Health insurance growing in popularity - how do you get the best value cover?

Private hospital admissions reached a record 953,000 in 2025, according to figures published by the Private Healthcare Information Network in June 2026.

Of these, 670,000 were funded through private medical insurance, also the highest number on record.

Private health insurance can offer quicker access to treatment and more choice over where you’re treated, but costs and cover vary widely.

Here, Which? looks at the different types of cover available and how to keep costs down.

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• Find out more: Health insurance for over-60s

Does private medical insurance help you jump NHS queues?

Private medical insurance doesn’t give you a golden ticket to jump NHS waiting lists. Instead, it gives you access to the private healthcare system, which operates separately from the NHS, though some consultants and hospitals work in both.

With PMI, you may be seen more quickly because it can be faster to book a private GP appointment and get referred for treatment. 

This is one of the main reasons people choose private cover. However, it won’t shorten the wait to see your NHS GP or to access NHS services - those queues remain the same for everyone.

• Find out more: best private health insurance 2026

What are the different types of health insurance?

Different policies offer different levels of cover, and the right choice depends on your needs and budget. Broadly, there are two main types:

• Comprehensive cover: this usually includes in-patient and day-patient treatment (such as surgery), as well as out-patient consultations, tests and follow-up care. It may also cover therapies, mental health support and cancer drugs not routinely available on the NHS.
• Basic or treatment-only cover: this tends to focus on in-patient care, such as hospital stays and surgery. It is cheaper than comprehensive policies but typically won’t cover outpatient consultations or diagnostic tests.

Many insurers let you tailor cover further. For example, you can limit the list of hospitals you use, add or remove cancer cover, or choose a higher excess to lower your premium.

• Find out more: is private health insurance worth it? 

5 ways to buy cheap private health insurance

If you decide to take out private medical insurance (PMI), there are ways to keep costs down without leaving yourself underprotected. Here are some practical tips:

1. Be realistic about your cover needs: PMI policies vary widely, from basic in-patient cover to comprehensive plans that include out-patient tests, therapies and access to every private hospital. Cutting back on options you don't need, such as full out-patient cover or an extensive hospital list, can reduce your premium by hundreds of pounds a year. Just make sure the cover you keep reflects what matters most to you.
2. Add an excess or co-payment: agreeing to share some of the costs if you make a claim lowers what you pay upfront. An excess means you pay a set amount, while a co-payment is a percentage of the bill, usually with an upper limit. This can make your policy cheaper, but you need to be confident you could afford the amount if you required treatment.
3. Use rewards and perks: Many insurers encourage healthy living by offering discounts or rewards. Some give money off your renewal if you stay active, while others provide perks like discounted gym memberships, free dental check-ups or cinema tickets. These benefits may not reduce your premium directly, but they can save you money in other areas of your life.
4. Look for sign-up offers: some insurers and comparison sites advertise cashback or vouchers when you take out a policy. These are a nice bonus, but they should not distract you from checking whether the policy itself offers the right protection. A voucher will not make up for poor or missing cover.
5. Get advice before switching providers: unlike car or home insurance, moving to a cheaper PMI provider is not always straightforward. If pre-existing conditions are covered under your current policy, a new insurer may exclude them. A broker can help you compare the details and make sure you do not swap lower premiums for reduced protection.

• Find out more: How to claim on your private health insurance