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Best Practices for Switching Insurers and Policy Renewal

Best Practices for Switching Insurers and Policy Renewal

Navigating your private medical insurance renewal in the UK can feel daunting. WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, provides this expert guide to empower you to find the best value, whether you're renewing your existing policy or switching to a new provider.

Step-by-step guidance for consumers in navigating annual renewal and switch

Your private health cover renewal letter has landed on your doormat. The premium has likely gone up, and your first instinct might be to simply accept it and move on. However, this could be a costly mistake.

The private medical insurance UK market is competitive, and loyalty rarely pays. Taking a proactive approach to your annual renewal can save you hundreds, even thousands, of pounds while potentially improving your level of cover. This guide will walk you through the process, step by step.

Your 6-Step Renewal and Switching Action Plan

  1. Receive and Review Your Renewal Notice (4-6 weeks before renewal): Don't just look at the price. Scrutinise every detail. Has the excess changed? Have any benefits been removed or reduced?
  2. Assess Your Current and Future Needs: Has your health changed? Are you planning a family? Do you need better mental health support? Your policy should reflect your life now, not when you first took it out.
  3. Shop the Market (This is crucial!): This is where you gain power. Use an independent expert broker, like WeCovr, to compare policies from a wide range of insurers. This service is free to you and provides a comprehensive view of your options.
  4. Compare Like-for-Like (and Beyond): When you get new quotes, make sure you're comparing apples with apples. Check the cover levels, hospital lists, and excess amounts. Also, consider if a different type of policy might now be a better fit.
  5. Understand Your Underwriting Options: If you switch, how will your medical history be treated? We'll explain terms like 'Moratorium' and 'Continued Personal Medical Underwriting' in detail below. This is the most critical technical decision you'll make.
  6. Make an Informed Decision: Switch or Stay: Armed with quotes and knowledge, you can now decide. You can either switch to a new provider or, in some cases, use your cheaper quotes as leverage to negotiate a better deal with your current insurer.

A Critical Note on Private Medical Insurance Coverage

It is a fundamental principle of the UK private medical insurance market that policies are 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.

Standard UK PMI policies do NOT cover:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Any medical condition you had symptoms of, received advice for, or were treated for before your policy start date.
  • Chronic conditions: Long-term, incurable illnesses that require ongoing management, such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis, or high blood pressure.

Management of these conditions will nearly always remain with the NHS. PMI is your partner for getting new, eligible acute conditions diagnosed and treated swiftly.

Understanding Your Renewal Notice in Detail

Your renewal notice is more than just an invoice; it's your policy's annual report card. Insurers are required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to make these documents clearer and show your previous year's premium alongside the new one, helping you spot price hikes.

Why Do Premiums Increase Every Year?

It’s frustrating, but your premium will almost certainly rise at renewal. There are two main reasons for this:

  1. Medical Inflation: The cost of medical treatments, new drugs, and advanced technology rises faster than general inflation. Insurers pass this cost on. Medical inflation in the UK typically runs between 7% and 10% per year.
  2. Age-Related Increases: As we get older, we are statistically more likely to claim. Most insurers have age brackets, and moving into a new one (e.g., from 49 to 50) can trigger a significant price jump on top of medical inflation.

Here’s a simple checklist for what to look for in your renewal pack:

Item to CheckWhat to Look ForWhy It Matters
New PremiumThe total cost for the year ahead. Compare it to last year's premium (which must now be displayed).This is the headline figure. A jump of over 15-20% should be a major red flag to review your options.
Policy ExcessHas the amount you pay per claim/per year changed?A higher excess lowers your premium, but means you pay more out-of-pocket if you claim.
Benefit ChangesRead the small print. Has the cancer cover been altered? Has the outpatient limit been reduced?Insurers sometimes tweak benefits to keep headline prices down. You could be losing valuable cover without realising it.
Hospital ListHas your chosen hospital list been downgraded or have specific hospitals been removed?This could limit your choice of treatment centres, forcing you to travel further or use a hospital you don't prefer.
No Claims Discount (NCD)How has your NCD been applied? If you claimed, how much has it been reduced?Understanding your NCD is key to understanding your price. Some insurers have more generous NCD scales than others.

Real-Life Example: Sarah, a 45-year-old marketing manager, saw her premium jump by 22%. Her insurer explained this was due to her moving into a new age band and general medical inflation. By speaking to a broker, she found a policy with a near-identical level of cover from another major insurer that was £40 a month cheaper, saving her £480 a year.

The "Why": Reasons to Review Your Private Health Cover Annually

Treating your private health cover like your car or home insurance is the smartest financial move you can make. The "loyalty penalty" is a well-documented phenomenon across the insurance industry, and PMI is no exception.

Key Drivers for a Policy Review:

  • Cost Savings: The number one reason. Competitors want your business and will often offer a sharper price to a new customer than your existing provider will offer to keep you.
  • Changing Health Needs: Perhaps you've developed an interest in complementary therapies (like physiotherapy or osteopathy) and your current policy has poor cover for them. Or you're concerned about mental health and want a policy with better support.
  • Family Changes: Getting married, having a baby, or adding a teenager to your policy are all significant life events. What was right for a single person may not be right for a family.
  • Access to Better Benefits: The PMI market is constantly evolving. Newer policies often come with enhanced benefits like:
    • Virtual GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call.
    • Wellness Programmes: Discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and healthy food.
  • Poor Customer Service: If you've made a claim and had a bad experience, that's a perfectly valid reason to look elsewhere. Your peace of mind is paramount.

According to latest NHS England statistics, the waiting list for routine consultant-led treatment remains in the millions. This stark reality continues to be a primary driver for UK consumers seeking the speed and choice offered by private medical insurance. Ensuring your policy is fit for purpose has never been more important.

The Switching Process Explained: Underwriting is Key

Switching is straightforward, but it's vital to get the underwriting right. Underwriting is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will and will not cover.

When you switch, you generally have two main options for how your new insurer treats your medical history.

Underwriting TypeHow It WorksProsConsBest For
Continued Personal Medical Underwriting (CPME)Your new insurer agrees to continue your cover on the same terms as your old policy. You effectively "transfer" your underwriting history.Seamless cover. No new exclusions are added for conditions that were already covered.Only available when switching from another PMI policy. Can sometimes be slightly more expensive.Anyone with existing medical conditions that are currently covered by their policy. This is the safest option for most people who are switching.
New Moratorium UnderwritingYou don't declare your full medical history upfront. The new insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last 5 years. This exclusion can be lifted if you remain symptom-free and need no treatment/advice for that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts.Simple and quick application process. No lengthy medical forms.Risk of losing cover. A condition you were covered for on your old policy might now be excluded for at least 2 years on the new one. Can create uncertainty at the point of claim.Young, healthy individuals with no significant medical history who are buying PMI for the first time or are confident they have had no medical issues in the last 5 years.

A third, less common option is Full Medical Underwriting (FMU), where you complete a detailed health questionnaire. This is common for first-time buyers but less so for switchers unless they want to move from a Moratorium policy.

Why CPME is Usually the Best Choice for Switching

Imagine you developed knee pain three years ago. Your current insurer investigated, agreed it was an acute condition, and paid for your treatment. The condition is now covered.

  • If you switch on CPME terms, your new insurer also agrees to cover that knee, should the problem flare up again.
  • If you switch on a New Moratorium, the knee problem would be classed as a pre-existing condition from the last 5 years and would be excluded for the first 2 years of your new policy.

This is why working with an expert is so valuable. A good broker, like WeCovr, will assess your personal situation and recommend the underwriting method that protects your continuity of cover, ensuring there are no nasty surprises if you need to claim.

Enhancing Your Wellbeing: It's Not Just About a Hospital Bed

Modern private medical insurance is increasingly focused on keeping you healthy, not just treating you when you're ill. When comparing policies, look beyond the core hospital cover and explore the value-added wellness benefits.

Lifestyle and Wellness Perks to Look For:

  • Nutrition and Diet: Some insurers offer access to nutritionists or provide discounts on healthy food services. As part of our commitment to our clients' health, WeCovr provides complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you build and maintain healthy eating habits.
  • Fitness and Activity: Many top providers partner with major gym chains to offer discounted memberships. Others have programmes that reward you with cinema tickets or coffee for hitting activity goals tracked on a wearable device.
  • Mental Health Support: This has become a huge focus. Look for policies that offer access to counselling or CBT sessions without needing a GP referral, or provide access to mental wellness apps like Headspace or Calm.
  • Sleep and Recovery: Good sleep is foundational to health. Some insurers are now integrating sleep tracking and coaching into their wellness platforms, recognising its importance in preventing illness.
  • Travel: While not a replacement for travel insurance, some PMI policies offer cover for emergency medical treatment when you are abroad for short periods. Check the policy wording carefully for limits and geographical restrictions.

Taking advantage of these benefits can improve your overall health and, in some cases, even lead to lower renewal premiums in the future. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr can benefit from exclusive discounts on other types of insurance cover, providing even greater value.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Navigating the renewal and switching process can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

  1. Focusing Only on Price: The cheapest policy is rarely the best. A policy with a low headline price might have a very limited hospital list, a high excess, or poor outpatient cover. You could find yourself under-insured when you need it most.
  2. Misunderstanding Underwriting: As discussed, choosing the wrong underwriting method when switching can lead to a loss of cover for conditions you thought were protected. Always seek expert advice on this.
  3. Forgetting to Cancel Your Old Policy: If you decide to switch, you must inform your old insurer that you do not wish to renew. Don't assume it will cancel automatically. If you pay by direct debit, cancel it with your bank as well to be safe.
  4. Leaving it Too Late: Start the review process the moment your renewal notice arrives. This gives you plenty of time to get quotes and make a calm, informed decision without being rushed.
  5. Not Using a Broker: The UK private medical insurance market is complex, with dozens of policies from multiple providers. A specialist broker does the legwork for you, explains the differences in plain English, and helps you find the most suitable policy at a competitive price. Their high customer satisfaction ratings show that clients value this expertise. Best of all, their service is free to the consumer.

Will my pre-existing conditions be covered if I switch insurer?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover pre-existing conditions. However, if you switch using 'Continued Personal Medical Underwriting' (CPME), any conditions that were already covered by your previous insurer will continue to be covered by your new one. This is the safest way to switch if you have a medical history, as it preserves your continuity of cover. If you switch on 'New Moratorium' underwriting, any condition from the past 5 years will be excluded for a 2-year waiting period.

Can I negotiate a lower premium with my current insurer?

Yes, you can sometimes negotiate. The most effective way to do this is to have a cheaper like-for-like quote from a competitor. You can present this to your current insurer and ask if they can match or beat it. Some may offer a discount to retain you as a customer, while others may not. The only way to find out is to shop around first and then ask the question.

How much can I realistically save by switching my PMI policy?

Savings vary widely depending on your age, location, chosen cover, and current insurer, but it is not uncommon for consumers to save between 15% and 40% on their renewal premium by switching providers. For a family policy, this could easily amount to savings of over £500 per year. An independent broker can give you a precise comparison based on your circumstances.

Is it better to increase my excess or switch insurers to save money?

Increasing your excess is a quick way to lower your premium, but it means you'll pay more yourself if you need to make a claim. It is always best to first explore switching insurers on a like-for-like basis (including the same excess). You may find you can get a cheaper premium with a new provider without having to increase your out-of-pocket risk. If switching doesn't yield enough savings, you can then consider increasing the excess as a secondary cost-control measure.

Your Next Step to Better, Fairer Health Cover

Your annual renewal is an opportunity, not a chore. It's your chance to ensure you have the right protection for you and your family at the fairest possible price. By being proactive and exploring the market, you put yourself in control.

Ready to see if you could get better cover for a lower price? Let our experts do the hard work.

Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and discover the right private medical insurance for you.

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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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