TL;DR
WeCovr's guide to covering your whole family with PMI, including average monthly costs Welcome to the definitive 2025 guide on family private health insurance costs in the UK. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, the team at WeCovr understands that your family's health is your top priority. This guide demystifies private medical insurance (PMI), helping you understand the costs, benefits, and how to choose the right protection for your loved ones.
Key takeaways
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you or your family members had medical advice or treatment for before the policy began.
- Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
- Age: This is the most significant factor. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases, so premiums rise accordingly. Children are typically inexpensive to add to a policy.
- Location: Where you live matters. Private hospital costs vary across the UK, with Central London being the most expensive. A policy that includes high-end London hospitals will cost more than one with a regional or local hospital list.
- Level of Cover: This is the biggest choice you'll make.
WeCovr's guide to covering your whole family with PMI, including average monthly costs
Welcome to the definitive 2025 guide on family private health insurance costs in the UK. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, the team at WeCovr understands that your family's health is your top priority. This guide demystifies private medical insurance (PMI), helping you understand the costs, benefits, and how to choose the right protection for your loved ones.
In an era of increasing NHS waiting times, more families are exploring private health cover to ensure they can access prompt diagnosis and treatment when they need it most. But what does it actually cost, and is it worth it for your family? Let's dive in.
What is Family Private Health Insurance?
Family private health insurance isn't a separate type of product; it's simply a single private medical insurance (PMI) policy designed to cover more than one person in your family. This could be you and your partner, or you, your partner, and your children.
The primary purpose of PMI is to cover the costs of private medical care for acute conditions that develop after your policy has started.
An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of conditions like hernias needing surgery, cataracts, or joint problems requiring a replacement.
The Most Important Thing to Understand: What PMI Does Not Cover
It is crucial to understand from the outset that standard UK private health insurance is not designed for all medical needs. Specifically, it does not cover:
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you or your family members had medical advice or treatment for before the policy began.
- Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
PMI is your partner for new, curable health concerns, working alongside the invaluable services of the NHS, which remains the best place for emergencies (A&E), managing chronic conditions, and routine GP appointments.
Family Private Health Insurance Cost UK: 2026 Average Monthly Premiums
So, how much should you budget for family health cover? The cost varies significantly based on your family's unique circumstances. To give you a clear idea, we've compiled some estimated monthly costs for different family profiles in 2025.
These figures are illustrative market averages for non-smokers living outside Central London, based on a standard £250 excess. Your actual quote will differ based on the specific factors we'll explore in the next section.
Table 1: Estimated Monthly Cost for a Young Family
(Couple, both aged 30, with one child aged 5)
| Level of Cover | Estimated Monthly Cost | What It Typically Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | £70 - £110 | Core cover for in-patient and day-patient treatment. Limited or no outpatient cover. |
| Mid-Range | £115 - £160 | Core cover plus a set limit for outpatient diagnostics and consultations (e.g., £1,000). |
| Comprehensive | £165 - £250+ | Full cover for in-patient and outpatient care, plus options for therapies, mental health, and dental. |
Table 2: Estimated Monthly Cost for an Established Family
(Couple, both aged 45, with two children aged 12 & 15)
| Level of Cover | Estimated Monthly Cost | What It Typically Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | £130 - £180 | In-patient and day-patient treatment. Ideal for managing the cost of major procedures. |
| Mid-Range | £190 - £260 | Adds cover for specialist consultations and scans needed before hospital admission. |
| Comprehensive | £280 - £400+ | The most complete cover, often including extensive cancer care, mental health support, and wellness benefits. |
Table 3: Estimated Monthly Cost for a Single Parent Family
(One parent aged 35, with one child aged 8)
| Level of Cover | Estimated Monthly Cost | What It Typically Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | £55 - £85 | A budget-friendly way to secure access to private surgery and hospital stays. |
| Mid-Range | £90 - £130 | A popular balance of cost and cover, including key outpatient benefits. |
| Comprehensive | £135 - £190+ | Full peace of mind with extensive cover for a wide range of conditions and treatments. |
Remember: These are just estimates. The only way to know the exact cost for your family is to get a personalised quote. An expert broker like WeCovr can compare the market for you at no cost, ensuring you find the best value.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Your Family's PMI Policy?
The price you pay is determined by a combination of personal details and policy choices. Understanding these levers is key to tailoring a policy that fits your budget.
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Age: This is the most significant factor. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases, so premiums rise accordingly. Children are typically inexpensive to add to a policy.
-
Location: Where you live matters. Private hospital costs vary across the UK, with Central London being the most expensive. A policy that includes high-end London hospitals will cost more than one with a regional or local hospital list.
-
Level of Cover: This is the biggest choice you'll make.
- Basic/Core Cover: Mainly covers costs when you're admitted to hospital as an in-patient or day-patient. It's the most affordable option.
- Mid-Range Cover: Includes everything in a basic plan, plus a capped amount for outpatient services like specialist consultations and diagnostic tests (e.g., MRI and CT scans).
- Comprehensive Cover: Offers the widest protection, often with unlimited outpatient cover, plus add-ons like mental health treatment, dental and optical care, and therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy).
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Policy Excess: An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim each year. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the remaining £2,750. Choosing a higher excess will lower your monthly premium. Options typically range from £0 to £1,000.
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Hospital List: Insurers offer different tiers of hospitals you can use. A limited list of local private hospitals will be cheaper than a comprehensive national list that includes premium facilities in major cities.
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Underwriting Method: This is how an insurer assesses your medical history.
- Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common method. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes treatment for any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the last 5 years. If you then go 2 continuous years without any issues relating to that condition after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer reviews it and then explicitly lists any conditions that will be permanently excluded from your cover. It takes more time upfront but provides absolute clarity on what is and isn't covered from day one.
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No Claims Discount (NCD): Similar to car insurance, many PMI providers reward you for not making a claim. For each year you don't claim, you can earn a discount on your renewal premium, up to a maximum level (often 60-75%).
What's Typically Covered by Family PMI? And What's Not?
Understanding the scope of cover is essential to avoid surprises. While every policy is different, here’s a general overview.
| What's Generally Included (For Acute Conditions) | What's Generally Excluded |
|---|---|
| ✅ In-patient & Day-patient Treatment (hospital stays, nursing care, surgery fees) | ❌ Chronic Conditions (like diabetes, asthma, arthritis, epilepsy) |
| ✅ Specialist & Consultant Fees | ❌ Pre-existing Conditions (conditions you had before the policy started) |
| ✅ Diagnostic Scans & Tests (MRI, CT, PET scans, X-rays) | ❌ A&E and Emergency Services (always call 999 and use the NHS) |
| ✅ Comprehensive Cancer Cover (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery - a key benefit) | ❌ Routine Maternity & Childbirth (uncomplicated pregnancies) |
| ✅ Mental Health Support (varies from basic counselling to full psychiatric care) | ❌ Cosmetic Surgery (unless medically necessary for reconstruction) |
| ✅ Therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic - often on comprehensive plans) | ❌ Routine GP, Dental & Optical Care (unless added as an extra) |
| ✅ Ambulance Transport (for private transfers between facilities) | ❌ Self-inflicted Injuries or Substance Abuse |
The golden rule remains: PMI is for new, unexpected, and curable medical problems. The NHS is your partner for everything else.
How to Choose the Best Private Medical Insurance UK for Your Family
Navigating the market can feel overwhelming, but a structured approach makes it simple.
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Assess Your Family's Priorities: What is your main reason for considering PMI?
- Is it to bypass long diagnostic waits? If so, a policy with good outpatient cover is key.
- Are you worried about cancer? Look closely at the cancer cover, which is often exceptional on PMI policies.
- Is mental health support for your teenagers a priority? Ensure the plan you choose has robust mental health benefits.
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Establish a Comfortable Budget: Decide on a monthly premium you can afford without financial strain. It's better to have a sustainable, mid-level policy for years than a comprehensive one you have to cancel after 12 months.
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Customise Your Policy Options: Use the cost factors we discussed to build a policy that fits your budget.
- Increase your excess: The quickest way to reduce your premium.
- Limit your hospital list: If you're happy with local private hospitals, you can save money compared to a national list.
- Consider a 6-week option: Some policies will only cover your treatment if the NHS waiting list for it is longer than six weeks. This can significantly reduce the cost.
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Speak to an Independent PMI Broker: This is the single most effective step you can take. A specialist broker, like WeCovr, provides an invaluable service at no extra cost to you.
- We save you time: We get quotes from all the leading insurers for you.
- We provide expert advice: We explain the complex terms in plain English.
- We find the best value: We know the market inside out and can find the right policy for your family's specific needs and budget.
- We help you at claim time: A good broker will be in your corner if you ever need to make a claim.
A Look at Leading UK PMI Providers for Families
The UK has a competitive and high-quality private health insurance market. While we compare all leading providers to find the best fit for you, here are some of the main names you'll encounter:
| Provider | A Standout Feature | Good For Families Who... |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa | Huge network and direct access to some services without a GP referral. | Want a trusted, household name with extensive resources. |
| AXA Health | Strong focus on clinician-led services and comprehensive mental health pathways. | Prioritise expert-led care and robust mental health support. |
| Aviva | "Aviva Digital GP" app and often very competitive on price for family cover. | Are tech-savvy and looking for excellent value for money. |
| Vitality | Rewards healthy living with discounts on premiums, Apple Watches, and gym memberships. | Are active and want to be rewarded for their healthy lifestyle. |
| The Exeter | A friendly society known for excellent customer service and flexible underwriting. | Appreciate a personal touch and clear, straightforward policies. |
Tips for Keeping Your Family Healthy (and Managing Premiums)
While insurance is there for when things go wrong, prevention is always better than cure. A healthy lifestyle not only improves your family's wellbeing but can also help keep your insurance costs manageable over the long term, especially with providers that offer wellness-linked discounts.
- Eat the Rainbow: Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Make healthy eating a fun family activity.
- Move Together: Regular physical activity is vital. Family walks, bike rides, or a weekend kickabout in the park are great ways to stay active. Aim for at least 60 minutes of activity a day for children and 150 minutes a week for adults.
- Prioritise Sleep: Good sleep is foundational to physical and mental health. Establish consistent bedtime routines for children and ensure adults get 7-9 hours per night.
- Talk About Feelings: Create an open environment where everyone feels comfortable talking about their mental wellbeing. Normalising these conversations is a powerful tool for resilience.
WeCovr's Added Value for Your Family's Wellbeing
We believe in supporting your family's health in every way we can. That's why when you take out a private medical or life insurance policy with us, we provide:
- Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our advanced AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help your family build healthy eating habits.
- Exclusive Discounts: You'll receive discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as life insurance or income protection, helping you protect your family more affordably.
Can I add a newborn baby to my family health insurance policy?
What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting?
Is dental and optical cover included in a standard family PMI policy?
Why should I use a PMI broker like WeCovr instead of going direct to an insurer?
Ready to Protect Your Family?
Choosing the right private medical insurance is a significant decision. It’s about investing in peace of mind and ensuring your family has access to the best possible care, right when they need it.
Let our friendly, expert team at WeCovr do the hard work for you. We'll listen to your needs, compare leading policies, and provide a clear, no-obligation quote tailored to your family and your budget.
Sources
- Department for Transport (DfT): Road safety and transport statistics.
- DVLA / DVSA: UK vehicle and driving regulatory guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Motor insurance market and claims publications.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance conduct and consumer information guidance.
