As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert insight into the UK's private medical insurance (PMI) market. This article explores the key statistics shaping the industry in 2025, offering a clear picture of premiums, claims, and the growing number of people choosing private health cover.
Key numbers on premiums, claims and uptake
The UK's private medical insurance landscape is evolving rapidly. Here are the headline statistics for 2025, giving you a snapshot of the market's health and direction.
| Metric | 2025 Statistic (Latest Data & Projections) | Key Insight |
|---|
| Total People Covered | Approx. 7.5 million | A significant increase, driven by concerns over NHS waiting times. |
| Market Value (Premiums) | Over £8 billion | The market continues its strong growth trajectory. |
| Average Individual Premium | £85 - £150 per month | Varies significantly based on age, location, and cover level. |
| Claims Paid Out (Annual) | Over £6.5 billion | Insurers are paying out the vast majority of submitted claims. |
| Most Common Claim Area | Musculoskeletal conditions | Followed by cancer treatment and mental health support. |
| Corporate vs. Individual | ~75% Corporate / 25% Individual | Employer-funded schemes remain the dominant form of cover. |
These figures paint a picture of a robust and expanding market. Let's dive deeper into what these numbers mean for you.
The UK Private Health Insurance Market in 2025
The demand for private medical insurance in the UK has never been higher. In 2025, the market is characterised by sustained growth, driven by one primary factor: the pressure on the National Health Service (NHS).
According to the latest figures from NHS England, the elective care waiting list remains historically high, with millions of people waiting for routine operations like hip replacements, cataract surgery, and hernia repairs. This has prompted a shift in public attitude. Where PMI was once seen as a luxury, it is now increasingly viewed as a practical solution for securing timely medical care.
Key Market Trends for 2025:
- Growing Individual Market: While company-paid schemes still make up the bulk of the market, the fastest growth is seen in policies bought by individuals and families. Self-employed workers, freelancers, and retirees are actively seeking ways to bypass long waits for diagnosis and treatment.
- Focus on Mental Health: Insurers have significantly expanded their mental health cover in response to surging demand. Most policies now offer access to counselling, therapy, and psychiatric support, often without needing a GP referral first.
- Emphasis on Digital Health: Virtual GP appointments, accessible 24/7 via an app, are now a standard feature in many policies. This provides immediate access to medical advice, prescriptions, and referrals, adding a layer of convenience that is highly valued.
PMI Premiums: What Are Britons Paying in 2025?
A premium is the monthly or annual fee you pay to keep your health insurance policy active. In 2025, the cost of private medical insurance UK-wide is influenced by several predictable factors.
Factors Influencing Your Premium
- Age: This is the single biggest factor. Premiums increase as you get older because the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment rises.
- Location: Treatment costs vary across the country. Hospital charges in Central London, for example, are significantly higher than in other parts of the UK. Choosing a policy with a "hospital list" that excludes pricey city-centre hospitals can lower your premium.
- Level of Cover: Policies are customisable. A comprehensive plan covering diagnostics, in-patient, and out-patient treatment will cost more than a basic plan that only covers surgery.
- Excess: This is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards any claim. A higher excess (e.g., £500) will result in a lower monthly premium. A £0 excess means a higher premium.
- Lifestyle: Most insurers ask if you smoke. Smokers typically pay more due to the associated health risks.
Average Monthly PMI Premiums in 2025 (Illustrative)
This table provides an estimated guide to monthly premiums for a mid-level policy with a £250 excess. Costs are indicative and will vary between providers.
| Age Group | Individual (Non-Smoker) | Couple (Both Non-Smokers) | Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) |
|---|
| 30-39 | £75 - £95 | £140 - £180 | £200 - £260 |
| 40-49 | £90 - £120 | £170 - £230 | £250 - £320 |
| 50-59 | £120 - £180 | £230 - £350 | £300 - £410 |
| 60-69 | £190 - £280 | £370 - £550 | N/A (Children typically need their own adult policy) |
Working with a PMI broker like WeCovr is the most effective way to compare quotes from all leading insurers. We can tailor a policy to your exact needs and budget, ensuring you don't pay for cover you don't need, at no extra cost to you.
Claims Statistics: What Are People Claiming For?
The core purpose of private health insurance is to pay for private medical treatment. The good news is that UK insurers have a very strong record of paying claims. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), over 92% of all private medical insurance claims are successful.
Top Reasons for PMI Claims in the UK
The claims data reveals the most common health challenges facing policyholders.
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conditions: This is consistently the number one reason for claims. It includes treatments for joint pain, back problems, and sports injuries, leading to procedures like knee and hip replacements. Fast access to physiotherapy and surgery gets people back to work and life sooner.
- Cancer: Comprehensive cancer cover is a cornerstone of most PMI policies. It provides access to the latest drugs and treatments, some of which may not yet be available on the NHS due to funding decisions.
- Mental Health Conditions: Claims for anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions have surged. Policies now provide access to a network of therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
- Digestive System Conditions: This includes diagnostic procedures like endoscopies and colonoscopies, as well as treatments for conditions like hernias and gallstones.
- Cardiology: Policies cover consultations with cardiologists and procedures to investigate and treat heart conditions.
The Critical Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
It is vital to understand what standard UK PMI is designed for. Private medical insurance covers acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
- Acute Condition: An illness or injury that is short-term and expected to respond to treatment, leading to a full recovery. Examples: a broken bone, appendicitis, cataracts, or a joint replacement.
- Chronic Condition: A long-term condition that requires ongoing management but has no known cure. Examples: diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or arthritis. The NHS manages chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical issue for which you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment before your policy's start date. These are typically excluded from cover, at least for an initial period (usually two years).
Understanding this distinction is key to having the right expectations for your private health cover.
PMI Uptake & Demographics: Who is Buying Health Insurance?
The profile of the typical PMI customer is broadening. While senior executives in large corporations have long benefited from company schemes, the market is now attracting a wider audience.
- Corporate Schemes: These still account for around 75% of all policies. Businesses offer PMI as a valuable employee benefit to attract and retain talent, and to reduce sickness-related absence by providing staff with faster medical access.
- Individual Buyers: This 25% segment is the fastest-growing part of the market. It's made up of:
- The Self-Employed: For a freelancer or small business owner, long-term sickness can be financially devastating. PMI is seen as an investment in their ability to work.
- Families: Parents are increasingly buying policies to ensure their children can be seen quickly for common childhood ailments or specialist consultations.
- Retirees: Many people approaching retirement choose to purchase a policy to maintain the peace of mind they may have had through an employer's scheme, ensuring swift access to care in their later years.
The Role of Technology and Wellness in Modern PMI
Today's best PMI providers offer more than just financial cover for treatment. They have evolved into holistic health partners, using technology and incentives to help you stay well.
Modern PMI Policy Benefits:
- 24/7 Virtual GPs: Speak to a doctor via video call anytime, anywhere. This reduces the pressure on local GP surgeries and provides incredible convenience.
- Wellness Programmes: Insurers like Vitality reward healthy behaviour. By tracking your activity, you can earn points that lead to cinema tickets, coffee, and even lower premiums.
- Mental Health Support Apps: Many policies include subscriptions to apps like Headspace or SilverCloud, offering guided meditation, mindfulness courses, and self-help programmes for mental wellbeing.
- Exclusive Member Discounts: Insurers often partner with gyms, health food brands, and travel companies to offer their members discounts.
At WeCovr, we enhance this further. All our PMI and Life Insurance clients receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support their health goals. Furthermore, customers who purchase PMI through us can access discounts on other essential policies, such as life insurance or income protection, helping them build a comprehensive financial safety net.
Choosing the Best PMI Provider in the UK
The UK market is home to several outstanding insurers, including Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, The Exeter, and Vitality. Each has its own strengths, specialisms, and policy structures.
Navigating these options alone can be overwhelming. This is where an independent PMI broker provides immense value.
Why Use a Broker like WeCovr?
- Whole-of-Market Comparison: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies and prices from across the market to find the best fit for you.
- Expert, Unbiased Advice: Our specialists understand the fine print. We can explain the differences between moratorium and full medical underwriting, or the pros and cons of a six-week wait option.
- No Cost to You: Our service is free for you to use. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium. You pay the same price as going direct, but with the added benefit of expert guidance.
- High Customer Satisfaction: Our focus on clear advice and personalised service has earned us high satisfaction ratings from thousands of clients across the UK.
Is private health insurance worth it in the UK?
For many, yes. With NHS waiting lists for routine treatments at record highs, private health insurance is worth it for the speed of access, choice of specialist and hospital, and comfort of a private room. It offers peace of mind that you can get diagnosed and treated quickly for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.
Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that occur after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions, for which you've had symptoms or treatment before joining, are typically excluded. The same applies to chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, which remain under the care of the NHS.
How much does UK private health insurance cost per month?
The cost varies widely. For a healthy individual in their 30s, a mid-level policy might cost between £75 and £95 per month. For someone in their 50s, this could rise to £120 - £180. The final price depends on your age, location, the level of cover you choose, and your policy excess.
What is the main benefit of using a PMI broker like WeCovr?
The main benefit is receiving expert, impartial advice at no extra cost. An independent broker like WeCovr compares the entire market to find the policy that best suits your needs and budget. We explain the complex options in simple terms, handle the application process, and ensure you get the right cover without overpaying.
Ready to explore your options? Get a free, no-obligation quote from our friendly experts at WeCovr today and take the first step towards faster healthcare for you and your family.