About us
Discover WPA - our mission, values, and dedication to delivering exceptional private health insurance tailored to your needs. The trusted choice for private healthcare solutions.
We focus on the service we provide to our members
Looking for exceptional private healthcare? WPA is a leading UK not-for-profit health insurer, offering a range of plans for individuals, families, and businesses. We've earned globally recognised standards and numerous awards for customer service, product innovation, and technology. As a not-for-profit, we reinvest back into improving our services and keeping premiums competitive for our members.
Our mission is simple: to provide our members with access to the best private healthcare in the UK and a truly exceptional experience.
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Members
We provide care and support when our members need it most.
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Claims authorised
Of all eligible health insurance claims received.
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Average call answer
Our customer service calls are answered quickly by a real person.
Rated "Excellent"
You are all so lovely at WPA, I recommend you to everyone…You're all so helpful
* WPA data: . Calls answered are averaged across all calls received.
Our history
Our story began nearly half a century before the creation of the NHS when workers would contribute a portion of their wages into a contributory fund.
1900's
We can trace our origins back to 1901 where we were founded as the Reading Working Peoples' Hospital Contributory Fund. Nearly half a century before the creation of the NHS, the Fund provided workers the option to pay a portion of their wage into the Fund each week. They could then access this pot of money at times of ill health.
1940's
Following an amalgamation of a number of Hospital Funds in the Bristol area, combining with the Reading Working Peoples' Hospital Contributory Fund, the Western Provident Association (WPA) was formed. Shortly after this, in 1948, the National Health Service (NHS) was created, marking the beginning of a new era of medical care in the UK and health insurance as we know it today.
1980's
The NHS was firmly ingrained in British society by the 1980s, however the demand for Private Medical Insurance grew dramatically throughout the decade. The number of private hospitals also grew, providing people with greater choice than ever before.
2000's
WPA goes through a period of great innovation, resulting in the creation of some of our flagship concepts such as Shared Responsibility®, Corporate Deductible and NHS Top-Up - all of which continue to play a big part in our business today.
2010's
WPA becomes a major player in the world of technology, creating DELOS, an internationally recognised autonomous operating system, and launching the WPA Health app , revolutionising how customers can access, manage and control their health insurance.
2020's
The 2020s began with the biggest challenge to public health in a generation, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. WPA led the way in responding to this unprecedented challenge, becoming the first health insurer in the UK to offer and pay two premium rebates to their customers, acknowledging the lack of provision during lockdown periods.
Trusted
We pride ourselves on our customer service excellence, and work hard to earn the trust of our members. We are always improving, we never rest on our laurels, and we actively encourage feedback from our members. Find out why we are the most trusted health insurer in the UK.
Putting people first
International Standard Accreditations
On an annual basis we are independently audited by the BSI certification body for the following internationally recognised standards:
Quality Management:
ISO 9001:2015
The internationally recognised Standard for Quality Management systems placing emphasis on achieving customer satisfaction and continual improvement.
Environmental Management:
ISO 14001:2015
The internationally recognised Standard for Environmental Management systems - one of the highest benchmarks in environmental management and best practice.
Business Continuity Management:
ISO 22301:2019
A management system to restore our ability to supply critical services to an agreed level following a disruption to service.
Information Security Management:
ISO 27001:2022
The benchmark for protecting valuable and sensitive customer information.
Our commitments
WPA is dedicated to transparency in corporate governance and embraces inclusion, diversity, and environmental responsibility. Learn more about our commitments.
The WPA Foundation
See how the WPA Foundation is making a real difference with the support it offers to schools and families across the UK. From funding vital equipment to providing healthy breakfasts, read inspiring stories of happier, healthier, fitter lives in our communities.
The WPA Foundation
Culture
We are committed to create the most equitable and inclusive culture for our colleagues. Our supportive culture embraces and respects individuality and creates an environment where everyone feels they belong.
WPA provide outstanding career opportunities in an excellent contemporary working environment. We invest in our colleagues future with training and developmental opportunities.
Explore our career opportunitiesWe are here for you
Become a member
If you'd like to talk to someone about becoming a member, please give our UK team a call on
01823 625050
(Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm)
Personal & family policies
Group schemes
Whatever the size of your business we have a group scheme available. Call us on
01823 625247
(Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm)
Business schemes
Complaints
We strive to offer the highest standards of service, but occasionally mistakes do happen. We are one of the few insurers to volunteer details of ombudsman complaints against us.
Complaints procedure