Private health insurance
Private health insurance, compared properly.
Whether you call it private health insurance, private medical insurance, medical insurance or health cover, it’s the same thing: faster private diagnosis and treatment when you need it. We compare a wide panel of UK insurers for you, your family or your business. Independent, free and no obligation.
Compare health insuranceOne product, many names
Health insurance, medical insurance, PMI: what’s the difference?
Mostly, nothing. These names all describe insurance that pays for private medical treatment of new conditions. Here’s what you’ll see used.
Private health insurance
The everyday name most people search for.
Private medical insurance (PMI)
The name insurers use in their policy documents.
Medical insurance
Shorter version, common in search and on comparison sites.
Health cover / medical cover
Used loosely for the same thing, and sometimes for cash plans.
Private healthcare insurance
Emphasises the private hospitals and specialists it pays for.
Bupa, AXA, Aviva… cover
Many people simply call it by their insurer’s name.
The one to keep separate is a health cash plan, which pays back everyday costs like dental, optical and physio rather than covering hospital treatment.
What it can cover
Private healthcare, without the private bill.
Every insurer packages cover differently, and cheaper policies limit some of these. We line the options up side by side so you can see what you’re actually getting for the price.
- Fast access to specialists and consultants
- Diagnostic tests and scans (MRI, CT, ultrasound)
- Private hospital treatment and surgery
- Cancer cover, including drugs and therapies
- Mental health support (on many policies)
- Physiotherapy and therapies
- Digital GP and 24/7 nurse lines
- Optional dental, optical and cash-plan extras
Who we compare for
Health insurance for every stage of life.
Good to know
Private health insurance, questions answered.
In the UK, yes, for most purposes. Private health insurance, private medical insurance (PMI) and medical insurance all describe cover that pays for private diagnosis and treatment of new, acute conditions. "Health cover" is sometimes also used for health cash plans, which are different: they pay back everyday costs like dental and optical up to set limits.
See your options in a couple of minutes.
Free, across a wide panel of insurers, and no obligation. Compare online or talk it through by phone — whichever you prefer.