Self-Employed Health Insurance UK
Being self-employed gives you freedom and flexibility, but it also comes with responsibility especially when it comes to your health. Unlike employed people who often receive employed health insurance cover or company sick pay, the self-employed must plan ahead to protect themselves against unexpected illness or injury.
That’s where health insurance for the self-employed becomes essential. It gives you access to quality medical care when you need it most, helping you recover faster and keep your business running smoothly.
At Pineapple Insurance Services, we help self-employed professionals across the UK find affordable, reliable private health insurance tailored to their lifestyle and needs.
Why Choose Pineapple Insurance Services?
At Pineapple Insurance Services, we specialise in tailoring business protection solutions for UK companies. We work closely with top UK insurers to ensure you receive comprehensive cover that fits your company’s structure and goals. Our experienced advisors will help you:
Understand the different shareholder protection options
Calculate appropriate levels of cover
Set up cross-option agreements
Arrange tax-efficient policies
Review and adjust your protection as your company grows
When you work for yourself, every day you can’t work can mean lost income. Unlike those on payroll, self-employed workers don’t receive sick pay from an employer. If an illness or injury keeps you from working, the financial impact can be significant.
Health insurance for the self-employed provides fast access to private hospitals, short waiting times, and high-quality medical treatment. It helps you get back to work sooner and ensures your business continues without disruption.
Beyond the practical benefits, having cover also gives you peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, you’ll have access to the care and health support you need.
The Benefits of Shareholder Protection
• Control remains within the business
• Prevents unwanted third-party involvement
• Provides financial certainty
• Strengthens investor confidence
• Shows forward planning and responsibility
Shareholder protection doesn’t just protect shareholders – it protects the entire company and its long-term goals. It’s a smart move for any business that values structure, continuity, and fairness.
Let Pineapple Bring You Peace of Mind
Private healthcare isn’t just for individuals.
We support local businesses and SMEs across Bournemouth with health insurance and employee wellbeing solutions.
Our business healthcare services include:
• Private Medical Insurance for staff
• Health Cash Plans that cover routine treatments like dental and optical care
• Access to virtual GPs, mental health helplines, and more
• Group plans that are flexible, scalable, and cost-effective
Offering these benefits helps boost employee morale, reduce absenteeism, and attract top talent in today’s competitive job market.
It shows your commitment to employee wellbeing, creates a healthier and more productive workplace, and positions your company as a forward-thinking, caring employer that people want to work for and stay with.
Most private medical insurance policies include treatment for acute conditions short-term health problems that can be cured, such as infections, injuries, or operations. Policies often include:
• Access to specialists and consultants
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Surgery at private hospitals
• Physiotherapy and follow-up appointments
• Optional mental health cover for emotional wellbeing
Comprehensive plans may also include additional services like remote GP appointments and health checkups.
It’s important to note that private health insurance typically doesn’t cover chronic conditions that require long-term management, such as diabetes or asthma. However, many insurers now offer ongoing health support and guidance to help you manage such conditions more effectively.
How Much Does Self-Employed Health Insurance Cost
The health insurance costs for self-employed people depend on a few key factors:
1. Level of cover – A basic health insurance plan covering inpatient treatment will cost less than a comprehensive policy that includes outpatient and mental health cover.
2. Age and location – Older applicants or those living in areas with more expensive private hospitals may pay more.
3. Pre existing medical conditions – If you have any pre existing medical conditions, they may be excluded from cover or require additional underwriting.
4. Lifestyle – Factors like smoking, alcohol intake, and overall health can affect premiums.
5. Optional extras – Adding benefits like dental, optical, or travel cover will increase the total cost of private medical insurance.
At Pineapple Insurance Services, we compare policies from leading UK insurers to help you find affordable cover without compromising on quality. We’ll explain how each option works, what’s included, and how you can reduce your premium.
- 1. Employer Takes Out the Policy
- 2. The business sets up a scheme covering some or all of its employees.
- 3. Employee Becomes Unable to Work
- 4. If a member of staff is unable to work due to illness or injury, they notify the employer.
- 5. Waiting (Deferment) Period
- 6. There is usually a deferment period – the time between first absence and when benefits begin. During this time, the employee may rely on statutory sick pay or any company sick pay scheme.
- 7. Payments Begin
- 8. After the deferment period, the policy pays a percentage of the employee’s salary (often 50–75%) until they either recover and return to work, reach retirement age, or reach the maximum payment period.
- 9. Additional Services
- 10. Alongside the financial payout, insurers provide rehabilitation, counselling, and emotional support services to encourage a successful return to work.
Private Medical Insurance vs Income Protection
Many self-employed workers ask whether they should choose private medical insurance or income protection insurance. While both are valuable, they cover different risks.
• Private medical insurance pays for the medical treatment you need if you become ill or injured. It ensures fast access to care so you can return to work sooner.
• Income protection insurance provides a regular payment to replace your income if you are unable to work due to an illness or injury. It helps cover everyday bills and living expenses until you recover.
For complete peace of mind, many self-employed professionals choose to combine both. This way, you are protected against both medical costs and loss of income.
When you take out a health insurance plan, you pay a monthly or annual premium. You then have the right to receive private medical care for covered treatments.
If you need to see a specialist, you simply contact your insurer or Pineapple adviser, who will guide you through the next steps. Once approved, you can choose from a network of private hospitals and consultants for quick diagnosis and treatment.
With private care, you’ll often benefit from:
• Choice of hospital, consultant, and appointment time
• Short waiting times compared to the NHS
• Private rooms and comfortable facilities
• Access to modern treatments and advanced technology
You only pay your chosen excess amount if a claim is made. After that, your insurer pays the remaining eligible costs directly to the hospital or specialist.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
If you have pre existing medical conditions, it doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get cover. Insurers assess your health in different ways, depending on the type of underwriting you choose:
• Moratorium underwriting – Conditions from the last five years may be excluded initially but could be covered later if you stay symptom-free for a set period.
• Full medical underwriting – You declare your full medical history upfront, so the insurer can confirm which conditions are covered before the policy starts.
Our team at Pineapple Insurance Services will explain each option and help you choose the most suitable approach based on your medical history and health goals.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
The self-employed often experience high levels of stress, uncertainty, and workload pressure. That’s why adding mental health cover is one of the smartest choices you can make.
Modern health plans include counselling sessions, therapy options, and 24-hour helplines to support your mental wellbeing. Fast access to these services can help you stay focused, positive, and productive.
Why Work with Pineapple Insurance Services?
We’re a friendly, expert team that believes in doing things properly. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing we only work with providers who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, like Legal & General.
When you work with Pineapple, you’re choosing:
Support
A single point of contact who knows your business
Expertise
Clear, practical advice with no jargon
Team Tailored
Full scheme management from launch to renewal
Clear Clarity
Tailored guidance for integrating multiple benefits
Flexibility
Support that goes far beyond a quote
Benefits of Private Health Insurance for the Self-Employed
Choosing private health insurance gives you more than just access to treatment. It helps protect your income, health, and lifestyle by providing:
• Faster care – Skip long NHS waiting lists and see specialists quickly.
• Flexible appointments – Choose times that fit around your work.
• High-quality treatment – Access to experienced doctors at top private hospitals.
• Better recovery – Focus on getting well, not on financial stress.
• Peace of mind – Know you can get help quickly when you need it most.
This type of cover is an investment in both your wellbeing and your business’s future.
How Pineapple Insurance Services Helps
At Pineapple Insurance Services, we make finding health insurance for the self-employed easy and stress-free. Our expert advisers take the time to understand your needs, compare the best policies, and guide you through every step.
We can help you:
• Understand the health insurance costs for different levels of cover
• Compare private medical insurance plans that suit your budget
• Find policies that include mental health cover and ongoing health support
• Combine your health insurance with income protection insurance for total security
• Review and renew your policy to make sure it always fits your needs
Because we’re authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, you can trust that our advice is fair, transparent, and based on your best interests.
Reducing the Cost of Private Medical Insurance
The cost of private medical insurance can vary widely, but there are ways to make it more affordable:
• Choose a higher excess to lower monthly payments.
• Limit cover to major acute conditions only.
• Opt for a restricted hospital list instead of nationwide private hospitals.
• Exclude outpatient care if you’re happy using the NHS for minor appointments.
• Pay annually instead of monthly if your budget allows.
Our advisers will help you understand how each choice affects cost and cover so you can make a balanced decision.
Get Started Today
If you’re self-employed and want reliable access to healthcare, now is the time to explore your options. Health insurance for the self-employed helps you stay healthy, keep your business secure, and maintain complete peace of mind.
Contact Pineapple Insurance Services today to get personalised advice on finding the best private health insurance for your situation. We’ll compare policies, explain the health insurance costs, and help you choose a plan that gives you the protection and confidence you deserve.
At Pineapple Insurance, we craft tailored insurance solutions for businesses and individuals.
Our partnerships with leading insurers allow us to offer options that align with your values, backed by expert advice and exceptional service. We ensure all clients receive the most suitable plans from trusted providers within budget.
CLIENTS AND TESTIMONIALS
“Discussing healthcare benefits with Pineapple Insurance is always a positive experience. Their team combines expert knowledge with a personable approach, creating effective and budget-conscious solutions.”
