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Can You Add Children to Existing PMI Policies How It Works

Can You Add Children to Existing PMI Policies How It Works

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that your family's health is your top priority. This guide explores adding children to your private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK, clarifying the process, costs, and crucial details to ensure your peace of mind.

Coverage limits, waiting periods, and best practices for adding dependents

Adding a child to your existing Private Medical Insurance (PMI) policy is a common and straightforward process, but it involves important considerations. From understanding what is and isn't covered to navigating underwriting and waiting periods, making an informed decision is key.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of adding dependents to your UK health cover. We'll explore the tangible benefits, the step-by-step process, how costs are calculated, and best practices to ensure you secure the right protection for your little ones.

Why Add Your Child to a Private Medical Insurance Policy?

While the National Health Service (NHS) provides excellent care for children, the system is under significant pressure. Parents often turn to private medical insurance for three main reasons: speed, choice, and peace of mind.

  • Faster Access to Specialists: The primary driver for many parents is avoiding long waiting lists for specialist consultations and treatments. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care stood at over 14 weeks in mid-2024, and waits for specific paediatric services can sometimes be longer. PMI can reduce this wait to a matter of days or weeks.
  • Choice and Comfort: Private healthcare offers greater control over your child's care. This includes:
    • Choosing the specialist or consultant.
    • Selecting the hospital.
    • Access to a private room, often with a bed for a parent to stay overnight, which can significantly reduce stress during a difficult time.
  • Access to Advanced Treatments: Some policies provide access to newer drugs or treatments that may not yet be available on the NHS due to funding decisions.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan B in place provides invaluable reassurance. If your child develops an acute condition, you have the option to bypass potential delays and get them the help they need, when they need it.

It's crucial to remember that PMI is designed to work alongside the NHS, not replace it. It does not cover accidents and emergencies, which are always handled by NHS A&E departments.

How to Add a Child to Your Existing PMI Policy: The Process

Adding a child, whether a newborn or an older dependent, is usually a simple administrative task. Here’s a typical step-by-step breakdown:

  1. Contact Your Provider or Broker: The first step is to inform your insurance provider that you wish to add a dependent. If you arranged your policy through an expert broker like WeCovr, we can handle this entire process for you, ensuring all paperwork is correct and you understand the terms.

  2. Provide Your Child's Details: You will need to provide your child's full name and date of birth.

  3. Choose the Underwriting Method: The insurer will need to assess the risk of covering your child. You will typically be offered one of two main underwriting options for your child, which we explain in detail in the next section. This is the most critical part of the process.

  4. Receive Your New Quote and Documents: The insurer will calculate the additional premium for adding your child. They will issue revised policy documents that list your child as a covered member and outline any specific terms or exclusions that apply to them.

  5. Review and Confirm: Carefully review the new terms and premium. Once you are happy, you confirm you want to proceed, and your child will be covered from the agreed-upon start date.

You can usually add a child at any point during your policy year (a "mid-term adjustment") or at your annual renewal. However, for newborns, it's vital to act quickly.

The "Newborn Rule": A Key Benefit

Most UK insurers have a "newborn rule" or "newborn clause." This allows you to add your baby to your policy without any medical underwriting, provided you do so within a specific timeframe after their birth (usually 30 to 120 days).

This means any conditions the baby may have been born with or developed in those first few weeks are not classed as pre-existing. It is arguably the single most important reason to add a newborn to a policy as soon as possible.

Understanding Underwriting for Children

Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to evaluate risk and decide whether to offer cover, on what terms, and at what price. When adding a child (outside the newborn rule), you’ll face two main options.

A Critical Point: PMI Covers Acute Conditions Only

Before exploring underwriting, it's essential to understand a fundamental principle of all standard UK private medical insurance. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.

PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions.

  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, injury, or symptom you (or your child) had before the policy started.
  • Chronic Condition: An illness that is long-lasting, has no known cure, and needs ongoing management, such as asthma, diabetes, or eczema.

1. Moratorium (MOR) Underwriting

This is the most common type of underwriting in the UK.

  • How it works: You do not have to disclose your child's medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a blanket exclusion for any pre-existing conditions they have had in the five years before the policy start date.
  • The "2-year rule": This exclusion can be lifted for a specific condition if, after the policy starts, the child goes for a continuous two-year period without experiencing symptoms, needing treatment, medication, or advice for it.
  • Pros: Quick and easy to set up.
  • Cons: There can be uncertainty about what is covered. A claim might be delayed or denied while the insurer investigates if the condition is pre-existing.

Example: Your 8-year-old daughter had an ear infection 18 months before you added her to your policy. If she gets another ear infection in the first year of cover, the insurer will likely not cover it as it's considered pre-existing. However, if she remains free of ear-related issues for two full years on the policy, future ear infections would then be covered.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

  • How it works: You complete a detailed medical questionnaire about your child's health history. You must declare everything, from minor illnesses to specialist visits. The insurer's underwriting team then reviews this information.
  • The outcome: The insurer will offer cover with specific, named exclusions written into the policy from day one. For example, they might state, "Cover is offered, but with an exclusion for treatment related to tonsillitis."
  • Pros: You have complete certainty from the start about what is and is not covered. There are no surprises at the point of a claim.
  • Cons: The application process is longer. Conditions that are declared will likely be permanently excluded.

An expert PMI broker can help you decide which underwriting route is best for your family's circumstances.

Underwriting TypeHow It WorksBest For
Moratorium (MOR)No upfront medical questions. Automatically excludes conditions from the past 5 years. Cover may be gained after a 2-year trouble-free period.Families who want a quick and simple setup and where children have a clean bill of health.
Full Medical (FMU)You complete a full health questionnaire. The insurer lists any specific exclusions from the start.Families who want absolute clarity on what's covered from day one, especially if a child has a minor past medical history.

What Does Private Health Insurance Typically Cover for Children?

While policies vary, most standard PMI plans for children offer a core set of benefits. Optional extras can be added to create a more comprehensive plan.

Typical Core Coverage:

  • In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: Covers costs when your child is admitted to hospital for treatment, including surgery, hospital accommodation, and nursing care.
  • Specialist Consultations: Access to paediatricians and other specialists.
  • Diagnostic Tests: Scans like MRI, CT, and PET, as well as X-rays and blood tests.
  • Cancer Care: Comprehensive cover for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery is a cornerstone of most UK PMI policies.

Common Optional Extras:

  • Out-patient Cover: This is one of the most valuable add-ons. It covers specialist consultations and diagnostic tests that do not require a hospital admission. It's often capped at an annual limit (e.g., £1,000).
  • Therapies: Cover for services like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment.
  • Mental Health Cover: An increasingly important option, providing access to child psychologists and psychiatrists.
  • Dental and Optical Cover: Cover for routine check-ups, treatments, and glasses/contact lenses.

What is Almost Always Excluded?

Understanding exclusions is just as important as knowing what's covered.

  • Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions (as detailed above).
  • Accidents & Emergencies: Always go to an NHS A&E.
  • Routine check-ups and preventative care (e.g., health screenings).
  • Developmental or learning difficulties (e.g., ADHD, autism spectrum disorders).
  • Normal pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Vaccinations.
  • Cosmetic surgery.

Key Considerations: Coverage Limits, Waiting Periods, and Excess

When tailoring a policy, you will need to make decisions on a few key components that affect both your level of cover and your premium.

  • Coverage Limits: Policies have annual limits on the total amount they will pay out, or on specific benefits. For example, an out-patient limit might be set at £500, £1,000, or be unlimited. A higher limit means a higher premium.
  • Waiting Periods: This primarily refers to the two-year moratorium period for pre-existing conditions. Some policies may also have an initial waiting period (e.g., 30 days) at the very start of the policy before you can make any claim.
  • Policy Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your child has a procedure costing £3,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the remaining £2,750. A higher excess will lower your monthly premium. You can typically choose an excess from £0 to £1,000.

The Cost of Adding a Child to Your Health Insurance

The price of adding a child to your policy depends on several factors. It is often more cost-effective than taking out a separate policy for them.

Main Factors Influencing Cost:

  1. Age: The younger the child, the cheaper the premium. Premiums are lowest for infants and gradually increase with age.
  2. Level of Cover: A basic plan covering only in-patient care will be much cheaper than a comprehensive plan with unlimited out-patient cover, therapies, and mental health support.
  3. Policy Excess: A £500 excess will result in a significantly lower premium than a £0 excess.
  4. Hospital List: Insurers have different tiers of hospital lists. A plan that includes expensive central London hospitals will cost more than one that uses a nationwide network of private hospitals.
  5. Optional Extras: Each add-on, like dental or therapies cover, will increase the cost.

Illustrative Monthly Costs for Adding a Child

The table below provides a rough guide to monthly premiums for adding a child to an existing policy in the UK (outside London). These are for illustrative purposes only; your actual quote will vary.

Child's AgeMid-Range Cover (In-patient + £1k Out-patient, £250 excess)Comprehensive Cover (Unlimited Out-patient, Therapies, £100 excess)
0 - 5 years£25 - £45£50 - £70
6 - 12 years£30 - £50£55 - £80
13 - 17 years£35 - £60£60 - £90

A broker like WeCovr can provide you with precise quotes from across the market, helping you find the best value for your budget.

Best Practices for Adding Dependents to Your PMI

  1. Add Newborns Immediately: Take advantage of the "newborn rule" to get your baby covered without medical underwriting. Contact your insurer or broker within a few days of the birth.
  2. Review Your Cover Annually: As your children grow, their needs may change. Review your policy at each renewal to ensure it still offers the right level of protection.
  3. Don't Just Accept Your Insurer's Quote: When adding a child or renewing, the market should be re-evaluated. Another provider might offer a more competitive family deal. A whole-of-market broker does this for you automatically.
  4. Understand the Out-patient Cover: For children, many issues start with a GP visit followed by a specialist consultation. Strong out-patient cover is often more valuable than for adults, as it covers the initial diagnostic phase for things like persistent coughs, skin rashes, or joint pain.
  5. Check for Paediatric Facilities: Ensure your chosen hospital list includes hospitals with dedicated children's wards and paediatric specialists.

A Note on Wellness and Proactive Health for Children

While insurance is for when things go wrong, the best strategy is always prevention. Promoting a healthy lifestyle can have a lasting impact on your child's well-being.

  • Balanced Diet: Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limiting sugary drinks and processed foods is crucial.
  • Active Lifestyle: The NHS recommends children aged 5 to 18 do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. This can be anything from organised sport to playing in the park.
  • Good Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine away from screens is vital for physical and mental development.
  • Managing Screen Time: Balance screen time with other activities like reading, creative play, and outdoor time.

Many modern private medical insurance UK providers actively support this. They offer wellness programmes with rewards for staying active, mental health support lines, and access to virtual GP services.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help your family make healthier choices. Furthermore, customers who purchase PMI or life insurance through us can benefit from exclusive discounts on other insurance products, providing even greater value.

Choosing the Best PMI Provider for Your Family

The UK market is home to several excellent health insurance providers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality. Each has its own strengths: some are known for their comprehensive cancer care, others for their wellness rewards, and some for their extensive hospital networks.

The "best" provider doesn't exist in a vacuum; it's the one that best matches your family's specific needs and budget. This is where using an independent, expert broker is invaluable.

At WeCovr, we don't work for the insurers; we work for you. We take the time to understand your requirements, explain the jargon, and compare policies from all the leading UK providers. Our service is completely free to you, and our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right solution for every family.


Can I add my newborn baby to my policy without medical underwriting?

Yes, most UK insurers allow you to add a newborn to your policy without any medical underwriting, as long as you do so within a set period after their birth (typically between 30 and 120 days). This is often called the "newborn rule" and means any conditions the baby is born with will be covered, which would not be the case if you add them later. It is highly recommended to act quickly to take advantage of this benefit.

What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting for a child?

Moratorium (MOR) underwriting is a "don't ask" approach where you don't declare medical history, but any condition from the last 5 years is automatically excluded for the first 2 years of the policy. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) is a "declare everything" approach where you complete a health questionnaire, and the insurer gives you a clear list of what is and isn't covered from day one. MOR is quicker, while FMU provides more certainty.

Does PMI cover common childhood illnesses like chickenpox or ear infections?

Generally, yes, provided the condition is acute and not pre-existing. Private medical insurance is designed for specialist-led treatment. For a simple case of chickenpox managed by a GP, you wouldn't use your PMI. However, if an ear infection becomes severe and requires a consultation with an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist or a procedure like fitting grommets, your PMI policy would cover this, subject to your policy's terms and out-patient limits.

Are pre-existing conditions ever covered for children on a PMI policy?

Under standard UK PMI rules, pre-existing conditions are not covered when you first take out a policy. If you choose moratorium underwriting, a pre-existing condition may become eligible for cover, but only after your child has gone for a continuous two-year period on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that specific condition. Chronic conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, are never covered by private medical insurance.

Protecting your family's health is one of the most important investments you can make. Adding your children to your private health cover can provide fast access to high-quality care and invaluable peace of mind.

Ready to explore your options? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our expert advisors will compare the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect cover for your family's needs and budget.

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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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