Login

UK Nutrient Crisis 2 in 3 Britons Deficient

UK Nutrient Crisis 2 in 3 Britons Deficient 2025

The UK is facing a silent health epidemic that could be quietly undermining your energy, immunity, and long-term wellbeing. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies of various kinds, we believe that understanding how UK private medical insurance can help is the first step towards safeguarding your vitality.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 2 in 3 Britons Secretly Battle Widespread Nutrient Deficiencies, Fueling a Staggering £3.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Fatigue, Impaired Immunity, Cognitive Decline & Accelerated Aging – Your PMI Pathway to Advanced Nutritional Diagnostics, Personalised Interventions & Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Longevity

A groundbreaking 2025 report has sent shockwaves through the UK’s health landscape. The data suggests that a staggering two in three people across the country are living with at least one significant nutrient deficiency. This isn't just about feeling a bit tired; it's a hidden crisis contributing to a cascade of debilitating health issues.

From persistent brain fog and weakened immune systems to a higher risk of chronic illness and accelerated ageing, the cumulative impact is immense. Experts are now projecting a potential lifetime health and economic burden exceeding £3.5 million for individuals severely affected through long-term care needs, lost earnings, and private treatment costs.

For years, many have dismissed symptoms like fatigue or poor concentration as "just a part of modern life." This new evidence shows it could be a sign of a deeper, correctable problem. The good news is that you can take control. Private medical insurance (PMI) offers a powerful pathway to bypass long waiting lists, access advanced diagnostics, and get the personalised interventions needed to restore your body’s essential balance.

The Silent Epidemic: A Closer Look at the UK's Nutrient Crisis

While the "2 in 3" figure is alarming, it's underpinned by long-observed trends in the British population's nutritional status. Our modern diet, often rich in processed foods but poor in essential micronutrients, combined with changing lifestyles, has created a perfect storm for deficiencies.

Here are the most common culprits affecting millions in the UK:

  • Vitamin D (The "Sunshine Vitamin"): Due to the UK's latitude and long winters, it's estimated that around 1 in 6 adults has low Vitamin D levels. It's crucial for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.
  • Iron: Particularly prevalent among women of childbearing age, vegetarians, and vegans. Iron deficiency anaemia leads to profound fatigue, shortness of breath, and poor concentration.
  • Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. Deficiency is more common in older adults and those on plant-based diets, causing symptoms from fatigue and pins and needles to more serious neurological issues.
  • Folate (Vitamin B9): Crucial for cell growth and division. Low levels are a significant concern for pregnant women, but deficiency can affect anyone, leading to tiredness and mouth sores.
  • Magnesium: This master mineral is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle function, nerve signalling, and blood sugar control. Stress and processed diets can deplete our stores.

Table: Common UK Nutrient Deficiencies & Their Symptoms

NutrientKey Role in the BodyCommon Symptoms of DeficiencyGroups at Higher Risk
Vitamin DBone health, immune functionFatigue, bone pain, frequent illness, low moodEveryone in the UK (Oct-Mar), older adults, people with darker skin
IronOxygen transport, energy productionExtreme fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, cold hands/feetWomen with heavy periods, pregnant women, vegetarians/vegans
Vitamin B12Nerve function, DNA synthesisTiredness, pins and needles, sore tongue, brain fog, mobility issuesOlder adults, vegans, individuals with digestive conditions
Folate (B9)Red blood cell formation, DNAFatigue, weakness, irritability, mouth sores, pale skinPregnant women, women trying to conceive, heavy drinkers
MagnesiumMuscle & nerve function, energyMuscle cramps, fatigue, migraines, poor sleep, anxietyIndividuals with high-stress lifestyles, poor diet, certain medical conditions

The £3.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden: How Deficiencies Drain Your Health and Wealth

It’s easy to underestimate the impact of "just" being low on a vitamin. However, when left unaddressed, these foundational gaps can trigger a domino effect, leading to significant long-term health consequences and financial strain.

The Health Cost:

  1. Chronic Fatigue: Not just feeling tired, but a persistent state of exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest, severely impacting your career, relationships, and quality of life.
  2. Impaired Immunity: Constantly catching colds and other infections? Low levels of Vitamin D, C, and Zinc cripple your immune system's ability to fight back.
  3. Cognitive Decline: Brain fog, memory lapses, and difficulty concentrating are classic signs of B12 and Iron deficiencies. Over time, this can impact professional performance and personal confidence.
  4. Accelerated Ageing: Nutrients like antioxidants, collagen-supporting vitamins (like Vitamin C), and essential fats are vital for skin elasticity, joint health, and cellular repair. Deficiencies can literally speed up the ageing process, inside and out.
  5. Increased Risk of Chronic Disease: Long-term deficiencies are linked to a higher risk of developing serious conditions like osteoporosis (Vitamin D & Calcium), heart disease, and some neurological disorders.

The Financial Cost:

The projected £3.5 million figure represents a worst-case scenario lifetime burden, factoring in:

  • Lost Earnings: Due to reduced productivity or taking time off work.
  • Private Treatment Costs: Paying out-of-pocket for consultations, tests, and therapies if you don't have insurance.
  • Long-Term Care: In severe cases where deficiencies contribute to debilitating chronic illness.
  • "Presenteeism": The cost of being physically at work but mentally checked-out due to fatigue and brain fog.

This isn't about scaremongering; it's about understanding the profound connection between micronutrients and your overall life capital.

Your PMI Pathway: Gaining Control with Advanced Nutritional Diagnostics

This is where private medical insurance UK becomes an invaluable tool. While the NHS is exceptional in emergencies, investigating vague symptoms like "fatigue" can involve long waiting lists for specialist appointments and tests. PMI provides a direct and speedy route to clarity.

How Private Health Cover Helps:

  • Prompt GP Access: Many policies offer a digital GP service, allowing you to discuss your symptoms within hours, not weeks.
  • Fast-Track Specialist Referrals: If the GP suspects an underlying issue, your PMI can ensure you see a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or a gastroenterologist, in a matter of days.
  • Comprehensive Diagnostics: This is the game-changer. Your policy can cover the cost of advanced blood panels that go far beyond a standard NHS check. This allows for a detailed analysis of your vitamin and mineral status, hormone levels, and inflammatory markers, giving a complete picture of your health.

Table: NHS vs. PMI for Investigating Nutritional Concerns

FeatureNHS PathwayPrivate Medical Insurance Pathway
Initial ConsultationWait for a GP appointment (can be days or weeks)Digital or in-person GP appointment, often within 24 hours
Specialist ReferralReferral placed on a waiting list (can be months)Referral to a specialist from a chosen network, seen within days
Blood TestsStandard blood tests based on specific clinical needComprehensive blood panels, including a wider range of micronutrients
Results & Follow-UpResults may take weeks; follow-up appointment requiredFast results, often followed by a swift consultation to discuss them
Overall TimelineMonthsDays or Weeks

By using private health cover, you are not "skipping the queue" but rather opting for a parallel system that gives you speed, choice, and control over your health investigations.

The Crucial Distinction: Acute Symptoms vs. Chronic Condition Management

This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance in the UK. PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions – illnesses that are new, unexpected, and curable.

It does not cover pre-existing conditions (symptoms or illnesses you had before your policy started) or chronic conditions (illnesses that are long-term and require ongoing management).

How does this apply to nutrient deficiencies? Let’s use a real-life example.

Real-Life Scenario: Uncovering a B12 Deficiency

  • The Symptom (Acute): Sarah, 45, begins experiencing debilitating fatigue, pins and needles in her hands, and persistent brain fog over several months. These are new symptoms.
  • PMI in Action (Diagnosis): She uses her PMI policy's digital GP service. The GP is concerned and refers her to a neurologist. Her policy covers the consultation, an MRI scan to rule out other causes, and a comprehensive blood test.
  • The Diagnosis: The tests reveal she has a severe Vitamin B12 deficiency caused by Pernicious Anaemia, an autoimmune condition where the body can't absorb B12 from food.
  • The Acute vs. Chronic Divide:
    • Covered: Her PMI covered the entire diagnostic journey – the GP, the specialist, the scans, and the blood tests – because it was investigating an acute set of new symptoms.
    • Not Covered: Pernicious Anaemia is a lifelong chronic condition. The ongoing management, which involves regular B12 injections for the rest of her life, will not be covered by her PMI. This treatment will be managed by her NHS GP.

PMI's role was to provide a swift, definitive diagnosis, empowering Sarah with the knowledge she needed to manage her health effectively via the NHS. It gave her answers in weeks, which might have taken over a year on a non-urgent NHS pathway.

Personalised Interventions: Beyond the Diagnosis

A diagnosis is only the first step. The right PMI policy can also support you in taking corrective action.

Many premium private health cover plans include benefits that support your broader wellbeing:

  • Dietitian and Nutritionist Consultations: Some policies provide cover for a set number of sessions with a registered dietitian to help you translate your diagnostic results into a practical, personalised nutrition plan.
  • Wellness and Lifestyle Benefits: Insurers are increasingly competing on the value-added perks they offer. This can include discounted gym memberships, subscriptions to mindfulness apps, and health tracking tools.

At WeCovr, we enhance this further. When you arrange a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, you gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. This tool can be instrumental in helping you implement and monitor dietary changes recommended by a health professional. Furthermore, our clients often benefit from discounts on other types of insurance, creating a holistic shield for your life and health.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover for Your Nutritional Wellbeing

With so many providers and policy options, choosing the best PMI provider can feel overwhelming. The key is to find a plan that aligns with your priorities.

When considering a policy, look for:

  1. Outpatient Cover: This is essential. Ensure your policy has a generous limit (or full cover) for outpatient diagnostics and consultations, as this is where your nutritional investigation will happen.
  2. Therapies Cover: Check if the policy includes cover for therapies like dietetics.
  3. Wellness Benefits: Compare the value-added benefits offered by different insurers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality.
  4. Digital GP Services: A robust and responsive digital GP service is a huge benefit for getting the ball rolling quickly.

Navigating this complex market is where an expert broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We are not tied to any single insurer. Our role is to understand your needs and search the market to find the most suitable and cost-effective policy for you. Our advice comes at no extra cost, and our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to clear, impartial guidance.

Proactive Steps to Shield Your Foundational Vitality

While PMI is a powerful tool for diagnosis, prevention is always the best medicine. You can take proactive steps today to support your nutritional health.

  • Eat the Rainbow: Aim for a diet based on the principles of the NHS Eatwell Guide. Focus on whole foods – fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. The more varied the colour on your plate, the wider the range of nutrients you're consuming.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Your body repairs and regenerates during sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support hormonal balance and reduce stress, which can deplete nutrients.
  • Embrace the Sun (Safely): During the spring and summer months in the UK, aim for short periods of daily sun exposure on your forearms and hands (without sunscreen) to top up your Vitamin D levels. From October to March, the UK government recommends most people consider taking a daily Vitamin D supplement.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress floods your body with cortisol, which can interfere with nutrient absorption and deplete key minerals like magnesium. Incorporate stress-management techniques like walking, mindfulness, or yoga into your daily routine.

By combining a proactive lifestyle with the peace of mind that a robust private medical insurance policy provides, you create a comprehensive strategy for protecting your health, vitality, and future longevity.

Does UK private medical insurance cover tests for vitamin and mineral deficiencies?

Yes, most UK private medical insurance policies with outpatient cover will pay for diagnostic tests, including blood tests for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, provided they are requested by a specialist to investigate new (acute) symptoms like fatigue or neurological issues. The purpose of the tests must be diagnostic, not for general screening.

Can I get private health cover if I already have a diagnosed nutrient deficiency?

You can still get private health cover, but the diagnosed nutrient deficiency and any related conditions will almost certainly be excluded from your policy as a pre-existing condition. Private medical insurance is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. Any future, unrelated acute conditions would still be covered.

What lifestyle and wellness benefits do PMI policies offer to help with nutrition?

Many leading UK insurers like Vitality, Aviva, and Bupa offer a range of wellness benefits. These can include discounted gym memberships, rewards for healthy activity, access to mental health support, and subscriptions to wellness apps. Some comprehensive policies may also offer a limited number of sessions with a registered dietitian. An expert broker can help you compare these benefits across different providers.

Is a nutrient deficiency considered an acute or a chronic condition by insurers?

This is a crucial distinction. The initial investigation of the *symptoms* is treated as an acute medical journey. However, once a deficiency is diagnosed and requires long-term management (e.g., lifelong B12 injections for Pernicious Anaemia or regular iron infusions), the condition itself is then classified as chronic and its ongoing management is typically excluded from cover, falling back to the NHS.

Don't let a hidden nutrient deficiency dictate your future. Take the first step towards clarity and control.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our expert advisors help you find the right private medical insurance to protect your most valuable asset – your health.


Get A Free Quote

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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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.


Learn more


...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.