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Are Outpatient and Specialist Consultations Covered

Are Outpatient and Specialist Consultations Covered 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr knows that navigating private medical insurance in the UK can be complex. This guide explains outpatient and specialist cover, a crucial part of any policy, to help you make an informed choice for your health and peace of mind.

A breakdown of outpatient cover, limits, and network rules when seeing specialists

When you invest in private medical insurance (PMI), you're primarily buying speed of access and choice. While many people think of surgery and hospital stays, the journey to treatment almost always begins with an outpatient visit: a consultation with a specialist and the diagnostic tests they recommend.

Understanding how your policy covers these initial steps is the key to unlocking the full value of your private health cover. Get it right, and you’ll have a seamless experience; get it wrong, and you could face unexpected bills. This guide will break down everything you need to know about outpatient cover, from financial limits to specialist networks.

The Bedrock of PMI: Inpatient, Day-Patient, and Outpatient Cover

Before we dive into the details, let's clarify the three main types of hospital treatment your policy might cover. Almost all UK PMI policies cover inpatient and day-patient care as standard. Outpatient cover is the most common and important optional extra.

Treatment TypeDescriptionReal-Life Example
InpatientYou are admitted to a hospital and stay overnight for one or more nights for treatment, such as surgery or monitoring.Having a knee replacement and staying in the hospital for three nights to recover.
Day-PatientYou are admitted to a hospital or clinic for a scheduled procedure but do not stay overnight.A colonoscopy or cataract surgery where you go home the same day.
OutpatientYou visit a hospital or clinic for a test or consultation but are not formally admitted. This is the diagnostic stage.Seeing a cardiologist for chest pains, followed by an ECG and a blood test.

A Critical Note on PMI Coverage: It is essential to remember that standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you already had or had symptoms of before taking out the policy) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure that require ongoing management rather than a cure).

The Patient Journey: How Outpatient Cover Works in Practice

So, you have a health concern and you want to use your PMI. How does it work? The path from symptom to specialist is usually very structured.

  1. Visit Your GP: Your first port of call is almost always your NHS or private General Practitioner (GP). You discuss your symptoms, and if they feel you need specialist advice, they will write you a GP referral letter. This is a crucial document for your insurer.

  2. Contact Your Insurer: With your GP referral in hand, you call your insurance provider's claims or pre-authorisation line. You'll explain the situation and provide the details of the referral.

  3. Get Pre-Authorisation: The insurer will check your policy details. They'll confirm that the speciality is covered, that you have sufficient outpatient benefit remaining, and that you haven't exceeded any limits. They will then give you an authorisation number for the consultation.

  4. Choose Your Specialist: Depending on your policy type (more on this later), you'll either be given a choice of specialists from a broad network or a more "guided" list of 2-3 approved consultants.

  5. Book Your Appointment: You can now book your appointment directly with the specialist's secretary, giving them your PMI membership number and the pre-authorisation code. The specialist's clinic will usually bill the insurer directly, so you don't have to handle payments, aside from any excess on your policy.

Example in Action:

  • Problem: David, 45, has been experiencing persistent shoulder pain.
  • Step 1: He visits his GP, who suspects a torn rotator cuff and refers him to an orthopaedic surgeon.
  • Step 2: David calls his PMI provider, gives them the details, and they confirm he has a £1,500 outpatient limit on his policy.
  • Step 3: The insurer pre-authorises an initial consultation.
  • Step 4: David's policy has an "open" network, so his insurer provides a list of several fee-assured orthopaedic surgeons in his area.
  • Step 5: He books an appointment for the following week. After the consultation (£250), the specialist recommends an MRI scan (£700). David calls his insurer again to get authorisation for the scan. The total cost (£950) is well within his £1,500 limit.

Capped, Limited, or Full? Understanding Outpatient Financial Limits

This is where policies differ the most and where you have the biggest decision to make. Insurers offer different levels of outpatient cover to cater to various budgets. Choosing the right level is a balance between what you can afford in monthly premiums and what you'd be willing to pay out-of-pocket if needed.

Here are the typical options:

Level of Outpatient CoverTypical Financial LimitWho It's Good ForMonthly Premium Impact
Comprehensive (Full Cover)UnlimitedThose who want complete peace of mind and no financial worries about diagnostic costs.Highest
Mid-Range Cover£1,000 to £2,000 per yearA popular choice offering a good balance of cover and cost. Covers most typical diagnostic journeys.Medium
Basic (Low-Limit) Cover£500 per yearThose on a tighter budget who want some cover for an initial consultation and simple tests.Lower
No Outpatient Cover£0People who are happy to use the NHS for diagnostics and only want PMI for inpatient treatment.Lowest

How Financial Limits Work

Your outpatient limit is a pot of money you can use for consultations, tests, and scans for the entire policy year.

  • An initial specialist consultation can cost between £200 and £350.
  • A follow-up consultation is typically £150 to £250.
  • Diagnostic scans are the most expensive part: an MRI can range from £400 to over £1,500 depending on the body part and location.

A £1,000 limit might cover an initial consultation, one follow-up, and a simple scan or a series of smaller tests. A more complex issue requiring multiple scans could easily exceed this limit, meaning you would have to pay the remaining balance yourself.

Working with an experienced PMI broker like WeCovr is invaluable here. Their experts can model different scenarios for you, explaining how various limits would apply and helping you find the sweet spot between comprehensive cover and an affordable premium.

It's not just about how much cover you have, but also where you can use it. Insurers build networks of hospitals and specialists to control costs and ensure quality. Using a provider outside this network can leave you with a significant "shortfall" – the difference between what the specialist charges and what your insurer will pay.

Fee-Assured Specialists: Your Financial Safety Net

A "fee-assured" specialist is a consultant who has agreed with an insurer that they will not charge more than the insurer's published fee schedule. By seeing a fee-assured specialist, you guarantee there will be no shortfall for their time.

Before booking any appointment, you should always ask your insurer:

  1. Is this specialist on your approved list?
  2. Are they "fee-assured" for this procedure/consultation?

Guided vs. Open Choice: How Much Control Do You Want?

In recent years, to help manage premiums, many leading UK PMI providers have introduced "guided" consultant options.

FeatureGuided Consultant ListOpen / Un-guided List
ChoiceThe insurer provides a shortlist of 2-3 vetted specialists for you to choose from.You can choose any specialist from the insurer's wider network, provided they are recognised.
CostPremiums are typically 15-20% lower.Standard or higher premiums.
ProvidersCommon with providers like Aviva (Expert Select) and Vitality (Consultant Select).The traditional model, offered by most insurers like Bupa, AXA Health, etc.
Best ForPeople who are happy to trade some choice for a lower price and trust the insurer's vetting process.People who have a specific specialist in mind or want maximum flexibility.

Diagnostics and Therapies: What Else Is Covered?

Outpatient cover isn't just for seeing a consultant. It's for the entire diagnostic process.

Commonly Covered Diagnostic Tests & Scans:

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
  • CT (Computed Tomography)
  • PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography), often for cancer diagnosis
  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound scans
  • Blood tests and pathology
  • ECG (Electrocardiogram)

These are nearly always paid for from your single outpatient monetary limit.

What About Therapies? Therapies like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment are often included, but their cover can be structured differently.

  • Within the main limit: Some policies will pay for a course of physiotherapy from your main £1,000 or £1,500 outpatient limit.
  • As a separate benefit: Other policies might offer a set number of sessions (e.g., up to 8 sessions of physio per condition) that do not affect your main outpatient limit for consultations and scans.

This is a subtle but important difference, so always check the policy details.

The UK Health Landscape in 2025: Why Outpatient Cover Is More Important Than Ever

The primary driver for the growth in the UK private medical insurance market is the pressure on NHS services. According to the latest NHS England data, the total waiting list for consultant-led elective care stands at around 7.54 million treatments.

While the NHS works tirelessly, these figures mean that the waiting time for a specialist appointment and subsequent diagnostic tests can be months long. For many, this uncertainty and delay can be agonising.

This is where outpatient cover demonstrates its true value. It allows you to bypass these queues, often seeing a specialist within days or weeks. A faster diagnosis means faster treatment, faster recovery, and crucially, faster peace of mind.

Proactive Health: Reducing Your Need for Specialist Care

While private medical insurance is an excellent safety net for when things go wrong, the best strategy is always to stay as healthy as possible. Integrating simple, positive habits into your life can significantly reduce your risk of developing acute conditions.

  • Nourish Your Body: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains is fundamental. Following the principles of the NHS Eatwell Guide can help protect against heart disease, and maintain a healthy weight, reducing stress on your joints. As a bonus, WeCovr clients get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracker, CalorieHero, to make healthy eating easier.
  • Move Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or swimming) per week, as recommended by the NHS. Regular exercise strengthens your musculoskeletal system, boosts cardiovascular health, and improves mental well-being.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Consistently getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night is vital for your immune system, cognitive function, and cellular repair. Poor sleep is linked to a host of health problems.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have a real physical impact. Incorporate stress-management techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or even just regular walks in nature to keep your cortisol levels in check.

By taking a proactive approach to your health, you can complement the reactive security that PMI provides. What's more, customers who purchase PMI or life insurance from WeCovr often receive discounts on other types of insurance, helping you protect your finances as well as your health.


Do I always need a GP referral to see a specialist with my PMI?

In most cases, yes. The vast majority of UK private medical insurance providers require a GP referral before they will pre-authorise a specialist consultation. This ensures the specialist is the correct one for your symptoms and helps manage the claims process. Some modern policies or direct access pathways for specific conditions (like mental health or physiotherapy) may be exceptions, but you should always assume a GP referral is needed unless your policy document explicitly states otherwise.

What happens if my specialist charges more than my insurer will pay?

This is known as a "shortfall." It occurs if you see a specialist who is not "fee-assured" by your insurer, meaning their fees are higher than the insurer's benefit limit. If this happens, you will be responsible for paying the difference directly to the specialist. To avoid this, always confirm with your insurer that your chosen specialist is on their approved, fee-assured list before booking an appointment.

Does outpatient cover include mental health consultations?

It depends on your policy. Many comprehensive private health cover policies now include a mental health benefit, which would cover outpatient consultations with a psychiatrist or psychologist. However, this is often a separate benefit with its own limits and may not be included in more basic plans. It's crucial to check your policy details to see what level of mental health support is included.

Can I get private medical insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still get private medical insurance, but it will not cover the pre-existing conditions themselves or any related ailments. UK PMI is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. When you apply, the insurer will either exclude your specific conditions by name (full medical underwriting) or apply a general exclusion for any condition you've had symptoms of or treatment for in the last few years, typically five (moratorium underwriting).

Take the Next Step with Expert Guidance

Choosing the right level of outpatient cover is one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying private medical insurance. It directly impacts both your premium and your experience when you need to claim.

Don't navigate this complex market alone. The expert advisors at WeCovr provide independent, FCA-authorised advice at no cost to you. We'll listen to your needs, compare policies from across the UK's best PMI providers, and find the perfect plan for your budget and peace of mind.

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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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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