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Around 7.46 million people were on an NHS waiting list by the end of 2024, with 6.24 million still waiting for treatment, according to a recent report by the NHS.
While this is a slight decrease from previous months and despite the NHS remaining fundamental in providing healthcare services to all, long wait times have led to increased demand for private medical insurance (PMI), which can provide faster access to treatments.
PMI can help cover the cost of private healthcare, allowing policyholders to avoid long NHS wait times and have more choice over where and when they are treated.
Here are six questions to ask yourself when weighing up whether to take out a PMI policy.
Choose life insurance, health insurance, income protection and/or critical illness cover via LifeSearch and get a £50 John Lewis gift card.
Get a quotePolicy must be active for 90 days before gift card is issued. T&Cs apply.
Pre-existing conditions are health issues that you already have when applying for insurance. These are typically long-term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma or Crohn’s disease.
Having a pre-existing condition doesn't mean you're automatically excluded from getting insurance, but insurers generally won't cover the cost of any treatments related to that condition.
You're also likely to face higher premiums compared to customers who don't have any pre-existing conditions.
By paying for private treatments yourself, you can choose your preferred clinics, consultants and treatment timelines without worrying about the constraints of insurance policies. This flexibility can be helpful if you need specialised or tailored care.
However, opting to self-fund could leave a big dent in your finances. For example, a knee replacement could cost anywhere from £9,000 to more than £16,000. Plus, if something unexpected happens during treatment, you might end up with more bills than you planned for.
With private medical insurance, you pay a monthly premium and in return the insurer contributes towards the costs of private treatment. This helps to reduce the risk of ending up with a shock bill.
Insurance policies also offer access to a network of private healthcare providers and specialists, expanding options for care.
However, since premiums increase as you get older, you might find your policy becomes less affordable over time.
Private health insurance premiums rise as you get older. Younger people may pay a few hundred pounds a year for comprehensive coverage, while premiums for older people can reach into the thousands.
This reflects the greater the risk of needing medical treatment as you age.
Be sure to regularly review your PMI policy. Compare quotes from different insurers to ensure you're getting the best coverage for your age and circumstances.
The table below provides sample quotes for annual insurance costs for two couples, the first couple are both aged 35 and the other couple are 55.
Keep in mind that these are just examples; actual prices may differ based on factors such as the coverage options selected, age and medical background.
| Provider | Policy name | 35-year-old couple | 55-year-old couple | Get a quote* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviva | Healthier Solutions | £1,278 | £1,977 | Use the service provided by LifeSearch |
| BUPA | BUPA By You | £1,136 | £1,953 | Use the service provided by LifeSearch |
| Vitality Health | Personal Healthcare1 | £1,326 | £1,898 | Use the service provided by LifeSearch |
| The Exeter | Health + | £1,321 | £1,904 | Use the service provided by LifeSearch |
Table note: *These are illustrative quotes obtained from LifeSearch in April 2024. 1.Cover for therapies not available online, so it's not included in the quote.
Tailoring the level of cover to your specific needs can help you save money.
Once you've selected a policy, you can start by thinking about your choice of hospitals. Many insurers offer a list to choose from, and opting for a shorter list may lower your costs.
Decide which other aspects of cover are essential to you. For example, reducing or eliminating outpatient cover (consultations, scans or procedures that don't require a stay in hospital) can take hundreds off your annual premium.
Some insurers also offer the option to reduce comprehensive cancer cover. Instead of full coverage, you can choose coverage only for treatments or drugs not available through the NHS.
Adding an excess to your policy is another way to save. By agreeing to pay a portion of the treatment costs yourself, you can lower your premiums. The higher the excess, the lower your premiums - but make sure you can afford the excess if necessary.
Choose life insurance, health insurance, income protection and/or critical illness cover via LifeSearch and get a £50 John Lewis gift card.
Get a quotePolicy must be active for 90 days before gift card is issued. T&Cs apply.
Private medical insurance premiums are typically based on factors such as age, medical history and lifestyle.
Living a healthy lifestyle can suggest to insurers that you pose a lower risk. Regular exercise and healthy habits, which insurers consider when setting premiums, are associated with lower mortality rates and reduced chances of chronic diseases.
A smartwatch or fitness tracker can help you track your activity, though in most cases simply owning one won't directly alter your private medical insurance premium.
Some PMI providers may offer incentives or discounts for policyholders who demonstrate healthy behaviours, such as regular exercise.
Aviva's MyHealthCounts scheme, for example, rewards you with up to 15% off your renewal premium if you're fit and healthy. These programmes might involve using fitness trackers or participating in wellness activities.
Perks such as free cinema tickets or discounted gym memberships are offered with some private medical insurance policies. While these perks can make your PMI experience more enjoyable, they're unlikely to make up for the cost of the policy itself.
It's essential to think about whether these perks align with your needs and preferences. Understanding what perks are available and whether they add value to your policy can help you decide if they're worth it.
While perks can be nice to have, it's important to prioritise cover levels and cost when choosing the right PMI policy for you.
