Self-employed health insurance
Private health insurance can help you get treatment faster. So, you can get better and get back to work sooner.
Edited by Darren Siddle,
health insurance expert at Bupa
Last updated 28 May 2024
3 minute read
What are the benefits of health insurance when you’re self-employed?
Private health insurance can give you peace of mind if you’re self-employed. You’ll have fast access to care if you need it. So, you can get well with less of the wait.
Most health insurers offer their standard personal health insurance to self-employed people. So, the benefits are the same as any private health insurance policy.
Benefits of health insurance
- Fast access to consultants and specialists
- Flexible appointment times
- Fast access to private diagnosis
- Access to private hospitals and clinics
- Online GP appointments
- Fast access to physiotherapy
- Mental health cover
- Cancer cover
With some policies you can get help online or over the phone within 24 hours. This can include online GP or physio appointments.
This can really help when you’re self-employed. You can get the treatment you need as soon as possible and at times that suit you.
What’s the cost of self-employed health insurance?
This will depend on the insurance provider you choose, and on a number of factors.
Depending on your self-employment, you may need to apply for personal health insurance or small or micro business cover. Which type of cover you apply for will affect the cost of your cover.
What affects health insurance costs?
- Your age
- Where you live
- Whether you smoke
- Your BMI
- How much excess you agree to pay
- What limits apply to how much you can claim
The cost can also depend on the level of cover you choose. Some providers offer a choice of different levels of cover from basic to more comprehensive.
Learn more about how cost is calculated in our guide to health insurance costs.
Are there any special requirements for self-employed health insurance?
Most health insurance providers offer policies for personal and business cover. There may be requirements you’ll need to meet to apply for business cover.
Depending on the nature of your self-employment, you may be able to apply for small or micro business cover. But in many cases, if you’re self-employed you’ll apply for personal cover.
If you’re not sure whether to apply for small business or personal cover, you can ask the insurance provider.
At Bupa, self-employed customers can apply for personal health insurance cover.
What does self-employed health insurance cover?
This will depend on the provider you choose and the level of cover you select. Although most health insurance policies do agree on a few things.
Covered by most health insurance policies
- Physiotherapy
- Mental health
- Cancer
- Acute conditions. This includes any illness or injury that you can recover from.
Not covered by most health insurance policies
- Conditions that you had before your policy started.
- Ongoing conditions with no known cure. Such as arthritis or diabetes.
- Cosmetic treatments.
- Emergency treatment.
- Allergies and food intolerances.
- Life events like pregnancy, menopause, or ageing.
Some policies do cover long-term treatment for cancer or mental health, even if there is no cure.
Check any policy before you buy. Make sure you fully understand what’s covered and what’s excluded.
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Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.