Private Medical Insurance
Access faster diagnosis and treatment at private hospitals with tailored health insurance that suits your needs and budget.
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) provides faster access to healthcare, private hospitals, and specialists — giving you choice, comfort, and peace of mind when you need it most.
With NHS waiting lists at record highs, many of our clients choose PMI for the reassurance that medical issues can be diagnosed and treated quickly. It doesn’t replace the NHS — it complements it, ensuring you get prompt attention for covered conditions without delays.
How It Works
When you take out a policy, you agree with your insurer that if you become ill or injured, they’ll cover the cost of private medical care up to your level of cover. This typically includes diagnostics, consultant appointments, and hospital treatment at private facilities.
PMI doesn’t pay a lump sum — instead, it pays directly for your care, often covering hospital fees, consultant costs, and follow-up treatment.
Key Benefits
- Faster access to consultations, diagnostics, and treatment
- Private hospital rooms and comfortable facilities
- Greater choice of consultants and specialists
- Flexible cover options to suit your needs and budget
- Access to new treatments and medications not always available on the NHS
Types of Cover
- Core Cover: Includes hospital fees, consultant charges, and inpatient treatment.
- Outpatient Cover: Adds cover for specialist appointments, scans, and tests.
- Extras: Optional add-ons such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, and mental health support.
Our advisers help you compare providers and policies, ensuring you get the best value — without paying for cover you don’t need. We’ll also guide you through renewal options and claims to keep your policy working for you.
FAQs
What does Private Medical Insurance cover?
PMI usually covers the cost of private consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatment for acute medical conditions. You can add optional cover for outpatient care, mental health, dental, and optical treatment depending on your preferences and budget.
Can I still use the NHS?
Yes. PMI is designed to complement the NHS, not replace it. You can still access NHS care at any time — PMI simply gives you faster, private alternatives when you prefer them.
Will pre-existing conditions be covered?
Most insurers will not cover conditions you already have when you take out the policy. However, some may review your cover after a set period if your condition has been stable or symptom-free. We can help you find policies with the fairest underwriting terms.
Can I choose where I’m treated?
Yes, most policies let you select from an approved hospital list. You can usually upgrade your cover to include a wider range of hospitals or specific consultants if you wish.
How much does PMI cost?
Premiums depend on your age, location, level of cover, and chosen benefits. We’ll compare multiple insurers to find the best policy for your needs and budget.
Does PMI cover chronic conditions?
Generally, PMI covers acute conditions that can be treated and cured. Chronic conditions that require ongoing management (like diabetes or asthma) are usually excluded, though some policies include limited support or check-ups.
Can I add family members to my policy?
Yes. You can include your partner and children, often with discounted family rates. Cover can be tailored individually to each family member’s needs.
What happens when I make a claim?
You’ll contact your insurer before treatment. They’ll confirm eligibility and provide an authorisation code so the hospital can invoice them directly. Most claims are processed quickly and smoothly.
Private Medical Insurance is not a substitute for emergency care or chronic condition management. Always review the policy documents carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.