
As an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 800,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr helps you navigate the UK private medical insurance market. This expert review delves into AXA Health's 2025 offerings, providing the clarity you need to make an informed decision for your health and wellbeing.
AXA is one of the most recognisable names in the global insurance landscape, and its UK health insurance arm, AXA Health, is a significant player in the private medical insurance (PMI) market. With a history stretching back to the formation of the London Association for Hospital Services in 1940, they have a deep-rooted presence in the UK's healthcare sector.
In this comprehensive 2025 review, we will dissect AXA's policies, explore their benefits, and examine how they stack up in an increasingly competitive market. We'll provide the insights you need to decide if AXA is the right choice for you and your family.
The National Health Service (NHS) is a national treasure, providing incredible care to millions. However, the pressures it faces are well-documented. As we look at the landscape in 2025, the reasons for considering PMI have become more compelling for many.
According to NHS England data from late 2024, the total waiting list for routine consultant-led elective care stood at over 7.5 million. This figure represents a significant number of individuals waiting for procedures like hip replacements, cataract surgery, and hernia repairs.
Key benefits of having private health cover include:
Private medical insurance is not a replacement for the NHS, which remains essential for accident and emergency services and the management of long-term chronic conditions. Instead, PMI works alongside it, providing a valuable alternative for non-urgent, acute medical issues.
AXA's main offering for individuals and families is its 'Personal Health' policy. It's a modular plan, meaning it starts with a core foundation of cover, which you can then build upon with optional extras to suit your needs and budget.
The core 'Personal Health' plan is designed to cover the most significant medical costs: in-patient and day-patient treatment.
| Feature | Description | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| In-patient & Day-patient Treatment | Covers tests and surgery when you are admitted to a hospital bed, even if you don't stay overnight (day-patient). | Full cover for hospital charges, specialist fees, diagnostic tests, and scans (like MRI, CT, PET). |
| Extensive Cancer Cover | Comprehensive cover for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. | Includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and advanced therapies. Also includes palliative care and after-care support. |
| AXA Doctor at Hand | 24/7 access to a virtual GP service provided by Doctor Care Anywhere. | Unlimited phone or video consultations with a GP, prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy, and onward referrals. |
| Health at Hand | 24/7 support line staffed by nurses, pharmacists, and counsellors. | Confidential advice on any health concern, from medication queries to mental health support. |
| Strong-as-a-Mother Programme | Specialist support for mothers experiencing mental health issues during pregnancy and up to a year after birth. | Provides access to specialist assessment and treatment if you develop conditions like post-natal depression. |
It is vital to understand that all standard UK private medical insurance, including policies from AXA, is designed to cover acute conditions.
PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions. It also does not cover any pre-existing conditions you had before you took out the policy, which we'll explain further in the underwriting section.
This is where you can tailor your AXA Health plan to your specific priorities. By adding or removing options, you directly influence the level of cover you have and the price of your premium.
This is one of the most important options to consider. While core cover handles your treatment in hospital, out-patient cover deals with the costs of diagnosis before you're admitted.
There are three levels of out-patient cover with AXA:
Example Scenario: You have persistent knee pain.
This add-on covers treatment from physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors. If you lead an active lifestyle or have a history of musculoskeletal issues, this is a valuable option. It typically covers a set number of sessions per year following a specialist's referral.
While the core policy includes some mental health support via the 'Health at Hand' helpline, this option extends cover to treatment from psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. Given the increasing focus on mental wellbeing, this is a popular and important add-on for comprehensive peace of mind. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around 1 in 5 adults in Great Britain experienced some form of depression in early 2021, highlighting the widespread need for mental health support.
This is not full dental or optical insurance. Instead, it’s a cashback benefit where you can claim back a percentage of your routine costs for things like check-ups, eye tests, glasses, and contact lenses, up to a yearly limit.
You can choose to add European or Worldwide travel insurance to your health policy, covering you for medical emergencies when you are abroad.
AXA offers a directory of hospitals where you can have your treatment. The list you choose affects your premium.
| Hospital List Option | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Directory of Hospitals | AXA's standard, comprehensive list of several hundred private hospitals across the UK. | Most people seeking a good balance of choice and cost. |
| Directory of Hospitals (with London Upgrade) | Adds a select list of premium private hospitals in Central London (e.g., The London Clinic, The Lister Hospital). | Those who live or work near Central London and want access to these specific facilities. This significantly increases the premium. |
| Guided Option (Expert's Choice) | You choose from a smaller, curated list of high-quality hospitals selected by AXA. This option comes with a premium discount. | People happy to have a more limited choice of hospitals in exchange for a lower price. |
Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to assess your medical history and decide what they will and won't cover. This is where the rules on pre-existing conditions are applied. AXA, like other UK insurers, offers two main types.
This is the simplest way to get cover. You don't need to complete a detailed medical questionnaire upfront.
With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply, declaring your full medical history.
Which is right for you? An expert broker, like WeCovr, can provide invaluable guidance here. We can help you understand the implications of each option based on your personal health history, ensuring you choose the path that offers the best protection and value.
A modern health insurance policy is more than just paying for hospital bills. Insurers compete by offering a suite of wellness benefits to help you stay healthy. AXA's proposition is strong in this area.
Taking out private health insurance is a proactive step, but the best way to stay out of hospital is to invest in your daily health.
The cost of private medical insurance is highly personal. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' price. Your premium is calculated based on several key factors:
To give you an idea, here are some illustrative monthly premiums. These are examples only and your quote will be different.
Example Monthly Premiums for AXA 'Personal Health' Policy (Assumptions: £250 excess, Standard out-patient cover, Moratorium underwriting, standard hospital list, non-smoker)
| Age | Location (Manchester) | Location (Central London) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | £55 - £70 | £75 - £90 |
| 40 | £70 - £85 | £90 - £110 |
| 50 | £95 - £115 | £120 - £145 |
| 60 | £140 - £170 | £180 - £220 |
These are indicative prices for 2025 and are for illustrative purposes only. The only way to get an accurate price is to get a personalised quote.
The UK private medical insurance market is complex. Comparing providers, understanding jargon, and tailoring a policy to your needs can be overwhelming. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr adds significant value.
Navigating the options from the best PMI providers alone can be a minefield. A broker acts as your expert guide, simplifying the process and advocating for your best interests.
Choosing the right private medical insurance is a major decision. AXA Health offers a compelling, high-quality, and flexible product that is a top choice for many people in the UK. However, the best policy is always the one that is perfectly aligned with your personal needs, health history, and budget.
To find that perfect fit, it's wise to compare the entire market.
Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will compare AXA against other leading insurers to find you the most suitable and cost-effective private health cover.






