Few insurers accept new applicants over 70. We know which ones do, how they underwrite, and how to keep your current cover intact if you need to move.
Health Insurance for Over 70s UK
UK health insurance for over-70s typically costs £300–£500+/month for a healthy 72-year-old. Few insurers accept new applicants at this age; existing policyholders should hold onto cover at almost any cost. The Exeter and Aviva are the most accommodating providers.
Health Insurance for Over 70s: what the cover actually does
After 70, healthcare utilisation peaks: joint replacements, cardiac procedures, cancer treatment. NHS waits for these are the longest in the system. PMI is the difference between months of waiting and weeks of treatment.
Starting a new policy after 70 is difficult: Bupa, AXA and some others have upper age limits for new applicants, and moratorium underwriting excludes most conditions relevant to this age group. Existing policyholders should prioritise continuity above all else.
If you hold an existing policy and premiums are stretching your budget, talk to us before cancelling. We can usually find ways to reduce cost — higher excess, 6-week rule, narrower hospital list — without losing cover entirely.
Key numbers our brokers work from
- UK population over 70: 8.3m (ONS 2024)
- Over-70s with PMI: ~15% (LaingBuisson 2024)
- NHS hip replacement median wait: 23 weeks (NHS England 2025)
- Private hip replacement median wait: 2–4 weeks (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.
| Scenario | Indicative monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 70-year-old — core inpatient, 6-week rule | £270–£340 | Moratorium, £500 excess. |
| 73-year-old — mid-range outpatient | £350–£430 | Guided list, £250 excess. |
| 75-year-old — comprehensive | £450–£550 | Zero excess, mental health. |
Which insurers tend to fit best
| Insurer | Fit | Broker note |
|---|---|---|
| The Exeter | excellent | Accepts new applicants to 75; 6-week rule. |
| Aviva | good | Accepts new applicants to 74; modular. |
| WPA | good | Ethical; no upper age limit but strict UW. |
| Bupa | fair | Age 70 upper limit for new applicants. |
| AXA | limited | Age 65 upper limit for new applicants. |
| Vitality | limited | Wellness focus less relevant at 70+. |
| Freedom | limited | Budget; limited network. |
Before you buy — broker checklist
- Never cancel an existing policy without speaking to us.
- Ensure cancer cover is unlimited.
- Check hospital list includes orthopaedic, cardiac and oncology specialists.
- Consider 6-week NHS option to manage premium.
- Review travel cover if you spend time abroad.
PremierPMI broker desk notes
- At 70+, continuity of cover is worth almost any premium — switching is nearly impossible.
- If budget is tight, we negotiate with insurers and adjust cover parameters before recommending cancellation.
- For clients who've held policies for decades, we push hard for loyalty discounts at renewal.
Common questions
Can I get new PMI at 70?
Few insurers accept new applicants at 70+. The Exeter (to 75), Aviva (to 74), and WPA (no limit but strict underwriting) are the main options.
What if I can't afford my renewal?
Contact us before cancelling — we can usually find ways to reduce cost without losing cover.
Does PMI cover care homes?
No — PMI covers acute treatment, not long-term care. Speak to a financial adviser about care planning.
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.
Talk through your cover with a specialist PMI broker
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.