The main UK private health insurers are Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and WPA. Most policies use moratorium underwriting with a standard 5 year look back on pre-existing conditions, though AXA Health and Saga offer a shorter 3 year moratorium. Comprehensive cover commonly costs from around £30 to £120 a month depending on age and options.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 30 AUGUST 2026
- Main providers are Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and WPA.
- Standard moratorium underwriting has a 5 year look back; AXA Health and Saga offer 3 years.
- Cosmetic treatment and most chronic conditions are excluded across the market.
Major UK private health insurers and their approach
| Provider | Underwriting note | Published point |
| Bupa | Moratorium or full medical underwriting | Includes mental health cover as standard |
| AXA Health | Offers a 3 year moratorium | Modular policy design |
| Vitality | Moratorium or full medical | Premiums reduced by activity and wellness tracking |
| Aviva | Moratorium or full medical | Wellness rewards; lower excess option |
| WPA | Moratorium or full medical | Not for profit; Shared Responsibility cost sharing |
| The Exeter | Specialist and flexible underwriting | Suited to older applicants and medical history |
| Saga | Offers a 3 year moratorium | Focus on the over 50s |
Source: Provider published information, 2026
KEY FACTS
- Main providers are Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and WPA.
- Standard moratorium underwriting uses a 5 year look back on pre-existing conditions.
- AXA Health and Saga offer a shorter 3 year moratorium.
- Comprehensive cover commonly costs from around £30 to £120 a month.
- Cosmetic treatment and most chronic conditions are excluded across the market.
How private health insurance underwriting works
| Underwriting type | Pre-existing conditions | Note |
| Moratorium (standard) | 5 year look back | Most common; no medical forms at the start |
| Moratorium (AXA Health, Saga) | 3 year look back | Shorter exclusion window |
| Full medical underwriting | Assessed at application | Conditions confirmed upfront |
| Excluded across the market | Cosmetic and most chronic conditions | Standard exclusions |
Source: Provider published information, 2026
The main providers and how they differ
The named insurers above lead the UK market. Bupa is the largest and includes mental health cover as standard, WPA is a not for profit insurer with a Shared Responsibility model where members co-pay part of a claim to reduce premiums, and The Exeter specialises in flexible underwriting for older applicants and those with a medical history. Vitality and Aviva link premiums to activity and wellness tracking, so healthy behaviour can reduce renewal costs. The meaningful differences between providers are underwriting approach, hospital and consultant access and how a claim affects your renewal premium, more than the headline year one price.
Moratorium versus full medical underwriting
Two underwriting methods dominate. Moratorium underwriting is the most common and asks no medical questions at the start, but excludes any condition you had in the look back period, a standard 5 years, until you have been symptom and treatment free for a continuous period. AXA Health and Saga offer a shorter 3 year moratorium. Full medical underwriting instead assesses your history at application, so exclusions are confirmed upfront rather than discovered at claim time. Neither is universally better: full medical underwriting suits applicants with past health issues who want certainty.
What is not covered
Every policy excludes a standard list. Cosmetic treatment such as whitening, veneers and most elective procedures is excluded, as are most chronic conditions, which are defined as long term and incurable and are seen as the responsibility of the NHS. Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded, handled through the underwriting method chosen. Diagnostic scans such as MRI are usually covered but may require a GP referral, so checking the referral rules before treatment avoids a declined claim.
DISCLAIMER
This article is editorial information, not financial advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures were correct at the last review date shown above; verify current rates and rules with the primary sources listed below before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the main private health insurers in the UK
The largest are Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and WPA, with The Exeter and Saga also prominent for specialist and older applicant cover.
What is a moratorium in health insurance
Moratorium underwriting asks no medical questions at the start but excludes conditions you had in a look back period, a standard 5 years, until you have been symptom and treatment free for a continuous period.
Which insurers offer a shorter moratorium
AXA Health and Saga offer a 3 year moratorium, shorter than the market standard 5 years.
How much does private health insurance cost
Comprehensive cover commonly costs from around £30 to £120 a month, depending on age, cover level, excess and options.
What does private health insurance not cover
Cosmetic treatment and most chronic conditions are excluded across the market, along with pre-existing conditions handled through the underwriting method you choose.
SOURCES
- ABI: health insurance – accessed 30 August 2026
- GOV.UK: health and social care – accessed 30 August 2026
