We're not medical insurance, we're different
The world of healthcare can be overwhelming when you’re looking to cover yourself or your family. So it’s understandable that you may still have questions about Benenden Health, e.g. who we are and what we do.
Helping to take care of your health, every day!
Our healthcare is a great way to help look after your health and is a lower cost alternative to private healthcare.
While private medical insurance in the UK can offer more comprehensive cover and certainty on what can be claimed, the average premium is £1,019 per year, per policy¹, whereas our discretionary healthcare is just £11.50† per month.
From day one, you can access our support and advisory services: (limits and exclusions apply)
- GP 24/7
- 24/7 Mental Health Helpline
After just six months, you can request:
- Private consultants and tests
- Treatment and surgery at one of our approved private hospitals nationwide
- Physiotherapy
Anyone is welcome and we don’t exclude for pre-existing medical conditions, have no upper age limits and we won’t increase the price just because you claim.
The comparison below is based on a mid-range policy as seen on comparethemarket.com which provides full treatment and cancer with limited cover of diagnostics from a typical private health insurer.
What’s the difference?
This table is intended to highlight some of the primary differences between the products and is not a comprehensive comparison of all the product features. The information should not be construed as advice or as a recommendation.
Benenden Health
Typical mid-range health insurance
Accept pre-existing medical conditions?
Benenden Health
Everyone is accepted. All UK residents can join Benenden Health regardless of their medical history
Typical mid-range health insurance
Pre-existing conditions are usually not covered or there may be an increase in premium due to risk
Access to diagnosis & treatment?
Benenden Health
After six months of membership we may be able to help you get seen faster if your wait for a diagnosis is three weeks or greater or your wait for treatment is five weeks or greater.
Typical mid-range health insurance
Access to diagnostics tests and consultations however this will usually cause your premium to rise if you claim. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.
Provide cancer cover?
Benenden Health
We do not cover cancer treatment. At Benenden Health we believe the NHS does a fantastic job, and we don't aim to replicate the excellent care services they already provide.
Typical mid-range health insurance
Will usually include access to drugs and treatment for cancer.
How much does it cost?
Benenden Health
Everyone pays the same rate at £11.50
† per month regardless of age, pre-existing conditions and there are no excesses.
Typical mid-range health insurance
For the cover provided the price will usually differ based on your individual circumstances
How much would it cost to add additional people?
Benenden Health
Everyone pays the same rate of £11.50
† regardless of age. So a family of 4 would cost £46.00
Typical mid-range health insurance
For the cover provided the price will usually differ based on your individual circumstances
Cover
Is the price affordable?
Benenden Personal Healthcare)
£11.50 per month
Typical mid-range health insurance
From £80.22 per month
Family of 4 (ages 45,45,10,5)
Benenden Personal Healthcare
Everyone pays same rate. Small annual increase to cover cost of services and inflation.
Typical mid-range health insurance
Based on personal circumstances: Age/ Height/ weight/ Smoker status Pre-existing conditions.
Insurance Premium Tax
Benenden Personal Healthcare
Typical mid-range health insurance
Pre-existing medical conditions
Benenden Personal Healthcare
Accepted - No price impact
Typical mid-range health insurance
Usually excluded or increases premium due to risk
Guaranteed payout
Benenden Personal Healthcare
Discretionary means that we may not always say Yes, if NHS is appropriate.
Typical mid-range health insurance
Cover is guaranteed. If you meet the conditions of policy, then you will usually be able to claim.
Diagnosis
Benenden Personal Healthcare
If NHS waiting list causing distress
Typical mid-range health insurance
Pre-existing conditions excluded
Treatment Considered
Benenden Personal Healthcare
Can request after 6 months
Typical mid-range health insurance
Pre-existing conditions excluded
24/7 GP Helpline
Benenden Personal Healthcare
Typical mid-range health insurance
Cancer Cover
Benenden Personal Healthcare
Typical mid-range health insurance
Drug and treatment
Purpose of Cover
Benenden Personal Healthcare
To provide diagnosis,treatment and support for a wide range of common health conditions on a discretionary basis, whilst complimenting the NHS
Typical mid-range health insurance
To provide guaranteed peace of mind for common and critical health conditions including cancer, and heart conditions if covered by policy.
Choosing a policy?
We’re not here to tell you what’s right for you and your family as every situation is different. When considering or comparing healthcare, think about the following:
- Remember to only buy what you need
- Work out what you need for you and your family
- Make sure you know all the key features before you buy and check it fits your needs
- Even if you currently have a healthcare policy you could potentially reduce the cost of your policy by joining Benenden Health for these services
- Please bear in mind our services are discretionary and some you can only request after 6 months
Benenden Health offers a low cost alternative to private healthcare which aims to compliment the NHS.
¹According to 2016 research conducted by Mintel, based on ABI data and industry interviews.