What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) offers fast, flexible access to private healthcare—whether you’re looking to protect your own health or support the wellbeing of your employees. From prompt diagnosis to specialist treatment, PMI helps reduce waiting times and ensures continuity of care. For businesses, it’s a valuable benefit that can reduce absenteeism. For individuals, it could provide you greater control over your healthcare journey.

According to the Association of British Insurers, over 4 million people in the UK are covered by private health insurance—many through employer-sponsored schemes.

In addition to comprehensive private medical insurance, we also offer solutions for flexible Health Cash Plans—a cost-effective way to claim back everyday healthcare expenses such as dental check-ups, eye tests, physiotherapy, and more.

What does Private Medical Insurance Cover?

The following provides an overview of the typical coverage and features offered by this type of insurance. Please note that the specific cover provided may vary between insurers. All policies are subject to individual terms, conditions, and exclusions. Your broker will help you find the product that best suits you or your business’s unique needs.

  • Consultations, diagnostics, and surgical procedures
  • Specialist treatments
  • Cancer care and mental health support
  • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation services
  • Optional extras such as dental, optical, and maternity cover
  • 24/7 virtual GP access and health helplines

12.3%

annual growth in UK health cover market. (LaingBuisson, 2025)

8M+

people are now covered by PMI in the UK. (LaingBuisson, 2025)

£6.15BN

is the value of UK PMI market in 2024. (LaingBuisson, 2025)

Real Client Support

When Nicky, 59, found a lump in her breast, she was able to act fast—thanks to the private medical insurance arranged by Tysers.Tysers had set her up with a policy that gave her quick access to diagnosis, treatment, and full cancer support. From physiotherapy to mental health care, everything was covered.

“To actually hear your consultant say it’s all gone is an amazing feeling.”

Tysers made sure Nicky had the protection she needed—when she needed it most.

Why Choose Us?

We’re more than insurance brokers — we’re your strategic risk partners. With over 200 years of industry heritage and a client-first approach, we help you understand the risks you face and how to manage them.

  • Clear, honest advice—no unnecessary jargon
  • Tailored solutions—built around your business needs
  • Ongoing support—from policy setup to claims handling
  • Trusted by businesses across the UK

The many benefits of private medical insurance include:

Speed

Quick referral straight to see a specialist

Choice

Patients can choose their specialist and their hospital

Prompt Diagnosis

Seeing the right specialist results in a speedy diagnosis

First Class Features

Comfortable en-suite private rooms, free parking & unrestricted visiting hours

Reduced Waiting Times

Avoid long NHS waiting lists

Flexibility

Plan appointments around your schedule

Access of Qualified Specialists

Giving you, your family and employees peace of mind

Attract and Retain Employees

Private medical offers a desirable benefit

FAQs

Can I choose what’s included in my policy?

Most private medical insurance policies will provide cover as standard for specified medical conditions and personal injuries which occur after the policy period has commenced. The maximum claim limits may be fixed or, depending on the insurer, there may be the option to adjust levels.  We’ll work with you to help tailor the cover to get as close as we can to your needs and budget.

Does it cover pre-existing conditions?

While most insurers exclude pre-existing conditions, many will consider extending cover for specified chronic or existing medical issues. If you’re introducing a workplace Private Medical Insurance scheme, insurers often waive these exclusions entirely. If you have pre-existing conditions to consider it’s important to speak with a specialist broker—they can help you navigate the options and find the right level of protection for your needs.

What information do I need to provide for a quote?

To receive an accurate quote for private medical insurance, you’ll typically need to provide the following information*:

  • Your age and date of birth
  • Your postcode
  • Your medical history
  • Your lifestyle details
  • The level of cover you’re looking for
  • Whether you want individual or family cover
  • Your preferred excess amount
  • Any current or previous private medical insurance

*Please Note: We may request additional details if required to complete our review.

Why do I have to disclose my medical history for a PMI quote?

You don’t always need to disclose your full medical history to get a Private Medical Insurance (PMI) quote, but it depends on the type of underwriting the insurer uses:

  1. 1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
  • You’ll need to complete a detailed health questionnaire.
  • Insurers may request a GP report or medical records.
  • This gives clarity on what is and isn’t covered from the start.
  1. Moratorium Underwriting
  • No need to disclose medical history upfront.
  • Instead, any condition you’ve had in the past 5 years is automatically excluded—but may be covered later if you remain symptom- and treatment-free for a set period (usually 2 years).
  1. Medical History Disregarded (MHD)
  • Common in large corporate schemes.
  • No medical history is required, and pre-existing conditions are covered from day one.

At Tysers we can access a range of policy types provided by different insurers so speak to our specialist brokers who will be happy to advise you.

What information would I usually need to provide for a workplace scheme?

Typically, the following information would be required.*

Company Information

  • Business name and address
  • Number of employees (and whether cover is for all staff or specific groups)
  • Industry sector (some sectors may affect risk and pricing)
  • Desired start date for the policy

List of employees to be covered, including:

  • Full names
  • Dates of birth
  • Gender
  • Employment status (full-time/part-time)
  • Level of cover for different employee groups (e.g. standard vs. enhanced for senior staff)

The required information required would depend on your Medical Underwriting Preferences

Choose from:

  • Full medical underwriting (detailed health questionnaires)
  • Moratorium underwriting (simpler, with exclusions for recent conditions)
  • Medical history disregard (often used for larger schemes)
  • Continued personal medical exclusions (for those switching from another policy)

*Please Note: We may request additional details if required to complete our review.

What is the difference between Private Medical Insurance and Health Cash Plans?
  • Private Medical Insurance covers unexpected, often serious medical issues like surgery, cancer treatment, or specialist consultations. It’s best for fast access to private hospitals and treatment for acute conditions.
  • Health Cash Plans Help with everyday healthcare costs like dental check-ups, eye tests, prescriptions, and physiotherapy. They’re best for routine care and budgeting for regular health expenses.