Here, Which? dives into what perks the top health insurance providers are offering.
What private health insurance policy perks can you get?
Below, we’ve rounded up the perks available from five major private medical insurers and given an illustrative quote for each provider.
We used Go.Compare to create illustrative quotes for a 35-year-old non-smoker living in Bristol, but remember the cost of private medical insurance (PMI) will vary depending on your age, pre-existing medical conditions and where you live.
The providers are listed in order of Which? customer score, which reflects a claimant's levels of satisfaction and how likely they are to recommend their provider based on their overall experience.
WPA
WPA – which stands for the Western Provident Association – is a not-for-profit private medical insurer, founded in 1901. It specialises in health insurance.
This firm was the highest-scoring PMI provider in our survey of customers and is a Which? Recommended Provider for 2024.
Illustrative policy cost:What are the main perks on offer?Aviva
With 18 million customers in the UK, Ireland and Canada, Aviva is the largest general insurer in the UK.
Aviva achieved an above-average customer score of 68% in our latest survey of PMI customers, placing it second in our survey.
Illustrative policy cost:Aviva offers My Healthy Discount, which could save you up to 15% on your first-year premium, though this discount is reduced on future renewals.
What are the main perks on offer?It also offers discounts on online exercise subscriptions such as Les Mills on demand and services such as Peloton and FIIT.
Axa Health
Axa Health is one of the biggest health insurers in the UK.
Customers gave it a score of 63% in our latest survey, which was slightly below average.
Illustrative policy cost:What are the main perks on offer?Bupa
Bupa is a leading healthcare specialist in the UK and achieved a customer score of 61% in our latest survey.
Illustrative policy cost:What are the main perks on offer?Other discounts include fruit boxes, health assessments and 20% off a Fitbit.
Vitality Health
Vitality Health is a UK-based private health insurance provider known for its active rewards scheme.
Customers gave it a below-average score of 55% in our latest survey, placing it bottom in our research.
Illustrative policy cost:What perks are on offer?It offers the Apple Watch Series 9 from £39 upfront, and by staying active you can earn 160 activity points per month (equivalent to 12,500 steps, five times a week), which will reduce your Apple Watch payments to zero. If you don't reach 160 points, Vitality offers a contribution towards your Apple Watch based on your level of activity. If you're not active, however, you may end up paying the full price.
Popular perks also include weekly free beverages at Caffè Nero, monthly cinema tickets at Vue or Odeon and access to Rakuten TV, plus discounted gym membership and spa breaks.
Tip:Are the perks that come with PMI really worth it?
Although these rewards might catch your eye, it's important to think about whether they truly add value compared to the cost of your premium. Finding the right policy that covers your needs is key, regardless of the perks it offers.
Which? can help you compare providers. We've surveyed private health insurance customers who have claimed on their policy to provide scores and star ratings that can give you an idea of the service before signing up.
The perks listed here aren't comprehensive. This means you might get more—or sometimes less—than what’s advertised. Always make sure to choose the insurance policy that best fits your needs.Find out more:Do I need PMI?
The NHS provides comprehensive healthcare services without charge when you need them, but a growing number of people are opting to go private to avoid long waiting lists.
But paying to go private for one-off treatments can be expensive. For example, surgeries like hip or knee replacements can easily cost more than £10,000.
With private medical insurance, you can avoid these big one-off costs and have more options as to when and where you can receive treatment, along with the convenience of quicker access to care.
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