
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert analysis of the UK health insurance market. This review explores Simplyhealth's popular cash plans, comparing them against comprehensive private medical insurance (PMI) to help you decide which cover is right for your needs.
Navigating the world of health cover can feel like a maze. On one hand, you have comprehensive private medical insurance (PMI), designed for major medical events. On the other, you have health cash plans, like those offered by Simplyhealth, which focus on everyday healthcare costs.
They sound similar, but they serve fundamentally different purposes. Understanding this difference is the key to making a smart investment in your health and finances. In this definitive 2026 guide, we'll break down Simplyhealth's offerings, clarify what a cash plan is, and stack it up against traditional PMI, so you can choose with confidence.
Before we dive into Simplyhealth specifically, let's clarify what a "health cash plan" is. It’s not health insurance in the traditional sense.
Think of it like a healthcare savings pot that you pay a small monthly fee for. When you spend money on routine healthcare—like a dental check-up, a new pair of glasses, or a physiotherapy session—you can claim a portion (or all) of that money back, up to an annual limit for each category.
It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to manage predictable healthcare expenses that aren't typically covered by the NHS or basic PMI policies.
Simplyhealth is one of the UK's leading providers of health cash plans, with a history stretching back over 150 years. They are a "purpose-driven" organisation, meaning they reinvest profits into their services and charitable causes.
Their core offering is the Simplyhealth Plan, which is structured into several levels of cover. While exact figures change, the model remains consistent. As of our 2026 review, the plans typically operate as follows:
| Level of Cover | Typical Monthly Premium | Key Feature | Example Annual Limit (Dental) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | £10 - £15 | Basic cover for essentials | £70 |
| Level 2 | £20 - £25 | More generous limits | £120 |
| Level 3 | £30 - £35 | Higher limits across all categories | £180 |
| Level 4 | £45 - £55 | Comprehensive everyday cover | £250 |
What do Simplyhealth Plans Typically Cover?
The main benefit of a Simplyhealth plan is its coverage for routine, everyday health costs. Depending on the level of cover you choose, you can claim cash back for:
It's crucial to remember that for each category, there is an annual benefit limit. For example, on a mid-tier plan, you might be able to claim back up to £150 for dental treatment and £150 for optical costs per year. Once you've hit that limit, you can't claim any more until the policy year renews.
This is the most important distinction to grasp. A Simplyhealth cash plan and a private medical insurance policy are not substitutes for one another; they are complementary products designed for different problems.
Crucial Point: Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you already have) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure that require ongoing management).
Here’s a table breaking down the key differences:
| Feature | Simplyhealth Cash Plan | Private Medical Insurance (PMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Helps you budget for and reclaim costs of routine, everyday healthcare (dental, optical, physio). | Covers the cost of diagnosis and treatment for new, acute medical conditions, often providing faster access to specialist care. |
| How It Pays | You pay first, then claim the cash back from the provider. | The insurer pays the hospital and specialists directly (minus any excess you've agreed to). |
| Coverage Scope | Routine check-ups, predictable treatments, therapies, and wellness. | Surgery, specialist consultations, cancer treatment, advanced diagnostics (MRI/CT scans), and hospital stays. |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Generally accepted. You can usually claim for routine care even if related to a known issue. | Not covered. This is a fundamental exclusion in nearly all standard UK PMI policies. |
| Chronic Conditions | Not designed for management, but you could claim for routine appointments (e.g., a podiatrist visit related to diabetes). | Not covered. PMI is for conditions that can be cured, not managed long-term. |
| Typical Cost | Affordable, with fixed monthly premiums from around £10 to £60. | Varies widely based on age, location, health, and level of cover. Can range from £40 to £200+ per month. |
| Best For | Everyone who wants to manage their day-to-day health costs and get money back on predictable expenses. | Individuals and families wanting to bypass long NHS waiting lists for specialist treatment and have more choice over their care. |
Let's imagine two people to see how these plans work in practice.
Scenario 1: Amira, a 28-year-old marketing manager with a Simplyhealth Plan
Scenario 2: David, a 52-year-old father with a PMI policy
These examples clearly show that the two products solve different problems. Amira's cash plan wouldn't have covered David's £6,000 surgery, and David's PMI policy wouldn't have paid for Amira's routine dental visits or new glasses.
A health cash plan is a fantastic tool for almost anyone who actively manages their health. It's particularly well-suited for:
The key benefit is encouraging preventative care. Knowing you can claim money back makes you more likely to attend those all-important check-ups, potentially catching problems early.
Private medical insurance is for those whose primary concern is avoiding long waiting times for diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions. With NHS waiting lists in the UK reaching record highs (in 2024, the total waiting list in England stood at over 7.5 million, according to NHS data), PMI offers peace of mind and control.
PMI is the right choice if you:
Finding the best PMI provider depends on your unique circumstances. An expert broker like WeCovr can compare the market for you, analysing policies from providers like Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality to find the perfect fit for your budget and needs, all at no cost to you.
Choosing between a cash plan, a full PMI policy, or even both can be daunting. That’s where we come in. WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised broker dedicated to providing clear, unbiased advice.
Our high customer satisfaction ratings are built on a foundation of trust and expert guidance, helping you make informed decisions without the pressure.
Both cash plans and PMI are tools to manage your health when things go wrong. But the best strategy is always prevention. Investing in your daily wellness can reduce your reliance on medical services and improve your quality of life.
A healthy lifestyle is your first line of defence, and having the right health cover provides a crucial safety net for when you need it most.
Ready to find the right health cover for you and your family? Whether you're considering a cash plan, comprehensive private health cover, or a combination of both, our friendly experts are here to help.
[Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and compare your options in minutes.]






