What is over-60s health insurance?

As we get older, health can start to take up a bit more headspace. You might be managing existing conditions, noticing new aches or changes, or simply wanting reassurance that support is there if something crops up. Private health insurance can help cover the cost of consultations, scans and treatment for eligible conditions, giving you quicker access when you need it.

Insurers will look at your age, medical history and lifestyle when pricing a policy. As you’d expect, premiums are usually higher than they are for younger adults. That said, cover can still be tailored. You can choose the level of protection that suits you and adjust options to match your needs and your budget.

It’s also worth knowing that some UK insurers do not set an upper age limit for new applications. That means arranging health insurance in your sixties or beyond is very possible, depending on your health and the insurer’s criteria.

Why choose over-60s health insurance?

For many of us in our 60s, priorities shift from busy careers to getting the most from life as retirement approaches. You may have more time to enjoy travel, family and hobbies, and less appetite for long waits or uncertainty around medical care.

According to NHS data, there were 7.31 million patients on the NHS waiting list in November 2025. The Royal College of Surgeons say that in May 2025, 196,920 patient pathways were waiting more than 52 weeks to begin treatment. For someone in their 60s, that can mean prolonged discomfort, anxiety and significant disruption to daily life.

Remember, private health insurance isn’t designed to replace the NHS. Instead, it works alongside it. For eligible conditions, it can provide quicker access to consultations, diagnostic tests and treatment, helping you take greater control over when and where you are treated.

Key benefits of health insurance for people over 60

Depending on your policy and level of cover, you may benefit from:

  • Faster diagnosis: Access to specialist consultations, scans and tests without lengthy delays.

  • Faster treatment: Reduced waiting times for many eligible procedures.

  • More comfort: Private rooms and quieter facilities during inpatient stays.

  • Greater choice: The ability to choose your hospital and, in some cases, your consultant.

  • Access to treatments: Certain drugs or therapies not routinely available on the NHS.

  • Outpatient support: Cover for physiotherapy, mental health services and more.

What does over 60s 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 advice around the clock.

  • Physiotherapy and musculoskeletal care: Cover often includes 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 over sixties 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.

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, gender reassignment 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 60s?

The cost of health insurance in your 60s depends on several factors, including your exact age, medical history, postcode and the level of cover you select.

As an example, one leading insurer’s pricing in mid-2025 showed people in their sixties paying around £100 per month if they don’t smoke and about £120 per month if they do smoke. You may of course find your own quotes come in cheaper or more expensive than this.

Premiums generally rise with age because your insurer will take into account the increased likelihood of you claiming. That makes it especially important to review your options regularly and compare policies, particularly at renewal, to ensure you are still getting value for money. Using a comparison service allows you to see how different insurers price similar levels of cover, helping you make an informed decision.

How to keep costs down

Health insurance in your 60s does not have to mean stretching your budget. There are ways to manage the cost while still keeping meaningful protection in place.

  • Choose the six-week NHS wait option: If the NHS can treat you within six weeks, you use their service. If not, you can access private care.

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

  • Review optional extras: Only add benefits you are likely to use.

  • Maintain healthy habits: Non-smokers and those with healthier lifestyles often benefit from lower premiums.

  • Check existing cover: If you are still in full or part-time employment, your company may offer group health insurance. This can sometimes provide cover at a lower cost than arranging an individual policy.

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