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Private medical insurance perks: what's on offer and are they worth it?
Discounts on coffee, savings on gym membership, free cinema tickets – we compare providers to reveal what benefits you might get
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The latest figures from the Association of British Insurers, published in January 2026, show that a record 6.5 million people were covered by private medical insurance in 2024, up 4% on the previous year.
If you're thinking of taking out a policy this year, the level of coverage you can get and the price you have to pay will be a priority, but it's also worth weighing up the extras insurance companies throw in to set themselves apart.
Here, Which? dives into what perks the top health insurance providers are offering.
- Find out more: best private health insurance
What private health insurance policy perks can you get?
Below, we’ve rounded up the perks available from five major private medical insurers and given an illustrative quote for each provider.
We used Go.Compare to create illustrative quotes for a 35-year-old non-smoker living in Bristol, but remember the cost of private medical insurance (PMI) will vary depending on your age, pre-existing medical conditions and where you live.
The providers are listed in alphabetical order.
Interested in keeping track of your activity levels? Read our reviews on the best fitness trackers.
Aviva health insurance perks 2026
With 19.5 million customers in the UK, Ireland and Canada, Aviva is the largest general insurer in the UK.
Illustrative policy cost: £48.40 per month
Aviva offers My Healthy Discount, which could save you up to 15% on your first-year premium, though this discount is reduced on future renewals.
What are the main perks on offer? Aviva Get Active offers savings on gym services, discounted lifestyle products and offers at more than 3,500 nationwide health and fitness clubs. These include both independent and larger chain gyms and health clubs, so discounts can vary.
It also offers discounts on online exercise subscriptions such as Les Mills on demand and services such as Peloton and FiiT.
- Find out more about Aviva using the service provided by LifeSearch
Axa health insurance perks 2026
Axa Health is one of the biggest health insurers in the UK.
Illustrative policy cost: £25.97 per month
What are the main perks on offer? Access to discounted gym memberships, such as up to 40% off a Nuffield Health monthly individual membership or 40% off online-only gym membership. Members can also save up to 40% off at Hussle with a Monthly+ pass.
Additionally, AXA Health have a refer-a-friend scheme. When members refer a friend who takes out a private health insurance plan, both receive a reward within 70 days of their purchase. They can choose from a £100 Amazon or M&S e-gift card. This offer is open to new AXA Health members.
- Find out more about Axa Health using the service provided by LifeSearch
Bupa health insurance perks 2026
Bupa is a leading healthcare specialist in the UK.
Illustrative policy cost: £30.60 per month
What are the main perks on offer? Bupa consumer health insurance policies include a free annual dental appointment at a Bupa Dental Care practice, along with a £300 allowance per person towards restorative treatments such as crowns or fillings. This benefit applies to new policies and renewals taken out from 1 August 2024.
Members can also access Bupa Rewards, which includes 40% off a Hussle Monthly+ gym pass and 20% off Bupa Health Assessments. Those considering Bupa’s Weight Management Plan may be eligible for a free GP consultation and 10% off monthly plan costs.
In addition, Bupa offers a range of retail discounts through its rewards platform.
- Find out more about Bupa using the service provided by LifeSearch
Vitality health insurance perks 2026
Vitality Health is a UK-based private health insurance provider known for its active rewards scheme.
Illustrative policy cost: £54.37 per month
What perks are on offer? Vitality Health has a fairly extensive rewards system. You sign up for a plan, track your activity with a smartwatch or fitness tracker to earn points and get rewarded.
It offers the Apple Watch Series 10 from £39 upfront, and by staying active you can earn 160 activity points per month (equivalent to 12,500 steps, five times a week), which will reduce your Apple Watch payments to zero. If you don't reach 160 points, Vitality offers a contribution towards your Apple Watch based on your level of activity. If you're not active, however, you may end up paying the full price.
On top of this, Vitality offers 50% off monthly gym membership fees with one of their gym partners, which includes Nuffield Health, PureGym or Virgin Active; and a 50% discount on a pair of running shoes from SportsShoes.com each plan year, and exclusive online savings on Gymshark clothing. You can also earn up to £1,026 cashback on a Peloton Tread, or up to £630 cashback on a Peloton Bike or Bike+ (Peloton offered as an alternative to gym membership).
Popular perks also include weekly complimentary beverages at Caffè Nero, monthly cinema tickets at Vue or Odeon, access to Rakuten TV, and spa breaks.
- Find out more about Vitality using the service provided by LifeSearch
WPA health insurance perks 2026
WPA – which stands for the Western Provident Association – is a not-for-profit private medical insurer, founded in 1901. It specialises in health insurance.
Illustrative policy cost: £49.43 per month
What are the main perks on offer? 40% off gyms near you with Hussle, up to 20% off FitBit fitness devices, a 20% discounted gym membership and health assessments at Nuffield Gym.
It also offers a 25% discount on FiiT, the online exercise subscription, as well as a £20 voucher off Specsavers when spending at least £99 in store, and £50 off digital hearing aids.
- Find out more about WPA using the service provided by LifeSearch
Are the perks that come with PMI really worth it?
Although these rewards might catch your eye, it's important to think about whether they truly add value compared to the cost of your premium. Finding the right policy that covers your needs is key, regardless of the perks it offers.
Which? can help you compare providers. We've surveyed private health insurance customers who have claimed on their policy to provide scores and star ratings that can give you an idea of the service before signing up.
The perks listed here aren't comprehensive. This means you might get more - or sometimes less - than what’s advertised. Always make sure to choose the insurance policy that best fits your needs.
Member exclusive: get health cover, get a £100 John Lewis gift card
Yours when you choose a health insurance policy via LifeSearch.
Compare and chooseOffer ends 1 April 2026, policy must be active for 90 days before gift card is issued, T&Cs apply.
Do I need PMI?
The NHS provides comprehensive healthcare services without charge when you need them, but a growing number of people are opting to go private to avoid long waiting lists.
But paying to go private for one-off treatments can be expensive. For example, surgeries like hip or knee replacements can easily cost more than £10,000.
With private medical insurance, you can avoid these big one-off costs and have more options as to when and where you can receive treatment, along with the convenience of quicker access to care.
- Find out more: 6 questions to ask before taking out private medical insurance.
