Eight months is too long to wait
Leicester is a city with a strong manufacturing, logistics, and retail heritage and a growing professional population. It also sits within NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, a care board that has faced consistent pressure on waiting times, particularly for outpatient referrals and elective procedures.
For Leicester residents needing a consultant opinion or a diagnostic procedure, the NHS pathway is often slower than it should be. Waits of six months or more for an initial outpatient appointment are not unusual. Private medical insurance bypasses that queue entirely for eligible conditions, giving you access to diagnosis and treatment on your own schedule rather than the NHS’s.
The PHC is a Cheltenham-based FCA-regulated PMI broker. We compare cover across leading insurers and work with Leicester individuals and families to find policies that fit both their needs and their budget.
What private health insurance gives Leicester residents
These are the things our Leicester clients most commonly tell us they value in a policy.
Quick access to diagnosis
Access to out-patient consultations and diagnostics without joining the NHS waiting list. Particularly useful when you need answers quickly.
Elective surgery on your schedule
For common procedures such as joint replacements, hernia repairs, cataract etc. PMI means you choose the timing as to when best suits you. This is something that you do not have the luxury of on the NHS.
Digital GP access
Many policies include a Digital GP service for when NHS appointment availability is stretched. A vital first step before gaining a specialist referral.
Cancer care pathways
Comprehensive PMI policies include fast track cancer diagnosis and access to the latest treatments, including drugs that are not always available on the NHS.
Tailoring cover to what matters to you
A 30-year-old wanting digital GP access and mental health provision needs a different policy to a 55 year old who wants comprehensive surgical cover and a wide hospital network. The right answer varies from client to client, and no single insurer is best for everyone.
We start by understanding what you actually want from cover, not just your budget and then compare across our panel of insurers to find the options that genuinely fit. You see the differences, we explain them plainly, and you make the decision.
Frequently asked questions about private health insurance in Leicester
How do NHS waiting times in Leicester compare to the national average?
Unfortunately, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB is one of the worst performing areas in England for orthopaedic waiting times. NHS England RTT data shows 17,871 patients on the orthopaedics list with a median wait of around eight months. This is nearly 20 weeks above the national average and 65.6% of patients are waiting beyond the 18 week standard, compared to a national average of 54.4%. That is a significant gap, and it is not confined to orthopaedics. Gastroenterology and cardiology carry long lists too. Private medical insurance gives you an alternative route for eligible conditions that does not depend on where you fall in that queue.
Source: NHS England RTT data via Medimo, March 2026.
Are there good private hospitals in or near Leicester?
Yes. Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital is the main private facility in the city, covering a broad range of surgical and outpatient specialties. Spire Leicester Hospital is another well established option. Both are included in most standard PMI policies, and your insurer confirms network access before treatment begins. If you live on the edge of Leicestershire, hospitals in Nottingham, Coventry, or Derby may also be accessible.
What is the difference between advised and non-advised PMI brokers
An advised broker assesses your needs and makes a personal recommendation as to what is going to be best for you. A non-advised broker like The Private Healthcare Company presents the options available from across the market and lets you decide. We are giving you information and comparisons, and then leave it up to you to decide what is best for you particular situation. A lot of clients prefer that. They want to understand what they are buying rather than be told what to buy.
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