Health Insurance
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Why Compare Health Insurance Quotes at SimplyQuote.co.uk
With the cost of private medical treatment as expensive as it is, we aim to help you find the most affordable health insurance cover that meets your needs.
There are so many policies out there, so SimplyQuote streamlines the process for you. We work with the UK’s leading insurance providers so you know you’ll get the best deals.
The online comparison tool helps you find tailored quotes, compare deals, and find the best policy for you and your family – within minutes!
How Does Private Health Insurance Work?
Like most other insurance policies, you’ll pay either monthly or annual premiums. If your GP refers you to a specialist, you’ll be able to make a claim and choose who you’re treated by and which hospital you go to.
Getting started with private health insurance
If you have private health insurance cover and develop health issues, you should see your NHS GP first, tell them you have insurance, and ask them about your private treatment options. Your doctor will then recommend a private centre or specialist to assist you, which will be covered by your insurance.
Alternatively, you can choose your own private healthcare with a referral letter from your NHS GP.
Some comprehensive insurance policies give you access to private doctors to start your diagnosis. They can then make the referral or give you a prescription as part of your claim.
Make a claim
To make a claim, you start by contacting your insurance provider, who will give you instructions on the claim process. If you have a referral letter from your NHS GP, send it to your insurer.
Your insurance provider will accept your claim if the required private medical treatment is covered under your policy. They’ll explain your options, any limits that apply, and pay for the medical expenses. You’ll have to pay the excess.
Some insurance companies will also help you find a specialist.
What Does Health Insurance Cover?
Private health insurance policies come with different levels of cover, from a single treatment to a long-term process from diagnosis to wellness. This can include outpatient cover, inpatient treatment, blood tests and physiotherapy.
What is covered depends on the level of cover you choose.
Basic health insurance
Basic health insurance covers inpatient treatments like routine checkups, surgery, and any diagnostic tests. Depending on your private medical insurance cover, it may also extend to outpatient treatments.
This level of cover usually includes treatment for cancer and heart conditions, but the cover will be limited.
Mid-level health insurance
This health insurance policy provides the same level of cover as basic insurance, plus additional cover for eligible treatments and cancer cover.
In some cases, physiotherapy may be covered, as well as outpatient treatments.
Comprehensive health insurance
A comprehensive policy covers diagnostic scans, consultations, and both in-patient and outpatient treatment.
Fully comprehensive policies may also include licenced cancer treatments that aren’t available through the NHS, everything covered by mid-level policies, and:
- Mental health cover
- Physiotherapy
- At-home care
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What Is Not Covered By Health Insurance?
Certain conditions and injuries are not covered by private health insurance:
- Self-inflicted injuries
- A&E admissions
- Uncomplicated pregnancy and labour costs
- Infertility treatment
- Pre-existing conditions
- Cosmetic surgery
- Drug or alcohol abuse and related conditions
- Chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure or epilepsy
It is possible to find a private healthcare policy that covers mental health conditions and sports injuries, although these don’t always come standard.
What Are The Different Types Of Health Insurance Policies?
With various types of health insurance policies to choose from, you should be able to find the right cover for yourself and/or your family. Here are the different policy types you can choose from:
Individual-only cover
Individual-only cover is one of the most common policies. It only covers yourself and can help you avoid NHS waiting lists. You’ll receive medical treatment promptly should you sustain an injury or become sick.
Family cover
Family health insurance will cover private healthcare for you and your family, from getting a diagnosis to treatments in a private hospital.
This is a more affordable option than getting individual insurance for every member of the family.
Joint cover
A joint policy will cover you and your partner under one policy. It allows you to access private healthcare without long waiting times. It is a great option for couples or those in civil unions as the policy will cover any medications or treatment for illnesses either of you develop.
International cover
International health insurance will cover the expense of treatments for you and/or your family if you’re living abroad. Note that it is different from travel insurance, which will only provide cover for holidays and trips.
Most international policies will provide cover for one year at a time and can come with optional add-ons like dental care, pre-existing conditions and cover for dependants.
Child cover
You can rest easy knowing your child is covered should they become ill. They’ll receive fast treatment at clinics or hospitals without long NHS waiting lists.
Self-employed cover
Self-employed individuals often work from different locations. With this health insurance plan, you can decide when and where you’re covered, which is invaluable for those with irregular working hours.
What Other Types Of Health Insurance Are There?
- Dental insurance:
This insurance will provide cover for routine dental appointments as well as any dental emergencies. You’ll first have to pay for the dental visit and then make a claim. You can either go to the NHS or a private dentist. - Cash plans:
Healthcare cash plans involve you paying a monthly fee that covers routine checkups (including eyecare and dental checks). This differs from private health insurance which provides cover for treatment of any health problems that arise. - Diagnostics insurance:
This policy provides access to diagnostic tests and consultant appointments. It won’t pay for the treatment; just the cost of the diagnostics. - Condition-specific insurance:
If you’re happy to stick to NHS treatments, but you have a specific condition you need to treat, this insurance offers an affordable plan that targets your condition, supplementing your NHS care.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Health Insurance?
While there are many advantages to private health insurance, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of health insurance policies:
Pros
- You can request for your GP to refer you to a specialist for a second opinion or specialised treatment.
- Get scans or diagnostic tests.
- Your policy will cover the cost of a delayed or cancelled NHS appointment.
- Enjoy reduced waiting times for an NHS treatment if your treatment is more than six weeks away.
- Choose your healthcare provider and private hospital to find one that suits your needs.
- If going to the hospital, you may be able to enjoy a private room and not an open ward like with the NHS.
- May be able to access specialist treatment centres and medicines not available to the NHS. This might be because the treatments are too expensive or haven’t been approved by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) or The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC).
- Quickly access physiotherapy services without the waiting times associated with the NHS.
Cons
- NHS care can be as good, or better, than private care. For severe conditions – like heart disease or cancer – you’ll receive priority treatment at NHS hospitals, which are often just as good as private hospitals.
- Chronic illnesses are usually not covered (including certain types of cancers and diabetes).
- You may not be able to have pre-existing conditions covered unless you add these to your policy (at a cost).
- Some treatment options may not be local to you, or your policy’s approved list of doctors and hospitals may not include your preferred choice.
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How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?
The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including:
- Your age:
This is one of the most significant factors that private health insurance providers consider to calculate your premium. The older you get, the more at risk you’ll be to develop health problems. - Type of cover:
Basic policies are cheaper than comprehensive cover, and any add-ons will up the cost. - Your lifestyle:
Smokers, heavy drinkers, or those living a generally unhealthy lifestyle are riskier to insure. - Where you live:
Major cities typically have higher premiums as the healthcare facilities and treatment centres are more expensive. - Excess:
The more excess you can pay, the more you’re contributing to your healthcare, and the lower your premiums will be.
Based on research, the average cost of a new health insurance policy is £90.03 per month.
How Can I Get Cheaper Health Insurance?
Good news if you’re on a budget – there are some simple ways of reducing the cost of your premium.
Compare health insurance
The easiest way to reduce your premiums is to compare health insurance quotes! When you compare policies with SimplyQuote, you’ll get the best deal on your health insurance while still meeting your needs.
Quit smoking
Smoking is an unhealthy lifestyle choice that can increase your premiums as you’re at greater risk of getting sick. By quitting smoking you can drastically reduce your premiums.
If you already have insurance and you quit smoking, be sure to tell your insurance provider, as you may be offered a lower premium.
Co-payment
In some instances, you may be given the option to pay towards the claim as well as your excess, which is called a co-payment. By reducing the cost of your claim you will lower your monthly premium.
Increase your excess
Your voluntary excess is what you pay towards the claim before your insurer pays the rest. If you can afford a higher excess amount, you’ll get lower premiums.
Evaluate the benefits of your job package
Your job benefits may include health insurance. Before buying health insurance, make sure that your job isn’t already offering it to you.
Don’t over-insure
Make sure your policy doesn’t include treatments you won’t need or cover conditions you’re extremely unlikely to experience. If there’s anything you can remove from your policy, your premiums will be cheaper.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
People who live a healthy lifestyle – like regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight – are considered less risky to insure as their chances of getting sick are reduced. The healthier you live, the lower your insurance cost will be.
Take a six-week option
A six-week option means you’ll only make a claim if you can’t get an NHS appointment within six weeks. This can help decrease your insurance expenses because you’re less likely to make a claim.
Reduce the number of preferred hospitals
If you don’t have a preference for which hospital you want to be treated at, you can reduce the number of preferred hospitals on your list. This will cut down the cost of your premium, as you’re more flexible about which facility you’ll go to.
How To Get A Health Insurance Quote With SimplyQuote?
Getting a health insurance quote from SimplyQuote couldn’t be easier.
Here’s what we need:
- Personal details
- Your medical history
- Your lifestyle
- The level of cover you want
Frequently Asked Questions
Health insurance is a policy designed to cover the expense of private medical treatment. In the UK, we get free healthcare through the NHS, but health insurance can provide you with private cover – from GP appointments to surgeries – depending on your policy type and level of cover.
Most insurers will automatically renew your policy each year, so you don’t have to review it or do anything unless you want to change it.
If your policy is ending, it’s a good idea to compare policies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
No, a private health insurance policy generally won’t cover you if you become ill or injured while abroad. However, it is best to check with your insurance provider, as policies differ.
Some health insurance policies will only cover emergency treatment abroad, so it is best to purchase travel insurance that includes medical cover before travelling.
Not always, some policies will allow you to get private treatment without a GP referral. It will depend on your policy, as most insurance providers will insist on a GP referral before covering your treatment.
Usually, only those 18 years and above can purchase private health insurance; however, minors can be added to a parent or guardian’s policy.
Some policies have an upper age limit, but even if there isn’t an age limit, your premiums will increase as you get older due to being more prone to injury or sickness.
Yes, if you have a joint policy, your partner can be added to your plan. Family health insurance means your family members can be added as dependants.