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Compare private health insurance (UK, 2026)

A single adult typically pays £74–80 a month for private medical insurance in 2026; couples around £140, families around £160. Age, postcode, hospital list and outpatient cover drive the price.

How to read this page: Typical prices below are researched UK market figures (sources such as the ABI premium trackers and major comparison-site indices), correct as of June 2026 — your own quote will vary with age, location, cover level and history. Ratings are indicative editorial scores. Some buttons are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you get a quote or buy, at no extra cost to you. See our guides for deeper reading.
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UK health insurance compared

UK avg single adult: ~£74–80/mo (2026)

PMI buys faster access to private diagnosis and treatment. It does not replace the NHS, and standard policies exclude chronic and pre-existing conditions.

Bupa

★★★★★9/10
Direct insurer
£60–£120
per month, single adult typical
  • UK's largest health insurer
  • Direct access: cancer, MSK, mental health
  • Huge consultant network
  • Flexible excess levels
Get a Quote

AXA Health

★★★★☆8/10
Direct insurer
£55–£110
per month, single adult typical
  • Fast-track appointments
  • Working-body & online GP services
  • Strong outpatient options
  • Business and personal plans
Get a Quote

Vitality Health

★★★★☆8/10
Rewards-linked
£50–£105
per month, single adult typical
  • Defaqto 5-star plans
  • Premium discounts for activity
  • Full cover promise on cancer
  • Apple Watch / rewards ecosystem
Get a Quote

Aviva Health

★★★★☆8/10
Direct insurer
£55–£110
per month, single adult typical
  • Healthier Solutions flexible plan
  • Expert Select guided option
  • Mental health pathways
  • Add family members easily
Get a Quote

WPA

★★★★☆8/10
Not-for-profit
£50–£100
per month, single adult typical
  • Not-for-profit insurer
  • Shared-responsibility excess model
  • Open referral flexibility
  • Strong customer service record
Get a Quote

Freedom Health

★★★★☆7/10
Budget specialist
£40–£90
per month, single adult typical
  • Budget-friendly fixed plans
  • Simple underwriting choices
  • Optional outpatient modules
  • Good entry-level PMI
Get a Quote

Not sure which plan fits? Compare health insurance options side by side.

Compare at MoneySuperMarket

What to compare before you buy

  • Underwriting type: moratorium (last 5 years' conditions excluded, reviewed at claim) vs full medical underwriting (declared upfront).
  • Outpatient cover limits are the biggest price lever — £0, £500, £1,000 or full outpatient change premiums dramatically.
  • Hospital list tier: national lists with London teaching hospitals cost more than regional lists.
  • The 6-week NHS wait option cuts premiums: insurer only pays if the NHS wait exceeds 6 weeks.
  • Cancer cover depth varies more than anything else — check drug coverage and monitoring rather than assuming.
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Health insurance for US visitors

For visitors in the United States — typical costs shown are US national averages (Bankrate, NerdWallet, KFF, NAPHIA and similar, as of 2026). Links may be affiliate links. For 2026, the average gross benchmark silver ACA marketplace premium is about $625/month before subsidies (KFF) — and enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025, so shopping the marketplace properly matters more than ever.

eHealth

US
Varies
marketplace broker
  • Compare 180+ carriers in one place
  • ACA, short-term, dental, Medicare
  • Licensed agents, no extra cost
Visit Site

Lemonade

US
—
not a health insurer
  • For renters/home/pet/life only
  • Included here for app-first fans
  • Use eHealth for health plans
Visit Site

Frequently asked questions

Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Standard UK PMI excludes pre-existing and chronic conditions. Moratorium underwriting may cover a past condition again after a set symptom-free period — check terms carefully.

Is private health insurance worth it alongside the NHS?

PMI buys speed and choice — faster diagnostics, choice of consultant, private rooms. Emergencies still go through the NHS. With NHS elective waiting lists still long in 2026, many buy PMI specifically for diagnostics and surgery.

How can I cut the premium?

Raise the excess, choose a 6-week NHS wait option, limit outpatient cover, or pick a regional hospital list. Healthy-living rewards (e.g. Vitality) discount premiums for measured activity.