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Can Couples Hold Separate Private Health Insurance Policies UK

Can Couples Hold Separate Private Health Insurance Policies...

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped UK customers find over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the nuances of private medical insurance. For couples, deciding between a joint or separate policy is a common question. The simple answer is yes, you can absolutely hold separate policies, and this article explores why.

Why some couples choose separate PMI and others combine cover

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) can feel complex, and when you’re making decisions as a couple, there’s an extra layer to consider. Should you merge your health cover into one neat package, or is it smarter to keep things separate?

There's no single "right" answer. The best choice depends entirely on your unique circumstances: your ages, individual health needs, employment benefits, and budget.

Some couples are drawn to the simplicity and potential savings of a joint policy. It offers one premium, one renewal date, and less administrative hassle. For others, particularly those with different health priorities or a significant age gap, maintaining two separate policies provides invaluable flexibility and can often be more cost-effective.

This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of each approach, helping you make an informed decision that secures the best possible health outcomes for you both.

A Critical Note on Private Health Insurance in the UK

Before we dive in, it is essential to understand a fundamental principle of the UK private health insurance market. Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses or injuries that are short-term and likely to respond quickly to treatment. They do not cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before taking out the policy) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure that require ongoing management).

Understanding Joint vs. Separate Health Insurance Policies

Let's start by defining the two main options available to couples.

What is a Joint Private Health Insurance Policy?

A joint or "couples" policy is a single private medical insurance plan that covers two people living at the same address.

  • One Policy: You both fall under one policy number and one set of documents.
  • One Premium: You make a single monthly or annual payment to the insurer.
  • One Renewal: The policy renews for both of you at the same time each year.
  • Shared Benefits: Typically, you both share the same level of cover, including the hospital list, outpatient limits, and excess.

Think of it like a joint bank account – everything is managed together in one place. Most UK insurers offer a small discount, often around 5%, for adding a second person to a policy, which is a primary attraction of this option.

What are Separate Private Health Insurance Policies?

This approach is exactly as it sounds: you and your partner each take out an individual private health insurance policy.

  • Two Policies: Each of you is the primary holder of your own policy.
  • Two Premiums: You each have a separate payment schedule and premium amount.
  • Personalised Cover: Each policy can be tailored to the individual's specific needs and budget.
  • Independent Underwriting: Your medical history only affects your own policy and premium.

This is like having separate bank accounts. You each have full control and independence over your own cover, even if you choose the same insurance provider.

The Case for a Joint Policy: Simplicity and Savings

For many couples, combining their health insurance into a single plan is the most logical and straightforward choice. Here’s why it might be the right path for you.

Potential Cost Savings

The most significant draw of a joint policy is the multi-person discount. While it varies between insurers, a 5% discount is a common incentive for combining cover.

Let's look at a simple example:

Policy TypePartner A (Age 30) - Monthly PremiumPartner B (Age 32) - Monthly PremiumTotal Monthly Cost
Separate Policies£45£48£93
Joint Policy(Combined Premium of £93)-5% Discount£88.35

In this scenario, the couple saves £55.80 over the year. While not a huge sum, it's a tangible benefit for simply combining paperwork. For couples with similar profiles, these savings make a joint policy an attractive option.

Administrative Simplicity

Life is busy enough without juggling multiple insurance documents and renewal dates. A joint policy streamlines everything:

  • One Payment: A single direct debit makes budgeting easier.
  • Unified Renewal: You review and renew your cover once a year for both of you.
  • Single Point of Contact: Whether making a claim or asking a question, you're dealing with one policy number.
  • Less Paperwork: You receive one set of policy documents, not two.

When a Joint Policy Makes Most Sense

A joint policy is often the ideal solution for couples who are:

  • Similar in Age and Health: If you're both in your 20s or 30s with no major health concerns, your risk profiles are similar, meaning a joint premium will be fair to both.
  • Wanting the Same Level of Cover: If you agree on wanting a comprehensive plan with mental health support and full outpatient cover, a joint policy works perfectly.
  • Prioritising Convenience: If you value ease of management over granular customisation, the simplicity of a joint plan is hard to beat.

The Case for Separate Policies: Flexibility and Personalisation

While joint policies offer simplicity, they can be a blunt instrument. Separate policies provide the flexibility to craft cover that truly fits each individual, which can lead to significant long-term benefits and even greater cost savings in certain situations.

Tailoring Cover to Individual Needs

You and your partner are individuals with different lifestyles and health priorities. Separate policies allow your health cover to reflect that.

  • Example: Imagine Emma is a dedicated marathon runner who wants a policy with extensive physiotherapy and osteopathy cover. Her partner, Liam, works from home, is less active, and is happy with a more basic plan that just covers core diagnostics and treatment.
Policy OptionEmma's NeedsLiam's NeedsOutcome
Joint PolicyComprehensive coverComprehensive coverLiam pays for benefits he doesn't need.
Separate PoliciesComprehensive cover (£70/month)Basic cover (£40/month)Total cost is £110/month, but perfectly tailored.

With separate policies, Emma gets the high-level therapies cover she values, while Liam saves money with a plan that suits his needs. A joint comprehensive policy might have cost them £130/month, making the separate approach both more effective and cheaper.

Managing Different Health Profiles and Ages

This is one of the most compelling reasons to choose separate policies. Private health insurance premiums are heavily influenced by age and, to some extent, medical history.

The Age Gap Factor

Insurers see age as a primary risk factor. An older individual is statistically more likely to claim than a younger one. On a joint policy, the premium is often weighted heavily towards the older person.

  • Scenario: Consider a couple, Susan (58) and Mark (43).
    • An individual policy for Mark might be £70/month.
    • An individual policy for Susan might be £120/month.
    • A joint policy would likely be priced around £180/month (after a small discount).

By holding separate policies, Mark avoids subsidising Susan's age-related premium. The total cost is the same or very similar, but it feels psychologically fairer and gives each partner autonomy over their own cost.

Leveraging Workplace Health Insurance Schemes

This is an extremely common scenario in the UK. Many people have access to excellent private medical insurance through their employer.

  • The Problem: While adding a partner to a company scheme is often possible, it can be surprisingly expensive. Furthermore, the cost of adding a partner is almost always treated as a 'benefit in kind' by HMRC, meaning the employee will pay income tax on the value of that benefit.

Let's look at an example:

  • Aisha has PMI through her law firm. The company pays for her cover.
  • To add her partner, Ben, would cost £85 per month.
  • This £85/month (£1,020/year) is a taxable benefit. If Aisha is a higher-rate taxpayer (40%), she'll pay an extra £408 a year in tax just for this benefit. The effective cost becomes much higher.

In this situation, Ben should speak to an expert broker like WeCovr. It's highly likely he could find a standalone individual policy for £50-£60 per month with no associated tax implications. This would be a clear financial win.

Maintaining Policy Continuity After a Break-up

It’s an uncomfortable thought, but a practical one. If a relationship ends, untangling a joint health insurance policy can be messy.

  • With a Joint Policy: You would need to decide who keeps the policy, or cancel it and each take out new ones. This means going through underwriting again, and any conditions that developed during the time you were covered by the joint policy would now be considered pre-existing by a new insurer.
  • With Separate Policies: If you separate, nothing changes. You each keep your own policy, with your cover and underwriting history intact. This continuity is a significant, often overlooked, benefit.

Key Factors to Consider When Making Your Decision

To help you decide, sit down as a couple and work through these key factors. An independent PMI broker can provide quotes for all scenarios to make the comparison crystal clear.

1. Your Ages and Medical Histories

  • Small age gap (e.g., under 5 years)? A joint policy could be simpler and slightly cheaper.
  • Large age gap (e.g., 10+ years)? Get quotes for separate policies. It will likely be more cost-effective and fairer.
  • One partner with a more complex medical history? Even if conditions aren't pre-existing, factors that affect risk (like smoking or high BMI) can inflate a joint premium. Separate policies isolate this risk.

2. Desired Level of Cover

Do you both want the same things from your insurance? Use this table to discuss your priorities.

Level of CoverTypically IncludesBest For
Basic (Entry-Level)In-patient & day-patient treatment, limited cancer cover.Healthy individuals wanting a safety net for major issues.
Mid-RangeAs above, plus some outpatient diagnostics (scans, tests).A good balance of cover and cost. The most popular choice.
ComprehensiveAs above, plus full outpatient cover, therapies, mental health support.Those wanting maximum peace of mind and access to a full range of treatments.

If one of you wants a Basic plan and the other wants a Comprehensive one, separate policies are the only way to achieve this.

3. Your Budget

Be realistic about what you can comfortably afford each month.

  • A joint policy offers a predictable, single cost.
  • Separate policies offer more flexibility to adjust cover levels to meet a specific total budget. For example, if your total budget is £120/month, you could split this into a £70 comprehensive policy for one partner and a £50 mid-range policy for the other.

4. Employment Benefits

This is non-negotiable. If either of you has access to a company PMI scheme:

  1. Find out the exact cost to add a partner.
  2. Ask your HR department how this is treated for tax purposes (it's almost always a benefit in kind).
  3. Contact a broker like WeCovr to get a quote for a standalone policy for the uninsured partner.
  4. Compare the true costs. In a majority of cases, a separate policy is better value.

How Underwriting Affects Your Choice

Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to assess your risk and decide on the terms of your policy. The type of underwriting can influence whether a joint or separate policy is better.

Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting

This is the most common type for individual policies.

  • How it works: You don't complete a full medical questionnaire. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes treatment for any medical conditions you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before your policy started.
  • The "2-Year Rule": This exclusion may be lifted if you go for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts without needing any treatment, symptoms, or advice for that condition.
  • Impact: It's quick and simple. On a joint policy, the moratorium rules apply to each person individually based on their own medical history.

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

This is more detailed.

  • How it works: You complete a full health questionnaire, disclosing your medical history. The insurer may also ask for access to your medical records.
  • The Outcome: The insurer provides a definitive decision from day one about what is and isn't covered. They may apply specific exclusions (e.g., "no cover for issues related to the left knee") or increase the premium.
  • Impact: It gives you complete clarity from the start. On a joint FMU policy, one partner's disclosures could lead to exclusions or a premium hike that affects the entire policy. With separate policies, any exclusions are confined to the individual.

Enhancing Your Wellbeing: Beyond Core PMI Cover

Modern private health insurance is evolving. It's no longer just about treatment when you're ill; it's about helping you stay healthy. When comparing policies, look beyond the core cover and explore the value-added benefits.

These perks are often included as standard and can significantly enhance the value of your policy:

  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call, often with the ability to get prescriptions delivered.
  • Mental Health Support: Many policies now include access to telephone counselling or a set number of therapy sessions without needing a GP referral.
  • Fitness and Wellness Rewards: Insurers like Vitality are famous for rewarding healthy behaviour with things like cinema tickets, coffee, and discounts on gym memberships and smartwatches.
  • Nutritional Advice: Some plans offer consultations with nutritionists to help you improve your diet.

At WeCovr, we enhance this further. All our health and life insurance clients receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you take proactive control of your diet. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI often receive discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection cover, creating a holistic and cost-effective protection plan.

How a PMI Broker Can Help You Decide

Making this decision can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. An independent private medical insurance broker acts as your expert guide.

The role of a broker like WeCovr is to:

  1. Listen to Your Needs: We take the time to understand the priorities of both you and your partner.
  2. Scan the Market: We use our expertise and technology to compare policies from a wide range of leading UK insurers.
  3. Provide Clear Comparisons: We'll present you with quotes for both joint and separate policies, breaking down the costs, benefits, and drawbacks of each option in plain English.
  4. Offer Impartial Advice: As we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), our advice must be in your best interest. Our service is provided at no cost to you; we are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.

Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right solution, not just the easy one. We can quickly model all the scenarios discussed in this article, giving you the concrete data needed to make the best choice for your partnership.

Can we switch from two separate policies to a joint one later?

Yes, you can. At the renewal date for one of the policies, you can ask your broker or insurer to merge them into a single joint plan. The insurer will provide a new quote for the joint policy. However, be aware that this will create a new policy, and underwriting rules will apply. It's best to seek advice to ensure no continuity is lost.

What happens to our joint health insurance policy if we separate?

If you have a joint policy and your relationship ends, you will need to contact the insurer. Typically, one person can take over the policy as an individual, and the other person will need to take out a new policy. This can be problematic as the person taking out a new policy will have to go through underwriting again, and any conditions that arose during the joint policy's term may now be excluded as pre-existing. This is a key reason some couples opt for separate policies from the start.

Is it cheaper to add my partner to my work policy or get them a separate one?

In most cases, it is cheaper and more tax-efficient for your partner to get their own separate policy. Adding a partner to a company scheme is often expensive, and the cost is usually treated as a taxable benefit-in-kind by HMRC, increasing your income tax bill. A broker can provide a quote for a standalone policy to compare against the true cost of adding them to your work scheme.

Do we both need to have the same excess on a joint private medical insurance policy?

Generally, yes. On a joint policy, the core terms like the excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) and outpatient limits apply to the policy as a whole. While some insurers might offer minor flexibility, if you want significantly different excesses (e.g., one person wants a £0 excess and the other is happy with a £500 excess to lower their premium), you would need to take out separate policies.

Does private medical insurance UK cover pre-existing or chronic conditions?

No. This is the most important exclusion to understand. Standard UK private health insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise *after* you take out the policy. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (those you had before joining) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma) that require ongoing management rather than a curative treatment. The NHS continues to provide care for these conditions.

Find the Right Path for Your Partnership

The decision between joint and separate private health insurance is a personal one, with no one-size-fits-all answer. By considering your individual needs, ages, budget, and employment benefits, you can find the structure that offers the best protection and value for you both.

The easiest way to get clarity is to see the numbers side-by-side.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation comparison quote. Our expert advisors will help you navigate the options and build the perfect health insurance solution for your future.

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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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