Full Cover
Comprehensive PMI covering in-patient, day-patient, and out-patient treatment. Includes specialist consultations, diagnostics, cancer cover, and mental health (where included by the insurer).
Personal private medical insurance gives you faster access to consultants, diagnostics and treatment, without relying on NHS waiting lists. We compare policies from all major providers to find cover that suits your needs and budget.
The scope of cover varies between policies and providers. Understanding what is and is not included is essential before choosing a policy.
Most PMI policies cover the costs of in-patient treatment (requiring an overnight stay) and day-patient procedures (where you are admitted but do not stay overnight) at a private hospital or private ward.
Many policies include or allow you to add out-patient cover, which covers consultations with specialists, diagnostic tests, scans, and follow-up appointments. The scope of out-patient cover varies significantly between policies.
PMI enables you to access consultants and specialists directly or with a GP referral, often with a choice of specialist and hospital, and without the delays associated with NHS referral pathways.
Most comprehensive PMI policies include cancer cover, providing access to private oncology treatment, drugs not always available on the NHS, and specialist cancer care. The scope of cancer cover varies by policy.
Understanding the exclusions is as important as understanding the cover. Your adviser will explain the specific exclusions of any recommended policy before you apply.
Whether pre-existing conditions are covered depends on the underwriting basis. Moratorium underwriting excludes conditions you have experienced in the recent past (typically 5 years). Full medical underwriting (FMU) assesses your full history at outset, exclusions are agreed upfront.
Conditions that are long-term or recurring in nature, such as diabetes, asthma, or arthritis, are typically excluded from PMI. PMI is designed for acute conditions that respond to treatment rather than for ongoing management of chronic illness.
Treatment that is primarily for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons is not covered. Emergency reconstructive surgery following an accident may be covered, but elective cosmetic procedures are not.
Standard GP consultations are usually excluded, though some policies offer a private GP helpline or virtual GP service as an added benefit. Routine health checks and vaccinations are typically not covered.
Cover and exclusions vary significantly between policies. Pre-existing conditions may not be covered depending on the underwriting basis. Your adviser will explain the differences before you apply.
We compare personal private medical insurance from all major providers to find the right balance of cover and cost for your circumstances.
Comprehensive PMI covering in-patient, day-patient, and out-patient treatment. Includes specialist consultations, diagnostics, cancer cover, and mental health (where included by the insurer).
A more focused policy that covers the cost of in-patient treatment but excludes or limits out-patient consultations. Lower premiums than full cover. Often used where a hospital cash plan or NHS services cover out-patient needs.
The most complete level of cover available from a given insurer. Typically includes the widest range of conditions, treatments, mental health benefits, and optional add-ons.
A lower-cost PMI option that prioritises access to private in-patient treatment while limiting out-patient benefits. A practical choice for those seeking core cover at a more accessible premium.
Cover for a single adult. Premiums are based on age, health history, the level of cover selected, and the chosen excess. We compare individual policies across the full market.
Extends cover to a partner and dependent children on a single policy. Often more cost-effective than separate individual policies. Cover levels can sometimes be tailored for each family member.
Moratorium underwriting is faster and requires no detailed medical disclosure at application. Instead, it automatically excludes conditions you have experienced or sought advice for in a set period before the policy start date (typically 5 years). If you remain symptom-free and treatment-free for 2 continuous years after the policy start, those exclusions may fall away. Full medical underwriting (FMU) requires a detailed medical declaration at outset, exclusions are agreed upfront so you know exactly what is and is not covered from day one.
This depends on the underwriting basis. Under moratorium underwriting, conditions arising in the years before the policy start are generally excluded, at least initially. Under full medical underwriting, exclusions for pre-existing conditions are agreed upfront. In either case, conditions you have not experienced or sought advice for are typically covered from the start of the policy.
No. PMI provides an alternative to NHS treatment for the conditions and treatments covered by your policy, typically acute conditions requiring specialist consultation, diagnostic tests, and surgical or medical intervention. The NHS remains available for all your healthcare needs, including emergency care, GP services, and chronic condition management. PMI sits alongside the NHS rather than replacing it.
An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of each claim before the insurer pays the remainder. Choosing a higher excess typically reduces your premium. Excesses can apply per claim or per policy year depending on the insurer. Your adviser will help you choose an excess level that balances premium affordability with the level of financial exposure you are comfortable with.
Yes. Most personal PMI policies allow you to add a partner and dependent children. Adding family members to an existing policy is usually more straightforward than taking out separate policies, and may be more cost-effective. Each family member's health history and age will be taken into account in the premium calculation. Your adviser will compare family PMI options alongside individual policies.
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