TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. Understanding how personal factors like your Body Mass Index (BMI) influence your premium is the first step towards finding affordable, high-quality health cover that’s right for you.
Key takeaways
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart and circulatory diseases
- Certain types of cancer (including breast and bowel cancer)
- Strokes
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. Understanding how personal factors like your Body Mass Index (BMI) influence your premium is the first step towards finding affordable, high-quality health cover that’s right for you.
WeCovr's calculator shows how lifestyle and BMI impact private health cover
When you apply for private medical insurance (PMI), insurers look at a range of factors to calculate your premium. Think of it like a risk assessment. They are trying to predict the likelihood that you will need to make a claim. Among the most significant factors are your age, your postcode, whether you smoke, and, increasingly, your Body Mass Index (BMI).
A premium calculator, like the one WeCovr provides, demystifies this process. By entering a few key details, you can see in real-time how these lifestyle choices and health metrics directly affect the price you pay. It’s a powerful tool that puts you in control, showing you not just what you’ll pay today, but how positive lifestyle changes could lead to savings in the future.
This guide will walk you through exactly how your weight and BMI are used in PMI calculations, what other factors are at play, and how you can take proactive steps to secure the best possible price for your private health cover.
What is BMI and Why Do Insurers Care?
Before we dive into the costs, it’s important to understand what BMI is and why it has become a standard metric for health and insurance providers across the UK.
Defining Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index is a simple measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. The formula is your weight in kilograms divided by the square of your height in metres (kg/m²).
The NHS uses the following categories to classify a person's BMI:
| BMI Range | Classification |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 – 39.9 | Obese |
| 40.0 and above | Severely obese |
While BMI doesn't tell the whole story—it can’t distinguish between fat and muscle, for example—it is widely used as a reliable initial indicator of potential health risks associated with being overweight or underweight.
Why Your BMI Matters to Insurers
For a private medical insurance provider, BMI is a key piece of the underwriting puzzle. Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to evaluate your application and decide how much your premium should be.
A higher BMI is statistically linked to an increased risk of developing a range of health issues. According to extensive NHS data, these include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart and circulatory diseases
- Certain types of cancer (including breast and bowel cancer)
- Strokes
- Joint and back problems (like osteoarthritis)
- Sleep apnoea
Crucially, it's important to remember a fundamental rule of UK private medical insurance: PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you already have) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses that require ongoing management, like diabetes).
Because a high BMI suggests a greater future risk of developing one of these new, acute conditions, insurers adjust their premiums accordingly to reflect that increased risk.
The Direct Link: How a High BMI Can Increase Your PMI Premium
The logic is straightforward: higher risk equals a higher premium. An applicant with a BMI in the 'obese' category is considered more likely to need medical treatment in the future than an applicant of the same age with a 'healthy' BMI.
Let’s look at a simplified, illustrative example to see the potential impact.
Hypothetical PMI Premium Comparison
Scenario: A 40-year-old, non-smoking male living in Manchester, seeking a comprehensive PMI policy with a £250 excess.
| Applicant Profile | BMI | Illustrative Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant A | 23.0 (Healthy) | £65 |
| Applicant B | 32.5 (Obese) | £85 |
In this example, the higher BMI results in a premium that is over 30% more expensive. While the exact figures vary between insurers, this demonstrates the significant financial impact your BMI can have. The insurer sees Applicant B as a greater risk for future claims related to conditions like joint pain requiring surgery or cardiac investigations—all of which are expensive treatments.
According to the 2021 Health Survey for England published by NHS Digital, an estimated 25.9% of adults in England are obese, and a further 37.9% are overweight. This means a majority of the adult population could be paying more than necessary for their private health cover.
It's Not Just BMI: Other Lifestyle Factors in the Mix
While BMI is a major factor, it’s just one part of a bigger picture. Insurers assess your overall lifestyle to build a complete risk profile.
Smoking and Vaping
This is arguably the single biggest lifestyle factor affecting your premium. Smokers can expect to pay anywhere from 30% to 50% more for their private medical insurance than non-smokers. Most insurers classify you as a smoker if you have used any nicotine products, including vapes, patches, or gum, within the last 12 months. The health risks associated with smoking are so significant that insurers apply a substantial premium loading.
Alcohol Consumption
Insurers will ask about your weekly alcohol consumption. While moderate drinking is unlikely to affect your premium, consistently high consumption can be a red flag. It’s associated with liver disease, some cancers, and heart conditions, which could lead to a higher premium or specific exclusions on your policy.
Age
Age is a non-negotiable factor. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases. For this reason, your premium will rise each year at renewal. This is why it’s often cheaper to take out a policy when you are younger and healthier.
Location
Where you live in the UK matters. Private hospital costs vary significantly by region. Treatment in Central London, for example, is far more expensive than in a rural part of Scotland. Insurers reflect this in their pricing, so a policyholder in London will pay more than someone with an identical policy in Leeds. Most insurers have different hospital "lists" you can choose from to manage this cost.
Your Chosen Policy Options
The level of cover you choose has a direct impact on the price. You can tailor your policy by:
- Adjusting the Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will result in a lower monthly premium.
- Choosing a Hospital List: Opting for a list that excludes the most expensive city-centre hospitals can significantly reduce your costs.
- The "Six-Week Wait" Option: This is a popular way to save money. If the treatment you need is available on the NHS within six weeks, you use the NHS. If the wait is longer, your private cover kicks in.
The WeCovr Advantage: More Than Just a Price Comparison
Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be complex. Working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr simplifies the process and provides significant added value.
As an FCA-authorised broker, our primary duty is to you, the client. We are not tied to any single insurer. Our goal is to find you the best policy for your specific needs and budget from a wide panel of leading providers.
But our support doesn’t stop there. We believe in empowering our clients to live healthier lives. That’s why WeCovr clients gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. This tool can help you manage your diet, achieve a healthier BMI, and potentially secure lower insurance premiums in the future.
Furthermore, we value your loyalty. When you purchase a private medical insurance or life insurance policy through WeCovr, we offer you exclusive discounts on other types of cover you may need, such as home or travel insurance. Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing ongoing value and support.
Can I Get PMI If I Have a High BMI?
Yes, you can absolutely get private health cover if you have a high BMI. You will not be automatically declined.
However, you should be prepared for the following:
- Higher Premiums: As we've discussed, your premium will almost certainly be higher than for someone with a similar profile but a lower BMI.
- Possible Exclusions: An insurer might apply specific exclusions to your policy. For example, if you have a very high BMI and existing joint pain, they might exclude any future treatment for your hips or knees. This will be made clear in your policy documents.
- Underwriting Approach: Your application may be subject to more detailed underwriting. The insurer might ask for more information from your GP to better understand your overall health.
This is where a specialist broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable. We know the market and understand which insurers have a more flexible approach to underwriting applicants with a higher BMI. We can guide you to the provider most likely to offer you fair terms.
How to Lower Your PMI Premiums: A Proactive Approach
The good news is that you have a great deal of control over the cost of your health cover. By making positive changes to your lifestyle and being smart about your policy choices, you can achieve significant savings.
Managing Your Weight and BMI
Losing even a small amount of weight can have a positive impact on your health and your premiums.
- Healthy Eating: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Tools like the WeCovr CalorieHero app can make tracking your intake simple and effective.
- Physical Activity: The NHS recommends adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or swimming) per week. Regular exercise is proven to help manage weight and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.
- Inform Your Insurer: If you make significant progress and your BMI moves into a lower category, let your insurer know at your next renewal. It could lead to a reduction in your premium.
Quitting Smoking
If you smoke or vape, quitting is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce your PMI premium. After you have been nicotine-free for 12 months, you can be re-classified as a non-smoker and see your premium drop by as much as 50%.
Adjusting Your Policy with an Adviser
An independent adviser at WeCovr can review your policy with you annually to ensure it still meets your needs and offers the best value. We can help you:
- Review Your Excess: Is your current excess level still appropriate? Increasing it is a quick way to lower your monthly payment.
- Check Your Hospital List: Do you really need access to the most expensive hospitals in Central London? Switching to a more local or regional list can lead to big savings.
- Consider a Six-Week Wait: This option can cut premiums by 20-30% and is a great compromise for many people, offering a safety net against long NHS waiting lists.
- Re-shop the Market: Insurer pricing changes. The best PMI provider for you last year might not be the most competitive this year. WeCovr can compare the entire market for you at each renewal, free of charge, to ensure you're always on the best deal.
Look for Providers Who Reward a Healthy Lifestyle
Some UK insurers, most notably Vitality, have built their entire model around rewarding members for staying active. By tracking your activity through a linked fitness device, you can earn points that lead to tangible rewards like coffee, cinema tickets, and, crucially, discounts on your renewal premium. If you are an active person, a policy like this could be a fantastic way to keep your costs down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to declare my exact weight and height for a PMI quote?
What happens if my BMI changes after I buy my policy?
Will private medical insurance cover weight loss surgery?
Why is using a PMI broker like WeCovr better than going direct to an insurer?
Ready to see how your personal circumstances affect your premium and find the best private health cover for you?
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.
