At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we know that navigating private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. A common question we hear is whether policies cover preventative health screenings. This guide explains which policies offer check-ups and preventative services, helping you make an informed choice.
Which policies provide full check-ups, screenings, and preventative services?
The straightforward answer is that most standard, entry-level private medical insurance (PMI) policies in the UK do not cover routine health screenings or check-ups. Their primary function is to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute medical conditions that arise after your policy has started.
However, the private health cover market is evolving. A growing number of insurers now offer health screenings and preventative services in two main ways:
- As a standard feature on more comprehensive, higher-tier policies.
- As an optional add-on benefit that you can choose to include in your policy for an additional premium.
This shift reflects a growing understanding that prevention and early detection are just as important as treatment. Insurers are increasingly offering services designed to keep you healthy, not just to fix things when they go wrong.
The Core Purpose of Private Medical Insurance Explained
To understand why screenings aren't always included, it's vital to grasp the fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK.
PMI is designed to be a complementary service to the NHS, not a replacement. Its main goal is to provide fast access to diagnosis and treatment for 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. Think of conditions like hernias, joint pain requiring replacement, or cataracts.
- A chronic condition, on the other hand, is a long-term illness that can be managed but not cured. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
Crucially, standard private medical insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions or the ongoing management of chronic conditions. PMI is for new, unexpected health issues that occur after you take out your policy. This is why preventative services, which are routine and predictable, traditionally fall outside the scope of a standard insurance contract.
What Types of Health Screenings Are Available?
When we talk about "health screenings," it can mean a wide range of tests and checks. These are typically categorised by their complexity and what they aim to detect.
1. Basic Health Checks
These are often called "health MOTs" or "wellness checks" and provide a general overview of your health. They usually include:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement
- Blood pressure check
- Cholesterol test (finger-prick test)
- Blood sugar level test
- Lifestyle questionnaire about diet, exercise, and smoking habits
2. Cancer Screenings
These are targeted tests designed to detect specific cancers at an early stage, often before symptoms appear.
- Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast to detect signs of breast cancer. The NHS invites women aged 50 to 71 for screening every three years.
- Cervical Screening (Smear Test): A test to check the health of the cervix and prevent cervical cancer. The NHS invites women aged 25 to 64.
- Prostate Cancer Screening (PSA Test): A blood test to measure Prostate-Specific Antigen levels. There is no national NHS screening programme for this, but men over 50 can request a test.
- Bowel Cancer Screening: The NHS offers home testing kits for people aged 60 to 74 (and is gradually expanding this to people in their 50s) to detect early signs of bowel cancer.
3. Heart & Vascular Screenings
These focus on assessing your cardiovascular health and risk of heart disease or stroke.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the electrical activity of your heart to check for problems.
- Coronary Angiogram: A more advanced test to check for blockages in the arteries supplying the heart. This is usually diagnostic rather than a routine screening.
4. Comprehensive "Executive" Health Assessments
These are the most thorough type of screening, combining many of the tests above with more advanced diagnostics. They can take several hours and might include:
- Detailed blood analysis
- Resting and exercise ECGs
- Lung function tests
- Ultrasound scans of various organs
- In-depth consultation with a doctor
How UK Insurers Approach Health Screenings and Preventative Care
The UK's leading PMI providers have different strategies for incorporating preventative care. While policy specifics change regularly, here is a general overview of the common approaches.
| Insurer (Illustrative) | General Approach to Health Screenings | How It Typically Works |
|---|
| Bupa | Often included in comprehensive plans like 'Bupa By You Comprehensive' or available as an add-on. They have a strong focus on preventative health. | May offer a specified health assessment every one or two years, or cover for specific cancer screenings, depending on the policy level. |
| AXA Health | Integrates wellness benefits into many policies. Some plans include a contribution towards a health check or full cover for one. | Often part of their 'Guided' options on higher-tier plans. They also provide significant online health resources and virtual GP access. |
| Aviva | Higher-tier policies (often labelled 'Healthier Solutions') may include a "Health MOT" benefit. Focus is on promoting early diagnosis. | The benefit is usually available after a policy has been active for a set period, like one year. The scope of the check depends on the plan. |
| Vitality | A unique model that rewards healthy behaviour. Customers earn points for activities like walking, working out, or getting a flu jab. | Points unlock rewards, including a heavily discounted or free annual "Vitality Healthcheck". This makes preventative care an earned benefit. |
| WPA | Known for its flexible and modular approach. Health screening benefits can often be selected as an optional extra. | This allows customers to tailor their policy, adding a screening benefit only if they value it, which helps manage the premium cost. |
Disclaimer: This table is for illustrative purposes only. Policy features, benefits, and names change frequently. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's essential to speak with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr.
The Financial Case for Health Screenings: Is It Worth It?
Paying extra for a health screening benefit might seem like an unnecessary expense, but the long-term view often proves its value.
The Cost of Paying Privately
If you were to pay for a health screening out-of-pocket, the costs can be substantial:
- Basic Health Check: £150 – £400
- Advanced Cancer Screening (e.g., full CT scan): £1,000 – £2,500
- Comprehensive Executive Health Assessment: £600 – £3,000+
The annual or monthly premium increase for adding a wellness benefit to your PMI policy is often a fraction of these costs, making it a financially sound decision if you plan to have regular check-ups.
The Incalculable Value of Early Detection
The most compelling argument is not financial but medical. Detecting serious illnesses early dramatically improves treatment outcomes.
A Real-World Example: Bowel Cancer
According to Cancer Research UK, the survival statistics for bowel cancer highlight the power of early diagnosis:
- Stage 1: More than 90% of people survive for five years or more.
- Stage 4 (advanced): Only around 10% of people survive for five years or more.
A screening can detect pre-cancerous polyps or cancer at Stage 1, when treatment is simpler, less invasive, and far more likely to be successful. Waiting until symptoms like unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain appear often means the cancer has progressed to a later stage.
By investing in a PMI policy that covers screenings, you are investing in the best possible chance of catching a serious condition early.
The best PMI providers today offer far more than just treatment and screenings. Their goal is to become a holistic health partner, providing a suite of tools to help you stay well.
These value-added services are often included as standard, even on more basic policies:
- Digital GP Services: Get a GP appointment via phone or video call, often 24/7, from anywhere in the world. This helps you get medical advice quickly without waiting for an NHS appointment.
- Mental Health Support: This is a major focus for modern PMI. Most policies now offer a direct line to mental health professionals, including counsellors and cognitive behavioural therapists, without needing a GP referral. Given that NHS waiting times for mental health services can be lengthy, this is an invaluable benefit.
- Nutrition and Fitness Support: Many insurers provide access to online resources, dietician consultations, and discounts on gym memberships to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
- Expert Second Opinions: If you are diagnosed with a serious condition, some policies allow you to have your case reviewed by a world-leading expert to confirm the diagnosis and treatment plan.
At WeCovr, we enhance this further. When you purchase a Private Medical or Life Insurance policy through us, you receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. Furthermore, our clients often benefit from discounts on other types of insurance, providing even greater value.
How a PMI Broker Like WeCovr Can Help You Find the Right Cover
The private medical insurance UK market is filled with hundreds of policy combinations, varying levels of cover, and confusing jargon. Trying to find the right one on your own can be overwhelming. This is where an independent, expert broker comes in.
Here’s how WeCovr can help:
- We Understand the Market: We live and breathe PMI. Our specialists know the intricate details of policies from all the major UK insurers. We know which ones offer comprehensive screening benefits and which ones provide the best value for your specific needs.
- Personalised, Unbiased Advice: We take the time to understand you—your age, lifestyle, health concerns, and budget. We then compare the market to find the policy that is the perfect fit. We are not tied to any single insurer, so our advice is completely impartial.
- No Cost to You: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert advice and support without paying a penny extra.
- We Handle the Hassle: From comparing quotes to completing the application and explaining the fine print, we do the heavy lifting for you. We're here to answer your questions and provide support for the life of your policy.
Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to providing clear, helpful, and effective guidance.
Practical Wellness Tips for a Healthier Life
While insurance is a crucial safety net, the best way to manage your health is through proactive daily habits. Here are some simple, evidence-based tips.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Aim for at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats. Using an app like CalorieHero can make tracking your nutrition simple and effective.
- Stay Active: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or swimming) per week. Find an activity you enjoy to make it a sustainable habit.
- Prioritise Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a range of health issues, including a weakened immune system and an increased risk of chronic disease. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and a dark, quiet, cool sleeping environment.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have a significant negative impact on your physical and mental health. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Make time for hobbies and social connections that you find fulfilling.
- Don't Ignore Symptoms: While screenings are vital for prevention, it's just as important to listen to your body. If you notice any unusual or persistent symptoms, contact your GP or use your PMI's digital GP service without delay.
Do I need to declare the results of a health screening to my private medical insurer?
Yes, absolutely. Your insurance policy is a contract based on good faith. You must declare any new diagnoses, investigations, or symptoms that arise from a health screening. Failing to do so could be considered non-disclosure and may invalidate your policy, especially if you later try to claim for a related condition. The results may affect your future underwriting or premiums at renewal.
Are NHS health checks the same as the screenings offered by private medical insurance?
Not exactly. The NHS Health Check is an excellent free programme offered to adults in England aged 40-74. It's designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. However, private screenings available through PMI can often be more comprehensive, may be available at a younger age, and can include a wider range of tests, such as advanced cancer markers or detailed fitness assessments. They offer a different, often deeper, level of insight.
Why don't all private health cover policies cover screenings as standard?
The primary reason is cost and the fundamental principle of insurance. PMI is designed to cover unforeseen risks (acute conditions), not predictable, routine events. Including comprehensive screenings for every policyholder as standard would significantly increase the base premium for everyone, making it unaffordable for many. By offering it as an optional add-on or on higher-tier plans, insurers give customers the choice to pay for the benefit if they value it.
Can I get a PMI policy just for health screenings and check-ups?
No, this is not possible in the UK. The core purpose of any private medical insurance policy is to provide cover for the diagnosis and treatment of acute medical conditions. Health screenings and other preventative services are offered as an additional benefit on top of this core cover, not as a standalone product. You must have the core medical insurance in place to be able to add a wellness or screening benefit.
Choosing the right private medical insurance is a vital decision for your health and financial wellbeing. While the primary benefit remains fast access to high-quality treatment, the inclusion of preventative screenings on many modern policies offers an invaluable tool for long-term health management.
Ready to explore your options and find a policy that protects both your present and future health?
Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our expert advisors will compare the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect private health cover for you and your family.