7 Best private health insurance providers in the UK

Roman Danaev

19 December 2024

Choosing the right health insurance feels like a challenge, with each provider offering unique benefits, coverage levels, and costs. This guide breaks down seven of the best private medical insurers in the UK to help you find one that matches your health needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for broad coverage, money savings, or quick access to doctors, there is something for you.

1. Vitality

Trustpilot rating: 4.3/5 (based on 45,653 reviews)

Vitality is easily recognisable with its pink branding and distinctive mascot. Since it entered the UK health insurance market in 2004 as PruHealth, the company has focused on innovation and has offered a fresh approach to private medical coverage.

Key features:

• Inpatient and day-patient care include full coverage for hospital and consultant fees, as well as diagnostic tests and scans like MRI and CT. The NHS Hospital Cash Benefit provides £250 per night for inpatient care (up to £2,000 total) and £125 per day for day-patient treatment (up to £500 total).
• Outpatient care covers surgical procedures fully, while Advanced Cancer Support offers comprehensive medical treatment and support after diagnosis, including biological therapies.
• Primary care services feature video consultations with a Vitality GP, a 24-hour Health Advice Line for medical inquiries, and up to £100 per year for private prescriptions and minor tests.
• Mental health support includes up to 8 sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy or counselling each year, alongside 6 physiotherapy sessions within the network.
• Additional benefits include home nursing after hospital stays and coverage for private ambulance services.

Vitality has earned strong positive feedback from its customers, with 77% rating the company as Excellent or Very Good. Many appreciate its well-designed policies and attentive customer service, which have helped build a solid reputation for customer satisfaction. Though there are a few unsatisfied customers, most reviews reflect positive experiences.

2. AXA

Trustpilot rating: 4.3/5 (based on 24,342 reviews)

Axa Health was created in 2020 when three brands — Axa PPP Healthcare, Health-on-Line, and Axa ICAS Limited — came together to form a single entity. As part of one of the largest and most recognised insurance groups in the world, Axa Health combines extensive experience and resources to serve its members.

Key features:

• Inpatient and day-patient treatment covers all costs for private hospital stays and day-patient unit fees at facilities listed in their Directory of Hospitals. There’s no annual cap on specialist fees on the fee-approved list. Parents of children under 16 can have their accommodation fully covered while staying at the hospital and up to £100 per night (up to £500 annually) for nearby hotel stays. Coverage includes cancer treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
• Outpatient treatment has no annual limit for surgeries. For scans — CT, MRI, and PET — costs are fully covered when referred by your specialist at a facility in the Directory of Hospitals.
• Additional benefits include direct phone access to healthcare professionals for you and your family. Members over 18 can also consult with a physiotherapist without needing a GP referral.
• Optional сoverage is available for outpatient specialist consultations and diagnostic tests, physiotherapy and alternative therapies, mental health treatment, cashback on dental and optical fees, and expanded coverage for treatment abroad.

AXA Health is highly rated by both customers and industry experts. Along with a strong Trustpilot score, it has received a five-star rating from Defaqto, an independent evaluation company. This reflects AXA’s comprehensive policies and benefits, recognised as Excellent for its quality and coverage.

3. Bupa

Trustpilot rating: 4.3/5 (based on 26,921 reviews)

Bupa is perhaps the most prominent private health insurer in the UK, and it operates without shareholders. Bupa has a global presence and operations in many countries. In addition to health insurance, it provides private healthcare services through a wide network of hospitals, outpatient clinics, dental centres, and care homes.

Key features:

• Outpatient services provide coverage for various healthcare needs. Full coverage is available for consultations with specialists for acute conditions, whether in-person, on the phone, or by video call. Therapist fees for outpatient treatments are included, as is at-home therapy recommended by a healthcare provider.
• Diagnostic tests ordered by a consultant at recognised facilities are covered, including MRI, CT, and PET scans. Charges from unrecognised providers are not covered.
• Hospital treatments include consultant fees for surgeries and necessary follow-up care. Coverage also extends to outpatient procedures, nursing care, and essential drugs during inpatient treatment.
• For parents, accommodation costs are covered while staying with a child receiving inpatient treatment. Intensive care is covered if required as part of the treatment plan.

Bupa receives positive reviews, with 82% of customers rating it as Excellent or Great. Even though some have had unsatisfactory experiences, many appreciate the high-quality care. Those who give five-star ratings highlight the ease of use, friendly staff, efficiency, and quick claims processing.

4. Aviva

Trustpilot rating: 4.1/5 (based on 38,965 reviews)

Aviva is one of the UK’s leading private healthcare providers, offering a broad range of financial services, including insurance, investments, pensions, and retirement planning. They provide coverage across almost every area individuals and families might need, which makes them a comprehensive choice for financial security.

Key features:

• The plan covers inpatient treatment for surgeries and medical care during hospital stays, including full payment for hospital fees. Day-patient treatment is also included for procedures that do not require an overnight stay. Physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatments are available with a specialist referral.
• Outpatient consultations allow access to specialists for non-emergency health issues, and outpatient diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, X-rays, and MRIs, are fully covered when requested by healthcare professionals.
• Mental health support includes therapy sessions without the need for hospitalisation.
• Cancer treatment covers all necessary care, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• NHS Cash Benefit offers a daily payment for NHS stays, and the Baby Bonus provides a payment for each newborn. The plan also features various hospital options, affecting premiums, and allows for coverage adjustments to reduce costs.

Aviva was awarded Best Individual PMI Provider at the Health Insurance & Protection Awards in 2019 and has a 5 out of 5-star rating for its health insurance policy from Defaqto. Its large number of positive reviews shows Aviva’s commitment to quality, particularly given its size and varied customer base.

5. Freedom

Trustpilot rating: 4.3/5 (based on 5,494 reviews)

Freedom Health Insurance is a newer player in the health insurance field, founded in 2003 in Poole. As a dedicated health insurance company, it focuses solely on health coverage, which allows it to put its full attention into offering quality products and responsive service for its clients.

Key features:

• Inpatient and day-patient treatments come with a fixed cash benefit to help cover the costs of procedures at private hospitals under a self-pay contract. If treatment occurs in an NHS facility, this benefit is reduced to 50%.
• Additional coverage is available for specific pregnancy complications and certain dental surgeries listed in the Policyholder’s Guide to Cover. For those without procedures, a cash benefit of £200 is provided for each night spent in hospital.
• Outpatient cover includes visits to specialists and necessary scans such as CT, MRI, and PET. For active cancer treatments, the plan offers 50% of the fixed cash benefit for inpatient or day-patient procedures, along with £150 for each visit for chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
• Optional coverage includes diagnostic tests up to £500, consultations, minor procedures under self-pay arrangements, routine dental and optical care up to £150, and a £150 maternity cash benefit for newborns after a ten-month waiting period.

Freedom Health Insurance was honoured with the Customer Service: Above and Beyond award at the Cover Customer Service Awards in 2023. Customers praise it for being efficient and friendly, noting quick responses to their calls and a positive attitude toward claims. Many reviews emphasise how helpful the staff are in assisting with enquiries.

6. WPA

Trustpilot rating: 4.6/5 (based on 3,451 reviews)

WPA is a non-profit dedicated solely to being a health insurance company. Established in 1901, it prioritises your choice in healthcare and lets you choose when, where, and who provides your treatment.

Key features:

• Inpatient and day-patient treatment includes coverage for hospital and consultant fees, therapy, and complex diagnostic tests. Patients can receive £150 per day for NHS day-patient or inpatient stays of fewer than three nights and £200 per night for longer stays.
• Outpatient services cover specialist consultations, complex scans, and procedures, with a total annual benefit limit of £4,500.
• Additional benefits include home nursing for up to four weeks, private ambulance transport, and accommodation for a parent with a child in the hospital. A daily allowance for out-of-pocket expenses is also provided.
• Health and wellbeing services feature 24/7 remote GP access, a health helpline, and counselling sessions.
• Optional extras enhance the policy, including cancer care and increased coverage for outpatient consultations and therapy. Overseas emergency treatment options are available, along with extended access to premium hospitals and dental or optical treatments.

In 2023, Which? reviewed the private medical insurance industry and named WPA as the only Recommended Provider, a title it holds for 2024 as well. The review focused on how quickly claims were settled, the availability of services, and the range of hospitals. WPA excelled in both Customer and Claims categories, receiving a Customer score of 74% and a Claims score of 82%.

7. Exeter

Trustpilot rating: 4.3/5 (based on 922 reviews)

The Exeter is a mutual organisation, which means its members own it instead of shareholders. This allows it to use its profits to improve services for its members and advisors, like Bupa. Besides health insurance, The Exeter also offers life and income protection insurance.

Key features:

• Inpatient and day-patient benefits include coverage for consultant and specialist fees, essential diagnostic tests, and hospital costs, which may also cover medical aids and medications for home use.
• Outpatient benefits provide access to advanced imaging, such as CT, MRI, and PET scans, along with any associated professional fees. This can also cover outpatient surgeries and includes up to three sessions of post-operative physiotherapy.
• Comprehensive cancer coverage is available once a diagnosis is made, including treatment at all stages, with no limits on time or finances for palliative and terminal care.
• Additional benefits include private ambulance services, home nursing, and a cash benefit for NHS stays.
• Optional add-ons allow for additional outpatient consultations and diagnostic tests, as well as therapy sessions with various specialists. Mental health coverage includes inpatient and outpatient treatment, with hospital stays limited to 28 days.

The Exeter has mostly received positive reviews, with 75% rating it as excellent, 14% as great, and only 5% as average. Customers mention how helpful it was to receive a call from a case handler and express satisfaction with the policies. Long-time clients also highlight The Exeter’s professionalism, stating they have always found them to be very professional.

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Provider for You

Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone planning for retirement, there are key factors to consider when assessing private medical insurers:

Policy coverage

When selecting a provider, start by examining the policy coverage. Health insurance plans differ a lot, with some covering only essential services like hospital stays while others offer a wider array of treatments.

It’s important to see whether the policy addresses your specific health needs, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. For instance, if you’re managing a chronic illness, make sure the plan covers the necessary treatments and medications.

Waiting periods

Consider the waiting periods associated with each policy. These are the durations you must wait before your coverage becomes effective for certain treatments or conditions.

For instance, if you have a pre-existing condition like asthma, some insurers require a waiting period of six months before they cover any related treatments or medications, such as inhalers or specialist consultations. Being aware of this waiting period in advance will help you plan accordingly and prevent delays in accessing essential care.

Access to specialists and treatments

Access to specialists is a critical factor, too. Check if the insurer has a robust network of specialists that you can consult easily, especially in your local area. If not, you’ll face waiting times or even have to travel further for necessary appointments. If the insurer covers consultations with specialists outside its network, this would be a redeeming factor.

As for treatments, verify whether the plan covers specific procedures and therapies that are essential for you, such as specialised surgeries or physiotherapy.

Additional benefits

Look for additional benefits that enhance your coverage. Some private healthcare providers offer extras like mental health services, dental care, and wellness programmes, adding a lot of value to your policy. If mental health support is important, for example, find a plan that includes counselling or therapy sessions.

Additionally, policies should be considered that cover routine check-ups and preventative care. Even though these features are rare, you’ll be fortunate to have them for your well-being.

Customer service and claims process

Lastly, having dependable customer support is important, especially when dealing with health-related concerns. Research customer reviews to gauge the insurer’s responsiveness and willingness to assist. Ideally, you want to have multiple contact options, like phone, email, and live chat, so you can reach them in the way that suits you best.

Also, make sure you understand how the claims process works — specifically, how to file a claim and the time it takes to receive reimbursements. On average, it takes around 10 to 15 business days to process a claim. If you know the steps involved in filing a claim, you’ll prepare better and avoid any unnecessary delays. So, ask about any documentation you’ll need to provide and look for insurers that offer online claim submissions for added convenience.

Final words

As you evaluate your choices of private healthcare companies, think about what matters most to you. You don’t have to settle for the first option that comes your way because finding the right provider and plan takes time and thoughtful consideration. Generally speaking, this guide is just a starting point, so make sure to explore each option further to learn all the details and find the best fit.