Private Medical Insurance
Fast, private healthcare
when you need it.
Private medical insurance (PMI) gives you access to private consultants, diagnostics, and treatment without NHS waiting times. Whether it's a specialist referral, an MRI scan, or elective surgery, PMI means you're seen quickly and on your schedule.
Policies range from comprehensive hospital cover to focused outpatient and diagnostic plans. Our advisers will match you to the right level of cover for your health needs and budget.
What is private medical insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) gives you access to private healthcare — consultants, diagnostics, and treatment — without relying on NHS waiting lists. With NHS waiting times for elective treatment regularly exceeding 18 weeks, PMI provides the ability to be seen, diagnosed, and treated quickly, on your schedule, in a hospital of your choice.
What does private medical insurance cover?
A comprehensive PMI policy typically covers inpatient treatment (procedures requiring an overnight hospital stay), outpatient consultations and diagnostics (MRI, CT scans, blood tests, specialist appointments), and in many cases mental health treatment, physiotherapy, and cancer care. Most policies do not cover pre-existing conditions at outset, emergency A&E treatment, or chronic long-term conditions. Policies vary considerably — an independent adviser will compare the market to find the most appropriate cover for your situation and budget.
PMI for individuals, families, and businesses
Private medical insurance is available for individuals, couples, and families under a single policy. For businesses, offering PMI as an employee benefit can aid recruitment and retention, and premiums may be treated as a tax-deductible business expense. A regulated adviser can structure cover for both personal and business needs, ensuring the best value and most appropriate terms.
Who needs it
You should consider private medical insurance if…
- ✓You want to avoid long NHS waiting lists for diagnosis or treatment
- ✓You are self-employed and cannot afford extended time off work
- ✓You want private maternity or mental health cover
- ✓You want to cover your whole family under one policy
- ✓You are a business owner looking to offer PMI as an employee benefit
- ✓You have a health concern you want investigated quickly
Key benefits
Why it matters
Skip NHS waiting lists
With NHS waiting times often exceeding 18 weeks for a first appointment, PMI means you are seen by a specialist within days.
Choice of consultant and hospital
Choose who treats you and where, from a network of leading private hospitals and independent specialists.
Comprehensive diagnostic cover
Most policies cover MRI, CT and PET scans, blood tests, and specialist consultations — so conditions are identified and treated faster.
Mental health cover
Many modern PMI policies include inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment, including therapy sessions and psychiatric care.
FAQ
Common questions about private medical insurance
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