Speak directly to our team
01603 218000
Speak directly to our team
01603 218000
  • Resources
  • A guide to private health insurance and pregnancy
Home
9 mins read
Guides and advice Employee Benefits Financial Planning Care & Medical

A guide to private health insurance and pregnancy

Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to get you back on your feet if you suddenly become ill, but how does it work when you become pregnant or want to access IVF? 

Whether you have your own private medical insurance or have cover as an employee benefit, we look at what you can expect from your policy when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. 

Updated: 13.10.26

By Alex Mhandu

Pregnancy and private healthcare

Does private health insurance cover pregnancy and childbirth? 

In the UK, standard private medical insurance does not cover routine pregnancy, antenatal care, or childbirth. This is because PMI is primarily designed to treat acute illnesses (illnesses which start suddenly and can be resolved through medical care). As pregnancy is considered a natural process, it doesn’t fall within the scope of PMI policies.  

However, if you (the expectant mother) develop complications during pregnancy, your PMI policy will usually provide cover for the treatment you need. Some policies also offer a ‘baby bonus’ and will pay you a cash lump sum on the baby’s birth.  

What childbirth and pregnancy complications are covered? 

Most PMI policies cover medical complications that put your health at risk, for example: 

  • Ectopic pregnancy  

  • Miscarriage  

  • Missed/silent miscarriage  

  • Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia  

  • Gestational diabetes  

  • Retained placenta  

  • Postpartum haemorrhage  

  • Stillbirth  

However, if you require emergency medical care in relation to any of the above conditions or your pregnancy, this will always be accessed through the NHS. 

Are caesareans covered by private medical insurance? 

Non-medical caesareans are not covered by PMI policies, but elective caesareans that are medically required can be, depending on the terms of your policy. To make a claim for a c-section, your consultant will need to explain why it’s medically necessary.  

Emergency C-sections are the most common type of caesarean and typically take place in NHS hospitals as mothers are usually in active labour when the decision is made.  

Is pregnancy classed as a pre-existing medical condition? 

In the UK, pregnancy is not generally considered a pre-existing medical condition. However, if you take out a policy while pregnant, any complications that develop because of your pregnancy will be considered pre-existing and won’t be covered.  

If you are considering starting a family, it’s a good idea to take out PMI before you start trying for a baby. This helps ensure you’re covered for the types of medical conditions mentioned above.   

Does private medical insurance cover IVF and fertility treatment? 

Generally, standard PMI does not cover IVF or fertility treatment. However, many policies will cover any initial tests carried out to understand why you may be struggling to conceive, but rarely cover the treatment itself.  

Some corporate PMI schemes help cover fertility costs, including medication to stimulate ovulation and assisted reproduction, such as IVF. These types of policies are usually limited to businesses with more than 250 members. 

Can newborns be added to a health insurance policy? 

Most PMI policies allow you to add your newborn to an existing policy, and in most cases, the sooner you do so, the better.  

Adding your newborn to an existing policy within a certain number of days (typically between 30 days and three months) can be beneficial from an underwriting perspective. They might be able to be added for free, and importantly, undiagnosed congenital conditions (conditions they were born with) may not be classed as pre-existing and therefore won’t be excluded. 

Some policies also offer a ‘baby bonus’ and will pay you a one-off cash payment when you have a baby or adopt.   

What if I want a private birth? 

If you don’t want to have your baby in an NHS hospital, the alternative is to pay for private care. A few hospitals offer packages or self-pay options that cover antenatal care and childbirth (such as The Portland Hospital or The Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital, London). These costs cannot be claimed under a PMI policy. 

The cost to give birth privately varies by hospital and will also be affected by whether your care is consultant-led (for more complicated births) or midwife-led). Bear in mind that when you look at price lists, some consultant-led care packages do not include consultant or anaesthetist fees, as these are charged separately.  

As a rough guide, private packages start from around £9,000 but can exceed far beyond this depending on the type of care you choose and where the hospital is located. Any extras you need during the birth will also be added to your bill. This could include an epidural or an instrumental delivery, additional nights in hospital, and any tests or dressings required.   

FAQs 

Does private health insurance cover abortion? 

Generally, no. Standard PMI does not usually cover pregnancy or pregnancy-related treatments, but it’s worth double-checking your policy. Some providers may provide cover if continuing with your pregnancy would have a devastating impact on your health.  

In practice, the majority of abortions take place via the NHS and are free for anyone normally resident in the UK. You can find more information on the NHS website.

Does health insurance cover routine pregnancy scans? 

No, private medical insurance does not cover routine pregnancy scans.  

Will I lose my PMI cover while on maternity leave? 

If your PMI is provided through work, you should still be covered while on maternity leave. If you have any concerns, you should speak to your HR department. 

Does PMI still provide cover after pregnancy? 

Pregnancy won’t affect your policy if you already have PMI, and you’ll still be covered for any acute conditions during and after.  

Help choosing your PMI options 

Although standard PMI doesn’t cover routine pregnancies, it can help you quickly access treatment and care should the unexpected happen. But with so many options and providers available, working out which policy is right for you and balancing it with the cost of PMI can be tricky. 

At Alan Boswell Group, we can help you explore your options, giving you the opportunity to avoid lengthy waiting lists and choose where you’re treated and by whom. We can also help business owners looking at company health insurance so that your employees feel valued and can access care at their convenience.  

Make an enquiry today

To find out more about how we can help, speak to a member of the team.

Speak to us:  01603 967955
7 mins
People talking about and checking the list of Pros and cons of private medical insurance

Pros and cons of private medical insurance

Private medical insurance can offer faster treatment, more choice, and access to specialist care than the NHS, but it’s important to weigh the benefits against the costs and limitations before deciding if it’s right for you.

10 mins
Health insurance when self employed

Health insurance cover and tax rules for the self-employed

A guide to health insurance for the self-employed, including what private medical insurance covers and how the tax rules differ for sole traders and limited company directors.

15 mins
Guide to company health insurance and how it works

Guide to company health insurance and how it works

We look at how company health insurance works, what it covers, its tax implications, costs, and how SMEs can set up a policy.

12 mins
Employer's guide to health cash plans

Employer's guide to health cash plans

Health cash plans help employees claim back routine healthcare costs. Learn what they cover, how they compare with private medical insurance, and the tax rules for UK employers.