Private Medical Insurance For Individuals.

Private health insurance can be a worthwhile investment, particularly if you value quick access to healthcare, the choice of specialists, or a wider range of treatment options not always available through the NHS. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be long—over 7 million people in England were waiting for routine treatments as of early 2024. Private insurance helps you skip those queues, access private hospitals, and often get a more personalised treatment experience. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution; the value you get depends on your health needs, circumstances and budget. If you are interested in speaking to an advisor, to see if Private medical insurance may be the right fit for you, why not fill out the contact form at the top of this page?

Private health insurance in the UK works by covering the cost of private medical treatments, ranging from initial consultations and diagnostic tests to surgery, depending on your level of cover. You pay a monthly or annual premium, and in return, your insurer helps cover the costs of eligible treatments at private hospitals or clinics. When you need treatment, you’ll usually start by seeing your GP, or accessing the Private GP services of your chosen insurance provider, who can then refer you to a specialist. You can choose from providers such as Bupa, AXA, or VitalityHealth, all offering different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive. Each year, it’s important to review your policy to make sure it still meets your needs—something we handle for you at Capture Health, ensuring you’re always on the best deal available.

For individuals, private health insurance premiums are not generally tax deductible in the UK. This means you can’t claim your premiums as a deductible expense when filing your personal tax return. However, if your Company provides you with health insurance, it’s considered a taxable benefit, and you may have to pay tax on it as part of your income. Understanding the tax implications can be complex, so it’s always worth getting specific advice if you’re unsure about your situation. Why not give us a call on 0191 233 6398 or email us at info@capture-health.co.uk and we can answer any of your queries.

Health insurance in the UK typically covers a wide range of medical needs, but it varies by policy. Most plans cover inpatient treatments (like surgeries and overnight stays), outpatient treatments (such as consultations and diagnostic tests), and mental health support. However, it’s important to note that health insurance usually doesn’t cover chronic conditions, routine GP appointments, or accident and emergency services—that’s still the NHS’s domain. Policies can be tailored, so it’s worth reviewing your specific needs to ensure you get the right level of cover. If you would like to speak to an advisor about your needs, simply fill out the form at the top of this page and we will be in touch to help discuss your options.

Private health insurance can cover a wide array of medical services including consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI scans), surgeries, and cancer treatments. It’s also common to find cover for physiotherapy, mental health support, and access to specialist drugs that may not be available on the NHS. Insurers like Bupa, AXA and VitalityHealth offer various add-ons, such as dental and optical cover. It’s key to read the policy details carefully, as some treatments like pre-existing conditions, routine maternity care, and cosmetic procedures may not be covered. To help you understand what policy gives you the cover you need at the best price, why not fill in the form at the top of the page, and one of our expert advisors will be in touch shortly.

For self-employed individuals, private health insurance is not usually considered a deductible business expense for tax purposes. You can’t typically claim the cost of your individual health insurance premiums against your self-employed income to reduce your tax bill. However, a business policy may be tax deductible and some insurers offer this as an option even where there is only one employee. Furthermore, some elements, like insurance covering employee health if you employ staff, are usually deductible. It’s best to consult with an accountant to understand your options.

Most private health insurance policies in the UK do not cover routine pregnancy and childbirth costs. Maternity cover is often seen as an add-on or excluded altogether, as the NHS already provides comprehensive maternity care. However, some insurers, like Bupa, AXA & VitalityHealth, offer specialist policies or upgrades that include cover for complications during pregnancy, birth-related conditions, or private scans. For straightforward pregnancies, the NHS remains the best option.

Yes, you can often negotiate health insurance premiums, especially at renewal time. This is where we come in at Capture Health; we review your policy annually and compare it to the market to ensure you’re still getting the best deal. If your premiums have increased, we can often help negotiate a better price or find a comparable policy at a lower rate from an alternative provider. Insurers are often willing to make adjustments to retain customers, particularly if you’ve been a long-term client and we have excellent working relationships with the top insurance providers to enable us to negotiate this on your behalf.

Absolutely. Private health insurance doesn’t replace the NHS; it complements it. You can still use all NHS services, including your GP and emergency care, even if you have private health insurance. Your insurance simply provides you with more options—letting you choose private hospitals, bypass long NHS waiting lists, and get access to treatments that may not be readily available on the NHS. It’s about adding choice and control to your healthcare journey. If this sounds like it might be a good fit for you, why not fill out the form at the top of this page and one of expert advisors will be in touch?