Do I Need Private Health Insurance?

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In this guide, we break down what private medical insurance (PMI) covers, who it’s best suited for and how it compares to NHS services.

Key takeaways:

Faster access and more choice. PMI can offer quicker treatment times, a wider selection of specialists, and more comfortable hospital stays.
It complements the NHS. Having private insurance doesn’t mean giving up NHS care – you can use both.
It’s a personal decision. Whether PMI is worth it depends on your health needs, budget, and how much you value speed, flexibility, and privacy.

What does private medical insurance cover?

Private medical insurance (PMI) helps pay for a wide range of private healthcare treatments. It usually includes:

Acute conditions. Illnesses or injuries that respond well to quick treatment, helping you recover faster.
Consultations. Access to private doctors and specialists.
Diagnostic tests. Scans, blood tests, X-rays and other checks to find out what’s wrong.
Surgery and treatment. Cover for procedures and hospital stays.
Recovery support. Services like physiotherapy can help you get back on your feet after surgery, illness or injury.

Some providers also offer optional extras, such as dental care or eye tests, which you can add to your policy.

Check out our guide for a more detailed look at what health insurance covers.

What are the advantages of having private medical insurance in the UK?

Private medical insurance offers several advantages:

Choice of hospitals. You can choose a consultant or specialist at a hospital that suits you.
Wider access. Some treatments, drugs and specialists may be available privately but not through the NHS.
Faster care. You may be seen faster than you would on an NHS waiting list, helping you get diagnosed and treated sooner.
Tailored treatment. Private care often gives you more time with specialists, which can lead to more personalised support.
More privacy. You’re likely to have a private room during your hospital stay, rather than sharing a ward with other patients.

Is private health insurance worth it in the UK?

It depends on your personal situation. While private health insurance has many benefits, there are a few things to think about:

Cost. Check your budget to make sure you can afford the monthly premium.
Coverage limits. Private insurance doesn’t cover everything. It often excludes pre-existing conditions and long-term illnesses.
Workplace benefits. Your employer might offer private health insurance, either for free or at a reduced rate.
NHS access. Remember, you still have access to NHS services like GP appointments and emergency care.

Who would benefit from PMI?

You might benefit from private health insurance if you:

Have mental health needs. Many policies offer some form of mental health cover, even if it’s an add-on. These services on the NHS may be stretched.
Need faster access to care. Waiting times in the NHS can be long. So, by getting a private health plan, you can get treatment faster.
Want more control over your care. Having a PMI policy lets you choose your hospital or specialist, so you can choose based on reputation or convenience.

Can I still access NHS services with PMI?

You can still use NHS services even if you have private health insurance. Having a policy gives you the choice to go private, but you don’t have to. Your right to NHS care stays the same.

You can decide which service to use based on your needs. For example, you might choose the NHS for routine check-ups or emergencies, but go private if you want faster access to a specialist.

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.