UK health cash plans compared: dental, optical, physiotherapy and consultation cash-back on a low monthly premium. When a cash plan beats full private medical insurance.
Health cash plans UK — compared by brokers
A health cash plan reimburses everyday healthcare costs — dental check-ups, glasses, physiotherapy, consultations — up to annual limits, for a low monthly premium. It is not private medical insurance, and the distinction matters.
Cash plans we place
| Provider | Indicative from | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Medicash | £1.75/week | Best for families and heavy dental/optical spenders wanting a mutual cash plan. |
| National Friendly | £5.90/mo | Best for 24/7 digital-GP-first buyers and later-life applicants. |
Cash plan versus private medical insurance
| Health cash plan | Private medical insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly cost | Low — single figures upward | Materially higher, age-rated |
| What it pays | Cash back on everyday costs up to limits | Diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions |
| Underwriting | Usually none | Moratorium or full medical underwriting |
| Surgery covered | No | Yes, for eligible acute conditions |
| Best for | Routine dental, optical, therapies | Speed of diagnosis and private treatment |
When our brokers recommend a cash plan
- As an employer benefit for a whole workforce where full PMI is out of budget.
- Alongside a high-excess PMI policy, to soak up everyday costs.
- For members whose pre-existing conditions make PMI poor value.
- Where dental and optical spend is predictable and recurring.
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.
Check whether a cash plan or full PMI fits you better
PremierPMI's brokers are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm. Call 020 4525 0884, message us on WhatsApp 020 8064 2273, or email contact@premierpmi.co.uk. You can also request a callback or meet our team.