TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies of various kinds issued, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. This guide demystifies one of the biggest questions on everyone's mind: how much does it actually cost? We'll break down the average costs, explain the factors that shape your premium, and show you how to find the right cover for your budget and needs.
Key takeaways
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you had symptoms or treatment for before your policy began.
- Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that can be managed but not cured, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.
- Basic (or Budget) Cover: Primarily covers costs for in-patient and day-patient treatment. This means you're covered if you are admitted to a hospital and need a bed, even just for the day. Scans and diagnostics related to that admission are usually included.
- Mid-Range Cover: Includes everything in a basic plan, plus a set limit for out-patient treatment. This covers specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans that don't require a hospital admission. This is the most popular level of cover.
- Comprehensive Cover: Offers the widest protection. It typically includes full in-patient cover and generous (or even unlimited) out-patient cover. It also adds extra benefits like mental health support, dental and optical cover, and alternative therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy, etc.).
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies of various kinds issued, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. This guide demystifies one of the biggest questions on everyone's mind: how much does it actually cost? We'll break down the average costs, explain the factors that shape your premium, and show you how to find the right cover for your budget and needs.
From £40 to £150+ per month — WeCovr explains typical PMI costs and what affects them
The cost of private health insurance in the UK isn't a one-size-fits-all figure. It's a tailored price based on you, your needs, and the level of cover you choose. While a young, healthy individual might find a basic policy for around £40 per month, a more comprehensive plan for someone in their 50s could be £150 or more. (illustrative estimate)
Let's dive into what these numbers mean and what's behind them.
What Is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?
Before we talk costs, let's quickly recap what Private Medical Insurance (often called PMI or private health cover) actually is.
PMI is an insurance policy designed to cover the costs of private healthcare for acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like cataracts, joint replacements, or hernia repairs.
A Critical Point: Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you had symptoms or treatment for before your policy began.
- Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that can be managed but not cured, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.
PMI is not a replacement for the National Health Service (NHS). It’s a complementary service that works alongside it, offering you more choice, control, and faster access to eligible treatment when you need it most.
UK Private Health Insurance Cost: Average Monthly Premiums in 2025
So, what can you typically expect to pay? While your final quote will be personal to you, these averages provide a solid benchmark for what a policy might cost at different life stages.
The table below shows estimated monthly premiums for both a basic and a comprehensive policy. A basic policy typically covers in-patient treatment (when you need a hospital bed overnight), while a comprehensive policy adds extensive out-patient cover, therapies, and mental health support.
| Age Group | Average Monthly Premium (Basic Cover) | Average Monthly Premium (Comprehensive Cover) |
|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | £35 - £50 | £60 - £85 |
| 30-39 | £45 - £65 | £75 - £110 |
| 40-49 | £60 - £85 | £95 - £140 |
| 50-59 | £80 - £120 | £130 - £190 |
| 60-69 | £110 - £160 | £180 - £260+ |
| 70+ | £150 - £220+ | £240 - £350+ |
Disclaimer: These figures are illustrative market averages for a non-smoker with no adverse medical history, choosing a mid-range excess (£250-£500). Your individual premium will vary based on the factors discussed below.
The 8 Key Factors That Determine Your PMI Premium
Your premium is calculated based on risk—the insurer's assessment of how likely you are to make a claim. Eight key factors influence this calculation.
1. Your Age
This is the single most significant factor. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases. Insurers price this increased risk into the premium. That's why a policy for a 25-year-old is significantly cheaper than for a 65-year-old. Your premium will typically increase each year at renewal to reflect your age.
2. Your Location (Postcode)
Where you live in the UK has a direct impact on your premium. This is because the cost of private medical treatment varies by region. Central London, with its world-renowned but expensive private hospitals, commands the highest premiums. Costs in the South East are also generally higher than in Scotland, Wales, or the North of England. Insurers use your postcode to determine which "rate area" you fall into.
3. Your Level of Cover
This is the area where you have the most control. You can tailor your policy to balance cost and benefits.
- Basic (or Budget) Cover: Primarily covers costs for in-patient and day-patient treatment. This means you're covered if you are admitted to a hospital and need a bed, even just for the day. Scans and diagnostics related to that admission are usually included.
- Mid-Range Cover: Includes everything in a basic plan, plus a set limit for out-patient treatment. This covers specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans that don't require a hospital admission. This is the most popular level of cover.
- Comprehensive Cover: Offers the widest protection. It typically includes full in-patient cover and generous (or even unlimited) out-patient cover. It also adds extra benefits like mental health support, dental and optical cover, and alternative therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy, etc.).
4. Your Policy Excess
An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim each year before the insurer starts paying. It works just like the excess on your car or home insurance.
- Higher Excess = Lower Premium (illustrative): If you choose a £1,000 excess, your monthly premium will be much lower than if you choose a £0 excess.
- Lower Excess = Higher Premium (illustrative): A £0 or £100 excess provides more complete financial cover but comes with a higher monthly cost.
Common excess levels are £0, £100, £250, £500, and £1,000. Choosing an excess you are comfortable paying is a powerful way to manage your premium. (illustrative estimate)
5. The Hospital List
Insurers group UK private hospitals into tiers or "lists". The list you choose determines which hospitals you can use for your treatment.
- Local/Regional List: A curated list of hospitals in your area. This is the most affordable option.
- National List: Gives you access to a wide range of private hospitals across the UK, but usually excludes the most expensive ones in Central London.
- Premium/London List: The most comprehensive list, including top-tier Central London hospitals. This is the most expensive option.
Choosing a more restricted hospital list can lead to significant savings, especially if you live outside of London.
6. Underwriting Type
Underwriting is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will and won't cover.
- Moratorium Underwriting (Most Common): This is the simplest option. You don't need to declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the 5 years before your policy starts. These exclusions can be lifted if you go 2 continuous years on the policy without needing treatment, advice, or medication for that condition.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): This requires you to complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then assesses your history and tells you upfront exactly what is excluded from your policy. The exclusions are usually permanent. FMU can sometimes be beneficial if you had a minor issue many years ago, as the insurer might agree to cover it.
An expert broker, like WeCovr, can help you understand which underwriting method is best for your personal circumstances.
7. Your Lifestyle (Smoking & Health)
Your general health and lifestyle choices play a role.
- Smokers vs. Non-Smokers: Smokers and recent vapers will always pay more for private health insurance. The health risks associated with smoking are well-documented, and this is reflected in higher premiums—often 30-50% more.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): While not all insurers ask for it, some may factor your BMI into their calculations, as a very high BMI is linked to an increased risk of certain health conditions.
8. No-Claims Discount (NCD)
Similar to car insurance, most PMI providers operate a No-Claims Discount scheme. For every year you don't make a claim on your policy, you earn a discount on your renewal premium, up to a maximum level (often 65-75%). If you do make a claim, your NCD will typically be reduced, increasing your premium the following year.
Real-Life Examples: How Factors Change the Cost
Let's see how these factors work in practice.
Example 1: Sarah, the Young Professional
- Age: 28
- Location: Manchester
- Occupation: Graphic Designer (Non-smoker)
- Policy Choice: Mid-range cover with a £500 excess and a national hospital list.
- Estimated Monthly Cost: £55 per month. Sarah gets peace of mind knowing she can access out-patient consultations and scans quickly, but keeps costs down with a sensible excess.
Example 2: David, the Family Man
- Age: 45
- Location: Reading
- Occupation: Project Manager (Non-smoker)
- Policy Choice (illustrative): Comprehensive cover for himself, his partner (43), and two children (10, 12). He chooses a low £250 excess and a national hospital list.
- Estimated Monthly Cost: £210 per month (for the family). David prioritises full cover, including therapies for the kids and extensive out-patient benefits for peace of mind.
Example 3: Margaret, the Retiree
- Age: 67
- Location: Central London
- Occupation: Retired (Non-smoker)
- Policy Choice: Basic in-patient cover with a £1,000 excess and the full London hospital list.
- Estimated Monthly Cost: £175 per month. Margaret wants access to the top London hospitals if she needs major surgery but is happy to use the NHS for initial consultations and pay a large excess to keep her premium manageable.
How to Reduce Your Private Health Insurance Costs
Feeling concerned about the price? The good news is that you have several levers to pull to make your private health cover more affordable without sacrificing essential protection.
- Increase Your Excess: The quickest way to lower your premium. Moving from a £250 excess to £500 or £1,000 can make a significant difference.
- Opt for the "6-Week Wait" Option: This is a clever compromise. With this option, your policy will only pay for in-patient treatment if the NHS waiting list for that procedure is longer than six weeks. If the NHS can treat you within six weeks, you use the NHS. This can reduce your premium by 20-30%.
- Choose a Tailored Hospital List: Do you really need access to every hospital in the country, including the most expensive ones? Opting for a local or national list (excluding Central London) is a smart saving.
- Pay Annually: Most insurers offer a small discount (around 5%) if you pay for your entire year's premium upfront.
- Review Your "Extras": Do you need unlimited mental health cover or dental and optical benefits? Trimming these non-essential add-ons can reduce the cost.
- Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle: Quitting smoking is the biggest lifestyle change you can make to lower your premium. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help. At WeCovr, we support our clients' wellness journeys by providing complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you track your diet and health goals.
- Use an Expert PMI Broker: This is perhaps the most effective tip. A specialist broker like WeCovr does the hard work for you. We compare policies from all the leading UK providers to find the best private medical insurance for your specific needs and budget. Our service is free to you, as we are paid by the insurer. We provide impartial advice to ensure you get value, not just a cheap price.
The WeCovr Advantage: More Than Just a Quote
When you choose to explore your options with WeCovr, you're not just getting a price comparison. You're getting a partner dedicated to your health and financial wellbeing. We are proud of our high customer satisfaction ratings, which reflect our commitment to our clients.
- Expert, Personalised Advice: We take the time to understand you, your family, and your concerns.
- Whole-of-Market Comparison: We search high and low to find the right policy.
- Exclusive Benefits: Our clients get complimentary access to the CalorieHero app and can receive discounts on other insurance products, such as life or home insurance, when they take out a PMI policy.
- Lifetime Support: We're here for you at renewal to ensure your policy still offers the best value, and we're here to help if you ever need to make a claim.
A Quick Look at Leading UK PMI Providers
The UK market is home to several excellent insurers, each with its own strengths. Here’s a brief overview:
| Provider | Known For | Potential Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa | Strong brand recognition, large hospital network, direct access services. | Those seeking a trusted, well-established name with comprehensive options. |
| Aviva | The "Expert Select" hospital list, strong digital tools, UK's largest insurer. | Customers who value a guided medical journey and a major, reputable brand. |
| AXA Health | Excellent mental health support, Doctor@Hand virtual GP, flexible options. | Individuals and families prioritising mental wellbeing and digital health access. |
| Vitality | Unique wellness programme that rewards healthy living with discounts. | Active individuals who want to be rewarded for staying healthy with lower premiums. |
Navigating the nuances between these providers can be tricky. This is where using a broker adds immense value, helping you match your needs to the provider that serves them best.
Is it worth getting private health insurance in the UK?
Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Can I add my family to my policy and how does it affect the cost?
Why did my private health insurance premium go up at renewal?
Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind
Understanding the cost of private medical insurance is the first step. The next is finding a policy that fits you perfectly. With so many variables, getting expert guidance is invaluable.
Let us help you make a confident, informed decision.
Ready to find the right private health cover at the best price? Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts simplify the process for you.
Sources
- Department for Transport (DfT): Road safety and transport statistics.
- DVLA / DVSA: UK vehicle and driving regulatory guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Motor insurance market and claims publications.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance conduct and consumer information guidance.










