Private Skin Cancer & Dermatology Cover UK

PMI covers the full skin cancer pathway — consultant dermatology, dermoscopy, mole mapping, excision biopsy, wide local excision, sentinel node biopsy, Mohs micrographic surgery and immunotherapy for advanced melanoma (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, ipilimumab). Bupa, AXA and Aviva with cancer cover fund the full pathway including expensive checkpoint inhibitors. Private dermatology consultation typically 5–10 working days.

Skin Cancer & Dermatology Cover: what the cover actually does

The UK has one of the highest melanoma rates in Europe — around 16,700 new cases each year plus 156,000+ non-melanoma skin cancers (Cancer Research UK). Melanoma is entirely curable if caught at stage 1 (>98% five-year survival) but stage-4 survival is below 30%.

NHS dermatology waits average 12 weeks to first appointment (NHS England RTT Q1 2025). Private consultant dermatology with dermoscopy is available within 5–10 working days. Any suspicious lesion is typically excised within a further 1–2 weeks.

For non-melanoma skin cancer, Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard for cosmetically sensitive sites (face, ears). PMI funds Mohs on Bupa, AXA and Aviva. For advanced melanoma, checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy is transformative — full cancer cover PMI funds these where NICE-approved.

Key numbers our brokers work from

• UK new melanoma cases per year: ~16,700 (Cancer Research UK)
• UK non-melanoma skin cancer cases: ~156,000+ (CRUK)
• Stage-1 melanoma 5-year survival: >98% (CRUK)
• NHS dermatology first appointment wait: ~12 weeks (NHS England RTT Q1 2025)
• Private dermatology consultation wait: 5-10 working days (PremierPMI 2024)
• Mohs surgery self-pay cost (indicative): £2,800-£5,200 (PHIN 2024)

Indicative monthly cost by scenario

Illustrative only — final premiums depend on age, postcode, excess, hospital list, underwriting and insurer terms at the time of quote.

Which insurers tend to fit best

Before you buy — broker checklist

• Confirm full cancer cover for melanoma checkpoint inhibitors.
• Check Mohs micrographic surgery is covered for cosmetically sensitive sites.
• Verify sentinel node biopsy is included for staging.
• Ask about mole mapping and dermoscopy for high-risk patients.
• Confirm follow-up surveillance schedule post-treatment.

PremierPMI broker desk notes

• Any changing mole should be seen within a week. Private dermatology delivers that. NHS 2-week wait pathway is 14 days minimum plus onward biopsy delays.
• For advanced melanoma, checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy is a genuine breakthrough. Full cancer cover PMI funds it — never buy modular cancer cover if you have skin cancer risk.

Common questions

Does PMI cover skin cancer?

Yes — melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer are covered on full cancer cover policies including Mohs surgery and immunotherapy.

Is Mohs surgery covered?

Yes on Bupa, AXA, Aviva and The Exeter — the gold standard for cosmetically sensitive skin cancer sites.

How fast can I see a private dermatologist?

Typically 5–10 working days from GP referral.

Are checkpoint inhibitors for melanoma covered?

Yes on full cancer cover PMI (Bupa, AXA, Aviva) where NICE-approved (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, ipilimumab).

Is mole mapping covered as screening?

For high-risk patients with prior melanoma or dysplastic naevus syndrome, yes. Routine screening not usually covered.

Which insurer is best for skin cancer?

Bupa By You Cancer Cover, AXA Personal Health Full Cancer Cover and Aviva Healthier Solutions with cancer add-on.

PremierPMI is a UK private medical insurance broker specialising in whole-of-market placement across 10+ leading UK health insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Freedom Health, The Exeter, General & Medical and National Friendly. FCA regulated (Tesha Family Ltd, FRN 1029667). Speak to a broker on 020 4525 0884, WhatsApp 020 8064 2273, or email contact@premierpmi.co.uk.