Types of health
insurance
If you’re thinking about health insurance, understanding more about
different types of cover will help you choose the right one.
Edited by Jordan Ayrey,
health insurance expert at Bupa
Last updated 30 October 2024
4 minute read
Comprehensive health insurance
This is the most common type of health cover.
It usually covers both diagnosis and private treatment. There will be some exclusions. But this level of cover offers the widest range of support.
Covered by most comprehensive health insurance
- Scans, tests and outpatient appointments before treatment
- Hospital treatment
- Mental health cover
- Outpatient appointments
- Tests after your treatment
- Cancer cover
Some of these policies can also come with added benefits. You may get access to online GPs or fitness classes. Some offer wellbeing support or rewards.
Check the details of any cover you’re thinking about.
Diagnostics insurance
Some health insurers provide a policy that only covers the cost of your diagnosis.
This helps find the cause of a medical issue quickly, but you’re not covered for any treatment. This type of insurance isn’t quite as common as the others.
An alternative to this could be pay as you go healthcare.
Health cash plans
A health cash plan lets you claim cash back on your everyday healthcare expenses.
Health cash plans work differently to health insurance. For a monthly payment, you’ll be able to claim for routine health expenses, without the need for a GP referral.
Covered by most health cash plans
- Dental check-ups
- Eye tests
- Physiotherapy
- Prescription costs
- Therapy sessions
- Consultations
What you can and can’t claim for will depend on the terms of your cash plan.
Existing customers
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Health insurance guides
How does private health insurance work?
Everything you need to know about how cover works.
How to choose health insurance
Learn what to look out for when comparing cover.
How much is private health insurance?
See example costs and how price is calculated.
Health insurance exclusions
What is and isn’t covered by health insurance?
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Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.
