What Is The UK’s Best Health Insurance In 2024?

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15/11/2024
10 mins

Finding the best Health Insurance can be tricky. There are a range of different insurers and plans available, each with their own unique policy options and levels of cover. This can make the decision-making process overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Not all policies are equal, and some will align more closely with your own specific needs and circumstances. With this in mind, it’s important to understand how they differ and what key factors to consider before taking out cover.

What Is Health Insurance?

Although different providers offer different types of cover, at its core, all Health Insurance is the same. It provides you with private medical care so you don’t have to rely solely on the NHS.

By going private, you enjoy far shorter waiting times, often with a choice of consultants, treatment, and facilities that are convenient for you. When it comes to finding Health Insurance, here are the need-to-knows:

  • The “best” Health Insurance will differ from person to person – it all depends on your unique situation
  • The cheapest policy isn’t always the best one for your needs
  • Adjusting aspects of a policy can bring costs down (such as raising the excess or choosing a lower level of cover), but a stripped-back policy isn’t often that useful
  • Each insurer does things differently, so taking the time to compare policies and quotes is a must.

5 Minute Video Guide To Private Health Insurance In The UK

Get the rundown on Private Health Insurance and what to consider before buying a policy in just five minutes 👇

Is Health Insurance Worth It?

We’re extremely lucky in the UK to have access to free healthcare through the National Health Service. However, not all services and treatments are available on it, and waiting times are getting longer due to resource and budget constraints.

Private Health Insurance offers you peace of mind, knowing that should you need treatment, you’ll get it quickly – and in some of the best facilities. It can give you access to:

  • New drugs and emerging treatments that may not yet be available on the NHS
  • Private hospitals with superior facilities, e.g. private, ensuite rooms and round-the-clock visiting hours
  • Fully paid-for treatment by your insurer (less any excess).

Which Health Insurance Is Best In The UK?

The UK has a few major Private Health Insurance providers to choose from, each with their own unique policy types, pricing structure, and underwriting process.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to insurance. The “best” Health Insurance for you won’t necessarily be the best for someone else, as it all depends on your unique situation. That’s why it’s important to compare quotes and policies from different providers. And the cheapest quote isn’t always the best.

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GOOD TO KNOW 🤓
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Who Are The 7 Top Health Insurance Companies UK?

To guide you in finding the best fit, we’ve reviewed the top six Private Health Insurance providers, outlining the pros and cons of each along with customer feedback.

Aviva

Aviva Health Insurance Provider Logo

Aviva is one of the UK’s leading insurance providers, offering a wide range of financial services such as insurance, investments, pensions, and retirement planning.

Healthier Solutions is Aviva’s private health insurance plan for individuals and families in the UK. The core policy is robust, while offering the flexibility to customise it with a range of optional add-ons to suit your specific needs.

Pros And Cons Of Aviva Health Insurance

Pros

Good Mental Health Treatment
Up to £2,000 of GP-referred outpatient mental health treatment

Wide Hospital Network
Aviva’s partnerships offer treatment in a wide variety of private hospital networks

High Excess
Aviva’s £3,000 and £5,000 excesses are the highest available. If you can afford them, they’ll significantly cut premiums

Cons

👎

Limited Therapies Cover
Cover is standard with outpatient care, but only by a specialist’s referral

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Limited Virtual GP Sessions
Only five virtual GP sessions included as standard

What Aviva Customers Say

With no upper age limit and a renewal price guarantee, Aviva is popular with families and older people looking for the best value Health Insurance. Aviva currently has over 38,000 reviews on Trustpilot (72% of them giving 5⭐), giving them an average “Great” score of 4.1/5 stars. Note that this is for the company as a whole, rather than just the Health Insurance division.

Read our expert review of Aviva Health Insurance, or get a quote online in 60 seconds.


AXA Health Insurance

Aviva Health Insurance Provider Logo

Axa Health is part of one of the world’s biggest and most recognised insurance groups. Its main Health Insurance plan, Personal Health, offers a great hospital network, leading cancer care, and flexible options.

The plan is modular, meaning you can customise it with more options and add-ons than most other policies to fit your needs.

Pros And Cons Of AXA Health Insurance

Pros

High Excess
High excess of £5,000 available when you choose full outpatient cover. If you can afford it, this will significantly cut premiums

Excellent Cancer Care
Comprehensive cover includes proton beam therapy in limited circumstances for certain cancers, which is rarely available elsewhere

Virtual GP 
Digital GP appointments included as standard

Cons

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NHS Cancer Support for Pre-Existing Cancer
If you’ve had cancer before taking out a policy, AXA typically only offers NHS Cancer Support

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Limited Therapies Option
Therapies option is limited in scope, and isn’t included as standard or with outpatient cover

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Limited Hospital Network
Limited network of hospitals compared to other insurers

What Axa Customers Say

With a good choice of hospitals and options to customise your policy, Axa is popular with those wanting some flexibility with their Health Insurance. Axa currently has over 12,000 reviews on Trustpilot (67% of them giving 5⭐), giving them an average “Great” score of 4.2/5 stars.

Read our expert review of Axa Health Insurance, or get a quote online in 60 seconds.


Bupa Health Insurance

Bupa Health Insurance Provider Logo

Bupa is a leading private health insurer in the UK, known for its Bupa By You Comprehensive plan. A key feature is Bupa Direct Access, allowing you to bypass the GP for concerns like cancer, mental health, or minor aches and sprains.

Unlike many insurers, Bupa has no shareholders, so it reinvests profits back into its services. As a global company, Bupa offers healthcare through an extensive network of hospitals, clinics, dental centres, and care homes worldwide, making it more than just an insurance provider. Bupa also won the Best Individual Insurance Provider and Best Customer Service Delivery at the 2024 Health and Protection Awards.

Pros And Cons Of Bupa Health Insurance

Pros

Mental Health Cover
Full cover for inpatient and outpatient mental healthcare as standard

Easy Claims Process
Easiest claims process; policyholders don’t need GP referral (for certain concerns such as cancer, mental health, and musculoskeletal)

Excellent Cancer Cover
Best cancer care cover in the UK; offers experimental treatment

Broad Hospital Network
Huge network of private hospitals to have treatment in

24/7 Remote GP
24/7 remote GP access and one dental appointment per year at a Bupa facility

Cons

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No Protection For No Claims
No option to protect your no claims discount

What Bupa Customers Say

With a huge network of hospitals and the best cancer cover in the UK, Bupa is a tried and tested household name when it comes to Health Insurance. Bupa currently has over 26,000 reviews on Trustpilot (69% of them giving 5⭐), giving them an average “Excellent” score of 4.3/5 stars.

Read our expert review of Bupa Health Insurance, or get a quote online in 60 seconds.


The Exeter Health Insurance

The Exeter Health Insurance Provider Logo

Founded in 1927, The Exeter is a “mutual society”, meaning it’s owned by its members and not by shareholders.

Alongside its Health Insurance products, The Exeter also offers Life Insurance and Income Protection.

Pros And Cons Of The Exeter Health Insurance

Pros

Unlimited Virtual GP
Unlimited virtual GP appointments

Speech Therapy & Pain Management Included
Speech therapy and pain management included as part of therapies cover; this is rare in the market

Community Friendly
Community friendly, can provide paper forms as well as online apps

Cons

👎

No Optical Or Dental Option
No option to add routine optical and dental cover to your policy

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Smaller Insurer
As a smaller insurer, The Exeter doesn’t necessarily have the deep pockets of its larger rivals

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Basic Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment is more basic than some larger rivals

What The Exeter Customers Say

With unlimited Virtual GP appointments and inclusive processes, The Exeter is popular with those looking for convenient health cover. The Exeter currently has almost 1,000 reviews on Trustpilot (75% of them giving 5⭐), giving them an average “Excellent” score of 4.3/5 stars.

Read our expert review of The Exeter Health Insurance, or get a quote online in 60 seconds.


Freedom Health Insurance

Freedom Health Insurance Provider Logo

A family-run business since 2003, Freedom Health Insurance is an independent insurer, taking a caring approach to personal protection. They are one of few providers who offer ‘No location-based pricing’ which means they don’t base cost on your postcode.

Freedom Elite is the company’s main Health Insurance offering. However, it also offers Freedom Essentials, which provides a fixed cash benefit with no annual limit for eligible inpatient and day-patient treatment.

Pros And Cons Of Freedom Health Insurance

Pros

Extended Psychiatric Cover
The psychiatric optional add-on covers 45 days of inpatient treatment per year, the longest on the market

Extended Home Nursing Cover
Home nursing after an eligible inpatient procedure is available for up to 13 weeks, far longer than with most other insurers

Family Friendly Option
Great option for families: children can remain on a policy up to 25 years of age

Cons

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Limited Outpatient Tests
Limits on outpatient diagnostic tests such as X-rays and blood tests of £750 per policy year, even with full outpatient cover. Most providers cover these in full with outpatient care

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Smaller Insurer
As a smaller insurer, Freedom doesn’t necessarily have the deep pockets of its larger rivals

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Basic Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment is more basic than some larger rivals

What Freedom Health Customers Say

As a new player in the Private Health market, Freedom Health is well-suited to families due to their child-friendly policies. Freedom Health currently has over 60 reviews on Trustpilot (67% of them giving 5⭐), giving them an average “Great” score of 3.8/5 stars.

Read our expert review of Freedom Health Insurance, or get a quote online in 60 seconds.


WPA Health Insurance

WPA Health Insurance Provider Logo

WPA is a non-profit that’s been around since 1901, offering Health Insurance as their sole product. WPA believes seeing a specialist should be a clinical decision, not a commercial one, so they allow customers to choose when, where, and who handles their treatment.

Their flagship product “Complete Health” is designed to make it easy for customers to personalise their policy, offering plenty of flexibility to match individual needs.

Pros And Cons Of WPA Health Insurance

Pros

Customisable Cover
Customisable cover, with modular plans that include £350 of outpatient treatment as standard

Excellent Hospital Network
One of the best hospital networks on the market, with only a few exclusions in Central London

Specialist Recommended
Loved by specialists, 62% of private consultants commend WPA, as well as being rated as the easiest insurer to deal with

Cons

👎

No Guided Care
No “guided care” option to bring the cost of premiums down

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Basic Mental Health Cover
Mental health cover not as good as other insurers on the market

What WPA Customers Say

With its clinical-first approach and customisable plans, WPA is popular with those looking for more control over their healthcare. WPA currently has over 3,400 reviews on Trustpilot (88% of them giving 5⭐), giving them an average “Excellent” score of 4.6/5 stars.


Vitality Health Insurance

Vitality Health Insurance Provider Logo

In 2014, Discovery Holdings bought out Prudential and rebranded its UK operations to VitalityHealth and VitalityLife.

VitalityHealth was the first insurer to reward people for healthy living, offering a wide range of rewards (such as discounts and gifts) to encourage people to maintain and improve long-term health.

Pros And Cons Of Vitality Health Insurance

Pros

Mental Health Therapies As Standard
Access to mental health therapies as standard, with up to eight sessions per year

Rewards & Discounts
Can earn great rewards and discounts through adopting a healthy lifestyle

Offers Select Surgeries
One of the few insurers offering surgery such as breast reduction and weight loss procedures. While it’s subject to you paying 25% of the cost and meeting strict eligibility criteria, it’s an option few other insurers offer

Cons

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Low Excess Options
Highest excess available is £1,000. Other insurers have higher excesses; if you can afford this and want to keep costs down it might make more sense to choose another provider

👎

Limited Digital GP Hours
Digital GP service isn’t 24/7 (although there is a free 24/7 GP telephone helpline, which you can also use while abroad)

What Vitality Customers Say

With its leading perks system, Vitality is popular with those who want incentives for building good habits. Vitality currently has over 45,000 reviews on Trustpilot (69% of them giving 5⭐), giving them an average “Excellent” score of 4.3/5 stars.

Read our expert review of Vitality Health Insurance, or get a quote online in 60 seconds.

Health Insurance Product Reviews

Our expert in-depth review of each of the UK's leading providers

Which Private Health Company Has The Best Reviews?

When it comes to choosing private health insurance, understanding which provider has the best reviews can be invaluable.

Customer reviews offer insights into real experiences, helping you evaluate everything from ease of claiming and customer service to the value and benefits provided.

Provider Reviews

Here are the top-rated private health companies based on customer reviews from Trustpilot:

Provider Average Score Number Of Reviews
WPA 4.6/5 3,448
Bupa 4.3/5 26,612
Vitality 4.3/5 45,254
The Exeter 4.3/5 912
Axa 4.2/5 12,524
Aviva 4.1/5 38,633
Freedom Health Insurance 3.8/5 62

What Do The Best Private Health Insurance Policies Cover?

Even the best Private Healthcare won’t cover you for everything. It’s vital to understand what’s offered as standard, the optional extras, and what isn’t included.

Acute Conditions

Firstly, a Health Insurance policy will only cover you for acute conditions. These are conditions which are short term and can be cured with treatment. Chronic conditions (such as diabetes and heart disease) won’t be covered.

Cancer Cover

All health insurance cover will include cancer care as standard. This will give you access to cutting-edge treatment that isn’t yet available on the NHS, along with comprehensive care management.

Inpatient And Outpatient Treatments

What your policy will actually cover (in terms of acute conditions) will depend on the level of protection you put in place. All medical treatment is split into two categories: inpatient and outpatient, and there are distinct differences between the two.

All Health Insurance policies will include inpatient treatment as standard (any care that requires a hospital bed or overnight stay). However, your options for outpatient treatment will need to be added to your policy.

Do I Need Outpatient Cover?

You don’t have to add outpatient cover to your Private Health Insurance, and having little or no outpatient cover means your premiums will be lower. However, without it you’ll have to rely on the NHS for outpatient scans and diagnostics. This can often slow down access to private inpatient care.

Best Policy Add-Ons

Outside of the core policy features mentioned above, it’s important to look at the additional extras that policies offer. Some may provide more flexibility when it comes to what can be added outside of core cover. When comparing insures look to see if you can add any of the following:

  • Therapies Cover
    Therapy policy options include things like physiotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractor appointments. Insurers may include it with outpatient cover or add all therapies for an extra premium
  • Dental & Optical Cover
    Dental and optical cover is always an optional extra for an additional premium. It includes routine dental (e.g. checkups, fillings, crowns etc.) and optical care (checkups, money towards glasses / contact lenses). It reimburses you a set amount towards treatment rather than paying in full
  • Mental Healthcare
    Mental health policy options include private health treatment from a psychiatrist / psychologist in a private psychiatric facility. One major insurer offers this as standard, but most have it as an optional add-on for an extra premium.

Additional Benefits

All Health Insurance policies pay for private medical care. Alongside that, most insurers offer a range of extra benefits which can take your cover from basic to comprehensive. These might include:

  • 24/7 virtual GP services
  • Medical helpline staffed by trained nurses for more minor medical concerns
  • Mental health support helpline
  • Gym discounts
  • A cash benefit if you opt for NHS inpatient care for a condition the policy covers rather using your insurance
  • A baby bonus if you have a child during your policy
  • Parent accommodation for one of your children (who the policy covers) if they require private inpatient care.

EXPERT TIP 🤓
Not all Private Health Insurance companies offer the same additional benefits, so it’s best to check these out insurer by insurer.

What Level Of Cover Is Best?

The level you cover you choose for your policy will determine the conditions you can claim for. In general, insurers tend to categorise their Health Insurance products in the following way:

  • Basic Health Insurance
    Basic Health Insurance only pays for inpatient care and doesn’t offer any outpatient care at all
  • Mid-Range Cover
    Mid-Range covers some outpatient treatment up to a set monetary limit per year. The insurer offers a range of choices for this limit, such as £500, £1,000 or £1,500 a year
  • Comprehensive Health Insurance
    As the name suggests, Comprehensive Health Insurance is the best health cover if you want total peace of mind. These plans pay for all eligible inpatient and outpatient care in full.

BUDGET CHECK ✅
While Comprehensive Health Insurance policies provide the highest level of outpatient cover, they’re also the most expensive. If you’re limited by budget, look at a mid-range plan, as having some outpatient cover is better than having none at all. Guided care options (where your insurer recommends certain treatment paths) can also reduce premiums by as much as 25%.

Which Underwriting Is Best?

Health Insurance underwriting refers to the way an insurer assesses your medical history to decide whether they’ll cover you. There are two types: moratorium underwriting and full medical underwriting:

  • Moratorium Underwriting
    This is the most popular form of underwriting. It excludes any medical condition for which you’ve previously had any advice, treatment, or medication in the last five years. However, your insurer will usually reassess your situation two years into your policy, and if you’ve not made any claims for those conditions, they’ll reconsider your cover.
  • Full Medical Underwriting
    This type of underwriting examines your entire medical history before you take out the policy, excluding any and all pre-existing conditions. This way, you’ll know exactly what you are and aren’t covered for from the outset, but it’s harder to get exclusions removed.

Ultimately, the best option for you depends on your unique medical history. You can read more about the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting, or call us on 02074425880 for free advice.

What’s The Best Way To Buy Health Insurance?

You have two ways to set up Private Health Insurance, and one provides far more protection than the other.

  • Option 1: Go directly to an insurer
    When you go directly through an insurer, it’s what’s called a “non-advised sale”. This means that the insurer only provides you with information on a policy, and has no liability if it turns out to be unsuitable for you. You’ll also need to hunt around for deals yourself, comparing lengthy policy documents to see how they stack up.
  • Option 2 (the smart choice 😉): Buy through an expert adviser
    When you buy Health Insurance through an independent adviser (like our experts at Drewberry), you’re fully protected by the Financial Conduct Authority. They know the market inside out, so can find the right cover at the right price, breaking down jargon into plain English so you know exactly what you’re buying.

EXPERT TIP 🤓
An adviser will do all the heavy lifting for you, but they’ll also provide an advised sale. If their advice is not appropriate and the policy isn’t suitable, you’re financially protected. It is especially important to get advice if you have pre-existing conditions or a complex medical history. Give us a call on 02074425880 or email help@drewberry.co.uk to chat through your options.

Average Cost Of Health Insurance

Insurance is a highly personal thing to buy, so what you’ll pay for a policy depends on your unique circumstances.

Ultimately, the more comprehensive Health Insurance becomes, the more you’ll pay each month. For example, choosing add-ons such as psychiatric care or access to the best private hospitals in central London will bump up the cost.

Example Quotes

To give you an idea of how much Health Insurance costs, we’ve put together some example quotes, based on two healthy non-smokers of different ages, looking for mid-range cover with a £250 excess.

Age & Cost

UK Insurer WPA Logo UK Insurer Freedom Logo UK Insurer Bupa Logo

Age 25

£33.48

£50.37

£50.61

Age 35

£50.42

£60.64

£62.97

Quotes correct as off Oct 2024

Health insurance costs can vary widely depending on your age, lifestyle, and the level of cover you choose. It’s important to remember that while a lower premium might seem attractive initially, it may not offer the comprehensive protection you need.

Balancing affordability with adequate cover is key—this is where expert guidance can really make a difference, helping you find the best policy for your circumstances and budget.

Alex Weir
Independent Health & Protection Expert

Common Private Medical Insurance Questions

  • What level of policy excess is best?

    The health insurance policy excess is the amount you agree to pay upfront towards any treatment costs. You can choose from a zero excess, where the insurer covers the entire bill, to higher levels, with some providers offering options up to £5,000.

    Typically, the higher your excess, the lower your monthly premiums, which can make a higher excess a more cost-effective choice. However, the best excess for you will depend on your personal circumstances. While a higher excess can reduce your premiums, it also means a larger out-of-pocket payment if you need treatment, so consider what balance works best for your budget and healthcare needs.

  • How do I make sure I keep the best Private Health Insurance?

    Your insurer will write to you annually when your private health insurance is up for renewal.

    Each year you may find your premiums rise slightly. This is typically down to medical inflation, which reflects the growing cost of procedures, drugs and treatments.

    It’s vitally important you regularly review your policy and premiums to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

    As part of our service at Drewberry, we take care of this for all our clients. If we find you cheaper or better cover elsewhere, we’ll also be able to help you switch insurers.

  • How do I make sure I get treatment in the best facilities?

    To ensure you receive treatment in the best facilities, it’s helpful to understand how insurers structure their hospital lists. Health Insurance providers typically organise hospitals into tiers, with the highest tier granting access to world-class private facilities. Policies that include this top tier allow you to receive treatment in some of the UK’s most prestigious healthcare centres, which offer advanced treatments and specialist care. These facilities are often based in London.

    If keeping costs down is a priority, many insurers also offer options to select from lower-tier hospital lists. These tiers provide access to excellent facilities outside of Central London and in other major cities, but with a reduced range of prestigious centres. Opting for a smaller hospital list can make your policy more affordable without sacrificing quality healthcare, so it’s worth balancing the level of access you want with your budget.

Compare Best Private Health Insurance Quotes And Get Expert Advice

Finding the best Private Health Insurance isn’t easy. There are multiple policy options to look at, all of which affect the cost of premiums and the coverage available.

At Drewberry, searching for the best Health Insurance is what we get out of bed for. We do this every day, so we’ve got the expertise to find you the right policy at the right price.

For expert help and fee-free advice, give us a call on 02074425880 or email help@drewberry.co.uk.

Why Speak to Us…

We started Drewberry™ because we were tired of being treated like a number.

We all deserve a first class service when it comes to issues as important as protecting our health. Below are just a few reasons why it makes sense to talk to us.

  • There is no fee for our service
  • We are an award winning 🏆 independent insurance broker who works with all the leading UK insurers
  • You’ll speak to a dedicated expert from start to finish
  • We are very proud of the 3893 and growing independent client reviews rating us at 4.92 / 5
  • Claims support when you need it most.
  • We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can find us on the financial services register here 🧐
  • Claims support when you need it most.

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