The Definitive Guide to Private Health Insurance Costs
Unveiling the Mysteries of Private Health Cover
At WeCovr, we understand that navigating the world of private health insurance can be a daunting task. With countless policies and providers to choose from, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when it comes to determining the cost. However, our team of dedicated experts is here to guide you through the intricate details, ensuring you find a plan that perfectly aligns with your needs and budget.
Factors Influencing the Cost
The cost of private health insurance is influenced by a variety of factors, including your age, medical history, location, and the level of coverage you desire. Contrary to popular belief, comprehensive coverage doesn't have to break the bank. At WeCovr, we understand that every individual's circumstances are unique, which is why we work closely with you to tailor a plan that meets your specific requirements.
Your Age and Health Status
As we age, the health risks we face tend to increase, which can impact the cost of your private health insurance premiums. Similarly, pre-existing medical conditions may also play a role in determining your coverage options and associated costs. At WeCovr, we'll carefully evaluate your current health status and provide transparent guidance on how it might affect your plan and premiums.
The Impact of Age
It's an inevitable fact that as we grow older, our risk of developing certain health conditions increases. This higher risk translates into higher premiums for older individuals. For example, a 55-year-old non-smoker Londoner may pay around £81.64 per month for a basic policy, while a 45-year-old non-smoker would pay £71.75 for the same level of cover (AXA Health).
| Age | | Monthly Premium |
---|
| 35 (AXA Health) | | £55.87 |
| 45 (AXA Health) | | £71.75 |
| 55 (AXA Health) | | £81.64 |
Smokers May Face Higher Health Insurance Premiums
Certain insurance providers may impose additional charges on smokers for Private Health Insurance, whilst some opt not to differentiate. This added expense is attributed to the numerous health risks linked to smoking. For example, a 45-year-old non-smoker may save 5% off the cost that a 45-year-old smoker would have to pay, all other characteristics being equal.
| Insurance Provider | | Smoking Status | | Monthly Premium | | Percentage Increase |
---|
| Bupa | | Non-Smoker | | £96.34 | | - |
| Bupa | | Smoker | | £101.15 | | ~5% |
- Could I Qualify for Lower Premiums if I Quit Smoking?
Indeed, you could. Provided you can demonstrate abstinence from nicotine for the past 12 months, the majority of insurers will categorise you as a 'non-smoker', thereby reducing your premiums.
- Does Vaping Affect the Cost of Private Health Insurance?
It's crucial to recognise that insurers do not limit their definition of smokers to just cigarette users. The term 'smoker' encompasses anyone utilising nicotine-based products, including but not limited to vapes and patches. If nicotine consumption is detected in any form, your premiums may escalate, even in the case of vaping.
Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it's important to understand how it might affect your coverage options and costs. In most cases, insurers will either exclude the condition from coverage or offer you the option of moratorium underwriting. With moratorium underwriting, your pre-existing condition may be covered if you've experienced no symptoms or treatment for a set period, typically five years. However, it's worth noting that moratorium underwriting can be more expensive than full medical underwriting.
Location and Hospital Choice
Your geographical location can influence the cost of your private health insurance. For instance, premiums for plans that provide access to prestigious hospitals in major cities like London tend to be higher than those in more rural areas. At WeCovr, we'll help you navigate these nuances, ensuring you have access to the facilities you need while keeping costs in check.
The London Premium
If you're based in the London area, you can expect to pay more for your private health insurance than individuals residing in other parts of the country. This is because the cost of medical treatment and facilities in the capital is generally higher than in other regions. However, the extent of this premium can vary between insurers, which is why it's crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers.
| Location | | Monthly Premium |
---|
| London (AXA Health) | | £71.75 |
| Derby (AXA Health) | | £55.75 |
Hospital Lists and Tiers
Many insurers offer different tiers of hospitals within their network, with varying levels of coverage and associated costs. If you opt for a restricted hospital list, excluding some of the more prestigious facilities, you may be able to reduce your monthly premiums. However, it's essential to carefully consider the hospitals in your area and ensure you're comfortable with the limited options before making this choice.
| Hospital List | | Monthly Premium |
---|
| Restricted (Aviva) | | £71.10 |
| Extended (Aviva) | | £105.53 |
Impact of Excess on Monthly Premiums
The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim when you take out an insurance policy. By opting for a higher excess, you can lower your monthly premiums. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to pay the excess upfront before you can claim for the remaining cost of your treatment. If the cost of your treatment is less than the excess, you'll be responsible for the full amount.
The table below illustrates how the monthly premium for a basic health insurance policy can vary depending on the excess amount (The Exeter).
| Excess | | Monthly Premium |
---|
| £100 | | £67.04 |
| £500 | | £57.50 |
| £3,000 | | £36.97 |
Changing Level Of Outpatient Cover
Basic health insurance policies typically only cover inpatient treatment. More comprehensive policies may offer outpatient coverage, either in full or up to a specified limit, such as £500, £1,000, or £1,500. The more outpatient coverage you add to your policy, the more expensive it will become.
If you choose a policy without any outpatient coverage, you may face delays in your care due to NHS outpatient waiting lists.
The table below shows how the monthly premium for a health insurance policy can vary depending on the level of outpatient coverage (Aviva)
| Level of Outpatient Cover | | Monthly Premium |
---|
| None | | £62.07 |
| £500 | | £72.65 |
| £1,000 | | £88.31 |
| Full Outpatient Cover | | £97.31 |
Understanding Policy Levels
Private health insurance policies typically fall into three categories: basic, mid-range, and comprehensive. Each level offers varying degrees of coverage and associated costs.
Basic Plans
Basic plans cover inpatient treatment, which includes any treatment that requires an overnight stay or day surgery. Most insurers also include full cancer cover with their basic policies, ensuring you're protected in the event of a cancer diagnosis. However, it's important to note that basic plans typically do not cover outpatient treatment, which can be a significant limitation.
What's Covered in a Basic Plan?
A basic private health insurance plan will typically cover the following:
Inpatient treatment (overnight stays and day surgeries)
Full cancer cover
Access to private hospitals and facilities
Private rooms and flexible visiting hours
Limitations of Basic Plans
While basic plans can provide peace of mind for inpatient treatment and cancer care, they often lack coverage for outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, and therapies. This means you may still face lengthy NHS waiting lists for these services, potentially delaying your diagnosis and treatment.
Mid-Range Plans
Mid-range policies offer additional outpatient cover, typically ranging from £500 to £1,500 per year. This level of coverage allows you to access tests, consultations, and treatments that don't require an overnight stay or day surgery.
Outpatient Cover in Mid-Range Plans
With a mid-range plan, you can expect the following outpatient benefits:
Consultations with specialists and consultants
Diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests)
Outpatient therapies (e.g., physiotherapy, radiotherapy)
Annual monetary limit for outpatient services (e.g., £1,000)
Balancing Cost and Coverage
Mid-range plans offer a balance between cost and coverage, providing access to outpatient services while still being more affordable than comprehensive plans. By choosing the appropriate level of outpatient cover (e.g., £500, £1,000, or £1,500), you can tailor your policy to fit your budget and anticipated healthcare needs.
Comprehensive Plans
Comprehensive plans, as the name suggests, provide the highest level of coverage, including access to private hospitals, specialists, and the latest treatments. These plans often include full outpatient cover, ensuring you receive prompt diagnoses and treatments without the worry of lengthy NHS waiting lists.
What's Included in Comprehensive Plans?
A comprehensive private health insurance plan typically offers the following benefits:
Inpatient treatment (overnight stays and day surgeries)
Full cancer cover
Unlimited outpatient cover (consultations, tests, therapies)
Access to the latest drugs and treatments
Choice of private hospitals and specialists
Private rooms and flexible visiting hours
The Cost of Comprehensive Coverage
While comprehensive plans offer the highest level of coverage, they also come with a higher price tag. However, for those who value the peace of mind and convenience of having unrestricted access to private healthcare, the additional cost may be well worth it.
Tailoring Your Policy to Suit Your Needs
At WeCovr, we understand that every individual has distinct needs and preferences. That's why we offer a wide range of tailored solutions, ensuring you receive the coverage you need without paying for unnecessary extras.
Dental and Optical Cover
Many health insurance providers offer the option to add dental and optical cover to your policy. These bolt-on features typically work as a separate health cash plan, providing a set level of cover for routine dental and optical treatments. At WeCovr, we'll help you navigate the various options and determine if this additional coverage is right for you.
How Does Dental and Optical Cover Work?
Dental and optical cover typically operates on a claims-based system. You'll receive a set annual limit for dental and optical treatments, such as check-ups, fillings, or new glasses. After receiving treatment, you can submit a claim to your insurer for reimbursement up to your annual limit.
Choosing the Right Level of Cover
When it comes to dental and optical cover, insurers offer different levels of coverage, ranging from basic cash-back options to comprehensive plans. At WeCovr, we'll help you assess your needs and choose the appropriate level of cover, considering factors such as your family size, frequency of dental and optical treatment, and budget.
Mental Health and Psychiatric Care
Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and at WeCovr, we understand its importance. Many private medical insurance policies don't include mental health cover as standard, but we can help you add full or partial cover for private mental health treatment, inpatient psychiatric care, or outpatient therapies.
Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment
Inpatient psychiatric treatment refers to overnight stays in a private mental health facility or hospital for conditions such as depression, anxiety, or addiction. By adding this cover to your policy, you can access specialised care and support during times of acute mental health challenges.
Outpatient Mental Healthcare and Therapies
Outpatient mental healthcare covers treatments and therapies that don't require an overnight stay, such as counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or psychotherapy sessions. This level of cover can be invaluable for managing ongoing mental health conditions or addressing specific issues in a timely manner.
Alternative Therapies
For those seeking a more holistic approach to healthcare, we offer the option to include alternative therapies in your policy. This additional cover can provide access to treatments such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, osteopathy, and homeopathy, among others.
The Benefits of Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies can offer a range of benefits, including:
Complementing traditional medical treatments
Promoting natural healing and well-being
Managing chronic pain and conditions
Improving overall quality of life
Customising Your Alternative Therapy Cover
At WeCovr, we understand that everyone's healthcare needs are unique. That's why we'll work closely with you to determine which alternative therapies are most relevant and tailor your policy accordingly. This personalised approach ensures you receive the coverage you need without paying for unnecessary extras.
Calculation Examples: Finding the Right Coverage for You
To help you better understand the variety of cost implications of different policy choices, we've provided some hypothetical calculation examples. These examples illustrate how factors like age, location, and coverage levels can impact the monthly premiums for private health insurance.
Example 1: A Single Professional in Manchester
Let's consider the case of a 35-year-old non-smoking professional living in Manchester. Here's how their monthly premiums might vary based on different coverage levels:
| Coverage Level | | Monthly Premium |
---|
| Basic Plan | | £37.50 |
| Mid-Range Plan (£1,000 Outpatient Cover) | | £58.53 |
| Comprehensive Plan (Full Outpatient Cover) | | £78.28 |
In this example, the basic plan offers inpatient treatment and cancer cover for £37.50 per month. Adding £1,000 of outpatient cover through a mid-range plan increases the monthly premium to £58.53. For comprehensive coverage, including unlimited outpatient treatment, the monthly cost rises to £78.28.
Example 2: A Family of Four in London
Now, let's consider a family of four (two adults aged 40 and 38, and two children aged 8 and 5) residing in London. Here's how their monthly premiums might look across different coverage levels:
| Coverage Level | | Monthly Premium |
---|
| Basic Plan | | £118.00 |
| Mid-Range Plan (£1,500 Outpatient Cover) | | £192.50 |
| Comprehensive Plan (Full Outpatient Cover) | | £245.00 |
Due to the higher costs associated with London-based medical facilities, the premiums for this family are higher than in the previous example. The basic plan costs £118.00 per month, while the mid-range plan with £1,500 outpatient cover comes in at £192.50 per month. For comprehensive coverage, the family would pay £245.00 per month.
Example 3: A Retiree Couple in Brighton
Let's explore the case of a retired couple, aged 65 and 62, living in Brighton. Their monthly premiums might look like this:
| Coverage Level | | Monthly Premium |
---|
| Basic Plan | | £92.00 |
| Mid-Range Plan (£1,000 Outpatient Cover) | | £132.50 |
| Comprehensive Plan (Full Outpatient Cover) | | £175.00 |
As this couple is older, their premiums are higher than those for younger individuals. The basic plan costs £92.00 per month, while the mid-range plan with £1,000 outpatient cover comes in at £132.50 per month. For comprehensive coverage, the couple would pay £175.00 per month.
Example 4: A Single Parent with a Child in Birmingham
Finally, let's consider a single parent aged 45 with a child aged 10, living in Birmingham. Their monthly premiums might look like this:
| Coverage Level | | Monthly Premium |
---|
| Basic Plan | | £58.00 |
| Mid-Range Plan (£1,000 Outpatient Cover) | | £86.50 |
| Comprehensive Plan (Full Outpatient Cover) | | £112.00 |
Additional Cost-Saving Strategies
While the level of coverage you choose is a significant factor in determining the cost of your private health insurance, there are several strategies you can employ to potentially reduce your premiums further.
Increase Your Excess
Many insurance providers offer the option to increase your excess, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in. By opting for a higher excess, you can lower your monthly premiums. However, it's important to choose an excess amount that you can comfortably afford in case you need to make a claim.
Restrict Your Hospital List
As mentioned earlier, some insurers offer different tiers of hospitals within their network. By opting for a restricted hospital list that excludes some of the more prestigious facilities, you can reduce your monthly premiums. However, it's crucial to carefully consider the hospitals in your area and ensure you're comfortable with the limited options.
Opt for a Six-Week Wait Option
Some insurance providers offer a six-week wait option, which means that if the treatment you need is available on the NHS with a wait time of less than six weeks, you'll use the NHS for your treatment instead of your private health insurance. This option can significantly reduce your premiums, but it's important to carefully consider the potential impact on your care and wait times.
Explore Salary Sacrifice Option
If you're seeking private health insurance through your organisation, speak to us to discuss if you may be able to take advantage of salary sacrifice savings. By paying for your premium through salary sacrifice before tax, you may be able to reduce the overall cost of your private health insurance.
The WeCovr Difference
At WeCovr, we pride ourselves on our personalised approach. Our team of in-house and partner experts takes the time to understand your unique circumstances, lifestyle, and healthcare requirements. We then scour the market, comparing policies from leading providers to find the perfect fit for you. Whether you're seeking cover for yourself, your family, or your employees, we'll ensure you receive the best value for your money.
Our Commitment to You
When you choose WeCovr, you can expect the following:
Personalised service from dedicated experts
Impartial advice and recommendations
Transparent pricing and policy comparisons
Ongoing support and guidance
Commitment to finding the best value for your money
Partnering with Leading Providers
At WeCovr, we have established partnerships with all the leading private health insurance providers in the UK, including Bupa, Aviva, AXA, The Exeter and Vitality, among others. This allows us to compare policies and prices across the market, ensuring you receive the most comprehensive and cost-effective solution for your needs.
Continuous Support and Guidance
Our relationship with you doesn't end once you've secured a policy. We understand that your circumstances may change over time, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need to adjust your coverage, make a claim, or explore new options, our team is always available to provide expert guidance and assistance.
Get In Touch Today
If you're ready to explore your private health insurance options or have any questions, our team is just a phone call or email away. Contact us today by tapping one of the buttons on this page, and let us guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the best possible coverage at a price that suits your budget.
At WeCovr, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge and transparency. Our goal is to demystify the world of private health insurance, helping you make informed decisions that provide you and your loved ones with the peace of mind you deserve.