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Aviva vs Bupa vs Vitality vs WPA Which PMI Provider Delivers Better Value

Aviva vs Bupa vs Vitality vs WPA Which PMI Provider...

Choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK can feel overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know which provider offers the best value for your needs? As FCA-authorised brokers who have helped arrange over 900,000 policies, the team at WeCovr understands this challenge inside and out.

This guide cuts through the noise, offering an expert, side-by-side comparison of four of the UK's leading PMI providers: Aviva, Bupa, Vitality, and WPA. We'll analyse their benefits, service, and crucial renewal trends to help you make an informed decision.

When comparing private health cover, it’s easy to get lost in policy documents. Value isn't just about the lowest monthly premium; it's about the quality of cover, the ease of making a claim, the long-term cost, and the perks that fit your lifestyle. Let's break down how these four giants stack up.

ProviderBest Known ForTarget AudienceKey Differentiator
AvivaComprehensive cover & digital toolsIndividuals and families seeking a trusted, all-round provider."Expert Select" guided healthcare pathway for lower premiums.
BupaBrand heritage & extensive networkThose wanting premium cover with direct access pathways.Owning their own clinics and offering direct access to specialists.
VitalityWellness & rewards programmeHealth-conscious individuals motivated by rewards for staying active.Linking premiums to lifestyle and activity levels.
WPACustomer service & flexibilityIndividuals and SMEs prioritising service and flexible cost-sharing.Not-for-profit ethos and "Shared Responsibility" co-payment.

The Golden Rule of UK PMI: Acute vs Chronic Conditions

Before we dive into the comparison, it's vital to understand the fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK.

UK PMI is designed to cover acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for a hernia.

Standard UK PMI does not cover chronic conditions. A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured but can be managed with medication and ongoing monitoring. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. The day-to-day management of these conditions will remain with the NHS.

Furthermore, PMI generally excludes pre-existing conditions that you have experienced symptoms or received treatment for in the years before taking out the policy. The specifics of this depend on your chosen underwriting method.

Understanding this distinction is the single most important step in setting the right expectations for your private health cover.


Core Cover Comparison: What Do You Get as Standard?

All four providers build their policies around a core offering, which typically covers the most expensive aspects of private treatment: in-patient and day-patient care. This includes hospital stays, surgery, and anaesthetist fees.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of what you can expect from each provider's standard policy.

FeatureAviva (Healthier Solutions)Bupa (Bupa By You)Vitality (Personal Healthcare)WPA (Flexible Health)
In-patient & Day-patientComprehensive as standardComprehensive as standardComprehensive as standardComprehensive as standard
Cancer CoverExtensive cover, but some advanced options are add-onsComprehensive as standardComprehensive as standardComprehensive as standard
Out-patient DiagnosticsLimited unless added as an optionLimited unless added as an optionLimited unless added as an optionLimited unless added as an option
Mental Health CoverUsually an optional add-onStrong focus, with some cover often includedIncluded as standard, with options to upgradeUsually an optional add-on
GP Video ServiceIncluded (Aviva Digital GP)Included (Digital GP)Included (Vitality GP)Included (WPA Health)

Broker Insight: Don't assume "comprehensive" means identical. For example, Bupa's cancer cover is renowned for covering drugs not yet available on the NHS. Vitality includes a level of mental health support as standard, which is a significant value-add for many. The experts at WeCovr can help you dissect these policy details to see what truly matters for you.


Optional Benefits & Customisation: Tailoring Your Policy

This is where you can truly shape your policy to match your budget and priorities. The main levers you can pull are out-patient cover, therapies, hospital lists, and your excess.

1. Out-patient Cover: This covers specialist consultations and diagnostic tests that don't require a hospital bed.

  • Aviva: Offers various levels, from a few hundred pounds to full cover.
  • Bupa: Provides a choice of monetary limits or full cover.
  • Vitality: Offers a range of limits.
  • WPA: Provides flexible limits, often with a "shared responsibility" element where you pay a percentage.

2. Therapies Cover: This includes treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care.

  • All four providers offer this as an optional add-on. The number of sessions and types of therapy covered can vary. Bupa and Aviva often have strong direct referral pathways for physiotherapy.

3. Hospital Lists: The list of hospitals you can use has a major impact on your premium.

  • Aviva: Their "Expert Select" option directs you to a curated list of high-quality consultants and hospitals, significantly reducing your premium. This is a popular "guided" option.
  • Bupa: Offers tiered lists, including options to exclude expensive central London hospitals to save money.
  • Vitality: Has its own "Consultant Select" guided option and tiered hospital lists.
  • WPA: Provides several lists, allowing you to tailor access based on geography and cost.

4. Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim each year. A higher excess means a lower premium.

  • All providers offer excesses ranging from £0 to over £1,000. WPA is unique with its "Shared Responsibility" option, where you pay 25% of each claim up to a chosen cap. This can be a very effective way to manage costs if you don't expect to claim frequently.
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Value Beyond Treatment: Wellness Programmes and Member Perks

This is where Vitality has truly disrupted the market. While traditional PMI is a reactive product you use when you're ill, Vitality aims to be a proactive partner in your health.

Vitality's Active Rewards Programme

Vitality’s core proposition is its wellness programme. By tracking your activity (e.g., steps, workouts, mindfulness sessions) through a linked device like an Apple Watch or Fitbit, you earn points.

  • Earning Points: You get points for daily steps, gym visits, and completing online health reviews.
  • Rewards: These points unlock weekly and monthly rewards, such as free coffee, cinema tickets, and discounts on Waitrose groceries.
  • Status Levels: The more points you earn, the higher your status (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum).
  • Renewal Impact: Your status directly impacts your renewal premium. A Platinum member could see a significantly smaller price increase (or even a decrease) compared to a Bronze member.

Is it worth it? If you are already active or are motivated by incentives, Vitality offers exceptional value. The rewards can easily offset a significant portion of your premium. However, if you are unlikely to engage with the programme, you may find better value with a more traditional provider, as you could face higher-than-average renewal increases.

How Do the Others Compare?

Aviva, Bupa, and WPA have responded by enhancing their own member benefits, though none are as integrated into pricing as Vitality's.

  • Aviva: Offers discounts on gym memberships and health tech. Their MyAviva app is a powerful hub for managing your policy and accessing digital health services.
  • Bupa: Provides a range of rewards and discounts through its Bupa Touch app, focusing on general wellbeing, fitness, and family health. They also offer a 24/7 health line for any medical query.
  • WPA: As a not-for-profit, their focus is less on commercial perks and more on service and community. They provide excellent health and wellbeing information and support through their app and helplines.

When you purchase a policy through WeCovr, you also gain complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, further enhancing the value of your health journey regardless of the insurer you choose.


The Claims Experience & Customer Service

When you need to use your policy, a smooth and supportive claims process is paramount.

  • Bupa: Often praised for its direct access pathways. For certain conditions like cancer, mental health, and musculoskeletal issues, you may be able to bypass your NHS GP and speak directly to a Bupa specialist, speeding up diagnosis and treatment.
  • Aviva: Has a well-regarded digital claims process through their app, but also maintains strong telephone support. Their "Expert Select" pathway guides you through the process, which can simplify decision-making.
  • WPA: Consistently receives industry-leading praise for its customer service. As a smaller, not-for-profit organisation, they are known for their personal touch and efficient claims handling. Many clients report speaking to the same person throughout their claim.
  • Vitality: The claims process is generally smooth, though it can feel more digitally focused. Their app is central to authorising treatment and managing your policy.

Broker Insight: Customer service can be subjective. WPA's personal, UK-based service often appeals to those who value a human touch. Bupa's scale and direct access pathways are a major draw for those who want speed. Aviva provides a reliable, tech-enabled balance.


Your first-year premium is only part of the story. Understanding how your premium will change at renewal is critical to assessing long-term value.

All providers' premiums will increase due to:

  1. Age: You move into a higher age bracket each year, increasing your statistical risk.
  2. Medical Inflation: The cost of private medical treatment consistently rises faster than general inflation, typically by 8-10% per year.

The third factor is your claims history. Most providers use a No Claims Discount (NCD) model, similar to car insurance.

  • Aviva, Bupa, WPA: If you don't claim, your NCD level increases, which helps offset the age and inflation increases. If you do claim, your NCD level is reduced, leading to a larger premium increase at renewal.

Vitality's Unique Model: Vitality does not use a traditional NCD. Instead, your renewal is influenced by your engagement with the wellness programme.

  • High Engagement (Gold/Platinum status): Can lead to minimal or no increases on top of age and inflation adjustments.
  • Low Engagement (Bronze status): Can lead to significant additional increases, making the policy much more expensive in year two and beyond.

Scenario Example:

Imagine two 40-year-old clients.

  • Client A (with Aviva): Doesn't claim in year one. Their premium increases by ~10% due to age and medical inflation, but their NCD increase of ~5% brings the net increase down to ~5%.
  • Client B (with Vitality): Is highly active and reaches Platinum status. Their premium increases by ~10% for age/inflation, but they get a 10% discount for their activity. Their net increase is 0%.
  • Client C (with Vitality): Is inactive and remains on Bronze status. Their premium increases by ~10% for age/inflation, plus a 10% penalty for inactivity. Their net increase is 20%.

This shows the stark difference in long-term value depending on your lifestyle and choice of provider. An independent broker like WeCovr can model these future scenarios for you, ensuring there are no surprises at renewal.


Underwriting Options Explained

When you apply for PMI, the insurer needs to know about your medical history. This is done through underwriting.

  1. Moratorium (MORI) Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the last 5 years. If you then go 2 continuous years on the policy without any issues relating to that condition, it may become eligible for cover. It's simple and fast.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer reviews your history and explicitly states what is and is not covered from day one. This provides certainty but can take longer and may result in permanent exclusions for certain conditions.

Most providers offer both, but some have a preference. A broker can advise which is better for your personal circumstances.


Who is Each Provider Best For? A Summary

  • Choose Aviva if: You want a trusted, household name with solid all-round cover, good digital tools, and the option to save money with a guided hospital list.
  • Choose Bupa if: You prioritise brand reputation, want the fastest access to specialists (sometimes without a GP referral), and desire market-leading mental health and cancer support.
  • Choose Vitality if: You are active, motivated by rewards, and want to be financially incentivised for living a healthy lifestyle. You are prepared to engage with the programme to control your renewal costs.
  • Choose WPA if: You value exceptional, personal customer service above all else. You like the idea of a not-for-profit ethos and flexible cost-sharing options to manage your premium.

How WeCovr Helps You Find True Value

Comparing these four providers, let alone the entire UK market, is complex. Each policy has dozens of variables that determine its true value. This is where an expert, independent broker is indispensable.

At WeCovr, we:

  • Analyse Your Needs: We take the time to understand your health priorities, lifestyle, and budget.
  • Compare the Whole Market: We provide unbiased quotes from Aviva, Bupa, Vitality, WPA, and others, explaining the crucial differences.
  • Forecast Future Costs: We model renewal pricing to ensure your chosen policy offers sustainable long-term value.
  • Simplify the Process: We handle the paperwork and make the application process seamless.
  • Offer Ongoing Support: We are here to help you at claim time and review your cover each year.

Our service is completely free to you, as we are paid by the insurer. You get expert advice and market access without any extra cost. Plus, when you take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy with us, you can often benefit from discounts on other types of cover you may need.


Can I switch my private medical insurance provider?

Yes, you can switch PMI providers. It's crucial to do this with expert guidance from a broker. Using 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME) underwriting allows you to transfer your cover without losing protection for conditions that have developed while you were with your old insurer. This ensures continuous cover without new moratorium periods.

Does private health insurance cover dental and optical?

Standard private medical insurance policies do not typically cover routine dental check-ups, fillings, or eye tests. However, most providers, including Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality, offer dental and optical cover as an optional add-on for an extra premium. This can cover a percentage of your routine costs as well as more complex procedures.

Is private medical insurance worth it in the UK?

Whether PMI is worth it depends on your personal circumstances and priorities. For many, the key benefits are bypassing long NHS waiting lists for eligible treatments, gaining faster access to specialist consultations, and having more choice over where and when they are treated. It provides peace of mind that you can get prompt medical attention for acute conditions when you need it most.

Ready to find out which provider offers the best value for you? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our expert advisers will compare the leading UK providers and tailor a policy that perfectly fits your needs and budget.


Related guides

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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