Health & Protection Insurance Blog - Usay Compare

The benefits of health insurance for young adults | Usay Compare

Written by Jess Bullock | 27, Jan, 2026

Investing in a health insurance policy whilst you're young can have many benefits. From lower premiums to lifestyle benefits, we're exploring the five key benefits of protecting your future health.


1. Lower Premiums

When it comes to health insurance, one of the biggest advantages of taking out a policy whilst you're younger is lower premiums.

Health insurers calculate prices based on risk, and younger adults generally represent a much lower financial risk because they tend to be considered healthier, have fewer chronic conditions and less likely to make claims.

This means insurers expect to pay out less, so they’re able to offer more affordable rates. Getting cover at a younger age also gives insurers more years to collect premiums before you’re likely to need expensive treatment, which helps keep costs down.

Additionally, buying insurance early reduces the chances of having pre‑existing conditions that might increase premiums or limit your coverage later on. Generally, the younger and healthier you are when you sign up, the cheaper and easier it is to invest and protect your future health.

2. Less exclusions

Taking out a health insurance policy when you’re younger and before you have any health issues can be beneficial and mean you’re less likely to have exclusions which typically include pre-existing conditions. Common pre-existing conditions can include: diabetes, asthma, arthritis, back pain and heart disease.

If you don’t have these it’s likely your premiums will be lower as you won’t be classed as at risk to claim.

Younger applicants tend to have a smooth journey through underwriting, avoiding the common exclusions that come with age, like joint problems, mental health history, or high blood pressure.

Once your policy is in place, most health insurers won’t add new exclusions in the future, even if your health changes. Taking out cover early helps you lock in more comprehensive cover for the long term, without the worry of future exclusions cropping up as life unfolds.

3. Financial security

Another benefit of getting a health insurance policy whilst you’re young is that you have reassurance that your future health is protected.

For example if you do need to call on healthcare services you'll know you will be able to skip long NHS waiting lists and can get back on your feet quickly. It also provides reassurance that if you did want private treatment, you wouldn’t have to pay out of pocket and could be covered for what you needed.

There are currently 6.17 million people on the NHS waiting list. We never know what could happen in the future and if the list will continue to grow, so being prepared with private health insurance can be very beneficial.

Nearly 93% of adults aged 65 and older have at least one chronic condition, which means it's more likely you'll need to claim as you get older. Having health insurance at a younger age provides peace of mind you're covered if health issues arise.

4. Discounts and benefits with insurers

Another benefit of having health insurance is that many insurers offer discounts and benefits. This could be hugely valuable when you’re younger, and could even mean saving on things like gym memberships.

This can be particularly advantageous if you already have a gym membership but could access it at a reduced cost, along with the added reassurance that your health is protected.

Other benefits and discounts offered with insurers can include:

  • Dental care - Bupa policies offer an annual dental appointment included free in the policy, this also includes a £300 allowance each towards any restorative treatment you need. 
  • Most health insurers offer a digital GP, this comes with 24/7 access and can be used as many times as needed. You can get reassurance or next steps quickly with appointment times that best suit you.
  • Most insurers offer mental health and wellbeing support.
  • The Exeter offer up to six free physiotherapy sessions a year, along with six free dietician and lifestyle consultations a year.
  • Vitality are well known for their rewards scheme. You can benefit from discounted smart watches, restaurant visits and gym memberships.

5. Prevention

Health insurance cover can be great for preventing future health issues and supporting a healthier lifestyle.

Taking actions and making choices about your health whilst younger, can help towards reducing the chances of health issues when you’re older. In 2023, more than one in eight deaths were considered to be preventable at the time. This mainly includes conditions such as heart disease and lung and skin cancers.

Some ways health insurance can help with prevention include:

  • Encouraging you to be more healthy, with discounted gym membership and fitness products.
  • Lower premiums if you don’t smoke.
  • Many policies include annual health checks, that can help you to understand and keep on top of your health.
  • Supportive schemes such as MyHealthCounts offered by Aviva, is designed to help customers understand their health and wellbeing and make better choices.
  • Quicker access to healthcare services, for example, with cancer care you may be able to get appointments and get treatment quicker, helping to prevent conditions worsening.

Overall, investing in health insurance whilst you’re younger can have a wealth of benefits now and for your future health.

In general, health insurance is a great way to get quick access to quality healthcare, whenever you need it. It can help you to get back on your feet and back to living the life you love.

Accessing private healthcare can also provide superior comfort and access to the best specialists you need.

How to compare health insurance?

When you're new to health insurance, it can often be overwhelming to know where to start.

Using a health insurance intermediary like Usay Compare gives you free advice and peace of mind you’ll get the best policy for you at the best price.

Our expert advisers will fully understand your needs and requirements and make sure you’re confident in your policy. It's simple to start, with a free consultation with one of our team, you'll understand the options available and the next steps.

If you want to know more about what policy would suit you or what cover you can get, get a free quote by filling out the form below, or call us on: 01285 864670