Question 1

What is ComparePMI?

Accepted Answer

ComparePMI is an independent, whole-of-market private medical insurance advice and comparison service for individuals, families and businesses across the UK. We pair an easy online comparison with a real adviser who explains your options in plain English.

Question 2

Is it really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the comparison and the advice are completely free, with no obligation. We’re paid a standard commission by the insurer only if you choose to take out a policy, and it never increases the premium you’d pay going direct.

Question 3

Are you genuinely independent?

Accepted Answer

We are. We’re whole-of-market, comparing more than 20 leading UK insurers on cover, hospital lists, underwriting and price — not just the headline cost — so our recommendation is based on what fits you, not who pays us most.

Question 4

Are you regulated by the FCA?

Accepted Answer

ComparePMI is not directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. We give impartial advice and place cover exclusively with insurers that are themselves FCA-authorised and regulated, so your policy always sits with a fully regulated provider.

Question 5

Which insurers do you compare?

Accepted Answer

More than 20, including Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and The Exeter. We compare them on the things that actually matter — hospital access, cancer cover, outpatient limits and underwriting — as well as price.

Question 6

What is private medical insurance?

Accepted Answer

Private medical insurance (PMI) pays for the private diagnosis and treatment of new, short-term (“acute”) conditions — letting you skip NHS waiting lists and choose when, where and by whom you’re treated.

Question 7

What does PMI usually cover — and not cover?

Accepted Answer

It typically covers private consultations, diagnostics, surgery, hospital stays and cancer care. It generally doesn’t cover chronic (long-term) conditions, emergencies (the NHS handles A&E), pregnancy or cosmetic surgery. Cover varies by insurer and tier — we’ll show you exactly what each includes.

Question 8

Is private health insurance worth it?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how much you value speed and choice of treatment — for many people, faster diagnosis and avoiding long waits is worth the premium. We give an honest view in our guide, Is private health insurance worth it?

Question 9

Does it replace the NHS?

Accepted Answer

No — it works alongside it. You keep full access to the NHS (which remains best for emergencies and GP care); PMI simply gives you a private route for planned diagnosis and treatment. See Private health insurance vs the NHS.

Question 10

Am I covered for pre-existing conditions?

Accepted Answer

Usually not at first. Insurers handle your medical history with either “moratorium” or “full medical underwriting”, and pre-existing conditions are typically excluded (sometimes for a set period). We’ll explain which basis suits you — see Moratorium vs full medical underwriting.

Question 11

How much does private health insurance cost?

Accepted Answer

There’s no single price — it depends on your age, location, the level of cover, your excess and any extras. We’ll get you real figures across the whole market. Our guide breaks it down: How much does private health insurance cost?

Question 12

Can I lower my premium?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes — with a sensible excess, a guided hospital list, or trimming extras you don’t need, without stripping out the cover that matters. If your renewal has jumped, see 7 ways to beat a renewal increase.

Question 13

How are you paid?

Accepted Answer

By a standard commission from the insurer, and only if you take out a policy. It never changes the premium you’d pay going direct — so our advice costs you nothing.

Question 14

How do I get a quote, and how long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Getting started takes a couple of minutes online or by phone. A full comparison and a clear recommendation usually take just one short conversation. Start your free comparison.

Question 15

Do I need a medical exam?

Accepted Answer

No — there’s no medical exam to get a comparison. If you go ahead, the insurer’s underwriting is handled as part of the application.

Question 16

Is there any obligation to buy?

Accepted Answer

None at all. Plenty of people use us simply to sense-check the cover they already have. The comparison and the advice are free and without obligation.

Question 17

Can you help if I already have cover?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We can benchmark your existing policy and, if switching makes sense, do it on the right basis so you don’t lose cover for existing conditions. See How to switch without losing cover.

Question 18

Do you arrange cover for businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes — group private medical insurance for teams of any size, plus group life assurance, group critical illness, key man insurance and shareholder protection. Visit our business cover page.

Question 19

How much is business health insurance?

Accepted Answer

It’s priced on your team’s size, ages, location and cover level. We compare the whole market and structure it for the best value per head. See How much does business health insurance cost? or ask us for a quote.

Question 20

I’m self-employed — can I get cover?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it can be a smart, flexible benefit when you work for yourself. See our practical guide, Private health insurance for the self-employed.

Question 21

What happens at claim time?

Accepted Answer

You call us or your insurer and we help you through it — one number, the same team. We stay with you for claims, changes and renewals, free for as long as you’re covered.

Question 22

How do I get in touch?

Accepted Answer

Call 0114 398 4301 or email info@comparepmi.co.uk, or use our contact page. We’re happy to help whether you’re buying, switching, or just have a question.

Your questions, answered plainly.

About ComparePMI

Private medical insurance, explained

Price & payment

The process

Business & self-employed

Claims & contact

Still have a question?

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