
As an FCA-authorised expert insurance broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. Our 2026 cost calculator is designed to give you a clear, instant estimate of your potential monthly premium, demystifying the process.
Planning for your health means planning for your finances. A private health insurance policy offers peace of mind, providing prompt access to specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and high-quality private treatment. But the first question for many is: "How much will it cost?"
Our Private Health Insurance Cost Calculator for 2026 is an intelligent tool that gives you an immediate, data-driven estimate based on the core factors that insurers use. It's the perfect starting point for budgeting and understanding how your personal circumstances and choices shape your premium.
Think of it as your personal guide to PMI pricing. By inputting a few key details, you can see how different levels of cover, excess options, and hospital choices might affect what you pay. It’s free, confidential, and takes less than a minute.
A PMI cost calculator is an online tool that provides a reliable estimate of your monthly health insurance premium. It uses algorithms based on vast amounts of market data from leading UK insurers to predict your costs.
Why is this useful?
It's important to remember that the figure provided by a calculator is an estimate. Your final, formal quote will depend on a detailed application and the specific insurer's underwriting process. However, our calculator is a remarkably accurate first step on your journey to securing the right private health cover.
No two private medical insurance policies are priced the same, because no two individuals are the same. Insurers use a sophisticated risk-based approach to calculate your premium. Understanding these factors empowers you to make informed decisions.
Here are the primary elements that will influence the cost of your policy.
| Factor | Why It Matters | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Age | The statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases with age. | High. This is the single most significant factor. |
| Location | The cost of private medical treatment varies significantly across the UK. | Medium. Central London is the most expensive region. |
| Level of Cover | The breadth and depth of treatments included in your plan. | High. Comprehensive plans cost more than basic ones. |
| Policy Excess | The amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. | High. A higher excess leads to a lower premium. |
| Hospital List | The network of private hospitals you can access for treatment. | Medium. A wider choice, including prime London hospitals, costs more. |
| Underwriting | The method used to assess your medical history. | Medium. Can affect initial and long-term pricing. |
Let's explore each of these in more detail.
Age is, without question, the most influential factor in determining your PMI premium. From an insurer's perspective, the statistical risk of developing health conditions and needing to claim on the policy rises as we get older.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), people in older age groups are more likely to report long-term health problems and use health services more frequently. Insurers reflect this increased risk in their pricing.
Illustrative Monthly Premiums by Age (Mid-Range Cover)
| Age Bracket | Estimated Monthly Premium (Single Person) |
|---|---|
| 25-30 | £35 - £50 |
| 35-40 | £55 - £70 |
| 45-50 | £75 - £95 |
| 55-60 | £100 - £140 |
| 65-70 | £150 - £220 |
Note: These are illustrative estimates for 2026 for a non-smoker with a £250 excess, living outside London. Your personalised quote may vary.
Where you live in the UK has a direct impact on your premium. This is not arbitrary; it's based on the varying costs of private medical care across the country. Hospitals in central London, with their high overheads and world-renowned specialists, are the most expensive.
Insurers typically group UK postcodes into several pricing bands.
For example, a policy for someone living in Chelsea could be 30-50% more expensive than an identical policy for someone in Cardiff or Edinburgh. When using our calculator, entering your correct postcode is vital for an accurate estimate.
Private medical insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all product. You can choose a level of cover that matches your needs and budget. The more comprehensive the cover, the higher the premium.
Basic (or 'In-patient Only') Cover: This is the most affordable type of policy. It typically covers the costs associated with being admitted to a hospital as an in-patient (overnight stay) or day-patient (admitted for a procedure but not staying overnight). It includes surgery, hospital accommodation, and specialist fees while in hospital. It generally does not cover initial consultations or diagnostic tests.
Mid-Range Cover: This is the most popular choice for UK consumers. It includes everything in a basic plan, plus a set level of 'out-patient' cover. Out-patient cover pays for specialist consultations and diagnostic tests (like MRI and CT scans) needed to determine your condition before you are admitted to hospital. The limit for this is often between £500 and £1,500 per year.
Comprehensive Cover: This is the premium option. It offers full cover for in-patient and day-patient treatment, along with unlimited or very high limits for out-patient diagnostics and consultations. These policies often include additional benefits like mental health support, dental and optical cover, and therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy).
| Cover Level | What's Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | In-patient & day-patient treatment | Budget-conscious individuals wanting cover for major procedures. |
| Mid-Range | Basic cover + limited out-patient diagnostics | The majority of people seeking a balance of cover and cost. |
| Comprehensive | Full in/out-patient + extra therapies | Those wanting maximum peace of mind and access to a full range of treatments. |
Beyond the core factors, you have several levers you can pull to adjust your monthly premium. A good PMI broker, like WeCovr, can help you navigate these options to build a policy that's right for you.
The 'excess' is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards a claim. It's paid once per policy year, per person, regardless of how many claims you make.
The principle is simple: the higher your excess, the lower your monthly premium.
By agreeing to a higher excess, you are sharing more of the initial risk with the insurer, who in turn rewards you with a reduced premium. Common excess levels are £0, £100, £250, £500, and £1,000.
Example: Impact of Excess on a £80 Monthly Premium
| Excess Level | Estimated New Monthly Premium | Annual Saving (vs £0 Excess) |
|---|---|---|
| £0 | £80 | £0 |
| £250 | £70 | £120 |
| £500 | £62 | £216 |
| £1,000 | £55 | £300 |
Choosing an excess of £250 or £500 is a popular strategy for making a policy more affordable without sacrificing the quality of cover.
Insurers have agreements with networks of private hospitals. The list of hospitals you can use for treatment is a key part of your policy and affects the price.
Unless you live or work in central London and specifically want access to those hospitals, choosing a national list is an excellent way to keep your premium down.
This is one of the most effective cost-saving features you can add to your policy. If you choose the 6-week option, your PMI will only cover in-patient treatment if the waiting list for that treatment on the NHS is longer than six weeks.
If the NHS can treat you within six weeks, you would use the NHS. If not, your private cover kicks in.
Given that the primary benefit of PMI is bypassing long waiting lists, this option aligns perfectly with the core purpose of the insurance. According to the latest data from NHS England, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care is often significantly longer than six weeks, meaning this option frequently activates your private cover. Opting for this can reduce your premium by as much as 20-30%.
This is arguably the most important section to understand. UK private medical insurance is designed for a specific purpose: to cover the diagnosis and treatment of new, acute conditions that arise after you have taken out the policy.
Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
Standard Exclusions on All PMI Policies:
How insurers deal with pre-existing conditions is determined by the type of underwriting you choose. The two main types are Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting. An expert at WeCovr can explain these in detail, but in short, both methods are designed to exclude conditions you had before cover started. For more information, please see our full guide to PMI underwriting.
To bring it all to life, here are some illustrative examples of what different people might pay for a mid-range private medical insurance policy in 2026. These profiles assume a £250 excess and a national hospital list.
Profile 1: Young Professional
| Provider | Estimated Monthly Premium | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Provider A | £42 | Excellent digital GP service |
| Provider B | £45 | Strong mental health support |
| Provider C | £48 | Generous rewards programme |
Profile 2: Couple in their 40s
| Provider | Estimated Monthly Premium (for both) | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Provider A | £125 | Good value for couples |
| Provider B | £132 | Extensive therapies cover |
| Provider C | £140 | Access to a wide hospital network |
Profile 3: Family of Four
| Provider | Estimated Monthly Premium (for family) | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Provider A | £190 | Discounts for adding children |
| Provider B | £205 | Strong family-focused benefits |
| Provider C | £215 | Leading cancer care pledge |
These examples show that the market is competitive. Using a broker like WeCovr allows you to compare these leading providers side-by-side to find the best policy for your specific circumstances, at no extra cost to you.
Choosing the right private medical insurance is about more than just finding the cheapest price; it's about finding the best value. This means getting the right level of cover, from a reputable insurer, at the most competitive price possible.
As a fully independent and FCA-authorised PMI broker, WeCovr works for you, not the insurance companies. Our service is provided at no cost to you.
Here’s how we help:
Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing clear, helpful, and professional advice.
While insurance is a crucial safety net, the best way to manage your long-term health and wellbeing is through proactive lifestyle choices. Many insurers now actively encourage this with wellness programmes and rewards.
Taking care of your health today is the best investment you can make for your future.
Ready to take the next step? Find out how much private medical insurance might cost for you.
Use the free WeCovr 2026 PMI Cost Calculator today for your instant estimate, or speak to one of our friendly, FCA-authorised experts for a free, no-obligation chat about your health cover needs.






