Private Medical Insurance Comparison
Compare private medical insurance plans from leading UK providers. See how PMI policies differ on cover, cost, hospital networks, and claims experience.
Last updated: 31 March 2026
What Is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is the formal industry term for what most people call private health insurance. The two terms are interchangeable — both refer to policies that cover the cost of private medical treatment for acute conditions in the UK. When you see "PMI" in employer benefit schemes or insurance broker materials, this is what they mean.
Understanding this distinction matters because many people search for private medical insurance comparison specifically, often because they have encountered the term through their employer or a financial adviser. This guide uses both terms to ensure you find exactly what you need.
PMI vs NHS: Why People Choose Private Cover
The NHS provides excellent emergency and primary care, but waiting times for specialist referrals and elective procedures have grown significantly. As of 2025, over 7.4 million people are on NHS waiting lists, with average waits of 14–18 weeks for a first consultant appointment in many specialties. Private medical insurance bridges this gap by giving you:
- Faster access — see a specialist within days rather than weeks or months
- Choice of consultant — select the specific doctor you want to see
- Choice of hospital — private rooms, flexible visiting hours, better catering
- Convenient appointment times — evenings and weekends often available
- Shorter surgical waits — operations typically within 2–4 weeks of diagnosis
How to Compare Private Medical Insurance
A thorough private medical insurance comparison should evaluate each policy across these dimensions:
Level of Cover
PMI policies fall into three broad tiers:
- Inpatient only — covers hospital admissions, surgery, and day-patient procedures. The most affordable option, typically £35–£60/month. Does not cover outpatient consultations or diagnostics.
- Inpatient plus outpatient — adds cover for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scans, blood tests), and sometimes therapies. Mid-range pricing at £60–£100/month.
- Comprehensive — the fullest cover including therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy, counselling), dental and optical add-ons, and worldwide emergency treatment. Premium pricing at £100–£150+/month.
Underwriting Method
How your medical history is assessed affects both your premium and what is covered from day one:
- Moratorium — no medical questions upfront. Pre-existing conditions are automatically excluded for a set period (usually two years symptom-free). Faster application process.
- Full medical underwriting (FMU) — you disclose your complete medical history. The insurer then specifies exactly what is and is not covered. Takes longer but gives certainty.
- Continued personal medical exclusions (CPME) — used when switching from one insurer to another. Your existing exclusions transfer, but you do not face new ones for conditions already covered.
Hospital Lists
Every PMI provider offers different hospital list options that affect both your choice of facility and your premium:
- Extended — the widest choice, including premium London hospitals. Most expensive.
- Standard/Guided — a curated list of quality hospitals that excludes the most expensive facilities. Good balance of choice and cost.
- Limited/Core — a smaller network of cost-effective hospitals. Lowest premium but least flexibility.
Provider Comparison for PMI
The same providers that offer "health insurance" also offer "private medical insurance" — because they are the same product. Here is how they compare specifically for PMI buyers who may be coming from an employer scheme or financial adviser recommendation:
| Provider | PMI From | Best For | Underwriting Options | Corporate Schemes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bupa | £45/mo | Largest network | Moratorium, FMU, CPME | Yes — market leader |
| AXA Health | £40/mo | Value for money | Moratorium, FMU, CPME | Yes |
| Vitality | £50/mo | Wellness rewards | Moratorium, FMU | Yes |
| Aviva | £38/mo | Modular flexibility | Moratorium, FMU, CPME | Yes |
| WPA | £55/mo | Comprehensive cover | Moratorium, FMU, CPME | Yes |
| The Exeter | £42/mo | Self-employed | Moratorium, FMU | Limited |
| General & Medical | £35/mo | Budget cover | Moratorium, FMU | Limited |
Corporate PMI vs Individual PMI
If your employer offers a corporate PMI scheme, it is almost always better value than buying an individual policy. Corporate schemes benefit from group rates, and the employer typically pays all or part of the premium. However, corporate PMI is a taxable benefit (P11D) so you will pay income tax on the premium value.
When you leave an employer with corporate PMI, you can usually transfer to an individual policy with the same insurer using CPME underwriting, preserving your existing cover without new exclusions. This is called a "continuation option" and is worth asking about before you leave.
How to Get PMI Quotes
The most effective approach is to compare private medical insurance quotes from multiple providers simultaneously. This ensures you see the full range of pricing and cover options. When requesting quotes, have the following ready:
- Date of birth for everyone to be covered
- Postcode (location affects pricing)
- Preferred level of cover (inpatient only, inpatient + outpatient, or comprehensive)
- Preferred excess amount
- Whether you want the six-week NHS wait option