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Ankylosing Spondylitis Private Care

Ankylosing Spondylitis Private Care 2026

As FCA-authorised private medical insurance experts who have helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr understands the complexities of health cover in the UK. This guide explores private care for Ankylosing Spondylitis, clarifying how PMI can provide crucial support, even for a chronic condition.

Understand AS treatments and how PMI supports ongoing management

Living with a long-term condition like Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) raises many questions about healthcare. You want the best possible care, the fastest route to diagnosis, and access to treatments that can improve your quality of life. While the NHS provides an essential service, the private healthcare sector offers a different pathway, particularly for diagnosis and supportive therapies.

This article will break down what AS is, the treatment options available, and crucially, explain the role private medical insurance (PMI) can play in your healthcare journey. We will be direct about its limitations, especially concerning chronic conditions, but also highlight where it can be an incredibly powerful tool.

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)?

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine. The name itself gives a clue: 'Ankylosing' means fusing or stiffening, and 'Spondylitis' means inflammation of the vertebrae (the bones in your spine).

Imagine the flexible joints of your spine, which allow you to bend and twist, becoming inflamed. Over time, this chronic inflammation can cause the individual vertebrae to fuse together, leading to a rigid spine. This process can cause significant pain, stiffness, and a loss of mobility.

While it's most known for affecting the back, AS is a systemic disease, meaning it can also affect other parts of the body, including:

  • The joints in the hips, shoulders, and ribs
  • The eyes (uveitis)
  • The bowels (inflammatory bowel disease)
  • The heart (less common)

According to the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS), around 1 in 200 adults in the UK live with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), of which AS is a part. This means approximately 300,000 people in the UK are affected. It typically starts in young adults, often in their late teens or 20s.

Common Symptoms of AS:

  • Gradual onset of back pain and stiffness, particularly in the lower back and buttocks.
  • Pain and stiffness that is worse in the morning and after periods of rest.
  • Improvement in symptoms with exercise and movement.
  • Fatigue, which can be overwhelming.
  • Pain and swelling in other joints.

The Critical Distinction: Chronic vs. Acute Conditions in PMI

This is the single most important concept to understand when considering private medical insurance for any long-term condition. UK PMI policies are built around a fundamental difference between 'acute' and 'chronic' conditions.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract. PMI is designed to cover these.

  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics:

    • It needs ongoing or long-term monitoring.
    • It requires management through regular check-ups, examinations, or tests.
    • It has no known 'cure'.
    • It is likely to continue indefinitely.
    • It comes back or is likely to come back.

Ankylosing Spondylitis is unequivocally a chronic condition. Therefore, if you have already been diagnosed with AS, a new private medical insurance policy will not cover its management, treatment, or medication. It will be listed as a pre-existing condition and will be permanently excluded from your cover.

This can feel disheartening, but it's crucial to have realistic expectations. PMI's value for AS lies elsewhere, primarily in the phase before a diagnosis is confirmed.

How Private Medical Insurance Can Help with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Despite the chronic condition exclusion, PMI can be a game-changer for individuals who develop symptoms of AS after their policy has started. The primary benefit is speed of diagnosis.

Getting a diagnosis for AS on the NHS can be a long journey. The average delay to diagnosis in the UK is still around 8.5 years. This delay can lead to irreversible joint damage. Private medical insurance can dramatically shorten this timeline.

Here’s how PMI helps:

  1. Fast-Track GP and Specialist Access: Many policies include access to a digital GP service, allowing you to get a consultation within hours. If the GP suspects an inflammatory condition, they can make an open referral, which you can use to see a private consultant rheumatologist, often within days or a couple of weeks, bypassing NHS waiting lists that can stretch for many months.

  2. Rapid Diagnostic Tests: A diagnosis of AS often requires specific tests. With PMI, these can be arranged swiftly:

    • MRI Scans: To look for inflammation in the sacroiliac joints and spine. Private scans can often be done within a week.
    • X-rays: To look for changes in the joints.
    • Blood Tests: Including tests for inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) and the HLA-B27 gene, which is present in about 90% of people with AS.

  3. Access to Supportive Therapies: This is a key area where PMI provides ongoing value, even after an NHS diagnosis. Most policies include cover for therapies that are vital for managing AS symptoms:

    • Physiotherapy: Essential for maintaining posture, mobility, and strength. A PMI policy might offer 10+ sessions per year, which you can access quickly to manage flare-ups or work on your exercise programme.
    • Hydrotherapy: Exercise in warm water can be incredibly soothing for stiff joints. Some comprehensive policies include this.
    • Osteopathy & Chiropractic Care: Can provide relief for some individuals.

  4. Mental Health Support: Living with chronic pain can take a toll on your mental wellbeing. Anxiety and depression are common among those with long-term conditions. Most modern PMI policies now include a mental health pathway, offering access to counselling or therapy without a long wait.

A Real-Life Example:

Sarah, a 28-year-old graphic designer, started experiencing persistent lower back pain and morning stiffness. She had a private medical insurance policy through her employer. She used her policy's digital GP app and got an appointment the same day. The GP suspected inflammatory back pain and gave her an open referral to a rheumatologist. She saw a specialist the following week, who sent her for an MRI scan two days later. Within three weeks of her first symptom, she had a confirmed diagnosis of AS. Her friend, with similar symptoms, was still on an NHS waiting list to see a specialist six months later.

In this scenario, once Sarah is diagnosed, the ongoing management of her chronic condition (including expensive biologic drugs) would typically be handed over to the NHS. However, her PMI policy remains valuable for its physiotherapy and mental health benefits, which she can use to support her ongoing care.

The journey from first symptom to effective management can look very different depending on whether you use the NHS exclusively or leverage a private medical insurance policy.

FeatureNHS PathwayPrivate Pathway (via PMI)
Initial GP VisitStandard waiting times for an appointment, which can be a week or more.Access to a digital GP, often on the same or next day.
Referral to SpecialistReferral to a rheumatologist is made. The waiting list for a first appointment can be several months long. As of late 2024, NHS waiting lists remain a significant challenge.An open referral allows you to book an appointment with a private rheumatologist, often within 1-2 weeks.
Diagnostic ScansPlaced on a waiting list for non-urgent MRI or X-ray scans, which can take weeks or months.Scans are typically authorised and performed within a week of the specialist's request.
Receiving a DiagnosisThe entire process from GP visit to confirmed diagnosis can take many months, sometimes over a year.A confirmed diagnosis can often be achieved in under a month.
Access to PhysiotherapyReferral to an NHS physiotherapist often involves another waiting list for a limited block of sessions.Direct and quick access to a private physiotherapist up to the limit specified in your policy (e.g., £1,000 or 10 sessions).

This table clearly shows that PMI's strength lies in compressing the timeline for diagnosis, which is critical for starting treatment early and preventing long-term damage.

Key Treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Managing AS involves a multi-faceted approach aimed at relieving pain and stiffness, reducing inflammation, and preventing the spine from fusing.

1. Physiotherapy and Exercise

This is the cornerstone of AS management. A specialised physiotherapist can design a programme of exercises to:

  • Improve spinal mobility and flexibility.
  • Strengthen supporting muscles.
  • Improve posture.
  • Reduce pain. Regular, daily stretching is non-negotiable for anyone with AS. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, and Pilates are also highly recommended.

2. Medication

  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These are usually the first line of treatment. Medications like Naproxen or Ibuprofen help reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Biologic Therapies (e.g., Anti-TNF drugs): For those who don't respond well to NSAIDs, biologic drugs can be life-changing. These advanced medicines target specific parts of the immune system to block inflammation. They are very expensive and are prescribed and managed by NHS rheumatology departments. Due to their cost and use for a chronic condition, PMI will not cover the long-term cost of biologics.
  • JAK Inhibitors: A newer class of medication that also targets the immune system, offering an alternative to biologics. Again, these are managed by the NHS for long-term care.

3. Lifestyle and Wellness Management

Proactive self-management is crucial for living well with AS. Small daily habits can make a huge difference to your symptoms and overall wellbeing.

  • Diet: While there's no specific "AS diet," many people find that an anti-inflammatory diet helps manage symptoms. This involves focusing on:

    • Oily fish (rich in omega-3)
    • A wide variety of fruits and vegetables
    • Whole grains
    • Limiting processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats To help you stay on track, WeCovr provides complimentary access to its CalorieHero AI calorie and nutrition tracking app for all its health and life insurance clients.

  • Sleep: Pain and stiffness can disrupt sleep.

    • Invest in a firm mattress that supports your spine.
    • Try to sleep on your back or front to maintain a straight posture.
    • Use minimal pillows to avoid craning your neck.

  • Workplace:

    • Ensure your desk and chair are set up ergonomically.
    • Take regular breaks to stand up, stretch, and move around.

  • Stop Smoking: Smoking is known to worsen AS activity and can accelerate spinal fusion. Quitting is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health.

Choosing the Right Private Medical Insurance UK Policy

If you don't have AS and are considering a policy, it’s wise to choose one with features that would be beneficial should you ever develop a musculoskeletal condition. A knowledgeable PMI broker like WeCovr can be invaluable here.

Understanding Underwriting

  • Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. The insurer will not cover any condition you've had symptoms of, or received treatment for, in the last 5 years. However, if you remain completely free of symptoms, treatment, and advice for that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You declare your entire medical history on an application form. The insurer then states upfront what will and will not be covered. If you have a history of back pain, it would likely be excluded from the start.

Key Policy Features to Look For

  • Outpatient Cover: This is essential. It pays for specialist consultations and diagnostic tests before you are admitted to hospital. A policy with low or no outpatient cover will not help you get a fast diagnosis. Look for policies with at least £1,000 of outpatient cover, or ideally, full cover.
  • Therapies Cover: Check the limit for physiotherapy. A generous limit is a huge plus, providing ongoing support for managing musculoskeletal health.
  • Mental Health Cover: Given the link between chronic pain and mental health, this is an increasingly important benefit.
  • Digital GP: This provides the convenient first step on the private healthcare ladder.

Navigating the market for the best PMI provider can be complex. Speaking to an independent broker like WeCovr gives you a clear view of policies from across the market, ensuring you find cover that truly matches your needs, at no extra cost to you. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance often receive discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance.

If I already have Ankylosing Spondylitis, can I get PMI to cover it?

No. Standard UK private medical insurance policies do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. Ankylosing Spondylitis falls into both categories. If you declare it during your application, it will be specifically excluded from cover. If you choose moratorium underwriting, it will be automatically excluded as a pre-existing condition from the past five years.

Can private health insurance help me get diagnosed with AS faster?

Yes, absolutely. This is the primary benefit of PMI in relation to AS. If your symptoms begin *after* your policy starts, you can use your cover to see a specialist and get diagnostic tests like MRI scans far more quickly than on the NHS. This can reduce the time to diagnosis from years to just a few weeks.

Does PMI cover expensive biologic drugs for AS?

It is extremely unlikely. Biologic drugs are used for the long-term management of a chronic condition, which is outside the scope of what private medical insurance is designed for. The cost of these treatments is typically funded and managed by the NHS once a diagnosis is established.

What are the most useful PMI benefits for someone living with AS?

Even with AS being excluded as the primary condition, certain PMI benefits remain highly valuable. The most useful are a generous allowance for physiotherapy to help manage symptoms and maintain mobility, and access to mental health support to help cope with the challenges of living with a chronic condition.

Your Next Step

Understanding the nuances of private medical insurance UK is key to making an informed decision. While PMI isn't a solution for the ongoing, long-term treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis, its power to deliver a rapid diagnosis and provide access to crucial supportive therapies cannot be overstated. For those with a family history or concern about inflammatory conditions, having the right policy in place can make all the difference.

Our team of experts at WeCovr is here to provide clarity and help you compare policies from leading UK insurers. We are dedicated to finding a plan that offers you security and peace of mind, with high customer satisfaction being our top priority.

Ready to explore your options? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and take control of your health journey.

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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!

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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.

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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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