TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr offers this guide to private medical insurance (PMI) costs in the UK. We’ll demystify what you can expect to pay per month and explain the factors that shape your premium, helping you make a truly informed decision. WeCovr breaks down typical monthly PMI premiums for individuals, families, and older age groups Navigating the world of private health insurance can feel complex, especially when it comes to cost.
Key takeaways
- Shorter Waiting Times: Get diagnosed and treated faster, often within weeks.
- Choice of Specialist and Hospital: You can often choose the consultant and hospital for your treatment from a pre-approved list.
- Private, En-Suite Rooms: Recover in comfort and privacy.
- Access to Specialist Drugs and Treatments: Some treatments may not be available on the NHS due to cost or other restrictions.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place for your health can significantly reduce worry.
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr offers this guide to private medical insurance (PMI) costs in the UK. We’ll demystify what you can expect to pay per month and explain the factors that shape your premium, helping you make a truly informed decision.
WeCovr breaks down typical monthly PMI premiums for individuals, families, and older age groups
Navigating the world of private health insurance can feel complex, especially when it comes to cost. How much should you budget? What influences the price? And are you getting good value for your money?
This comprehensive guide will answer all those questions and more. We will explore the average monthly costs for different people, break down the variables that insurers use to calculate your premium, and offer practical tips on how to secure the best possible cover for your budget.
What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Why Consider It?
Private Medical Insurance, often called PMI or private health cover, is an insurance policy designed to cover the costs of private healthcare for acute medical conditions. It works alongside the NHS, not as a replacement for it.
Think of it as a way to access private treatment faster and with more flexibility. While the NHS provides excellent care, particularly for emergencies and serious illnesses, waiting lists for non-urgent procedures can be long.
According to the latest NHS England data, the referral to treatment (RTT) waiting list stands at over 7.5 million. For many, waiting months for a diagnosis or operation can be a painful and anxious experience. PMI offers a solution.
Key benefits of having private health cover include:
- Shorter Waiting Times: Get diagnosed and treated faster, often within weeks.
- Choice of Specialist and Hospital: You can often choose the consultant and hospital for your treatment from a pre-approved list.
- Private, En-Suite Rooms: Recover in comfort and privacy.
- Access to Specialist Drugs and Treatments: Some treatments may not be available on the NHS due to cost or other restrictions.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place for your health can significantly reduce worry.
A Critical Point: PMI is for Acute Conditions Only
It is absolutely vital to understand that standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
- An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., joint replacement, cataract surgery, hernia repair).
- PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions—any illness or injury you had symptoms of or received advice or treatment for before your policy started.
- It also does not cover chronic conditions—illnesses that are long-lasting and cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure).
Emergency services (A&E) and GP visits are also typically handled by the NHS.
How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in the UK? A 2025 Snapshot
The cost of private health insurance varies widely depending on your personal circumstances and the level of cover you choose. However, we can provide some typical monthly premium estimates to give you a clear starting point.
These figures are based on a standard policy with a mid-range level of cover and a modest excess (around £250).
| Profile | Age Group | Typical Monthly Premium (2025 Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | 30s | £45 - £70 |
| Individual | 50s | £80 - £120 |
| Couple | 40s | £130 - £180 |
| Family of 4 (2 adults in their 30s, 2 children) | N/A | £150 - £220 |
| Retiree | 60s | £140 - £250+ |
Disclaimer: These are illustrative estimates. Your actual quote will depend on the specific factors detailed below. The best way to get an accurate price is to get a personalised quote.
The Key Factors That Determine Your Monthly PMI Premium
Insurers use a range of factors to calculate your individual premium. Understanding these will help you see where you can make adjustments to suit your budget.
1. Your Age
Age is the single biggest factor. As we get older, we are statistically more likely to require medical treatment, so the risk for the insurer increases. Premiums therefore rise with age, often with noticeable jumps each decade.
2. Your Location
Where you live in the UK impacts your premium. Treatment costs, particularly for private hospitals and specialist fees, are significantly higher in major cities like London and Manchester. Living in these areas will result in a higher premium compared to living in a more rural part of the country.
3. Your Level of Cover
PMI policies are not one-size-fits-all. You can tailor your plan from basic to comprehensive.
| Level of Cover | What It Typically Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (In-patient only) | Covers tests and treatment when you are admitted to a hospital bed overnight. Out-patient consultations and diagnostics are not included. | Those on a tight budget wanting cover for major operations. |
| Mid-Range | Includes all in-patient cover plus a set limit for out-patient diagnostics and consultations (e.g., up to £1,000 per year). | A good balance of cover and cost for most people. |
| Comprehensive | Full cover for in-patient and out-patient treatments, often with higher limits or unlimited cover. May include therapies (physio, osteopathy) and mental health support. | Those wanting maximum peace of mind and minimal financial limits. |
4. Your Policy Excess
The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. 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.
- Higher Excess = Lower Premium (illustrative): Agreeing to a higher excess (£500 or £1,000) shows the insurer you will only claim for significant issues, which reduces your monthly cost.
- Lower Excess = Higher Premium: A low or zero excess means your premium will be higher.
Choosing an excess you can comfortably afford is a fantastic way to manage your premium.
5. Your Hospital List
Insurers group hospitals into bands based on cost. You can choose a policy that gives you access to:
- A local list: A limited selection of hospitals near your home. This is the cheapest option.
- A national list: A broad choice of private hospitals across the UK.
- A premium list: Includes top-tier, expensive hospitals, often in Central London. This is the most expensive option.
6. Your Underwriting Type
This refers to how the insurer assesses your medical history.
- Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes treatment for any condition you've had in the five years before your policy starts. However, if you remain symptom-free and receive no treatment or advice for that condition for two continuous years after your policy begins, it may become eligible for cover.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer assesses it and tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from day one. This can take longer but provides absolute clarity.
7. Your Lifestyle
Insurers want to know if you smoke. Smokers pay significantly more for private health insurance—often 30-50% more—as they are at a much higher risk of developing serious health conditions.
Average Monthly Private Health Insurance Costs by Age Group
To give you a clearer picture, here are more detailed cost breakdowns. These tables show estimated monthly premiums for basic, mid-range, and comprehensive cover levels.
For Individuals (Non-Smoker)
| Age | Basic Cover (In-patient) | Mid-Range Cover (+£1k Out-patient) | Comprehensive Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | £30 - £40 | £45 - £60 | £70 - £90 |
| 35 | £40 - £55 | £55 - £75 | £85 - £110 |
| 45 | £60 - £80 | £75 - £100 | £110 - £140 |
For Families (2 Adults, 2 Children, Non-Smokers)
Insurers often provide great value for families, sometimes offering free cover for the second or third child.
| Parents' Age | Basic Cover | Mid-Range Cover | Comprehensive Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30s | £90 - £120 | £150 - £220 | £250 - £320 |
| 40s | £130 - £170 | £200 - £280 | £300 - £400+ |
For Older Adults & Retirees (Non-Smoker)
Premiums increase more steeply after the age of 50. While cover is more expensive, this is also the time of life when you are most likely to need it.
| Age | Basic Cover | Mid-Range Cover | Comprehensive Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | £90 - £120 | £110 - £150 | £160 - £220 |
| 65 | £140 - £190 | £180 - £250 | £260 - £350+ |
| 70+ | £180 - £250+ | £240 - £330+ | £350 - £500+ |
How to Reduce Your Private Health Insurance Costs
Feeling concerned about the cost? Don't be. There are several effective ways to lower your monthly premium without sacrificing essential cover.
- Increase Your Excess: As mentioned, opting for a £500 or £1,000 excess can reduce your premium by up to 35%.
- Choose the '6-Week Option': This is a clever cost-saving feature. If the NHS waiting list for your required in-patient treatment is less than six weeks, you agree to use the NHS. If it's longer, your private cover kicks in. This can cut your premium by around 20-30%.
- Review Your Hospital List: Do you really need access to every hospital in the UK, including the most expensive London ones? Opting for a more limited local list can offer significant savings.
- Tailor Your Out-patient Cover: Comprehensive out-patient cover is expensive. Consider reducing your limit (e.g., to £1,000) or removing it entirely if your main concern is covering the cost of surgery.
- Pay Annually: Most insurers offer a discount of around 5% if you pay for your policy in one lump sum each year.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Quitting smoking is the biggest lifestyle change you can make to lower your premium. Many insurers also offer rewards and discounts through wellness programmes for staying active.
- Speak to a Specialist Broker: Using an independent PMI broker like WeCovr is one of the smartest moves you can make. Our experts know the market inside out. We can compare policies from all the leading UK providers to find the perfect balance of cover and cost for you—and our service is completely free for you to use.
Added Value: Wellness Benefits and Extra Perks
Modern private health insurance is about more than just paying for treatment. The best PMI providers now include a host of benefits designed to help you stay healthy and manage your wellbeing proactively.
These often include:
- 24/7 Virtual GP Service: Speak to a GP by phone or video call, often within hours, and get prescriptions delivered to your door.
- Mental Health Support: Access to counselling sessions, support phone lines, and mindfulness apps.
- Gym and Fitness Discounts: Get reduced membership fees at popular UK gym chains.
- Wellness Rewards: Earn points and rewards like free coffee or cinema tickets for tracking your activity levels.
At WeCovr, we enhance this value further. When you take out a private health or life insurance policy through us, you get:
- Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: Our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you achieve your health goals.
- Discounts on Other Insurance: We offer our valued clients reduced rates on other products, such as life insurance or income protection.
Why Use a Broker like WeCovr for Your PMI?
Choosing the right private health cover can be daunting. With dozens of providers and countless policy options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This is where a specialist broker adds immense value.
- Expert, Impartial Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our loyalty is to you, our client. We provide unbiased advice tailored to your specific needs and budget.
- Whole-of-Market Comparison: We have access to policies and deals from all the major UK insurers, including Axa, Bupa, Aviva, and Vitality. We do the shopping around for you.
- No Cost to You: Our service is free. We receive a commission from the insurer if you decide to proceed with a policy, but this does not affect the premium you pay.
- Hassle-Free Process: We handle the paperwork and liaise with the insurer on your behalf, making the application smooth and simple.
- Trusted and Recommended: WeCovr is proud of our high customer satisfaction ratings, reflecting our commitment to clear, friendly, and professional service.
Is private health insurance worth it in the UK?
Can I get private health insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?
What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting?
Do my private health insurance premiums go up every year?
Ready to find the right private health cover at the best price?
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.










