What is private health insurance?

Private health insurance is a policy that covers the cost of private medical treatment for acute conditions. It gives you faster access to specialists, diagnostic tests, and surgery without relying on NHS waiting lists.

How much does private health insurance cost in the UK?

Premiums typically range from £50 to £150 per month for an individual, depending on your age, medical history, level of cover, and chosen excess. Family policies cost more but often offer better value than insuring each person separately.

Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Most standard policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Some providers offer moratorium-based underwriting where pre-existing conditions may become covered after a period without symptoms or treatment, typically two years.

Can I use private health insurance alongside the NHS?

Yes. Many policyholders use the NHS for routine care and their private cover for specialist referrals, elective surgery, or when NHS waiting times are long. Some policies include a six-week NHS wait option to reduce premiums.

What is the difference between an excess and a co-payment?

An excess is a fixed amount you pay towards each claim or policy year before your insurer pays. A co-payment means you pay a percentage of every claim. Both reduce your premium but increase your out-of-pocket costs when you claim.

How do I compare private health insurance plans effectively?

Compare policies based on the level of cover, the hospital and consultant network, exclusions, excess amounts, and annual claim limits. Getting quotes from multiple providers ensures you find the best value for your needs.

General & Medical Health Insurance Review 2026

General & Medical at a Glance

Trustpilot Rating	4.1/5
Individual Plans From	£35/month (cheapest major provider)
Hospital Network	Smaller (focused quality list)
Cancer Cover	Included on all plans
Mental Health	Included on all plans
24/7 GP	No
Best For	Budget-conscious buyers, essential cover

About General & Medical

General & Medical (now part of the Saga group) has carved out a niche as the most affordable entry point for private health insurance in the UK. Founded in 1999, they focus on delivering essential cover at prices that make private healthcare accessible to people who might otherwise rely entirely on the NHS.

What Sets General & Medical Apart

Lowest Entry Price

At £35/month for a healthy adult in their thirties, General & Medical is the cheapest major UK health insurance provider. This price buys genuine private medical cover — not a watered-down product — including inpatient treatment, cancer care, and mental health support.

Hospital-at-Home

General & Medical's most innovative feature. Instead of recovering in a private hospital after surgery, you recover at home with nursing support. This reduces costs (savings are passed to you through lower premiums) while many patients actually prefer recovering in familiar surroundings. Post-operative nursing visits, physiotherapy, and medication are provided at home.

Straightforward Policies

Where some providers offer bewildering arrays of options and add-ons, General & Medical keeps things simple. Clear tiers, transparent pricing, and plain-English policy documents make them easy to understand and compare.

General & Medical Pricing

The most affordable in the market. Typical monthly costs for a 35-year-old with £100 excess:

Essential (inpatient): £35–£45/month
Essential + outpatient: £55–£68/month
Comprehensive: £85–£100/month

Limitations to Be Aware Of

Smaller hospital network — fewer facilities than Bupa, AXA, or Vitality. Check that hospitals near you are included before committing.
No 24/7 GP service — unlike Bupa, AXA, and Vitality, General & Medical does not include round-the-clock virtual GP access.
Basic plan excludes outpatient — the cheapest plan only covers inpatient and day-patient treatment. Outpatient consultations and diagnostics require the mid-range plan.
Less brand recognition — General & Medical is less well-known than Bupa or AXA, though they are regulated by the FCA and backed by the Saga group.

Who Should Choose General & Medical?

Choose General & Medical if:

Keeping costs as low as possible is your priority
You want genuine private health cover but cannot justify £50–£100+/month
Hospital-at-home recovery appeals to you
You want simple, straightforward policies without complex options

Look elsewhere if:

Wide hospital choice matters — Bupa has a much larger network
You want 24/7 GP access — AXA or Vitality include this
Comprehensive outpatient cover is essential — budget plans exclude this

Related Reviews

Aviva Review (another budget-friendly option)
AXA Health Review
All Providers
Cheap Private Health Insurance Guide

General and Medical Health Insurance Review