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Private medical insurance perks: what's on offer and are they worth it?
Discounts on coffee, savings on gym membership, free cinema tickets – we compare providers to reveal what benefits you might get
The private medical insurance market grew by 6% year on year in 2022 to £5.3bn, more than triple the average annual growth rate of 1.8% between 2008 and 2019, according to the health data provider LaingBuisson.
If you're thinking of taking out a policy this year, the level of coverage you can get and the price you have to pay will be a priority, but it's also worth weighing up the extras insurance companies throw in to set themselves apart.
Here, Which? dives into what perks the top health insurance providers are offering.
What private health insurance policy perks can you get?
Below, we’ve rounded up the perks available from five major private medical insurers and given an illustrative quote for each provider.
We used Go.Compare to create illustrative quotes for a 35-year-old non-smoker living in Bristol, but remember the cost of private medical insurance (PMI) will vary depending on your age, pre-existing medical conditions and where you live.
The providers are listed in order of Which? customer score, which reflects a claimant's levels of satisfaction and how likely they are to recommend their provider based on their overall experience.
WPA
WPA – which stands for the Western Provident Association – is a not-for-profit private medical insurer, founded in 1901. It specialises in health insurance.
This firm was the highest-scoring PMI provider in our survey of customers and is a Which? Recommended Provider for 2024.
Illustrative policy cost: £39.25 per month
What are the main perks on offer? A third off gyms near you with Hussle, up to 20% off FitBit fitness devices, a discounted gym membership and health assessments at Nuffield Gym.
- Find out more about WPA using the service provided by LifeSearch
Interested in keeping track of your activity levels? Read our reviews on the best fitness trackers.
Aviva
With 18 million customers in the UK, Ireland and Canada, Aviva is the largest general insurer in the UK.
Aviva achieved an above-average customer score of 68% in our latest survey of PMI customers, placing it second in our survey.
Illustrative policy cost: £37.36 per month
Aviva offers My Healthy Discount, which could save you up to 15% on your first-year premium, though this discount is reduced on future renewals.
What are the main perks on offer? Aviva Get Active offers savings on gym services, discounted lifestyle products and offers at more than 3,500 nationwide health and fitness clubs. These include both independent and larger chain gyms and health clubs, so discounts can vary. Offers are also subject to change.
It also offers discounts on online exercise subscriptions such as Les Mills on demand and services such as Peloton and FIIT.
- Find out more about Aviva using the service provided by LifeSearch
Axa Health
Axa Health is one of the biggest health insurers in the UK.
Customers gave it a score of 63% in our latest survey, which was slightly below average.
Illustrative policy cost: £31.37 per month
What are the main perks on offer? Access to discounted gym memberships, such as up to 40% off a monthly rolling Nuffield Health individual membership or 40% off online-only gym membership. You can also save up to 40% off at Hussle with a Monthly+ pass.
Bupa
Bupa is a leading healthcare specialist in the UK and achieved a customer score of 61% in our latest survey.
Illustrative policy cost: £27.95 per month
What are the main perks on offer? You can get 40% off a Hussle Monthly+ pass, which gives access to multiple gyms, pools and spas across the UK, and discounts on fitness apps.
Other discounts include fruit boxes, health assessments and 20% off a Fitbit.
- Find out more about Bupa using the service provided by LifeSearch
Vitality Health
Vitality Health is a UK-based private health insurance provider known for its active rewards scheme.
Customers gave it a below-average score of 55% in our latest survey, placing it bottom in our research.
Illustrative policy cost: £44 per month
What perks are on offer? Vitality Health has a fairly extensive rewards system. You sign up for a plan, track your activity with a smartwatch or fitness tracker and earn points, which you then exchange for rewards.
It offers the Apple Watch Series 9 from £39 upfront, and by staying active you can earn 160 activity points per month (equivalent to 12,500 steps, five times a week), which will reduce your Apple Watch payments to zero. If you don't reach 160 points, Vitality offers a contribution towards your Apple Watch based on your level of activity. If you're not active, however, you may end up paying the full price.
On top of this, Vitality offers 50% off monthly gym membership fees with one of their gym partners, which includes Nuffield Health, PureGym or Virgin Active. You can also earn up to £1,026 cashback on a Tread, or up to £630 cashback on a Peloton Bike or Bike+ (Peloton offered as an alternative to gym membership).
Popular perks also include weekly free beverages at Caffè Nero, monthly cinema tickets at Vue or Odeon and access to Rakuten TV, plus spa breaks.
Tip: currently, you can exchange your weekly Caffè Nero drink voucher for coffee beans, ground or pods, but this will end on 1 July 2024. From then, as long as you stay active, you will be able to get a 25% discount on whole beans, ground coffee, Nespresso-compatible capsules or any item from the food menu.
- Find out more about Vitality using the service provided by LifeSearch
Are the perks that come with PMI really worth it?
Although these rewards might catch your eye, it's important to think about whether they truly add value compared to the cost of your premium. Finding the right policy that covers your needs is key, regardless of the perks it offers.
Which? can help you compare providers. We've surveyed private health insurance customers who have claimed on their policy to provide scores and star ratings that can give you an idea of the service before signing up.
The perks listed here aren't comprehensive. This means you might get more—or sometimes less—than what’s advertised. Always make sure to choose the insurance policy that best fits your needs.
- Find out more: best private health insurance
Do I need PMI?
The NHS provides comprehensive healthcare services without charge when you need them, but a growing number of people are opting to go private to avoid long waiting lists.
But paying to go private for one-off treatments can be expensive. For example, surgeries like hip or knee replacements can easily cost more than £10,000.
With private medical insurance, you can avoid these big one-off costs and have more options as to when and where you can receive treatment, along with the convenience of quicker access to care.
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