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Private Health Insurance for International Travel

Private Health Insurance for International Travel 2025

As an FCA-authorised private medical insurance broker in the UK, WeCovr has helped arrange over 800,000 policies. Navigating health cover for international travel can be complex, but understanding how your PMI works alongside travel insurance is key to ensuring you're protected wherever you go in the world.

WeCovr's guide to combining PMI with travel cover for global peace of mind

The thrill of booking a holiday or a business trip abroad is undeniable. You plan the itinerary, pack your bags, and dream of new experiences. But have you considered what would happen if you fell ill or had an accident far from home? Many UK residents with Private Medical Insurance (PMI) assume their policy provides a global safety net. While PMI is an outstanding tool for managing your health in the UK, its reach beyond our borders is often limited.

This comprehensive guide will demystify the relationship between your UK private health cover and the insurance you need for international travel. We’ll explore the distinct roles of PMI and travel insurance, explain how they can work together, and introduce solutions for those spending longer periods abroad. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to travel with true confidence, knowing you have robust protection in place.

Understanding the Core Purpose of UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Before we look at cover abroad, it's essential to understand what standard UK PMI is designed to do. At its heart, private medical insurance is a policy that covers the cost of private healthcare for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of conditions like cataracts needing surgery, joint pain requiring a hip replacement, or hernias needing repair.

Crucially, standard UK PMI does not cover:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition you had before taking out the policy.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes conditions like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and arthritis.

The primary benefit of private medical insurance in the UK is to provide choice, speed, and comfort. With NHS waiting lists reaching record levels—the referral to treatment (RTT) waiting list in England stood at over 7.5 million cases in early 2025 (NHS England, 2025)—PMI offers a valuable alternative.

Key Benefits of UK PMI:

  • Bypass NHS Queues: Get prompt access to specialists, diagnostic tests, and treatment.
  • Choice of Specialist and Hospital: Select your preferred consultant and a hospital from your insurer's approved network.
  • Private Facilities: Benefit from a private room, often with an en-suite bathroom, offering a more comfortable and peaceful recovery environment.
  • Access to Specialist Drugs and Treatments: Some policies provide cover for drugs or therapies not yet available on the NHS due to funding decisions.

PMI is your key to unlocking fast, high-quality medical care within the United Kingdom. Its purpose is not to be a global healthcare plan.

Does My Standard UK PMI Cover Me Abroad?

This is the most common question we receive from policyholders planning a trip. The straightforward answer is: rarely, and if it does, the cover is very limited.

Most UK PMI policies are designed with a "UK-only" focus. However, some providers include a basic "overseas cover" element as a policy feature or a paid add-on. It is vital to understand that this is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.

This limited cover is typically designed for emergencies only, with the primary objective of getting you stable enough to be repatriated back to the UK for treatment under your main PMI policy.

Here’s what you’ll commonly find in the travel clauses of a UK PMI policy:

FeatureTypical Limitation in a UK PMI Policy
Purpose of CoverEmergency medical treatment to stabilise your condition.
Primary GoalTo make you fit to fly home to the UK for further treatment.
Financial LimitOften capped at a relatively low amount (e.g., £50,000 - £100,000). This can be exhausted quickly, especially in countries like the USA.
Duration LimitCover may be restricted to trips of a certain length (e.g., 28 days) and a total number of days per year (e.g., 90 days).
Geographic ScopeMay be limited to Europe and exclude high-cost destinations like the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean.
Non-Medical CoverAlmost never included. There is no cover for trip cancellation, lost luggage, travel delays, or personal liability.

Relying solely on your PMI for travel is a significant financial risk. A serious medical emergency abroad can easily result in bills exceeding £100,000, leaving you with a substantial shortfall to pay out of pocket.

The Crucial Role of Specialist Travel Insurance

This is where specialist travel insurance comes in. It is a product specifically designed to protect you from the unique risks associated with being in a foreign country. While your PMI looks after your health at home, travel insurance protects your health, finances, and logistics when you are away.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover That PMI Doesn't?

  1. High-Limit Emergency Medical Expenses: This is the cornerstone of any good travel policy. It covers the cost of hospitalisation, doctors' fees, ambulance services, and emergency treatment abroad. Limits are typically high, often ranging from £5 million to £10 million, providing robust protection even in countries with expensive healthcare systems.

  2. Medical Repatriation: If you are seriously ill or injured, travel insurance covers the cost of getting you back to the UK, which could involve a scheduled flight with a medical escort or, in severe cases, a private air ambulance. These costs can run into the tens of thousands of pounds.

  3. Cancellation and Curtailment: If you have to cancel your trip due to illness, bereavement, or another covered reason, travel insurance can refund the pre-paid costs of flights and accommodation. It also covers you if you have to cut your trip short for similar reasons.

  4. Baggage and Personal Belongings: Provides cover if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip.

  5. Travel Delays and Missed Departures: Offers compensation if your travel is significantly delayed or you miss your connection due to circumstances outside your control.

  6. Personal Liability: Protects you if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while abroad.

Declaring Pre-existing Conditions

Unlike PMI, which excludes pre-existing conditions, you must declare all your medical conditions to your travel insurer. This includes chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes, as well as any condition you've seen a doctor for in the recent past. Failing to declare them can invalidate your entire policy. While it may increase your premium, it ensures you are properly covered if one of your conditions flares up while you're away.

The following table clearly illustrates the different roles of these two vital insurance products.

Coverage AreaUK Private Medical Insurance (PMI)Specialist Travel Insurance
Geographic FocusUnited KingdomWorldwide (or chosen region)
Medical PurposePlanned & acute care (non-emergency)Unforeseen medical emergencies
Medical LimitHigh for UK treatmentVery high (e.g., £5M+) for foreign treatment
Pre-existing ConditionsExcludedMust be declared; can often be covered for an additional premium
Trip CancellationNot coveredCore benefit
Lost Baggage/DelaysNot coveredCore benefit
RepatriationNot a primary featureEssential benefit

Bridging the Gap: The International Health Insurance Option

For some travellers, neither UK PMI nor standard travel insurance is the right fit. If you plan to live, work, or study abroad for an extended period (typically more than 90 days), you need a more robust solution: International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI).

IPMI is essentially global health insurance. It’s designed to give you comprehensive access to healthcare wherever you are in the world, just as your UK PMI does for you in the UK. It’s not for short-term emergencies; it’s for your ongoing health and wellbeing as an expatriate or long-term traveller.

Who Needs International PMI?

  • Expatriates: UK citizens moving abroad to work.
  • Digital Nomads: Individuals who work remotely while travelling the world.
  • Students: Those studying at a foreign university for a year or more.
  • Retirees: People choosing to spend their retirement in another country.

IPMI policies are highly flexible. You can choose your area of cover—for example, "Worldwide excluding USA" is a common option that is cheaper than a full global policy. These plans cover everything from routine GP visits and wellness checks to major surgery and cancer care, providing true peace of mind for those living an international lifestyle.

Comparison: UK PMI vs. Travel Insurance vs. IPMI

FeatureUK PMITravel InsuranceInternational PMI (IPMI)
Primary UseAcute medical care within the UKShort-term emergencies abroadComprehensive healthcare abroad
DurationAnnual, ongoing policyPer trip or annual multi-tripAnnual, for long-term stays
Scope of CareDiagnostics, surgery, cancer careEmergency treatment onlyFull inpatient, outpatient, wellness
Best ForUK residents needing fast UK careHolidaymakers, business travellersExpats, digital nomads, retirees abroad

As an expert PMI broker, WeCovr can help you determine whether a standard UK policy, an international plan, or a combination of products is the right solution for your unique circumstances.

How to Create a Seamless Global Health Safety Net

Building your protection strategy doesn't have to be complicated. By following a few logical steps, you can ensure there are no dangerous gaps in your cover when you travel.

Step 1: Review Your Current UK PMI Policy

Start by understanding what you already have. Find your policy documents and look for a section titled "Overseas Cover," "Travel Cover," or similar. Pay close attention to:

  • The financial limit.
  • The maximum trip duration.
  • Any geographical restrictions. If the language is unclear, don't hesitate to call your provider or your broker. An expert can quickly translate the jargon into a clear "yes" or "no" regarding its suitability.

Step 2: Choose the Right Travel Insurance

For the vast majority of UK residents going on holiday or short business trips, a standalone travel insurance policy is essential.

  • Single Trip vs. Annual Multi-Trip: If you only travel once or twice a year, a single-trip policy for each journey is cost-effective. If you travel more frequently, an annual policy is usually better value and more convenient.
  • Declare Everything: During the application process, you will be asked a series of health questions. Be completely honest about all pre-existing medical conditions, past surgeries, and current medications. Hiding information could lead to a claim being rejected when you need it most.
  • Match the Destination: Be precise about where you are going. Cover for Europe is cheaper than for the rest of the world. If you choose a worldwide policy, check if it includes or excludes the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean, as these high-cost countries require a higher premium.

Step 3: Consider How Your Policies Work Together

Think of your UK PMI and your travel insurance as a team.

  • Abroad: Your travel insurance is the first responder. It handles the emergency on the ground, pays the foreign hospital, and arranges your safe return to the UK if necessary.
  • Back in the UK: Once you are home, your PMI policy takes over. It can provide swift access to any follow-up consultations, diagnostic imaging (like MRI scans), or rehabilitative treatment (like physiotherapy) that you might need to complete your recovery.

Real-Life Scenarios: Putting it all Together

Let's look at how this works in practice.

Scenario 1: The Holidaymaker

  • Situation: Susan from Bristol is on a two-week holiday in Greece and slips on a wet poolside, suffering a serious fracture to her ankle.
  • The Solution: She calls the 24/7 assistance number on her travel insurance policy. They guarantee payment to the Greek hospital for her surgery. After she is stabilised, her travel insurer arranges and pays for a flight home with a medical escort.
  • Back in the UK: Her NHS GP refers her for physiotherapy, but the waiting list is three months. Susan uses her UK PMI policy to see a private physiotherapist within a week, accelerating her recovery.

Scenario 2: The Business Traveller

  • Situation: Mark from London is at a conference in Chicago when he develops severe abdominal pain, diagnosed as acute appendicitis requiring immediate surgery.
  • The Solution: The medical bills in the USA are astronomical, quickly exceeding £50,000. His travel insurance, with its £10 million medical limit, covers the entire cost without issue. His company's PMI policy's limited travel benefit would have been woefully inadequate.

Scenario 3: The Long-Term Expat

  • Situation: David and his family are moving to Dubai for a three-year work contract. His children need routine check-ups and vaccinations, and his wife needs to see a specialist for a non-urgent gynaecological issue.
  • The Solution: Standard travel insurance won't cover routine care, and their UK PMI is not valid for residents of another country. They need International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI). Their IPMI policy covers GP visits, specialist consultations, and hospital care in Dubai, giving them the same level of access and choice they valued in the UK.

Wellness on the Go: Staying Healthy While Travelling

Insurance is your safety net, but the best strategy is to stay healthy in the first place. Travelling can disrupt routines, but a few simple tips can make a huge difference to your wellbeing.

  • Manage Jet Lag: On long-haul flights, drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol. When you arrive, try to adapt to the local time zone as quickly as possible by exposing yourself to daylight and staying awake until a reasonable local bedtime.
  • Eat Smart: Exploring new cuisines is a joy of travel, but be mindful of food and water hygiene. Stick to bottled water, avoid ice in drinks if you're unsure of the source, and eat at reputable, busy establishments. To help you stay on track with your health goals, every WeCovr PMI client receives complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It’s a great tool for making mindful choices, even when you’re enjoying holiday treats.
  • Stay Active: Long periods of sitting on planes or in cars can leave you feeling sluggish. Make an effort to walk, stretch, and explore your destination on foot. Even simple hotel room exercises can boost your energy levels.
  • Pack a Medical Kit: Include essentials like pain relief, antihistamines, antiseptic wipes, plasters, and any personal prescription medications (along with a copy of your prescription).

The WeCovr Advantage: Your Expert Private Health Insurance Broker

Navigating the world of private health insurance, whether for the UK or for international travel, can feel overwhelming. As an independent and FCA-authorised PMI broker, WeCovr is here to provide clarity and find the solution that’s right for you.

  • Expert, Impartial Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our goal is to understand your needs and compare policies from a wide range of the best PMI providers to find the optimal cover and price.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is completely free for our clients. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, so you get expert guidance without paying a penny extra.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: We pride ourselves on the positive feedback we receive from our clients, reflecting our commitment to clear communication and dedicated service.
  • Added Value: When you purchase a private medical or life insurance policy through us, we offer discounts on other types of cover you may need, such as travel insurance, helping you build your complete protection portfolio more affordably.

We can help you review your existing cover, identify any gaps, and build a robust health and travel insurance plan that gives you complete peace of mind, wherever your journey takes you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about PMI and travel.

1. Does my UK PMI cover pre-existing conditions when I travel abroad? No. Standard UK Private Medical Insurance is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts and does not cover pre-existing conditions at home or abroad. When buying travel insurance, you must declare all pre-existing medical conditions to the insurer. They may then offer to cover them, potentially for an increased premium, ensuring you are protected if a condition flares up overseas.

2. I have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Do I still need travel insurance for Europe? Yes, absolutely. The GHIC (and the old EHIC) allows you to access state-provided healthcare in EU countries on the same basis as a local resident. It is not a substitute for travel insurance. It will not cover costs for private treatment, repatriation back to the UK, trip cancellation, or lost baggage. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) strongly advises that all UK travellers have comprehensive travel insurance, even for trips to Europe.

3. What is the main difference between a PMI "travel add-on" and a standalone travel insurance policy? The biggest difference is the scope of cover. A PMI travel add-on is almost always limited to emergency medical expenses and repatriation, often with a low financial cap. A standalone travel insurance policy is far more comprehensive, offering high medical limits (typically £5 million or more) plus essential non-medical cover for cancellation, baggage, travel delays, and personal liability, which PMI add-ons do not include.

4. How can a broker like WeCovr help me with my travel health cover? WeCovr can help in several ways. First, we can analyse your existing UK PMI policy to explain exactly what, if any, overseas cover it provides. Second, we can help you find the best private medical insurance in the UK that might include a useful travel benefit. Finally, by understanding your travel habits—whether you're a holidaymaker or a future expat—we can advise on whether you need standalone travel insurance or a full International PMI plan, ensuring you are never underinsured.


Ready to travel the world with confidence, knowing you have the right health protection in place? Let our experts help you build your perfect safety net.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and expert advice on combining your UK PMI with the right travel cover.


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.


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