
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged, WeCovr understands that your family's health is your top priority. This guide provides a detailed look at UK private medical insurance costs for families, helping you estimate your budget and find the right cover for your loved ones.
Navigating the world of private health insurance can feel complex, especially when you're trying to budget for your entire family. The monthly premium is not a one-size-fits-all figure; it's a tailored price based on your unique circumstances. However, to give you a clear starting point, we've compiled some estimated monthly costs for typical UK families.
These figures are for illustrative purposes. The final cost of your policy will depend on a range of factors, which we explore in detail below.
A family of three often consists of two adults and one child. Let's assume the adults are 40 years old and the child is 10.
| Level of Cover | Location | Estimated Monthly Cost (with £250 excess) | What's Typically Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (Inpatient) | UK (Excluding London) | £95 - £140 | Hospital charges, surgery, and consultations while admitted to hospital. |
| Mid-Range | UK (Excluding London) | £125 - £180 | Everything in Basic, plus outpatient diagnostics, scans, and initial consultations. |
| Comprehensive | UK (Excluding London) | £160 - £230+ | Everything in Mid-Range, plus therapies (e.g., physiotherapy) and mental health support. |
| Comprehensive | London & South East | £190 - £280+ | Full cover including access to prime central London hospitals. |
For a family of four, let's take two 45-year-old adults and two children, aged 8 and 12. Many insurers offer discounts for second and subsequent children, sometimes covering them for free.
| Level of Cover | Location | Estimated Monthly Cost (with £250 excess) | What's Typically Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (Inpatient) | UK (Excluding London) | £120 - £175 | Cover for treatment that requires an overnight hospital stay. |
| Mid-Range | UK (Excluding London) | £165 - £240 | Inpatient cover plus outpatient diagnostics like MRI/CT scans and specialist consultations. |
| Comprehensive | UK (Excluding London) | £210 - £310+ | Full inpatient and outpatient cover, with add-ons like therapies and enhanced mental health. |
| Comprehensive | London & South East | £250 - £380+ | The highest level of cover with an unrestricted choice of UK hospitals. |
Important Note: These are guide prices as of late 2024/early 2025. For a precise quote tailored to your family's needs, it's always best to speak with an expert PMI broker.
Private Medical Insurance (PMI), also known as private health cover, is an insurance policy designed to cover the costs of private healthcare for acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.
Crucial Point: Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.
With NHS waiting lists in England reaching 7.54 million treatment pathways as of early 2024, according to NHS England data, many families are turning to PMI for peace of mind and faster access to care.
Key benefits for your family include:
The estimates above provide a ballpark figure, but your final quote will be calculated based on several key variables. Understanding these factors empowers you to build a policy that fits your budget and needs.
Age of Family Members: Age is the single biggest factor. The older a person is, the higher the statistical likelihood of them needing medical treatment, so their premium will be higher. Children's premiums are significantly lower than adults'.
Number of People on the Policy: While adding more people increases the overall cost, family policies are almost always cheaper than buying individual policies for each member. Insurers often provide attractive discounts, such as "free cover for second and subsequent children."
Your Postcode: Where you live matters. Private healthcare costs are highest in central London and the South East due to the higher operational costs of hospitals in these areas. A policy that includes access to London hospitals will cost more than one with a regional or local hospital list.
Level of Cover: This is how you customise your policy.
Policy Excess: The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim each year. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250, and the insurer pays the remaining £2,750.
Hospital List: Insurers group hospitals into tiers.
Underwriting Method: This is how the insurer assesses your medical history.
An expert broker, like WeCovr, can explain the pros and cons of each underwriting method for your family's situation.
Affording private healthcare is more achievable than many think. Here are seven practical ways to lower your family's premium without sacrificing essential cover.
The UK has several outstanding PMI providers, each with unique strengths. The "best" one depends entirely on your family's priorities.
| Provider | Best Known For | Family-Specific Benefits & Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa | The UK's most recognised health insurance brand with a vast network. | Strong mental health support, often offers family discounts, and a wide range of policy options. |
| AXA Health | Comprehensive cover and excellent digital health services. | Their Doctor at Hand digital GP service is highly rated. Flexible outpatient and therapy limits. |
| Aviva | A household name in insurance, known for value and customer service. | Often features a generous No Claims Discount and a straightforward claims process. Their "Expert Select" option guides you to top specialists. |
| Vitality | A unique wellness-focused approach that rewards healthy living. | Perfect for active families. The rewards programme can significantly offset costs and encourages a healthy lifestyle for children and adults. |
| The Exeter | A mutual society known for its flexible underwriting. | A great choice for those who are self-employed or have some minor pre-existing health issues, as their underwriting can be more personal. |
An expert broker can provide a detailed comparison of quotes from these providers, ensuring you understand the fine print of each policy.
While private medical insurance is a safety net for when things go wrong, investing in your family's day-to-day health is the best preventative medicine. A healthy lifestyle not only reduces the likelihood of needing medical care but can also lower your insurance costs.
When you purchase a Private Medical or Life Insurance policy through WeCovr, you not only get peace of mind but also exclusive discounts on other insurance products, helping you protect your family and your finances.
Ready to find the best-value health cover for your family?
The world of private medical insurance UK is complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. The friendly, FCA-authorised experts at WeCovr are here to help. We compare the market for you, explain your options in plain English, and find a policy that protects your loved ones at a price that works for you. Our advice is independent, and our service is completely free.
Contact WeCovr today for your free, no-obligation family health insurance quote and give your family the gift of peace of mind.






