Posted by Choosing the best medical insurance in the UK can be overwhelming and expensive, given that the UK’s average health insurance premium is about £100 per month and 18% of the citizen’s income tax goes towards healthcare, which is about 4.5% of the average citizen’s income.
With so many different providers and policies to choose from, it can be hard to know how or where to start. However, you can still navigate through that, and we have provided you with how.
You should also keep in mind that not all providers are created equal. That is to say, some will better match your needs, lifestyle, and circumstances than others.
This article will provide you with an overview of the different types of medical insurance available in the UK, as well as tips for choosing the right policy for your needs.
We’ll also explore the pros and cons of some of the top insurance providers to enable you to make an informed decision about your healthcare coverage.
But before we dive right in, let’s first of all fully understand the importance of medical insurance
Importance of Medical Insurance
The following are the benefits of medical insurance:
- This insurance can protect you from high medical bills
- Medical insurance gives you peace of mind and reduces your stress
- It can help you stay healthy
- This insurance can save you money in the long run
- Your finances and that of your family are protected with this insurance
- It gives you better access to quality healthcare.
This Insurance Can Protect You From High Medical Bills
Medical bills can be extremely expensive, especially if you have a serious illness or injury. Having insurance can help protect you from these high costs and give you the financial security you need to focus on getting better.
Without insurance, you could be stuck with a huge bill that could put you in debt or even ruin your credit score.
Medical Insurance Gives You Peace of Mind and Reduces Your Stress
Knowing that you’re covered in case of an accident or illness can give you peace of mind and reduce your stress levels.
Not having to worry about unexpected medical expenses can also help you focus on other aspects of your life, such as work and family.
It Can Help You Stay Healthy
Medical insurance can provide you with access to preventive care, such as regular checkups and screenings.
These services can help you catch health problems early and make it easier to treat them. They can also help you stay healthier overall by catching any potential issues before they become serious.
Some plans even offer incentives for staying healthy, such as discounts on gym memberships or rewards for meeting certain health goals.
This Insurance Can Save You Money in The Long Run
One of the best things about having medical insurance is that it can save you money in the long run. Even if your monthly premiums are higher than you’d like, they’re still likely to be less expensive than paying for medical care out of pocket.
If you have an unexpected medical emergency, for example, your insurance will cover a large portion of the costs. Over time, this can add up to a lot of savings.
Your Finances And That of Your Family are Protected With This Insurance
I think this is another crucial point. Not only does medical insurance protect your finances, it also protects the finances of your family.
If you’re the primary breadwinner in your household, for example, having insurance can help make sure your family is taken care of if something happens to you.
It can also protect your family from having to pay for expensive medical bills out of pocket. In short, having medical insurance can help provide financial security for your entire family.
It Gives You Better Access to Quality Healthcare
Having medical insurance gives you access to a wider range of healthcare providers and facilities, which can lead to better overall care.
You’ll have more options when it comes to choosing a doctor or hospital, and you’ll be able to access cutting-edge treatments and technologies that might not be available to those without insurance.
In addition, having insurance can give you peace of mind, knowing that you’ll be able to get the care you need when you need it.
Criteria for Selection of the Best Medical Insurance in the United Kingdom
We’ve taken into account the following criteria to determine the top medical insurance in the United Kingdom:
- Financial stability of the insurer
- Customer service
- Network of providers
- Online accessibility.
List of the 10 Best Medical Insurance in the UK
The following are the best medical insurance companies in the United Kingdom:
Overview of the UK’s Best Medical Insurance Companies
1. BUPA
- Year Founded: 1947
- Location: UK
Pros
- Bupa covers the highest number of mental health issues compared to any other health insurance provider in the UK
- It provides access to breakthrough cancer treatments and drugs
- This health insurance firm provides 24/7 health advice via its Anytime Healthline
- They have health reward programs.
Cons
- Its premiums can be higher than those of some other insurers
- Some customers have reported issues with claim processing
- Bupa’s network of providers may not be as extensive in some areas as those of other insurers.
Description
Bupa is one of the largest providers of medical insurance in the UK, and it’s also considered to be one of the best due to its wide network of healthcare providers.
The fact that it has a wide network of providers means that you’ll have a lot of choices when it comes to choosing a doctor or hospital.
Bupa also has a strong financial rating, and its premiums are generally considered to be competitive.
2. Aviva
- Year Founded: 2000
- Location: UK
Pros
- It has a wide range of products and services
- Aviva has a very good financial rating.
Cons
- Its premiums can be higher than those of some competitors
- Some of its customers have reported issues with customer service.
Description
This provider has a good financial rating, and it offers a range of products, including health, dental, and travel insurance.
Aviva also has a wide network of healthcare providers, which means you’ll have several options when it comes to finding a doctor or hospital.
One potential downside is that its premiums can be on the high side. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with customer service.
3. AXA PPP
- Year Founded: 1940
- Location: UK
Pros
- This company is financially buoyant
- Its customer service exhibits optimum service.
Cons
- It has a smaller network of providers than some competitors
- Not as well known as some other insurers.
Description
AXA PPP is a subsidiary of AXA, one of the largest insurance companies in the world. It offers a range of medical insurance products, such as health, dental, travel, etc.
AXA PPP is known for its high level of customer service, and its premiums are generally considered to be competitive.
4. Health-on-line
- Year Founded: 2000
- Location: UK
Pros
- Its approach to providing medical insurance is straightforward
- Easy-to-use and navigate website and app.
Cons
- Its customer service may not be as responsive as that of other competitors
- Not as well-known as some other insurers
- May not have as many coverage options as some other companies.
Description
Health on Line is a smaller player in the UK medical insurance market, but it still offers a range of products and services. These include health insurance, dental insurance, etc.
It is also known for its simple approach to insurance, and its premiums are considered to be very competitive.
5. WPA
- Year Founded: 19365
- Location: UK
Pros
- Wide range of products and features
- Innovative approach to insurance
- Their mobile app is easy to navigate.
Cons
- Premiums may be higher than those of some competitors
- May not offer the same level of customer service as some other companies
Description
WPA (Western Provident Association) is another option for medical insurance in the UK, and it is available to you if you reside in the country.
This firm provides lots of products and services and also offers a variety of innovative features, like a mobile app that allows you to access your policy and make claims on the go.
6. Cigna
- Year Founded: 1982
- Location: UK
Pros
- Comprehensive range of products and services
- It has high-quality customer service.
Cons
- This insurance is expensive compared to some of its competitors
- May not be as well known as some other insurers
- Some customers have reported issues with claim processing.
Description
Cigna is known for its comprehensive range of products and services, which include health insurance, dental insurance, travel insurance, and more.
It also has a strong financial standing and is considered to be a financially stable company. One potential downside is that Cigna’s policies may be more expensive than those of some other companies.
7. Simplyhealth
- Year Founded: 1872
- Location: UK
Pros
- Affordable premiums
- Simple and easy-to-understand policies
- Good customer service during business hours.
Cons
- Limited range of products
- Lack of 24/7 customer service
- Some customers have reported issues with claim processing.
Description
Simplyhealth is a UK-based health insurance company that offers a range of products, including health insurance, dental insurance, and optical insurance.
It is known for its affordable premiums and for offering simple and easy-to-understand policies. Some of the potential downsides of SimplyHealth include a limited range of products and a lack of 24/7 customer service.
8. VitalityLife
- Year Founded: 1997
- Location: UK
Pros
- Unique “points-based” rewards system
- Encourages healthy lifestyle choices.
Cons
- Pricing can be unclear
- Some customers have reported issues with processing their claims.
Description
VitalityLife is unique in that it offers a “points-based” rewards system. This means that customers can earn points for healthy activities like going to the gym or eating healthy food.
These points can be redeemed for things like discounts on gym memberships or travel.
9. Saga
- Year Founded: 1951
- Location: UK
Pros
- They have very affordable premiums
- Even your pre-existing conditions are covered.
Cons
- Lack of online information about policies
- Some customers have reported issues with claim processing.
Description
Saga is a UK-based health insurance company that offers policies specifically designed for people over the age of 50.
It is known for its affordability and for providing cover for pre-existing conditions. Some of the downsides of Saga include a lack of online information about policies and a limited range of products.
10. The Exeter
- Year Founded: 1927
- Location: UK
Pros
- They have excellent customer service
- Offers a wide range of benefits
- You will have access to wellness rewards
- They also offer you discounts on your gym membership.
Cons
- Pricing is not fully transparent
- There is limited online information about policies
- Some customers have reported issues with claim processing.
Description
Exeter is known for its excellent customer service and for offering a wide range of benefits, such as gym membership discounts and wellness rewards.
Some of the cons of The Exeter include a lack of transparency around pricing and limited online information about policies.
FAQs
How much does medical insurance cost in the UK?
The cost of medical insurance in the UK varies depending on several factors, such as your age, location, the type of policy you choose, etc. On average, basic private medical insurance for a single person can cost anywhere from £30 to £80 per month, while more comprehensive policies can cost up to £200 per month.
What does medical insurance cover?
Medical insurance in the UK typically covers the costs of private hospital treatment, including surgery, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and inpatient treatment. Some policies may also offer additional benefits, such as cash payments for hospital stays and access to private medical treatment abroad. However, it's important to check your policy details carefully to understand exactly what is and isn't covered.
Do I need medical insurance if I have the NHS?
Having the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK does not mean you don't need medical insurance. While the NHS provides free healthcare for everyone, it doesn't always cover everything. For example, it doesn't cover private medical treatment or dental care, and there can be long waiting lists for some procedures. Medical insurance can give you peace of mind and access to faster treatment. It can also cover treatments that are not available on the NHS.
What is the difference between private medical insurance and public medical insurance?
The main difference between private medical insurance and public medical insurance is that private medical insurance is provided by private insurance companies, while public medical insurance is provided by the NHS. With private medical insurance, you can usually choose your consultant and hospital, and you may have access to shorter waiting times for treatment. However, with public medical insurance, you're generally limited to NHS hospitals and may have to wait longer for treatment.
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Conclusion
Medical insurance in the UK can be a valuable investment. It can give you peace of mind, access to faster treatment, and a wider range of benefits than the NHS alone.
However, it’s important to understand the differences between private and public medical insurance and to choose a policy that meets your individual needs.
Ultimately, medical insurance can be a great way to protect your health and well-being, both now and in the future.