What is over-50s health insurance?

It’s no secret that as we get older, our health needs change. We’re more likely to have a medical history or develop new conditions, and so we might welcome the extra reassurance of private health insurance. It can help cover the cost of private consultations, tests and treatment, and give you quicker access to specialists and diagnostics than you might experience through the NHS.

When you’re over 50, insurers take your age and potentially greater medical needs into account. That means premiums are often higher than for younger adults. But they can still be affordable ‒ and policies are often flexible, allowing you to tailor cover around your health priorities, level of protection and budget.

More good news is the fact that many UK health insurers don’t set an upper age limit for new policies. That means you can arrange private health insurance well beyond your 50s, depending on your health and the insurer’s underwriting criteria.

Why choose over 50s health insurance?

For many of us, reaching our 50s is a point where health and wellbeing move higher up the priority list. The NHS continues to provide essential care, but long waits for diagnosis, tests and treatment can make private health insurance an even more appealing option as we get older.

According to NHS data, there were 7.31 million patients on the NHS waiting list in November 2025. Despite the government setting a target for 65% of patients to start treatment within 18 weeks by March 2026, waiting times remain a real concern. The Royal College of Surgeons say that in May 2025, 196,920 patient pathways were waiting more than 52 weeks to begin treatment.

Getting timely NHS treatment can be difficult and stressful, especially for those with complex health needs. Health insurance cannot replace the NHS, but it does often provide faster access to consultations, tests and treatment for conditions included in your policy. This can give you greater control over when and where you receive care, helping you avoid unnecessary delays.

Key benefits of health insurance for people over 50

Private health insurance is about getting the best care when you need it. Depending on your coverage, condition and treatment needs, you may be able to enjoy a number of welcome benefits across choice, facilities and speed.

  • Faster diagnosis: Reduce wait for consultations, scans and diagnostics.

  • Faster treatment: Shorter waiting times than on the NHS for many conditions.

  • More comfort: Spend less time on busy wards and enjoy private rooms for inpatient care.

  • Greater choice: Pick hospitals and consultants rather than being limited by NHS capacity.

  • Extra support: Specialist drugs and treatment not available from the NHS.

  • Outpatient care: Cover for physiotherapy, mental health and other services.

What does over 50s health insurance cover?

Your exact cover will depend on the insurer, the type of policy you choose and the level of cover you select. To give you an idea, here’s what might be included as standard or available as optional extras:

Typically covered

  • Inpatient care: Most plans cover the cost of treatment, surgery and overnight stays in private hospitals, helping you access care quickly and avoid NHS waiting lists.

  • Outpatient care: This usually covers scans, tests, X-rays and hospital appointments where you’re not admitted as an inpatient.

  • Private consultations: You can see a specialist without long delays, giving you faster diagnosis and treatment planning.

  • Digital healthcare access: Many insurers provide video or phone GP consultations, ideal if you need advice quickly or can’t get to a surgery. Some plans also provide 24/7 phone support from nurses or medical advisers for round-the-clock advice.

  • Physiotherapy and musculoskeletal care: Cover may include treatment for muscle, bone and joint conditions, such as sessions with a physiotherapist.

  • Cancer treatment: Certain policies include advanced cancer treatments – sometimes even options not available on the NHS – plus home chemotherapy in some cases.

  • Private ambulance transport: Some plans cover private ambulance journeys if medically necessary for admission to a private hospital, often up to a set limit per trip.

  • Dental cover: You may be able to add regular dental check-ups to your policy.

  • Mental health support: Options for talking therapies, counselling or even inpatient treatment when you need extra support.

What isn’t covered?

Health insurance for the over fifties comes with plenty of perks, but it’s not a catch-all. Long-term conditions like asthma or diabetes usually aren’t covered, because including them would push premiums and excesses up for everyone. That’s why private cover is there to complement the NHS, not replace it.

Regardless of which health insurance provider or plan you choose, your policy typically won’t include:

  • Pre-existing conditions (although some might be covered after a symptom-free period).

  • Long-term conditions like asthma or diabetes.

  • Emergency care.

  • Allergies and food intolerances.

  • Cosmetic treatments and injuries from professional sports.

  • Routine dental or optician visits (unless you’ve added that coverage to your plan).

If you’re unsure whether a condition is covered, always check with your insurer or refer to your policy documentation.

How much does private health insurance cost for over 50s?

The cost of private health insurance in your fifties depends on your age, health, medical history and the level of cover you choose.

To give you a feel for current costs, one leading provider’s example pricing in June 2025 shows that people over 50 typically pay around £70.00 per month if they don’t smoke and about £75.00 if they do. You may find your own quotes come in at a lower or higher price than this.

Premiums tend to rise with age because insurers take into account the greater likelihood of needing treatment as you get older. But here’s a useful tip: when it’s time to renew, it’s always worth comparing providers to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere. Switching insurers or adjusting your cover could help you save money.

How to keep costs down

There are several ways to help keep costs down on your over fifties private medical insurance while still making sure you get the care you need. Here are some strategies to consider when choosing your plan and level of cover:

  • The six-week NHS wait option: If the NHS can see you within six weeks, you use their services. You still have the option to go private for consultations, tests or faster treatment when needed.

  • Increase your excess: Agreeing to pay a bit more towards a claim can reduce your monthly premium.

  • Only add the extras you’ll actually use: Some policies offer extras like physiotherapy, dental cover or health benefits. Make sure you’ll get value from any add-ons before paying extra.

  • Look after your health: Many insurers reward healthy habits, such as staying active or being a non-smoker, with lower premiums.

  • Check existing cover: If you’re still in work, some employers offer group health insurance plans as part of a benefits package. This can provide cover at a lower cost than individual policies, depending on the company scheme. If you’re still covered through work or your partner’s plan, you may not need as much extra cover. It’s always worth checking before taking out a new policy.

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