As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. This is especially true when you're over 60 and thinking more about your health and wellbeing.
WeCovr explains the real costs of PMI for over 60s, plus ways to reduce premiums
Entering your 60s is often a time of reflection. You might be enjoying retirement, spending more time with family, or pursuing new hobbies. It's also a time when prompt access to healthcare becomes a greater priority. With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant concern, many are turning to private health insurance for peace of mind and faster treatment.
But what does it actually cost? In this definitive guide, we’ll break down the average costs of private health cover for the over-60s, reveal the factors that influence your premium, and share expert tips on how to secure the best possible cover without breaking the bank.
Why Consider Private Medical Insurance in Your 60s?
While the NHS provides excellent care, it is under undeniable pressure. According to recent NHS England data, the median waiting time for non-emergency consultant-led treatment can stretch for several months, with millions of people on the waiting list. For those in their 60s and 70s, waiting for procedures like hip replacements, cataract surgery, or diagnostic scans can significantly impact quality of life.
Private medical insurance is designed to work alongside the NHS, giving you a choice when you need it most. The key benefits include:
- Speed of Access: Bypass long waiting lists for eligible consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments.
- Choice and Control: Select your consultant, specialist, and the hospital where you receive your treatment from a pre-approved list.
- Comfort and Privacy: Recover in a private en-suite room, offering a more comfortable and peaceful environment.
- Access to Specialist Care: Gain access to certain drugs, treatments, and therapies that may not be routinely available on the NHS due to funding decisions.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place to get you back on your feet quickly is invaluable.
Understanding What Private Health Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn't)
This is the most critical point to understand before you consider a policy. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.
- An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a joint replacement, hernia repair, or removing cataracts).
- A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or arthritis).
Crucially, PMI does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury you have had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, in the years before your policy starts (typically the last 5 years).
Here’s a simple breakdown of what is generally included versus what is excluded.
| Usually Covered by PMI | Usually Not Covered by PMI |
|---|
| In-patient and day-patient treatment (e.g., surgery) | Pre-existing medical conditions |
| Consultations with specialists | Chronic conditions (like diabetes, arthritis, asthma) |
| Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, and PET scans) | A&E / Emergency services |
| Comprehensive cancer cover (a core feature of most policies) | Cosmetic surgery (unless medically necessary) |
| Therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy after surgery) | Normal pregnancy and childbirth |
| Mental health support (varies by policy) | Organ transplants, drug abuse, self-inflicted injuries |
An expert PMI broker, like the team at WeCovr, can help you navigate the specific terms of each insurer to ensure you understand exactly what you are covered for.
How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost for Over 60s? A Detailed Look at Premiums
The question on everyone's mind is, "What's the price?" The cost of PMI increases with age because the statistical risk of needing medical treatment also rises. However, the premium is highly individual.
To give you a realistic idea, we've compiled some illustrative monthly premium estimates for non-smokers in 2025. These are based on a mid-range policy with a £250 excess and a standard UK hospital list.
| Age | Basic Cover (Est. Monthly Premium) | Comprehensive Cover (Est. Monthly Premium) |
|---|
| 60 | £85 - £125 | £160 - £260 |
| 65 | £110 - £160 | £190 - £310 |
| 70 | £140 - £210 | £260 - £420 |
| 75 | £180 - £270 | £330 - £550+ |
Disclaimer: These figures are for guidance only. Your actual quote will depend on the specific factors listed below. The best way to get an accurate price is to get a personalised quote.
The Key Factors That Determine Your PMI Premium Over 60
Your premium isn't just a number plucked from thin air. It's calculated based on several risk factors. Understanding these will help you see where you can make adjustments to find a more affordable price.
- Your Age: As shown above, this is the most significant factor. The older you are, the higher the premium.
- Your Location: Where you live in the UK matters. Private healthcare costs are higher in major cities, especially London, so a policy for someone in the capital will be more expensive than for someone in a more rural area.
- Level of Cover: Policies are not one-size-fits-all.
- Basic: Covers the essentials, mainly in-patient and day-patient treatment.
- Mid-Range: Adds a set amount of out-patient cover for diagnostics and consultations.
- Comprehensive: Offers extensive in-patient and out-patient cover, often including therapies, mental health support, and other benefits.
- Policy Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. For example, if your excess is £500 and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £500 and the insurer pays the remaining £2,500. A higher excess will significantly lower your monthly premium.
- Hospital List: Insurers have tiered hospital lists. A policy covering only local hospitals will be cheaper than one that gives you access to premium hospitals in Central London.
- Underwriting Type: This is how the insurer assesses your medical history.
- Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes treatment for any condition you've had in the 5 years before the policy began. These exclusions can be lifted if you remain symptom-free for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then assesses your history and tells you exactly what is excluded from day one. This provides certainty but can take longer to set up.
- Lifestyle: While less direct than with life insurance, smoking has a major impact on health insurance premiums. Being a non-smoker will secure you a much better price.
10 Proven Ways to Reduce the Cost of Your Private Health Insurance Premium
Feeling concerned about the potential costs? Don't be. There are many practical ways to make private health cover more affordable.
- Increase Your Excess: This is the quickest win. Moving your excess from £100 to £500 or £1,000 can reduce your premium by 20-40%. Choose an amount you'd be comfortable paying if you needed to claim.
- Opt for a 6-Week Wait Option: This is a brilliant cost-saving feature. With this option, if the NHS can provide the necessary in-patient treatment within six weeks of it being recommended, you use the NHS. If the wait is longer, your private policy kicks in. As it reduces the likelihood of a claim, it significantly cuts your premium.
- Select a Limited Hospital List: Do you really need access to every private hospital in the country? Choosing a list that covers quality hospitals in your local area is a smart way to save money.
- Review Your Out-patient Cover: Comprehensive out-patient cover is expensive. Consider reducing the limit (e.g., to £1,000 per year) or removing it entirely if you are happy to pay for initial consultations and diagnostic scans yourself, keeping the insurance for the big-ticket costs like surgery.
- Pay Annually: Most insurers offer a discount of around 5% if you pay your premium for the year upfront instead of in monthly instalments.
- Build a No-Claims Discount: Just like with car insurance, most PMI providers reward you for not making a claim. You can build up a discount of up to 60-75% over several years, which helps keep renewal costs down.
- Take Advantage of Wellness Programs: Some providers, like Vitality, actively reward you for healthy living. By tracking your activity, you can earn points that lead to lower premiums at renewal, as well as other perks.
- Compare Providers Every Year: Don't just auto-renew! The market is competitive. What was a great deal last year might be beaten by another provider this year. This is where a broker is invaluable.
- Consider Guided Consultant Lists: Some insurers, like AXA Health, offer a 'guided' option. They will give you a choice of 3-5 pre-approved specialists for your condition, which helps them manage costs and pass the savings on to you.
- Use an Expert Broker Like WeCovr: This is perhaps the most effective tip. A good broker doesn't cost you anything—they are paid a commission by the insurer you choose. They will:
- Compare policies from all the leading UK providers.
- Explain the complex jargon in plain English.
- Help you tailor a policy to your exact needs and budget.
- Ensure you're not paying for cover you don't need.
Health and Wellness for Over 60s: Taking Control of Your Wellbeing
Private health insurance is a safety net, but the best strategy is to invest in your health every day. Staying active and healthy not only improves your quality of life but can also help keep your insurance premiums manageable.
- Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, including plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and fibre. Staying hydrated is also key. To help our clients on their wellness journey, WeCovr provides complimentary access to our AI-powered CalorieHero app for all health and life insurance customers.
- Regular Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing. Activities like yoga or tai chi are fantastic for maintaining balance and flexibility.
- Prioritise Sleep: Good quality sleep is vital for physical and mental regeneration. Aim for 7-8 hours per night and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Stay Socially Connected: Maintaining strong social ties with friends, family, and community groups is proven to boost mental health and overall resilience.
As a WeCovr client, you can also benefit from discounts on our other insurance products, such as travel or home insurance, helping you save money across the board.
Comparing Top UK Private Health Insurance Providers for Over 60s
The UK market is home to several excellent insurers, each with unique strengths. Here is a brief overview to help you understand the landscape.
| Provider | Key Strengths for Over 60s | Things to Consider |
|---|
| Bupa | A household name with an extensive hospital network and a strong reputation for cancer care. | Tends to be one of the more premium-priced options. |
| AXA Health | Excellent mental health support and innovative 'Guided' options to help reduce costs. | The guided consultant list may not appeal to those who want complete freedom of choice. |
| Aviva | Often very competitive on price and offers a 'BacktoBetter' service for musculoskeletal issues. | Hospital lists and out-patient limits need to be reviewed carefully to ensure they match your needs. |
| Vitality | Unique wellness programme that rewards healthy living with reduced premiums and other perks. | The best value is unlocked by actively engaging with the wellness programme. |
| The Exeter | Known for their community-rated pricing on some plans, which can be beneficial for older members. | May have more limited hospital lists compared to the larger providers. |
The "best" provider is entirely personal. It depends on your budget, your location, and what you value most in a policy. A broker's role is to match your personal circumstances to the right provider. Based on high customer satisfaction ratings, WeCovr excels at finding that perfect fit for our clients.
Do I need to declare my pre-existing conditions for private health insurance?
Generally, yes, but how you do it depends on the underwriting type. With 'Full Medical Underwriting', you provide a full history upfront. With 'Moratorium' underwriting, you don't, but any condition you've had in the 5 years before your policy starts is automatically excluded for at least the first 2 years of your policy. It is crucial to understand that standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
Can I get private health insurance if I'm over 70 or 80?
Absolutely. While some insurers have upper age limits for new applicants (often around 75 or 80), many have no upper age limit at all. The premiums will be higher, reflecting the increased risk, but cover is certainly available. An expert broker can quickly identify which insurers are best suited for applicants over 70.
Is cancer care included in private health insurance for over 60s?
Yes, comprehensive cancer cover is a core and highly valued feature of almost every private medical insurance policy in the UK. This typically includes diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, as well as access to specialist drugs and treatments not always available on the NHS. The level of cover can vary, so it's important to check the policy details.
Why should I use a broker like WeCovr instead of going direct to an insurer?
Using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr costs you nothing but offers significant advantages. Instead of getting one price from one insurer, we compare the entire market to find you the best value. We provide impartial, expert advice to help you tailor a policy to your specific needs, ensuring you understand all the terms and don't pay for benefits you won't use. We do the hard work for you.
Take the Next Step with WeCovr
Choosing the right private medical insurance is a significant decision, but it doesn't have to be a difficult one. With the right guidance, you can find a policy that provides both excellent cover and outstanding value, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.
Ready to explore your options? The expert, friendly team at WeCovr is here to help. We'll compare leading UK providers to find a policy that fits your health needs and your budget.
Get your free, no-obligation quote today and take control of your healthcare journey.