Benefits of Private Health Insurance

Published - 7 Jun 2024 | Updated - 3 Mar 2025

If you or someone you know has been waiting for treatment, you’ll know it’s not just the wait for operations such as hip replacements. It’s also the wait to see the specialist for the first time, a wait for scans and a wait for results too.

Of course, things can happen quicker, but the uncertainty can be just as unsettling as the medical problem itself.

The advantages of private healthcare

With private health insurance, operations are performed in a private hospital, and your procedure would be scheduled whenever is convenient for you. You’d then usually recuperate in your own en suite room.

But just as importantly, you’d get your initial consultation, diagnostic scans and tests done just as promptly – with your results received swiftly too. Plus, like other insurance policies, it’s always on standby, so you can get the quality care we all dream of.

Private health insurance puts you in the driving seat when it comes to your treatment, so you are not left wondering what happens next and when.

And what’s more, there’s time. Time not wasted, time not paused, not being slowed down or putting your life, activities and opportunities on hold while waiting for a diagnosis or treatment. All things you can’t really put a price on.

Private healthcare vs NHS

There are a couple of things worth noting about private health insurance. While policies generally don’t cover you for pre-existing medical conditions, you can call upon it for any new healthcare treatment in the future.

And it only covers approved, planned procedures – it does not, and cannot, cover accident and emergency treatment which is always carried out by the NHS.

Going private

5 things to consider about private health insurance

1. Quicker all round

Having private healthcare doesn’t just mean the operation’s quicker, the initial referral to a specialist, scans and results are too.

2. Helpful extras

Good cover comes with added extras that are free to use and don’t need a claim form, such as unlimited calls to a 24/7 GP helpline.

3. Spread the love

Check to see how little it could cost to include a partner or child on your policy – it could be cheaper than separate ones.

4. Make things happen

Don’t forget to use your cover! You may be able to claim for treatment that’s no longer routinely offered by the NHS such as mole removal. Mention you have cover when you visit your GP.

5. Get it when you are well!

Cover is generally for things you haven't had yet, so you won't be able to claim for pre-existing conditions or concerns.

How does Saga’s private health insurance work?

Saga Health Insurance gives you the ‘magic wand’ to begin prompt scheduled treatment and the advantage of avoiding the anxiety of a long and uncertain wait.

As soon as a GP mentions referring you to a specialist for a new condition you’re covered for, you’d call the claims team straightaway.

You then get to see a specialist at a time and private hospital of your choice – and the same goes for any diagnostic tests and scans, and treatment you might need.

Take a closer look at Saga Health Insurance, provided by Bupa Insurance Limited.

Are there any other benefits to private health insurance?

Along with medical cover, there are often other things available with a private health insurance policy such health or fitness advice. For example, Saga Health Insurance comes with a 24-hour GP service so you can call at any time to arrange to speak to a GP by phone or video consultation. It’s available as often as needed and at no extra cost.

Who underwrites Saga Health Insurance?

Saga Health Insurance is a unique product designed by us specifically for our customers and it is only available through us. Together with our underwriter, Bupa Insurance Limited, we are committed to providing high levels of quality, service and choice. That's why we offer a range of policies that can be tailored to suit your needs and budget.