
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr helps you navigate the world of private medical insurance in the UK. This guide explores the rise of private and virtual GP services, a key benefit of modern health insurance that's changing how we access healthcare.
In recent years, a quiet revolution has been taking place in UK healthcare. Frustrated by long waits for NHS appointments, millions are turning to a faster alternative: private GP services, often included as a core benefit within private medical insurance (PMI). This shift isn't just about skipping the queue; it's about leveraging technology to get diagnosed and treated quicker than ever before.
This article breaks down how private health cover is delivering on-demand GP access, the difference between virtual and face-to-face options, and what it means for your health and peace of mind.
The NHS is the backbone of UK healthcare, but it's under immense pressure. Getting a timely GP appointment has become a significant challenge for many families.
According to the latest NHS Digital data, millions of GP appointments in England involve a wait of more than two weeks. In 2024, reports showed that around 5 million patients a month were waiting over two weeks to see a GP, with a substantial portion waiting over 28 days. This delay can be more than just an inconvenience; for many conditions, it can mean a longer period of pain, anxiety, and a delayed start to crucial treatment.
These delays have a knock-on effect. A slow initial GP consultation means a slower referral to a specialist, leading to longer overall waiting times for diagnosis and treatment for conditions that PMI is designed to cover, such as joint problems, hernias, or heart conditions.
Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to work alongside the NHS. Its primary purpose is to cover the cost of treatment for acute conditions that arise after you take out a policy. A key, and increasingly popular, feature of most PMI policies is access to private GP services.
This single benefit can dramatically change your healthcare journey. Instead of waiting weeks, you can often speak to a GP on the same day.
How does it work?
This streamlined process cuts out weeks, or even months, of waiting, allowing you to get a diagnosis and start treatment far more quickly.
The most significant innovation in private GP access is the 'virtual GP' or 'digital GP' service. This is now a standard feature in almost every leading UK private medical insurance policy.
A virtual GP consultation is a medical appointment conducted remotely using technology, typically via a phone call or a secure video chat on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
| Feature | Description | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Availability | Access to a GP anytime, day or night, 365 days a year. | A child's high fever in the middle of the night; a worrying rash on a Sunday. |
| Video & Phone Calls | Choose the format you're most comfortable with. Video is excellent for visible symptoms. | Discussing mental health concerns; showing a GP a skin condition or swelling. |
| Private Prescriptions | If the GP prescribes medication, the prescription can be sent to a local pharmacy for you to collect (you pay for the medication itself). | Antibiotics for an infection; stronger painkillers than available over-the-counter. |
| Instant Referrals | If you need specialist care, the GP can write an open referral letter, authorising you to start the claims process with your insurer. | Referral to a cardiologist for chest pains; referral to a gynaecologist for pelvic pain. |
| Medical Advice | Get peace of mind and professional advice on any health concern, big or small. | Questions about a new diet; travel health advice; concerns about a family member's health. |
Imagine you're a busy working parent. Your child wakes up with a concerning cough. Instead of trying to get an emergency appointment at your local surgery, you can book a video call with a private GP from your living room within the hour. The doctor can assess your child, offer advice, and if needed, issue a prescription to your nearest pharmacy. This level of convenience and speed removes immense stress and uncertainty.
The UK's best PMI providers have invested heavily in their digital health platforms. While the core offering is similar, there are subtle differences in their services.
| Insurer | Service Name / Partner | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Aviva | Aviva Digital GP (powered by Square Health) | 24/7 GP video consultations, repeat NHS prescription service (with free delivery), easy in-app booking. |
| AXA Health | Doctor at Hand (powered by Doctor Care Anywhere) | 24/7 video/phone appointments (up to 20 or 25 mins), specialist referrals, international access. |
| Bupa | Digital GP (powered by Babylon) | 24/7 access, AI symptom checker, video consultations, referrals, prescription service. |
| Vitality | Vitality GP | Video consultations within 48 hours (often sooner), direct referrals into their consultant network, prescription service. |
Note: Service details are subject to change and depend on the specific policy chosen. Always check the policy documents.
Navigating the differences between these providers can be tricky. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can provide a detailed comparison of the whole market, helping you understand which policy's digital GP service and overall benefits best suit your personal circumstances, all at no cost to you.
While virtual consultations are incredibly effective for a wide range of issues, they can't replace a physical examination entirely. Sometimes, a doctor needs to listen to your chest, feel your abdomen, or perform a hands-on assessment.
Most comprehensive private medical insurance policies in the UK also provide cover for a set number of face-to-face private GP appointments.
When might you need a face-to-face appointment?
Having this option provides a complete safety net. You can use the virtual GP for speed and convenience, and a face-to-face GP when a physical examination is clinically necessary, ensuring you always get the most appropriate care.
Leading insurers are no longer just about paying for treatment. They are becoming holistic health partners, offering a suite of digital tools to help you stay healthy and manage your wellbeing proactively.
These often come as standard with a PMI policy and include:
This ecosystem of tools empowers you to take control of your health. It shifts the focus from purely reactive treatment to proactive wellness.
Let's illustrate the difference private GP access can make with a real-world example.
Scenario: Sarah, a 45-year-old teacher, develops persistent, worsening knee pain.
Total Time from Symptom to Treatment: Approximately 45 weeks.
Total Time from Symptom to Treatment: Approximately 3-4 weeks.
This comparison clearly shows how private GP access acts as the gateway to a dramatically faster diagnostic and treatment process for acute conditions.
This is the most important section to understand before considering private medical insurance.
PMI is for acute conditions that begin after your policy starts.
PMI does NOT cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
Your NHS GP will continue to manage any chronic or pre-existing conditions. Private health insurance is your partner for dealing with new, unexpected health challenges quickly.
While having fast GP access is reassuring, the best strategy is always to maintain good health. Insurers are increasingly supporting this through their wellness programmes. Here are some tips you can act on today:
Taking these proactive steps can reduce your risk of developing many acute conditions, helping you get the most value from both the NHS and any private health cover you have.
Choosing the right private medical insurance policy can feel overwhelming. With different providers, cover levels, and underwriting options, it's hard to know where to start.
That's where we come in. WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised PMI broker with a track record of high customer satisfaction. Our expert advisors provide a friendly, no-obligation service to help you:
We do the hard work so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Ready to explore how private GP access and comprehensive health cover can benefit you and your family?






