Private Health Insurance in London: Premium Hospital Lists, Costs and How to Compare

London has more private hospitals than anywhere else in the UK, including some of the best-known names in private healthcare. That choice comes at a price. Private medical insurance that includes central London hospitals usually costs more, and the way insurers handle London is one of the most common reasons people end up overpaying. This guide explains how it works and how to compare cover sensibly.

Well-known private hospitals in London

• HCA Healthcare UK hospitals, including The Wellington Hospital in St John’s Wood, London Bridge Hospital, The Harley Street Clinic, The Lister Hospital and The Princess Grace Hospital.
• The London Clinic, Marylebone: an independent hospital known for complex surgery and cancer care.
• Cromwell Hospital, Kensington: owned by Bupa.
• King Edward VII’s Hospital, Marylebone: an independent charitable hospital.

There are also many private hospitals and units in outer London and the surrounding counties, which are often included on standard hospital lists.

How London hospital lists work

Many insurers place a group of central London hospitals on a separate “premium” or extended list. You can only use those hospitals if your plan includes that list, and adding it raises the premium. Plans without it still give you private treatment, often at hospitals in outer London or elsewhere in the UK. See hospital lists explained for how the tiers work.

• Want a specific central London hospital or consultant? You will probably need the premium list, so check which hospitals it includes with each insurer.
• Happy to be treated at a good hospital that’s convenient? A standard or guided list can save a significant amount.
• Live outside London but work there? Think about where you’d actually want to be treated. Many commuters choose a list built around home, not the office.

What affects the price in London?

As everywhere, insurers price on age, postcode, hospital list, outpatient limit, excess and medical history. London postcodes are typically priced higher because treatment costs more there, and the hospital list you choose has an unusually large effect. Our guide to getting cheaper private health insurance covers the other levers.

NHS waiting times in London

Waits for planned care vary widely between London trusts and specialties. You can check current estimates for your local trust on the NHS My Planned Care website. Private medical insurance is designed for new, acute conditions, and its main value is faster diagnosis and treatment.

Quick answers

Do I need the London premium hospital list?

Only if you specifically want to use the hospitals on it. If you don’t mind which good hospital treats you, leaving it off is one of the easiest ways to reduce the premium.

Is health insurance more expensive in London?

Generally yes, because of higher local treatment costs and premium hospital lists. Comparing a wide panel of insurers shows you how much of the difference is the hospital list and how much is the insurer.

Can my company cover me and my team?

Yes. Company-paid cover for directors and group schemes for staff are common in London, and a scheme lets you choose the hospital list that suits your team. See business and group cover.

In London, the hospital list can matter as much as the insurer. Only pay for the hospitals you’d actually use.

ComparePMI compares cover across a wide panel of insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and The Exeter, and shows you the real cost of including the London hospitals you want. If you decide to go ahead, we introduce you to an FCA-authorised firm who arranges the policy. It’s free, impartial and there’s no obligation. Get a free comparison.