
As an FCA-authorised expert with experience in over 800,000 policies, WeCovr helps you navigate the complexities of private medical insurance in the UK. This guide breaks down the optional extras—dental, optical, and mental health—to help you decide what you truly need and what it might cost.
Choosing the right private medical insurance (PMI) goes beyond the core policy. While standard plans are excellent for covering unexpected acute conditions, the real power to tailor your cover lies in the add-ons. Optional extras like dental, optical, and mental health cover can transform a basic policy into a comprehensive wellness plan.
But are they worth the extra monthly premium? This guide will help you calculate the potential costs and benefits, so you can build a policy that fits your life and your budget perfectly.
Before we dive into the extras, it's crucial to understand the foundation of any PMI policy. Standard private health cover in the UK is designed to treat acute conditions – illnesses or injuries that are short-term and likely to respond quickly to treatment.
Think of things like:
Crucial Point: Standard PMI does not cover chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure that require ongoing management) or pre-existing conditions (any ailment you had before your policy started). The purpose of PMI is to handle new, unexpected health issues swiftly.
This is where add-ons become so valuable. They fill the gaps for routine and preventative care that core PMI isn't designed for.
NHS dental services are under immense pressure. A 2023 survey by the British Dental Association found that 9 out of 10 NHS dental practices across the UK were not accepting new adult patients. This has pushed many to consider private dental options, either by paying as they go or through an insurance add-on.
Dental cover is usually offered in tiered levels. The more you pay, the more is covered.
Important: Cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening or veneers, is almost always excluded.
The cost is added on top of your core PMI premium and depends on the level of cover you choose.
Estimated Monthly Cost of Dental Add-Ons (per person)
| Level of Cover | Estimated Monthly Premium | What It's Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | £15 – £25 | Covering the cost of two annual private check-ups and hygiene appointments. |
| Mid-Range | £25 – £40 | Check-ups, hygiene, and a significant contribution towards one or two fillings or a crown. |
| Comprehensive | £40 – £60+ | Families, or individuals who anticipate needing more extensive dental work like bridges or multiple crowns. |
Note: These are 2025 estimates for a 40-year-old individual. Costs vary by insurer and location.
Let's do the maths.
Scenario: Paying Out-of-Pocket vs. A Mid-Range Add-On
In this scenario, the add-on saves you £60 and provides the peace of mind that if you needed another filling or a more complex treatment, you'd have a higher claim limit to fall back on.
A dental add-on is likely worth it if:
Like dental care, routine optical services are not included in core PMI. An optical add-on helps cover the predictable costs associated with maintaining your eyesight.
This is usually a more straightforward benefit. It provides a set amount of money each year that you can claim back for:
Laser eye surgery is not covered by a standard optical add-on and is considered a cosmetic procedure by most insurers.
This is one of the most affordable extras you can add to your private medical insurance UK policy.
This is a simple cost-benefit analysis.
Scenario: A Family of Four
If you wear glasses or contact lenses and will definitely claim for a new pair each year, the add-on often pays for itself. The value multiplies for a family. If four family members each need an eye test and new glasses, the out-of-pocket cost could easily exceed £600, whereas the add-on might provide a benefit of £150 per person (£600 total) for a much lower premium.
An optical add-on is likely worth it if:
Mental health has rightly become a priority for individuals and families across the UK. With NHS waiting lists for psychological therapies reaching record lengths (with some patients waiting over a year for treatment), private mental health cover is now one of the most sought-after PMI add-ons.
This is a powerful add-on that provides access to a range of private mental health services, bypassing long waits. Cover often includes:
Important Note on Pre-existing Conditions: As with physical health, chronic or pre-existing mental health conditions are typically excluded. This add-on is designed to provide support for new conditions that arise after you take out the policy. It is a safety net, not a solution for a known, ongoing issue.
The price reflects the high cost and value of private therapy.
The cost can vary significantly based on the level of cover. A basic plan might only cover outpatient therapy, while a comprehensive plan will include extensive inpatient benefits.
The value here is less about a simple financial calculation and more about speed of access and quality of life.
Scenario: Seeking Therapy for Anxiety
The cost of a single private therapy session in the UK can range from £60 to over £150. If you need a course of 8 sessions, the out-of-pocket cost could easily be £480 - £1,200.
An add-on costing £25 per month (£300 per year) that covers a full course of therapy represents exceptional value and, more importantly, provides help when it is most needed.
A mental health add-on is likely worth it if:
While dental, optical, and mental health are the "big three," insurers offer other valuable extras:
Navigating these choices can be overwhelming. Each insurer packages their add-ons differently, with varying limits, excess options, and costs. This is where an independent PMI broker like WeCovr provides immense value.
An expert broker can:
As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to support your wellness goals. Plus, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance can receive exclusive discounts on other types of cover. Our commitment to client satisfaction is reflected in our consistently high ratings on customer review platforms.
To estimate your total cost, you simply add the cost of your chosen extras to your core premium.
Example Calculation for a 40-Year-Old
| Policy Component | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core PMI Premium | £60 | For a comprehensive plan with a £250 excess. |
| Dental Add-On | £30 | Mid-range cover for routine and restorative work. |
| Mental Health Add-On | £25 | Comprehensive outpatient and good inpatient cover. |
| Optical Add-On | £8 | Standard cover for eye tests and glasses. |
| Total Estimated Monthly Premium | £123 | A fully comprehensive health and wellness plan. |
Ultimately, the decision to include add-ons comes down to a balance of risk, budget, and peace of mind. By carefully considering your personal and family needs against the potential costs and benefits, you can build a private health cover plan that truly works for you.
Ready to build a health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored to you? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts find the best cover for your needs and budget.






