Finding a timely GP appointment in the UK can feel like a challenge. That's where WeCovr, an FCA-authorised expert broker with over 900,000 policies arranged, steps in. We've analysed the UK's private medical insurance market to reveal which providers offer the best virtual GP services, getting you seen faster.
WeCovr ranks insurers by the speed and availability of their digital doctor services
Waiting weeks for a 10-minute GP slot is a frustration many of us know too well. In a world where you can order groceries to your door in minutes, healthcare is catching up. The solution? Virtual GP services, a cornerstone of modern private medical insurance (PMI).
These digital doctor services allow you to have a video or phone consultation with a qualified GP, often within hours, from the comfort of your own home. But not all services are created equal. Some offer 24/7 access, while others have faster referral pathways.
At WeCovr, our experts have delved into the details of the top UK private health cover providers to see who truly delivers on the promise of fast, accessible digital healthcare. This guide ranks them for you.
Why Virtual GP Services are No Longer Just a ‘Nice-to-Have’
The demand for GP appointments in the UK is at an all-time high. According to the latest NHS Digital data, general practice in England delivered over 30 million appointments in a single recent month, a significant increase on pre-pandemic levels. Despite this incredible effort, many patients still face long waits.
A 2024 survey by The King's Fund highlighted that public satisfaction with GP services has fallen to its lowest level since records began. This isn't a reflection on the quality of our GPs, but the immense pressure the system is under.
This is where private virtual GP services, included with most PMI policies, offer a powerful alternative for non-urgent care.
Key Benefits of a Digital Doctor:
- Speed: The number one benefit. Instead of waiting days or weeks, you can often speak to a doctor on the same day, sometimes within a couple of hours.
- Convenience: Have your appointment from home, your office, or even while travelling. No need to take time off work or arrange childcare.
- Peace of Mind: Quickly address a health concern that's worrying you, whether it’s a child's fever in the middle of the night or a persistent cough.
- Prescriptions and Referrals: Virtual GPs can issue private prescriptions (which you pay for at the pharmacy) and, crucially, provide open referrals to see a specialist, kick-starting your private treatment journey.
- Reduces NHS Burden: By using a private GP for routine issues, you free up an NHS appointment for someone who may not have another option.
How We Ranked the Top PMI Providers for Digital GP Services
To provide a clear and fair comparison, we assessed each insurer's virtual GP offering against a set of crucial criteria. Our ranking reflects a blend of speed, functionality, and how well the service integrates into the overall private medical insurance UK journey.
Our Ranking Criteria:
- Speed of Access: How quickly can you realistically book and have an appointment? We looked at average wait times for both video and phone consultations.
- 24/7 Availability: Is the service available around the clock, including on weekends and bank holidays? This is vital for out-of-hours concerns.
- Consultation Type: Do they offer video as standard? Video calls allow a GP to see visible symptoms, making for a more thorough consultation.
- In-App Features: We examined the user-friendliness of the app and additional features like prescription ordering, symptom checkers, and secure messaging.
- Referral Pathway: How easy is it to get a referral to a specialist? We favour providers that offer "open referrals," giving you more choice over who you see.
- Usage Limits: Are consultations unlimited? Most are, but it's a key factor to check.
- User Experience (UX): Is the app intuitive and reliable? We considered customer feedback and our own expert evaluation of the digital platforms.
The WeCovr 2025 Rankings: Best Private Health Cover for Virtual GPs
After a comprehensive review, here is our definitive ranking of the best PMI providers for virtual GP services in 2025.
| Provider | Digital GP Service | Avg. Appointment Wait Time | 24/7 Availability? | Open Referrals? | WeCovr's Score (out of 10) |
|---|
| Vitality | Vitality GP | Within 2 hours (video) | Yes | Yes | 9.5 |
| AXA Health | Doctor at Hand | Within 4 hours | Yes | Yes | 9.0 |
| Bupa | Babylon Digital GP | Within 24 hours | Yes | Yes | 8.5 |
| Aviva | Aviva Digital GP | Same Day | Yes | Yes | 8.0 |
| The Exeter | Health+ (GP24) | Same Day | Yes | Yes | 7.5 |
Note: Service details are based on information available in late 2024 for the 2025 policy year and are subject to change. Always check the latest policy documents.
A Deeper Dive into Each Provider's Digital Health Offering
The table gives you a snapshot, but the devil is in the detail. Here’s our expert breakdown of what each of the top private health insurance providers offers.
1. Vitality: The Gold Standard for Integrated Health
Digital Service: Vitality GP
WeCovr's Expert Take: Vitality wins our top spot for its seamless integration, speed, and comprehensive approach. It’s not just an add-on; it’s a core part of their wellness-focused ecosystem.
Vitality has built its brand around encouraging healthy living, and its virtual GP service is a perfect example of this in action. The service is designed to be your first port of call for any health concern.
Key Features:
- Lightning-Fast Access: Book a video consultation with a GP, often with slots available within two hours.
- Unlimited Consultations: You and your family (if on the policy) can use the service as much as you need.
- Direct Referral and Booking: The integration is superb. A Vitality GP can not only provide an open referral but, in some cases, book you directly into an appointment with a consultant through their Premier Consultant Panel.
- Prescriptions and More: Get private prescriptions sent to a local pharmacy and access other services like talking therapies without needing a GP referral first.
- Part of the Wellness Journey: Access to the GP is just one part of the Vitality Programme, which rewards you for staying active with perks like cinema tickets and discounted gym memberships.
2. AXA Health: User-Friendly and Family-Focused
Digital Service: Doctor at Hand (provided by Teladoc Health)
WeCovr's Expert Take: AXA Health offers an incredibly polished and reliable service through its partnership with Doctor at Hand. It’s particularly strong for families and those who value a clean, easy-to-use app.
AXA’s proposition is built on trust and quality, and their virtual GP service is no exception. Doctor at Hand is one of the most established platforms in the UK, known for its clinical excellence.
Key Features:
- Reliable Same-Day Access: While they quote appointments within four hours, availability is generally excellent, and you can almost always be seen the same day.
- Excellent User Experience: The app is clean, intuitive, and highly rated by users for its stability and ease of booking.
- Strong for Families: AXA policies often allow you to add your children to the Doctor at Hand service, giving parents invaluable peace of mind.
- Open Referrals as Standard: If you need to see a specialist, the GP will provide an open referral letter, which you then use to start a claim with AXA. The process is straightforward.
- Global Reach: As Doctor at Hand is an international service, it's a great option if you travel frequently, as you can often access a UK-registered GP from abroad.
3. Bupa: A Tech-Forward Approach with AI
Digital Service: Babylon Digital GP
WeCovr's Expert Take: Bupa’s partnership with digital health giant Babylon brings powerful AI tools to the forefront. It’s an excellent choice for those who are comfortable with technology and want a feature-rich experience.
Bupa's digital offering is more than just GP appointments. It starts with a sophisticated AI Symptom Checker that can help guide you to the right care, whether that's self-care, a GP, or a pharmacist.
Key Features:
- AI-Powered Triage: Use the 'Symptom Checker' to get an initial assessment before you even book an appointment.
- 24/7 Appointments: Guaranteed access to a GP around the clock, though you may need to book a day in advance for a convenient daytime slot.
- Seamless Integration: The Babylon app is deeply integrated with Bupa. Referrals from the digital GP feed directly into your Bupa claims process, making it easy to get authorisation for specialist treatment.
- Holistic Health Tools: The app often includes features for monitoring your health and mood, aligning with a more preventative approach to healthcare.
- Trusted Brand: Bupa is one of the most recognised names in UK health insurance, and their digital service is backed by their extensive network of hospitals and consultants.
4. Aviva: Solid, Reliable, and Value-Packed
Digital Service: Aviva Digital GP (provided by Square Health)
WeCovr's Expert Take: Aviva provides a robust and dependable virtual GP service that covers all the essential bases. It's a fantastic value-add that is included as standard on all their private health cover policies.
Aviva's focus is on delivering straightforward, high-quality cover, and their digital GP app reflects this. It’s easy to use and does exactly what you need it to: get you in front of a doctor quickly.
Key Features:
- Same-Day Appointments: You can book up to five video consultations per policy member per year, which is more than enough for most people.
- NHS Repeat Prescriptions: A standout feature is the ability to order your regular NHS repeat prescriptions via the app for free home delivery, saving you trips to your local surgery.
- Simple and Effective: The app is no-frills but highly effective. Booking is simple, and getting a referral is a pain-free process.
- Included as Standard: Unlike some providers where it can be an optional extra, Aviva includes their Digital GP service with every policy, making it great value.
5. The Exeter: The Comprehensive Support Package
Digital Service: Health+ (includes GP24)
WeCovr's Expert Take: The Exeter excels by bundling its virtual GP service into a wider support package called Health+. This makes it a brilliant option for those looking for holistic support, including mental and physical health services.
As a friendly society, The Exeter has a strong focus on member wellbeing. Their Health+ app, provided as standard, gives you a single point of access for a range of health needs, not just a GP.
Key Features:
- 24/7 GP Access: Their GP24 service, provided by HealthHero, offers around-the-clock phone access to a GP, with video consultations available during standard hours.
- Integrated Health Services: Health+ also includes remote physiotherapy assessments and mental health support, often allowing you to self-refer without seeing a GP first.
- Second Medical Opinions: The service includes access to a second medical opinion from a UK-based specialist if you have a serious diagnosis and want further advice.
- Focus on the Self-Employed: The Exeter is particularly popular with the self-employed and professionals, and this comprehensive support package is designed to help you get back on your feet quickly.
It is vital to understand that private medical insurance is designed for a specific purpose. It is not a replacement for the NHS but works alongside it. Standard PMI policies in the UK do not cover certain types of conditions.
Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
This is the most important exclusion to understand.
- Chronic Conditions: These are illnesses that are long-lasting and can be managed but not cured. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease. PMI will not cover the routine management, check-ups, or medication for these conditions.
- Pre-existing Conditions: This refers to any disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice from a medical professional before your policy start date. For example, if you had knee pain and saw a physio before taking out a policy, that knee would likely be excluded for a set period.
PMI is designed to diagnose and treat new, acute conditions that arise after you join. An acute condition is one that is short-lived and from which you are expected to make a full recovery (e.g., a cataract, a hernia, or joint pain that requires surgery).
Beyond the Virtual GP: Added-Value Services to Look For
Modern PMI is about more than just covering hospital bills. The best policies are evolving into comprehensive health and wellness packages. When comparing providers, look for these valuable extras:
- Mental Health Support: Many policies now offer a set number of counselling or therapy sessions (both face-to-face and virtual) without needing a GP referral.
- Digital Physiotherapy: Access to apps and services that provide remote assessments and tailored exercise plans for musculoskeletal issues.
- Wellness Programmes: Look for rewards and discounts for staying healthy, like Vitality's programme or Aviva's "Get Active" partnerships.
- Nutrition Advice: Some insurers offer consultations with registered dietitians to help you manage your diet and improve your health.
WeCovr's Exclusive Member Benefits
When you arrange your private medical insurance with WeCovr, you get more than just expert advice. We provide our PMI and Life Insurance clients with exclusive perks, including:
- Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you stay on top of your health goals.
- Discounts on other insurance: Our clients receive preferential rates when they take out other policies with us, such as life or home insurance.
How WeCovr Can Help You Choose the Right PMI Policy
Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be complex. Each provider has different strengths, weaknesses, and policy details. This is where an independent PMI broker like WeCovr becomes your most valuable asset.
- We're Independent: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our loyalty is to you, our client. We compare policies from across the market to find the one that truly fits your needs and budget.
- Our Service is Free: You don't pay us a penny. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, but this doesn't affect the price you pay.
- Expert Advice: Our team are specialists in private medical insurance. We understand the jargon, the policy loopholes, and the market trends. We'll explain everything in plain English.
- High Customer Satisfaction: We pride ourselves on our service, and our high ratings on independent review sites reflect our commitment to helping our clients.
We'll take the time to understand what's important to you—whether it's the fastest virtual GP, comprehensive cancer care, or a specific hospital list—and recommend the perfect private health cover.
Can a virtual GP make a specialist referral on a PMI policy?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the primary benefits of using a virtual GP service included with your private medical insurance. If the GP believes you need to see a specialist (like a dermatologist, an orthopaedic surgeon, or a cardiologist), they will issue a private referral letter. You then use this letter to open a claim with your insurer, who will authorise the specialist consultation.
Is the virtual GP service included in the price of my private health insurance?
Generally, yes. For most major UK insurers, a virtual GP service is now a standard, value-added benefit included in the core price of your policy. It is designed to be your first point of contact for new health concerns and to act as a gateway to your wider PMI benefits. However, always check the policy details, as a few basic policies may offer it as an optional add-on.
Do I still need to be registered with an NHS GP if I have private medical insurance?
Yes, it is essential. Private medical insurance is designed to complement the NHS, not replace it. You must remain registered with an NHS GP for ongoing care, management of chronic conditions, routine screenings, and emergency services. Your PMI policy is for treating new, acute conditions quickly, while the NHS provides your day-to-day and emergency care.
What happens if I have a pre-existing condition? Can I still get private medical insurance?
Yes, you can still get private medical insurance, but it will not cover your pre-existing conditions, at least not initially. Insurers will apply 'underwriting' to your policy. This is usually done in one of two ways: 'moratorium', where any condition you've had in the last 5 years is automatically excluded for the first 2 years of the policy, or 'full medical underwriting', where you declare your medical history upfront and the insurer lists specific exclusions from the start. A broker can explain which option is best for you.
Ready to skip the queues and get fast access to healthcare for you and your family? The right private medical insurance policy can provide invaluable peace of mind.
Contact the friendly experts at WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us find the perfect cover for your needs.