Compare private health insurance
The UK's leading insurers side by side — what they're best at, what to watch for, and indicative starting prices for a healthy 30-year-old (2026).
| Insurer | Flagship product | Indicative from* | Standout strength | Main consideration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bupa | Bupa By You | £42/month | Market-leading mental health cover, including long-term conditions | Combined outpatient allowance can feel restrictive on lower cover levels | Review → |
| AXA Health | AXA Health Plan | £45/month | Modular design — pay only for the cover blocks you want | Certain conditions carry an extended five-year look-back | Review → |
| Aviva | Healthier Solutions | £50/month | Full cancer cover as standard | A claim over £250 can drop your no-claims discount three levels | Review → |
| Vitality | Personal Healthcare | £54/month | Rewards programme with real-world perks and renewal discounts | Full value depends on engaging with the rewards programme | Review → |
| WPA | Complete Health | £45/month | Not-for-profit, with the market's highest customer satisfaction (around 4.7/5 on Trustpilot) | Joiners aged 66+ face stricter health checks | Review → |
| The Exeter | Health+ | £53/month | Most protective no-claims discount in the market (claims under £300 have no effect) | GP referral required for all claims — no direct access pathways | Review → |
| Freedom Health Insurance | Freedom Elite | £70/month | Postcode-free pricing — often cheaper for London and South East residents | No traditional no-claims discount | Review → |
| National Friendly | My PMI | £67/month | Joiners accepted up to age 85 — the market's highest | Mental health cover is limited (outpatient sessions only, no inpatient) | Review → |
| Saga | Saga Health Insurance | £88/month | Designed for over-50s, underwritten by Bupa | Every claim reduces the no-claims discount by two levels | Review → |
| General & Medical | G&M Elite | £80/month | Optional cover for up to two pre-existing conditions — almost unique in the UK | Virtual GP cannot refer you directly to specialists | Review → |
*Indicative monthly premiums for a healthy 30-year-old on the insurer's flagship personal plan, 2026 (Saga: age 50, over-50s product). Actual prices depend on age, postcode, excess, cover options and underwriting.
How to compare health insurance properly
1. Cover level first
Decide what matters: outpatient limits, mental health, therapies, dental. A cheap policy that excludes what you'll actually use isn't cheap.
2. Understand underwriting
Moratorium vs full medical underwriting changes how pre-existing conditions are treated — and which insurer suits your history.
3. Check the levers
Excess levels, hospital lists, six-week NHS wait options and no-claims structures can cut premiums by a third or more.
Frequently asked questions
How much does private health insurance cost in the UK?
As a guide in 2026, comprehensive cover for a healthy 30-year-old starts around £42–£55 a month, rising to £110–£165 a month at age 60. Age, postcode, excess, outpatient limits and no-claims discounts all move the price significantly — which is why like-for-like comparison matters more than headline prices.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Generally not at first. Most personal policies use a moratorium: conditions from the last five years are excluded until you've been symptom- and treatment-free for a set period (usually two years) after joining. A small number of insurers offer capped options for pre-existing conditions — our General & Medical review covers one.
Is health insurance worth it with NHS waiting lists so long?
That depends on your priorities and budget. With 7.28 million cases on the NHS list and a median wait of 12.4 weeks, many people buy cover for faster diagnosis, choice of consultant and private rooms. Others prefer to self-pay per treatment. Our waiting times guide sets out the trade-offs.
Can I get cover for my family or my business?
Yes — most insurers offer partner and family options with discounts for children, and separate business products cover employees (often with better tax treatment than paying personally). Tell the specialist who calls you back who needs cover and they'll compare the right product type.