In London, where the healthcare system is often stretched and waiting times can be long, private medical insurance has become a preferred choice for those seeking quicker access to quality care. This blog explores the top private medical insurance companies in London, how to evaluate them, and what they offer to individuals, families, and expats living in the capital.
Why Should You Consider Private Medical Insurance in London?
Faster Access to Care
A major reason people choose private medical insurance is the faster access it offers compared to NHS waiting times. With private insurance, patients often receive appointments with GPs and specialists within days instead of weeks or months.
Personalised and Discreet Services
Private health insurance gives individuals the comfort of private rooms, choice of consultants, and a discreet environment ideal for those who value privacy and control over their healthcare.
More Treatment Options
Unlike NHS coverage, private insurers frequently provide access to newer drugs, alternative therapies, and advanced diagnostic tests that may not be readily available under the public system.
How Do You Choose the Best Private Health Insurance Provider?
Evaluate Coverage and Plan Types
Start by checking what each policy covers. Some may include outpatient consultations, scans, mental health support, and therapies, while others are limited to in-patient care.
Consider Flexibility and Add-ons
Top insurers allow customers to build modular plans. You might start with a basic package and then add features such as dental, optical, or international emergency cover.
Assess Hospital and GP Networks
Not all plans offer access to central London’s premium clinics. Look into the provider’s partnerships with private hospitals and whether they include virtual or in-person GP services.
What Are the Benefits of Private Medical Insurance in the UK?
Shorter Waiting Times
With private insurance, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and consultant referrals happen quickly, giving peace of mind to those dealing with health uncertainties.
Access to Premium Facilities
Private insurance gives access to comfortable, well-equipped hospital rooms, often with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant-style meals, and quiet recovery environments.
Enhanced Mental Health Support
More insurers now include mental health care in their core plans covering therapy, counselling, and psychiatric consultations to support overall wellbeing.
Top 10 Private Medical Insurance Companies in London
1. Bupa UK – “Leading Health Cover Backed by Experience”
Bupa is one of the UK’s most trusted healthcare brands, offering extensive coverage through its own clinics and hospitals. Known for its digital-first approach, Bupa provides seamless access to virtual consultations, health advice, and claim support. It’s a go-to provider for many Londoners seeking convenience and reliable service.
Primary Focus
Offers an all-inclusive range of services such as access to private clinics, emotional wellness support, and remote GP consultations.
Most Suitable For
Great for individuals and families seeking well-rounded and fast-access private healthcare.
Pricing: From £45/month
- Website: bupa.co.uk
- Phone: 0345 609 0111
- Address: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ
- Email: info@bupa.com
Review: ★★★★☆ “Fast, responsive, and reliable—excellent for managing my family’s health.”
2. AXA Health – “Empowering You to Live Healthier”
AXA Health provides extensive UK-wide access backed by digital health features and around-the-clock assistance. It promotes proactive care with wellness programmes and offers direct access to specialists. Users benefit from flexible plans, including family and business coverage tailored to different needs.
Key Feature
Strong preventive care focus with wide-ranging digital and clinical healthcare solutions.
Best Choice For
Ideal for city professionals and families who want both online and in-person healthcare access.
Pricing: Starting from £37/month
- Website: axahealth.co.uk
- Phone: 0800 132 203
- Address: 20 Gracechurch St, London EC3V 0BG
- Email: customer.service@axahealth.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆ “Easy claims and fast appointments—it’s everything I hoped private cover would be.”
3. VitalityHealth – “Insurance That Rewards Healthy Living”
VitalityHealth offers a unique blend of medical insurance and wellness incentives. Customers can earn points and perks through healthy activities like walking, gym workouts, or regular checkups. The insurer partners with top London clinics while encouraging a proactive, healthy lifestyle.
Specialised Focus
Wellness-driven care that combines treatment with rewards for staying healthy.
Perfect For
Great for active individuals or couples who value rewards and lifestyle perks.
Pricing: £39–£75/month
- Website: vitality.co.uk
- Phone: 0345 602 3523
- Address: 70 Gracechurch St, London EC3V 0XL
- Email: health@vitality.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆ “Love the gym rewards and fitness focus—makes staying healthy enjoyable!”
4. Aviva Health – “Simple, Flexible, Affordable Health Cover”
Aviva’s health insurance is known for its customisation and affordability. The insurer offers modular plans, allowing customers to add or remove cover as needed. Its digital GP services and quick online claims portal are highly praised by users.
Main Offering
Budget-friendly health cover with the flexibility to match different lifestyles.
Recommended For
Perfect for cost-conscious families or first-time buyers entering private healthcare.
Pricing: From £30/month
- Website: aviva.co.uk
- Phone: 0800 068 3827
- Address: St Helen’s, 1 Undershaft, London EC3P 3DQ
- Email: health@aviva.com
Review: ★★★★☆ “Reliable coverage with a smooth claims process—great for family use.”
5. WPA – “Not-for-Profit Health Insurance with a Human Touch”
WPA stands out for its not-for-profit model, reinvesting into better service and care for its members. It offers transparent pricing and strong customer support, which appeals to those looking for an ethical provider. The policies are customisable for families, individuals, and SMEs.
Focused Service
Ethically structured plans that prioritise transparency, mental health, and customer care.
Good Fit For
An excellent choice for households, older adults, and smaller companies looking for dependable, ongoing health cover.
Pricing: Around £50/month
- Website: wpa.org.uk
- Phone: 01823 625000
- Address: Rivergate House, Blackbrook Park, Taunton TA1 2PE
- Email: sales@wpa.org.uk
Review: ★★★★★ “Helpful, honest, and no hard-selling—customer service that truly cares.”
6. Freedom Health Insurance – “Clear, Honest, Flexible Coverage”
Freedom keeps health insurance straightforward, offering plans with no geographical restrictions and optional benefits. With a reputation for clarity and openness, it’s a top choice for freelancers, expats, and individuals who want simple yet effective coverage.
Coverage Approach
No-location-restriction plans with flexible structure and straightforward terms.
Ideal For
Perfect for digital nomads and self-employed workers who value freedom and clarity.
Pricing: From £27/month
- Website: freedomhealthinsurance.co.uk
- Phone: 01202 756 350
- Address: County Gates House, Poole BH12 1AZ
- Email: info@freedomhealthinsurance.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆ “Hassle-free and honest—ideal for someone who doesn’t want complexity.”
7. The Exeter – “Cover Designed for the Self-Employed”
The Exeter is known for its member-focused approach and is especially popular among freelancers and entrepreneurs. It offers tailored underwriting, flexible benefits, and includes income protection as an add-on to standard health plans.
Unique Value
Flexible underwriting tailored for non-traditional income and job types.
Target Audience
Great for freelancers, contractors, and gig workers seeking stable cover.
Pricing: Custom; typically starts from £35/month
- Website: the-exeter.com
- Phone: 0300 123 3201
- Address: Lakeside House, Emperor Way, Exeter EX1 3FD
- Email: info@the-exeter.com
Review: ★★★★☆ “Finally, an insurer that understands freelance work and adapts to it.”
8. General & Medical Healthcare – “Trusted Healthcare for Families and SMEs”
General & Medical offers a tiered health insurance model that caters to individuals and businesses alike. Its flexible structure and wide network access make it popular among growing families and UK companies. Chronic care coverage is also available in certain plans.
Plan Structure
Multi-tier packages suited for both short-term and long-term healthcare needs.
Best Suited For
Great for businesses and families seeking structured, plan-based private healthcare.
Pricing: From £38/month
- Website: generalandmedical.com
- Phone: 0800 980 4601
- Address: Fitzroy House, Peterborough PE1 5PT
- Email: health@generalandmedical.com
Review: ★★★☆☆ “Solid value, good options, and they’ve been very responsive.”
9. Cigna Global – “International Insurance for Modern Nomads”
Cigna is a well-established international insurer catering to expatriates, overseas students, and professionals on the move. It provides seamless international claims and access to care in over 200 countries and territories, including premium clinics in London.
Global Reach
Provides global healthcare access, including urgent treatment, psychological support, and inpatient services across borders.
Ideal User
Great for expats and frequent travellers needing worldwide protection and peace of mind.
Pricing: From £55/month for expat plans
- Website: cignaglobal.com
- Phone: +44 1475 788182
- Address: 1 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4BU
- Email: info@cignaglobal.com
Review: ★★★★☆ “I travel often—this is the only plan that really works everywhere.”
10. National Friendly – “Health Insurance That Puts Members First”
National Friendly is a mutual society with over 150 years of history in healthcare and protection products. The company offers straightforward health insurance plans focused on outpatient care and early diagnosis, making it a good fit for those who want peace of mind without overpaying. With no shareholders, profits are reinvested into better services and benefits for members.
Core Advantage
Focuses on accessible outpatient care and diagnostic cover with flexible benefits.
Ideal Audience
Great for those seeking low-cost, straightforward private cover for essential health services.
Pricing: From £26/month (dependent on age and cover level)
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Website: nationalfriendly.co.uk
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Phone: 0333 014 6244
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Address: 11-12 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4NT
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Email: info@nationalfriendly.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆ “Affordable and easy to deal with—gives me peace of mind for basic care needs.
How Do These Insurers Compare in Terms of Coverage and Cost?
Here is a comparison of key features across selected providers:
| Provider | Avg. Monthly Cost | Virtual GP | Mental Health | Hospital Access | Distinctive Feature |
| Bupa | £45–£90 | Yes | Yes | Bupa & affiliate clinics | Own hospital network and apps |
| AXA Health | £35–£85 | Yes | Yes | Extensive UK network | Health at Hand helpline |
| VitalityHealth | £40–£75 | Yes | Yes | London specialists | Rewards for fitness and wellness |
| Aviva | £30–£80 | Yes | Yes | Partner facilities | Cost-effective modular plans |
| Freedom | £25–£70 | Yes | Optional | No restrictions | Simplified structure, ideal for expats |
What Should Expats Know About Getting Private Health Insurance in London?
Coverage Before NHS Access
Most expats are not immediately eligible for NHS services. A private policy ensures access to healthcare from day one, especially important for families with children or those managing chronic conditions.
Providers with Expat Plans
Insurers like Cigna, Freedom, and Bupa have dedicated expat offerings. These plans are tailored for people without permanent residency and include international emergency care, digital claims, and flexible terms.
Simplified Application Process
Many providers streamline the process for foreign nationals, with minimal documentation and quick policy activation often within 24 to 48 hours.
How Do You Make a Claim with a Private Health Insurance Provider?
Steps in the Claims Process
Making a claim is typically done through the insurer’s app or online portal. After seeing a private GP and receiving a referral, customers can submit documentation digitally and track the claim’s progress in real time.
Pre-Authorisation and Cashless Treatments
Most major insurers offer pre-authorisation meaning treatment costs are settled directly with hospitals, and patients don’t have to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement.
Are There Affordable Options for Individuals and Families?
Entry-Level Plans
Affordable options usually cover outpatient care, digital GP services, and therapy but exclude high-cost procedures. These plans typically start at £25–£35 per month.
Tailoring to Budget
Providers like Aviva and WPA allow customers to choose only what they need, helping manage costs. Optional extras can be added when circumstances change.
What Do Customers Say About These Insurance Companies?
Review Platforms and Trust Ratings
Customers often report satisfaction with claim speed, transparency, and service accessibility. Bupa and WPA consistently score above 4.3★ on review platforms for their prompt service and digital tools.
- Bupa: Fast appointments and clear communication
- AXA: Friendly support and wellness integration
- WPA: Ethical practices and family-focused plans
- Vitality: Fun and motivating rewards programme
Conclusion
The London private medical insurance market offers a wide range of providers catering to diverse health needs, budgets, and lifestyles.
Whether you’re looking for digital GP access, global coverage, or just peace of mind during uncertain times, these ten insurers present solid, reliable choices. As London continues to grow, so does the demand for quality, accessible private healthcare and these providers are stepping up to meet it.
FAQs About Private Medical Insurance Companies in London
What is the difference between NHS and private health insurance in London?
Private insurance offers faster access, private facilities, and more treatment options, whereas the NHS is government-funded and free at the point of use.
Can I have both NHS and private insurance at the same time?
Yes, you can use NHS for basic care and private insurance for specialist treatments or quicker services.
Do private medical insurers in London cover pre-existing conditions?
Some do, but it depends on the provider and policy. Waiting periods or exclusions may apply.
Is private GP access included in all health insurance plans?
Most plans from top insurers include digital GP services; in-person visits may depend on plan level.
What documents do I need to apply for private medical insurance in the UK?
Usually ID, address, and brief health history; expats may also need visa or residency proof.
Can I get private health insurance as a non-UK resident?
Yes, many insurers offer expat plans with no long-term UK residency requirement.
How soon can I start using private healthcare after getting insured?
You can often begin using your plan within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the insurer.