Update to cash benefit for NHS hospital treatment

We’re updating the cash benefit for NHS hospital treatment (Benefit CB1) for consumer* and SME health insurance policies. From 1 June 2026, cash benefit will continue to be available for planned NHS treatment. It will no longer apply to emergency NHS hospital admissions.

Cash benefit for NHS hospital treatment is designed for customers who choose planned NHS treatment instead of having it privately. As emergency admissions (eg via Accident and Emergency departments) are unplanned, this benefit doesn’t apply.

This update applies to new and renewing consumer* and SME policies. As corporate schemes often vary based on employer choice, cash benefit for NHS hospital treatment for these remains unchanged at this stage. We’ll provide an update if there are any changes to corporate policies in the future.

Customers and intermediaries don’t need to do anything. Updated policy guides will reflect this change from 1 June 2026. All other NHS cash benefits will stay the same.

*Excluding Saga, Benenden, Unit and Standard policies