Compare Private Health Insurance

Whether private health insurance is worth it depends on your circumstances — what matters to you, your budget and how you feel about NHS waiting times. Read our full “is it worth it” guide for a more detailed look.

Private health insurance doesn't usually cover pre-existing conditions. Most policies only cover new conditions that start after your policy begins, though some insurers may offer cover for certain pre-existing conditions after a symptom-free period — always check with your insurer.

The difference between health insurance and critical illness cover is what each pays out for: private health insurance helps pay for private medical treatment if you fall ill and is usually renewed each year, while critical illness cover pays out a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a serious illness listed in your policy and is typically bought as a long-term policy.

You can still benefit from private health insurance even if you have NHS cover. PMI is an additional option for those who want faster access to treatment, more choice over hospitals and consultants, or cover for care the NHS doesn't provide.

Private health insurance typically covers inpatient treatment (such as surgery and hospital stays) and day-patient procedures as standard, with outpatient care — tests, consultations and follow-ups — often available as an add-on. Optional extras such as home nursing, cancer cover and dental care can usually be added too, though cover varies between insurers, so it's worth checking the details of any policy before you buy.

There isn't a single best private health insurance policy in the UK — the right cover depends on your age, medical history, budget and what matters most to you, whether that's a wider hospital network, dental cover or lower monthly cost. Comparing quotes lets you weigh these factors up and choose the policy that best fits your own circumstances.

The difference between private health insurance and a healthcare cash plan is what each is designed to cover: private health insurance covers the bigger costs — planned operations, specialist consultations, scans and treatment you might otherwise wait for on the NHS — while a healthcare cash plan doesn't cover major treatment or let you skip NHS waiting lists, and instead reimburses smaller, everyday costs like dental check-ups, eye tests and physiotherapy up to a set limit, usually with you paying first and claiming back. Cash plans are usually cheaper, but aren't a substitute for PMI if you want cover for serious or planned treatment.