Nationwide Health Insurance UK – Is It Available & What Are Your Options?
Many people search for Nationwide health insurance expecting the building society to offer medical cover through current accounts or member perks. As of 2025, Nationwide does not sell standalone private health insurance. Here’s why there’s confusion, what perks exist, and which UK insurers to consider instead.
Nationwide doesn’t sell PMI — but you can still go private fast
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Why people think Nationwide offers health insurance
- Packaged account perks: Nationwide’s FlexPlus current account includes travel, mobile, and breakdown cover — not private medical insurance (PMI).
- Historic confusion: Older financial product bundles sometimes linked to insurer perks, leading customers to assume PMI was available.
- Third-party partnerships: Nationwide partners with major insurers for life and travel products, but not for health insurance.
What Nationwide members can do instead
If you’d like faster diagnostics, specialist appointments or private hospital care, you’ll need to buy independent private health insurance directly from a UK insurer. Here are leading options with strong hospital networks and digital GP access.
Best Nationwide Alternatives (2025)
| Provider | Best For | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa | Largest network & fast claims | Direct Access (no GP referral), digital GP, extensive hospital choice |
| AXA Health | Earliest appointments | Fast Track Appointments, guided care for quickest availability |
| Aviva | Value & flexibility | “Expert Select” guided pathways, modular cover and digital GP |
| Vitality | Wellness & rewards | Apple Watch & gym incentives, mental health access, 24/7 GP |
| Saga | Over-50s | Underwritten by AXA; transparent excess & strong service reviews |
| WPA | SMEs & professionals | Custom cover options; rated highly for personal service |
| Freedom | Simple pricing | Clear, fixed-cost plans; easy to understand for first-time buyers |
Skip the research spiral
Tell us your age and postcode — we’ll match fast-access policies at nearby hospitals.
Nationwide vs private health insurers
| Feature | Nationwide (building society) | Private Insurers (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | No retail PMI product | Nationwide policies across UK regions |
| Cover type | N/A | In-patient, day-patient, out-patient and cancer cover |
| Speed | N/A | Same-day digital GP; consultants in days via guided pathways |
| Hospital choice | N/A | Networks incl. Spire, Nuffield, Bupa Cromwell & HCA |
| Extras | N/A | Wellness apps, mental health cover, family add-ons |
Choosing the right health insurance (quick checklist)
- Out-patient limit: £0, £500, £1,000 or Unlimited — bigger limits speed up diagnostics.
- Hospital list: Check local access and whether Central London is needed.
- Excess: £100–£500 typically balances premium and claims.
- Direct Access: Enables physio or mental health support without GP referral.
Nationwide doesn’t offer PMI — but these providers do
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FAQs
Does Nationwide offer private health insurance in the UK?
No. As of 2025, Nationwide does not sell standalone private medical insurance to members or customers.
Does the Nationwide FlexPlus account include health cover?
No. FlexPlus includes travel, mobile and breakdown insurance, but not private medical insurance.
What are the best alternatives for Nationwide members?
Consider Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality or other UK insurers that offer fast GP access and flexible hospital lists.
Information correct for 2025. Always check current product details directly with the insurer before purchasing.
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