The ComparePMI blog
Straight-talking health insurance guides.
Impartial guides to comparing Bupa, AXA Health and Aviva, cutting your renewal cost, switching without losing cover, and understanding what you’re actually buying.
How Much Does a Private MRI Scan Cost in the UK? (2026)
Waiting weeks for an MRI is stressful. Here’s what a private scan costs in 2026, what the headline price leaves out, and how insurance can pay for it.
10 November 2026How Much Does a Private GP Appointment Cost in the UK? (2026)
Can’t get a GP appointment? Here’s what seeing a private GP costs in 2026, online or in person, and how many health insurance policies include a GP service.
10 November 2026How Much Does It Cost to See a Private Consultant in the UK? (2026)
Seeing a specialist privately can save months of waiting. Here’s what an initial consultation costs in 2026, and how insurance handles consultant fees.
10 November 2026How Much Does Private Hernia Surgery Cost in the UK? (2026)
Hernia repair is one of the most common private operations. Here’s what it costs in 2026 and how private medical insurance covers it.
10 November 2026Bupa Health Insurance Review (2026): What You Get and What to Check
Bupa is the best-known name in UK health insurance. Here’s an independent look at what it offers, and what to check before you buy or renew.
10 November 2026AXA Health Insurance Review (2026): What You Get and What to Check
AXA Health is one of the UK’s major health insurers. Here’s an independent look at what it offers, and what to check before you buy or renew.
10 November 2026Aviva Health Insurance Review (2026): What You Get and What to Check
Aviva is often keenly priced and flexible. Here’s an independent look at its private health insurance, and what to check before you buy or renew.
10 November 2026Your AXA Health Renewal Just Went Up? How to Cut the Cost Without Losing Cover
Opened your AXA Health renewal and winced? Here’s why premiums rise, and the practical ways to bring the cost back down.
7 November 2026Your Vitality Health Renewal Just Went Up? How to Cut the Cost Without Losing Cover
Vitality renewal higher than expected? Here’s why it happens, how your activity status plays a part, and how to bring the cost down.
7 November 2026Your Aviva Health Renewal Just Went Up? How to Cut the Cost Without Losing Cover
Aviva renewal gone up? Here’s why premiums rise each year, and the practical ways to bring the cost back down without losing cover.
7 November 2026Your WPA Renewal Just Went Up? How to Cut the Cost Without Losing Cover
WPA renewal higher than expected? Here’s why premiums rise, and how to bring the cost down or compare the alternatives.
7 November 2026Your Exeter Health Renewal Just Went Up? How to Cut the Cost Without Losing Cover
The Exeter renewal higher than expected? Here’s why premiums rise, and how to bring the cost down or compare the alternatives.
7 November 2026Private Health Insurance in Sheffield: Local Hospitals, Costs and How to Compare
Sheffield has two main private hospitals, and whether your policy lets you use them matters more than the headline price. Here’s what Sheffield residents should know before buying cover.
4 November 2026Private Health Insurance in Leeds: Local Hospitals, Costs and How to Compare
Leeds has two large private hospitals at opposite ends of the city. Here’s what that means for your cover, your price and how to compare policies properly.
4 November 2026Private Health Insurance in Manchester: Local Hospitals, Cancer Care and How to Compare
Greater Manchester has some of the largest private hospitals outside London and a dedicated private cancer service at The Christie. Here’s how to choose cover that uses them.
4 November 2026Private Health Insurance in Birmingham: Local Hospitals, Costs and How to Compare
Birmingham’s private hospitals are run by several different groups, which is exactly why the hospital list on your policy matters. Here’s what to check before you buy.
4 November 2026Private Health Insurance in London: Premium Hospital Lists, Costs and How to Compare
London has the UK’s biggest concentration of private hospitals, and many insurers charge extra to include them. Here’s how London hospital lists work and how to avoid overpaying.
4 November 2026Switching From WPA Health Insurance: Keep Your Cover, Cut the Cost
WPA is a well-regarded insurer — but a good insurer doesn’t always mean the best plan or price for you. Here’s how to switch away from WPA without dropping cover.
29 October 2026Is Saga Health Insurance Still Worth It? A Switcher’s Guide for the Over-50s
Saga aims its cover squarely at the over-50s — but “aimed at you” doesn’t mean “still the best for you.” Run this quick check on your policy.
29 October 2026Death in Service Explained: A Plain-English Guide for UK Employers (2026)
Death-in-service cover is one of the most valued — and most misunderstood — employee benefits. Here’s what it pays, how it’s taxed, and what it really costs to set up.
24 October 2026How Much Does Group Health Insurance Cost Per Employee? (2026)
Group health insurance is priced per employee — but the “per head” figure swings widely. Here’s what drives it, and how to get the best value for your team.
23 October 2026Group Income Protection: How It Works and What It Covers
Group income protection replaces part of an employee’s salary if they’re off long-term through illness or injury — and helps get them back to work. Here’s how it works.
22 October 2026The Employee Benefits That Actually Retain Staff (2026)
Pay gets people in the door; benefits are what make them stay. Here are the benefits that genuinely move the needle on retention — and what they cost to offer.
21 October 2026AXA Health vs Vitality: Which Health Insurer Is Better for You?
AXA Health leans on flexible, well-rounded cover; Vitality on rewards and engagement. Here’s how the two really compare — and how to pick.
18 October 2026The Exeter Health Insurance Review: A Closer Look at the Mutual Insurer
The Exeter is a member-owned mutual with a reputation for straightforward cover and good service. Here’s whether it might be right for you.
18 October 2026Private Health Insurance in Your 40s: Is Now the Time?
Your 40s are a smart window for health cover — cheap enough to be easy, early enough to avoid exclusions. Here’s why it’s worth acting now.
18 October 2026Does Claiming on Private Health Insurance Increase Your Premium?
Worried a claim will spike your premium? Here’s the honest picture of how claims affect your renewal — and what really drives the price.
18 October 2026Health Insurance for Limited Company Directors: Through the Company or Personally?
Pay for your health cover through your company or personally? The right answer depends on the tax — here’s how it works for directors.
18 October 2026Can You Get Private Health Insurance After Cancer?
A cancer history doesn’t close the door on private cover — it just shapes how it’s underwritten. Here’s the honest, compassionate picture.
18 October 2026Bupa vs Vitality: Which Health Insurer Is Right for You?
Bupa leads on breadth and reputation; Vitality on rewards and engagement. Here’s how the two really compare — and how to tell which fits you.
9 October 2026AXA Health vs Bupa: How the Two Big Names Compare
AXA Health and Bupa cover similar ground but differ on hospital options, extras and flexibility. Here’s how they stack up.
9 October 2026Aviva vs Bupa: Which Private Health Insurer Suits You?
Aviva offers flexible, often keenly-priced cover; Bupa leads on breadth and brand. Here’s how the two compare — and how to pick.
9 October 2026Does Private Health Insurance Cover IVF and Fertility Treatment?
IVF itself is usually excluded — but the investigations into why you’re struggling to conceive sometimes aren’t. Here’s the honest picture.
9 October 2026Private Health Insurance for Diabetics: What You Need to Know
Having diabetes doesn’t rule out private cover — but because it’s a chronic condition, how it’s handled matters. Here’s the honest picture.
9 October 2026Private Health Insurance for Back and Joint Problems
Musculoskeletal problems are the single most common private health claim. Here’s how cover helps with backs, knees and joints — and what to watch for.
9 October 2026Private Health Insurance for the Over 50s: What to Know Before You Buy
Your 50s are a sweet spot for health cover — old enough that it starts to matter, young enough that it’s still affordable. Here’s how to get it right.
29 September 2026WPA Health Insurance Review: What to Know About the Not-for-Profit Insurer
WPA isn’t as well-known as Bupa or AXA, but its not-for-profit model and flexible cover win it loyal fans. Here’s an impartial look at whether it’s right for you.
29 September 2026Private Health Insurance Waiting Periods: How Long Until Cover Starts?
Most cover starts sooner than people expect — but a few things have waiting periods. Here’s exactly what’s covered from day one and what isn’t.
29 September 2026Private Health Insurance Hospital Lists Explained (and Why They Drive the Price)
The list of hospitals you can use is the biggest lever on your premium. Here’s how hospital lists work and how to choose the right one.
29 September 2026Private Health Insurance and Women’s Health: Menopause, Gynaecology and More
Faster access to gynaecology, diagnostics and (increasingly) menopause support is a real draw of private cover for women. Here’s how it works.
29 September 2026Private Health Insurance and NHS Winter Pressures: Beating the Seasonal Backlog
Every winter the NHS comes under its heaviest strain — and waits get longer. Here’s how private cover keeps you moving when the system is busiest.
23 September 2026Does Private Health Insurance Cover Dental and Optical?
Dental and optical usually sit outside core health insurance — but you can add them, or use a cash plan. Here’s how to get everyday cover sorted.
23 September 2026Is Vitality Health Insurance Worth It? An Honest 2026 Look
Vitality’s rewards-led model stands out — but rewards aren’t cover. Here’s an impartial look at what Vitality does well, the trade-offs, and how to know if it’s right for you.
16 September 2026How to Choose Private Health Insurance: A Complete Checklist
The “best” policy is the one that fits you. Here’s the complete checklist of decisions that shape your cover and price — so you choose with confidence, not confusion.
16 September 2026Does Private Health Insurance Cover Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is one of the most-used benefits on health insurance — but how it’s covered varies. Here’s what to check so you’re not caught out.
16 September 2026Private Health Insurance in Retirement: Is It Worth Keeping (or Starting)?
Retirement often means losing an employer’s scheme just as health needs rise. Here’s how to think about private cover in retirement — and keep it affordable.
16 September 2026Small Business Health Insurance: A Simple Guide for Owners
You don’t need to be a big employer to offer health cover. Here’s how small business health insurance works — cost, tax, and how to set it up without the headache.
16 September 2026Private Health Insurance Excess Explained: How It Works and What to Choose
Your excess is what you pay towards a claim — and choosing it well is one of the simplest ways to control your premium without losing cover.
20 August 2026Self-Pay vs Private Health Insurance: Which Works Out Cheaper?
Paying out of pocket for private treatment can work for small, predictable things — but for anything serious, insurance is what protects you from a very big bill.
20 August 2026Private Health Insurance for Children: What Parents Need to Know
Covering your children privately is often more affordable than parents assume — and for peace of mind when they’re unwell, it can be well worth it.
20 August 2026Outpatient vs Inpatient Cover: What’s the Difference on Health Insurance?
Inpatient, day-patient and outpatient are the three building blocks of a health insurance policy — and knowing the difference is key to choosing cover that actually fits.
20 August 2026Does Private Health Insurance Cover Mental Health? What UK Policies Include
Mental health cover on UK private health insurance ranges from “excluded” to “comprehensive”. Here’s how to tell what a policy really includes before you buy.
19 August 2026Private Health Insurance vs Health Cash Plan: What’s the Difference?
A health cash plan and private health insurance are easy to confuse — but they solve completely different problems. Here’s how to tell which you actually need.
19 August 2026How to Claim on Private Health Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide
Claiming on private health insurance is more straightforward than people fear. Here’s the exact process, step by step, and how to avoid the mistakes that cause delays.
19 August 2026When Is the Best Time to Buy Private Health Insurance?
There’s no perfect moment — but there is a smart one. Here’s why buying private health insurance while you’re healthy usually beats waiting until you need it.
19 August 2026What Private Health Insurance Does NOT Cover: Exclusions Explained
PMI covers prompt, private treatment of new problems — but there’s a clear list of things it typically won’t pay for. Knowing the exclusions before you buy saves nasty surprises at claim time.
18 August 2026How to Get Cheaper Private Health Insurance (Without Cutting the Cover That Matters)
You can cut a private health insurance premium substantially without gutting the cover — if you know which levers to pull. Here are nine that actually work.
18 August 2026Private Health Insurance for Couples: One Joint Policy or Two Separate Ones?
Insuring you and your partner together can be simpler and better value — but not always. Here’s how joint and separate policies really compare.
18 August 2026Is Company-Paid Health Insurance Taxed? P11D and Benefit-in-Kind Explained
Employer-paid health insurance is a valued perk — but it’s usually taxable. Here’s how benefit-in-kind, the P11D and the numbers work for employees, directors and companies.
18 August 2026Does Private Health Insurance Cover Cancer? What UK Policies Really Include
Most UK private health insurance covers cancer — but how much, for how long, and which drugs varies enormously. Here’s what to check before you buy.
14 August 2026Private Health Insurance and NHS Waiting Lists: How It Helps You Skip the Queue
NHS waiting lists are the number-one reason people buy private cover in 2026. Here’s exactly how private health insurance gets you seen and treated faster.
14 August 2026Private Health Insurance for the Over 60s: Is It Worth It, and What Does It Cost?
Cover costs more as you get older — but it’s also when you’re most likely to use it. Here’s what the over 60s need to know before buying private health insurance.
14 August 2026How Does Private Health Insurance Work? A Plain-English Guide
New to private cover? Here’s exactly how private health insurance works in the UK — in plain English, from referral to claim.
14 August 2026Why Is Private Health Insurance So Popular Right Now? (2026)
More people than ever are taking out private medical insurance. Here’s what’s really driving it — and whether it’s right for you.
30 July 2026Beyond PMI: What Other Cover Should You Actually Have?
PMI looks after your health. But what happens to your income, your family or your mortgage if things go wrong? Here’s the wider cover worth thinking about.
30 July 2026Health Insurance Broker vs Going Direct: What’s the Difference?
Buying health insurance direct means one insurer and one price. Here’s how using a broker compares, and why many people find it worthwhile.
30 July 2026How Much Does a Hip Replacement Cost in the UK? (2026)
A private hip replacement in the UK typically runs to five figures. Here’s what’s behind the price — and how the right insurance can mean you never pay it.
20 July 2026How Much Does a Knee Replacement Cost in the UK? (2026)
A private knee replacement is one of the more expensive routine operations. Here’s the 2026 price — and how insurance can take the bill off the table.
20 July 2026How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost in the UK? (2026)
Private cataract surgery is priced per eye — and the lens you choose matters. Here’s the 2026 cost and how insurance can cover it.
20 July 2026How Much Does a Private Colonoscopy Cost in the UK? (2026)
A private colonoscopy gets you a fast answer instead of a long wait. Here’s what it costs in 2026 — and how insurance can cover the diagnosis.
20 July 2026How to Switch Private Health Insurance Without Losing Cover
Switching insurer can save money or get you better cover — but do it wrong and you can lose cover for existing conditions. Here’s how to switch safely.
16 July 2026How Much Does Business Health Insurance Cost? (2026)
Group health cover is one of the most valued benefits you can offer — and one of the most misunderstood on price. Here’s what actually drives the cost.
16 July 2026Private Health Insurance for the Self-Employed: A Practical Guide
When you work for yourself, a long wait for treatment isn’t just inconvenient — it’s lost income. Here’s how cover works for the self-employed.
15 July 2026How to Choose the Best Private Health Insurance in the UK (2026)
Search “best private health insurance” and you’ll get ten different answers. That’s because the best policy is the one matched to you — here’s how to find it.
14 July 2026The Best Private Health Insurance for Families (2026 Guide)
Covering the whole family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here’s what matters most in family cover — and how to keep the premium sensible.
13 July 2026Private Health Insurance and Pre-Existing Conditions, Explained
A past health issue doesn’t rule you out of private cover — but how it’s handled depends on the underwriting. Here’s what you need to know.
12 July 2026Private Health Insurance vs the NHS: What You Actually Get
Private cover doesn’t replace the NHS — it sits alongside it. Here’s exactly what it adds, and what it doesn’t, so you can decide what’s right for you.
11 July 2026Is Private Health Insurance Worth It in the UK? (2026)
Private health insurance isn’t cheap — so is it actually worth it? Here’s an honest look at what you get, who benefits most, and how to decide.
10 July 2026Group Life Assurance (Death in Service): A Simple Guide for Employers
Death in service is one of the most valued — and surprisingly affordable — benefits an employer can offer. Here’s how it works.
4 July 2026Group Critical Illness Cover: A Benefit Your Team Will Actually Value
Group critical illness cover gives your team a tax-free lump sum if they’re seriously ill. Here’s how it fits alongside your other benefits.
3 July 2026Do You Need Life Insurance? A Plain-English Guide for UK Families
Life insurance is one of those things everyone knows they should sort — and few actually do. Here’s who genuinely needs it, and how much.
2 July 2026Key Man Insurance Explained: Protecting Your Business From the Loss of a Key Person
What would happen to your business if you lost your most important person? Key man insurance is how you protect against exactly that.
1 July 2026Critical Illness Cover Explained: Is It Worth It in 2026?
Critical illness cover pays out a tax-free lump sum if you’re seriously ill. Here’s exactly what it covers — and whether it’s worth the money.
30 June 2026Shareholder Protection: What Happens to Your Business if a Co-Owner Dies?
If a co-owner died tomorrow, who would end up with their shares — and could you afford to buy them back? Shareholder protection answers that.
28 June 2026Income Protection: The Cover Most People Forget
If illness stopped your pay tomorrow, how long would you last? Income protection is the safety net most people forget to put up.
27 June 2026Mortgage Protection: How to Keep Your Home if the Worst Happens
Your mortgage is probably your biggest commitment. Here’s how to make sure it — and your home — are protected if life takes a turn.
26 June 2026Bupa vs AXA Health vs Aviva: How the UK’s Big Three Compare in 2026
Bupa, AXA Health and Aviva dominate UK private medical insurance — but they’re far from identical. Here’s how they really compare on cover, hospitals and value.
24 June 2026Your Bupa Renewal Just Jumped? How to Cut the Cost Without Losing Cover
Opened your Bupa renewal and winced? You’re not alone. Here’s why premiums climb — and the levers that genuinely bring the cost back down.
18 June 2026Switching From AXA Health: What You Keep, What You Lose, and How to Do It Right
Switching health insurers sounds risky — but done properly, you can move from AXA Health and keep cover for the conditions that matter. Here’s how.
11 June 2026Is Your Aviva Health Insurance Still the Best Deal? A 5-Minute Check
Aviva is a solid insurer — but “solid” doesn’t mean “still the best for you.” Run this five-minute check on your policy.
4 June 2026Private Health Insurance Renewal: 7 Ways to Beat the Annual Price Rise
Renewal season stings — but the annual increase isn’t set in stone. Seven practical ways to bring the cost back down.
28 May 2026Moratorium vs Full Medical Underwriting: What Bupa, AXA and Aviva Don’t Spell Out
Underwriting decides how your pre-existing conditions are treated — and it’s the most misunderstood part of buying health insurance. Here’s the plain-English version.
20 May 2026How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)
There’s no single price for health cover — it depends on you. Here’s what actually drives the cost, and how to get the best value.
12 May 2026Already Insured With Bupa, AXA or Aviva? 6 Signs It’s Time to Compare
Having cover is great. Having the *right* cover at the *right* price is better. Six signs it’s time for a review.
5 May 2026Reading up because your renewal looks steep?
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