Private Medical Insurance.
One of our Most Popular
Employee Benefits.
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is one of the most coveted employee benefits on the market. It offers fast, easy access to private healthcare when you need it most, enabling employees to bypass the NHS’s long wait times for diagnosis and treatment, often with added flexibility to suit individual needs.
How PMI Works.
The PMI pathway typically starts with a policyholder booking an appointment with a virtual GP (commonly scheduled via an insurer-provided app). If the GP identifies a need for further assessment, they’ll arrange a referral/consultation with a specialist which may, in turn, lead to diagnostic tests (such as scans or blood tests) or hospital stays for further treatment (such as day surgery).
Most policies have an excess payable once per year (generally £100), but other costs are covered entirely (or substantially), providing peace of mind during stressful health challenges.
Customing
Coverage.
A great PMI scheme offers flexibility and choice, including key options such as;
Employers can choose between different underwriting methods. Medical History Disregarded (MHD) underwriting covers pre-existing conditions and is an option for groups of 15 or more.
Alternatively, moratorium underwriting excludes pre-existing conditions for a set period (usually two years). Excess levels are also adjustable, enabling organisations to balance cost and coverage.
We will always recommend access to a wide-ranging hospital list to ensure employees can access the best care in a location that works for them. Comprehensive coverage minimises restrictions on where employees can seek treatment, making it a standout feature of any PMI plan.
We strongly advocate for unlimited outpatient coverage, which ensures full reimbursement for diagnostic tests, consultations, and follow-up care key components of proactive healthcare.
Two Types of Schemes
There are two main types of PMI schemes:
Premiums are influenced by the group’s number and size of claims
Premiums increase with the insured individual’s age, reflecting higher healthcare risks as one gets older.
Additional Perks and Benefits.
In some cases, PMI plans also include peripheral benefits such as dental and optical coverage, making them even more attractive to employees.
As a provider-agnostic broker, we work with all major insurers—including Aviva Health, Vitality Health, AXA, Bupa, Freedom and Healix—ensuring that our clients receive the best solution at the best price for their teams.
PMI is a more expensive benefit than cash plans, but its value is undeniable. Many employers provide a flexible employee allowance as part of their benefits package, empowering employees to select this benefit as part of the available options. PMI is one of the most regularly selected benefits which just goes to show how highly engaging this benefit is.
PMI is classified as a taxable P11D benefit, requiring employers to report the cost to HMRC. While this adds a minor financial consideration, the comprehensive nature of PMI more than justifies the investment.