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Cash Plans See Renewed Demand in 2026

Cash Plans See Renewed Demand in 2026 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped UK residents arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr offers expert, impartial guidance on the evolving world of private medical insurance. In 2026, one trend is unmistakable: the resurgence of the humble health cash plan as a smart, affordable healthcare solution.

Affordable hybrid cover bridges the gap for many

In a landscape marked by persistent NHS waiting lists and the rising cost of living, UK families and businesses are getting smarter about their health cover. While comprehensive private medical insurance (PMI) remains the gold standard for major medical events, a growing number of people are turning to health cash plans as either a standalone benefit or a powerful partner to their PMI.

This isn't about replacing one with the other. It's about creating a flexible, "hybrid" safety net that covers everything from everyday health expenses to significant surgical procedures. By 2026, the health cash plan has shed its old-fashioned image and emerged as a vital tool for proactive health management, offering a predictable way to budget for essential care.

What Exactly Is a Health Cash Plan?

Before we dive deeper, let's clarify what a health cash plan is and, just as importantly, what it isn't.

Think of a health cash plan as a health-focused savings and reimbursement scheme. You pay a relatively small monthly premium, typically from as little as £5 to over £50, depending on the level of cover you choose. In return, you can claim back cash (up to a set annual limit) for a wide range of routine healthcare treatments.

In simple terms:

  1. You pay a monthly premium.
  2. You receive healthcare (e.g., a dental check-up or a physiotherapy session).
  3. You pay the provider for the treatment.
  4. You submit the receipt to your cash plan provider.
  5. They reimburse you for the cost, up to your policy's annual limit for that specific benefit.

It’s a simple, transactional way to manage the costs of staying healthy. Unlike PMI, it doesn't pay for the treatment directly. Instead, it puts money back in your pocket after you've paid for it yourself.

Why the Sudden Surge? The Key Drivers Behind 2026's Trend

The renewed popularity of cash plans isn't happening in a vacuum. It's a direct response to several powerful economic and social forces shaping the UK.

1. Persistent NHS Pressures

The NHS remains a cherished national institution, but it is under undeniable strain. Recent data from NHS England paints a clear picture:

  • Waiting Lists: The overall waiting list for consultant-led elective care has remained stubbornly high, consistently hovering above 7.5 million through 2024 and 2025. This means millions are waiting for routine but necessary procedures like hip replacements, cataract surgery, and hernia repairs.
  • Diagnostic Delays: The wait for key diagnostic tests, such as MRIs, CT scans, and endoscopies, continues to exceed targets, delaying diagnoses and causing significant anxiety.
  • GP Access: Securing a timely GP appointment remains a challenge in many parts of the country, pushing people towards private virtual GP services, often included in cash plans.
  • Dental Crisis: Access to NHS dentistry has become critically difficult, with "dental deserts" appearing across the UK. A 2025 survey by the British Dental Association found that 9 out of 10 NHS dental practices were not accepting new adult patients.

Faced with these realities, people are using cash plans to bypass queues for services like physiotherapy, diagnostics, and dental care, gaining faster access and peace of mind.

2. The Cost of Living Squeeze

With inflation and interest rates impacting household budgets throughout 2024 and 2025, full-scale private medical insurance can feel like a stretch for many. Cash plans offer a highly affordable alternative.

For the monthly cost of a few cups of coffee, a family can secure hundreds of pounds worth of benefits for dental, optical, and therapy treatments. This makes budgeting for healthcare predictable and prevents unexpected bills from derailing family finances.

Example Scenario: The Miller Family

The Millers, a family of four, pay £35 per month for a mid-range health cash plan. Here’s how they used it in a year:

  • Dental: Two adult check-ups, two children's check-ups, one filling = £280
  • Optical: Two new pairs of glasses for the parents = £300
  • Physiotherapy: Six sessions for a sports injury = £300
  • Total Spent: £880
  • Total Reimbursed: £880 (within their annual limits)
  • Total Annual Premium: £420
  • Net Gain: £460

For the Millers, the cash plan wasn't just insurance; it was a positive financial decision.

3. The Rise of Proactive Wellness

There's a growing cultural shift towards proactive health management. People are no longer just seeking treatment when they're sick; they're actively investing in staying well. Cash plans support this by covering preventative treatments:

  • Regular dental and hygiene visits to prevent decay.
  • Eye tests that can detect early signs of other health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Chiropractic and osteopathy to manage musculoskeletal health.
  • Health screenings to catch potential problems early.

This aligns perfectly with the modern desire to take control of one's own health and wellbeing.

Health Cash Plans vs. Private Medical Insurance: Understanding the Difference

This is the most critical distinction to understand. Confusing the two can lead to disappointment and unexpected costs. They are designed for entirely different purposes.

FeatureHealth Cash PlanPrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)
Primary PurposeBudgeting for and reclaiming costs of routine, everyday healthcare.Covering the costs of major, acute medical conditions requiring specialist or surgical care.
How it PaysYou pay first, then claim the cash back (reimbursement).The insurer pays the hospital and specialists directly (in most cases).
Typical CoverDental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, health screenings, consultations.In-patient/day-patient surgery, cancer treatment, advanced diagnostics (MRI/CT), specialist consultations.
CostLow monthly premiums (e.g., £10–£50).Higher monthly premiums (e.g., £40–£200+), varies by age, location, and health.
UnderwritingVery simple. Usually no medical questions. Acceptance is guaranteed.Requires full medical underwriting or moratorium underwriting. Excludes pre-existing conditions.
Main BenefitMakes everyday healthcare affordable and predictable.Provides fast access to high-quality private treatment for serious, curable conditions, bypassing NHS waits.

The Critical Point: Acute vs. Chronic & Pre-existing Conditions

It is vital to understand that standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia, cataracts, or a joint injury.

PMI does not cover:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury you had before your policy started.
  • Chronic conditions: Long-term, incurable illnesses that require ongoing management, such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or Crohn's disease.

Health cash plans operate differently. Because they don't involve underwriting, they don't typically exclude pre-existing conditions for routine claims. For example, if you have a chronic back problem, you can still claim for physiotherapy sessions to help manage the symptoms, up to your annual limit. However, a cash plan will not pay for major spinal surgery for that condition. That would fall under the remit of PMI (and would only be covered if the condition wasn't pre-existing).

The "Hybrid" Approach: Combining Cash Plans with a Smarter PMI Policy

For many, the ultimate solution in 2026 is not an "either/or" choice but a "both/and" strategy. By combining a cash plan with a PMI policy, you can create comprehensive and cost-effective cover.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Choose a "leaner" PMI Policy: You might opt for a PMI policy with a higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) or one that only covers more serious conditions (like in-patient treatment). This significantly reduces your monthly PMI premium.
  2. Add a Robust Cash Plan: You then take out a separate, low-cost health cash plan.
  3. Cover All Bases:
    • Your cash plan handles all your routine expenses: dental, optical, physiotherapy, consultations.
    • Your PMI policy acts as a safety net for the big, expensive events: surgery, cancer care, and hospital stays. Your cash plan might even cover the cost of the PMI excess, making your private treatment virtually cashless at the point of use.

An expert broker like WeCovr can help you structure a plan that combines a basic PMI policy with a robust cash plan, optimising both your cover and your budget. This hybrid approach delivers the best of both worlds: affordability for everyday care and peace of mind for the unexpected.

What Do Health Cash Plans Typically Cover?

Cover levels vary between providers and policy tiers, but most plans will offer reimbursement for the following. The amounts shown are typical annual limits for a mid-range policy.

Benefit CategoryDescriptionTypical Annual Limit (per person)
DentalCheck-ups, hygiene, fillings, crowns, extractions. Some plans separate routine and major treatment.£150 - £300
OpticalEye tests, prescription glasses, contact lenses.£150 - £250
TherapiesPhysiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, podiatry/chiropody.£200 - £500
Specialist ConsultationsSeeing a private specialist after a GP referral.£250 - £750
DiagnosticsX-rays, pathology tests. Some higher-end plans may contribute towards MRI/CT scans.£250 - £750
Health & WellbeingHealth screenings (e.g., at a pharmacy), allergy testing.£100 - £200
Prescription ChargesReclaims the cost of NHS prescription charges (in England).£50 - £100
Hospital StaysA cash payout for each night spent in an NHS hospital.£25 - £75 per night
Birth/AdoptionA one-off cash payout upon the birth or adoption of a child.£100 - £250

Beyond the Basics: Added Value in Modern Plans

Competition in the market means many cash plan providers now include a fantastic range of value-added services at no extra cost:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Access a private GP via phone or video call anytime, anywhere. This is often the most used and valued benefit.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): A confidential helpline offering support for mental health, financial worries, legal issues, and more.
  • Shopping Discounts: Access to online portals with discounts and cashback at hundreds of high-street retailers, supermarkets, and travel companies.
  • Fitness & Gym Discounts: Reduced membership fees at a network of UK gyms.

Often, the savings from these discounts alone can exceed the annual cost of the policy.

A Holistic View of Health: Integrating Wellness into Your Cover

A health cash plan is more than just a financial product; it's a tool to support a healthier lifestyle. By removing the cost barrier to preventative care, it encourages a more proactive approach to your wellbeing.

Diet and Nutrition

While cash plans don't typically cover dietician appointments directly (unless part of a specialist consultation), they support good nutrition in other ways. Money saved on dental or optical bills can be redirected towards higher-quality food. Furthermore, feeling well and pain-free (thanks to physiotherapy or other therapies) provides the energy and motivation to cook healthy meals.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you make smarter food choices every day.

Sleep and Mental Health

Poor sleep is a major contributor to both physical and mental health issues. Your cash plan can help:

  • Optical Benefits: Use your allowance to buy blue-light-filtering glasses to reduce eye strain from screens and improve sleep quality.
  • Therapies: Acupuncture and physiotherapy can help alleviate pain that might be disrupting your sleep.
  • EAP/Mental Health Support: The confidential helplines included in many plans offer immediate support for stress, anxiety, and depression—all of which are major causes of insomnia.

Physical Activity

Regular exercise is crucial. A cash plan supports an active lifestyle by:

  • Treating Injuries: Quick access to physiotherapy means a sports injury doesn't have to keep you on the sidelines for long.
  • Managing Aches and Pains: Osteopathy and chiropractic care can keep your body aligned and moving freely, making activity more enjoyable.
  • Gym Discounts: The financial incentive of a reduced gym membership can be the nudge you need to get started.

How WeCovr Can Help You Navigate the Options

The UK market for private medical insurance and cash plans is crowded with options, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That's where we come in.

WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised broker. Our job is to work for you, not for any single insurance company.

  1. Expert, No-Cost Advice: Our team of specialists lives and breathes health insurance. We'll take the time to understand your unique needs, budget, and health concerns. Our advice is always free and impartial.
  2. Market Comparison: We compare policies from the UK's leading and most trusted providers to find the perfect fit for you. We do the research so you don't have to.
  3. Hybrid Solutions: We specialise in creating smart, cost-effective hybrid plans, combining the strengths of PMI and cash plans to give you the most comprehensive cover for your money.
  4. Exclusive Perks: When you arrange a policy through us, you gain access to benefits like our CalorieHero app. Plus, clients who take out PMI or life insurance with us can receive discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance.
  5. Customer Satisfaction: Our focus on clear, honest advice has earned us high satisfaction ratings from customers across the UK. We're here to build a long-term relationship based on trust.

Don't navigate this complex market alone. Let our experts provide the clarity you need to make the best decision for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are health cash plans a good alternative to private medical insurance (PMI)?

Not exactly. They serve different purposes. A health cash plan is excellent for budgeting for routine, predictable costs like dental, optical, and physiotherapy. Private medical insurance, on the other hand, is designed to cover the high costs of unforeseen, serious medical conditions that require specialist treatment or surgery. For many people, the best solution is a hybrid approach, using a cash plan for everyday care and a PMI policy for major medical events.

Do I need a medical check-up to get a health cash plan?

No. Health cash plans almost never require a medical examination or detailed questions about your health history. Acceptance is typically guaranteed for anyone within the specified age range. This is a key difference from private medical insurance, which requires medical underwriting and will exclude pre-existing conditions.

Can I claim back the cost of an NHS prescription with a cash plan?

Yes, many health cash plans include a benefit that allows you to reclaim the cost of NHS prescriptions (in England, as they are free in other UK nations). There will be an annual limit on how much you can claim, but it's a useful benefit that helps offset small but regular health costs.

Is a corporate health cash plan a good employee benefit?

Absolutely. In 2026, corporate health cash plans are one of the most valued and cost-effective employee benefits. They are highly visible, as employees can use them for routine care throughout the year. They help reduce absenteeism by providing quick access to services like physiotherapy and virtual GPs, and they demonstrate that an employer cares about the everyday health and wellbeing of their staff. They are also significantly more affordable for a business to implement than a company-wide PMI scheme.

Ready to explore how a health cash plan or a hybrid insurance solution could work for you?

Get Your Free, No-Obligation Quote from WeCovr Today →


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.


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