Private Health Insurance

No. NowPatient’s Private Health Insurance is a lead generation service. We connect you with trusted intermediaries who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). NowPatient is not authorised to give financial advice and is not liable for any advice provided by, or obtained through, a third party.

Complete a short assessment by selecting the ‘Start Quote’ option on the Private Health Insurance Service Card, which can be located on the account homepage . Complete the assessment. Based on your answers, we match you with an FCA-regulated intermediary who will contact you with a free, no-obligation quote. You can then discuss coverage options and decide whether to proceed.

No. All quotes provided through our partners are no-obligation. You are free to ask questions, request changes, or decline without any commitment.

Yes. During the assessment, you can choose whether you want a quote for an individual, a couple, or a family. Family quotes typically cover 2 adults and up to 6 children under 18.

Private health insurance covers the cost of medical treatment in private healthcare facilities. It gives you access to faster treatment, private hospital rooms, a choice of specialists, and a more personalised experience. It complements the NHS rather than replacing it.

Key benefits include reduced waiting times for diagnostics and treatment, the freedom to choose your specialist and hospital, private rooms for inpatient stays, coverage for therapies not always available on the NHS, and peace of mind that you’ll receive timely care.

Yes. Private health insurance complements NHS care. You can continue using the NHS for routine appointments and emergencies while using your private cover for quicker access to certain treatments.

Most people can apply. However, eligibility and cost depend on your age, medical history, and lifestyle factors such as smoking. Those with significant pre-existing conditions may face limited coverage or higher premiums.

Common inclusions are specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and scans (MRI, CT, blood tests), surgical procedures, hospital accommodation in private rooms, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and mental health support. Optional add-ons may include dental care, optical treatments, and complementary therapies.

Most policies exclude pre-existing conditions. Some insurers may offer coverage after a specified symptom-free period. Policies with ‘moratorium underwriting’ might cover pre-existing conditions after a set duration (for example, two years) of no symptoms or treatment.

Standard policies typically do not cover GP visits, as these are widely accessible through the NHS. Some comprehensive policies or add-ons may include online GP consultations or private GP appointments.

Routine maternity care is usually excluded, as the NHS provides these services. Some policies offer limited maternity benefits as optional add-ons or part of higher-tier plans, which may include private hospital delivery, cover for pregnancy complications, or access to private midwives.

Coverage depends on your specific policy. Some basic plans exclude mental health treatment or limit sessions per year. If this is important to you, raise it with your insurance partner. Where included, it may cover psychiatric consultations, inpatient care, CBT, and counselling.

Typical monthly premiums range from £30 to £150 or more, depending on your age, health, lifestyle, coverage level, excess amount, and region. Family policies and add-ons can increase costs. London and areas with expensive private facilities tend to have higher premiums.

You can reduce costs by choosing a higher excess, limiting coverage to a specific hospital network, excluding optional benefits like dental or optical care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and taking advantage of no-claims discounts or loyalty bonuses.

There are no direct personal tax reliefs. However, employers providing health insurance can claim it as a deductible business expense. Employer-provided health insurance is considered a benefit-in-kind for employees and is subject to tax.

Yes. However, a new insurer may reassess your medical history, and waiting periods for pre-existing conditions may reset. Some insurers offer to carry forward existing coverage. Our intermediary partners will assess your situation carefully to help you avoid losing coverage for treatments you need.

Typically, you get a GP referral confirming treatment is necessary, contact your insurer for pre-authorisation, book your appointment at an approved private facility, and the insurer pays the provider directly. In some cases, you may pay upfront and be reimbursed.

You will typically receive a grace period (for example, 14 days) to resolve the issue. After this, your policy may lapse, resulting in loss of coverage and a potential need for reapplication. Contact your provider immediately if you anticipate payment difficulties.

Generally, yes — provided you give advance notice (for example, 30 days). Some insurers may apply a cancellation fee or only refund unused premiums under specific conditions. Check your policy terms for details.

No. NowPatient is not authorised to give financial advice. We are a lead generation service that connects you with trusted intermediaries who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). NowPatient is not liable for any financial advice provided by, or obtained through, a third party.