
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr provides this in-depth guide to the average cost of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK. We decode the key factors influencing your premium, helping you make an informed decision for your health.
Navigating the world of private medical insurance can feel complex, with prices seemingly fluctuating based on a myriad of factors. You might wonder, "What should I actually be paying?" The truth is, there’s no single answer. The average monthly cost of private health insurance is a deeply personal figure, tailored to your unique circumstances.
Our 2025 market analysis reveals significant cost differences across the UK. A young professional in Leeds might pay £40 per month, whilst a family of four in London could be looking at premiums of £250 or more for comprehensive cover.
In this definitive guide, we’ll break down every component that shapes your premium, providing clear data tables and real-world examples to demystify the costs. We'll explore how your age, postcode, chosen level of cover, and even your lifestyle can impact the price you pay, empowering you to find the right policy at the best possible value.
Before we dive into the costs, it's crucial to understand what private medical insurance is designed for. Think of it as a policy that runs alongside the NHS, giving you more choice and control over your healthcare when you face a new, unexpected medical issue.
The most important thing to remember is that standard UK private health insurance is designed to cover acute conditions.
Crucial Point: Standard PMI policies do not cover the routine management of chronic conditions. They also exclude pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy. The purpose of PMI is to diagnose and treat new, eligible medical problems that arise after your cover begins.
Your monthly premium is calculated by insurers based on the level of risk they associate with you. This isn't personal; it's a statistical assessment based on several key data points. Let's break them down one by one.
Age is the most significant factor in pricing private health insurance. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases, and insurers adjust premiums accordingly.
Younger individuals benefit from significantly lower costs, making it an excellent time to get cover in place. As you can see from our analysis, premiums begin to rise more steeply from the age of 50 onwards.
| Age Bracket | 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 - £90 | £100 - £150 |
| 50-59 | £85 - £130 | £140 - £220 |
| 60-69 | £120 - £180 | £200 - £350 |
| 70+ | £190 - £280+ | £320 - £500+ |
Illustrative estimates based on WeCovr's 2025 market analysis for a single individual. Actual quotes will vary.
Where you live in the UK has a direct impact on your premium. This is because the cost of private medical treatment varies significantly between regions. Hospitals in Central London, for example, have much higher operating costs than those in rural Scotland.
Insurers typically group hospitals into tiers. A policy that includes high-end London hospitals will be more expensive than one that uses a national network of private hospitals outside the capital.
| Location | Average Monthly Premium (Mid-Range Cover, Age 40) | Why the Difference? |
|---|---|---|
| Central London | £125 | Highest private hospital fees in the UK (e.g., The London Clinic, Cromwell Hospital). |
| Greater London | £110 | Includes access to excellent hospitals but avoids the most expensive central facilities. |
| South East (e.g., Surrey) | £100 | High density of quality private hospitals, but slightly less costly than London. |
| Major Cities (e.g., Manchester, Birmingham) | £90 | Strong network of private hospitals with competitive pricing. |
| North of England (e.g., Yorkshire) | £82 | Lower operational costs for hospitals lead to more affordable premiums. |
| Scotland & Wales | £78 | Generally lower private treatment costs compared to England. |
| Northern Ireland | £75 | Often the most affordable region for private health cover. |
Illustrative estimates based on WeCovr's 2025 market analysis. Actual quotes will vary.
The breadth and depth of your cover are major cost drivers. Insurers typically offer tiered plans, allowing you to choose a balance between benefits and budget.
Choosing the right level depends on your priorities. If your main concern is avoiding a long wait for surgery, a basic plan might suffice. If you want fast access to diagnosis and treatment, a mid-range or comprehensive plan is more suitable. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare the subtle differences between insurer plans to find the perfect fit.
An excess is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards a claim, just like with car or home insurance. 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.
Opting for a higher excess will directly reduce your monthly premium.
Insurers offer a range of excess options, typically from £0 to £1,000.
Choosing a higher excess can be a smart way to make a comprehensive policy more affordable, especially if you are in good health and don't expect to claim frequently.
This is a technical but vital aspect of your policy. There are two main types of underwriting in the UK:
Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common method. You don't have to declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes treatment for any conditions you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the five years before your policy started. However, if you then go two full, consecutive years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. It's simpler and faster to set up.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer reviews your medical history and decides what, if anything, to exclude permanently from your policy. It takes longer to set up, but you have absolute clarity from day one about what is and isn't covered.
There isn't usually a major price difference between the two, but moratorium is often slightly cheaper due to the automatic exclusions.
You can take out a policy for yourself, for you and your partner, or for your entire family. While adding more people increases the overall premium, insurers often provide a small discount compared to buying separate individual policies.
| Policy Type | Average Monthly Premium (Mid-Range Cover, Age 35, Midlands) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | £70 | Based on one 35-year-old. |
| Couple | £135 | Two 35-year-olds; a slight discount vs. 2x individual policies. |
| Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) | £185 | Children are significantly cheaper to add than adults. |
Illustrative estimates based on WeCovr's 2025 market analysis. Actual quotes will vary.
Adding children to a policy is surprisingly affordable. Insurers recognise that children are generally low-risk, and many offer incentives like "pay for the first child, get others covered for free".
Standard policies provide excellent core cover, but you can enhance them with optional add-ons. Each extra will increase your monthly premium.
Let's see how these factors combine for different people across the UK.
Scenario 1: Sarah, a 28-year-old Graphic Designer in Manchester
Scenario 2: The Patel Family, two 42-year-olds with two children (8 and 11) in Surrey
Scenario 3: David, a 65-year-old Retiree in Edinburgh
With NHS waiting lists in England consistently exceeding 7 million, according to recent NHS data, the value of private medical insurance has never been more apparent. The primary benefit is speed and choice.
Pros of PMI:
Cons of PMI:
For many, the cost is a worthwhile investment in their health and wellbeing, offering a valuable alternative pathway for non-emergency care.
Feeling the pinch? There are several effective ways to lower your premium without sacrificing essential cover.
Trying to compare dozens of policies from providers like Bupa, Aviva, AXA, and Vitality can be overwhelming. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr becomes your greatest asset.
Think of us as your personal health insurance shopper, saving you time, money, and hassle.
The average cost of private health insurance is not a simple number; it's a reflection of you and your priorities. While this guide provides a detailed overview, the only way to know your exact cost is to get a personalised quote.
At WeCovr, our team of friendly experts is ready to help. We'll listen to your needs, explain your options in plain English, and provide a free, no-obligation comparison of the UK's leading insurers.
Take the first step towards faster healthcare. Get your free PMI quote from WeCovr today.






