As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert, unbiased guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. Our interactive cost calculator offers a clear, personalised estimate to help you navigate your options and find the right cover for your budget and needs.
WeCovr's interactive calculator to estimate your PMI premium
Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) can feel complex, especially when trying to understand the potential costs. To simplify this process, our free interactive PMI calculator gives you a reliable estimate of your potential monthly premium in under 60 seconds.
By answering a few simple questions, you can get a snapshot of what you might pay for private health cover. This allows you to budget effectively and understand how different choices, such as your level of cover or excess, will impact your final premium.
Our calculator is the first step towards taking control of your health. It's fast, free, and comes with no obligation.
What Factors Influence Your Private Health Insurance Cost in the UK?
The premium you pay for private medical insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all figure. It's a carefully calculated price based on a range of personal and policy-related factors. Understanding these elements is key to finding a policy that offers great value.
Here are the main factors that insurers assess when creating your quote:
1. Your Age
Age is the single most significant factor in determining your PMI cost. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases. Insurers price their policies to reflect this higher risk. Premiums typically see noticeable increases once you move into a new age bracket (e.g., turning 40, 50, or 65).
2. Your Location
Where you live in the UK, often referred to as your "postcode," plays a crucial role. Medical treatment costs vary significantly across the country. For example, the fees charged by private hospitals and specialists in central London are considerably higher than in other regions like Scotland or the North of England. A policy that includes access to London hospitals will therefore cost more.
Example of Regional Cost Variation (Monthly Estimate)
| Location | 40-Year-Old, Mid-Range Cover |
|---|
| Rural Scotland | £55 |
| Manchester | £65 |
| Central London | £90 |
Note: These are illustrative estimates. Your actual quote will vary.
3. Level of Cover
Insurers typically offer tiered policies, allowing you to choose how comprehensive you want your cover to be.
- Basic Cover: This is the most affordable option. It usually covers in-patient and day-patient treatment only, meaning costs are covered only if you are admitted to a hospital bed. It’s designed to protect you against the cost of major procedures.
- Mid-Range Cover: The most popular choice, this level includes everything in a basic policy plus a set amount for out-patient cover. This means consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans that don't require a hospital stay are also included, up to a specified limit (e.g., £1,000 per year).
- Comprehensive Cover: This is the top tier. It offers extensive in-patient cover and usually unlimited out-patient diagnostics and consultations. It may also include additional benefits like cover for mental health, dental and optical care, and a wider range of alternative therapies.
4. Policy Excess
An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer covers the rest. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and your insurer pays the remaining £2,750.
Choosing a higher excess is a simple and effective way to lower your monthly premium.
Impact of Excess on Monthly Premium (Illustrative)
| Excess Amount | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|
| £0 | £80 |
| £250 | £68 |
| £500 | £60 |
| £1,000 | £52 |
5. Hospital List
Insurers have different lists of approved hospitals where you can receive treatment. The type of list you choose directly affects your premium.
- Local List: Restricts you to a selection of private hospitals in your local area. This is the most budget-friendly option.
- National List: Gives you access to a wide range of hospitals across the UK, but typically excludes the most expensive facilities in central London.
- Premium / London List: Provides unrestricted access to all hospitals in the insurer's network, including top-tier private facilities in London. This is the most expensive option.
6. Underwriting Type
Underwriting is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will and will not cover.
- Moratorium Underwriting (Most Common): This is the simplest method. You don't need to provide your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any conditions you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last five years. However, if you remain symptom-and-treatment-free for that condition for two continuous years after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): This requires you to complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer then assesses your history and states precisely what is excluded from day one. This provides more certainty but can be a longer process.
Crucially, standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions under either underwriting type. It is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.
7. No Claims Discount (NCD)
Similar to car insurance, many PMI providers offer a No Claims Discount. For every year you don't make a claim on your policy, you receive a discount on your renewal premium, up to a maximum level. Making a claim will typically reduce your NCD level, increasing your premium the following year.
8. Lifestyle Choices
Some insurers, like Vitality, actively reward healthy living. However, nearly all providers will ask if you are a smoker. Smokers are considered higher risk and will almost always pay a higher premium than non-smokers of the same age and profile.
Average Cost of Private Health Insurance UK (2025 Estimates)
While our calculator provides a personal estimate, it's helpful to see some general figures. The table below shows estimated monthly premiums for a non-smoker with a £250 excess and a standard national hospital list.
Estimated Monthly PMI Costs by Age and Cover Level (2025)
| Age | Basic Cover (In-patient only) | Mid-Range Cover (+ Out-patient) | Comprehensive Cover |
|---|
| 20s | £30 - £45 | £40 - £60 | £65 - £90 |
| 30s | £40 - £55 | £50 - £75 | £80 - £110 |
| 40s | £50 - £70 | £65 - £90 | £95 - £140 |
| 50s | £70 - £100 | £90 - £130 | £130 - £200 |
| 60s | £100 - £150 | £130 - £190 | £190 - £280 |
| 70+ | £160 - £250+ | £200 - £300+ | £280 - £450+ |
Disclaimer: These figures are for illustrative purposes only. Costs can vary significantly based on the factors listed above. Use the WeCovr calculator for a tailored estimate.
Understanding What Private Medical Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn't)
A common misconception is that PMI is a replacement for the NHS. It's not. It's designed to work alongside it, giving you more choice and control over your treatment for specific types of conditions.
The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
This is the most important distinction to understand:
- Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair, and diagnosing new symptoms. PMI is designed to cover these.
- Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, requires palliative care, has no known cure, or is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Standard PMI does not cover the management of chronic conditions.
What Is Typically Covered by Private Health Insurance?
Assuming you have a mid-range policy, you can generally expect cover for:
- In-patient and day-patient treatment: Hospital fees, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, and nursing care when you're admitted to a hospital bed.
- Out-patient diagnostics: Consultations with a specialist and tests like MRI, CT, and PET scans to find out what's wrong.
- Cancer Care: This is a core component of most policies, often providing access to specialist drugs and treatments not yet available on the NHS.
- Mental Health Support: Most policies now offer some level of mental health cover, from access to talking therapies to in-patient psychiatric treatment.
- Therapies: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment following a diagnosis.
What Is Almost Never Covered?
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition you had before your policy start date.
- Chronic Conditions: Long-term management of illnesses like diabetes or asthma.
- Emergency Services: A&E visits are handled by the NHS.
- Routine Pregnancy & Childbirth: Although complications may be covered.
- Cosmetic Surgery: Unless it is for reconstructive purposes after an accident or covered surgery.
- Organ Transplants
- Drug & Alcohol Abuse Treatment
How to Reduce Your Private Health Insurance Premiums
If your initial quotes are higher than you'd like, don't be discouraged. There are several practical ways to make your private health cover more affordable without sacrificing essential protection.
- Increase Your Excess: As shown earlier, agreeing to pay a bit more towards your first claim (£250 or £500 is common) can create significant monthly savings.
- Choose a Six-Week Wait Option: This is a clever compromise. With this option, if the NHS can provide the in-patient treatment you need within six weeks, you agree to use the NHS. If the waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in. This can reduce your premium by 20-30%. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was 15.3 weeks in June 2025, making this a valuable option for many.
- Select a Limited Hospital List: If you are happy to be treated at local private hospitals rather than having nationwide access, you can make substantial savings.
- Pay Annually: Most insurers offer a small discount (around 5%) if you pay your entire year's premium in one go.
- Review Your Cover Level: Do you really need unlimited out-patient cover, or would a policy with a £1,000 limit suffice? Tailoring the benefits to what you truly need can cut costs.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Quitting smoking is the most impactful lifestyle change you can make to lower your premium. Some insurers also offer rewards for staying active. As a WeCovr policyholder, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI app, helping you track nutrition and stay on top of your health goals.
- Use an Expert Broker: A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can be your greatest asset. We compare policies from across the market to find the one that best matches your needs and budget. Our service is free to you, and we often have access to deals not available to the public.
Why Use a Broker Like WeCovr?
Choosing health insurance can be daunting. As an independent, FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr simplifies the entire process.
- Expert, Unbiased Advice: We aren't tied to any single insurer. Our loyalty is to you. We provide clear, jargon-free advice to help you understand your options.
- Whole-of-Market Comparison: We compare quotes and policies from leading UK providers like AXA Health, Bupa, Aviva, and Vitality, ensuring you see the full picture.
- No Cost to You: Our service is completely free. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, which doesn't affect the price you pay.
- Added Value: When you arrange a PMI or Life Insurance policy through WeCovr, you not only get expert guidance but also receive discounts on other insurance products and complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI nutrition tracker.
- Trusted by Customers: Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right solution for every individual and family.
Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind
Understanding the potential cost of private medical insurance is the first step. The second is getting a personalised quote that reflects your unique circumstances.
Our interactive calculator provides an excellent starting point. For a detailed discussion and a formal quote tailored precisely to you, our friendly team of experts is ready to help.
Ready to see your price? Use the WeCovr PMI calculator today or contact us for a free, no-obligation chat with one of our specialists.
Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No, standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. A condition is considered pre-existing if you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice for it in the five years before your policy starts. PMI is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you join.
Is private medical insurance worth it in the UK?
Whether PMI is "worth it" is a personal decision. While the UK has the NHS, which provides excellent free care, private health insurance offers key benefits like faster access to specialist consultations and treatment for eligible conditions, a choice of hospital and consultant, and a private room. With NHS waiting lists for elective treatment remaining long, many people find the peace of mind and speed of access offered by PMI to be a valuable investment in their health.
How much does private health insurance cost for a family?
The cost for a family depends on the number of people, their ages, the level of cover, and your location. Insurers often provide a discount for adding a partner or children compared to buying individual policies. For example, a family of four (two adults in their late 30s, two children) might pay between £120 and £250 per month for a mid-range policy. Using a cost calculator or speaking to a broker is the best way to get an accurate estimate.
Can I switch my private health insurance provider?
Yes, you can switch providers. It is often done using 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME) underwriting. This allows you to transfer to a new insurer while keeping the same cover for conditions that arose under your old policy, provided they were eligible for cover. This is a complex area, and using a broker like WeCovr is highly recommended to ensure a smooth transition and no loss of cover.