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Annual Reviews How to Assess and Update Your UK PMI Policy

Annual Reviews How to Assess and Update Your UK PMI Policy

At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we understand that private medical insurance in the UK is not a ‘set and forget’ product. Your health, finances, and family needs evolve, and your policy should too. This guide will help you conduct a thorough annual review.

Why annual policy reviews matter, what changes to look for, and tips on updating coverage as personal or regulatory circumstances evolve

Think of your private medical insurance (PMI) policy like a car. It needs an annual MOT to ensure it’s still fit for purpose, running efficiently, and providing the protection you need. Forgoing an annual review is like driving without checking your tyres or oil – you might be fine for a while, but you risk a breakdown when you least expect it.

An annual review is your single best opportunity to ensure you have the right cover at the best possible price. Insurers update their products, your personal circumstances change, and the healthcare landscape itself is in constant flux. A policy that was perfect last year might be inadequate or overpriced today. This guide will walk you through every step of the review process, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health cover.

The Critical Importance of an Annual PMI Health Check

Renewing your private health cover without a proper review is a common but costly mistake. Each year, your renewal notice arrives, and it’s tempting to simply let it roll over. However, several factors make an annual assessment essential.

1. Managing Premium Inflation: Your premium will almost certainly increase at renewal. This isn't just a random price hike; it's driven by three key factors:

  • Age: As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases. Most insurers have age-related price bands, and moving into a new one means a higher base premium.
  • Medical Inflation: The cost of private medical care—including new drugs, advanced diagnostic technologies, and specialists' fees—consistently rises faster than general inflation. According to industry analysis, medical inflation in the UK often runs between 8% and 12% per year.
  • Claims History: If you've made a claim, you may see a reduction in your No Claims Discount (NCD), leading to a higher premium.

An annual review allows you to counteract these increases by adjusting your cover or comparing the market to find a more competitive option.

2. Aligning Cover with Your Life's Journey: Life rarely stands still. A policy designed for a single person in their 20s is seldom suitable for a family of four or someone approaching retirement. Major life events should always trigger a policy review:

  • Starting a Family: You'll want to add your newborn to the policy.
  • Marriage or Partnership: It's often cheaper to have a joint policy than two single ones.
  • Children Growing Up: When children leave home for university or start working, their cover needs might change.
  • Career Changes: A new job might come with a corporate PMI scheme, meaning you can cancel your personal one. Conversely, leaving a job with company cover means you'll need to arrange a personal policy.
  • Moving House: Your current insurer's "hospital list" might not have good coverage in your new area.

3. Responding to a Changing Healthcare Environment: The UK's healthcare landscape is dynamic. Pressures on the NHS can have a direct impact on the value of your PMI. For instance, according to the latest data from NHS England, the waiting list for routine hospital treatment stood at over 7.5 million cases in 2024. Long waits for diagnostics and consultations make the rapid access offered by PMI more valuable than ever. An annual review helps you re-evaluate your "6-week wait" option and other features in light of current NHS performance.

A Critical Reminder: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

Before we delve deeper, it's vital to restate a fundamental rule of UK private medical insurance. Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are short-term and likely to respond to treatment. They do not cover chronic conditions (like diabetes or asthma) or pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy. This is why understanding your underwriting is crucial when switching.

Decoding Your Renewal Pack: What to Scrutinise

When your renewal documents arrive, typically a month before your policy expires, don't just glance at the price. Here’s a checklist of what to examine closely.

Document SectionWhat to Look ForWhy It Matters
Renewal PremiumThe total new cost and the percentage increase from last year.This is the headline figure. A steep rise is your primary motivation to review your options.
Policy ScheduleYour level of cover, excess, outpatient limits, hospital list, and any add-ons.Check that these are still appropriate for your needs. Has the insurer changed the name or composition of your hospital list?
Table of BenefitsA detailed breakdown of what is and isn't covered.Insurers can change terms year-on-year. Look for new limits (e.g., on physiotherapy sessions) or new exclusions.
No Claims Discount (NCD)Your current NCD level and how it has been applied.Ensure it's correct. If you haven't claimed, it should have increased. If you have, it will likely have decreased.
EndorsementsAny special terms or personal exclusions applied to your policy.These are crucial. They might relate to a previous medical issue and will carry over if you stay.

Personal Circumstances: The Ultimate Driver of Change

Your policy should be a reflection of your life. Use your annual review as a moment to take stock of what has changed in the past year and what might change in the year ahead.

Key Life Events Triggering a PMI Review

  1. Relationship Status:

    • Getting Married/Civil Partnership: Insurers often offer a small discount for joint policies. It's also simpler to manage one policy than two.
    • Separation/Divorce: You will need to separate a joint policy into two individual ones.

  2. Growing Your Family:

    • Having a Baby: Most insurers allow you to add a newborn to your policy without medical underwriting, but only if you do so within a specific timeframe (usually 3 months). Don't miss this window!

  3. Your Children's Status:

    • Turning 21 or 25: Children can typically stay on a family policy until their early-to-mid 20s, but the cut-off age varies. After this, they will need their own policy.
    • Leaving Home: If they move to a different part of the country for university, check that your hospital list provides good coverage near them.

  4. Career & Financials:

    • New Job with PMI: You may no longer need your personal plan.
    • Losing Company PMI: You'll need to secure personal cover. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you transition smoothly, often on 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME) terms to maintain cover for conditions that arose under your old scheme.
    • Salary Change: A pay rise might allow you to enhance your cover, whilst a drop in income may mean you need to find ways to reduce your premium.
    • Retirement: This is a major trigger. You lose any company-provided cover and your risk profile changes. It's a critical time to get expert advice.

The private health cover market is not static. Insurers are constantly innovating to attract and retain customers, often in response to NHS pressures and changing consumer expectations.

Rise of Digital Health and Wellbeing Services

The best PMI providers now offer far more than just hospital treatment. Look for these valuable additions, which are often included as standard:

  • Virtual GP Appointments: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call. This is incredibly convenient and can lead to faster referrals.
  • Mental Health Support: Most top-tier policies now include extensive mental health cover, from therapy sessions to access to a 24/7 stress helpline. This is a huge shift from a decade ago when it was a common exclusion.
  • Wellness Programmes: Insurers actively encourage healthy living. This can include:
    • Discounted gym memberships.
    • Wearable tech deals.
    • Rewards for hitting activity goals.
    • Access to health and wellbeing apps.

At WeCovr, we enhance this by providing our PMI and Life Insurance clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to support their health goals.

If your review suggests your current policy is no longer the best fit, you have two main options: adjust your existing policy or switch to a new provider.

Option 1: Adjusting Your Current Policy

This is your first port of call, especially if you have recently had health issues. Contacting your insurer (or your broker) to discuss adjustments can yield significant savings.

Levers to Adjust Your Premium:

Adjustment OptionHow It Reduces Your PremiumKey Consideration
Increase Your ExcessYou agree to pay a larger initial amount towards any claim (£250, £500, £1000).The most effective way to lower premiums. Ensure the excess is an amount you can comfortably afford.
Introduce a 6-Week WaitYou only use your PMI if the NHS waiting list for the required treatment is longer than six weeks.Can significantly cut costs, but you give up immediate private access for non-urgent conditions if the NHS is quick.
Reduce Outpatient CoverLimit the value of your cover for consultations and diagnostics (e.g., to £1,000 or £500).Scans and tests can be expensive. A lower limit might not cover the full cost of diagnosis.
Change Your Hospital ListSwitch to a more restricted list of hospitals, excluding expensive central London facilities.Check that the new list still provides convenient, high-quality options in your local area.

Option 2: Switching to a New Provider

If another insurer offers better value or more suitable benefits, switching can be a great move. However, this must be done carefully, with full awareness of the underwriting implications. This is where using a specialist PMI broker is invaluable.

Understanding Underwriting on a Switch:

  • Moratorium Underwriting: You won't fill out a medical questionnaire. The new insurer will automatically exclude treatment for any condition you've had symptoms of, or sought advice for, in the last 5 years. This exclusion can be lifted if you go 2 full years on the new policy without any trouble from that condition. This is a risky way to switch if you have a recent medical history.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You declare your full medical history. The insurer gives a definitive 'yes' or 'no' on what they will cover from the start. It provides clarity but may lead to specific exclusions.
  • Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME): This is the gold standard for switching. It allows you to move to a new insurer while keeping the same underwriting terms and exclusions you had on your old policy. It ensures continuous cover for conditions that have developed while you were insured. This option is typically only available through a broker.

Working with an independent broker like WeCovr gives you access to the whole market and expert guidance on the right underwriting method for your situation, ensuring you don't lose valuable cover by mistake. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right solution for every client, at no cost to you.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Annual Review

  1. The "Loyalty Tax": Don't assume your current insurer is rewarding your loyalty. New customers often get the best deals. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has introduced rules to ensure renewal prices are not higher than the equivalent new business price, but shopping around can still reveal better value.
  2. Focusing Only on Price: The cheapest private medical insurance UK policy is rarely the best. A low premium could hide a high excess, a very limited hospital list, or poor outpatient cover that leaves you with unexpected bills.
  3. Forgetting to Declare New Information: When switching and undergoing Full Medical Underwriting, you must be completely honest about your health history. Failing to declare something can invalidate your policy.
  4. DIY Switching: Going direct and choosing the wrong underwriting can lead to a loss of cover for conditions you thought were protected. A broker's advice here is priceless, yet their service is free to you.

Beyond the Policy: Maximise Your PMI's Value Year-Round

Your PMI is more than an emergency fund for surgery. It's a gateway to a healthier lifestyle.

  • Get Active: Use the discounts on gym memberships and fitness trackers. Regular exercise is proven to reduce the risk of many acute and chronic conditions.
  • Eat Well: Good nutrition is the foundation of health. Use tools like WeCovr's complimentary CalorieHero app to understand your diet and make healthier choices. A balanced diet can improve energy, aid sleep, and strengthen your immune system.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's vital for mental and physical recovery. If you're struggling, your policy's mental health or GP helpline may be able to offer support.
  • Use the Digital GP: For minor concerns, a virtual GP is quicker than waiting for an in-person NHS appointment and can get you a referral faster if needed.

By engaging with these wellness benefits, you not only improve your health but also reduce your chances of needing to make a major claim, which can help keep your future premiums down.


What happens to my pre-existing conditions if I switch my PMI provider?

This depends on how you switch. If you switch on a 'Moratorium' basis, any condition you've had in the past 5 years will be excluded for at least the first 2 years of the new policy. However, if you switch using a broker on a 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME) basis, your existing underwriting terms are carried over. This means if a condition was covered by your old policy, it will be covered by your new one, offering seamless protection. This is a key reason to use a specialist broker.

Will making a claim dramatically increase my renewal premium?

Making a claim will likely cause your premium to be higher than it would have been otherwise, primarily because it will reduce your No Claims Discount (NCD). However, it does not mean your cover will become unaffordable. Insurers expect claims. An annual market review with a broker can help you find a new policy at a competitive price, even after a claim, or help you restructure your existing cover to manage the cost.

Can I add my new baby to my private health cover?

Generally, yes. Most UK insurers offer a 'newborn option' where you can add your baby to your policy, often without any medical underwriting. However, there is usually a strict time limit, such as within 3 or 4 months of the birth. It is crucial to contact your provider or broker as soon as possible after your baby is born to take advantage of this benefit and ensure they are covered.

Why should I use a broker like WeCovr instead of going directly to an insurer?

Using an independent broker like WeCovr costs you nothing, but provides immense value. We offer a whole-of-market comparison, not just one company's products. Our expert advisers help you navigate complex choices like underwriting and hospital lists, ensuring you don't make costly mistakes. We can also access special switching terms like CPME that aren't available to the public, and we handle the paperwork for you, saving you time and hassle.

Take Control of Your Health Cover Today

Your annual PMI review is a powerful tool for managing your health and your finances. By taking an hour each year to assess your policy against your needs and the wider market, you ensure you are always properly protected without overpaying.

Don't let your renewal roll over unchecked. Let the experts at WeCovr conduct a free, no-obligation market review for you. We'll compare top UK providers, explain your options in plain English, and help you secure the best possible private health cover. As a bonus, our clients also receive discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection cover.

[Get Your Free, No-Obligation PMI Quote from WeCovr Today]

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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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