WeCovr.

Login

Are All Hospitals Covered By All Insurers

Are All Hospitals Covered By All Insurers 2025

When considering private medical insurance in the UK, it’s vital to get expert advice. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we know that one of the biggest questions people have is about hospital access. So, are all hospitals covered by all insurers?

The short answer is no. This guide will explain why.

The ins and outs of hospital lists, restricted networks, and how to get access where you want it

One of the most common misconceptions about private medical insurance (PMI) is that once you have a policy, you can choose any private hospital in the country for your treatment. In reality, every insurer has a "hospital list" or "network," and the one your policy uses dictates where you can and cannot be treated.

Think of it like a mobile phone contract. Some plans give you unlimited data anywhere in the world, while others might restrict you to the UK or have a smaller data allowance. Hospital lists work in a similar way: some give you access to every top-tier facility, while others offer a more limited, budget-friendly selection.

Understanding these lists is the single most important step in ensuring your private health cover meets your expectations and gives you access to care exactly where you want it.

What Exactly is a Hospital List?

A hospital list is a directory of hospitals, clinics, and sometimes diagnostic centres that an insurer has a pre-arranged agreement with. These agreements are not just about which hospitals are included, but also about the cost of treatment.

Insurers negotiate rates for everything from a simple blood test to complex heart surgery with these hospital groups. By creating a network of approved facilities, they can:

  1. Control Costs: By negotiating fixed prices, insurers can manage their expenses and, in turn, offer more competitive premiums to you. A hospital outside their network could charge significantly more for the same procedure.
  2. Ensure Quality Standards: Insurers vet the hospitals on their lists to ensure they meet specific standards for clinical excellence, patient safety, and facilities.
  3. Streamline the Process: Having formal agreements makes the process of authorising treatment and settling bills much smoother for you, the hospital, and the insurer.

Without these networks, the cost of private medical insurance in the UK would be significantly higher, putting it out of reach for many. The trade-off is that your choice of hospital is determined by the list attached to your policy.

The Different Tiers of Hospital Lists Explained

To cater for different budgets and needs, insurers typically offer several tiers of hospital lists. While the names vary between providers (e.g., "Key," "Signature," "Guided"), they generally fall into three main categories.

List TierTypical CoverageCost ImpactBest For...
Comprehensive / PremiumAll major UK private hospitals, including the most prestigious Central London facilities.Highest PremiumsMaximum choice and access to world-renowned specialists, especially for those living or working in London.
Standard / NationwideA wide selection of private hospitals across the UK, but typically excludes the most expensive Central London hospitals.Medium PremiumsA great balance of cost and nationwide access for the majority of people in the UK.
Restricted / GuidedA limited selection of partner hospitals, often from a single hospital group (like Nuffield Health or Spire), or a list of local options.Lowest PremiumsBudget-conscious buyers or those who are happy with the specific local hospitals included on the list.

Let's break these down further.

1. Comprehensive (or Premium) Hospital Lists

This is the top-tier option. It grants you access to virtually any recognised private hospital in the UK, including the exclusive and highly specialised facilities in Central London. If you want the absolute freedom to choose your hospital and consultant without geographical restriction, this is the list for you. Naturally, this level of choice comes with the highest monthly premium.

2. Standard (or Nationwide) Hospital Lists

This is the most popular choice for UK customers. It provides excellent coverage with a wide range of high-quality private hospitals across the country. The main difference is the exclusion of the most expensive Central London hospitals. For someone living in Manchester, Bristol, or Edinburgh, this list offers fantastic choice without the added cost of covering facilities they are unlikely to use.

3. Restricted (or Guided) Hospital Lists

This is the most budget-friendly option. A restricted list will limit your choice to a smaller, curated selection of hospitals. Sometimes, this might be a list of hospitals in your local area. In other cases, it might be a "guided" option, where the insurer directs you to one of a few specific facilities to ensure costs are managed. This can be an excellent way to make private health cover more affordable, provided you are happy with the hospitals available to you.

An expert PMI broker, such as WeCovr, can instantly compare these different tiers across multiple insurers to find the sweet spot between the access you want and a premium you're comfortable with.

The "Central London" Factor: Why It Demands a Special Category

You'll notice Central London is the main distinguishing factor between hospital list tiers. But why?

Hospitals in postcodes like W1, WC1, and NW1 face significantly higher operating costs – from property rents to staff wages. They also often house the UK's most advanced diagnostic equipment and attract world-leading specialists, commanding higher fees.

A few examples of these prestigious hospitals include:

  • The London Clinic
  • The Wellington Hospital
  • The Lister Hospital
  • King Edward VII's Hospital
  • HCA Hospitals at The Shard

Including these hospitals on your policy can increase your premium by 20-40%, or even more. Therefore, if you don't live or work near London and have no specific reason to want treatment there, choosing a list that excludes them is one of the easiest ways to make your private medical insurance more affordable.

Real-life example:

  • Sarah, living in Leeds, wants comprehensive private health cover. Her local Nuffield and Spire hospitals offer excellent care. By choosing a "Standard" list that excludes Central London, she gets the access she needs and saves over £30 a month on her premium compared to a "Comprehensive" plan.
  • David, a director working in the City of London, wants the option to be treated near his office by a specific specialist based at The London Clinic. He opts for a "Comprehensive" list. The higher premium is a price he's willing to pay for that specific convenience and choice.

What Happens If My Preferred Hospital Isn't On My List?

This is a critical question and highlights the importance of checking your hospital list before you buy a policy.

If you already have a policy and need treatment: Unfortunately, your insurer will not cover treatment at a hospital that is not on your agreed list. If you approach them for authorisation, they will decline the request for that specific facility and instead direct you to a hospital that is on your list.

Your only option to use the out-of-network hospital would be to fund the treatment yourself, known as "self-pay." This defeats the purpose of having insurance.

The best time to solve this problem is before it happens.

When you are looking for a policy, make a list of one or two local private hospitals you would be happy to use. When you speak to an adviser, tell them which hospitals are important to you. At WeCovr, this is a standard part of our fact-finding process. We can then filter out any policies that don't include your preferred facilities, ensuring you never face this problem down the line.

A Crucial Reminder: PMI is for Acute, Not Chronic, Conditions

It's vital to be clear about what private medical insurance is designed for. All standard UK PMI policies, regardless of the insurer or hospital list, are designed to cover acute conditions.

  • An Acute Condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is short-term, is likely to respond quickly to treatment, and where you can expect to return to your previous state of health. Examples include cataracts, a hernia, joint pain requiring a hip replacement, or diagnosing the source of new symptoms.

PMI is not designed to cover:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice from a medical professional before the start date of your policy. These are almost always excluded for a set period or entirely.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions that require ongoing management and have no known cure. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease. While PMI may cover the initial diagnosis of a chronic condition, it will not cover the long-term, routine management. This remains the responsibility of the NHS.

How to Choose the Right Hospital List for You: A 5-Step Guide

Choosing the right hospital list doesn't have to be complicated. Follow these simple steps to make the right decision.

  1. Assess Your Location and Geography: Where do you live? Where do you work? Look up the private hospitals in a reasonable radius of these locations. Would you be happy to be treated there?
  2. Define Your Priorities: Is your number one priority the lowest possible price? If so, a restricted or guided list could be perfect. Or is maximum choice and flexibility more important? In that case, a standard or comprehensive list is a better fit.
  3. Consider Travel: Do you travel frequently across the UK? If so, a nationwide network will give you peace of mind that you can access care wherever you are.
  4. Check the Details: Never assume a hospital is covered. Before finalising your application, ask to see the specific hospital directory for the policy you've chosen. Double-check that any hospitals you care about are on it.
  5. Speak to an Expert: This is the simplest and most effective step. An independent broker does all this legwork for you. By telling us your postcode and preferences, WeCovr can instantly compare dozens of policies and hospital lists from the UK's leading insurers, presenting you with clear options that match your needs and budget. Our advice comes at no cost to you.

Beyond the Hospital List: Other Factors Affecting Your Care

While the hospital list is a major component of your policy, a few other elements can affect your treatment journey:

  • Outpatient Cover: This covers consultations and diagnostic tests that don't require a hospital bed. Some policies have a financial limit (e.g., £1,000 per year) on outpatient cover. A lower limit can reduce your premium but might mean you need to pay for some diagnostic scans yourself.
  • Guided Consultant Options: Some insurers offer "guided" options not just for hospitals, but for specialists too. With these plans (like Vitality's Consultant Select), the insurer provides a shortlist of approved specialists for your condition. This is another cost-control measure that can lower your premium, but it reduces your freedom to choose any consultant you wish.
  • NHS Cash Benefit: A valuable feature on many policies. If you choose to have your treatment on the NHS (for example, if you're happy with the NHS waiting time for your procedure), the insurer will pay you a fixed cash amount for each night you spend in an NHS hospital. This can be a useful perk, rewarding you for using the public system and saving the insurer a larger claim.

Using Your PMI to Foster a Healthier Lifestyle

Modern private health cover is evolving. It's no longer just a safety net for when you're unwell; it's a tool to help you stay healthy. Many of the best PMI providers now include incredible wellness benefits.

  • Activity Rewards: Insurers like Vitality and Aviva have pioneered programmes that reward you for being active. By tracking your steps, workouts, or gym visits, you can earn points that lead to coffee vouchers, cinema tickets, and even direct reductions on your insurance premium at renewal.
  • Mental Health Support: Recognising the growing need for mental wellbeing, most PMI policies now offer extensive support. This often includes 24/7 access to a digital GP, telephone counselling helplines, and access to therapy sessions, often without needing a GP referral. Given that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported around 1 in 5 adults experiencing some form of depression in early 2021, this support is more valuable than ever.
  • Extra Perks from WeCovr: At WeCovr, we believe in adding value. That's why when you take out a private medical insurance policy with us, we provide complimentary access to our AI-powered diet and nutrition app, CalorieHero. We also offer our clients exclusive discounts on other policies, such as life insurance or income protection, helping you build a complete financial safety net for less.

This proactive approach to health helps you get more value from your policy every single day, not just when you need to make a claim.

Can I change my hospital list mid-way through my policy term?

Generally, you cannot change your hospital list during your one-year policy term. Changes, such as upgrading from a standard list to a comprehensive one, can only be made at your annual renewal. Downgrading your hospital list at renewal is often a very effective way to reduce your premium if your circumstances have changed.

What is a "guided option" or "consultant panel"?

A "guided option" is a feature offered by some insurers to help keep premiums down. Instead of having complete freedom to choose any hospital or specialist, the insurer will 'guide' you by providing a shortlist of high-quality, cost-effective options for your treatment. This is a great way to save money, as long as you are comfortable with having your choice directed by the insurer.

Does private health insurance cover pre-existing or chronic conditions?

No. Standard private medical insurance in the UK is specifically designed to cover new, acute medical conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover the treatment of pre-existing conditions (those you had before taking out cover) or the ongoing management of long-term, chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma.

How do I find out which hospitals are near me and included on a policy?

While you could try to gather and compare lists from each insurer yourself, this is very time-consuming. The simplest and most effective way is to speak to an independent broker like WeCovr. We have access to the up-to-date hospital lists for all major UK insurers and can quickly cross-reference them with your location and preferences to find the perfect match for you, at no extra cost.

Your Health, Your Choice

Navigating the world of hospital lists, policy options, and insurance jargon can feel overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. The key takeaway is that you have control. By understanding how hospital lists work, you can make an informed decision and build a policy that provides precisely the access and peace of mind you need.

At WeCovr, our friendly, expert advisers are here to demystify the process. We compare the UK's leading insurers to find cover that fits your life and your budget.

Ready to find the right private health cover with the right hospital access? Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts guide you.

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.

Insurance Products

Resources

Legal

© 2025 WeCovr. Made with in London