Private Medical Insurance

Fast access to treatment when you need it most

Private Medical Insurance helps you get quick access to private healthcare

So you’re not stuck waiting when your health matters most.

You can tailor your cover to suit your needs and budget, including where you’re treated and what’s included.

Key benefits:

  •  Covers the cost of private treatment

  •  Faster diagnosis and treatment

  •  Flexible cover to suit your budget

  •  Choice over where and how you’re treated

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What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private Medical Insurance (PMI), also known as private health insurance, helps cover the cost of private treatment for acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. It can give you faster access to diagnosis and treatment, plus more choice over your specialist and hospital.

Private Medical Insurance typically covers:

  • Hospital admission costs

  • Diagnostic tests (for example MRI and CT scans)

  • Surgery and consultant fees

  • Hospital accommodation and nursing care

  • Cancer treatment options (cover varies by insurer)

Optional extras may include:

  • Outpatient consultations (partial or full)

  • Therapies (partial or full)

  • Mental health cover

  • Physiotherapy

  • Dental, optical and audiology (policy dependent)

Why buy Private Medical Insurance?

PMI can be a valuable supplement to the NHS, helping you access private care sooner for acute issues, with more control over where you’re treated and how quickly you’re seen.

Good to know:

PMI is mainly designed for acute conditions - short-term issues that respond to treatment - and chronic conditions are usually excluded. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, although some insurers may offer limited options at an extra cost. Types of policy include an individual or family policy, or a group policy provided through an employer.

Full Medical Underwriting

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) means you answer health questions when you apply. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, but you are covered for new conditions that start after the policy begins. Be accurate and honest, as mistakes can affect claims. The upside is clarity on what’s covered from day one, although it can take longer than moratorium underwriting.

Moratorium Underwriting

Moratorium underwriting automatically excludes pre-existing conditions from the last five years, so there’s no health questionnaire at application (you’ll only discuss history if you claim). If you go two full years after the policy starts with no symptoms, treatment or advice for a condition, it may become eligible for cover. Chronic conditions that need ongoing treatment are usually never covered.

Group Policy

PMI is provided through your employer and often does not require individual medical disclosure, as it’s underwritten using company-wide factors like workforce age and location. Basic plans typically cover core treatment such as hospital stays and diagnostic tests, with more comprehensive options available. Check with your employer to see what’s included and whether it’s fully funded or offered as part of your benefits.