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.

WPA Health Insurance Review 2026 | Comprehensive Cover & Service

WPA at a Glance

Trustpilot Rating	4.3/5
Individual Plans From	£55/month
Hospital Network	Medium (curated quality list)
Cancer Cover	No financial limit
Mental Health	Included on all plans
24/7 GP	Yes
Best For	Comprehensive cover, personal service

About WPA

WPA (Western Provident Association) was founded in 1901 and operates as a not-for-profit insurer. This means surplus funds are reinvested into improving services rather than paid to shareholders. WPA positions itself as the premium choice for people who want the most comprehensive cover available, backed by genuinely personal service.

What Sets WPA Apart

No Annual Claim Limits

On their top-tier plans, WPA imposes no annual limit on most benefits. While other providers may cap outpatient treatment at £1,000–2,000/year, WPA covers what you need without counting. This is a significant differentiator for anyone who anticipates requiring ongoing specialist treatment.

Dedicated Claims Handler

Rather than dealing with a different person each time you call, WPA assigns you a named claims handler who manages your case from start to finish. This personal approach is consistently praised in customer reviews and is particularly valuable during complex or stressful treatment journeys like cancer care.

Not-for-Profit Model

WPA reinvests surpluses into service improvements, keeping premiums competitive despite the comprehensive nature of their cover. The not-for-profit structure also means WPA's incentives are aligned with policyholder outcomes rather than shareholder returns.

WPA Pricing

WPA is positioned at the premium end of the market, reflecting their comprehensive cover and personal service. Typical monthly costs for a 35-year-old with £100 excess:

Essential (inpatient): £55–£70/month
Essential + outpatient: £80–£100/month
Comprehensive: £120–£145/month

Who Should Choose WPA?

Choose WPA if:

You want the most comprehensive cover available with no claim limits
Personal, named-handler service matters to you
You appreciate the ethics of a not-for-profit insurer
Worldwide cover is important — WPA's overseas provisions are strong

Look elsewhere if:

Budget is the priority — WPA is the most expensive major provider
You want the largest hospital network — Bupa is significantly larger
You prefer a digital-first experience — WPA emphasises phone-based personal service over apps

WPA Health Insurance Review