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Calculate Health Insurance UK Guided Consultant vs Full Choice

Calculate Health Insurance UK Guided Consultant vs Full...

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. This guide will help you calculate potential savings by comparing guided consultant options against full choice policies and narrower hospital lists.

Estimate savings from guided options and narrower hospital lists

Choosing a private medical insurance (PMI) policy in the UK involves a crucial trade-off: choice versus cost. The more freedom you have to choose your specialist and hospital, the higher your premium will be. Conversely, accepting some limitations on your choice can lead to significant savings, often between 20% and 40%.

The two main levers you can pull to manage this balance are:

  1. Consultant Access: Deciding between a "Guided Consultant" list and "Full Choice" (or Open Referral).
  2. Hospital Network: Selecting a nationwide, local, or premium hospital list.

Understanding how these options work is the key to designing a policy that fits your budget without compromising on the quality of care you expect. This article will break down these choices, providing clear examples and tables to help you estimate your potential savings.

What Are Guided Consultant Options in PMI?

A "Guided Consultant" option, sometimes called a "Directed Care" or "Specialist Select" pathway, is a feature offered by most major UK insurers to help reduce the cost of your premium. Instead of you researching and choosing any specialist you like, the insurer provides a curated shortlist of approved consultants for your condition.

How a Guided Option Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process is straightforward and designed to be simple for the policyholder.

  1. GP Referral: You visit your NHS or a private GP who diagnoses your symptoms and provides an open referral letter for specialist treatment.
  2. Contact Your Insurer: You call your insurer's claims line with your referral details.
  3. Receive Your Shortlist: The insurer assesses your case and provides you with a list of 2 to 4 appropriate, fee-assured specialists in your area who have a strong track record for your specific condition.
  4. You Choose: You select the most convenient or preferred specialist from the list provided. The insurer then pre-authorises the treatment, and you can book your appointment.

The specialists on these lists are not randomly chosen. Insurers vet them based on clinical outcomes, professional standing, and their willingness to adhere to the insurer's fee guidelines, which helps control costs.

The Pros and Cons of Guided Consultant Lists

Like any policy feature, guided options come with clear advantages and potential drawbacks.

AspectPros (Advantages)Cons (Disadvantages)
CostSignificant Premium Savings: This is the primary benefit. By using consultants with pre-agreed rates, insurers pass savings of 20% or more on to you.N/A
ChoiceSimplified Process: Removes the "paradox of choice." You don't have to spend hours researching specialists; the insurer does the legwork for you.Limited Selection: Your preferred or recommended specialist might not be on the insurer's guided list.
QualityVetted Professionals: Insurers select consultants based on performance and quality metrics, providing an extra layer of reassurance.Potential for Inconvenience: The nearest specialist on the list might be further away than you would ideally like.
SpeedPotentially Faster Access: As the insurer has existing relationships, booking an appointment can sometimes be quicker.Possible Delays: In some rare cases, if the specialists on the list are very busy, it could lead to a slightly longer wait.

Which UK Insurers Offer Guided Options?

Most leading providers of private medical insurance in the UK offer a form of guided consultant list. Here are some of the main examples:

  • Aviva: Their "Expert Select" option is a classic guided model. They use their network of specialists to find the right one for you, helping to reduce your premium.
  • AXA Health: Their "Guided Option" works similarly. When you need treatment, you call them, and they'll find up to three suitable specialists for you to choose from.
  • Bupa: Bupa's "Guided Care" is a key part of their Bupa By You policy. It offers significant savings in return for using their open referral network.
  • Vitality: Vitality's "Consultant Select" offers a discount for agreeing to let them guide you to a specialist from their approved panel.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can compare these different guided options across the market to see which provider offers the best combination of price and access for your specific needs.

Understanding Full Choice (Open Referral) Policies

A "Full Choice" or "Open Referral" policy represents the traditional, premium approach to private health cover. It grants you the maximum level of freedom and control over your medical journey.

The Freedom of Full Choice

With a full choice policy, the process is driven by you and your GP.

  1. GP Recommendation: Your GP might recommend a specific specialist by name.
  2. Your Research: Alternatively, you can do your own research, ask for recommendations from friends or family, and find a consultant you feel comfortable with.
  3. Check with Your Insurer: As long as the specialist is recognised by your insurer and their fees are within the policy limits, you are free to choose them. The insurer simply needs to pre-authorise the consultation and any subsequent treatment.

This option is ideal for individuals who have a specific consultant in mind or who want complete autonomy over every aspect of their healthcare.

Pros and Cons of Full Choice

AspectPros (Advantages)Cons (Disadvantages)
ChoiceMaximum Flexibility: You can choose any recognised specialist in the UK, giving you ultimate control over your care.Significantly Higher Premiums: This freedom comes at a cost, making it the most expensive option.
Peace of MindAccess to Top Names: You can see a leading expert in a particular field, even if they are not on an insurer's guided list.Burden of Research: The responsibility falls on you to vet and choose a suitable consultant.
ContinuityStay with a Trusted Doctor: If you have previously seen a specialist you trust, you can continue your care with them.Potential for Fee Shortfalls: If your chosen consultant charges more than the insurer's approved rate, you may have to pay the difference.

How Hospital Lists Impact Your PMI Premiums

Alongside consultant choice, the hospital network you select is the other major factor that determines your premium. Insurers typically group hospitals into tiers based on their cost, which is heavily influenced by their location.

The Tiers of UK Hospital Lists

Most insurers use a three-tiered system, although the names may vary slightly.

  1. Local or Essential Lists:

    • What it is: A reduced list of private hospitals, often excluding those in major city centres, particularly central London. It might include some private wings of NHS hospitals and smaller independent providers.
    • Who it's for: People who live outside major urban areas and are happy to be treated at their local private facility.
    • Cost Impact: Lowest premium.
  2. National or Countrywide Lists:

    • What it is: A comprehensive network of several hundred private hospitals across the UK. This is the most common choice. It typically includes most private providers except for the most expensive, premier hospitals in central London.
    • Who it's for: Most people in the UK. It provides excellent coverage nationwide, so you're covered whether you're at home or away.
    • Cost Impact: Mid-range premium.
  3. Premium or London Upgrade Lists:

    • What it is: The all-inclusive list. It includes every hospital on the national list plus the most prestigious and expensive facilities in central London (e.g., The London Clinic, King Edward VII's Hospital, HCA hospitals at The Shard or London Bridge).
    • Who it's for: People who live or work in central London and want access to these specific hospitals, or those who want the absolute certainty of being able to be treated anywhere.
    • Cost Impact: Highest premium. Choosing this option can add 15-25% to your premium compared to a national list.

A Real-World Example: Choosing a Hospital List

Let's consider a hypothetical person: David, a 42-year-old non-smoker living in Bristol.

  • Scenario 1: Local List. David is happy with the Spire and Nuffield Health hospitals in Bristol. He chooses a local list. His premium is lowest.
  • Scenario 2: National List. David travels for work. He wants the flexibility to be treated in Manchester or Edinburgh if needed. He chooses the national list. His premium increases by about 10-15%.
  • Scenario 3: London Upgrade. David's company has an office in London, and he wants the option to be treated at a top Harley Street clinic. He adds the London upgrade. His premium increases by a further 15-20% on top of the national list price.

The "Six Week Wait" Option Explained

Another popular way to reduce your premium is to add a "six week wait" option.

  • How it works: If you need eligible in-patient or day-patient treatment, you first check the NHS waiting list for that procedure in your area.
  • If the NHS wait is less than six weeks: You use the NHS for your treatment.
  • If the NHS wait is more than six weeks: Your private medical insurance policy kicks in, and you can proceed with private treatment immediately.

This option can reduce your premium by 15-25% because you are agreeing to use the NHS when it can provide prompt care, reducing the risk for the insurer. It's a pragmatic compromise for many, offering the speed of private care precisely when the NHS is under the most pressure.

Calculating Your Potential Savings: A Practical Guide

To see how these choices interact, let's create a comparison table based on a hypothetical individual: a 45-year-old, non-smoking office worker living in Birmingham. These are illustrative estimates; your actual quote will depend on your personal circumstances.

Policy FeatureOption A: Full Choice & Premium CoverOption B: Guided Consultant & National ListOption C: Guided, National List & 6-Week Wait
Consultant AccessFull Choice (Open Referral)Guided Consultant ListGuided Consultant List
Hospital ListPremium List (including Central London)National List (excluding premium London)National List (excluding premium London)
6-Week Wait?NoNoYes
Estimated Monthly Premium£120£85£65
Estimated Annual Premium£1,440£1,020£780
Potential Annual Saving vs. AN/A£420 (approx. 29% saving)£660 (approx. 46% saving)
Key BenefitMaximum flexibility and choiceBalanced cost and comprehensive accessLowest cost for essential private access

This table clearly demonstrates that by making pragmatic choices—opting for a guided consultant list and a national hospital network—you can achieve substantial savings. Adding a six-week wait option reduces the cost even further, making private health cover much more accessible.

Why Use a Broker like WeCovr?

Calculating these trade-offs across multiple insurers can be time-consuming and confusing. This is where an independent PMI broker is invaluable. At WeCovr, our expert advisors provide a free, no-obligation service to:

  • Understand Your Needs: We listen to what's important to you—be it budget, access to a specific hospital, or speed of treatment.
  • Compare the Whole Market: We analyse policies from all leading UK providers to find the best fit.
  • Explain the Options: We demystify the jargon, explaining the pros and cons of guided lists, hospital networks, and excess levels in plain English.
  • Secure the Best Price: We ensure you get the most competitive premium for the level of cover you require.

Critical Information: What UK PMI Does and Doesn't Cover

It is vital to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK.

Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of new, acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repairs, and cancer treatment.

What Is NOT Covered by Standard PMI?

You must be aware of the standard exclusions that apply to almost all PMI policies:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition you had symptoms of, received advice for, or were treated for before your policy started. Insurers manage this through two types of underwriting:
    • Moratorium: The insurer automatically excludes conditions from the past five years. If you remain symptom-free and treatment-free for that condition for two continuous years after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer then states precisely what is and isn't covered from the outset.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes conditions like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. PMI may cover an acute flare-up of a chronic condition, but not the day-to-day management.
  • Emergency Services: A&E visits and ambulance transport remain the responsibility of the NHS.
  • Other Standard Exclusions: Routine pregnancy and childbirth, cosmetic surgery (unless reconstructive), organ transplants, professional sports injuries, and treatment for addiction.

Beyond Cost: Additional Benefits and Wellness Programmes

Modern private medical insurance UK providers offer more than just treatment for illness. Many policies now include a suite of wellness benefits designed to keep you healthy.

Digital GP and Mental Health Support

Nearly all major PMI policies now include:

  • 24/7 Digital GP: The ability to book a video or phone consultation with a GP, often within hours. This is incredibly convenient and helps you get advice quickly without leaving your home.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to telephone counselling lines or a set number of face-to-face therapy sessions for conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression.

Rewards for Healthy Living

Some insurers, most notably Vitality, have built their entire model around rewarding healthy behaviour. Policyholders can earn points for tracking their activity, buying healthy food, and getting health checks. These points translate into real-world rewards like free cinema tickets, discounted gym memberships, and even lower premiums at renewal.

WeCovr's Exclusive Perks

As a WeCovr client, you get access to additional benefits at no extra cost.

  • Complimentary CalorieHero App: All our health and life insurance clients receive free access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help support their health goals.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: When you take out a PMI policy with us, you can get discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as life insurance or income protection, helping you build a comprehensive financial safety net for less.

Our commitment to customer value is reflected in our high satisfaction ratings on independent review platforms.

Is a guided consultant option always cheaper than full choice?

Yes, in almost all cases. A policy with a guided consultant option will have a lower premium than an equivalent policy with full choice (open referral). This is because insurers negotiate preferential rates with the specialists on their guided lists, and they pass these cost savings directly on to you. The saving is typically in the range of 20-30%.

Can I change my hospital list or consultant option during my policy year?

Generally, you can only make changes to your core policy options, such as your hospital list or consultant access type, at your annual renewal. You cannot usually switch from a guided option to full choice, or add the London hospital list, midway through your policy year. This is why it's so important to get the right advice and choose the correct level of cover from the start.

Do I have to declare my pre-existing medical conditions when applying for PMI?

Yes, you absolutely must be honest about your medical history. Failing to declare pre-existing conditions can invalidate your policy. You will either apply on a "Moratorium" basis, where conditions from the last 5 years are automatically excluded for a 2-year waiting period, or on a "Full Medical Underwriting" basis, where you provide your full history for the insurer to make a specific decision on what is covered.

How does a PMI broker like WeCovr get paid?

A private medical insurance broker like WeCovr provides advice and arranges your policy at no cost to you. Our service is completely free for our clients. We are paid a commission by the insurance provider you choose to go with. This model allows us to offer impartial, expert advice focused on finding the best policy for your needs and budget, not on selling a particular product.

Navigating the choices between guided consultants, hospital lists, and other policy features can be daunting. The right decision can save you hundreds of pounds a year while still providing excellent private health cover.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our friendly, expert advisors will compare the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect policy 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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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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