
What does private health insurance cover?
Private Health insurance provides access to top-quality medical care when you and your family are sick or injured.
Health insurance can offer faster access to certain specialists, treatments, and diagnostic tests. It may be beneficial if you desire more control over the timing of your medical care or seek access to specific treatments or specialists not readily available through government services. It can also provide additional benefits such as private rooms, shorter waiting times, and greater flexibility in choosing appointments.
At Howden, we provide a tailored, personalised service, well beyond the traditional broker.
Our consultants are experts in navigating complex medical risks, with deep knowledge of different insurance plans and health cover options. Combined with our strong relationships with multiple leading insurers, we can offer a range of solutions to find the right option for you.
From initial diagnosis to final consultation, you can get the treatment you need more quickly and with less fuss.
Howden’s expertise and solid relationships with insurers brings you closely tailored insurance, at competitive prices.
What are the benefits of private health insurance with Howden?
Fast-tracked access to treatment
Gain access to accredited doctors, hospitals, and dentists across the country through our extensive network of medical specialists. Both urgent and non-urgent issues can be dealt with as soon as possible.
Quality care
Access superior facilities, including private rooms with generous visiting hours.
Maintain control over your treatment
Choose the clinicians you want to see, arranging treatment to suit your schedule.
No stringent medical underwriting requirements
We can provide quality cover without asking you too many onerous questions.
Dedicated expert claims team
Our claims team is there to guide you, providing the support you need to ensure a quick claims process.
Through our medical app, Smartie, we help you to find the most cost-effective service for your needs.
Access to telemedicine services
Going to a medical practitioner in person isn’t always practical.
We give you the option to talk to qualified doctors and access prescription services online or on the phone.

Who is the cover with?
Howden works with financially stable insurers who have extensive expertise in medical and life insurance. These insurers may be in local markets and international specialty markets. All the insurers we use are well respected, have extremely stable finances and will be viable long-term.

Health insurance: a personal approach
Talking to an expert who knows the sector inside-out can help ensure you and your family get the most from a policy.
We have an in-house team of analysts who will help you navigate clauses to get the cover you need.
Named Perils Policy
Health Insurance generally works as “a Named Perils” policy. This means that the policy document will specifically state all the conditions that are covered. Anything that is not listed is not covered. Your Howden consultant will take the time to make sure you properly understand what you are buying.
Some Pre-Existing Conditions may be excluded (on the lower-priced policies)
This is one of the most common conditions in Health Insurance.
As Health Insurance is a Named Perils cover, some pre-existing conditions are excluded from the lower premium policies. It is very important to check whether any conditions are excluded. Your Howden consultant will help you get the coverage you need to achieve peace of mind.
Factors affecting private health insurance pricing
- Your age
- Where you live
- The level or type of cover you’re after
- Your excess level
- Your lifestyle
The strong relationships we have with a wide range of trusted health insurers allows us to provide a service to anyone who comes to us needing support.
While we strive to drive down premiums the emphasis is always on the quality of cover – there’s no point in buying a cheap cover only to realise you’re not covered when you come to claim, due to unforeseen policy exclusions.
