped thousands of clients navigate the private health cover market, we have a clear view of Aviva's strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- Excellent Cancer Cover: It's one of the most comprehensive cancer benefits on the market, included as standard.
- Strong Brand & Financial Stability: You are buying a policy from a trusted, reliable company.
- Great Digital Tools: The Aviva Digital GP app is user-friendly and a genuinely useful benefit.
- Flexible and Customisable: The policy can be tailored to fit a wide range of budgets and needs.
- High Customer Satisfaction: Aviva generally scores well in customer service and claims handling.
Cons:
- Potentially Higher Cost: For some demographics, Aviva's premiums can be higher than those of its direct competitors.
- 'Key' Hospital List Can Be Restrictive: The entry-level hospital list may not be suitable for those who want wider choice, even outside London.
- Mental Health Cover as an Add-on: While the basic support is good, full psychiatric cover requires an upgrade, whereas some rivals include it as standard.
Overall Verdict: Aviva Healthier Solutions is a premium, high-quality private medical insurance product. It is an excellent choice for individuals and families who prioritise comprehensive cancer cover and want the reassurance of a major, trusted brand. While it may not always be the cheapest option, the quality of its core offering and digital tools provides significant value.
Working with an independent broker like WeCovr is the smartest way to approach it. We can benchmark Aviva's quote against the entire market, ensuring their policy is the right fit for you at the most competitive price. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through us often benefit from discounts on other insurance products we arrange.
The Claims Process: What to Expect with Aviva
Aviva has a streamlined and well-regarded claims process. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to using your policy:
- See Your GP: Your journey always starts with your NHS or Digital GP. Discuss your symptoms and get an open referral to a specialist.
- Contact Aviva: Call their claims line or use their online portal to start your claim. You'll need your policy number and the details of your GP referral.
- Get Pre-authorisation: Aviva will check your cover and, if the treatment is eligible, provide you with a pre-authorisation number. This step is crucial. Never proceed with treatment without pre-authorisation, as you risk not being covered.
- Book Your Treatment: Aviva will provide a list of approved specialists and hospitals from your chosen network. You can then book your appointment.
- Aviva Settles the Bill: After your treatment, the hospital or specialist will bill Aviva directly. You only need to pay your excess if it applies.
Does Aviva private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Can I add my partner or children to my Aviva policy later?
What is the main benefit of using a broker like WeCovr to buy Aviva PMI?
How does Aviva's cancer cover work?
Ready to explore your options and secure the right health protection for you and your family? The team of experts at WeCovr is here to help. We provide free, no-obligation advice and can generate a personalised quote comparing Aviva with all other leading UK insurers in minutes.
Get your free, personalised quote today and take the first step towards faster healthcare.
Sources
- NHS England: Waiting times and referral-to-treatment statistics.
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Health, mortality, and workforce data.
- NICE: Clinical guidance and technology appraisals.
- Care Quality Commission (CQC): Provider quality and inspection reports.
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Public health surveillance reports.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Health and protection market publications.
