Health & Protection Insurance Blog - Usay Compare

How do I compare health insurance policies?

Written by Jess Bullock | 28, Feb, 2025

Whether you’re new to health insurance and unsure where to start or want to change your policy provider, it can be beneficial to compare health insurance policies to make sure you’re getting the best policy for your needs at the best price.

What is private health insurance and who needs it?

Private health insurance (also known as private medical insurance or PMI) is an insurance product designed to provide fast and effective medical treatment outside of the NHS. If you need to use it, you'll usually get treated at a private healthcare facility and the policy will attempt to return you to the same level of health you had when taking out the policy.

Some of the key benefits of having private medical insurance include:

  • Skipping NHS queues for non-urgent treatments
  • Private healthcare bills covered
  • Cancer cover including access to breakthrough treatments
  • Access to 24/7 digital GP services
  • Some discounts on gym memberships and fitness products

Private medical insurance can be obtained by anyone who wants to protect their health and have peace of mind. Policies are also available to protect your loved ones too, including family health insurance or child health insurance.

Whilst it can benefit anyone, you may be particularly drawn to PMI if:

  • You want faster access to healthcare, so you can get back to living the life you love quicker
  • You’d rather be treated at a private hospital or clinic
  • You want to be covered for breakthrough treatments that aren’t yet available on the NHS
  • You want to receive benefits that can help contribute to a healthy lifestyle

For seniors, health insurance may be more of a benefit, as we age we become more likely to have more health issues or concerns.

Why should you compare private health insurance?

Comparing health insurance means that you can consider all the options that are available to you, and find the most suitable policy for your needs at the best price.

The world of PMI can be complex, especially if you’re new to it. With lots to consider it can be time consuming and overwhelming. Comparing health insurance policies can make this a much simpler process.

This is also true if you already have a health insurance policy too. Many people stay with the same provider year after year for ease, but often this can mean renewal prices may no longer be the best value.

It's worth comparing policies at renewal stage to make sure it's still right for you and if you could be saving money. This doesn't just apply to those at renewal stage though, you can switch your health insurance policy at anytime if you feel it’s not working for you, or want to know what else is available.

How to compare private health insurance?

You can compare health insurance easily by using a comparison service, like Usay Compare. As a free of charge, no obligation service, it takes away the hard work and complexities for you.

Comparing health insurance can be achieved in three simple steps:

1. Speak to an expert and answer a few simple questions about your health and needs.

2. Your adviser will compare health insurance policies. They will recommend the policy most suitable for you, at the best price.

3. Receive your quote and make an informed choice. It’s then up to you to decide if you want to go ahead based on the information you've received.

Whatever you decide, your adviser will support you every step of the way and be on hand for any questions you have. It’s a simple process when you have the right advice and guidance.


Where can you compare private health insurance?

There are various health insurance comparison sites which can provide you with an initial quote and an idea of what policies are available to you.

However, the drawback with an entirely online service is that you may not get the opportunity to disclose your medical history, and it's difficult to get an understanding of everything you need included in your policy without speaking to someone.

Quotes can change based on things like your lifestyle, bmi, coverage and excess options, which may not be considered online. There is also a chance that if you haven't spoken to an adviser on the phone, you may not be fully aware of what you’re covered for and what's included in your policy.

Other options include using a health intermediary service where an expert adviser can get to know and understand your requirements, providing insights into the various products and pricing options available. They’re with you throughout the entire process, from making the first enquiry to support with making a claim.

What is the benefit of talking to an intermediary for private health insurance?

There are a wealth of benefits that come with using an intermediary to compare health insurance, these include:

  • Opportunity to ask as many questions as you need about your policy and health insurance
  • Saving time trawling sites and manually comparing quotes
  • Having reassurance you have a best price guaranteed
  • Knowing exactly what you’re covered for and the ins and outs of your policy
  • Getting expert advice and recommendations
  • Having peace of mind you have support throughout the duration of your policy and at renewal stage

What questions should you ask your intermediary?

If you're new to private medical insurance, you may not be aware of key things to know when you take out a policy. To get the most out of using your intermediary service, here are some important questions we think you should ask to have full confidence.

  1. What's the difference between coverage options?  
    This will help you understand what’s available and identify what is most important for you to include in your policy.

  2. What optional extras are available?
    There are many extras to consider such as: dental, optical, mental health and therapies cover which you may want included in your policy.

  3. What elements are impacting my quote?
    Understand all the elements that make up your quote and how these affect the price and availability. It can be beneficial to know exactly how your quote works.

  4. How can I get a cheaper quote?
    You can get advice on the different options and levels of cover available which could make your quote cheaper.

  5. What excess would you recommend and why?
    It’s good to understand exactly what you’d need to pay out if you make a claim and the difference this can make to your premium.

  6. What isn't included?
    Make sure you are fully aware of what isn’t included in your policy to avoid any shocks or confusion. If you do come to claim, you can be confident in your cover.

  7. What is a pre-existing condition?
    Pre-existing conditions typically aren’t covered in policies and can often be a complex topic to understand. Be sure to check with your adviser if you have any conditions that would be classed as pre-existing.

By speaking directly to an adviser, you have the opportunity to ask many questions you wouldn't be able to with an online service. 

These are really important things to consider when making an informed choice. Your health is your most important asset and taking time to get the right cover is essential.


What is the average saving when using Usay Compare?

Whilst it varies depending on the person and is based very much on personal needs, we’re proud to save new customers 40% on average when they compare health insurance policies with us.

We provide a best price guarantee, so can promise that you wouldn't get a better price going direct to an insurer. 

Why compare with Usay Compare?

With a wealth of comparison sites out there, it can be confusing to know where to start. Comparing with Usay Compare gives you peace of mind that you are getting the best price guaranteed.

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) meaning we are authorised to offer expert advice and recommendations.

Our service is no obligation and free of charge, meaning there is no pressure to go ahead with the quote and you can take as much time as you need to make a decision.

You also have access to our expert advisers every step of the way and can ask as many questions as you need to be confident you're getting the right policy for you.

We have helped thousands of customers to save money, find a suitable policy and have peace of mind for their future health. We're proud to have  over 19,500 reviews on Trustpilot and to be rated 4.9 out of 5 stars.

 

It’s always worth considering what would work best for you, and making informed choices to protect your future health.

Whatever you decide is best for your individual needs, our advisers are always on hand to offer any advice and support or answer any questions.

You can get a free, no obligation quote from our team by filling in the form below or calling us to compare on: 01285 864670.