Does Private Health Insurance Include Online GP Appointments?

Some health insurance policies include access to a digital or telephone GP service, while others offer it as an add-on or not at all. The service may be a policy benefit rather than a claim for private hospital treatment.

Check how the service works

Read whether appointments are included, how many are available, who can use them and whether dependants are eligible. Find out if the GP can refer you to a specialist, whether that referral satisfies your insurer's claims process, and whether any subsequent consultation or test needs separate authorisation.

An online appointment is not the same as emergency care. For a life-threatening emergency call 999; for urgent advice use NHS 111 or the appropriate service where you live.

Compare the whole pathway

A virtual GP appointment may help you discuss a new concern, but it does not guarantee that private tests or treatment will be covered. Check the policy's referral rules, outpatient benefits and exclusions before booking follow-up care.

See our guide to direct access and referrals for more on routes into private treatment.

Compare policy services and cover with our UK health insurance comparison tool.

Sources checked 19 October 2026: Bupa: how private health insurance works · PHIN: comparing private medical insurance