The Hidden Perks in Private Health Insurance Most People Don’t Know About

When people think about private medical insurance (PMI), they usually picture fast access to consultants, private hospital rooms, and skipping NHS waiting lists. And while those are indeed major benefits, many UK policyholders are unaware of the less obvious, yet incredibly valuable, features tucked into their policies.

Whether you already have private cover or you’re considering taking it out for the first time, it’s worth looking beyond the surface. Here are some of the most commonly overlooked perks—and how knowing about them could save you money, time, and even stress.

1. Access to Virtual GPs – 24/7 Advice Without the Wait

Many insurers now offer access to virtual GP services as standard — meaning you can consult a UK-registered doctor via video or phone, usually 24/7. This can be a game-changer if you struggle to get a GP appointment at short notice, or if you need medical advice out of hours.

Some services also allow for private prescriptions, which can be delivered to your home or collected from a pharmacy the same day. A quick consultation could help avoid unnecessary A&E visits or days of uncertainty.

Look for: Services like AXA PPP’s “Doctor@Hand”, or Bupa’s “Digital GP” app, available with many policies at no extra cost.

2. Mental Health Support That Goes Beyond Talking Therapy

Mental health is increasingly recognised as a vital component of overall wellbeing — and insurers are responding. Many PMI policies now offer far more than a few counselling sessions.

Depending on your policy, you might be covered for:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Psychiatrist consultations

• In-patient mental health care

• Addiction treatment

• Online self-help tools and mental health apps

Some providers also include helplines for stress or trauma — available 24/7 and often open to family members too.

Tip: Not all mental health coverage is created equal. Some policies offer broad support, while others are limited to short-term therapy. This is an area where policy comparison is vital.

3. Health Checks, Screenings & Preventative Services

While PMI is often seen as reactive — stepping in when something goes wrong — it can also play a proactive role in your health. Some policies include or offer add-ons for:

• Annual health assessments

• Cancer screenings (including private mammograms or colonoscopies)

• Lifestyle health checks (cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI)

• Vaccinations (like flu jabs or travel vaccines)

These preventative services can help catch issues early — before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems.

4. Access to Specialist Therapies and Rehabilitation

If you’re recovering from surgery or injury, many policies offer generous cover for therapies such as:

• Physiotherapy

• Osteopathy

• Chiropractic care

• Speech therapy

• Nutritional advice

What’s more, insurers often have networks of approved providers, meaning shorter waits and regulated pricing. A policy might include a set number of sessions per year or unlimited sessions with pre-authorisation.

Did you know? In some cases, these treatments are covered without needing a GP referral — one of the many time-saving perks.

5. Family-Friendly Benefits You Might Not Expect

If you have children or are planning a family, there are added benefits that can make PMI particularly worthwhile:

Cover for children under a certain age at no additional cost

Newborn cover, even if the baby is added shortly after birth

Private paediatric care or fast-tracked referrals

Some family policies also include discounts for multiple children or offer “shared benefit” schemes.

6. Second Medical Opinions from World-Leading Specialists

Some insurers include access to expert panels or second-opinion services. This means if you’re facing a complex diagnosis or life-changing treatment, you can get another view — often from globally recognised consultants.

Example: Vitality offers access to the Cleveland Clinic (US), while Bupa’s Global Second Opinion service draws on a panel of international experts.

Final Thoughts

Private medical insurance in the UK is about much more than cutting queues or upgrading your hospital stay. In reality, it can be a powerful tool for managing your health proactively, supporting your mental wellbeing, and helping your whole family access care more quickly and conveniently.

Yet, the finer details — those hidden perks — can vary significantly between policies. That’s why understanding your options, and tailoring a plan to your lifestyle and needs, is so important.

A good broker will not only help you compare premiums — they’ll uncover exactly what’s in each policy, point out hidden value, and ensure you’re not leaving money (or health benefits) on the table.

Interested in what your current policy might be missing? It’s always worth a review.