Health Insurance Guides
What are the benefits of health insurance?
Key takeaways: What are the benefits of health insurance?
Many people buy health insurance for the reassurance of knowing they can access healthcare quickly if they need it. Private health insurance can also give you more flexibility over appointments, and private rooms. Plans may include additional support such as mental health services. Many also feature extra benefits such as gym discounts. Find out what's not covered by private healthcare.
What are the benefits of private health insurance?
If your health is generally good, having health insurance may feel like an unnecessary expense. On the other hand, knowing you have health insurance can give you valuable peace of mind just in case the unexpected happens.
The benefits of private health insurance include:
Fast access to care
Many people buy health insurance to avoid NHS waiting lists, as it can give you fast access to care. However, it’s worth remembering that a new private health insurance plan usually won’t cover conditions you already have symptoms of before joining.
Access to private GP appointments
Private health insurers often offer a private online or phone GP service. With AXA Health, you get a 24/7 online GP service where you can choose appointments by video or phone with a GP. GPs are available 24 hours a day, and appointments are subject to availability.
Flexibility on time and place of appointments
Private health insurance can give you flexibility about when and where your appointment or treatment is, so you can fit appointments in around your work or family.
Choice of specialist
With private healthcare insurance, you can often choose a specialist or hospital. However, depending on how your plan is set up, there may be rules or about which hospitals or specialists you can use.
Specialist referrals and second opinions
Some private health insurance may allow you to get a second medical opinion, so you’ve got extra peace of mind if you’re uncertain about treatment or options.
Innovative treatment and drugs
With some plans, you may get access to new drugs, specialist treatments or therapies that aren’t readily available on the NHS.
Facilities
You’ll usually be able to have treatment in a private hospital, with a comfortable, private room, and more flexible visiting times.
Do you get any other benefits with health insurance, as well as cover for treatment?
Health insurance plans can also offer services to support families or discounts that help people live a healthier lifestyle.
For example, your plan may include:
- Parent accommodation: money towards overnight stays in the hospital or a hotel for parents or caregivers while children are in hospital for specific surgeries and treatments.
- Gym membership: discounts on the cost of gym memberships, including major high street fitness chains.
- Discounts on health-related technology: savings or cashback deals on wearable fitness trackers that help you monitor progress towards your goals.
- Activity-based rewards: incentives to encourage healthy activities – for example awarding points for exercise which can be used for rewards such as cinema tickets or retail discounts.
- Health and wellness hubs: insurers often have plenty of health information available online, offering advice on topics such and diet and nutrition, fitness and mental health.
Will my health insurance premiums go down if I stay healthy?
Some plans offer small reductions in health insurance premiums if you reach wellness and activity goals linked to benefits such as gym memberships and fitness trackers. Others may offer an upfront discount if you sign up to a fitness programme when you start your health insurance plan.
You could also save on premiums if you have a no claims discount, as staying healthy reduces the likelihood that you will need to make a claim.
Find out more about our AXA Health Plan or start a quote
Reviewed by Dr Corné Hurter
I was appointed Medical Director for Services and Delivery at AXA Health in January 2026. Before then, I spent 10 years working at HCA UK in roles such as Medical Director for Care Transformation and Director of Medical Services.
During my time at HCA UK, I was part of the first cohort of doctors to complete a Medical Management and Leadership Master’s degree.
I’m passionate about patient care and innovation that supports care delivery to patients in a manner which is sustainable and value-driven.
I’m excited to be using my experience to make a real difference to members and the service we provide.