Does Private Health Insurance Include Face-to-Face GP Visits?

Some private health insurance products include access to a face-to-face GP service, but it is not a standard benefit across every insurer or policy. Check the service rules as well as the main hospital and specialist cover.

What Bupa says about its service

Bupa advertises 15-minute face-to-face GP appointments at participating Bupa Health Centres for eligible personal health insurance customers. Its service information says an appointment is for one minor illness or concern. Some tests recommended during the appointment may be included, while other tests and scans are not part of this benefit. The service also excludes chronic and long-term conditions.

These details are specific to Bupa’s service and may change. Employer-provided cover may have different benefits from a personal policy. A GP appointment also does not automatically authorise a later specialist consultation, scan or treatment claim.

Check before booking

Confirm whether your policy includes in-person GP visits, where appointments are available, how long they last and whether you need to book through the insurer. Ask which tests are included, whether a follow-up is covered and what happens if the GP recommends a specialist or diagnostic test.

Compare face-to-face access with any digital GP service and with your NHS GP. For online consultations, see our guide to online GP cover.

Compare policies and included services: compare UK health insurance.

Sources checked 4 November 2026

• Bupa: Health insurance with GP cover
• Bupa: Face-to-face GP benefit FAQ
• Bupa: How private health insurance works