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When selecting the appropriate health insurance providers in UK, it is not always about getting the cheapest rate. The value is really in the total package: the quality of the coverage, the ease of the service, the ability of the provider to be flexible, and the manner in which the insurer manages the claims when you do need them. We do the comparison of the health insurance companies in Tessa Alliance, such as Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, The Exeter, WPA Health Insurance and Vitality Health Insurance, so that you would be able to make a confident choice in 2025.
Here’s what you need to know.
With waiting times in the NHS getting longer, a greater number of individuals and companies are resorting to the services of private medical insurance UK to secure quicker access to healthcare.
We work with Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva and Vitality, who share a large portion of the private medical insurance UK business.
This is because providers are increasing the number of digital instruments, wellness benefits, and flexible outpatient care to stand out.
Before making the comparison of the insurers, it is beneficial to know what characteristics are most likely to provide the best value. Here are key factors:
Area of coverage: in-patient, out-patient, diagnostics, mental health, etc.
Components of costs – premiums, excess (initial or per claim), co-payments.
Hospital and specialists selection - broader networks are more expensive and flexible.
Claims process/customer service ease of making claims, responsiveness and transparency of insurer.
Extras – wellness programmes, digital GP, preventive care.
Tessa Alliance helps you compare all of these so you get value for your needs.
While actual premiums vary a lot depending on your age, health status, location, excess level, and level, and choice of hospital, the following are some of the common values (mid-2025) of non-smokers:
A 40 year old with a mid-range outpatient and inpatient cover can expect monthly premiums of around £60-100 or higher with the bigger companies such as Bupa, AXA or Aviva.
It may reduce to £3060 per month to young individuals who may be choosing simple or enhanced excess plans.
Older customers or those requiring full cover with low excess may incur considerable increase in the cost of up to two times or more depending on the list of hospitals and outpatient benefits.
These figures illustrate why comparing cover specifics is just as important as comparing headline prices.
To get the best value, you’ll often need to make trade-offs. Here are common ones:
Excess vs Premium: A Higher excess (what you pay before insurance kicks in) lowers premiums, but you’ll pay more if you do make a claim.
Hospital & Specialist Lists: If you’re okay with a “guided hospital list” you’ll save money. Full network lists or access to specialist consultants tend to cost more.
Outpatient & Therapy Caps: Some policies cap how much outpatient care or therapies you get per year. If you need frequent follow-ups, check those carefully.
Additional Extras: Mental health, dental, optical, and travel coverage can be valuable, but often come at extra cost. See what’s included vs what’s optional.
Here are some rough guide scenarios (these are illustrative only, always get a quote through Tessa Alliance to suit your details):
|
Your Situation |
Best Picks to Consider |
Why |
|---|---|---|
|
You want a very comprehensive one and have a higher budget |
Bupa, AXA Health |
For full hospital lists & premium care, excellent reputation & wide networks. |
|
You want lower cost with good outpatient + wellness incentives |
Vitality, Aviva |
Vitality rewards healthy behaviour; Aviva balances cost vs good extra features. |
|
You have a past medical history or are older |
The Exeter, WPA |
Known for more flexibility and fair underwriting for older or medically interesting cases. |
“Best value” will always depend on you. What hospital do you want to reach? How much outpatient care do you expect to need? How much excess can you handle? How vital are extras like mental health or wellness perks?
2025 isn’t about the lowest price, it’s about smart cover. Insurers are improving tools, and Tessa Alliance exists to help you cut through the complexity:
We don’t just look at what you pay, but what you get.
We don’t push products; we help you decide based on your health needs & budget.
We work with top providers, Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, The Exeter, WPA Health Insurance, and Vitality, so you can see a comparison across the options that matter.
If you’re ready to explore what you could gain with private medical insurance, please get in touch with Tessa Alliance. Compare plans, understand what’s actually covered, and find a policy that offers real value for you in 2025.
Yes, for many people. As NHS waiting list becomes longer, having fast access to specialists, diagnostics, and treatments is what private medical insurance provides you with. It is about care and freedom of choice, knowing that you can receive care when you need it.
There’s no “one-size-fits-all.” Bupa and AXA are good when the cover is comprehensive, Vitality is good when you love wellness benefits, Aviva is good in terms of cost and benefits and The Exeter and WPA could be good when you are older or have pre-existing conditions. We would compare them to you at Tessa Alliance, according to your health needs and budget.
Premiums vary widely. A young and healthy person aged between 30 and 60 years may pay between 30 and 60 every month, whereas a 50-year-old who is under comprehensive coverage would pay 100 and above. The better news is that we are able to tailor your plan, adding and subtracting excess, hospital list, and extras, to make it affordable.
