With so many options and add-ons available, it can be hard to know where to start. Should you choose a higher excess to save money? Is dental cover worth it? And what about children – how much protection do they actually need?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for in a family health insurance plan, the key differences between providers, and how to make sure you’re getting real value for money.
What Is Family Health Insurance?
Family health insurance is a single policy that covers you, your partner, and your children under one plan. It gives you access to private healthcare services, including hospital treatment, consultations, and diagnostic tests, depending on the level of cover you choose.
Instead of each family member having their own policy, everything is managed under one plan – making it simpler and often more cost-effective.
Most UK insurers allow you to add dependents (children under 18, or under 21 if they’re in full-time education) to your plan, with flexible options to tailor cover for each family member if needed.
The Benefits of Family Health Insurance
The main appeal of family health insurance is the reassurance that your loved ones can access private healthcare quickly and comfortably. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Faster access to treatment: Skip NHS waiting lists and see specialists sooner.
- Private hospitals and facilities: Choose where and when you’re treated.
- Specialist referrals: Get appointments with the right consultant more easily.
- Private rooms: Especially valuable for children, helping them recover in comfort.
- Digital GP services: 24/7 access to doctors via phone or video, from home or abroad.
For parents juggling work, childcare, and busy schedules, the ability to get quick treatment and return to normal life sooner can be invaluable.
What to Look For in a Family Health Insurance Policy
Every family is different, and so are their health needs. When comparing plans, here are the key factors to consider:
a) Core Cover
This includes inpatient and day-patient treatment – when someone in your family is admitted to hospital for surgery, scans, or therapy. Make sure your policy covers:
- Accommodation and hospital charges
- Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
- Diagnostic tests, scans, and imaging
- Post-operative consultations
All major UK insurers (e.g. Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality) include this as standard, but the extent of cover can vary depending on hospital networks and plan levels.
b) Outpatient Cover
Outpatient care includes things like consultations, tests, and scans that don’t require a hospital stay.
It’s often an optional extra – but for families with children, it’s worth serious consideration. Kids can have frequent minor illnesses or injuries that need checking, and outpatient cover gives you faster access to specialists without waiting for NHS referrals.
c) Children’s Cover
Most family policies offer free or discounted cover for children. Some even include enhanced benefits, such as:
- Full cover for children’s cancer care
- Private specialist consultations for childhood conditions (e.g., allergies, asthma)
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Access to private physiotherapy after injuries
It’s worth checking the details carefully, as child cover can vary widely between insurers.
d) Mental Health Support
Family life can be stressful, and mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Look for a plan that includes mental health cover, ideally with both inpatient and outpatient options, so your family can access therapy, counselling, or psychiatric care if needed.
e) Access to Digital Services
In recent years, virtual GP services have become a standard feature of health insurance. This is particularly helpful for busy parents – no more waiting for appointments or juggling work schedules.
Providers like Bupa, AXA Health, and Aviva all include app-based GP access as part of their plans, often available 24/7.
f) Extras and Add-Ons
Depending on your priorities, you may want to include:
- Dental and optical cover: Routine check-ups, fillings, glasses, and lenses.
- Therapies cover: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic treatments.
- Travel cover: Private medical care while abroad.
Not all families need these extras, but they can be valuable if you travel frequently or have active children prone to sports injuries.
How Much Does Family Health Insurance Cost?
Premiums depend on several factors, including:
- The age of each family member
- Your location
- Level of cover (inpatient-only vs. full outpatient)
- Chosen excess amount
- Whether you pay annually or monthly
As a general guideline, a family of four (two adults in their 30s, two children) might expect to pay:
- Aviva: Around £100–£130 per month
- AXA Health: Around £110–£140 per month
- Bupa: Around £120–£160 per month
- Vitality: Around £130–£170 per month
These are average figures and can change significantly depending on your choices, underwriting, and family size and requirements. Please don’t use these prices as a guide!
Saving Money Without Sacrificing Cover
Private health insurance can be more affordable than many families realise. Here are a few tips:
Choose a suitable excess: A higher excess can reduce your premium, as you’ll pay more if you claim.
Review outpatient limits: Reducing or capping outpatient cover can lower costs without losing core benefits.
Consider a 6-week NHS option: Some insurers reduce premiums if you agree to use the NHS for procedures available within six weeks.
Pay annually: Many insurers offer small discounts for annual payments.
Review your plan yearly: Health insurance isn’t “set and forget.” Premiums and needs change—an independent broker can make sure you’re still getting good value.
Why Use a Broker for Family Health Insurance
Choosing family cover can be confusing. There’s jargon, fine print, and endless options to compare. That’s where a broker can help.
A good broker will:
- Compare quotes across all major UK insurers
- Explain the differences clearly
- Tailor the cover to your family’s unique needs
- Handle the paperwork and setup for you
- Offer support if you ever need to make a claim or review your policy
At Lifepoint Healthcare, our advice is completely free to clients – we’re paid by the insurer, not by you. That means you get expert, unbiased help to find the right plan at the right price.
Final Thoughts
Family health insurance offers more than just peace of mind – it’s about protecting the people who matter most, ensuring they can get care quickly and comfortably when they need it most.
When choosing a plan, focus on what’s right for your family’s lifestyle and budget, not just the lowest price. Look at outpatient cover, children’s benefits, mental health support, and digital GP access to get the best balance of value and protection.
And if you’re unsure where to start, an independent broker like Lifepoint Healthcare can make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free.
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