If you're a self-employed Plumber, there's no employer sick pay behind you. If illness or injury stops you working, your income can stop too – and NHS waiting times for diagnostics, specialist appointments and treatment can stretch to weeks or months. Private medical insurance is one way to shorten that wait.
The biggest health risk for a self-employed Plumber
Back and musculoskeletal injury
Working in confined spaces, lifting heavy materials, and repeated bending puts plumbers at very high risk of lumbar disc herniation and chronic back pain — one of the leading causes of self-employed tradespeople being unable to work.
How private health insurance can help
Private health insurance fast-tracks MRI imaging and physiotherapy referrals, getting plumbers off the waiting list and back on the tools before an NHS queue would even confirm the appointment.
Depending on the policy you choose, private medical insurance can include:
- Faster access to specialist consultants and outpatient appointments
- Diagnostic scans such as MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound
- Surgical assessment and treatment for eligible conditions
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation (usually as an optional or limited benefit)
- Mental health support, such as counselling and CBT (cover varies by insurer and plan)
Cover, limits and exclusions differ between insurers. Most policies don't cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions, and a GP referral is often needed before a claim. An adviser can explain what applies to each policy.
Protecting your income as well as your health
Private medical insurance pays for treatment, not lost earnings. Many self-employed people also look at income protection or critical illness cover alongside it. Our advisers can talk you through the options.
How it works
- Get a quote – tell us about your work and what you want covered, using the form on this page.
- Compare policies – an adviser compares plans from leading UK insurers and recommends suitable options.
- Get covered – choose your plan, and start your cover once it's confirmed by your insurer.
Want to know more? Read our guides to individual health insurance and business health insurance.
