Login

Annual Reviews Keeping Your PMI Price Down

Annual Reviews Keeping Your PMI Price Down 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance market inside out. This guide explains why an annual review is your most powerful tool for securing the best value on your private health cover.

All leading bloggers state it pays to review your PMI annually and negotiate or switch to avoid creeping premium rises. Never auto-renew PMI—check for better deals each year. — Martin LewisNimbleFins

It's a familiar story for anyone with insurance. The first year's premium looks attractive, but the renewal quote arrives twelve months later with a significant, and often unexplained, price hike. This isn't just bad luck; it's a common industry practice.

Letting your Private Medical Insurance (PMI) auto-renew is one of the costliest financial mistakes you can make. Just like with car or home insurance, loyalty rarely pays. Insurers often reserve their most competitive rates for new customers, while gradually increasing the premiums for their existing, loyal client base.

This guide will walk you through exactly why this happens and, more importantly, what you can do about it. By taking an hour each year to review your policy, you can potentially save hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds while ensuring your cover remains perfectly suited to your needs.

Why Do PMI Premiums Rise Every Year?

Understanding the reasons behind premium increases is the first step to combating them. It's not always arbitrary; several legitimate factors contribute to the rising cost of your private health cover.

  • Your Age: This is the single biggest factor. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases. Insurers reflect this higher risk in your premium. Most providers have age-related price bands, and moving into a new one (e.g., from 49 to 50) can trigger a noticeable jump in price.
  • Medical Inflation: The cost of private healthcare consistently outpaces standard inflation (the Consumer Prices Index, or CPI). In the UK, medical inflation typically runs between 8% and 12% per year. This is driven by the cost of new drugs, advanced scanning technology (MRI, CT), specialist consultant fees, and rising hospital running costs. Your insurer passes these increased costs on to you.
  • Your Claims History: If you've made a claim on your policy in the previous year, your insurer now sees you as a higher risk for future claims. This will almost certainly lead to a higher renewal premium, as your no-claims discount may be reduced or removed.
  • Insurance Premium Tax (IPT): This is a tax levied by the government on all general insurance policies, including PMI. The current standard rate is 12%, and this is automatically added to your premium. Any increase in IPT will directly increase your cost.

The "Loyalty Penalty" Explained

Beyond these standard factors is the "loyalty penalty." Insurers know that many customers find the renewal process a hassle and will simply let their policy roll over. They capitalise on this inertia by applying what's known as 'price walking' – the practice of increasing prices for existing customers each year at a rate higher than can be justified by risk alone.

While the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) introduced new rules in 2022 to ensure renewal quotes are not more expensive than the equivalent price for a new customer, the complexity of PMI policies can still leave room for subtle price hikes. The best defence remains being a proactive, informed consumer.

FactorDescriptionTypical Impact on Premium
AgeingMoving into a new age bracket.5% - 15% increase
Medical InflationRising costs of treatments, drugs, and technology.8% - 12% increase
ClaimsMaking a claim in the previous policy year.10% - 50% increase (or loss of NCD)
"Loyalty Penalty"Insurer pricing strategy for existing vs. new clients.5% - 10% increase

A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Annual PMI Review

Set aside an hour about four to five weeks before your renewal date. This gives you plenty of time to explore your options without feeling rushed.

Step 1: Analyse Your Renewal Offer

Your insurer must send you a renewal pack well before your policy expires. Don't just glance at the final figure. Look for:

  • This Year's Premium vs. Last Year's Premium: The documents should clearly show the price difference. Is it a small, expected increase, or a significant jump?
  • A Breakdown of the Cost: If you have a family policy, check the cost per person.
  • Changes to Your Policy: Has the insurer changed any terms, conditions, or hospital lists? They must declare this.

Step 2: Re-evaluate Your Health and Lifestyle Needs

Your circumstances can change significantly in a year. The policy that was perfect last year might not be the best fit today. Ask yourself:

  • Family: Have you had children, or have adult children now left home and need their own cover?
  • Finances: Is your budget tighter or more flexible than last year?
  • Location: Have you moved house? Your postcode can affect your premium, and your local hospital list might need updating.
  • Employment: Have you started a new job that offers a company health insurance scheme?
  • Health: Has your general health been good? Are you less concerned about needing comprehensive outpatient cover, for example?

Step 3: Benchmark the Market with an Expert Broker

This is the most crucial step. You cannot know if your renewal offer is competitive without comparing it to the rest of the market. This is where a specialist PMI broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable.

An independent broker:

  • Does the Hard Work for You: They use sophisticated software to compare policies from all the leading UK insurers in minutes.
  • Offers Expert Advice: They can explain the pros and cons of each policy, decipher the jargon, and help you understand the crucial differences in cover.
  • Provides Access to More Options: Some deals are only available through brokers.
  • Costs You Nothing: Brokers are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so their expert advice and service are free for you.

Step 4: Negotiate With Your Current Insurer

Armed with a competitive quote from another provider, you are now in a strong negotiating position.

  1. Call your current insurer's retention or renewals department (not the general customer service line).
  2. State that you are disappointed with your renewal premium.
  3. Inform them that you have received a more competitive quote for a like-for-like policy from another provider.
  4. Ask them directly: "Can you match this price or improve on my renewal offer?"

Often, they will be able to offer an immediate discount to keep your business. They may not match the best new-customer deal, but any reduction is a win.

Step 5: Be Prepared to Switch

If your current provider won't budge or their best offer is still uncompetitive, it's time to switch. This process can be daunting, which is why using a broker is so helpful. They will manage the application and ensure there are no gaps in your cover.

However, before you switch, you MUST understand how pre-existing conditions are handled.

Critical Warning: Switching PMI with Pre-existing Conditions

This is the single most important consideration when changing your private medical insurance in the UK. Standard policies are designed to cover acute conditions (illnesses that are short-term and curable, like a joint injury or appendicitis) that arise after you take out the policy.

They do not cover chronic conditions (long-term, incurable illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure) or pre-existing conditions you had before the policy began.

When you switch insurers, any medical condition you have suffered from in the past few years will be classed as pre-existing. How the new insurer treats these conditions depends on the type of underwriting you choose.

Underwriting Options When Switching

Underwriting TypeHow It WorksProsCons
Moratorium (Most Common)You don't declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms of, or treatment for, in the 5 years before the policy start date.Quick and easy application process.Lack of certainty. A condition might be excluded when you claim if the insurer finds evidence it was pre-existing.
Continued MoratoriumIf you switch on these terms, the new insurer effectively takes over your "moratorium clock" from your old insurer. If you have satisfied the 2-year claim/symptom-free period for a condition with your old insurer, the new insurer will honour this and cover it.Excellent for healthy individuals wanting to switch. Can provide continuity of cover for past conditions.Only available when switching from another moratorium policy. Not all insurers offer it.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your full medical history. The insurer then tells you upfront exactly what is and isn't covered.Complete clarity from day one. You know precisely where you stand.The application process is longer. Conditions are often permanently excluded from cover.
Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME)If you switch from an FMU policy, the new insurer agrees to carry over the exact same exclusions you had on your old policy.Ensures continuity of cover. You don't risk new exclusions being added for minor issues.You must be switching from a policy that used Full Medical Underwriting.

Crucial Takeaway: If you have developed a medical condition while with your current insurer, switching can be risky. The new provider will likely exclude that condition. In this scenario, negotiating a better price with your existing insurer is often the safest option. A broker like WeCovr can provide expert guidance on the best strategy for your personal situation.

7 Smart Strategies to Lower Your PMI Premium

Whether you're negotiating with your current provider or switching to a new one, you have several levers you can pull to make your cover more affordable.

  1. Increase Your Excess: The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of any claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the remaining £2,750. Increasing your excess from £100 to £500 can reduce your premium by 15-25%.

  2. Choose a "Guided" or "Limited" Hospital List: Insurers group hospitals into bands, with prime central London hospitals being the most expensive. Opting for a policy that excludes these high-cost hospitals or uses a "guided" list (where the insurer directs you to a specific consultant or hospital for efficiency) can lead to significant savings.

  3. Add a 6-Week Option: This is a brilliant way to slash costs. A 6-week option means that if the treatment you need is available on the NHS within six weeks of when it's recommended, you will use the NHS. If the NHS waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in immediately. Given that many key NHS waiting times are far longer than this, it's a popular and effective cost-saving measure. According to NHS England data from mid-2024, the median wait for consultant-led elective care was over 10 weeks, making the 6-week option a very valuable feature.

  4. Tailor Your Outpatient Cover: Full outpatient cover (covering all consultations and diagnostics before a hospital admission) is expensive. You can choose to limit it (e.g., to £500 or £1,000 per year) or remove it completely, which will dramatically reduce your premium. This makes PMI function more as a "hospital plan" for major procedures.

  5. Review Therapy and Mental Health Cover: Check if your policy includes cover for therapies like physiotherapy or osteopathy, and consider if you need it. Likewise, mental health cover can be a valuable but costly add-on. Tailoring these benefits to what you genuinely need can save money.

  6. Pay Annually: Most insurers offer a discount of around 5% if you can pay your full annual premium upfront rather than in monthly instalments.

  7. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle: Many leading PMI providers now offer rewards and discounts for healthy living. This can include discounted gym memberships, free coffee, or even reductions on your renewal premium for tracking your activity levels.

Take Control with an Expert by Your Side

The world of private health cover can seem complex, but the principle of the annual review is simple: never pay more than you have to. By being a proactive consumer, you can fight back against rising premiums and ensure you always have the right cover at the best possible price.

Using an independent broker like WeCovr removes the hassle and guesswork. Our team of experts provides a free, no-obligation service to compare the market for you, explain your options in plain English, and help you negotiate, switch, or tailor your policy for maximum value. We have high customer satisfaction ratings because we prioritise finding the right solution for you.

Furthermore, WeCovr customers gain complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help support their health goals. We also offer discounts on other policies, such as life or home insurance, when you purchase a PMI plan through us.

The UK's healthcare landscape continues to face challenges, with NHS waiting lists remaining a significant concern for millions. Taking control of your health options with a well-priced PMI policy provides peace of mind and fast access to treatment when you need it most. Don't let loyalty to one provider cost you a fortune—make the annual review your new habit.

Is it always cheaper to switch my private medical insurance?

Not always. While new customers often get the best deals, switching may not be the right choice if you have recently developed a medical condition. A new insurer would likely exclude that condition from cover. In such cases, it's often better to negotiate a lower premium with your current provider, who is already obliged to cover you for that condition. An expert broker can help you weigh the pros and cons.

How does a '6-week option' reduce my PMI premium?

A '6-week option' is a clause in your policy that can significantly lower your premium. It means that for any treatment you need, you will use the NHS if their waiting list for that procedure is less than six weeks. If the NHS wait is longer than six weeks, your private medical insurance will kick in, and you can proceed with private treatment immediately. Since many NHS waiting times for elective procedures currently exceed this timeframe, it's a popular way to save money without significantly compromising your access to fast treatment.

Do I have to declare a minor illness when switching my PMI provider?

It depends on the type of underwriting. If you choose 'Moratorium' underwriting, you don't need to declare anything upfront. However, the insurer will automatically exclude any condition for which you've had advice, symptoms, or treatment in the last five years. If you choose 'Full Medical Underwriting', you must declare your entire medical history, including minor illnesses. Honesty is crucial, as failing to disclose information can invalidate your policy.

Will my private medical insurance cover chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes?

No, standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses that are curable and short-term. While a policy might cover an acute flare-up of a chronic condition, it will not cover the day-to-day monitoring, medication, or check-ups associated with it. This is a fundamental principle of all standard UK PMI policies.

Ready to see how much you could save? Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts find the best private medical insurance UK deal for you.


Related guides


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.