Individual health insurance

Key takeaways

• Individual health insurance a private plan to supplement or replace NHS care, offering shorter waiting periods, private facilities, and additional services

• Be aware of policy limitations, exclusions (e.g., pre-existing conditions), and the impact of lifestyle choices on your policy

• Insurance coverage varies by plan, but can include specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries, physiotherapy, mental health treatment, dental and optical care, maternity care, and hospital stays

• Costs range from £20 to over £100 per month, depending on age, medical history, level of cover and lifestyle.

What is individual health insurance? 

Individual health insurance is a private medical insurance policy for one person. It helps cover the cost of private healthcare, giving you faster access to treatment and more choice over where and how you're treated.

You can still use the NHS, but private health insurance gives you extra flexibility when you really need it.

How does individual health insurance work? 

With an individual policy, you pay a monthly premium. In return, your insurer helps cover the cost of eligible treatments.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. Visit your GP for an initial diagnosis

2. Get referred to a specialist

3. Contact your insurer for approval

4. Choose a private hospital or consultant (if included)

5. Receive treatment

6. Make a claim or let your insurer pay directly

What does individual health insurance cover?

Cover depends on your policy, but most plans include:

• Specialist consultations

• Diagnostic tests and scans

• Surgery and hospital treatment

• Physiotherapy

• Mental health support

• Private hospital stays

Higher-level plans may also include dental, optical, or maternity benefits.

What’s not usually covered?

Most policies don’t cover:

• Pre-existing conditions

• Chronic (long-term) illnesses like diabetes

• Emergency treatment (handled by the NHS)

• Cosmetic procedures

• Pregnancy and fertility treatments

Always check your policy details to understand exactly what’s included.

What are the benefits of individual health insurance?

The main benefits of taking out a private health insurance plan are: 

How much does individual health insurance cost?

Prices vary based on your situation, but typical costs start from around £20 per month and go up to £100+ per month for more comprehensive cover.

Your price depends on:

• Age

• Medical history

• Lifestyle (e.g. smoking)

• Level of cover

• Excess amount

What should I consider before buying individual health insurance?

Before buying health insurance, make sure you understand exactly what the policy covers and what it doesn’t.

Check for exclusions like pre-existing conditions, as well as any limits on treatments or hospital choices, so you’re not caught out later.

You should also think about your budget and needs. Consider the excess you’re willing to pay and whether the level of cover suits how often you expect to use private healthcare.

Can you get cover with pre-existing conditions?

Yes but most insurers won’t cover treatment for existing conditions, or they may charge more and apply restrictions.

What are the alternatives to individual health insurance?

Individual health insurance plans are ideal if you only need to cover one person, however depending on your needs you may also want to consider one of the following. 

Joint health insurance 

A joint health insurance policy lets you cover a couple under a single plan, and this can be more cost-effective than taking out two single policies, as well as being easier to manage.

Just consider whether it may be more beneficial to take out tailored individual policies if your needs are different. 

Family health insurance 

Family policies expand the benefits of joint health insurance to the whole household, it's useful for families and usually even more cost-effective. 

Children’s health insurance 

Children’s health insurance offers cover tailored specifically for children such as paediatric services or specialised children’s hospitals. 

Have I already got health insurance? 

Before taking out an individual health insurance policy, check whether you’re already receiving coverage through other means.

Some premium bank accounts offer health insurance alongside, while your employer may also have a company plan available.  

How do I apply for individual health insurance? 

To get a quote for individual health insurance, you’ll just need to provide information about yourself and the cover you need. You’ll also need to provide a medical history, and some providers may even ask you to pass a medical. 

Remember to always be honest about yourself and your medical history, as lying or withholding information can lead to your claims or coverage being invalidated.