CompareFairlyBest Private Health Insurance UK 2026
Our pick : Bupa (69/100) · Cheapest : Saga · Best value : Bupa
Comparison table
| Criterion | Bupa | Saga Health Insurance | WPA | AXA Health | Vitality Health | Aviva |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price (GBP) | 75 | 85 | 90 | 65 | 80 | 70 |
| Excess Amount (GBP) | 250 | 300 | 500 | 200 | 300 | 250 |
| Inpatient Cover | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Standard | Comprehensive | Standard |
| Outpatient Cover | Full | Full | Full | Full | Full | Limited |
| Therapy Options | Extensive | Standard | Extensive | Standard | Extensive | Standard |
| Dental Cover | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Optical Cover | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Waiting Times | Short | Medium | Short | Medium | Short | Medium |
| Hospital Choice | Full | Standard | Full | Standard | Full | Standard |
| Customer Service Rating (/5) | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.2 |
In short
This comparison of 9 private health insurance plans evaluates them across 10 criteria, including monthly price, excess amount, inpatient and outpatient cover, therapy options, and dental cover. Bupa ranks highest with 69 out of 100 points, largely due to its perfect scores in Hospital Choice and Outpatient Cover. Saga Health Insurance is the second-best at 64 out of 100, excelling in Waiting Times, and is also the most affordable option. The data for 7 out of the 9 options is sourced, with the remaining values being flagged as estimates. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best private health insurance in the UK for 2026?
Based on our comprehensive comparison of monthly price, excess amount, inpatient and outpatient cover, therapy options, and dental cover, Bupa ranks highest with a score of 69/100 for 2026.
How is the private health insurance in the UK ranked?
Our rankings are determined by a detailed analysis of key criteria including monthly price, excess amount, inpatient and outpatient cover, therapy options, and dental cover. We ensure our comparisons are neutral and based on verifiable data.
Which private health insurance has good inpatient and outpatient cover in the UK?
Bupa is currently leading in our comparison for its comprehensive inpatient and outpatient cover options, alongside other essential benefits.
Where can I find a neutral comparison of UK private health insurance plans?
This page offers a neutral comparison of private health insurance plans in the UK, with rankings based on objective data and without any purchased placements.
Methodology and transparency
Ranking: options are sorted on measured, sourced criteria. No position is ever sold, and no advertiser pays to appear here.
Scope: this comparison is not exhaustive. It presents the options our sources document, not every offer on the market.
Earnings: some outbound links may be affiliate links that earn us a commission. This never affects the ranking, the scores or the data.
Data: every value is linked to its source and refreshed automatically; the collection date is shown.