TL;DR
WeCovr reviews the best options for older individuals seeking PMI As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies arranged, WeCovr understands that navigating the UK market for private medical insurance (PMI) can feel complex, especially later in life. This guide provides clear, authoritative advice on finding the right private health cover when you're over 70. Navigating your health in your seventies and beyond is about empowerment and peace of mind.
Key takeaways
- Prompt Access to Specialists: Bypass long NHS waiting lists for consultations with leading consultants. This can lead to a faster diagnosis and a quicker start to your treatment plan.
- Faster Treatment: Once diagnosed, PMI allows you to schedule surgery or treatment at a time and place that suits you, often within weeks rather than many months or even years.
- Choice and Control: You can choose your specialist and the hospital where you receive your care from a list provided by your insurer.
- Comfort and Privacy: Treatment is typically in a private, en-suite room, offering a more comfortable and restful environment for recovery.
- Access to Advanced Treatments: Some policies provide access to new drugs or therapies that may not yet be available on the NHS due to cost or NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approval delays.
WeCovr reviews the best options for older individuals seeking PMI
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies arranged, WeCovr understands that navigating the UK market for private medical insurance (PMI) can feel complex, especially later in life. This guide provides clear, authoritative advice on finding the right private health cover when you're over 70.
Navigating your health in your seventies and beyond is about empowerment and peace of mind. While the NHS provides an essential service to us all, the reality of an ageing population and growing demand has led to significant pressures. For many, private medical insurance isn't about replacing the NHS, but about complementing it, offering choice, speed, and comfort when you need it most.
This comprehensive review will walk you through what PMI for over 70s covers, what it doesn't, how to manage costs, and which providers offer the most suitable options.
Why Consider Private Health Insurance in Your 70s?
The decision to invest in private health cover is deeply personal. For many older individuals, the motivation isn't just about health, but about maintaining an active, independent lifestyle without the anxiety of long waits for treatment.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), life expectancy continues to rise, meaning our seventies, eighties, and even nineties can be vibrant and fulfilling decades. However, the NHS is facing unprecedented demand. In early 2025, the elective care waiting list in England remains stubbornly high, with millions of people waiting for routine procedures.
Key benefits of PMI for over 70s include:
- Prompt Access to Specialists: Bypass long NHS waiting lists for consultations with leading consultants. This can lead to a faster diagnosis and a quicker start to your treatment plan.
- Faster Treatment: Once diagnosed, PMI allows you to schedule surgery or treatment at a time and place that suits you, often within weeks rather than many months or even years.
- Choice and Control: You can choose your specialist and the hospital where you receive your care from a list provided by your insurer.
- Comfort and Privacy: Treatment is typically in a private, en-suite room, offering a more comfortable and restful environment for recovery.
- Access to Advanced Treatments: Some policies provide access to new drugs or therapies that may not yet be available on the NHS due to cost or NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approval delays.
Think of PMI as a key to unlocking a parallel healthcare system that runs alongside the NHS, ready for you to use for eligible conditions. You will always have the NHS to rely on for emergencies, GP visits, and chronic care.
The Most Important Thing to Understand: What PMI Covers (and What It Doesn't)
This is the single most critical aspect to grasp before considering any policy. Misunderstanding this can lead to disappointment at the point of a claim.
UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that begin after your policy starts.
- An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include cataracts, joint replacements (hip, knee), hernia repair, and treatment for many types of cancer.
Conversely, there are specific things that standard PMI policies will not cover.
Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions are Not Covered
This is a fundamental rule of the UK PMI market.
-
Chronic Conditions: These are long-term conditions that cannot be cured but can be managed with ongoing care, medication, or therapy. Your PMI policy will not cover the management of chronic conditions. The NHS remains your port of call for this.
- Common examples of chronic conditions:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Asthma
- Crohn's disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Common examples of chronic conditions:
-
Pre-existing Conditions: This refers to any illness, injury, or symptom you have had in the years before you took out your health insurance policy. If you've sought medical advice, received a diagnosis, or had treatment for a condition recently, it will be excluded from your cover, at least initially.
Other Standard PMI Exclusions
- Accident & Emergency (A&E) visits
- GP appointments
- Organ transplants
- Cosmetic surgery (unless for reconstructive purposes after an accident or eligible surgery)
- Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction
- Normal pregnancy and childbirth
- Long-term social care, such as care home fees or home help for daily living
It's vital to see PMI for what it is: a policy for new, treatable health problems, ensuring you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
How Insurers Assess Your Health: Underwriting Explained
When you apply for PMI, the insurer needs to understand your medical history to determine what they can cover. This process is called underwriting. For individuals over 70, there are two main options.
1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your full medical history. The insurer reviews this and then offers you terms of cover, explicitly stating any conditions that will be permanently excluded.
- Pros: You have complete clarity from day one. You know exactly what is and isn't covered, with no ambiguity. This is often the recommended route for older applicants as it prevents disputes later.
- Cons: The application process takes longer. It requires you to remember and accurately disclose your medical history.
2. Moratorium Underwriting (Mori)
This is a quicker way to get cover. You don't fill out a medical questionnaire. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition for which you have had symptoms, medication, or sought advice in the 5 years prior to your policy start date.
These exclusions can, however, be lifted. If you then go for 2 continuous years after your policy starts without experiencing any symptoms or needing any advice, diagnosis, or treatment for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. This is often called the "rolling moratorium".
- Pros: The application is fast and simple.
- Cons: There's a "grey area." You may not be 100% sure what's covered until you make a claim, which is when the insurer will investigate your medical history.
For applicants over 70, the certainty offered by Full Medical Underwriting is often invaluable. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you navigate the questionnaire to ensure your application is accurate and complete.
Comparing the Best PMI Providers for Over 70s
While many mainstream insurers offer policies to older applicants, some are better equipped than others. There is no single "best" provider; the right choice depends entirely on your budget, health, and priorities.
Here is a review of the leading providers in the UK market.
| Provider | Key Features for Over 70s | Age Limits | Unique Selling Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviva | Strong core cover, excellent cancer care promise, good range of hospital lists. Well-regarded for their straightforward claims process. | Typically no upper age limit for joining. | The "Aviva Digital GP" app is highly rated. Their "Six Week Option" is a popular way to reduce premiums. |
| AXA Health | Flexible policies that are easy to customise. Strong mental health support and access to a 24/7 health support line staffed by nurses. | No upper age limit for joining on most plans. | Excellent digital tools and a focus on preventative healthcare. They offer a "Guided Option" where they help you choose a specialist, which can reduce costs. |
| Bupa | A household name with a vast network of hospitals and clinics. Offer direct access to some services (like cancer and mental health) without a GP referral. | No upper age limit for joining. | Bupa's brand recognition and comprehensive cover are major draws. Their cancer cover is particularly extensive. |
| The Exeter | A specialist friendly society known for its flexible underwriting, especially for those with some medical history. They often take a more individual approach. | Apply up to age 75. | Their focus on tailored underwriting can be a significant advantage. They have a strong reputation for paying claims. |
| Vitality | Unique approach linking insurance premiums to healthy living. You can earn rewards and discounts for being active. | No upper age limit for joining. | The wellness programme can be highly motivating. If you are an active senior, you could see significant benefits and premium reductions. |
Saga Health Insurance, a popular brand for the over-50s, is worth mentioning. Their policies are often underwritten by one of the major providers, like AXA Health, but are packaged specifically for the needs of an older demographic.
How to Make Your PMI Policy Affordable
One of the biggest concerns for retirees is the cost of private health insurance. Premiums are based on age, location, and the level of cover you choose. For a healthy 70-year-old, a comprehensive policy might cost £150-£300+ per month, but a more basic plan could be closer to £80-£120. (illustrative estimate)
Thankfully, you have several powerful tools to tailor your policy to your budget without sacrificing essential protection.
- The Policy Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the rest. Choosing a higher excess (e.g., £500 or £1,000) will significantly lower your monthly premium.
- The Six-Week Option: This is one of the most effective cost-saving features. With this option, if the NHS can provide the inpatient treatment you need within six weeks of you being placed on a waiting list, you agree to use the NHS. If the wait is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in. As many urgent procedures are done quickly on the NHS, this can dramatically reduce your premium while still protecting you from long delays for non-urgent care.
- Hospital List Selection: Insurers have tiered hospital lists. A comprehensive list including prime Central London hospitals (like The London Clinic or The Cromwell) is the most expensive. By choosing a list that includes quality local private hospitals but excludes the most expensive London ones, you can make substantial savings.
- Outpatient Cover Limits: Outpatient services include initial consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans that don't require a hospital bed. This is a major driver of cost. You can choose:
- Full Cover: No financial limit on outpatient services. (Most expensive)
- Limited Cover: A set annual limit, for example, £500, £1,000, or £1,500. This is a great compromise.
- No Cover: You pay for your own consultations and diagnostics and only use your PMI if you need to be admitted for treatment. (Least expensive)
Example of Policy Customisation
Let's imagine a baseline quote for a 72-year-old is £220 per month. Here's how different choices could affect the cost: (illustrative estimate)
| Policy Option | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Baseline: £250 excess, full outpatient cover, full hospital list | £220 |
| Option A: Increase excess to £500 | £195 |
| Option B: Add a Six-Week Option | £160 |
| Option C: Limit outpatient cover to £1,000 | £145 |
| Option D: Choose a reduced hospital list | £130 |
| Combined: £500 excess + Six-Week Option + £1,000 outpatient limit | £115 |
Note: These figures are for illustrative purposes only. Actual premiums will vary.
By combining these options, it's possible to reduce the cost by 40-50% while still retaining the core benefit of fast access to private surgery and treatment.
The Value of an Independent PMI Broker
Trying to compare all these providers and policy options yourself can be overwhelming. This is where an independent broker like WeCovr provides invaluable assistance.
- Whole-of-Market Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies from across the market to find the one that truly fits your needs and budget.
- Expert Guidance: We speak the language of insurance. We can explain the nuances of underwriting, cancer cover, and hospital lists in plain English.
- Application Support: We help you complete your application accurately, especially for Full Medical Underwriting, minimising the chance of issues later on.
- No Cost to You: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium, so you don't pay more by using our expertise.
Our goal is to ensure you get the right cover at the right price, with no nasty surprises.
A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing in Your 70s and Beyond
Private medical insurance is one part of a wider strategy for a healthy and happy later life. Focusing on wellness can reduce your risk of needing to claim in the first place.
- Active Living: Gentle, regular exercise is key. The NHS recommends activities like brisk walking, swimming, dancing, or bowls. The goal is to maintain muscle strength, balance, and cardiovascular health.
- Balanced Diet: A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been shown to support long-term health. Staying hydrated is also crucial. To help with this, WeCovr customers get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered diet and calorie tracking app.
- Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. A consistent routine helps regulate your body's internal clock and supports physical and mental recovery.
- Social Connection: Staying connected with friends, family, and your community is vital for mental wellbeing. Loneliness can have a significant negative impact on physical health.
- Travel with Confidence: Most UK PMI policies do not cover you abroad. It's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance for any trips. As a WeCovr client, you can often benefit from discounts on other insurance products, including travel and life insurance.
Real-Life Scenarios
Let's see how PMI might work for different people.
Scenario 1: Arthur, aged 74 Arthur is a keen gardener but has been struggling with severe hip pain. His GP confirms he needs a hip replacement and adds him to the NHS waiting list, which is currently 18 months in his area.
- With PMI: Arthur calls his insurer. They approve the claim, and he sees a specialist consultant the following week. His surgery is booked at a local private hospital for three weeks later. He is back in his garden within a few months, having bypassed the long and painful wait.
Scenario 2: Brenda, aged 78 Brenda is generally healthy but is worried about cancer, having seen friends go through treatment. She wants the peace of mind of knowing she could access the latest treatments if needed.
- With WeCovr's help: Brenda takes out a policy with a high excess and a six-week option to keep costs manageable. She selects a plan with comprehensive cancer cover. This gives her the reassurance she needs while keeping her monthly premium affordable. A few years later, she is diagnosed with an acute condition (a hernia) and uses her policy to get it fixed quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Over 70s Health Insurance
Can I get health insurance if I'm over 70 with pre-existing conditions?
Is private health insurance worth it for a 75-year-old in the UK?
How much does private health insurance cost for a 70-year-old?
Does private medical insurance cover care home costs or social care?
Take the Next Step with WeCovr
Choosing the right private medical insurance is a significant decision. It’s about investing in your future health and wellbeing, giving you and your family invaluable peace of mind.
Our expert, friendly advisors are here to help you understand your options, compare the UK's leading providers, and build a policy that gives you the protection you need at a price you can afford. The advice is free and there is no obligation.
Contact WeCovr today for your free, personalised health insurance quote and discover the best options for you.
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
