Average Cost of Family Health Insurance In The UK [2022 Guide]

A word of caution

Before we get into this article, it is essential to point out that the averages we have provided are based on several assumptions, and the cost of your family’s policy will be different. The best and quickest way to find out what it would cost for your family is to request a comparison quote.

What affects the cost of family health insurance?

Private medical insurance is one of the more complicated types of cover you can take out in the UK. Most plans are incredibly configurable, and we as individuals are very different from each other. Add into the mix more people, i.e. a family of 3, 4 or 5; then you’ve got an enormous number of variables that will affect the cost of your policy.

All of the following will affect the cost of your family’s private health insurance:

The number of people on the policyThe age of the family membersThe family’s location in the UKThe medical history of the familyWhether the parents are smokersThe current cost of private medical treatmentsThe hospital list selectedThe excess on the policyHow the policy is underwritten (moratorium or full medical underwriting)The level of cover chosen (inpatient, some outpatient, full outpatient)Any optional extras

Average cost of family health insurance

To give you a rough estimate of the cost of family health insurance, we’re going to need to do several things. Firstly, we’ll break things down by family size – providing pricing for families of 3, 4 and 5 people. 

With many factors affecting the cost of policies, we need to make some decisions on behalf of the hypothetical families to make meaningful comparisons. To minimise the impact of where you live on the prices, we’ll request quotes based on ten different locations around the UK and then average the results. The quotes will all be based on moratorium underwriting, which effectively excludes any conditions you’ve suffered from in the past five years.

“Did you know that with moratorium underwriting, if you don’t suffer any symptoms relating to an excluded pre-existing condition for two years after taking out a policy, it will become covered under your policy.”

Other variables

We need to be consistent with all of our quotes so that they will be based on the following:

The figures we provide will be based on an average of quotes received for the families living in the following cities; Southampton, London, Cambridge, Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, Cardiff, Edinburgh.We will get pricing from the five leading providers, Bupa, Axa PPP, Vitality, Aviva and WPA.We will always choose the lowest price from these leading providers.The policies will be underwritten on a moratorium basis.The excess on the policy will be set at £200.No additional options, such as dental or optical cover, will be added.The quotes were obtained directly from the providers on 1st January 2022.The children on the policy are younger than 15 years of age.We will provide pricing based on the parents being 30, 40 and 50 years old.The policy we opt for will be comprehensive and provide both inpatient, outpatient and outpatient cover. (please note, what is and isn’t included will differ from provider to provider).

Average cost of private health insurance for a family of 3

The below quotes show the average cost of health insurance for a family of three in the UK as of 1st January 2022. Please note that these prices are based on several assumptions and are only meant to give you an idea of what private medical insurance can cost.

30 year old adults, child under 15 – £62.17 per month40 year old adults, child under 15 – £74.22 per month50 year old adults, child under 15 – £94.89 per month‍‍

*While every care has been taken to make these averages representative, the prices provided are purely examples; the cost of your policy will be different. To find out what a policy would cost for your family, please request a comparison quote, and we will review the market on your behalf.

Average cost of private health insurance for a family of 4

The below quotes show the average cost of health insurance for a family of four in the UK as of  1st January 2022. Please note, these prices are based on several assumptions and are only meant to give you an idea as to what private medical insurance can cost.

30 year old adults, children under 15 – £82.17 per month40 year old adults, children under 15 – £91.89 per month50 year old adults, children under 15 – £115.81 per month

‍*While every care has been taken to make these averages representative, the prices provided are purely examples; the cost of your policy will be different. To find out what a policy would cost for your family, please request a comparison quote, and we will review the market on your behalf.

Average cost of private health insurance for a family of 5

The below quotes show the average cost of health insurance for a family of five in the UK as of  1st January 2022. Please note, these prices are based on several assumptions and are only meant to give you an idea as to what private medical insurance can cost.

30 year old adults, children under 15 – £87.84 per month40 year old adults, children under 15 – £95.05 per month50 year old adults, children under 15 – £127.58 per month

‍*While every care has been taken to make these averages representative, the prices provided are purely examples; the cost of your policy will be different. To find out what a policy would cost for your family, please request a comparison quote, and we will review the market on your behalf.

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FAQs

What is the average cost of family health insurance?

Our research found that most family health insurance policies in the UK cost between £62.17 and £127.58 per month. But, of course, some will pay more than this, and others less depending on many factors.

Which family health insurance is best?

All of the following providers and policies have five-star Defaqto ratings; Aviva Healthier Solutions; Axa Personal Health, Bupa By Your Comprehensive; Vitality Personal Healthcare; and The Exeter Health+. Which is best for your family will be down to preference and price, and you should always compare policies before deciding.

How do I choose family health insurance?

The easiest way to choose the right policy for your family is by speaking to an independent health insurance broker. You don’t pay for the service they provide, and they will help you navigate the often complex world of private medical insurance.

What affects the cost of a family health insurance policy?

Several factors will affect your family’s health insurance; some you will have control over, others you won’t. Typically the things which affect the price most dramatically are the age of the adults on the policy, where you live, how many children are included, and the level of cover required. 

Will my family’s health insurance increase in cost each year?

In most cases, barring any provider promotions, you can expect your policy to increase in cost as you age and to factor in increases in the cost of accessing private healthcare. With this in mind, it’s always sensible to have your health insurance broker review your policy each year to make sure you’re still getting the best deal. With many of the best providers having highly rated products, you can often switch without losing significant benefits.

How can I get a quote for family health insurance?

You can get a comparison quote by visiting our website and clicking on the request a quote button. An independent, FCA approved adviser will then compare policies on your behalf and get in touch to talk you through the options.