TL;DR
Working multiple jobs is increasingly common in the UK. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we often get asked about managing private medical insurance (PMI) in this situation. This guide explains everything you need to know about your private health cover options.
Key takeaways
- An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.
- A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured but can be managed through medication and therapy. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
- Pre-existing conditions are any health issues you had before the start of your policy.
- Check for a continuation option: Ask your HR department or check your policy documents to see if this is available.
- Understand the terms: Know the time limit for applying for the continuation policy after leaving your job (it's often 30-60 days).
Working multiple jobs is increasingly common in the UK. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we often get asked about managing private medical insurance (PMI) in this situation. This guide explains everything you need to know about your private health cover options.
What to know about PMI if you work multiple jobs
The modern UK workforce is more flexible than ever. The rise of portfolio careers, freelance contracts, and part-time roles means many people now have multiple streams of income. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), hundreds of thousands of people in the UK hold more than one job.
If you're one of them, you might find yourself in a unique position: being offered private medical insurance by more than one employer. This raises some important questions: Can you have two policies? Can you combine them? Which one should you use?
Let's be clear from the start: you cannot "share" or "merge" two separate private health insurance policies. They are distinct contracts between you (or your employer) and an insurance provider. However, you can be enrolled in two different group schemes simultaneously.
This guide will walk you through the different scenarios, helping you make the most informed decision for your health and finances.
The Critical Rule of UK Private Health Insurance: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
Before we dive into the details, it's vital to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK.
PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.
- An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.
- A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured but can be managed through medication and therapy. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
- Pre-existing conditions are any health issues you had before the start of your policy.
Standard UK PMI policies do not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions, nor do they typically cover pre-existing conditions, at least not initially. The primary benefit of PMI is to bypass NHS waiting lists for eligible, acute treatments. With NHS waiting lists in England reaching over 7.5 million cases in 2024, PMI offers a valuable route to faster diagnosis and treatment.
Scenario 1: Both of Your Jobs Offer Private Health Insurance
This is the most complex scenario, but it can also give you the most options. If both your employers offer you a place on their group health insurance scheme, you are technically eligible for both.
However, it's crucial to understand that you cannot claim from both policies for the same treatment. Doing so would be considered insurance fraud. You must choose one policy to use for any given claim.
So, how do you decide which policy is the better option? You need to compare them like-for-like.
How to Compare Two Company PMI Policies
Don't just assume one is better than the other. Get the policy documents for both schemes and compare the key features. Here’s what to look for:
| Feature to Compare | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Underwriting Type | Is it Medical History Disregarded (MHD), Moratorium, or Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)? | MHD is the most comprehensive, often covering pre-existing conditions. This is a rare and premium feature, usually only found in larger corporate schemes. Moratorium is more common. |
| Level of Cover | Does it offer comprehensive, intermediate, or basic cover? Check for outpatient limits, diagnostics, and therapies. | A comprehensive policy will cover everything from consultations to surgery, whereas a basic policy might only cover inpatient treatment. |
| Excess Amount | How much do you have to pay towards a claim? Is it per claim or per year? | A lower excess means less out-of-pocket expense for you. Some company schemes have a £0 excess. |
| Hospital List | Which hospitals and treatment centres are included? | Does the list include high-quality hospitals near your home and work? A limited list could mean travelling further for treatment. |
| Cancer Cover | Is it comprehensive? Are there limits on treatments, drugs, or palliative care? | Cancer cover is a core part of PMI. Check if the policy covers the latest licensed drugs, even if not yet available on the NHS. |
| Mental Health Cover | What is the limit for psychiatric treatment, both as an inpatient and outpatient? | Mental health support is an increasingly important benefit. Some policies offer extensive cover, while others have low limits or exclude it. |
| Added Benefits | Does it include a virtual GP, gym discounts, wellness programmes, or dental/optical cashback? | These "value-added" benefits can save you money and support your overall wellbeing day-to-day. |
Real-Life Example:
Meet Alex, a marketing consultant working for two different tech companies. Company A offers a Bupa policy with a £250 excess and a standard hospital list. Company B offers an Aviva policy with a £0 excess, a more extensive hospital list, and includes dental cover. Both are moratorium policies. (illustrative estimate)
Alex needs a knee operation. By choosing the Aviva policy from Company B, he pays no excess and can have his surgery at a specialist private hospital closer to his home. If he had chosen the Bupa policy, he would have paid £250 and had fewer hospital options. (illustrative estimate)
Tax Implications of Having Two Policies
Remember, company health insurance is a 'benefit-in-kind'. This means HMRC sees it as part of your income, and you have to pay tax on the value of the policy premium.
If you are enrolled in two company schemes, you will be taxed on both. You'll receive a P11D form from each employer detailing the value of the benefit. This amount will be added to your income for tax purposes.
You need to weigh the benefits of having a choice of two policies against the extra tax burden. For many, paying tax on a second, unused policy doesn't make financial sense. In this case, you should formally opt-out of one of the schemes.
Scenario 2: Only One of Your Jobs Offers PMI
This situation is much more straightforward. If you have two jobs but only one provides private health cover, you simply use the policy offered to you.
The key consideration here is continuity. What happens if you leave the job that provides your health insurance?
Securing Your Health Cover with a Continuation Option
Most group PMI schemes offer a 'continuation option' or 'switcher facility'. This allows you to transfer from the group scheme to an individual policy with the same insurer without needing new medical underwriting.
Why is this so important?
If you develop a medical condition while covered by your employer's policy, a continuation option allows you to keep being covered for that condition on your new personal policy. If you were to simply take out a brand new policy with a different insurer, that condition would now be classed as 'pre-existing' and would be excluded from cover.
Action Plan:
- Check for a continuation option: Ask your HR department or check your policy documents to see if this is available.
- Understand the terms: Know the time limit for applying for the continuation policy after leaving your job (it's often 30-60 days).
- Plan ahead: If you anticipate leaving your job, speak to a PMI broker like WeCovr. We can help you navigate the transition smoothly and ensure you maintain continuous cover, protecting you from future exclusions.
Scenario 3: Neither Job Offers PMI (or You're Self-Employed)
If you're a freelancer, a contractor, or work multiple part-time jobs for smaller companies that don't offer health benefits, you won't have access to a group scheme. This doesn't mean you can't get cover; it just means you need to arrange an individual private medical insurance policy.
This gives you the ultimate flexibility. You are in complete control of your policy and can tailor it to your exact needs and budget.
Key Benefits of an Individual PMI Policy:
- Choice: You can choose from any provider in the UK market, not just the one your employer picks.
- Control: You decide the level of cover, the excess, the hospital list, and any add-ons.
- Portability: The policy belongs to you. It stays with you no matter how many times you change jobs or if you become self-employed.
- Personalisation: You can build a policy that reflects your health priorities, whether that's comprehensive mental health support, extensive cancer care, or access to alternative therapies.
Finding the Best PMI Provider for Your Needs
The UK private health insurance market is competitive, with several major providers offering a range of plans.
| Provider | Known For | Good For... |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa | One of the UK's oldest and largest providers with a strong brand reputation. | Comprehensive cancer cover and extensive wellness resources. |
| Aviva | A major UK insurer offering flexible policies and a large hospital network. | Strong digital tools and a "BacktoBetter" programme for musculoskeletal issues. |
| AXA Health | A global insurance giant known for its premium cover options and focus on mental health. | Excellent mental health pathways and customer service. |
| Vitality | Unique approach that rewards healthy living with discounts and perks. | People who are active and engaged with their health and want to be rewarded for it. |
| The Exeter | A friendly society known for its flexible underwriting, especially for older applicants. | Good for those with some minor pre-existing conditions and flexible underwriting. |
This is where an independent broker is invaluable. The team at WeCovr has deep expertise across all these providers. We can compare the entire market for you, explain the jargon, and find a policy that fits your multi-job lifestyle and budget—all at no cost to you.
Plus, when you arrange a policy through us, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you stay on top of your health goals. You may also be eligible for discounts on other insurance products, such as life or income protection insurance.
Managing Your Health and Wellness with Multiple Jobs
Juggling more than one job can be demanding. It can take a toll on your physical and mental health. A good PMI policy isn't just about treatment; it's also about proactive support to keep you healthy.
When choosing a policy, look for these valuable wellness benefits:
- 24/7 Virtual GP: Get a GP appointment via phone or video call at a time that suits your busy schedule. This can be a lifesaver when you can't get away from work.
- Mental Health Support: Access to counselling services, talking therapies, and mental health helplines can help you manage stress and prevent burnout.
- Gym and Fitness Discounts: Many policies offer discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and even healthy food, incentivising a healthier lifestyle.
- Health and Wellbeing Apps: Access to apps for mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness coaching.
Practical Tips for Staying Healthy:
- Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Lack of sleep is linked to a host of health problems and can impair your performance at work.
- Schedule Downtime: Block out time in your diary for rest and hobbies, just as you would for a work meeting. Protect this time fiercely.
- Meal Prep: Preparing healthy meals in advance can save you time and prevent you from relying on unhealthy takeaways during busy workweeks.
- Incorporate Movement: Even if you can't get to the gym, build movement into your day. Take the stairs, go for a walk on your lunch break, or do a few stretches between tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to tell an insurer that I have another private health insurance policy?
Can I use one PMI policy for hospital treatment and another for its wellness benefits?
What happens to my private health cover if I lose one of my two jobs?
Is it better to have one comprehensive individual policy or rely on a company scheme?
Take the Next Step with Confidence
Navigating the world of private medical insurance UK can be complex, especially with the added layer of multiple jobs. You don't have to figure it out alone.
The expert team at WeCovr is here to provide clear, impartial advice tailored to your unique situation. We'll help you compare policies, understand the fine print, and make a choice that gives you peace of mind and the best possible protection. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to helping you find the right cover.
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
