TL;DR
WeCovr compares group PMI options to help SMEs protect staff affordably In today's competitive UK market, attracting and retaining top talent is a major challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that offering a compelling benefits package is crucial. Private medical insurance (PMI) is a cornerstone of that package, sending a powerful message that you value your team's health and wellbeing.
Key takeaways
- Pre-existing conditions are any health issues you knew about or had symptoms of before your policy started.
- Chronic conditions are long-term illnesses that can be managed but not cured, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. PMI may cover acute flare-ups of a chronic condition, but not the day-to-day management.
- Reduced Sickness Absence: Faster diagnosis and treatment mean employees return to work quicker, minimising downtime.
- Boosted Productivity: A healthy, motivated workforce is a productive one. It also helps tackle 'presenteeism'—where staff come to work while unwell and underperform.
- A Powerful Recruitment Tool: A great benefits package, including PMI, can give you the edge when competing with larger companies for skilled staff.
WeCovr compares group PMI options to help SMEs protect staff affordably
In today's competitive UK market, attracting and retaining top talent is a major challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that offering a compelling benefits package is crucial. Private medical insurance (PMI) is a cornerstone of that package, sending a powerful message that you value your team's health and wellbeing.
But with major players like Bupa, AXA, and Aviva all offering excellent products, how do you choose the right one for your business? This guide breaks down the key features, costs, and benefits of their group health insurance plans, giving you the clarity to make an informed decision.
What is Small Business Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance for small businesses, often called group health insurance, is a policy taken out by an employer to provide healthcare cover for its employees. Instead of relying solely on the NHS, staff can access private diagnosis, treatment, and specialist care quickly.
The core purpose of PMI is to cover acute conditions. 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 joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.
Crucially, standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing conditions are any health issues you knew about or had symptoms of before your policy started.
- Chronic conditions are long-term illnesses that can be managed but not cured, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. PMI may cover acute flare-ups of a chronic condition, but not the day-to-day management.
Understanding this distinction is vital. PMI is your fast track back to health for new, treatable conditions, helping your team get back on their feet sooner.
Why Every Small Business Should Consider Private Health Cover
With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant concern, the value of private health cover has never been clearer. In England, the waiting list for consultant-led elective care stood at around 7.5 million at the start of 2025. For an SME, having a key team member out of action for months can be devastating.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a record 185.6 million working days were lost to sickness or injury in 2022. Investing in your team's health isn't just a perk; it's a strategic business decision.
Benefits for Your Business:
- Reduced Sickness Absence: Faster diagnosis and treatment mean employees return to work quicker, minimising downtime.
- Boosted Productivity: A healthy, motivated workforce is a productive one. It also helps tackle 'presenteeism'—where staff come to work while unwell and underperform.
- A Powerful Recruitment Tool: A great benefits package, including PMI, can give you the edge when competing with larger companies for skilled staff.
- Improved Employee Loyalty: Showing you care about your team's wellbeing fosters a positive company culture and increases retention.
Benefits for Your Employees:
- Peace of Mind: Knowing they have access to fast, high-quality care reduces stress and anxiety.
- Speedy Access: They can bypass long NHS queues for consultations, scans, and surgery.
- Choice and Comfort: Employees often get a choice of specialist and hospital, with the comfort of a private room.
- Access to Specialist Drugs: Some policies provide access to new or expensive drugs not yet available on the NHS.
The 'Big Three' Insurers: A Snapshot
Bupa, AXA, and Aviva are giants of the UK private medical insurance market. While they all offer excellent core products, they each have a slightly different focus.
- Bupa: With roots stretching back to 1947, Bupa's sole focus is healthcare. They have no shareholders, reinvesting profits into their services. They are known for their extensive network of hospitals and facilities, including their own Bupa Cromwell Hospital.
- AXA Health: Part of the global AXA Group, AXA Health is a powerhouse in insurance. They are renowned for their strong digital integration, comprehensive mental health support, and the 'Guided atelemedicine' pathways that streamline the patient journey.
- Aviva: As the UK's largest general insurer, Aviva has a massive footprint and a reputation for excellent customer service and value. Their 'Expert Select' hospital list is a well-regarded cost-management tool, and their proposition is often seen as straightforward and reliable.
Core Policy Features: Bupa vs AXA vs Aviva Compared
Choosing a policy means looking beyond the headline price. The details of the cover are what truly matter when you need to make a claim. Here’s how the big three stack up on key features.
| Feature | Bupa | AXA Health | Aviva | WeCovr's Expert Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital Access | Tiered networks. Offers access to its own high-quality hospitals (e.g., Bupa Cromwell) and a vast partner network. | The 'Directory of Hospitals' offers comprehensive choice. 'Guided Options' can reduce premiums by using a curated list of specialists. | Uses 'Expert Select' hospital list as standard to manage costs, with options to upgrade. Also offers a 'Key' list for further savings. | All offer great networks. Aviva's 'Expert Select' is a strong starting point for value. Bupa's network is often seen as the most comprehensive, while AXA's guided options offer a modern, streamlined approach. |
| Cancer Cover | Comprehensive cover as standard. Includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and access to breakthrough drugs and trials. No financial or time limits on eligible cancer treatment on most policies. | Extensive cancer cover, including diagnostics and treatment. Strong focus on ongoing support, including access to dedicated cancer nurses. | Full, comprehensive cancer cover is a core part of their offering. Pledges to cover eligible costs for cancer treatment, including advanced therapies. | All three providers offer exceptional, market-leading cancer cover. This is a key area where PMI excels, and you can't go wrong with any of them. The choice often comes down to the support services around the core treatment. |
| Mental Health | Strong mental health support, covering both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Access to the 'Family Mental HealthLine' for parental support. | A market leader in mental health. Often includes cover for a wide range of conditions and offers access to the 'Stronger Minds' service without needing a GP referral. | Comprehensive mental health options available. Can be tailored to include different levels of inpatient and outpatient care. Includes a 'Mental Health Pathway' for easy access to support. | AXA's proactive approach with 'Stronger Minds' is a significant differentiator. However, Bupa and Aviva also provide robust and easily accessible mental health support that is a huge asset for any SME. |
| Digital GP | 'Bupa Blua Health' app provides 24/7 access to GPs via phone or video, with prescription delivery service. | 'Doctor at Hand' app (powered by Teladoc Health) offers 24/7 GP appointments, often within a few hours. Highly rated and easy to use. | 'Aviva Digital GP' app (powered by Square Health) provides around-the-clock GP access, repeat prescriptions, and open referrals. | All three offer excellent, indispensable digital GP services. This feature is a game-changer for getting quick advice and referrals, significantly reducing the need to wait for an NHS GP appointment. |
| Wellness Benefits | Bupa's 'Life Skills' portal offers webinars and resources for mental wellbeing. Discounts on Bupa health assessments and gyms. | 'AXA Health app' offers a range of wellbeing support. Proactive health services are a key part of their proposition. | The 'Aviva Wellbeing' app offers articles and guidance. Discounts are often available on gym memberships and other wellness products. | While all offer some benefits, this is an area where other providers like Vitality specialise. For the big three, the wellness perks are a nice extra rather than the core focus. |
How to Customise Your Policy and Manage Costs
One of the biggest myths about private medical insurance UK is that it's unaffordably expensive for small businesses. In reality, policies are highly customisable. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you tailor a plan that fits your budget perfectly.
Here are the main levers you can pull:
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Choose an Excess: This is the amount an employee pays towards their claim each year. A policy with a £250 excess will have a lower premium than one with a £0 excess. Choosing an excess of £100, £250, or even £500 can lead to significant savings.
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Add a 6-Week Option: This is one of the most popular ways to reduce costs. If the NHS can provide the required inpatient treatment within six weeks of it being recommended, the employee will use the NHS. If the wait is longer, the private medical insurance kicks in. It’s a pragmatic compromise that saves money while still protecting against long delays.
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Select a Hospital List: You don't always need access to every private hospital in the country, especially the high-cost ones in Central London. By choosing a more limited hospital network that still provides excellent local coverage, you can reduce your premiums.
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Adjust Outpatient Cover: Outpatient cover pays for consultations and diagnostic tests that don't require a hospital bed. You can choose from:
- Full Cover: No limit on costs.
- Capped Cover: A set limit per policy year (e.g., £500, £1,000, or £1,500).
- No Cover: For maximum savings, relying on the NHS for diagnostics. A mid-range cap of £1,000 is a popular and balanced choice for many SMEs.
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Underwriting Method:
- Moratorium (Mori): The most common type for small groups. It automatically excludes treatment for pre-existing conditions from the last five years. However, if an employee goes two full years without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): Employees complete a full health questionnaire. The insurer then states upfront what will and won't be covered. It's more admin-intensive but provides total clarity from day one.
How Much Does Small Business PMI Cost? (2025 Estimates)
The cost of a group PMI policy depends on several factors: the average age of your team, your location, the industry you're in, and the level of cover you choose.
Below are some illustrative examples to give you a rough idea. Your actual quote will be tailored to your specific business.
| Business Profile | Basic Cover (High Excess, Limited Hospitals, 6-Week Option) | Mid-Range Cover (£250 Excess, Standard Hospitals, £1000 Outpatient) | Comprehensive Cover (£0 Excess, Full Hospital List, Full Outpatient) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-person tech firm in Manchester (Avg. age 32) | £30 - £40 per person/month | £55 - £70 per person/month | £80 - £100 per person/month |
| 15-person law firm in Birmingham (Avg. age 45) | £50 - £65 per person/month | £80 - £100 per person/month | £120 - £150 per person/month |
| 25-person creative agency in London (Avg. age 38) | £60 - £75 per person/month | £95 - £120 per person/month | £140 - £180 per person/month |
Disclaimer: These prices are estimates for informational purposes only. For an accurate quote, speak to a specialist adviser.
WeCovr: Your Expert Partner in Workplace Health
Choosing the best PMI provider can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At WeCovr, our service is about more than just finding the cheapest price; it's about finding the right value.
- Whole-of-Market Advice: We don't just work with Bupa, AXA, and Aviva. We compare plans from across the market, including specialists like Vitality and WPA, to find the perfect match for you.
- No-Cost Expertise: Our advice and comparison service is completely free for you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium, so you don't pay a penny extra.
- Added Value for Your Team: When you arrange your PMI with WeCovr, your team gets complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to support their healthy habits.
- Exclusive Discounts: As a WeCovr client, you can also benefit from discounts on other essential business and personal cover, such as life insurance or public liability insurance.
Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing clear, jargon-free advice that puts your business needs first.
A Practical Guide to Workplace Wellbeing
Private medical insurance is a fantastic tool, but it's most effective as part of a wider culture of wellbeing. Here are some simple, low-cost ways to support your team's health:
-
Champion Mental Health:
- Encourage open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma.
- Appoint and train a Mental Health First Aider within your team.
- Promote a healthy work-life balance and respect working hours.
-
Get Moving:
- Organise a weekly lunchtime walking club.
- Promote the government's Cycle to Work scheme.
- Encourage 'walking meetings' for small catch-ups.
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Fuel for Success:
- Provide a fruit bowl instead of a biscuit tin.
- Ensure fresh, filtered water is always available to encourage hydration.
- Share healthy and simple lunch recipes on your internal communications.
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Prioritise Rest:
- Discourage a culture of late-night emails.
- Share resources on good 'sleep hygiene', like reducing screen time before bed.
- Recognise that a well-rested team is a creative and resilient one.
By combining a robust private health cover policy with a proactive approach to wellbeing, you create an environment where your employees—and your business—can truly thrive.
What is the difference between an acute and a chronic condition?
Is private medical insurance a taxable benefit for employees in the UK?
Can our small business policy cover pre-existing conditions?
Why should I use a PMI broker like WeCovr instead of going direct to an insurer?
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