TL;DR
The world of preventative health is evolving at lightning speed, with "biohacking" moving from a niche Silicon Valley trend to a mainstream pursuit for health-conscious individuals across the UK. As an FCA-authorised expert broker in the UK private medical insurance market, WeCovr has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, giving us a unique view into how people are taking control of their health. A cornerstone of this movement is data, and the most personal data of all comes from your blood.
Key takeaways
- NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): Often called the "molecule of youth," NAD+ is a critical coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It's essential for metabolism, DNA repair, and energy production. Levels of NAD+ naturally decline with age, and this decline is linked to many age-related diseases. Testing your NAD+ levels provides a powerful insight into your cellular health and biological age.
- Cortisol: Known as the "stress hormone," cortisol plays a vital role in your body's response to stress, metabolism, and sleep-wake cycle. While essential, chronically elevated cortisol from modern life's pressures can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. A single cortisol measurement isn't enough; biohackers favour a "diurnal rhythm" test, which measures levels at multiple points throughout the day (e.g., morning, noon, evening, night) to map your stress response accurately.
- Testosterone: While commonly associated with male health, testosterone is a crucial hormone for both men and women. It impacts muscle mass, bone density, energy levels, mood, and libido. Testing for both "total testosterone" and "free testosterone" (the portion that is biologically active) gives a complete picture of your hormonal health, which is a cornerstone of vitality and performance.
- Pros: Great for beginners, focuses on trends, GP-reviewed results, very convenient.
- Cons: Finger-prick samples can be tricky for some and may not be suitable for all tests. Their range of ultra-specialist markers is smaller than Medichecks.
The world of preventative health is evolving at lightning speed, with "biohacking" moving from a niche Silicon Valley trend to a mainstream pursuit for health-conscious individuals across the UK. As an FCA-authorised expert broker in the UK private medical insurance market, WeCovr has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, giving us a unique view into how people are taking control of their health. A cornerstone of this movement is data, and the most personal data of all comes from your blood.
This guide is for the UK biohacker looking ahead to 2026. We will explore the best private blood tests for advanced longevity markers like NAD+, cortisol, and testosterone, compare the leading providers, and—crucially—answer the question of whether private health cover will foot the bill.
Where to get advanced longevity markers tested in the UK. We compare Thriva, Randox & Medichecks prices and check which insurance policies pay for them
The biohacking community thrives on metrics. It's not enough to feel better; you need to measure it. While the NHS is a national treasure for treating illness, it isn't designed for proactive health optimisation. For that, you need to turn to the private sector.
Three providers dominate the UK's direct-to-consumer blood testing market: Thriva, Randox Health, and Medichecks. Each offers a different approach to help you quantify your health, from convenient subscription kits to comprehensive, in-clinic panels.
What Are Biohacking & Longevity Blood Markers?
Before we dive into the providers, let's demystify the key markers that are gaining traction in the world of health optimisation and longevity. Biohacking is simply the practice of using science and technology to improve your body's function and performance. Blood tests are the primary tool for this, providing a quantifiable snapshot of your internal health.
Here are three of the most talked-about markers for 2026:
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NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): Often called the "molecule of youth," NAD+ is a critical coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It's essential for metabolism, DNA repair, and energy production. Levels of NAD+ naturally decline with age, and this decline is linked to many age-related diseases. Testing your NAD+ levels provides a powerful insight into your cellular health and biological age.
-
Cortisol: Known as the "stress hormone," cortisol plays a vital role in your body's response to stress, metabolism, and sleep-wake cycle. While essential, chronically elevated cortisol from modern life's pressures can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. A single cortisol measurement isn't enough; biohackers favour a "diurnal rhythm" test, which measures levels at multiple points throughout the day (e.g., morning, noon, evening, night) to map your stress response accurately.
-
Testosterone: While commonly associated with male health, testosterone is a crucial hormone for both men and women. It impacts muscle mass, bone density, energy levels, mood, and libido. Testing for both "total testosterone" and "free testosterone" (the portion that is biologically active) gives a complete picture of your hormonal health, which is a cornerstone of vitality and performance.
The Big Three: Comparing Thriva, Randox & Medichecks for 2026
Choosing a provider depends on your specific goals, budget, and how you prefer to collect your sample (at home or in a clinic). Here's our breakdown of the top contenders for the UK biohacker.
| Feature | Thriva | Randox Health | Medichecks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Trend tracking & subscription testing | Comprehensive, all-in-one panels | A-la-carte & specialist testing |
| Sample Collection | Finger-prick (at home) | Venous (in-clinic) | Finger-prick & Venous options |
| NAD+ Test | Yes (often as a standalone test) | Yes (included in premium panels) | Yes (available as a specialist test) |
| Cortisol Test | Yes (single marker or saliva rhythm) | Yes (single marker in panels) | Yes (blood, saliva, urine options) |
| Testosterone Test | Yes (basic & advanced options) | Yes (included in most panels) | Yes (extensive options, inc. TRT monitoring) |
| User Experience | Excellent app, clear trend graphs | Detailed PDF report, in-person consultation | Online dashboard with doctor's comments |
| Est. 2026 Price | £30-£150 (per kit/subscription) | £250-£800 (per comprehensive panel) | £30-£300+ (per test/panel) |
Thriva Review for Biohackers
Thriva excels in making blood testing accessible and easy to understand. Their subscription model is perfect for biohackers who want to track their progress over time. You choose your tests, they send a finger-prick kit every few months, and your results are plotted on a beautiful dashboard.
- Pros: Great for beginners, focuses on trends, GP-reviewed results, very convenient.
- Cons: Finger-prick samples can be tricky for some and may not be suitable for all tests. Their range of ultra-specialist markers is smaller than Medichecks.
Randox Health Review for Biohackers
Randox is the choice for the "deep dive." Their Signature and Everyman/Everywoman programmes are some of the most comprehensive on the market, testing hundreds of biomarkers from a single venous blood draw in one of their nationwide clinics.
- Pros: Extremely comprehensive, includes advanced markers like NAD+, venous sample ensures accuracy, includes a follow-up consultation.
- Cons: Higher price point, requires a visit to a physical clinic.
Medichecks Review for Biohackers
Medichecks is the biohacker's laboratory. They offer an enormous A-Z menu of tests, allowing you to build a completely bespoke panel. If there's an obscure marker you've read about in a research paper, Medichecks probably offers it.
- Pros: Unrivalled selection of tests, flexible sample collection options (finger-prick, home nurse visit, or clinic), detailed reports with doctor's comments.
- Cons: The sheer number of options can be overwhelming for a newcomer. You need to know what you're looking for.
Can You Get These Advanced Blood Tests on the NHS?
This is a common question, and the answer is straightforward. The NHS provides world-class care for diagnosing and treating illness, but it is not a service for health optimisation.
NHS blood tests are performed for clinical reasons, not for curiosity or preventative screening in healthy individuals.
For example:
- A GP might order a testosterone test if you present with clear symptoms of hypogonadism, like severe fatigue and loss of libido.
- A cortisol test may be ordered if a doctor suspects a specific medical condition like Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease.
- An NAD+ test is considered experimental and is not available on the NHS for any purpose.
For the biohacker looking to optimise their health while they are well, the NHS is not the right avenue. These tests must be sourced and paid for privately.
The Crucial Question: Does Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Cover Biohacking Blood Tests?
This is where our expertise as a private medical insurance broker becomes critical. Many clients hope their new PMI policy will cover their wellness journey, including regular blood tests. Unfortunately, this reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of what PMI is for.
UK private medical insurance is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute medical conditions that arise after your policy begins.
Let’s break this down:
- Acute vs. Chronic: An acute condition is a disease or injury that is short-lived and expected to respond to treatment, like a hernia repair or cancer treatment. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that requires ongoing management, like diabetes or asthma. Standard PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.
- Diagnostic vs. Screening: This is the key distinction for blood tests.
- Diagnostic Tests (Usually Covered): If you develop new symptoms (e.g., unexplained pain, sudden fatigue) and a consultant refers you for a blood test to find the cause, your PMI will almost certainly cover this. It's part of the pathway to diagnosing a potential acute condition.
- Screening/Wellness Tests (Almost Never Covered): Blood tests you choose to have for general screening, monitoring, or "optimisation" without any new medical symptoms are not covered. This category includes all typical biohacking tests.
This table clarifies the difference:
| Scenario | Covered by PMI? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Your GP refers you for a testosterone test due to new, unexplained fatigue and low mood. | Likely Yes | This is a diagnostic test to investigate the cause of specific medical symptoms. |
| You order a Thriva NAD+ and cortisol panel to optimise your energy and stress levels. | No | This is a self-directed wellness screening test without a medical referral for symptoms. |
| You want an annual "health MOT" blood test to check everything is in order. | No | This is preventative screening, which is excluded from standard PMI policies. |
Insider Tip: Some premium-tier PMI policies from providers like Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality may include a "Wellness" or "Health Screen" benefit. This is usually a fixed cash amount (e.g., £100-£300 per year) that you can claim back against health-related expenses, which could include private blood tests. However, this is an add-on, not a core feature, and it rarely covers the full cost of an advanced panel from Randox or Medichecks. A specialist broker like WeCovr can help you identify policies that offer these valuable, though limited, benefits. (illustrative estimate)
How WeCovr Supports Your Complete Health Journey
While your private medical insurance policy isn't a biohacking fund, it is the most important part of your health strategy. It acts as your safety net. If your private blood tests ever do reveal something concerning, PMI ensures you can bypass NHS waiting lists and get rapid access to leading consultants and private hospitals for diagnosis and treatment.
At WeCovr, we believe in a holistic approach to health. That's why we support our clients beyond just finding the right insurance policy.
- Expert PMI Comparison: We compare policies from all leading UK insurers to find the right cover for your needs and budget, at no extra cost to you.
- Complimentary CalorieHero Access: All our clients get free access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you manage the lifestyle factors that your blood tests measure.
- Multi-Policy Discounts: When you take out a PMI or life insurance policy with us, we can offer discounts on other essential cover, protecting your health and finances in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Biohackers & PMI
Do I need to declare my private blood test results when applying for PMI?
Will my PMI premium go up if I use it for diagnostic tests?
Are testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or NAD+ infusions covered by PMI?
Your Health Strategy: Optimisation and Protection
The landscape of personal health is clear for 2026. Your proactive optimisation—the biohacking, the tracking, the diet, and the lifestyle changes—is your responsibility, powered by fantastic private services like Thriva, Randox, and Medichecks.
Your protection—the safety net for when acute illness or injury strikes—is the role of private medical insurance. It ensures that no matter what your data tells you, you have a plan for rapid, high-quality medical care when you need it most.
Ready to build your complete health strategy? Get your protection in place today. Our friendly team at WeCovr can provide a free, impartial comparison of the UK's best private medical insurance providers to find the perfect fit for you.
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.











