Is Private Health Insurance Worth It?

In the UK, healthcare is provided free at the point of use through the NHS, so private health insurance is not a necessity. However, with increasing NHS waiting times and more people wanting control over how and when they’re treated, many are considering whether private health cover is worth the cost.

This guide looks at what private health insurance actually does, what it covers, who it suits, and whether it’s a worthwhile investment based on your circumstances.

What Is Private Health Insurance?

Private health insurance is a policy you pay for monthly or annually that covers the cost of private medical care. Instead of relying solely on the NHS, private insurance gives you access to private hospitals and clinics, usually with faster appointments and shorter waiting times.

Depending on your policy, it can pay for things like diagnostic tests, consultations, surgery, and hospital stays. Some plans also include extras like physiotherapy, mental health support, or access to virtual GP services.

What Does It Cover?

Most private health insurance policies in the UK cover treatment for acute medical conditions that develop after the policy starts. Cover typically includes:

• Consultant fees and diagnostic tests like MRIs and CT scans

• In-patient and day-patient treatment (such as surgery)

• Hospital stays, theatre fees, and nursing care

• Post-surgery follow-up care

• Access to private hospitals or specific private healthcare networks

Optional extras may include mental health cover, dental, optical, or outpatient services like physiotherapy and counselling.

What Isn’t Covered?

Private health insurance doesn’t cover everything. Most standard policies exclude:

• Pre-existing conditions

• Chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes

• Emergency care or ambulance services

• Routine GP appointments and maternity care

• Cosmetic surgery or elective procedures not deemed medically necessary

You’ll still need to use the NHS for emergencies and some longer-term health conditions. Most insurers will also require a contribution towards treatment, known as an excess.

Do You Need Private Health Insurance?

You don’t need private health insurance to get good healthcare in the UK. The NHS remains a high-quality system and is free at the point of use. However, private insurance can be useful if you:

• Want to skip long NHS waiting lists

• Prefer having your own private room and more flexibility over when and where you're treated

• Are self-employed and want to reduce time off work by accessing treatment more quickly

• Want access to certain drugs or treatments not available on the NHS

It can also provide peace of mind, especially if you have a family or work in a role where long delays for treatment would be disruptive.

Who Doesn’t Need Private Health Insurance?

If you’re young, healthy, and happy to use the NHS, then private cover may be unnecessary. Similarly, if you have existing medical conditions, they may not be covered by a new policy, so the benefits are more limited.

Those with limited budgets may also find that the cost of private insurance doesn’t offer good value for the benefits they would actually use.

The Pros and Cons of Private Health Insurance

Pros

Faster access to diagnosis and treatment
More choice over where and when you're treated
Private rooms and additional comforts
Potential access to drugs or procedures not offered by the NHS

Cons

Monthly or annual premiums can be expensive
Does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions
May still need to use the NHS for emergency or complex care
Some treatments or tests may still be denied by the insurer

How Do I Choose a Private Health Insurance Plan?

Think about what level of cover you want, what you can afford, and which benefits matter most. For example, some people prioritise access to cancer care, while others want good mental health support or fewer limits on outpatient treatment.

Compare providers based on:

• Cover limits and exclusions

• Hospital and consultant access

• Premium cost and excess

• Customer reviews and claims process

Bigger names in the UK include Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, and WPA, but there are also brokers who can help compare quotes.

Alternative Options If You Want to Go Private

If you don’t want full private health insurance but still want access to private care, consider:

• Self-paying for one-off treatments or consultations

• Taking out a health cash plan, which helps with everyday costs like dental, optical, and physio

• Using NHS services but paying privately for specific procedures

• Accessing private healthcare abroad if waiting lists are shorter

These options may offer more flexibility if your needs are limited or one-off rather than ongoing.

Other Types of Insurance to Consider

Depending on your circumstances, other health-related cover could be worth looking into:

• Critical illness cover – Pays out a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness

• Income protection insurance – Replaces a portion of your income if you can’t work due to illness or injury

• Life insurance – Provides for your family if you die during the policy term

These policies offer broader financial protection rather than just access to faster treatment.

Final Thoughts

Private health insurance isn’t essential in the UK, but it can be worth it if you value faster access to care, private treatment, and more control over your healthcare journey. For some people, particularly the self-employed or those with demanding schedules, the speed and convenience may outweigh the cost.

Before committing, weigh up the benefits, costs, and exclusions carefully. Look at what you’d use, what the NHS can provide, and whether a full policy or alternative solution is better value for your needs. If in doubt, speak to a broker or adviser to help compare your options.