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Best UK PMI Providers Compared AXA vs Bupa vs Aviva

Best UK PMI Providers Compared AXA vs Bupa vs Aviva 2025

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This independent guide dives deep into the 'big three'—AXA, Bupa, and Aviva—to help you make an informed choice for your health.

Independent comparison of the UK's top PMI insurers

Choosing the right private medical insurance (PMI) can feel like a daunting task. With the UK market dominated by three titans—AXA Health, Bupa, and Aviva—it's easy to get lost in the jargon, policy details, and optional extras. This guide is designed to cut through the noise.

We will provide a clear, independent, and exhaustive comparison of these leading providers. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to understand what each insurer offers, how they differ, and ultimately, which one might be the best fit for your personal circumstances and budget.

With NHS waiting lists for consultant-led elective care in England standing at around 7.54 million treatments (as of NHS England data from early 2024), more people than ever are considering private health cover for peace of mind and faster access to treatment. Let's explore your options.

Understanding Private Medical Insurance (PMI): The Basics

Before we compare the providers, it's vital to grasp what private medical insurance is and, just as importantly, what it isn't.

In simple terms, PMI is an insurance policy that covers the cost of private healthcare for specific medical conditions. Its primary purpose is to help you bypass NHS waiting lists and receive eligible treatment more quickly, often in a private hospital with your choice of specialist.

The Golden Rule of UK PMI: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand:

Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. It does NOT cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions.

  • Acute Condition: 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 hernia repair.
  • Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management, with no known cure. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. PMI will not cover the routine management of these conditions.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, disease, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before your policy start date.

A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these definitions and understand how they apply to your personal medical history.

Key PMI Terms Explained

  • Underwriting: This is how an insurer assesses your health risk.
    • Moratorium (Most Common): You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms of or treatment for in the last five years. These exclusions can be lifted if you remain treatment-free and symptom-free for that condition for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then decides what to cover and what to exclude permanently based on your history. This provides certainty from day one but may result in more permanent exclusions.
  • Excess: The amount you agree to pay towards a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your eligible treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250, and the insurer pays the remaining £2,750. A higher excess typically means a lower monthly premium.
  • Hospital List: Insurers have lists of eligible private hospitals. A basic list might include local hospitals, while a comprehensive list will include major city and London hospitals. The more extensive the list, the higher the premium.
  • Outpatient Cover: This covers costs incurred before a hospital admission, such as specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans. Policies offer different levels, from no outpatient cover (relying on the NHS for diagnosis) to a full refund.

Meet the Contenders: AXA, Bupa, and Aviva at a Glance

AXA, Bupa, and Aviva collectively hold a significant portion of the UK's private health cover market. While all are reputable, established names, they have different histories, strengths, and approaches.

FeatureAXA HealthBupaAviva
UK OriginsFormed from the acquisition of Guardian Royal Exchange (GRE) in 1998.Founded in 1947 with the aim of "preventing, relieving and curing sickness".Roots trace back to 1696 (Hand in Hand Fire & Life). Health insurance arm is more recent.
OwnershipPart of the global AXA Group, a French multinational insurance firm.A private company limited by guarantee, with no shareholders. Profits are reinvested.A UK public limited company (PLC) and major composite insurer.
Market PositionA leading innovator with a focus on flexible policies and digital health tools.The UK's best-known health insurance brand, with an extensive network, including their own facilities.A major player known for strong value, comprehensive standard benefits, and a wide-reaching brand.
Key StrengthFlexibility & Digital Integration: Highly customisable policies and excellent digital GP services.Network & Brand: Unrivalled brand recognition and a vast, directly managed healthcare network.Value & Comprehensive Cover: Often provides extensive cancer and mental health cover as standard.

Deep Dive: Core Policy Features Compared

Here, we break down the most critical components of a PMI policy and see how the big three stack up.

1. Cancer Cover

For many, cancer cover is the number one reason to buy PMI. All three providers offer excellent, award-winning cancer care, but there are subtle differences in their approach.

FeatureAXA HealthBupaAviva
Standard CoverComprehensive Cancer Cover: Included as a core benefit. Covers surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and consultations.Full Cancer Cover: Included as a core benefit. No time or financial limits for eligible treatment when on the full cancer cover option.Expert Select 'Core' & 'Full' Cancer Cover: Extensive cover included as standard. Covers diagnostics, surgery, and treatments.
Advanced TreatmentsCovers licensed cancer drugs and treatments. Access to some new or experimental drugs may be subject to approval.Strong cover for licensed drugs. Often provides access to breakthrough drugs and treatments, sometimes before they are routinely available on the NHS.Strong cover for licensed drugs. Also covers some treatments even if the primary cancer is not curable (palliative care).
Unique FeaturesContinued Cover Option: Can choose to use the NHS for some parts of treatment if you wish. Support from dedicated cancer nurses.Access to Bupa's own specialist cancer centres and partnerships. Direct access to treatment without needing to see a GP first for certain symptoms.Cancer Care with Get Active: Access to fitness and wellbeing support during and after treatment.

Verdict: All three offer exceptional cancer cover that far exceeds what is available through standard healthcare. Bupa's direct access pathways and Aviva's focus on holistic wellbeing are standout features. AXA provides great flexibility. Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference and the specifics of their policy wording at the time of purchase.

2. Hospital Access & Lists

Your choice of hospital list has a direct impact on your premium and where you can be treated.

  • AXA Health: Offers a tiered list, typically called 'Directory of Hospitals'. You can choose a local list to save money or a national list, including London options, for more choice. Their Guided Option, 'Expert-to-see', directs you to a specialist from a pre-approved list in return for a lower premium.
  • Bupa: Has an extensive network of 'Partner' hospitals. Their lists are often structured as 'Essential Access' (cost-effective), 'Extended Choice' (more options), and 'Extended Choice with Central London' (most comprehensive). Bupa also owns and operates the Cromwell Hospital in London, a leading private facility.
  • Aviva: Uses the 'Expert Select' hospital list. This is a curated list of quality private hospitals across the UK. They also offer a 'Hospital Options' benefit, where you can reduce your premium by agreeing to use an NHS hospital for treatment if it's available within 6 weeks. This is commonly known as the 'six-week option'.

Key Takeaway: If you live outside a major city, check which provider has the best network of hospitals near you. If you want the absolute cheapest premium, a guided or six-week option can be a great way to save money.

3. Outpatient Cover

This determines whether you're covered for the diagnostic stage of your treatment.

ProviderStandard Outpatient CoverUpgrade Options
AXA HealthOften sold with a limit (e.g., £500, £1,000) or full cover. Some policies start with no cover as standard.Can upgrade to full outpatient cover. May include limits on therapies.
BupaSimilar to AXA, you choose your level. Limits can be set for consultations and diagnostics separately, offering flexibility.Can increase limits or opt for full cover.
AvivaCore policies often include a good level of diagnostics as standard, but consultations might be limited.Can upgrade to full cover for diagnostics, consultations, and therapies.

Example: Imagine you have knee pain.

  • With full outpatient cover, your policy would pay for the GP referral to a specialist, the specialist consultation, an MRI scan, and any follow-up consultations.
  • With a £500 outpatient limit, your policy would cover these costs up to £500. You'd pay the rest yourself.
  • With no outpatient cover, you would use the NHS for the consultations and MRI scan. Once diagnosed and recommended for surgery (inpatient treatment), your PMI policy would kick in.

4. Mental Health Support

Awareness of mental health has grown, and insurers have responded with much-improved support.

ProviderStandard Mental Health SupportEnhanced Options
AXA HealthStrong focus on mental health. Access to the Stronger Minds programme (fast access to therapists/psychiatrists) often included.Can add full psychiatric cover, which includes inpatient and outpatient treatment for mental health conditions.
BupaIncludes mental health cover as standard, covering both talking therapies and more complex conditions.Options to extend cover for more extensive psychiatric treatment. Direct access to mental health support without a GP referral.
AvivaThe Aviva DigiCare+ app (more below) includes extensive mental health support as standard. Their main policy also includes good mental health pathways.Full mental health cover can be added, covering a wide range of conditions and treatments.

Verdict: All three have made significant strides. Aviva's digital support is excellent and included as standard. AXA's Stronger Minds is a fantastic triage-style service. Bupa's direct access is a major benefit for those who need help quickly.

Beyond the Core: Added-Value Benefits & Wellness Programmes

This is a key battleground for insurers, as they bundle in 'free' benefits to attract and retain customers. These can be genuinely valuable.

ProviderKey Wellness ProgrammeWhat It Includes
AXA HealthAXA Doctor at Hand & ActivePlusA 24/7 online GP service provided by Doctor Care Anywhere. ActivePlus provides access to discounted gym memberships, fitness gear, and online health coaching.
BupaDigital GP & Anytime HealthLineA 24/7 virtual GP service. The HealthLine is staffed by nurses for general medical advice. Bupa Touch app helps manage policies and find specialists.
AvivaAviva DigiCare+A superb, comprehensive app. Includes a digital GP, annual health check, mental health support, nutritional advice, and second medical opinions. Often included as standard.

Our View: Aviva's DigiCare+ is arguably the most comprehensive and valuable wellness app included as standard with a PMI policy in the UK today. However, AXA's Doctor at Hand is also a top-tier service. These benefits add real, day-to-day value beyond just covering major medical events.

How Much Does PMI Cost? A Look at Pricing

It's impossible to give exact prices without a personalised quote, as premiums are based on several factors:

  1. Age: The single biggest factor. Premiums rise as you get older.
  2. Location: Costs are higher in London and the South East due to higher hospital charges.
  3. Level of Cover: Full outpatient cover, a top-tier hospital list, and no excess will be the most expensive.
  4. Excess: Choosing an excess of £250, £500, or even £1,000 can significantly reduce your premium.
  5. Lifestyle: Smokers will pay more than non-smokers.

To give you a rough idea, here is an illustrative example for a healthy, non-smoking 40-year-old living in Manchester, looking for a mid-range policy with a £250 excess.

  • Policy Type: Mid-tier cover, including some outpatient diagnostics and a national (excl. London) hospital list.
  • Estimated Monthly Premium: £65 - £95

Important: This is purely an estimate. The only way to get an accurate price is to get a tailored quote. A broker like WeCovr can compare the market in minutes to find the best price for your chosen level of cover.

Why Use a PMI Broker Like WeCovr?

While you can go directly to AXA, Bupa, or Aviva, using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr offers several distinct advantages, at no extra cost to you.

  1. Independent Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our job is to represent your best interests and find the policy that truly fits your needs from across the market.
  2. Market Comparison: We do the hard work for you, comparing policies, features, and prices from all the leading providers, not just the big three.
  3. Expert Guidance: We understand the complex jargon and small print. We can explain the difference between moratorium and FMU underwriting and advise which is best for you.
  4. No Extra Cost: We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so our expert service is free for you to use. The premium is the same as going direct.
  5. Exclusive Benefits: As a WeCovr client, you get more. All our PMI and Life Insurance customers receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you stay on top of your health goals. You may also be eligible for discounts on other insurance products when you take out a policy with us.

Making Your Final Decision: Who is Best For You?

There is no single "best" UK PMI provider—only the one that is best for you. Based on our extensive research and experience, here is a general guide:

  • Choose AXA Health if... you value flexibility and modern digital tools. Their customisable policies and 'Guided Option' are great for tailoring cover to a specific budget. Their Doctor at Hand service is a market leader.
  • Choose Bupa if... you want the reassurance of the UK's most recognised healthcare brand and access to a vast, well-managed network of hospitals and facilities. Their direct access pathways for cancer and mental health are a huge plus.
  • Choose Aviva if... you are looking for excellent value and comprehensive benefits included as standard. Their cancer cover is robust, and the Aviva DigiCare+ app provides an outstanding package of everyday health and wellbeing support.

The best first step is to speak to an expert. An independent broker can quickly assess your needs, compare the latest offerings from these providers, and present you with clear, personalised options.

Can I get private health insurance with a pre-existing condition?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. All policies will exclude pre-existing conditions, either for a set period (with moratorium underwriting) or permanently (with full medical underwriting). You must be transparent about your medical history.

What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting?

Moratorium underwriting is the most common type. It automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last five years without you needing to declare it. This exclusion can be lifted if you go two continuous years on the policy without symptoms or treatment for that condition. Full medical underwriting (FMU) requires you to complete a health questionnaire, and the insurer then lists specific, permanent exclusions on your policy. FMU provides more certainty but can be more restrictive.

How does a 'six-week option' reduce my PMI premium?

The six-week option is a popular way to lower your premium. If you add this to your policy, it means that for any inpatient treatment you need, if the NHS waiting list for that treatment is less than six weeks, you will use the NHS. If the waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private medical insurance policy will kick in and cover the cost of private treatment. It's a compromise that balances cost against the risk of shorter NHS waits.

Is it cheaper to get PMI through a broker like WeCovr?

Using a broker like WeCovr does not cost you any more than going directly to the insurer; the premium is the same. The benefit is that a broker works for you, not the insurance company. We provide independent advice, compare the entire market to find you the best value, and handle the application process, saving you time and ensuring you get the right cover for your needs, all at no extra cost.

Ready to find the right private medical insurance for your needs and budget? The experts at WeCovr are here to help. Get your free, no-obligation quote today and compare the UK's leading providers in minutes.


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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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