For anyone looking to access private healthcare, getting medical insurance to help keep the costs down is a no-brainer – but finding a policy that actually works for you goes beyond a simple browse of price comparison websites.
Cheltenham-based health insurance broker, Switch Health, provides independent advice and access to the top private health and protection solutions for individuals, families and businesses, working to find them cost-efficient cover that's tailored to their healthcare needs.
SoGlos chats to the firm's sales manager, Liam Packer, about the advantages of private healthcare and insurance, and how Switch Health compares options across the market, explains the details, and provides ongoing support for its clients.
Tell us a bit about Switch Health.
Switch Health is a specialist private medical insurance and protection adviser, helping individuals, families and businesses compare, understand, and manage individual private health insurance that fits their needs.
Rather than acting like a simple price comparison site, our advisers provide personalised, impartial guidance, using market knowledge to recommend suitable policies and support customers over time as their circumstances change.
Our services focus on private medical insurance for individuals, families, company directors, SMEs, and larger group schemes, alongside international private medical insurance and life insurance. Our team supports people seeking faster access to diagnosis and treatment, families wanting reassurance around healthcare, and employers looking to protect their teams and strengthen employee wellbeing.
The 25 members of the Switch Health team love what they do – and that shines through in the way they engage with clients, the service they provide and the feedback they receive.
What are the main advantages of private healthcare for UK residents in 2026?
Private healthcare can offer greater speed, choice, and flexibility alongside the NHS. For many people, the key advantages are reduced waiting times, faster access to diagnosis and treatment, more control over where and when they are treated, and a high standard of personalised care.
What are the benefits of private medical insurance over pay-as-you-go options?
Private medical insurance (PMI) offers greater financial certainty than paying privately on a case-by-case basis. While pay-as-you-go treatment can provide fast access if someone is willing and able to fund care themselves, costs can quickly become significant once consultations, diagnostics, surgery, hospital fees, and follow-up appointments are included.
PMI helps protect against these unexpected bills by providing cover for eligible treatment under the terms of the policy, giving individuals, families, and businesses reassurance, support, and a more manageable and efficient way to access private healthcare when needed.
Why do you recommend that clients get independent advice when buying insurance, over going direct or relying on comparison sites?
We recommend independent advice because private medical insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product. Going direct or using a comparison site may help clients see headline prices, but it does not always reveal the differences in cover, exclusions, underwriting terms, hospital access, or long-term suitability.
An independent adviser takes the time to understand the client’s needs, compares appropriate options across the market, explains the small print in plain English, and provides ongoing support at claim and renewal stage. This helps clients make an informed decision, avoid unsuitable cover, and choose a policy that offers real value rather than simply the lowest upfront price.
What is the journey for clients when they come to Switch Health for advice?
The journey starts with a conversation with an experienced adviser, who takes the time to understand the client’s circumstances, priorities and budget. They then compare appropriate options, explain the differences clearly and make a recommendation based on the client’s needs.
Once the client has decided how to proceed, the team supports them through the application and setup process and remains available throughout the life of the policy.
How can people contact Switch Health?
Anyone looking for more information, or to book a free private medical insurance quote, can visit our website, switchhealth.co.uk, give us a call on 01242 371300, or email us at info@switchhealth.co.uk.
