How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost In The UK?

Understanding Private Health Insurance Costs in the UK

One of the most common questions from self-employed professionals and business owners considering private health insurance is simply: how much will it cost? The answer depends on several factors, but the good news is that comprehensive cover is more affordable than many people expect.

Average Costs in 2025

Private health insurance premiums in the UK vary widely, but as a general guide:

• Individual cover: From around £30–£80 per month for a healthy adult in their 30s
• Couple: From around £60–£150 per month
• Family (2 adults + children): From around £80–£200 per month
• Business/corporate: From around £500–£1,500 per employee per year

These figures are estimates and actual premiums depend on your age, location, chosen excess, hospital list, and level of cover.

What Affects Your Premium?

Several key factors determine how much you'll pay:

• Age: Premiums increase with age as health risks naturally rise
• Location: London and the South East tend to have higher premiums
• Level of cover: Comprehensive plans with outpatient, dental, and optical cost more than inpatient-only
• Excess: Choosing a higher voluntary excess (e.g. £250–£500) significantly reduces your monthly premium
• Hospital list: Open lists with access to all private hospitals cost more than guided lists
• Pre-existing conditions: Under moratorium underwriting, these are typically excluded for the first 2–5 years

Ways to Reduce Your Premiums

There are several strategies to keep costs down without sacrificing essential cover:

• Six-week NHS option: Only claim privately if the NHS wait exceeds 6 weeks—this can reduce premiums by 20–40%
• Higher excess: Choosing a £250 or £500 excess instead of £0 makes a significant difference
• Guided hospital list: Opting for a curated list of hospitals rather than full open access
• Core cover only: Start with inpatient and day-case cover, adding outpatient later

Tax Benefits for Business Owners

If you operate through a limited company, premiums paid by the company are typically treated as an allowable business expense against corporation tax. While you'll pay tax on the benefit in kind, the overall arrangement is usually more tax-efficient than paying personally.

Is It Worth the Investment?

For self-employed professionals and business owners, the real question isn't the cost of insurance—it's the cost of not having it. When your income depends entirely on your ability to work, a few months on an NHS waiting list can cost far more than years of premiums.

Get a Personalised Quote

The best way to understand exactly what you'd pay is to get a tailored quote based on your specific circumstances. Our specialist advisors compare the whole market to find the best cover at the best price for your situation.