Everything a UK SME director needs to buy group PMI in 2026: community vs experience rating, P11D, claims-fund options, insurer shortlist, real prices.
The 2026 SME group PMI buyer's guide (2–49 employees)
The definitive 2026 handbook for buying group PMI for 2 to 49 employees, from a broker who places 400+ SME schemes a year.
The short answer
- Community-rated below 20 lives, experience-rated above 50
- Per-employee costs: £34–£82/mo typical
- Claims-fund alternative under 15 lives — big cash-flow benefit
Community vs experience rating
Below 20 lives, insurers apply a community-rated book premium — everyone in the age band pays the same. Above 50 lives, they build a bespoke premium from your scheme's own three-year claims history. Between 20 and 50, insurers usually blend the two.
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.
Questions on this? A broker can talk it through
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.