Private Health Insurance for Small Businesses in the UK

Small businesses can ask insurers or intermediaries about group private medical insurance for employees. Availability, minimum group size, eligibility and pricing depend on the provider and scheme; there is no single standard small-business plan.

Compare the whole scheme

Ask who can join, whether dependants can be included, how new employees enrol and what happens when staff leave. Compare inpatient and outpatient benefits, excesses, hospital access, mental-health cover, exclusions and the claims process. Ask whether medical underwriting applies to the group and how pre-existing conditions are handled.

Check administration and tax duties

Before choosing a scheme, confirm the employer’s reporting and payment responsibilities. GOV.UK explains that employers providing medical treatment or insurance can have tax, National Insurance and reporting obligations, which depend on how the benefit is provided.

Can employees choose their own level of cover?

Some schemes may offer options, but the employer’s contract determines what choices are available.

See our company-director guide and health insurance comparison guide.

Sources checked 18 October 2026: GOV.UK: Medical treatment and insurance expenses and benefits · Financial Ombudsman: Private medical insurance