Private health insurance
To cover healthcare costs for one individual
Who is Bupa?
Key benefits
Bupa offers private healthcare insurance for a range of medical treatments to over 4.1 million UK members. The main benefits of taking out Bupa health insurance include:
✔ Faster access to specialists and treatments
✔ Your choice of preferred private hospital, clinic, and specialist
✔ A free mini health check worth £100
✔ Discounts on gyms, health clubs, and wellness services
✔ £300 dental care allowance for restorative treatment and one annual check up
Defatato rating (health insurance)
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Phone number for new Bupa customers
0808 134 4103
Lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm. You can also get in touch using their online contact form.
What health insurance does Bupa offer?
🚩 Here are the main types of health related insurance the Bupa offers:
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Couples health insurance
Covers two people under one plan, typically partners or spouses
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Family health insurance
Provides cover for all family members, including parents and children
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Employee health insurance
Provided by an employer as an employee benefit, usually covers the worker and sometimes their dependents
Why trust Bupa with your health insurance?
Bupa has been operating in the UK since 1947 and is well established in the healthcare industry, making it an obvious choice for many when it comes to choosing a health insurance provider.
Here are some reasons to trust Bupa:
✔ 4.5 'Excellent' Trustpilot rating
✔ Global network offering millions of customers specialist care worldwide
✔ Won a number of awards, including 5-Star Moneyfacts Private Medical Insurance 2025 and 5-Star Fairer Finance Rating for Bupa By You Comprehensive 2024
Example quote when comparing health insurance
This is for illustrative purposes only. If your circumstances and cover needs differ, your quote may be more or less expensive than the above example. Quote taken on 24.09.25
Learn more about our full methodology here.
How do I make a claim with Bupa?
When you take out Vitality Healthcare through MoneySuperMarket your insurance is provided by Bupa and brokered by ActiveQuote. Bupa will handle your insurance claim:
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Visit your GP
For most health insurance claims, you'll need to see your GP first to get a referral
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Contact Bupa
Speak to one of their advisors to discuss your symptoms and treatment needs. They will check if your symptoms are covered by your policy
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Get pre-authorisation
If your treatment is approved, Bupa will give you a pre-authorisation code to show to your specialist
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Make an online claim (if applicable)
For certain services, or if you have direct access for conditions like muscle, bone, or joint issues, you may be able to submit a claim online via your My Bupa account
Frequently asked questions
What does Bupa health insurance cover?
Bupa health insurance covers a range of healthcare treatments, including:
Private hospital treatment
Outpatient consultations
Physiotherapy
Mental health support
Cancer care
Dental care
How much does Bupa cost monthly?
According to our data, a non-smoking, 30 year old male will currently pay £30.43 a month for a Bupa health insurance policy. However, Bupa policy premiums vary significantly based on your specific plan, age, location, and health conditions.
What is the 6-week rule for Bupa?
The 6-week rule for Bupa is a feature on some private health insurance policies where, if your NHS waiting list for inpatient treatment is longer than six weeks, you can opt to receive immediate private treatment covered by your insurance, rather than waiting for the NHS.
This allows you to get treatment faster if the NHS wait is prolonged, though it may also involve choosing to use the NHS first to potentially reduce your insurance premiums.
Does Bupa cover prescriptions?
Bupa's cover for prescriptions varies by plan, but most private Bupa policies do not cover private prescriptions.
Some Bupa health insurance policies for cancer treatment may include certain drugs, and there are specific weight management plans that include medication costs.
Bupa's digital or remote GP services issue private prescriptions, where patients pay the cost to the pharmacy to have medication delivered straight to their home.
Do I need a GP if I have Bupa?
No, you don't always need to see a GP first with Bupa, as you can often get direct access to specialists for conditions like cancer, mental health, or musculoskeletal problems by calling Bupa directly or using the My Bupa app.
For other conditions, your Bupa policy may require a GP referral, or you could use a digital GP service available through the My Bupa app to get a referral or treatment.
Always check your specific policy details and contact Bupa support to confirm your cover and the process for your symptoms.
Does Bupa cover A&E?
No, Bupa policies don't cover any treatment received during a visit to A&E, an urgent care centre or walk-in centre (private or NHS).
What is considered a pre-existing medical condition for Bupa?
For Bupa, a pre-existing medical condition is any symptom, illness, or injury you had before your policy started. This includes any condition you've received treatment, medication, advice, or had symptoms for in the five years prior to your policy's start date.
Examples range from chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes to specific events like broken bones or recurring migraines.
Can I get a blood test through Bupa?
Yes, Bupa can carry out a range of blood tests, including:
Full blood count
Blood glucose for diabetes
Cholesterol blood test for risks of heart attack & stroke
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Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025 by
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
Accurate as of September 2025
Defaqto is an leading independent reviewer of financial products. Bupa By You Comprehensive has been awarded a Defaqto 5-star rating, indicating it is among the most comprehensive and feature-rich products available in the market.
Data from the Defaqto website. Data from Sept 2025.