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Health Insurance FAQs

Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions around private health insurance in the UK. If you have any other questions that aren’t answered below, just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!

Are newborns covered under private health insurance?

Some providers will cover your newborns, depending on the policy, therefore a family health insurance policy may be the most suitable option if you’d like this feature. If you currently have couples or family cover, some insurers may provide free cover for your baby for a period of time depending on your policy’s terms and conditions

Are there any age restrictions to private health insurance?

The minimum age that you can purchase a health insurance policy in the UK is 18, and the maximum age will vary per provider. However, you may be able to cover individuals under 18 by purchasing a child only policy or by them being included within a family insurance policy.

Can I cancel my health insurance policy at any time?

You will always have the option to cancel your health insurance policy; however, you may not be refunded the policy premium, and additional fees may apply. This varies by provider and policy, so we recommend that you speak to a specialist to help you understand the cost. If you are within the cooling off period of your policy, which is often 14-days after receiving your welcome pack or making your first payment, then you are able to cancel your policy and receive a refund, minus any administrative fees or costs incurred during the 14-day period that you were covered.

Can I get health insurance if I’m over 50?

Many health insurance providers will cover the over 50s, but the terms of your policy will depend on your previous medical history and other important information. We recommend that you speak to an independent broker to understand the different options available to you.

Can I get health insurance with my partner?

You may have the option of taking out a single, couples, or family health insurance policy with your partner. This means that you’ll both be insured under the same policy, including the coverage terms and exclusions.

Can I make my health insurance premiums cheaper?

You may be able to lower the cost of your health insurance premium by reducing your coverage level, or by choosing options such as the NHS 6-week wait policy. The price of your policy depends on many factors, some of which you cannot change to reduce your premium, such as the age of the policyholders. We recommend that you speak to an independent broker and ask them about ways to reduce the cost of your premium.

Can I change or switch health insurance providers?

You can cancel your existing policy at any time, however, you may not be refunded. Unless you are in your cooling off period, and additional admins fees may be incurred. This means that switching to a new provider during your policy year may not be the best option for you and waiting until near your renewal date may be better than switching straight away. In addition, your current health status needs to be considered as this may also mean that switching providers is not the best option for you.

Can I use my health insurance straight away?

Your policy documents will Indicate the start and end date of your cover, subject to payment of premiums. Speak to your provider or your assigned broker, as they’ll help you to understand when your coverage comes into effect, dependent on premium collection date.

Do I have to get health insurance through my employer?

No, health insurance is available under individual policies as well as through employment. The type of policy you purchase will be different, but you will have similar options when it comes to the type of cover you purchase.

Do I have to pay excess on my private health insurance?

When negotiating your policy, you may have the option to increase or decrease the amount of excess you pay in the event of a claim. If you select a policy with no excess, this will increase your monthly premium payments, and we advise that you compare the increased costs with the excess you would otherwise pay.

Does health insurance cover all treatments?

The treatments you’re eligible for will be outlined in your policy. If you’ve had any pre-existing conditions, then exclusions for those conditions may mean certain treatments would not be available to you. Some treatments may also only be available from specific policies or providers, so if there is a treatment that you’d like to be covered for, we advise that you speak to an independent broker who will explain the options available to you.

Does health insurance cover cancer treatments?

Many health insurance providers include a standard level of cancer cover as part of their policies, and you may have the option to increase or decrease this coverage depending on how important it is to you.

Does health insurance cover me for my pre-existing conditions?

Generally, these conditions would not be covered as health insurance is not intended to cover you for pre-existing conditions, and your medical history may mean that these conditions are excluded from cover. To understand whether you would be covered, speak to an independent broker who will talk you through the different options.

Does health insurance cover my family?

If you want to provide cover for your family on a personal health insurance policy, then you may have the option to purchase a family policy. These policies are designed to provide families with one health insurance policy that provides the same cover to all family members.

Does private health insurance affect my access to the NHS?

No, as long as you are eligible to receive NHS treatment in the UK, having a private health insurance policy won’t affect your access to care through their services.

Does private health insurance cover mental health?

Some health insurance policies and providers will include mental health cover. You may also have the option to include additional coverage for mental health support, such as designated support teams, helplines and more. If mental health is an important aspect of your health insurance plan, speak to an advisor who can help you understand the options available.

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How do I buy health insurance?

You can purchase a policy through several means, such as comparison websites, directly with a provider, or through an independent health insurance broker, like us. We recommend that you opt for an independent broker as they offer an unbiased service that aims to help you understand the wider health insurance market.

How do I compare private health insurance?

You can compare health insurance through comparison websites, by contacting providers and making a comparison yourself, or through an independent health insurance broker. Comparing through an independent health insurance broker may help you compare a broader range of policies and offer you help and advice throughout the process.

How do you get health insurance when you retire?

If you were previously covered under your work health insurance scheme, you may be able to continue under the same underwriting terms when you retire. If you were not previously covered, contact a health insurance broker to help you understand the different policies available to you.

How do you make a claim on health insurance?

The claims process will vary per provider, but in most cases, the first action is to contact a GP. At the first opportunity, contact your insurers claims helpline and you’ll be guided through the steps to take and be referred to the relevant medical specialists and facilities for treatment options.

How much is private health insurance?

The cost of private health insurance depends on many factors, such as the policyholder's age, hospital access, the excess amount, medical history, location and more. To understand how much private health insurance may cost you, contact an independent health insurance broker who will ask you for the relevant information before presenting you with a price.

Is private health insurance worth it?

Understanding whether private health insurance is worth it is a personal decision, and you should weigh up the cost against the personal benefits it would offer you. Private health insurance will cover you for private health treatments and give you access to private facilities; however, the type of policy available will depend on your unique circumstance. We advise that you seek out the information you need to understand whether it would be worth it, and you can do so by contacting a private health insurance broker.

How can I avoid making a mistake when first taking out private medical Insurance?

Some of the mistakes that policyholders should try to avoid when purchasing a policy are taking out one that isn’t well suited to them compared to other options available or paying a higher price for a policy when it may be available at a more competitive rate.

Making a thorough comparison of the available options on the market may reduce the likelihood of this happening, and an independent health insurance broker can also help guide you through these steps.

What are the benefits of private health insurance?

The benefits will vary per person and per policy, but you may be able to have access to new treatment options that may not otherwise be available, choice of the consultant who treats you, access to quick diagnosis and treatment, the flexibility of when you receive care, choice of the hospital you’re treated at, and access to private facilities during treatments.

What does health insurance cover?

Health insurance is designed to cover you for the treatment of acute conditions, which are ailments that are short and curable with treatment. This means that long-term and chronic conditions may not be covered. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, these may also not be covered under your policy terms.

What hospitals can I use with my health insurance cover?

Your health insurance policy will include a list of hospitals that you’re eligible to be treated at. You may also have the option to increase or reduce your premium payments by opting for a more extensive or reduced hospital list.

What is a group health plan?

A group health plan, or group health insurance, is when an employer covers the workforce and/or senior staff members under a company-wide scheme.

What is a health insurance premium?

Your premium is the payment you pay to be covered by your provider. You may pay this monthly or annually, and the premium you pay is another way of phrasing the cost of your health insurance policy.

What is private health insurance?

Private health insurance provides access to private health facilities and covers policyholders for diagnosing and treating illnesses covered under their policy terms.

What questions should I ask my health insurance company?

We advise that you learn about the wider topic of health insurance and create a list of questions. For example, if you’re interested in a member benefit from a specific provider or a treatment option that you want to be covered for, prepare questions that will help you find the policy that’s most suited to your needs.

What should I check before getting health insurance?

You should always check that the policy you’re purchasing isn’t available at a more competitive price, or if there is a more comprehensive policy available to you. This can be achieved by going through a comparison process or utilising the services of an independent broker.

What’s the difference between the NHS and private health insurance?

The NHS provides public healthcare to eligible individuals in the UK. The government funds their services, and the NHS determines the facilities, treatment options and medical personnel you have access to. Private treatment offers you access to private treatments, facilities and diagnostics, and it may allow you to make your own decisions over how you’re cared for.

Who needs health insurance?

Health insurance offers many benefits to different types of individuals, and whether you need health insurance depends on how much you value access to private facilities, diagnostics and treatments.

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Health Insurance FAQs

Health Insurance FAQs

Are newborns covered under private health insurance?

Are there any age restrictions to private health insurance?

Can I cancel my health insurance policy at any time?

Can I get health insurance if I’m over 50?

Can I get health insurance with my partner?

Can I make my health insurance premiums cheaper?

Can I change or switch health insurance providers?

Can I use my health insurance straight away?

Do I have to get health insurance through my employer?

Do I have to pay excess on my private health insurance?

Does health insurance cover all treatments?

Does health insurance cover cancer treatments?

Does health insurance cover me for my pre-existing conditions?

Does health insurance cover my family?

Does private health insurance affect my access to the NHS?

Does private health insurance cover mental health?

How do I buy health insurance?

How do I compare private health insurance?

How do you get health insurance when you retire?

How do you make a claim on health insurance?

How much is private health insurance?

Is private health insurance worth it?

How can I avoid making a mistake when first taking out private medical Insurance?

What are the benefits of private health insurance?

What does health insurance cover?

What hospitals can I use with my health insurance cover?

What is a group health plan?

What is a health insurance premium?

What is private health insurance?

What questions should I ask my health insurance company?

What should I check before getting health insurance?

What’s the difference between the NHS and private health insurance?

Who needs health insurance?

Related health insurance services

Personal Health Insurance

Business Health Insurance

Health InsuranceRenewals

Health Insurance
Renewals