How to Save Money on Health Insurance in 2025
With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant concern for many, private medical insurance (PMI) offers invaluable peace of mind. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that while securing fast access to quality healthcare is a priority, managing costs is just as crucial. This guide provides actionable strategies to help you find affordable private medical insurance in the UK without compromising on the quality of your cover.
Actionable cost-cutting tips, including using brokers, group discounts, and excess options
Navigating the private health insurance market can feel complex, but significant savings are achievable if you know where to look. The key lies in tailoring a policy to your precise needs and budget. From choosing the right excess and hospital list to leveraging broker expertise and wellness programmes, a few smart decisions can lower your monthly premiums considerably. This article will break down nine powerful, expert-approved tips to help you save money on your health cover in 2025.
Understanding What You Pay For: The Core of UK PMI
Before we dive into cost-cutting, it’s vital to understand what private medical insurance is designed for. At its heart, UK PMI is a policy that covers the cost of private treatment for acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
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 replacements, or cataracts.
The Crucial Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
This is the single most important concept to grasp in UK health insurance. Standard policies do not cover chronic conditions. A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and often has no known cure. It can be managed but not resolved. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
Similarly, PMI generally excludes pre-existing conditions—any ailment you had before your policy began.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Condition Type | Covered by PMI? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Condition | Yes (if it starts after your policy) | Appendicitis, broken bones, gallstones, most cancers |
| Chronic Condition | No (management is not covered) | Diabetes, asthma, hypertension, Crohn's disease |
| Pre-existing Condition | No (unless specified under special terms) | A bad back you had treated 3 years ago |
The primary benefits of PMI include:
- Bypassing NHS waiting lists: According to recent NHS England data, millions are on waiting lists for consultant-led elective care. PMI allows you to be seen and treated in days or weeks, not months or years.
- Choice and comfort: You can often choose your specialist and hospital, and you're more likely to get a private room.
- Access to specialist drugs: Some policies provide access to drugs or treatments not yet available on the NHS due to cost.
Tip 1: Partner with an Expert PMI Broker
Going directly to an insurer might seem like the simplest route, but it’s rarely the most cost-effective. An independent, FCA-authorised broker works for you, not the insurance company.
Why Use a Broker?
- Whole-of-Market Access: A broker compares policies from a wide range of leading UK insurers, finding deals and cover combinations you wouldn’t find on your own.
- Expert, Unbiased Advice: They are experts in the field. A good broker will take the time to understand your needs, health history, and budget to recommend the most suitable policy. This prevents you from paying for features you don't need or being underinsured.
- No Extra Cost: Brokers are paid a commission by the insurer upon the sale of a policy. This means their expert service is typically free for you, the client.
- Claims Assistance: Should you need to make a claim, a broker can provide invaluable support, helping you navigate the process and advocating on your behalf if issues arise.
Brokers like WeCovr specialise in the private medical insurance UK market. They provide a personalised service, ensuring you get the right cover at the most competitive price, with a strong focus on high customer satisfaction.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Level of Cover
Health insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all product. Insurers offer different tiers of cover, and choosing the right one is fundamental to managing your premium.
- Core/Basic Cover: This is the entry-level option. It typically covers the most expensive treatments—those requiring a hospital stay (in-patient) or a procedure where you don't stay overnight (day-patient). This is your essential safety net for major medical events.
- Mid-Range Cover: This level includes everything in the core plan but adds a set amount of out-patient cover. This is for things like specialist consultations and diagnostic tests (MRI/CT scans) that don't require hospital admission. It’s the most popular choice for a good balance of cover and cost.
- Comprehensive Cover: This is the top-tier option. It offers extensive (often unlimited) out-patient cover and usually includes extras like mental health support, dental and optical benefits, and alternative therapies.
Comparing Cover Levels
| Feature | Core Cover | Mid-Range Cover | Comprehensive Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-patient & Day-patient | ✅ Full Cover | ✅ Full Cover | ✅ Full Cover |
| Out-patient Consultations | ❌ Not included | ✅ Limited (e.g., up to £1,000) | ✅ Full Cover |
| Out-patient Diagnostics | ❌ Not included | ✅ Limited (e.g., up to £1,000) | ✅ Full Cover |
| Mental Health Cover | ❌ Optional Add-on | ✅ Often included or as an add-on | ✅ Usually extensive |
| Dental & Optical | ❌ Not included | ❌ Optional Add-on | ✅ Often included |
| Estimated Monthly Premium | £ | ££ | £££ |
Actionable Tip: Honestly assess your needs. If you have a separate dental plan or are happy to pay for physiotherapy sessions out-of-pocket, you may not need a comprehensive policy. A mid-range plan often provides the best value for money.
Tip 3: Master the Art of the Excess
An 'excess' is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. For example, if your policy has a £250 excess and you have a procedure costing £3,000, you would pay the first £250, and your insurer would pay the remaining £2,750.
The rule is simple: a higher excess leads to a lower monthly premium.
By agreeing to share a small part of the cost, you reduce the insurer's financial risk, and they pass this saving on to you. Insurers offer a range of excess options, typically from £0 to £1,000 or more.
Illustrative Impact of Excess on Premiums
The table below shows how choosing a different excess could affect the monthly premium for a hypothetical 45-year-old.
| Excess Amount | Illustrative Monthly Premium | Annual Saving (vs. £0 Excess) |
|---|---|---|
| £0 | £95 | £0 |
| £100 | £88 | £84 |
| £250 | £79 | £192 |
| £500 | £68 | £324 |
| £1,000 | £55 | £480 |
Actionable Tip: Choose an excess level you could comfortably afford to pay without financial hardship if you needed to make a claim. For many, an excess of £250 or £500 strikes the perfect balance between premium savings and out-of-pocket risk.
Tip 4: Utilise the NHS with a 'Six-Week Wait' Option
This is a clever feature that can significantly cut the cost of your premium. If you add a 'six-week wait' option to your policy, your private cover will only activate if the NHS waiting list for the in-patient treatment you need is longer than six weeks.
- If the NHS can treat you within six weeks, you will use the NHS for your procedure.
- If the NHS wait is longer than six weeks, your private health insurance policy will kick in, and you can proceed with private treatment immediately.
This option essentially turns your PMI policy into a robust safety net against long delays, which is the primary concern for most people. Because it reduces the likelihood of the insurer having to pay for a claim, the discount on your premium can be substantial—often between 20-30%.
This is an excellent compromise for those who are happy to use the NHS for timely procedures but want the assurance of private care if faced with a lengthy wait.
Tip 5: Tailor Your Hospital List
Not all hospitals cost the same. Insurers group hospitals into tiers, largely based on their location and treatment costs. Hospitals in central London, for example, are the most expensive in the country.
Most insurers offer a choice of hospital lists:
| Hospital List Tier | Description | Best For... |
|---|---|---|
| Local / Regional | Access to a curated list of quality private hospitals in your local area. | Those who want the lowest premium and are happy to be treated near home. |
| Nationwide | Access to a broad network of hospitals across the UK, typically excluding the most expensive central London clinics. | Most people. It provides flexibility and choice without the premium price tag. |
| Premium / London | Unrestricted access to all hospitals in the insurer's network, including top-tier facilities in central London. | Those who live or work in central London or want complete freedom of choice, regardless of cost. |
Actionable Tip: Unless you have a specific reason to require treatment in a high-cost central London hospital, opting for a nationwide or even a regional list can generate significant savings. Check the postcode of the hospitals included in a list to ensure you have convenient access to high-quality facilities. A PMI broker can provide you with the exact lists for each insurer.
Tip 6: Explore Group and Family Discounts
Insuring more than one person is often more cost-effective than taking out multiple individual policies.
- Family Policies: Adding a spouse or partner to your policy usually comes with a discount. Many insurers also offer incentives for adding children, with some even including them for free or at a significantly reduced rate up to a certain age.
- Company Schemes: If your employer offers a company health insurance scheme, it's almost always the cheapest way to get private health cover. Premiums are much lower due to the risk being spread across a group of employees. Even if you have to contribute, it's likely to be cheaper than a personal policy.
- Small Business Cover: You don't need to work for a large corporation to benefit. Many insurers offer group plans for businesses with as few as two employees. If you run a small business, a broker like WeCovr can help you set up a group scheme, providing a valuable employee benefit while securing cover for yourself at a lower cost.
Tip 7: Embrace a Healthier Lifestyle for Long-Term Savings
This tip saves you money and improves your wellbeing. Insurers are increasingly rewarding customers who take proactive steps to manage their health. A healthier lifestyle means you are less likely to claim, making you a lower-risk customer.
Many leading insurers, such as Vitality and Aviva, have integrated wellness programmes that offer tangible rewards:
- Discounts on your renewal premium.
- Free coffee, cinema tickets, or fitness trackers.
- Reduced gym membership fees.
Beyond these programmes, a healthy lifestyle has a direct impact on your premiums, especially at renewal.
Actionable Health & Wellness Tips
- Diet & Nutrition: Following a balanced diet, such as the one outlined in the NHS's Eatwell Guide, can reduce your risk of developing many conditions. To help with this, WeCovr provides clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app.
- Physical Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Regular exercise is proven to boost mental and physical health.
- Smoking & Alcohol: Smokers pay significantly more for health and life insurance—sometimes up to 50% more. Quitting is the single biggest step you can take to improve your health and lower your premiums. Reducing alcohol intake also has a positive impact.
- Sleep: Prioritising 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night is crucial for immune function, mental clarity, and overall health.
By adopting healthier habits, you not only feel better but also position yourself for lower insurance costs in the long run.
Tip 8: Review Your Policy Annually
Loyalty rarely pays in the insurance industry. Many people make the mistake of letting their policy auto-renew each year without checking the market.
Premiums almost always increase at renewal for two main reasons:
- Age: You are a year older, which statistically increases your health risk.
- Medical Inflation: The cost of medical treatments and new technologies rises faster than general inflation.
However, the increase applied by your current insurer may not be competitive. Another provider might offer equivalent or better cover for a lower price.
An annual review is essential. Set a reminder a month before your renewal date to:
- Contact your broker: A quick call to your broker is the most efficient method. They can re-scan the market in minutes and present you with the best options.
- Re-assess your needs: Has anything changed? Do you still need that comprehensive cover, or would a mid-range plan now suffice?
- Negotiate: Your broker can often negotiate with your current insurer on your behalf, using quotes from competitors as leverage.
Switching providers is usually straightforward, especially with a broker's help. They can manage the application and ensure your cover transitions smoothly.
Tip 9: Understand Underwriting Options
'Underwriting' is the process an insurer uses to assess your health risk and decide on the terms of your policy. The type you choose can affect the price.
- Moratorium Underwriting (Mori): This is the most common type. You don't have to disclose your full medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the five years before the policy started. However, if you go for two continuous years on the policy without needing treatment, advice or medication for that condition, the exclusion may be lifted.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): This requires you to complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer will review your medical history and may permanently exclude certain pre-existing conditions.
Which is cheaper? It depends. If you are young and have a clean bill of health, FMU can sometimes result in a lower premium because the insurer has a crystal-clear picture of their risk. For most people, a moratorium policy is simpler and more popular, but it's always worth getting quotes for both to see which offers better value for your specific circumstances. An expert PMI broker can guide you on the best path.
WeCovr Added Value: More Than Just a Policy
Choosing WeCovr as your PMI broker provides more than just access to the best private health cover. We believe in adding continuous value to our clients' lives.
- Complimentary CalorieHero Access: As mentioned, all our PMI and Life Insurance clients receive free access to our AI-powered nutrition app, helping you stay on top of your health goals.
- Multi-Policy Discounts: We value your business. When you take out a health insurance policy with us, we can offer attractive discounts on other essential cover, such as life insurance or income protection, helping you protect your family and finances for less.
- Dedicated Customer Support: Our high customer satisfaction ratings are built on a foundation of expert, friendly, and responsive service. From your initial quote to help with a claim, we're with you every step of the way.
Putting It All Together: A Real-Life Savings Example
Let's see how these tips work in practice.
Meet David, a 42-year-old marketing manager living in Bristol.
-
Initial Quote (Going Direct): David gets a quote directly from a major insurer. He chooses a comprehensive plan with no excess and a premium hospital list, wanting "the best". His quote is £130 per month.
-
Smart Savings Quote (with WeCovr): David contacts WeCovr for a second opinion. The broker discusses his actual needs and proposes a new plan:
- Switch to a Mid-Range Plan: David realises he doesn't need the full dental and optical benefits.
- Add a £500 Excess: He's comfortable paying this amount if he needs to claim.
- Include the 6-Week Wait Option: He's happy to use the NHS if it's quick.
- Choose a Nationwide Hospital List: The list includes several excellent hospitals in and around Bristol, so he doesn't need the pricey London options.
The Result: WeCovr finds him a policy with a different leading insurer that meets his core needs perfectly. His new premium is £70 per month.
By making a few informed choices, David saves £60 per month, or £720 per year, without sacrificing access to fast, high-quality private healthcare when he needs it most.
Can I get private health insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?
Is it cheaper to get health insurance through a broker?
How much does private health insurance cost in the UK for 2025?
Do I still need to pay National Insurance if I have private medical insurance?
Take Control of Your Health and Finances Today
Saving money on private medical insurance doesn't mean settling for less. It means being smarter about how you buy and tailor your cover. By partnering with an expert, understanding your options, and reviewing your policy annually, you can secure first-class health protection at a price that fits your budget.
Ready to find out how much you could save? Get your free, no-obligation quote from the experts at WeCovr today and take the first step towards affordable peace of mind.
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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Who Are WeCovr?
WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.
Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!