TL;DR
Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex, but finding the right cover for one person doesn't have to be. As a team of experienced brokers at WeCovr, who have helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, we understand the market inside and out. This guide is designed to give you all the information you need to make a confident and informed decision about your health.
Key takeaways
- Bypass NHS waiting lists: Get seen by a specialist and receive treatment faster.
- Choose your hospital: Select from a list of approved high-quality private hospitals.
- Access a private room: Recover in comfort and privacy.
- Gain access to specialist drugs and treatments: Some treatments may not be available on the NHS due to cost.
- On the NHS: He waits 8 weeks for a GP referral to be processed and is told the wait for an initial orthopaedic consultation is 6 months, with a further 12-month wait for a potential hip replacement. Total wait time: 18+ months of pain and reduced income.
Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex, but finding the right cover for one person doesn't have to be. As a team of experienced brokers at WeCovr, who have helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, we understand the market inside and out. This guide is designed to give you all the information you need to make a confident and informed decision about your health.
A guide to single private health insurance, health insurance for one person, and how to keep costs down
Choosing health insurance for a single person is a significant decision. You're not just buying a policy; you're investing in peace of mind and fast access to high-quality medical care when you need it most. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything, from the basic principles to the insider tips that can save you hundreds of pounds a year.
What is Single Person Private Health Insurance?
Single person private health insurance is a policy designed to cover the medical costs of one individual. Its primary purpose is to provide an alternative and complementary route to the National Health Service (NHS) for eligible treatments.
The core function of UK private medical insurance is to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.
Crucial Point: Standard private health insurance in the UK does not cover chronic conditions (like diabetes or asthma) or pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy. It is designed for new health problems that arise after your cover begins.
A policy for one person gives you control over your healthcare journey, allowing you to:
- Bypass NHS waiting lists: Get seen by a specialist and receive treatment faster.
- Choose your hospital: Select from a list of approved high-quality private hospitals.
- Access a private room: Recover in comfort and privacy.
- Gain access to specialist drugs and treatments: Some treatments may not be available on the NHS due to cost.
Is Private Health Cover Worth It for One Person?
This is the central question for many individuals. While the NHS provides excellent care, particularly for emergencies and chronic conditions, it is facing unprecedented pressure. According to recent NHS England data, the waiting list for routine treatments stands at over 7.5 million.
For a single person, especially if you are self-employed or cannot afford long periods off work due to illness, the value of PMI becomes clear. The cost of the premium is weighed against the potential loss of income and the physical and mental strain of waiting for treatment.
Let's compare a typical patient journey:
| Feature | NHS Pathway | Private Pathway (with PMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | GP referral, followed by a wait for a specialist appointment. | GP referral, specialist seen within days or weeks. |
| Waiting Time | Can be many months, or even over a year, for routine surgery. | Treatment is typically scheduled within a few weeks. |
| Choice of Hospital | Limited to local NHS trusts. | Choice from a nationwide network of private hospitals. |
| Accommodation | Usually a shared ward. | A private, en-suite room is standard. |
| Cost | Free at the point of use. | You pay a monthly premium and potentially an excess. |
Real-Life Scenario: Consider Tom, a 40-year-old self-employed consultant. He develops severe hip pain, affecting his ability to work.
- On the NHS: He waits 8 weeks for a GP referral to be processed and is told the wait for an initial orthopaedic consultation is 6 months, with a further 12-month wait for a potential hip replacement. Total wait time: 18+ months of pain and reduced income.
- With PMI: Tom gets a GP referral, sees a private specialist the following week, and has his surgery scheduled for a month later. He is back on his feet and working within three months of the initial symptoms.
For Tom, the cost of his £60 monthly premium was far less than the income he would have lost while waiting for NHS treatment.
Understanding the Core Components of a Single PMI Policy
When you build a health insurance policy, you are essentially choosing from a menu of options. Understanding these is key to getting the right cover at the right price.
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Inpatient and Day-patient Cover (Core) This is the foundation of every private health insurance policy. It covers costs incurred when you are admitted to a hospital bed for treatment, either overnight (inpatient) or for the day (day-patient). This includes surgery, hospital fees, specialist fees, and nursing care.
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Outpatient Cover (Variable) This is the most significant factor influencing your premium. Outpatient cover pays for diagnostic tests, consultations, and scans that happen before you are admitted to hospital.
- Basic: May only cover consultations after a procedure is authorised.
- Standard: Often includes a set financial limit, for example, up to £1,000 per year for consultations and tests.
- Comprehensive: Offers unlimited outpatient cover, meaning all your eligible diagnostic tests and consultations are paid for.
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Optional Extras You can further tailor your policy by adding other benefits:
- Therapies: Covers treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care.
- Mental Health: Provides cover for psychiatric consultations and therapy. This has become an increasingly popular and valuable addition.
- Dental & Optical: Contributes towards routine check-ups, treatments, and glasses/contact lenses. This is often a cashback-style benefit.
An expert broker, like our team at WeCovr, can help you find the perfect balance between comprehensive cover and an affordable premium.
How Are Premiums Calculated for an Individual Policy?
Insurers use several key factors to calculate the price of your health insurance. Understanding these helps you see where you can potentially make savings.
- Age: This is the most significant factor. The older you are, the higher the statistical likelihood of needing treatment, so premiums increase with age.
- Location: Your postcode influences the price. Premiums are generally highest in London and the South East due to the higher cost of private medical care in those areas.
- Level of Cover: A comprehensive policy with unlimited outpatient cover will cost more than a basic inpatient-only plan.
- Excess: This is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards any claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will significantly lower your monthly premium.
- Hospital List: Insurers have different tiers of hospital lists. A plan with access to every hospital, including prime central London clinics, will cost more than one with a more restricted regional network.
- Lifestyle: Some insurers ask about your smoking status, with non-smokers receiving lower premiums.
Here is an illustrative table of potential monthly premiums for a single person with comprehensive cover and a £250 excess.
| Age | Manchester Postcode | London Postcode |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | £55 | £75 |
| 40 | £70 | £95 |
| 50 | £95 | £130 |
| 60 | £140 | £190 |
Note: These are illustrative 2026 estimates for guidance only. Your actual quote will depend on the insurer and your specific choices.
The Crucial Choice: Underwriting Explained in Plain English
Underwriting is how insurers assess your medical history to decide what they will and will not cover. For a single person policy, you generally have two choices.
1. Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting
This is the most common and straightforward option. You do not need to disclose your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a simple rule: they will not cover any medical condition you have had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before your policy started.
However, if you then go 2 full years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
- Pros: Quick and easy to set up. No medical forms.
- Cons: Lack of certainty. A claim might be rejected if the insurer finds it relates to a recent pre-existing condition.
2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire as part of your application. The insurer reviews your medical history and then explicitly states in your policy documents what conditions, if any, are excluded from cover.
- Pros: You have complete clarity from day one about what is and isn't covered.
- Cons: The application process takes longer. Past conditions may be permanently excluded.
Broker Insight: At WeCovr, we often advise clients on this choice. If you have a clean bill of health, Moratorium is fast and simple. If you have a complex medical history or want absolute certainty, FMU is often the better path, as a good broker can sometimes negotiate with the insurer on your behalf regarding specific exclusions.
What Does Single Health Insurance NOT Cover? Common Exclusions
Managing your expectations is vital. PMI is not a catch-all for every medical issue. All UK policies have standard exclusions.
- Chronic Conditions: As mentioned, long-term conditions that require ongoing management rather than a cure (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, asthma, Crohn's disease) are not covered. PMI is for acute, curable conditions.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you had before your policy started will be excluded, either permanently (with FMU) or temporarily (with Moratorium).
- Emergency Services: A&E visits are handled by the NHS. You would only use PMI after being stabilised and referred for further specialist treatment.
- Normal Pregnancy & Childbirth: Routine maternity care is not covered, though complications may be.
- Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures done purely for aesthetic reasons are excluded.
- Self-inflicted Injuries: This includes issues arising from drug and alcohol abuse.
Top UK Private Health Insurance Providers for Individuals
The UK market is dominated by a few key players, each with its own strengths. The "best" provider for you depends entirely on your budget, location, and health priorities.
- Bupa: The UK's best-known health insurer, offering a vast network of hospitals and a strong brand reputation.
- AXA Health: A global insurance giant known for its comprehensive policies, excellent digital tools, and strong mental health support.
- Aviva: The UK's largest general insurer, providing flexible and competitively priced PMI policies with a wide range of options.
- Vitality: Unique in the market, Vitality links its cover to a wellness programme, rewarding healthy living with discounts on premiums, coffee, and cinema tickets.
- WPA: A not-for-profit insurer with a reputation for outstanding customer service and flexible policies often favoured by the self-employed.
Comparing these providers like-for-like is complex due to subtle differences in their policy wording. This is where using a whole-of-market broker is invaluable, as we can compare the details for you at no extra cost.
How to Keep Your Health Insurance Costs Down: 7 Proven Strategies
You have significant control over the cost of your premium. Here are the most effective ways to secure affordable health insurance for one person.
- Increase Your Excess: Agreeing to pay the first £250, £500, or even £1,000 of a claim can reduce your monthly premium by as much as 30-40%.
- Opt for a 6-Week Wait: This option means you will use the NHS if the waiting list for your inpatient treatment is less than six weeks. If it's longer, your private cover kicks in. This can offer a substantial saving.
- Choose a "Guided" Option: Many insurers now offer "Expert Select" or "Guided" consultant lists. This means the insurer will provide you with a shortlist of 3-5 specialists they have pre-approved for quality and value, rather than you choosing any consultant you wish. This can reduce premiums by around 20%.
- Limit Your Hospital List: Unless you need access to prime central London hospitals, choosing a more restricted regional or national list can save money.
- Reduce Your Outpatient Cover: The biggest saving comes from scaling back outpatient cover. Consider a policy with a £500 limit instead of unlimited cover, or an inpatient-only policy.
- Review Your Policy Annually: Don't just auto-renew. The market changes, and a competitor may offer a better deal. A broker can re-broke the market for you each year.
- Use an Independent Broker: A broker like WeCovr has access to the whole market and can find the most suitable policy for your specific needs and budget. Our service is free to you, as we are paid by the insurer you choose.
By working with us, you not only get the best price but also benefit from our expertise and value-added services, like complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie tracking app, CalorieHero, and discounts on other insurance products like life or income protection cover.
Getting a Quote and Applying: The Process for a Single Person
Getting covered is a simple, five-step process:
- Define Your Needs: Think about your budget and what's most important to you. Is it fast access to physio? Mental health support? Or just cover for major surgeries?
- Speak to an Adviser: Contact a specialist broker like WeCovr. In a short, no-obligation call, we can understand your requirements and explain your options.
- Compare Quotes: We will provide you with a comparison of quotes from across the market, explaining the pros and cons of each policy in Plain English.
- Apply for Cover: Once you've chosen a policy, we will help you with the application, whether you opt for Moratorium or Full Medical Underwriting.
- Cooling-off Period: All policies come with a 14-day cooling-off period, during which you can cancel without penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get health insurance with a pre-existing condition?
How much does single person health insurance cost in the UK?
Do I pay tax on my private medical insurance?
What happens if I move from a company policy to a single policy?
Take the Next Step with WeCovr
Choosing the right health insurance for one person is about finding the perfect intersection of cover, service, and price. While you can go directly to an insurer, you will only see one set of prices and one point of view.
By using an independent, unbiased broker like WeCovr, you gain a powerful advantage. We work for you, not the insurance companies. Our expert advisers will:
- Listen to your needs and budget.
- Compare policies from all the leading UK providers.
- Explain the fine print in clear, simple terms.
- Help you tailor a policy to keep costs down.
- Ensure your application is handled smoothly.
- Provide ongoing support, even helping with claims if needed.
Our service is completely free, and our high customer satisfaction ratings speak for themselves. Let us do the hard work of finding you the best possible single person health insurance cover, so you can focus on what matters most.
