
TL;DR
As experienced private medical insurance brokers in the UK, WeCovr helps thousands of individuals and families navigate the market. This guide provides an authoritative overview of AXA private health insurance, one of the UK's leading providers, breaking down its cover options, costs, and key features for you. An overview of AXA private health insurance and AXA private medical insurance – cover levels, underwriting and pricing factors AXA is a globally recognised insurance brand with a significant presence in the UK private medical insurance (PMI) market.
Key takeaways
- In-patient and day-patient treatment: This covers costs when you are admitted to a hospital for treatment and require a bed, even if just for a day. This includes hospital accommodation, nursing care, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, and specialist consultations.
- Extensive cancer cover: This is a significant feature, providing cover for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
- Diagnostics: Scans like MRI, CT, and PET scans are covered, even on an out-patient basis, if your specialist refers you.
- 24/7 Health Support Line: Access to medical professionals over the phone for health advice at any time.
- Strong hospital network: Access to a wide range of private hospitals across the UK.
As experienced private medical insurance brokers in the UK, WeCovr helps thousands of individuals and families navigate the market. This guide provides an authoritative overview of AXA private health insurance, one of the UK's leading providers, breaking down its cover options, costs, and key features for you.
An overview of AXA private health insurance and AXA private medical insurance – cover levels, underwriting and pricing factors
AXA is a globally recognised insurance brand with a significant presence in the UK private medical insurance (PMI) market. Known for its comprehensive cover and extensive hospital network, AXA offers a flagship product called 'Personal Health'. This policy is modular, allowing you to build a plan that suits your specific needs and budget.
Understanding how this cover works is the first step to deciding if it's the right choice for you. This article will dissect the core components, optional extras, underwriting methods, and the factors that determine your monthly premium.
Key takeaway: AXA private health insurance provides prompt access to private diagnosis and treatment for acute medical conditions that arise after you take out your policy. It is not designed to cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
What is AXA Personal Health Insurance?
AXA's primary offering for individuals and families in the UK is their 'Personal Health' plan. It's built around a core level of cover that can be enhanced with several optional add-ons. This structure gives you control over the breadth of your cover and, consequently, your premium.
The fundamental purpose of the plan is to bypass potential NHS waiting lists for eligible conditions, giving you access to private specialists, diagnostic tests, and hospital treatment quickly.
Core Cover Includes:
- In-patient and day-patient treatment: This covers costs when you are admitted to a hospital for treatment and require a bed, even if just for a day. This includes hospital accommodation, nursing care, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, and specialist consultations.
- Extensive cancer cover: This is a significant feature, providing cover for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
- Diagnostics: Scans like MRI, CT, and PET scans are covered, even on an out-patient basis, if your specialist refers you.
- 24/7 Health Support Line: Access to medical professionals over the phone for health advice at any time.
- Strong hospital network: Access to a wide range of private hospitals across the UK.
Understanding AXA's Core and Optional Cover Levels
Think of AXA's Personal Health plan as a foundation with optional extensions. You start with the core cover and then decide which, if any, extras you wish to add.
Standard Core Cover: What's Included?
The Core module is the mandatory foundation of any AXA Personal Health policy.
| Feature | Details of Cover |
|---|---|
| In-patient & Day-patient Treatment | Full cover for hospital fees, specialist fees, diagnostic tests, and consultations while admitted. |
| Cancer Cover | Comprehensive cover for diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Includes access to the latest approved cancer drugs. |
| Out-patient Surgery | Surgical procedures carried out in an out-patient setting are covered in full. |
| Diagnostic Scans | MRI, CT, and PET scans are covered in full, even if you are not admitted to hospital. |
| Health at Hand Support Line | 24/7 access to a team of nurses, counsellors, midwives, and pharmacists for telephone support. |
| Working Body | Physiotherapy sessions for muscle, bone, and joint conditions without needing a GP referral. |
Optional Add-ons for Enhanced Cover
These modules can be added to your Core cover to create a more comprehensive policy.
1. Standard Out-patient Cover This is one of the most popular add-ons. While Core cover includes diagnostic scans, this option adds cover for specialist consultations and other diagnostic tests (like blood tests or X-rays) that do not require a hospital admission.
- What it covers: Consultations with specialists and diagnostic tests on an out-patient basis.
- Why choose it? To speed up the diagnostic process and get a diagnosis without waiting. You have a choice of a £500, £1,000 or unlimited annual limit.
2. Full Out-patient Cover This is an upgrade to the Standard Out-patient option.
- What it covers: Everything in Standard Out-patient, with no annual financial limit.
- Why choose it? For complete peace of mind, knowing that all your eligible out-patient consultations and tests are covered without a cap.
3. Therapies Cover This option provides cover for treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care when referred by a specialist.
- What it covers: A set number of sessions for recognised therapies to aid recovery.
- Why choose it? If you have an active lifestyle or a history of musculoskeletal issues, this can be invaluable for recovery after an injury or operation.
4. Mental Health Cover This add-on provides cover for the diagnosis and treatment of acute mental health conditions.
- What it covers: Consultations with psychiatrists and treatment as an in-patient or day-patient.
- Why choose it? NHS waiting times for mental health services can be long. This option provides prompt access to private psychiatric care when you need it most.
5. Dentist and Optician Cashback This is a cashback benefit, not traditional insurance. It allows you to claim back a percentage of your routine dental and optical bills.
- What it covers: A portion of costs for check-ups, glasses, contact lenses, and dental treatment, up to an annual limit.
- Why choose it? To help manage the costs of everyday healthcare.
Critical: Understanding Underwriting Options
When you apply for private medical insurance, the insurer needs to know about your medical history. This process is called underwriting. The type of underwriting you choose determines how the policy treats pre-existing conditions.
It is a fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK that pre-existing and chronic conditions are not covered.
AXA offers two main underwriting options for new customers:
| Underwriting Type | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moratorium (MORI) | You do not declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a blanket exclusion for any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the last 5 years. This exclusion can be lifted for a specific condition if you remain trouble-free for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts. | Quicker to set up. No lengthy medical questionnaires. | Lack of certainty. You may not know if a condition is covered until you make a claim. The "2-year rolling" period can be complex. |
| Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) | You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your full medical history. The insurer assesses this and states upfront what will be permanently excluded from your policy. | Complete clarity. You know exactly what is and isn't covered from day one. | Longer application process. Requires you to gather medical information. Exclusions are typically permanent. |
Broker's Insight: For most people, the choice between MORI and FMU is a trade-off between speed and certainty. If you have a complex medical history, FMU provides valuable clarity. If you are in good health, a moratorium is often simpler. An expert broker at WeCovr can help you decide which is the best fit for your circumstances at no extra cost.
How Much Does AXA Private Health Insurance Cost?
The cost of your AXA health insurance premium is not a fixed figure. It's calculated based on several personal and policy-related factors. Understanding these factors will help you see how you can adjust your cover to meet your budget.
Key Pricing Factors:
- Age: This is the most significant factor. Premiums increase as you get older because the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment rises.
- Location: Your postcode affects your premium. The cost of private treatment varies across the UK, with central London being the most expensive. AXA groups postcodes into different pricing bands.
- Cover Level: The more optional extras you add (like Full Out-patient or Therapies cover), the higher your premium will be.
- Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim in any policy year. Choosing a higher excess will lower your premium. AXA offers excess options from £100 up to £5,000.
- Hospital List: AXA offers a choice of hospital lists. A more comprehensive list including prime central London hospitals will cost more than a list focused on local or national hospitals outside the capital.
- The 6-Week Option: This is a cost-saving feature. If you add this, you agree to use the NHS if the required in-patient treatment has a waiting list of less than 6 weeks. If the wait is longer, you can use your AXA policy. This can significantly reduce your premium.
Example Monthly Premiums for AXA Personal Health
The table below gives an indication of monthly premiums. These are illustrative examples only and are based on a non-smoker with a £250 excess, moratorium underwriting, and the standard 'Directory of Hospitals' list.
| Age | Location (Manchester) - Core Cover Only | Location (London) - Core + Standard Out-patient Cover (£1000 limit) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | ~£45 per month | ~£85 per month |
| 40 | ~£60 per month | ~£115 per month |
| 50 | ~£85 per month | ~£160 per month |
| 60 | ~£125 per month | ~£240 per month |
These are illustrative 2026 estimates. Your actual quote will depend on your individual circumstances.
To get an accurate price tailored to you, it's best to get a personalised quote.
Key Features and Benefits of AXA PMI
Beyond the core cover, AXA policies come with several features and benefits that enhance the value for members.
- Doctor@Hand Digital GP Service: Provides 24/7 access to a private GP via phone or video call, often with same-day appointments. They can issue private prescriptions and make specialist referrals.
- Fast-Track Appointments: AXA's team can help you find a specialist and book your initial consultation, saving you time and hassle.
- Strong Cancer Care Commitment: AXA provides extensive cover for cancer, including access to breakthrough drugs and treatments, sometimes before they are available on the NHS.
- Member Discounts: Access to discounts on gym memberships and other wellness products.
- Second Opinion Service: If you have a diagnosis you're unsure about, AXA can arrange for a second medical opinion from a leading expert.
At WeCovr, we provide all our health and life insurance customers with complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your wellness journey. We also offer discounts on other insurance products when you take out a policy with us.
What is Not Covered by AXA Health Insurance? (General Exclusions)
Understanding exclusions is just as important as knowing what's covered. Like all UK private medical insurance, AXA policies have standard exclusions.
Crucially, private health insurance does not cover:
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition for which you have experienced symptoms, received advice, or had treatment before your policy start date (subject to your underwriting type).
- Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions that require ongoing management rather than a cure, such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. PMI is for acute conditions.
- Emergency Services: A&E visits are handled by the NHS.
- Normal Pregnancy & Childbirth: Complications of pregnancy may be covered, but routine care is not.
- Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures that are not medically necessary.
- Self-inflicted Injuries: Including those related to substance abuse.
Always read your policy documents carefully to understand the full list of exclusions. A broker can help clarify these points for you.
How to Get an AXA Private Health Insurance Quote
There are two main ways to get a quote for an AXA policy:
- Directly from AXA: You can go to their website or call them to get a quote and apply. The process is straightforward, but you will only see their product and pricing.
- Through an Independent Broker (like WeCovr): A specialist health insurance broker provides a whole-of-market comparison.
Why use a broker?
- Expert Advice: We understand the nuances of every policy from every major insurer, not just AXA.
- Market Comparison: We compare AXA's prices and features against other leading providers like Bupa, Vitality, and Aviva, ensuring you get the best value.
- No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium, so you don't pay more.
- Application Support: We handle the paperwork and guide you through the underwriting process.
- Claims Assistance: We can provide support and guidance if you ever need to make a claim.
Given the complexity of private medical insurance UK policies, using an FCA-regulated broker like WeCovr is the most reliable way to ensure you get the right cover for your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions about AXA Health Insurance
Does AXA health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Can I add my family to my AXA private medical insurance policy?
What is the difference between AXA and Bupa?
How do I make a claim with AXA?
Your Next Steps
Choosing the right private medical insurance is a significant decision. AXA offers a robust and flexible product that can be tailored to many different needs and budgets. However, the best way to ensure you're getting the most suitable cover at the most competitive price is to compare it against the wider market.
As expert, FCA-authorised PMI brokers, we can provide you with a comprehensive comparison of policies from AXA and all other leading UK insurers. Our advice is independent, impartial, and comes at no cost to you.
Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and find the perfect health insurance plan for you and your family.









