When looking for the best private healthcare product, there isn’t a clear answer, as it will depend on your needs and circumstances, including the level of cover, the terms and conditions and the percentage of claims paid out to name a few.
When considering taking private healthcare there’s no one size fits all, choosing the right private healthcare for you will depend on a number of factors, take a look below at some of the things you should consider.
1. Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions?
Pre-existing conditions are health issues that you already have when applying for private healthcare. These are typically long-term conditions that have required or still require ongoing treatment.
Having a pre-existing condition doesn’t mean you’re automatically excluded from getting private healthcare, but healthcare providers may exclude these conditions from coverage, impose a waiting period before covering them, or charge higher subscriptions/premiums. Make sure you check the healthcare product terms.
2. Can you afford to self-fund treatments?
Paying for private treatments yourself allows you to choose your preferred clinics, consultants and treatment timelines which can give you more control over your care if that’s important to you. However, opting to self-fund could leave a big dent in your finances. For example, a diagnostic test such as a CT scan can cost around £355-£850^ with a knee replacement costing around £14,500*. Plus, if something unexpected happens during treatment, you might end up with more bills than you planned for.
With private healthcare, you pay a monthly or annual subscription/premium and in return the healthcare provider contributes towards the costs of private treatment. This helps to reduce the risk of ending up with a shock bill. You get access to a network of private healthcare providers and specialists who can take the hassle away from you of arranging the treatment you need.
3. How old are you?
Private healthcare subscriptions/premiums tend to rise as you get older. This is due to the risk of you needing medical treatment increasing as you get older. Compare quotes from different healthcare providers, to ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your age and circumstances.
4. What level of cover do you need?
You should start by considering what cover you think you may need. Where you are in life can help determine which kind of health cover may be the most appropriate for your needs.
Do you have any current medical conditions that require treatment? How much can you afford in subscriptions/premiums? Do you need cover for just yourself or cover that includes your partner or children?
In some cases, cover can range from basic to more comprehensive cover, with the option of adding additional ‘extras’. Take time to assess your needs and look at the cover you may actually need, so you don’t end up on wasting money for services you’re unlikely to use.
5. Do perks matter to you?
Perks such as free access to treatment centres or discounted gym memberships are offered with some private healthcare providers. It’s worth considering how often you would use these perks, as subscription/premiums costs may be higher from those who offer perks compared to those providers who don’t.
Understanding what perks are available and whether they add value to your membership/policy can help you decide if they’re worth it. While perks can be nice to have, it’s important to prioritise cover levels and cost when choosing the right private healthcare provider for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Private Healthcare
Do private healthcare providers have access to NHS records?
Private healthcare providers can access NHS records with the patient’s consent, allowing for continuity of care and accurate diagnosis, but they are not automatically shared, you would need to authorise the sharing of your NHS record with a specific private healthcare provider.
Can I go private then back to NHS?
Yes, you can seek private healthcare for certain treatments and then transfer back to NHS care for follow-up or further treatment, but you’ll need a GP referral to access NHS services again.
What are the benefits of private healthcare?
Faster Access to Treatment
- Avoid long NHS waiting lists for consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgery
- Faster access to specialists and elective surgeries
- Virtual GP access 24/7 which allows quick service, private prescriptions and private fit notes, with the ability to refer onto specialists if needed
Choice of Specialists & Hospitals
- You have a choice of consultant and hospital
Private Rooms & Better Facilities
- Private hospitals offer single en-suite rooms with usually better comfort, food, and privacy compared to NHS wards
More Flexible Appointments
- Evening and weekend appointments are often available, making it more convenient for work/life balance
Mental Health & Physiotherapy Services
- Private healthcare often includes faster access to mental health therapy and physiotherapy, which can have long NHS waiting times.
The Police Mutual Healthcare Scheme
The Police Mutual Healthcare Scheme is a discretionary scheme, set up by the Police for members of the Police family, to help with the cost of private medical treatment when you need it. It allows you access to treatment at a range of private UK hospitals and facilities and can reduce time spent waiting for diagnosis or necessary medical procedures.
There are no medicals, but pre-existing conditions (in the five years prior to joining the scheme), radiotherapy & chemotherapy treatments, dental treatments, emergency treatments and cosmetic surgery are not covered.
To find out more or to get a quote click below
Prices accurate as of 08/04/25
Sources: ^The Best of Health, *Circle Health
Police Mutual Healthcare is a discretionary scheme and is not an insurance product. This product is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority and therefore is not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
PMHC Limited, trading as Police Mutual, is registered in England and Wales No. 03018474. Registered office: Brookfield Court, Selby Road, Leeds, LS25 1NB.