Private Health Insurance Add-Ons Are Extra Benefits Worth the Money
Wondering if private medical insurance add-ons are worth the extra cost in the UK? As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of all types, WeCovr is here to help. This guide demystifies optional benefits like dental, optical, and therapies to help you decide.
Review of common add-ons like dental, optical, travel, and therapies, and their true value
When you build a private medical insurance (PMI) policy, you start with a core foundation and then select optional extras, or 'add-ons', to tailor the cover to your specific needs. Think of it like buying a new car: you get the engine, wheels, and chassis as standard, but you can choose to add satellite navigation, heated seats, or a sunroof for an extra cost.
The big question is: are these optional extras a worthwhile investment or an unnecessary expense? The answer depends entirely on your personal circumstances, lifestyle, and priorities. In this comprehensive review, we'll break down the most common add-ons available in the UK private medical insurance market, analyse their costs and benefits, and help you determine their true value for you and your family.
Understanding Core vs. Optional Benefits in UK Private Health Insurance
Before diving into specific add-ons, it’s vital to understand what a standard, core private health insurance policy covers.
At its heart, private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of 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.
A Critical Clarification: Standard UK PMI policies do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical issue for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice in the years leading up to your policy start date (typically the last five years).
- Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
A core policy typically includes:
- In-patient and day-patient treatment: This covers costs when you are admitted to a hospital for surgery or treatment, either overnight (in-patient) or just for the day (day-patient). This includes surgery fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital accommodation, and nursing care.
- Comprehensive cancer cover: Most core policies offer extensive cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.
- Diagnostics: Tests like MRI, CT, and PET scans are often included if they are part of your in-patient treatment.
Optional add-ons build upon this core, extending your cover to services you might use more routinely.
| Feature | Core PMI Policy | Optional Add-On |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Covers unexpected, acute conditions requiring specialist or hospital care. | Enhances cover for routine healthcare, wellness, and specific needs. |
| Typical Cover | Surgery, cancer treatment, hospital stays, specialist consultations. | Dental check-ups, eye tests, physiotherapy sessions, mental health support. |
| Cost Impact | Forms the base premium of your policy. | Increases the monthly or annual premium for each one selected. |
| Main Benefit | Peace of mind and fast access to treatment for serious health issues. | Convenience, cost savings on routine care, and a more holistic approach to health. |
The Big Four: A Deep Dive into Common PMI Add-Ons
Let's explore the most popular optional benefits. We'll look at what they cover, weigh their costs against potential savings, and identify who they are best suited for.
1. Dental & Optical Cover: Is It a Clear Winner?
This is one of the most frequently chosen add-ons, providing cover for routine care that everyone needs.
What It Typically Covers:
- Dental: Routine check-ups, hygienist visits, fillings, X-rays, and sometimes a contribution towards more significant treatments like crowns, bridges, or root canals.
- Optical: Eye tests with an optician and a contribution towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
It's important to distinguish this from major surgery. For example, a complex surgical tooth extraction required due to an acute infection might be covered under your core policy's oral surgery benefit. The add-on is for the day-to-day maintenance of your teeth and eyes.
The Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
Is it worth the money? Let's do the maths.
- Cost of the Add-On: Typically ranges from £15 to £40 per person, per month.
- Cost of Private Treatment: A private dental check-up can cost between £60 and £120. A hygienist visit adds another £50-£90. A single filling can be £80-£200. An eye test is around £25-£40, and the cost of new glasses can easily run into hundreds of pounds.
The add-on comes with an annual limit, for example, £500 for dental and £200 for optical. You claim back the costs of your treatment up to this limit.
Real-Life Example:
Amira, a 38-year-old freelance designer in Manchester, pays £25 per month for her combined dental and optical add-on (£300 per year).
- She has two dental check-ups and hygienist appointments: 2 x £130 = £260
- She needs one small filling: £110
- She has an annual eye test and gets new glasses: £40 + £180 = £220
Her total out-of-pocket spending would have been £590. With the add-on, she paid £300 in premiums and claimed back the full amount within her policy limits (assuming a combined limit over £590 or separate limits for each). She saved £290 and budgeted her healthcare costs smoothly.
Who Should Consider It?
- Families: Managing dental and optical costs for children can be expensive. A family add-on can provide significant savings.
- Those without NHS Dental Access: A 2023 BBC investigation revealed that nine out of ten NHS dental practices in the UK were not accepting new adult patients. For many, private dental care is the only viable option, making this add-on highly valuable.
- Proactive Individuals: If you are diligent about getting annual check-ups, this add-on almost always pays for itself.
2. Therapies Cover: A Path to Faster Recovery?
This add-on provides access to a range of musculoskeletal and other therapies, helping you recover from injury and manage pain without long waits.
What It Typically Covers:
- Physiotherapy
- Osteopathy
- Chiropractic treatment
- Sometimes includes podiatry, acupuncture, and speech therapy.
Cover is usually offered as a set number of sessions per condition per year (e.g., up to 8 sessions) or a total monetary limit (e.g., up to £1,000).
The Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
The primary benefit here is speed. While the NHS provides excellent therapy services, waiting lists can be a significant barrier to a quick recovery. According to NHS England statistics, the target for non-urgent referrals is treatment within 18 weeks, but for physiotherapy, waits can often be several weeks to months.
- Cost of the Add-On: Usually an affordable addition, from £8 to £20 per month.
- Cost of Private Treatment: A single private physiotherapy session costs between £45 and £75. A course of six sessions could therefore cost £270-£450.
Real-Life Example:
Mark, a 50-year-old who enjoys weekend cycling, strains his shoulder. His GP refers him for NHS physiotherapy, but the waiting list is 10 weeks. His job involves a lot of driving, and the pain is affecting his comfort and concentration.
Mark has a therapies add-on costing him £12 per month. He gets a referral and sees a private physiotherapist within three days. After four sessions, his shoulder is significantly better. The total cost of £240 was covered by his insurer, and he was back on his bike and comfortable at work in a fraction of the time.
Who Should Consider It?
- Active People & Athletes: If you play sports or have an active hobby, you're at a higher risk of sprains and strains. Quick access to physio is invaluable.
- Manual Labourers: For those in physically demanding jobs, a swift recovery from injury is essential for protecting their income.
- Anyone Wanting to Avoid Delays: If the thought of waiting weeks for treatment for a painful back or stiff neck is a concern, this add-on offers excellent value and peace of mind.
At WeCovr, we believe in a proactive approach to health. That's why clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance with us receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle that can reduce the risk of injury in the first place.
3. Mental Health Cover: Prioritising Your Wellbeing
Once seen as a niche extra, comprehensive mental health cover is now one of the most sought-after add-ons, reflecting a greater societal understanding of its importance.
What It Typically Covers:
- Out-patient Treatment: Access to sessions with specialists like psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists.
- In-patient Treatment: Cover for hospital stays in a psychiatric facility for acute mental health conditions.
- Digital Mental Health Support: Many insurers now offer access to apps and online resources for mindfulness, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), and counselling.
As with physical health, this cover is for acute mental health conditions, such as a severe bout of anxiety, depression, or PTSD that arises after the policy starts. It does not cover long-standing, chronic mental illnesses.
The Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
The value of this add-on is immense, especially given the strain on public services. While the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme is a cornerstone of UK mental healthcare, waiting times can be a challenge. NHS England data from mid-2024 shows that while many people are seen within weeks, a significant number, particularly those needing more specialised or intensive therapy, can wait for several months.
- Cost of the Add-On: This can vary significantly, from £10 to £50+ per month, depending on the level of cover (e.g., out-patient only vs. full in-patient cover).
- Cost of Private Treatment: A single session with a private therapist or psychologist can cost between £60 and £200. The costs for psychiatric consultations and in-patient care are substantially higher.
Who Should Consider It? Frankly, almost everyone. The pressures of modern life, work, and family can affect anyone's mental wellbeing. This add-on provides a safety net, ensuring that if you or a family member needs support, you can access it quickly and discreetly. It’s an investment in your overall health, acknowledging that mental and physical health are intrinsically linked.
4. Travel Cover: A Global Safety Net?
This add-on extends your medical insurance to cover you when you are abroad.
What It Typically Covers:
- Emergency medical and surgical treatment needed while you are in another country.
It's crucial to understand how this differs from a standard travel insurance policy you might buy for a holiday.
| Feature | PMI Travel Add-on | Standard Annual Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Emergency Medical Treatment | A package: Medical, Cancellation, Lost Luggage, Delays |
| Medical Limit | Often very high and aligned with your core policy (e.g., £5 million+) | Variable, may have lower sub-limits for certain conditions |
| Continuity of Care | Excellent. If you're repatriated, your UK PMI policy takes over seamlessly. | Cover often ends once you are deemed "fit to fly" back to the UK. |
| Destinations | Usually offers options for Europe-only or Worldwide cover. | Policies are trip-specific or annual multi-trip. |
The Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
The key advantage of a PMI travel add-on is the continuity of care. If you suffer a serious injury abroad—for example, a skiing accident in France—the insurer will handle your emergency treatment there. If you need to be flown back to the UK for further surgery and rehabilitation, the same policy and the same insurer manage the entire process. This can be far less stressful than dealing with a separate travel insurer and then transitioning to the NHS or your PMI provider upon your return.
Who Should Consider It?
- Frequent Travellers: If you travel several times a year for business or leisure, integrating travel cover with your PMI can be convenient and comprehensive.
- Those Seeking Simplicity: Having one provider for all your medical needs, both at home and abroad, simplifies everything.
- People with Complex Health Needs: If you have a managed condition (note: this is different from an excluded pre-existing one), having an insurer who understands your full medical history can be beneficial in an emergency abroad.
Lesser-Known But Valuable PMI Add-Ons
Beyond the big four, insurers offer other innovative benefits that can enhance your policy:
- Private GP Services: Offers 24/7 remote access to a GP via phone or video call. This is incredibly convenient for getting quick advice, prescriptions, or referrals without waiting for an appointment at your local surgery.
- Wellness & Health Rewards: Pioneered by providers like Vitality, these programmes reward healthy behaviour. By tracking your activity, engaging in health checks, or buying healthy food, you can earn points that lead to lower premiums, cinema tickets, or discounts on fitness devices.
- Cancer Cover Enhancements: While core PMI cancer cover is already robust, some add-ons provide access to experimental drugs or treatments that aren't yet approved by the NHS or the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
How to Decide Which Add-Ons Are Right for You
Choosing the right add-ons requires a bit of self-reflection. Here’s a simple four-step process to guide you.
-
Assess Your Personal & Family Needs
- Lifestyle: Are you a keen runner? The therapies add-on is a strong contender. Do you travel frequently? Consider the travel option.
- Family: Do you have children who will need regular dental and optical check-ups? A family add-on could be very cost-effective.
- Health History: Do you have a family history of certain issues (that aren't pre-existing for you)? This might influence which safety nets you want in place.
-
Check Your Existing Benefits
- Workplace schemes: Does your employer provide any benefits like a health cash plan (which refunds some routine costs) or death-in-service benefits? Avoid paying twice for the same cover.
- Standalone policies: Do you already have a separate dental or travel insurance policy? Compare its cover and cost against the PMI add-on. Bundling can sometimes be cheaper and is often more convenient.
-
Do the Maths
- Get a quote for the core policy first, then ask for the price of each add-on.
- Estimate your likely annual spending on services like dental, optical, and physio.
- If the annual premium for the add-on is less than your expected spending, it's a clear financial win. Even if it's slightly more, the benefit of budget smoothing and peace of mind can still make it worthwhile.
-
Speak to an Expert Broker
- This is the most crucial step. The UK private medical insurance market is complex, with dozens of providers offering different terms, limits, and hospital lists.
- An independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr can provide invaluable guidance. Our role is to understand your unique needs and budget, then search the market to find the best PMI provider and the most suitable add-ons for you. This service comes at no cost to you, as we are paid by the insurer. We help you avoid overpaying for benefits you don't need and ensure you don't miss out on cover that could be vital.
The Critical Role of a PMI Broker
Navigating the world of private health cover can feel overwhelming. A specialist PMI broker acts as your expert guide.
- Whole-of-Market Comparison: WeCovr isn't tied to one insurer. We compare policies from leading UK providers like Aviva, AXA Health, Bupa, The Exeter, and Vitality to find the best fit.
- Tailored Advice: We take the time to listen to your needs. We won't just sell you a policy; we'll help you construct one that provides robust protection where you need it most.
- Cost Optimisation: We know how to structure policies to be as cost-effective as possible. This includes choosing the right excess level, hospital list, and, of course, the most valuable add-ons.
- Long-Term Support: Our relationship doesn't end when you buy the policy. We're here to help at renewal or if you have questions about your cover.
Furthermore, when you arrange a policy through us, we offer extra value, such as discounts on other types of cover you might need, like life insurance or income protection.
Final Verdict: Are PMI Add-Ons Worth It?
For many people, the answer is a resounding yes. While core private medical insurance provides an essential safety net for serious, acute conditions, add-ons transform your policy from a crisis tool into a holistic health and wellness plan.
- Dental and Optical add-ons often pay for themselves through savings on routine care, especially given the difficulties in accessing NHS dentistry.
- Therapies cover offers exceptional value by providing rapid access to treatment that can prevent a minor niggle from becoming a major problem.
- Mental Health cover is an increasingly vital investment in your overall wellbeing, providing fast support in times of need.
The key is to be selective. By analysing your needs and working with an expert broker, you can build a powerful, personalised health insurance policy where every pound of your premium works hard for you.
Can I add or remove optional benefits from my private health insurance policy?
Are add-ons like dental or therapies cover subject to the same rules about pre-existing conditions?
Is it cheaper to buy standalone dental insurance than a PMI add-on?
Do all private medical insurance providers in the UK offer the same add-ons?
Ready to build the perfect private health cover for your needs? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our expert advisors will help you navigate the options and find the right policy and add-ons at the best possible price.
Related guides
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.
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