Couples Health Insurance in the UK
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert insight into the UK’s private medical insurance market. This guide explores whether a joint policy for couples is more cost-effective than two individual plans, giving you the clarity needed to protect your health and finances.
WeCovr examines whether joint policies are cheaper than two singles
For couples in the UK, deciding on the right private health cover often boils down to one key question: is it cheaper to get a joint policy or two separate ones? The answer, while not always straightforward, leans towards a "yes, usually." Most leading UK insurers offer a small discount, typically around 5%, for a joint policy. This makes it a compelling option for many.
However, the lowest price doesn't always mean the best value. The cheapest route depends entirely on your individual circumstances. If you and your partner have similar health needs and age, a joint policy is often the simplest and most cost-effective choice. It streamlines administration with one payment and one renewal date.
But what if one of you needs comprehensive cover for a specific health concern, while the other is happy with a basic plan? Or if there's a significant age gap? In these scenarios, two separate, tailored policies from potentially different providers could offer better value and more appropriate cover.
At WeCovr, we believe the right choice is the one that fits your unique situation. We'll help you compare both options to find the perfect balance of cover and cost.
What is Couples Health Insurance?
Couples health insurance is a single private medical insurance (PMI) policy designed to cover two people who are in a relationship and live together. You don't need to be married or in a civil partnership; cohabiting couples are also eligible.
Think of it as a shared plan. Instead of managing two separate policies with different renewal dates, paperwork, and payments, you have one single, unified policy. This simplifies the process, ensuring both you and your partner have access to private healthcare under one agreement.
It works just like an individual policy but extends its benefits to two people. You choose a level of cover, an excess amount, and a hospital list that applies to both of you, creating a streamlined approach to managing your private healthcare.
The Pros and Cons of a Joint Health Insurance Policy
Deciding on a joint policy requires weighing the benefits of simplicity and potential savings against the need for individual flexibility. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.
| Aspect | Pros of a Joint Policy 👍 | Cons of a Joint Policy 👎 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Potential for a discount. Most insurers offer a 5-10% discount for joint policies, which can lead to significant savings over the year. | Not always the cheapest. If partners have very different needs, two separate, tailored policies from different insurers might work out cheaper overall. |
| Simplicity | Easier administration. One policy, one premium payment, and one renewal date to manage. This reduces paperwork and mental load. | "One size fits all" approach. The cover level (e.g., comprehensive, basic) must be the same for both partners, which may not be ideal. |
| Flexibility | Shared benefits. Both partners have access to the same high level of care, hospital list, and policy perks. | Lack of personalisation. If one partner needs specific mental health cover and the other wants advanced cancer care, a joint policy may force a compromise. |
| Life Changes | Easy to manage as a unit. The policy covers you both seamlessly as long as you are together. | Complicated to split. If the relationship ends, the policy must be divided into two individual plans, which can involve new underwriting and pricing. |
Our Expert View: A joint policy is an excellent choice for couples with similar ages and health requirements. For those with diverse needs, comparing the cost of a joint plan against two single policies is essential. As an expert PMI broker, WeCovr can run these comparisons for you in minutes, completely free of charge.
How Much Does Couples Health Insurance Cost in the UK?
The cost of private medical insurance in the UK is highly personalised. There's no single price tag, as premiums are calculated based on a range of risk factors. Understanding these factors will help you see why a quote is always unique to you and your partner.
Key Factors That Influence Your Premium:
- Age: This is the most significant factor. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases, so premiums rise accordingly.
- Location: Where you live matters. Treatment costs, particularly for private hospitals, are much higher in central London and other major cities than in more rural areas. Your postcode will directly impact your quote.
- Level of Cover: You can choose from:
- Basic (or Core) Cover: Typically covers in-patient and day-patient treatment only (when you need a hospital bed).
- Mid-Range Cover: Adds some out-patient cover, such as a set number of specialist consultations and diagnostic tests.
- Comprehensive Cover: Includes extensive in-patient and out-patient cover, often with added therapies, mental health support, and other benefits.
- Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. A higher excess (e.g., £500 or £1,000) will lower your monthly premium. A lower excess (e.g., £100 or £0) will increase it.
- Hospital List: Insurers offer different tiers of hospitals. A policy that includes access to prime central London hospitals will be more expensive than one with a regional or national list of private facilities.
- Underwriting Type: The method an insurer uses to assess your medical history affects your cover and price. We'll explore this in more detail later.
- Lifestyle: Your smoking status is a key consideration. Smokers or recent vapers will almost always pay more than non-smokers.
Illustrative Monthly Premiums for Couples Health Insurance (2025)
To give you a clearer idea, here are some estimated monthly costs for a non-smoking couple. Remember, these are for illustration only.
| Couple's Ages | Location | Policy Type | Estimated Monthly Premium (Joint) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 & 34 | Leeds | Basic | £75 |
| 32 & 34 | Leeds | Comprehensive | £125 |
| 45 & 47 | Birmingham | Mid-Range | £150 |
| 45 & 47 | Birmingham | Comprehensive | £210 |
| 58 & 60 | London | Mid-Range | £240 |
| 58 & 60 | London | Comprehensive | £350 |
Disclaimer: These are example figures as of early 2025 and are subject to change. The actual cost will depend on your specific circumstances and the insurer chosen.
Understanding What's Covered (and What Isn't)
One of the most important aspects of buying private health cover is understanding its scope. PMI is designed for a specific purpose: to treat new, short-term (acute) medical conditions quickly. It is not a replacement for the NHS, especially for emergencies or long-term care.
A Critical Note on Exclusions: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
This is the golden rule of UK private medical insurance: standard policies do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Conditions: These are any diseases, illnesses, or injuries for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment before your policy start date.
- Chronic Conditions: These are illnesses that are likely to continue indefinitely. They cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis, and Crohn's disease.
PMI is designed to diagnose and treat acute conditions – illnesses that are curable with treatment and are not expected to recur, like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.
What's Typically Covered by a Couples PMI Policy?
Depending on the level of cover you choose, your policy will generally include:
- In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs when you are admitted to hospital for surgery or treatment and require a bed, even if just for the day.
- Out-patient Consultations and Diagnostics: This is often the most valuable part of PMI. It gives you fast access to specialist consultations and diagnostic tests like MRI, CT, and PET scans, bypassing long NHS waiting lists. The amount of cover can be capped or unlimited depending on your policy.
- Cancer Cover: This is a core feature of most policies. It covers the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Comprehensive plans may offer access to experimental drugs not yet available on the NHS.
- Mental Health Support: Most insurers now offer some level of mental health cover, from access to counselling helplines to in-patient psychiatric treatment.
- Therapies: This includes treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care to help you recover from injury or surgery.
What's Typically Not Covered?
- Pre-existing and chronic conditions (as explained above)
- A&E and other emergency services (these remain the domain of the NHS)
- Normal pregnancy and childbirth
- Cosmetic surgery (unless medically necessary following an accident or illness)
- Organ transplants
- Self-inflicted injuries
- Treatment for addiction
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Couples Policy
Choosing the right policy is about more than just price. It's about finding a plan that provides security and value for both of you. Here are the key areas to discuss with your partner.
1. Your Individual Health Needs
Do you have any specific health concerns or a family history of certain conditions? While PMI won't cover pre-existing issues, you might want a policy with strong diagnostic cover to investigate future symptoms quickly. Or perhaps robust mental health support is a priority for one or both of you.
2. The Right Level of Cover
- Core Cover: Best for those on a budget who primarily want cover for major surgical procedures.
- Mid-Range Cover: A good balance, offering quick access to diagnostics and specialist consultations, which is where NHS waiting lists are often longest.
- Comprehensive Cover: Ideal for those who want maximum peace of mind, with extensive out-patient benefits, therapies, and often enhanced mental health and cancer cover.
3. Choosing Your Excess
An excess of £250 or £500 is common and can make a big difference to your premium. Discuss with your partner how much you would be comfortable paying upfront if one of you needed to make a claim. Some policies apply the excess per person, per year, while others apply it per claim.
4. The Hospital List
Check the insurer's hospital list carefully. Does it include a convenient, high-quality private hospital near your home or work? If you want the option of being treated at a top London hospital like The London Clinic or The Cromwell, you will need a policy with a comprehensive hospital list, which will cost more.
5. Understanding Underwriting Options
This is a technical but crucial choice that determines how the insurer assesses your medical history.
- Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't have to declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before the policy started. However, if you remain treatment-free and symptom-free for that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy begins, it may become eligible for cover. It's simple to set up but can lead to uncertainty at the point of a claim.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): This involves completing a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer assesses your history and tells you from day one exactly what is and isn't covered. It takes more effort initially but provides complete clarity and certainty.
A PMI broker like WeCovr can explain these options in plain English and help you decide which is best for you and your partner.
When Two Single Policies Might Be a Better Choice
While a joint policy is often the default, there are several situations where taking out two individual plans makes more sense.
-
Significantly Different Cover Needs:
- Example: Sarah, 35, is a freelance graphic designer. She's fit and healthy and wants a basic, affordable policy mainly for surgical cover. Her partner, Tom, 42, has a family history of heart disease and wants a comprehensive policy with unlimited diagnostics and advanced heart-related checks. A joint policy would mean either Sarah pays for cover she doesn't need, or Tom compromises on the security he wants. Two separate policies would allow each to get exactly what they need.
-
A Large Age Gap:
- Example: A couple aged 40 and 55. The premium for a joint policy will be heavily influenced by the older partner's age. It's possible that the 40-year-old could get a much cheaper individual policy from one insurer, while the 55-year-old finds better value with a specialist provider like The Exeter, which is known for its fair pricing for older applicants.
-
The Best Insurer Isn't the Same for Both:
- Example: One partner is a keen amateur athlete who would benefit hugely from Vitality's activity-based rewards and musculoskeletal support. The other partner prioritises mental wellness and would be better served by Bupa's direct access to mental health services. Two single policies allow each to align with the provider that best matches their lifestyle and priorities.
-
One Partner Has Cover Through Work:
- If one of you already has a private medical insurance policy as a benefit from your employer, the other simply needs to arrange their own individual policy.
Navigating the UK's Top Private Health Insurance Providers
The UK PMI market is competitive, with several excellent providers, each with unique strengths. Here’s a quick overview of the main players.
| Provider | Key Strengths / Specialism | Example Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa | A household name with a vast network of hospitals and clinics. Strong focus on mental health and digital tools. | Direct access to mental health support without needing a GP referral first. |
| AXA Health | Renowned for comprehensive cover and a strong cancer care pledge. Excellent digital GP service. | Access to their 'Doctor at Hand' 24/7 virtual GP service, often with a generous usage allowance. |
| Aviva | A major insurer known for providing good value and excellent customer service. Their 'Expert Select' hospital option can reduce costs. | 'BacktoBetter' pathway for musculoskeletal issues, offering expert triage and treatment without a GP visit. |
| Vitality | Unique wellness-focused model that rewards you for being healthy with discounts on gym memberships, coffee, and cinema tickets. | Earn points for physical activity to reduce your premium and unlock rewards like a discounted Apple Watch. |
| The Exeter | A mutual society (owned by its members) with a reputation for excellent service and flexible underwriting, particularly for older applicants or those with some past health issues. | Often more willing to consider applicants with a more complex medical history than some larger insurers. |
Adding Value: Wellness Benefits and Extra Perks
Modern private health cover is evolving. It's no longer just about being there when you're ill; it's also about helping you stay well. Many policies now include a fantastic range of added-value benefits at no extra cost.
These can include:
- 24/7 Virtual GP Services: Speak to a GP via phone or video call, often within hours, and get prescriptions delivered to your door.
- Mental Health Helplines: Confidential access to trained counsellors for support with stress, anxiety, or other concerns.
- Discounted Gym Memberships: Leading providers like Vitality and Aviva have partnerships with major gym chains.
- Health and Wellness Apps: Access to apps for nutrition advice, fitness plans, and mindfulness.
- Second Medical Opinions: If you receive a diagnosis, you can ask for your case to be reviewed by a second world-leading expert.
The WeCovr Advantage: More Than Just a Policy
When you arrange your private medical insurance through WeCovr, you get more than just expert advice and market-leading prices. We provide our clients with:
- Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: Our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you and your partner stay on top of your health goals.
- Multi-Policy Discounts: If you take out PMI or life insurance with us, you become eligible for exclusive discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as travel or home insurance.
The WeCovr Process: How We Help You Find the Right Cover
Navigating the world of PMI can feel overwhelming. Our job is to make it simple, clear, and stress-free. Our service is completely free to you, as we are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.
- A Quick, No-Obligation Chat: We start with a friendly conversation to understand you, your partner, your budget, and what's important to you in a health policy.
- Whole-of-Market Comparison: Our experts use their knowledge and technology to compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers, analysing the options for both a joint policy and two singles.
- A Personalised Recommendation: We don't just send you a list of prices. We present the best options for your specific situation, explaining the pros and cons in plain English so you can make an informed decision.
- Hassle-Free Application: Once you've chosen, we handle all the paperwork, making the application process smooth and simple.
- Lifetime Support: We're here for you for the long run. At renewal, we'll re-scan the market to ensure you're still on the best deal, and we're always on hand to help with any queries.
Can we get a couples health insurance policy if we aren't married?
Does couples private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
What happens to our joint health insurance policy if we separate?
Ready to find out if a joint policy or two singles is the best and most cost-effective choice for you and your partner?
Let WeCovr do the hard work. Our expert, FCA-authorised advisors will compare the UK's leading insurers to find you the perfect cover at the right price. It's fast, free, and there's no obligation.
Get your free, personalised quote today and take the first step towards peace of mind.
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.
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