TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies of various kinds issued, WeCovr helps couples across the UK navigate the world of private medical insurance. This guide explores whether a joint policy is the most cost-effective and practical choice for you and your partner, giving you the clarity to protect your health together. Is a joint PMI policy cheaper than two separate ones?
Key takeaways
- Smoking: Smokers or recent ex-smokers will always pay more than non-smokers. The health risks are well-documented, and insurers price this risk into the premium.
- Alcohol Consumption: High levels of alcohol consumption may also affect your premium.
- Administrative Simplicity: This is the biggest draw. You have one policy, one set of documents, one monthly or annual payment, and a single renewal date to manage. It simplifies life admin considerably.
- Potential for a Small Discount: As mentioned, a 5% discount is common. If both partners have a similar risk profile (e.g., similar age, both non-smokers, and in good health), this discount can make a joint policy the cheaper option.
- Shared Policy Terms: Both partners are on the same plan with the same hospital list, excess, and outpatient limits. This can be a pro if you both agree on the level of cover you need.
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies of various kinds issued, WeCovr helps couples across the UK navigate the world of private medical insurance. This guide explores whether a joint policy is the most cost-effective and practical choice for you and your partner, giving you the clarity to protect your health together.
Is a joint PMI policy cheaper than two separate ones?
This is the most common question couples ask, and the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. A joint private medical insurance (PMI) policy can be cheaper than two separate policies, but it is not guaranteed.
Most UK insurers offer a small discount, typically around 5%, for adding a second person to a policy. This is often marketed as a "multi-person" or "family" discount. While this sounds appealing, the saving from this discount can easily be wiped out by other, more significant, cost factors.
The truth is, the price of your premium is overwhelmingly determined by the individual risk profile of each person on the policy. Therefore, whether a joint plan is cheaper depends entirely on your and your partner's specific circumstances. Think of it less as a "couples deal" and more as a single administrative package for two individual risk assessments.
Understanding the Cost: What Really Drives Your Premium?
To understand whether a joint or separate policy is right for you, you first need to grasp the key factors that insurers use to calculate your premium. These are the building blocks of your policy's cost.
1. Age
Age is the single most significant factor. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases, so premiums rise accordingly. For couples with a significant age gap, this is where a joint policy can become expensive. The higher premium for the older partner will pull up the average cost for the couple.
2. Medical History & Lifestyle
Insurers will want to know about your medical past. While standard PMI doesn't cover pre-existing conditions (more on this crucial point later), your general health history can play a role. Crucially, your lifestyle choices matter:
- Smoking: Smokers or recent ex-smokers will always pay more than non-smokers. The health risks are well-documented, and insurers price this risk into the premium.
- Alcohol Consumption: High levels of alcohol consumption may also affect your premium.
3. Your Location
Where you live in the UK has a direct impact on your premium. This is because the cost of private medical care varies significantly by region. Treatment in central London, with its higher consultant fees and hospital charges, costs more than in a rural part of Scotland. Insurers reflect this "postcode lottery" in their pricing.
4. Your Chosen Level of Cover
A private medical insurance policy is not a one-size-fits-all product. You build it by choosing from different levels of cover, each affecting the final price.
| Policy Feature | Description | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Excess | The amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer pays out. A typical excess is between £100 and £1,000. | Higher Excess = Lower Premium |
| Hospital List | The list of private hospitals you can use for treatment. A limited local list is cheaper than a nationwide list including premium London hospitals. | More Limited List = Lower Premium |
| Outpatient Cover | Cover for diagnostics, consultations, and therapy that don't require an overnight hospital stay. You can choose a nil limit, a set financial limit (e.g., £1,000), or full cover. | Less Outpatient Cover = Lower Premium |
| Extra Therapies | Cover for treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care. | Adding Therapies = Higher Premium |
Understanding these levers is key. One partner might be happy with a high excess and a basic hospital list, while the other might want comprehensive cover with full outpatient diagnostics. This is a primary reason why separate policies can sometimes be a better fit.
The Case for a Joint Policy: When Does It Make Sense?
Despite the cost complexities, a joint policy offers compelling advantages in the right situation.
Key Benefits of a Joint Policy
- Administrative Simplicity: This is the biggest draw. You have one policy, one set of documents, one monthly or annual payment, and a single renewal date to manage. It simplifies life admin considerably.
- Potential for a Small Discount: As mentioned, a 5% discount is common. If both partners have a similar risk profile (e.g., similar age, both non-smokers, and in good health), this discount can make a joint policy the cheaper option.
- Shared Policy Terms: Both partners are on the same plan with the same hospital list, excess, and outpatient limits. This can be a pro if you both agree on the level of cover you need.
Real-Life Example: When a Joint Policy Works
- Meet Sarah and Tom: Both are 32, live in Manchester, and are non-smokers in good health. They want a mid-range policy with £500 excess and some outpatient cover.
- Separate Policies (illustrative): Tom is quoted £45 per month. Sarah is quoted £45 per month. Total cost: £90 per month.
- Joint Policy (illustrative): The combined base premium is £90. With a 5% multi-person discount, the final quote is £85.50 per month.
- Outcome: In this scenario, the joint policy saves them £54 over the year and is much easier to manage.
The Case for Separate Policies: When Is It Better to Go It Alone?
Often, the inflexibility of a joint policy can outweigh the convenience. Here’s when two single policies might be the smarter financial choice.
Drawbacks of a Joint Policy
- One High-Risk Partner: If one partner is significantly older, is a smoker, or has a more complex medical history (even if conditions are excluded), their higher individual premium will inflate the cost for both people on a joint plan. The 5% discount rarely covers this difference.
- Different Needs and Budgets: You or your partner may have different priorities. One might want a "bells and whistles" comprehensive plan, while the other is happy with a basic plan for major issues only. Forcing both into one plan means one person compromises on cover, and the other compromises on price.
- Relationship Changes: While not pleasant to consider, a joint policy can be complicated to manage if you separate or divorce. Deciding who keeps the policy, who is removed, and how the underwriting is affected can be a stressful process.
To illustrate, let's look at how individual circumstances can change the maths.
Table: Cost Comparison - Joint vs. Two Single Policies (Illustrative Monthly Premiums)
| Scenario Details | Cost of Two Single Policies | Cost of a Joint Policy | Cheaper Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scenario A: Similar Risk Partner 1: 30, non-smoker (£40) Partner 2: 32, non-smoker (£42) | £82.00 | £77.90 (with 5% discount) | Joint Policy |
| Scenario B: Age Gap Partner 1: 35, non-smoker (£50) Partner 2: 55, non-smoker (£95) | £145.00 | £137.75 (with 5% discount) | Joint Policy (but close) |
| Scenario C: Age & Smoker Status Partner 1: 35, non-smoker (£50) Partner 2: 55, smoker (£130) | £180.00 | £171.00 (with 5% discount) | Joint Policy (but see below) |
| Scenario D: Different Needs Partner 1: Basic plan (£35) Partner 2: Comprehensive plan (£90) | £125.00 | Not possible to mix cover levels. A joint comprehensive plan might be £130+. | Separate Policies |
Note on Scenario C: While the joint policy is technically cheaper, Partner 1 is paying significantly more than they would on their own (£50 vs. a share of £171). In this case, separate policies would be fairer and give Partner 1 better value, even if the total household cost is higher.
The only way to know for sure is to get personalised quotes for both a joint policy and two separate ones. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can do this for you quickly, comparing the entire market to find the best structural and financial fit for your unique situation, at no cost to you.
The Golden Rule of UK PMI: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
This is the single most important concept to understand before buying any private medical insurance UK policy. If you take away one thing from this guide, let it be this.
Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.
It does not cover:
- Chronic Conditions: These are illnesses that are long-term and cannot be fully cured. They can be managed, but not resolved. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, Crohn's disease, and high blood pressure.
- Pre-existing Conditions: These are any illnesses, diseases, or injuries for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice or treatment in the years before your policy started (typically the last 5 years).
Understanding Underwriting
How an insurer treats your pre-existing conditions is determined by the type of underwriting you choose.
-
Moratorium (Most Common): This is the "don't ask, just cover" approach. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the 5 years before the policy start date. However, if you then go for a set period (usually 2 years) without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, the insurer may agree to cover it in the future. It's simple and quick.
-
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): This involves completing a detailed health questionnaire about your and your partner's medical history. The insurer assesses it and gives you a clear list of what is and isn't covered from day one. It takes longer but provides absolute certainty about your cover.
This rule is why one partner's health can't "hide" on a joint policy. Insurers assess each person individually, and exclusions will apply to the specific person with the pre-existing condition.
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance for You and Your Partner
Feeling overwhelmed? Don't be. Follow this structured approach to make a confident decision.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs Together Sit down as a couple and discuss your priorities.
- What are your biggest health concerns?
- How quickly would you want to be seen if something went wrong?
- Is having access to a specific local private hospital important?
- How do you feel about mental health support or alternative therapies?
Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget Decide what you can comfortably afford to spend each month. Remember, PMI is a long-term commitment, and premiums will increase with age. It’s better to have a sustainable, basic policy than a comprehensive one you have to cancel after a year.
Step 3: Understand the Policy Options Review the core components:
- Core Cover: All policies start with inpatient and day-patient cover (for treatments requiring a hospital bed). Cancer cover is also usually included as standard or as a core option.
- Optional Add-ons: Outpatient limits, therapies, mental health cover, and dental/optical options can be added to create a more comprehensive plan.
Step 4: Compare the Market Don't just look at one provider. The UK private health cover market is competitive, with major players like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality all offering different strengths. Each has unique hospital lists, cancer care promises, and added benefits.
Step 5: Speak to an Expert Broker This is the most effective step. An independent broker's job is to understand your needs and budget and then do the hard work of comparing the market for you. They can model the costs for joint vs. separate policies from multiple insurers, explain the fine print, and ensure you don't overpay or get the wrong type of cover.
Beyond the Basics: Added Value and Wellness Benefits
Insurers are no longer just about paying claims. They are increasingly becoming health and wellness partners, offering a range of benefits designed to keep you healthy. When comparing policies, look beyond the core cover to see what else is included.
- 24/7 Digital GP: The ability to book a remote GP appointment, often within hours, is now a standard feature and a huge benefit, helping you get advice quickly without waiting for an NHS appointment.
- Mental Health Support: Many policies now include access to a set number of counselling or therapy sessions, as well as subscriptions to mindfulness apps like Headspace. According to NHS Digital data, mental health needs remain a top priority, making this a valuable addition.
- Wellness Programmes: Some insurers, notably Vitality, have built their entire model around rewarding healthy behaviour with discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and even healthy food.
- Exclusive WeCovr Benefits: When you arrange your policy through WeCovr, you not only get expert advice but also gain complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you and your partner manage your diet. Furthermore, our clients often receive discounts on other insurance products, such as life or income protection cover, helping you build a complete financial safety net for less.
A Couple's Guide to Staying Healthy: Proactive Steps for a Better Future
Taking care of your health as a team is not only good for your relationship but can also help manage long-term health insurance costs. A healthier lifestyle reduces your risk of developing new conditions that would require a claim.
- Cook and Eat Together: Plan and cook healthy meals. Exploring new recipes can be a fun joint activity that benefits your physical health.
- Find Your Fitness Groove: You don't need to be marathon runners. Find an activity you both enjoy. It could be weekend hikes, cycling, a weekly dance class, or even just a brisk 30-minute walk together after dinner.
- Prioritise Sleep: Poor sleep impacts everything from your immune system to your mental health. Try to establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing, screen-free bedtime routine.
- Be Each Other's Support System: Check in on each other's stress levels and mental wellbeing. Sometimes, a listening ear is the best medicine. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), people reporting high levels of life satisfaction often cite strong social and family support.
By taking these small, consistent steps, you invest in your long-term health, which is the best insurance of all.
Can we have different levels of cover on a joint health insurance policy?
What happens to our joint health insurance if we separate or divorce?
Do I need to declare my partner's medical conditions on a joint policy?
Is maternity cover included in a standard UK couples policy?
The Final Verdict
So, is a joint policy cheaper? The answer is a classic: it depends.
For couples of a similar age and health profile, the convenience and small discount of a joint policy often make it the winning choice. For everyone else—couples with an age gap, different health needs, or varying budgets—two separate policies frequently offer better value and greater flexibility.
The most important step is not to guess. Making the wrong choice could mean overpaying for years or discovering you don't have the right cover when you need it most.
Take the guesswork out of your decision. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation comparison. Our expert advisors will analyse your unique situation, compare joint and separate options across the UK's leading insurers, and help you find the perfect private health cover for you and your partner.
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.
