General & Medical Health Insurance Review 2026: G&M Elite Cover, Cost & Verdict

Overview

General & Medical is a Peterborough-based insurer offering a wide ladder of plans from budget Everyday cover to its comprehensive Elite product. It's known for unusual benefits: Elite includes private childbirth cover, a critical illness cash payment and even a pet boarding allowance while you're in hospital.

Most notably for many buyers, G&M offers an option to cover up to two pre-existing conditions (up to £1,000 each per year) — something almost no other UK insurer will consider at any price.

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Strengths

Optional cover for up to two pre-existing conditions — almost unique in the UK
Private childbirth cover on Elite
Critical illness cash benefit built in
Wide range of plan levels to suit smaller budgets
Distinctive extras like pet boarding allowance

Things to consider

Virtual GP cannot refer you directly to specialists
No traditional no-claims discount
Policy wording contains more discretionary terms than bigger insurers — read carefully

Who is General & Medical best for?

People with a pre-existing condition other insurers won't touch, and buyers wanting unusual benefits like childbirth cover.

What does it cost?

From £80/month. Indicative for a 30-year-old on Elite cover, 2026. Lower-tier Everyday plans cost significantly less.

Frequently asked questions

Can General & Medical really cover pre-existing conditions?

Partially, yes. G&M offers an optional benefit covering up to two nominated pre-existing conditions, up to £1,000 of treatment each per policy year, for an additional premium. It's capped cover rather than full cover — but it's more than almost any other UK insurer offers on personal policies.

What does the childbirth cover include?

Elite includes cover towards private maternity care and childbirth — a benefit essentially absent from mainstream UK health insurance, which treats normal pregnancy as a general exclusion. Limits and waiting periods apply, so anyone buying specifically for this should check the current policy wording and qualifying periods carefully.

How do G&M's cheaper plans compare?

The Everyday range strips back outpatient limits and hospital choice in exchange for much lower premiums, sitting closer to a budget plan than comprehensive cover. They can suit people who mainly want inpatient surgical cover and faster diagnosis, but compare the limits carefully against mid-tier plans from bigger insurers.

Compare General & Medical side by side

See General & Medical next to another insurer — Defaqto rating, Trustpilot score, price, underwriting and key benefits in one table.

Is General & Medical right for your situation?

Our guides explain what to look for depending on your age, health and who needs cover.

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Dr Compare provides general information about private health insurance and introduces enquirers to authorised insurance intermediaries. We do not give financial advice or personal recommendations. Product details, prices and waiting time figures are indicative, based on publicly available information, and may change — always check policy documents before buying. Guide prices for private treatment are illustrative and vary by provider, location and individual circumstances.

General & Medical Health Insurance Review