Struggling to Access NHS Treatment? Here’s Your Guide to Affordable Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance offers fast access to healthcare services, including tests, consultations with specialists, and surgeries. However, with varying levels of coverage across different plans, finding the best health insurance provider for your needs can be challenging, especially if you also need coverage for a partner or family.

Here’s a closer look at private health insurance providers in 2024 and how to secure the best value for your money.

What Is Private Health Insurance?

Private health insurance is a type of policy that covers medical costs when you choose private healthcare services. While policies differ, they often cover specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments such as surgery or physiotherapy. However, they typically only cover acute conditions that can be treated or cured, not chronic or long-term illnesses.

Private health insurance generally excludes emergency treatment, cosmetic procedures, and pregnancy-related care. It is also referred to as private medical insurance (PMI) and can be arranged for individuals, couples, or families.

Why Consider Private Health Insurance?

With NHS waiting lists reaching record highs—7.5 million people awaiting treatment—private health insurance is increasingly appealing. According to a YouGov poll, nearly three-quarters of people would use private healthcare if they could afford it.

Private healthcare can reduce waiting times but can also come with substantial costs. For instance, a hip replacement could exceed £10,000 without insurance. While private health insurance isn’t cheap, it can protect you from large medical bills and provide peace of mind by covering essential tests and treatments.

Additional benefits include greater control over treatment, such as selecting specialists and hospitals, and the possibility of accessing treatments unavailable through the NHS, like certain cancer therapies. Private hospitals often offer more comfortable accommodations, such as private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, compared to NHS wards.

The Best Private Health Insurers in 2024

The best private health insurance provider depends on your needs and desired coverage. Here are some top recommendations based on customer reviews and policy analysis:

• Western Provident Association (WPA): Rated highly by Which?, WPA offers three levels of coverage—core, mid-range, and comprehensive—with options to add cancer, mental health, or overseas treatment coverage.
• Aviva: This provider offers 24/7 GP appointments and up to £2,000 for mental health treatment. Policies are customizable to enhance or reduce coverage based on your preferences.
• AXA: Known for its comprehensive offerings, AXA includes specialist menopause support and flexible payment options.

How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost?

Private health insurance can be expensive. According to a recent comparison, no provider scored more than three out of five stars for value for money. Costs depend on factors like age, medical history, coverage level, and location.

Illustrative quotes show that Aviva’s full-cover policy is among the most affordable, starting at £878 annually for a 35-year-old couple, compared to over £1,000 for other providers. Prices for older couples can exceed £2,000.

Are Different Types of Private Health Insurance Available?

Private health insurance plans typically fall into three categories: basic, intermediate, and comprehensive. Coverage varies:

• Basic: Focuses on treatment-only coverage.
• Intermediate: Includes outpatient coverage like diagnostics and consultations.
• Comprehensive: Offers the highest level of coverage, often including mental health and additional therapies.

You may also choose between two underwriting methods:

• Full Medical Underwriting: Requires detailed medical history upfront, making the claims process faster and more predictable.
• Moratorium Underwriting: Does not require medical history at application but may exclude conditions treated or diagnosed in recent years.

How to Choose the Best Provider for You

Choosing the right provider involves assessing your needs and priorities. Key considerations include:

• Amount of outpatient coverage (e.g., tests and consultations).
• Freedom to choose specialists and hospitals.
• Additional benefits, such as mental health support or private GP access.
• Coverage limits for each policy element.
• Underwriting options and exclusions.

Carefully review policy details, particularly for lower-tier plans, as these may have stricter limits and fewer benefits.

How to Cut the Cost of Private Health Insurance

While private health insurance is costly, you can reduce expenses with these tips:

• Focus on core benefits like inpatient coverage.
• Pay annually instead of monthly for potential discounts.
• Compare policies through brokers or comparison websites.
• Opt for policies with hospital or specialist limits to save on premiums.
• Increase your excess to lower premiums.

Making a Claim on Private Health Insurance

To claim, you’ll typically need a GP referral before contacting your provider’s claims team. Some treatments, like physiotherapy, may not require a referral. Claims are usually submitted online or over the phone. If your policy is fully underwritten, the process should be straightforward. For moratorium plans, additional information may be needed.

FAQs

Is private health insurance worth it? It depends on your preferences and financial situation. While the NHS offers free healthcare, private insurance provides faster access and greater control over treatments.

What are the downsides of private health insurance? It’s expensive, and if you don’t claim or if NHS services meet your needs, you might not feel you’ve gotten value for money.

Is Bupa a good choice? While Bupa is a well-known name, it’s worth comparing policies from other providers to ensure you get the best coverage for your needs and budget.