What your Vitality contract says

In short

This is a private medical insurance (PMI) policy from Vitality Health Limited, part of the VitalityHealth group owned by Discovery Limited. Vitality is distinctive for its rewards-based model: you earn points and discounts by engaging in healthy behaviours such as exercising, attending health screenings, and tracking activity. The policy covers private hospital treatment, consultations, and diagnostics for acute medical conditions. Vitality is authorised by the PRA and regulated by both the PRA and the FCA. You choose a level of cover and can add optional extras such as dental, optical, mental health, and overseas cover.

What you agree to do

• You must pay your premium monthly or annually (cover lapses if payment is missed).
• You must provide a complete and honest medical history at the point of application.
• You must obtain a GP referral before seeing a specialist or making a claim in most circumstances.
• You must use Vitality-approved hospitals and consultants to be fully covered.

What you can ask for

• You can cancel within 14 days of receiving your policy and get a full refund of any premium paid.
• You can earn Vitality rewards (including discounts on gym memberships, Apple Watch, and cinema tickets) by meeting activity targets.
• You can access Vitality GP (an online and telephone GP service included with your plan).
• You can escalate unresolved complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Points worth knowing

• Pre-existing and chronic conditions are excludedVitality does not cover conditions you had before joining, nor chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, arthritis) on standard plans. Only acute conditions that can be treated and cured are covered. This is the biggest limitation of PMI.
• Annual premium increases, often above inflationVitality reviews premiums every year. As you age and medical costs rise, your premium is likely to increase significantly. There is no regulatory cap on premium rises.
• Excess applies to claimsDepending on the plan you choose, you may pay an excess of £100 to £500 per claim or per policy year. A higher excess lowers your premium but increases out-of-pocket costs when you need treatment.
• Rewards programme requires ongoing engagementVitality's headline rewards (discounted Apple Watch, Champneys spa, etc.) require sustained activity tracking and regular health checks. If you stop engaging, you lose the rewards tier and associated discounts.
• Out-of-network treatment not reimbursedIf you visit a consultant or hospital that is not on Vitality's approved list without prior authorisation, you will bear the full cost of treatment.

Dates and deadlines

Premium payment

Monthly by direct debit or annually in advance

Cooling-off period

14 days from receiving your membership certificate

Annual renewal

Vitality writes to you before renewal with updated premium, benefit changes, and Vitality status review