10 Things You Didn’t Know Were Covered by Private Health Insurance
Most people use a fraction of what their PMI policy actually pays for. The headline benefits; surgery, scans, cancer treatment; are well known. The supporting benefits often aren’t. This page walks through ten genuinely useful inclusions that most policyholders forget about, miss, or don’t realise they can claim.
1. Unlimited virtual GP appointments
Almost every modern UK PMI policy now includes a digital GP service; typically a smartphone app giving you video or phone appointments with a UK-registered GP, often the same day. There’s no limit on usage in most policies, no excess applied, and no waiting room.
For families with young children alone, this is a substantial benefit that easily justifies a chunk of the premium each year.
2. Mental health support helplines
Most policies include an Employee Assistance Programme-style helpline for mental health support; a confidential, 24/7 line you can call without affecting your no-claims discount. It’s separate from the formal outpatient mental health benefit and doesn’t usually count against session limits.
3. Second-opinion services
Several insurers include a “second medical opinion” service, where you can submit a diagnosis or proposed treatment plan and have it reviewed by another consultant; often a global panel of specialists. Useful for serious or complex diagnoses where you want reassurance before committing to a treatment path.
4. Home nursing after hospital discharge
Most comprehensive policies cover private home nursing for a period after an inpatient stay, particularly when it shortens the hospital admission. Worth knowing if you’ve had surgery and the medical team agrees an earlier discharge with home support is appropriate.
5. Hospital cash benefit when treated on the NHS
Many policies pay a daily cash benefit (often £50-£200 a day) if you’re treated on the NHS as an inpatient when you could have used your private cover. The figure isn’t huge, but it offsets the costs of being in hospital; parking, food, time off work, and it goes to you, not the hospital.
6. Outpatient physiotherapy without GP referral
Some insurers let you book directly with a recognised physiotherapist for musculoskeletal issues, without needing a GP referral first. Saves a step and gets you treated faster.
7. Maternity complications cover
Routine maternity isn’t covered by PMI. But complications of pregnancy that meet specific medical criteria; gestational diabetes management, certain emergency caesareans, post-partum complications; are often covered. It’s worth checking specifically; many people assume nothing pregnancy-related is covered.
8. Optical and dental on some plans
A small number of policies include modest dental and optical benefits as part of the core cover or as low-cost add-ons. Annual eye tests, basic dental check-ups, and a contribution to dental treatment may be included. It’s not a cash plan, but it’s worth knowing if your policy includes any of this.
9. Wellbeing programmes and discounts
Vitality is the most prominent example, but most major UK insurers now offer some form of wellbeing programme; gym discounts, fitness device discounts, mental health apps, nutrition resources. Engaging with these can also reduce your premium at renewal in some cases.
10. Continuation rights for grown-up children
Children who age out of a family policy (typically at 18, 21 or 24) can usually take out their own individual policy with the same insurer without re-underwriting. This locks in clean medical history acceptance and can be a quietly significant benefit, particularly for young adults with chronic conditions.
How to find out what your policy actually covers
Three practical steps:
- Read your benefit schedule, not just the marketing materials. The schedule is the legally binding document.
- Call the insurer’s claims line and ask. They’ll tell you specifically what’s covered.
- Ask your broker. A whole-of-market broker can compare what your current policy includes versus what alternatives offer.
A useful exercise
Before your next renewal, list out:
- Things you’ve claimed for in the last year
- Things you didn’t claim for but could have
- Things you used the NHS for that your policy might also have covered
It’s surprisingly common to find a benefit you’ve been paying for but never used. That’s a signal either to start using it, or to consider stripping it out at renewal to lower the premium.
Frequently asked questions
Does private health insurance cover virtual GP appointments? Yes; almost all modern UK policies include unlimited virtual GP access on most tiers.
Will my insurer pay if I’m treated on the NHS? Many policies pay a daily cash benefit if you choose NHS treatment over private. Check your benefit schedule.
Are second medical opinions covered? Several insurers include a second-opinion service. Worth using if you’re facing a serious diagnosis.
Can I claim for physio without seeing a GP first? On some policies, yes; direct access to recognised therapists is increasingly common.
What happens to my child when they age out of the family policy? Most insurers offer a continuation option, letting them move to an individual policy without re-underwriting.
Want a review of your existing policy to find the benefits you might be missing? Call 0800 131 0400 or email info@insuredhealth.co.uk.
