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Benenden Private Medical Insurance Pros, Cons and Value

Benenden Private Medical Insurance Pros, Cons and Value

As FCA-authorised private medical insurance experts in the UK, WeCovr has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, giving us unparalleled insight into the market. This article explores Benenden Health, a unique and popular healthcare provider, to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Benenden Health stands out in the UK's private healthcare landscape. Rather than being a traditional insurance company, it's a mutual, not-for-profit society. This means it's owned by its members and exists solely for their benefit, not to generate profit for shareholders. This fundamental difference shapes its entire offering, from its low, fixed price to the way it delivers care.

In 2025, Benenden continues to offer a single, straightforward membership plan available to any UK resident, regardless of their age or medical history. Its popularity, with a community of over 870,000 members, stems from its affordability and focus on providing a practical safety net. It’s designed to work alongside the NHS, offering support when you need it most, particularly for getting a swift diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions when NHS waiting times are long.

However, its "discretionary" model and specific limitations, especially around cancer care, mean it's not a like-for-like replacement for comprehensive private medical insurance. Understanding what it does—and doesn't—cover is crucial.

Understanding Benenden Health: More Than Just Insurance

The most important thing to grasp about Benenden Health is that it is not an insurance company. It is a "Friendly Society," a type of mutual organisation with roots stretching back to 1905. When you join, you become a member of a healthcare community, not a policyholder.

This has a significant implication: the services Benenden provides are discretionary.

  • What does "discretionary" mean? Unlike a traditional insurance contract, which is a legally binding promise to pay for specific treatments outlined in a policy document, Benenden's board has the final say on authorising any request for diagnosis or treatment. This decision is based on their published guidelines and the resources available to the society.
  • How does this work in practice? In most cases, if you meet the criteria (e.g., your condition is acute and the NHS waiting list is longer than Benenden's target), your care will be approved. The discretionary element exists to protect the society's funds and ensure it can continue to help all its members fairly.

For many, this model works perfectly well. But if you require the absolute certainty of a contractual guarantee for your healthcare, a traditional private medical insurance UK policy might be a better fit. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare these different models at no cost to you.

Benenden Health Membership: What's Included?

Benenden Health keeps things simple with one level of membership for a single, flat monthly fee. For around £15 per person, per month in 2025, every member gets access to the same range of services.

Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits included with Benenden Health membership:

ServiceDescriptionKey Details
24/7 GP HelplineSpeak to a UK-based GP by phone anytime, day or night.Ideal for getting quick advice, reassurance, or a discussion about whether you need an in-person appointment. Can provide private prescriptions.
Mental Health Helpline24/7 access to a qualified therapist for emotional support and guidance.This is for immediate support, not a course of therapy. They can help with stress, anxiety, bereavement, and other life events.
Medical DiagnosticsConsultations and tests to find out what's wrong.After a GP referral, if the NHS wait is too long, Benenden can arrange private consultations, MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests.
Medical TreatmentSurgery and procedures for specific acute conditions.If diagnostics reveal you need treatment (e.g., hip replacement, cataract surgery), Benenden can provide it at one of their hospitals or a partner facility.
Cancer SupportInitial diagnosis and access to a dedicated cancer support helpline.Provides help in getting a prompt diagnosis and offers emotional support. Crucially, it does not cover major cancer treatment like surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
PhysiotherapyTreatment for musculoskeletal issues.Members can access physiotherapy for acute conditions after a GP referral, helping with recovery from injury or managing joint pain.
Care Planning & Social Care AdviceSupport for navigating later-life care options.A valuable service for members or their families looking for advice on care homes, home care, and funding.

It's important to remember a key rule: to access most diagnostic and treatment services, you must have been a member for at least six months and have approached the NHS first. Benenden steps in when the NHS waiting list for the service you need is longer than their specified timeframe.

The Pros of Choosing Benenden Health in 2025

Benenden's unique model offers several compelling advantages, making it an attractive option for hundreds of thousands of people across the UK.

1. Affordable, Fixed-for-All Pricing

This is Benenden’s biggest selling point. The monthly subscription is the same for everyone, whether you are 25 or 75. In 2025, this price remains incredibly competitive, making it one of the most accessible private health cover options on the market. Unlike traditional PMI, your premium will not increase just because you get older or make a claim.

2. Everyone Is Accepted

You can join Benenden Health at any age, and there are no medical questionnaires to complete. Your current health status and any pre-existing conditions do not prevent you from becoming a member. This inclusivity is a huge departure from traditional insurance, which often excludes people with certain medical histories or charges them much higher premiums.

3. No Excess to Pay

When you use a Benenden-approved service, you do not have to pay an excess. An excess is the amount you must contribute towards a claim with a standard PMI policy, which can range from £0 to over £1,000. Benenden's no-excess model simplifies the process and removes a potential barrier to seeking care.

4. Excellent for Rapid Diagnosis

One of the greatest anxieties in healthcare is not knowing what is wrong. Benenden excels at providing prompt access to diagnostic tests and specialist consultations. While NHS waiting lists for scans like MRIs can stretch for many weeks or months, Benenden can often arrange them within a couple of weeks, providing peace of mind or a clear path forward for treatment.

5. The Mutual & Community Ethos

As a member-owned society, Benenden reinvests its surplus into improving services and facilities for its members. There's a sense of community and a feeling that the organisation is working for you, not for external shareholders.

The Cons and Limitations of Benenden Health

To make an informed decision, it's vital to understand the limitations of the Benenden model. For some, these will be deal-breakers.

1. The "NHS First" Requirement

This is a critical point to understand. Benenden is not designed to replace the NHS. To access most of their treatment services, you must first be referred by your GP and be on an NHS waiting list that is longer than Benenden’s target waiting time (which varies by procedure). If the NHS can see you quickly, Benenden will not authorise private care. It's a safety net, not a first port of call.

2. Limited and Discretionary Cancer Cover

While Benenden offers excellent support in diagnosing cancer, its cover for treatment is very limited. It does not cover the high costs of:

  • Private cancer surgery
  • Radiotherapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Expensive new cancer drugs not yet available on the NHS

This is arguably the single biggest difference between Benenden and a comprehensive private medical insurance policy. For many people, robust cancer cover is the primary reason for buying PMI.

3. Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions Are Not Covered

This is a universal rule for almost all UK private health cover, and Benenden is no exception.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness, injury, or symptom you had before joining will not be covered.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions that require ongoing management (like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, or arthritis) are not covered. Private medical insurance is designed for acute conditions—illnesses that are curable and likely to respond to treatment.

4. Limited Hospital Network

Treatment is provided either at a Benenden Health hospital (located in Kent) or through a select network of approved private providers. This means your choice of hospital and consultant is more restricted than with many traditional PMI policies, which may offer nationwide or even London-specific hospital lists. You may need to travel for your treatment.

5. Discretionary Cover Lacks Contractual Certainty

As mentioned, care is not guaranteed by contract. While the vast majority of eligible requests are approved, the final decision rests with the Benenden Health board. This lack of a legally binding guarantee may be unsettling for those who want absolute assurance that their future health needs will be covered.

Benenden vs. Traditional Private Medical Insurance: A Comparison

Seeing the differences side-by-side can make your choice clearer. Here’s how Benenden Health stacks up against a typical comprehensive private medical insurance policy from a major UK provider.

FeatureBenenden HealthTraditional Comprehensive PMI (e.g., from AXA, Bupa, Vitality)
Monthly PremiumLow, flat fee for all members (approx. £15/month).Varies significantly based on age, location, health, and level of cover. Can range from £40 to £200+ per month.
Pricing BasisCommunity-rated. Price only changes if all members' fees change.Risk-rated. Premiums increase with age and can rise after claims.
Joining CriteriaAll UK residents accepted, regardless of age or medical history.Medical underwriting is required. May decline cover or exclude conditions. Age limits may apply.
Excess PayableNo excess.Typically requires an excess payment (£100 - £1,000+) per claim or per year.
NHS WaitlistRequired for most treatments. Benenden steps in if the wait is long.Not usually required. You can go private immediately after a GP referral.
Cover BasisDiscretionary. Services are subject to board approval.Contractual. The insurer is legally obligated to cover what's in the policy.
Cancer CoverDiagnostics and support only. No cover for major treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.Comprehensive cover is standard, including surgery, chemo/radiotherapy, and access to new drugs.
Hospital ChoiceLimited to Benenden's hospital and a select partner network.Wide choice, often including a nationwide network of private hospitals.
Mental Health24/7 support helpline. No cover for psychiatric treatment or therapy courses.Can be added as an option, covering therapy sessions and psychiatric care.

Is Benenden Health Worth It? Who Is It Best For?

Benenden Health provides excellent value for a specific type of person. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Benenden Health could be a great choice for you if:

  • You are on a tight budget: Its low monthly cost makes it highly affordable.
  • Your main concern is getting a quick diagnosis: It excels at cutting the waiting times for consultations and scans.
  • You are older or have a complex medical history: You are guaranteed acceptance at a standard price, whereas traditional PMI could be unaffordable or unavailable.
  • You see it as a top-up to the NHS: You understand and are comfortable with the "NHS first" model and want a safety net for specific procedures if the wait becomes too long.
  • You want peace of mind for common elective surgeries: It provides excellent cover for procedures like cataract surgery, hernia repair, and hip/knee replacements.

You should consider traditional Private Medical Insurance instead if:

  • Comprehensive cancer cover is your top priority: This is the most significant reason to choose a full PMI policy.
  • You want to bypass the NHS entirely: You want the freedom to go private immediately for any eligible condition.
  • You want a wide choice of hospitals and specialists: You value flexibility and want to choose where and by whom you are treated.
  • You need a contractual guarantee of cover: The discretionary nature of Benenden makes you uncomfortable.
  • You want cover for mental health treatment, dental, or optical benefits: These are often available as add-ons with traditional PMI.

An independent broker like WeCovr can provide a full market comparison, helping you analyse quotes from leading insurers alongside the Benenden offering to find the perfect balance of cover and cost for your personal situation.

Integrating Benenden with Your Overall Wellness Strategy

Smart health planning isn't just about having a plan for when things go wrong; it's about actively staying well. A Benenden membership or a PMI policy should be one component of a broader strategy for your health and wellbeing.

Here are some tips to build a resilient health plan for 2025:

  1. Prioritise a Balanced Diet: Following the principles of the NHS Eatwell Guide can significantly reduce your risk of developing many acute and chronic conditions. Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. To help with this, WeCovr provides clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app.
  2. Stay Active: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or tennis) a week. Regular exercise boosts your immune system, strengthens your heart, and improves mental health.
  3. Don't Neglect Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a range of health problems, including a weakened immune system, weight gain, and an increased risk of chronic disease.
  4. Use NHS Screening Programmes: Take advantage of free NHS health checks (offered to those aged 40-74), cervical screening, and bowel cancer screening programmes. Early detection saves lives.
  5. Build a Financial Safety Net: Ill health can have a major financial impact. By purchasing PMI through WeCovr, you can often get discounts on other crucial policies like life insurance or income protection, creating a comprehensive safety net for you and your family.

How to Compare Private Medical Insurance UK Effectively

Navigating the world of private health cover can feel complex. A methodical approach will ensure you find the best PMI provider for your needs.

  • Step 1: Assess Your Priorities: What is most important to you? Is it a low monthly cost, comprehensive cancer cover, mental health support, or a wide choice of hospitals? Write down your top three "must-haves."
  • Step 2: Understand the Jargon: Familiarise yourself with key terms like 'acute condition', 'chronic condition', 'excess', 'underwriting' (moratorium vs. full medical underwriting), and 'hospital list'.
  • Step 3: Compare Different Models: Don't just compare prices. Compare the fundamental models—the Benenden mutual approach vs. the contractual certainty of traditional insurance.
  • Step 4: Use an Expert Broker: This is the simplest and most effective way to navigate the market. An FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr offers impartial, expert advice at no cost to you. We do the hard work of comparing policies from across the market, explaining the fine print, and helping you with the application. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right solution for every client.

Is Benenden a substitute for full private medical insurance?

No, it is best viewed as a low-cost alternative with a different purpose. Benenden Health is designed to complement the NHS, primarily by offering diagnostics and treatment for specific acute conditions when NHS waiting lists are long. It does not provide the comprehensive cancer cover, immediate access to private care, or the wide hospital choice that are hallmarks of traditional private medical insurance.

Do I need to declare pre-existing conditions to Benenden?

Benenden's joining process does not require a medical examination or detailed health questionnaire, and they will accept you as a member regardless of your medical history. However, like all private health cover in the UK, they do not provide services for conditions you had, or had symptoms of, before you joined. It's always best to be transparent if asked.

Can my Benenden subscription go up?

Your individual Benenden Health subscription will not increase because you get older or because you make a claim. The price is the same for all members. The only way the price changes is if the society's members vote for a price change for everybody, which typically happens every few years to account for inflation and rising healthcare costs.

What happens if the NHS waiting list is short?

If the NHS can provide the consultation, scan, or treatment you need within Benenden Health's target waiting time, Benenden will not authorise private care. In this scenario, you would proceed with your treatment through the NHS. Benenden's role is to step in specifically when NHS waiting times for eligible conditions become long.

Find the Right Health Cover for You

Deciding between Benenden Health and traditional private medical insurance depends entirely on your personal priorities, budget, and attitude to risk. Each has clear strengths and weaknesses. The best way to make the right choice is with expert, impartial guidance.

The team at WeCovr specialises in helping UK customers navigate this complex market. We'll listen to your needs, explain your options in plain English, and provide quotes from across the market—all at no cost to you.

[Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and find the perfect health cover for 2025.]

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

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