UK Private medical insurance

Private health care helps cover the cost of private health services, giving you faster access to treatment with more control over who provides it and where it happens. You or your employer would pay for this type of healthcare through an insurance plan. 

While the NHS offers comprehensive healthcare coverage, private medical insurance often provides faster access to treatment, choice of specialists and amenities. Even if you have private health insurance, you can still access care provided by the NHS system.

Buying private healthcare in the UK depends on your needs and budget. It can give you fast access to treatment and prevent you from paying unexpected medical bills. If you can pay the monthly premiums and want quick medical treatment, then it could be a good idea. But, if you think the National Health Service (NHS) provides enough care for you and you don’t have enough money to pay for private healthcare, you may not need it. You should think about the pros and cons to decide if private healthcare is right for you and your situation.

Vitality core coverage arranged by us can start for as little as £1.25 a day.

Usually not. This is the same for most insurance companies in the UK. You can still get private health insurance if you have a previous condition, but you cannot use the insurance to pay for related care. Instead, you should continue to receive medical care for your condition from the NHS. Check with the insurance provider if you are unsure.

Yes, the cost of your insurance premium is based on your age, and the older you are, the more you might have to pay.

Not as standard. The cover we arrange with Vitality has the option to add worldwide travel cover. If you are going on a cycling holiday you may require more specific travel insurance which we arrange under a separate policy. Find out more about cycle specific travel insurance

On average, if you need a private hip replacement, it can cost around £12,000 (data supplied by Vitality from 2022). With private health insurance, you would pay a monthly premium each month, meaning you can access private healthcare without paying the full cost upfront.

A health insurance premium is how much you pay for your health insurance plan. You can pay it every month or every year. It will change every year depending on your age and if you make a claim. The premium also includes Insurance Premium Tax.

The base rate is dependent on inflation. It’s the change in the cost of providing healthcare, taking into account the charges made by hospitals and other providers, as well as advances in areas such as medical technology and drugs

Through Vitality’s ABC Pricing, they’ll take into account the claims you have made, but also your engagement in the Vitality Programme. An adjustment will be made for the claims you have made and your Vitality status.

If you become healthier by doing things like cycling, or getting an annual check-up, you can earn Vitality points. The more points you earn, the higher your Vitality status will be.