Private Medical Insurance

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to cover the cost of eligible private medical treatment, with payments made directly to hospitals or specialists rather than to you. It can give you faster access to diagnosis and treatment, either through private healthcare facilities or by supplementing NHS care.

Some PMI policies are linked to NHS waiting times. Under these arrangements, private treatment becomes available if the NHS cannot provide care within a set timeframe. Other policies operate independently of the NHS, offering private treatment regardless of waiting lists.

When applying for cover, you will typically complete a medical questionnaire. This underwriting process allows the insurer to assess your health history and clearly define which conditions are covered or excluded under the policy. PMI premiums are typically reviewable and reassessed annually, so the cost of cover may change over time based on factors such as age, claims experience, and medical inflation.