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Chronic Kidney Disease Explained

Chronic Kidney Disease Explained 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged, WeCovr helps UK consumers navigate the complexities of health and insurance. This guide explores chronic kidney disease (CKD), a serious condition affecting millions, and explains the supportive role private medical insurance can play in securing a faster diagnosis and care.

Understand chronic kidney disease, its symptoms, treatments, and how private healthcare can support faster care

Your kidneys are two of the hardest-working organs in your body. Every day, they filter around 180 litres of blood, removing waste products and excess fluid to produce urine. They also play a vital role in regulating your blood pressure, producing red blood cells, and keeping your bones healthy.

When they stop working properly over a long period, it's known as chronic kidney disease (CKD). It's a silent condition in its early stages, but one that can have a profound impact on your overall health.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about CKD in the UK, from the very first signs to advanced treatment. We'll also clarify the crucial role of private medical insurance (PMI) – while it doesn't cover chronic conditions directly, it can be an invaluable tool for rapid diagnosis and accessing specialist care when you need it most.

What Exactly is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Think of your kidneys as a highly advanced filtration system. Chronic kidney disease means this system has become damaged and is less effective at cleaning your blood. This damage happens gradually, often over many years.

Unlike an acute kidney injury, which happens suddenly and may be reversible, CKD is a chronic condition. This means it's a long-term illness that currently has no cure, but its progression can often be slowed or managed with treatment and lifestyle changes.

According to NHS England, more than 3.5 million people in the UK are living with CKD, with many thousands more likely undiagnosed. It’s a common condition, particularly in older people, and represents a significant challenge for public health.

The 5 Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

Doctors classify CKD into five stages based on your kidney function. This is measured using a blood test that calculates your estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR).

What is eGFR? Your eGFR is a score that estimates how many millilitres (ml) of blood your kidneys are filtering per minute. A healthy young person's eGFR is typically above 90. As kidney function declines, so does the eGFR number.

Here is a simple breakdown of the stages:

StageeGFR (ml/min)Description of Kidney Function
190 or aboveNormal kidney function, but there are other signs of kidney damage (e.g., protein in urine).
260–89Mildly reduced kidney function, with other signs of damage.
3a45–59Mildly to moderately reduced kidney function.
3b30–44Moderately to severely reduced kidney function.
415–29Severely reduced kidney function. Preparation for end-stage treatment may begin.
5Below 15Kidney failure (also called end-stage renal disease or ESRD). Dialysis or a transplant is needed to live.

Most people with CKD are in stages 1-3 and may not even know they have it. The goal of treatment is to prevent or slow the progression to stages 4 and 5.

What are the Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?

One of the biggest challenges with CKD is that it rarely causes symptoms in the early stages. They usually only appear when the damage is more advanced (typically stage 3b or 4).

When symptoms do develop, they can be quite general and easily mistaken for other conditions. Look out for:

  • Persistent tiredness and lack of energy: This is one of the most common signs.
  • Swollen ankles, feet, or hands (oedema): Caused by the kidneys' inability to remove excess fluid.
  • Shortness of breath: Fluid can build up in the lungs.
  • Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting).
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss.
  • Blood in your urine (haematuria): Your urine might look pink, red, or brown.
  • Needing to pee more often, especially at night.
  • Itchy skin.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Headaches.

If you experience any of these symptoms persistently, it's essential to see your GP for a check-up.

What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?

CKD usually develops as a complication of other long-term health conditions that put a strain on the kidneys. The two leading causes in the UK are:

  1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): High pressure in the blood vessels damages the tiny filtering units within the kidneys over time.
  2. Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2): High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys, making them less efficient.

Other common causes and risk factors include:

  • High cholesterol: Can lead to a build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels supplying the kidneys.
  • Kidney infections: Repeated or severe infections can cause lasting damage.
  • Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units.
  • Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic condition where cysts grow in the kidneys.
  • Blockages: Obstructions in the flow of urine, such as from an enlarged prostate or kidney stones.
  • Long-term, regular use of certain medicines: Particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen.
  • A family history of kidney disease.
  • Being of Black or South Asian ethnic background: These groups have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, which increases their risk of CKD.
  • Older age.

The Critical Role of Private Medical Insurance: Diagnosis vs. Treatment

This is the most important section for anyone considering private health cover. It is vital to understand what private medical insurance (PMI) is designed for.

Standard UK private medical insurance policies are designed to cover acute conditions, not chronic ones.

  • An acute condition is a disease or illness that is sudden, short-lived, and has a known cure (e.g., a cataract, a hernia, a broken bone, or an infection). PMI excels at providing fast treatment for these.
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and Chronic Kidney Disease).

Once you are diagnosed with CKD, it is classified as a chronic condition. Therefore, the ongoing management, medication, and treatment for CKD itself will not be covered by a standard private health cover plan. This long-term care remains with the NHS, which provides excellent, comprehensive renal services.

So, where does private healthcare fit in?

How Private Medical Insurance Can Provide Invaluable Support

While PMI won't cover your long-term CKD management, it can be a powerful tool for getting a fast and accurate diagnosis. In a health system facing long waiting lists, speed is everything.

Here’s how a PMI policy, like one sourced through an expert PMI broker like WeCovr, can help:

  1. Rapid Access to Specialists: If your GP suspects a kidney issue, the NHS waiting time to see a specialist (a nephrologist) can be weeks or even months. With PMI, you can often see a top private consultant within days.
  2. Swift Diagnostics: PMI covers the cost of diagnostic tests and scans. Instead of waiting for an NHS appointment, you can have blood tests, urine tests, an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI performed privately, often within a week. This rapidly builds a complete picture of your health.
  3. Peace of Mind or a Head Start: The diagnostic process will lead to one of two outcomes:
    • The issue is an acute, treatable condition: Perhaps your symptoms were caused by a large kidney stone or a complex infection. If so, your PMI policy will cover the private treatment to resolve it.
    • The diagnosis is CKD: While this news is difficult, you have received a definitive diagnosis in record time. You can then be seamlessly referred back to the NHS for ongoing care, but you are armed with knowledge. You've bypassed the "watch and wait" anxiety and can begin making crucial lifestyle changes immediately.

A Real-Life Example

David, a 52-year-old accountant, was feeling unusually tired and noticed his ankles were puffy. His GP referred him for a specialist appointment, but the waiting list was over four months long. Concerned, David used his company's private medical insurance. He saw a private nephrologist the following week, had an ultrasound and comprehensive blood tests two days later, and was diagnosed with Stage 3b CKD. While his long-term care is now managed by his excellent NHS renal team, the private diagnosis gave him clarity and saved him months of worry, allowing him to start blood pressure medication and a new diet right away to protect his remaining kidney function.

NHS Treatment and Managing Your Life with CKD

Once diagnosed, your care will be managed by your GP and, if necessary, a specialist NHS renal team. The goal is to slow the progression of the disease and manage your symptoms.

Medical Treatments

  • Lifestyle Changes: This is the foundation of management. It includes diet, exercise, and stopping smoking.
  • Blood Pressure Control: Most people with CKD will be prescribed medication to lower their blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors (e.g., Ramipril) or ARBs (e.g., Losartan). These also help protect the kidneys.
  • Diabetes Management: If you have diabetes, tight control of your blood sugar is essential.
  • SGLT2 Inhibitors: Newer drugs like Dapagliflozin have been shown to be highly effective at protecting the kidneys and heart in people with CKD, even those without diabetes.
  • Statins: To lower high cholesterol.
  • Diuretics: To help reduce fluid retention and swelling.

Advanced Kidney Disease Management

For those who progress to Stage 5 (kidney failure), there are two main treatment options:

  1. Dialysis: A procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood. This can be done in a hospital (haemodialysis) or at home (peritoneal dialysis).
  2. Kidney Transplant: A surgical procedure to place a healthy kidney from a donor into your body. This is the best treatment for kidney failure, but it requires finding a suitable donor and taking lifelong medication to prevent rejection.

Wellness and Lifestyle: Protecting Your Kidneys

Whether you have CKD or want to prevent it, these lifestyle tips are crucial for kidney health.

Your Kidney-Friendly Diet

Diet is one of the most powerful tools you have. It's vital to speak with your GP or a registered renal dietitian before making big changes, as advice varies depending on your CKD stage.

Dietary FocusWhy It's ImportantWhat to Do
Reduce SaltHelps to control high blood pressure, a major cause of kidney damage.Avoid processed foods, takeaways, and sauces. Don't add salt at the table. Use herbs and spices for flavour.
Manage ProteinDamaged kidneys struggle to filter waste from protein.Your dietitian may advise limiting meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Do not cut out protein without medical advice.
Limit PotassiumIn later stages, potassium can build up to dangerous levels.Your doctor may advise limiting high-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes, and some vegetables.
Limit PhosphateHigh phosphate levels can weaken bones and damage blood vessels.Your doctor may advise limiting dairy, red meat, nuts, and cola drinks.
Stay HydratedWater helps your kidneys clear waste.Aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day, unless your doctor has advised a fluid restriction (common in later stages).

WeCovr clients who purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered food logging app. It can be an excellent tool to help you track your intake of salt, protein, and fluids, supporting your dietary goals.

Other Key Lifestyle Changes

  • Stop Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and speeds up damage. Quitting is the single best thing you can do for your kidney and heart health.
  • Limit Alcohol: Stick within the recommended UK guidelines (no more than 14 units per week, spread over several days).
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight increases your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming) per week.
  • Be Careful with Medicines: Always check with a pharmacist before taking over-the-counter painkillers. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen if you have CKD.

Choosing the Right Private Medical Insurance UK

Navigating the world of private health cover can be confusing, especially with the nuances around chronic conditions. This is where an independent, expert broker is invaluable.

At WeCovr, we don't sell you a policy; we help you find the right one. We compare plans from all the best PMI providers in the UK to match your specific needs and budget. Our advice comes at no cost to you. Because we are independent, our focus is entirely on your best interests, ensuring you understand exactly what is and isn't covered.

Furthermore, clients who take out a policy with us can often benefit from discounts on other types of cover, like life or income protection insurance, providing a more holistic approach to your financial and physical well-being.

Do I need to declare a family history of kidney disease when applying for PMI?

Yes, absolutely. When you apply for private medical insurance, the insurer will ask a series of questions about your medical history and that of your immediate family (parents and siblings). You must declare any known hereditary conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease, as this will affect the terms of your policy. Full and honest disclosure is essential to ensure your policy is valid when you need to make a claim.

If I get diagnosed with CKD *after* buying my policy, will my PMI cover it?

This is a key point. Your private medical insurance will typically cover the initial diagnostic investigations to find out what is causing your symptoms. However, once the condition is identified as Chronic Kidney Disease (a long-term, incurable illness), it becomes classified as 'chronic'. Standard UK PMI policies exclude the management and treatment of chronic conditions. Therefore, your ongoing care for CKD would be provided by the NHS. The great benefit of the PMI is having received that diagnosis very quickly.

Can private medical insurance in the UK cover a kidney transplant?

This is a very complex area and coverage is rare. A kidney transplant is a treatment for end-stage kidney failure, which is the final stage of CKD, a chronic condition. Because the underlying disease is chronic, the transplant and the required lifelong aftercare (immunosuppressant drugs, regular check-ups) are almost always excluded from private cover and managed by the NHS, which has world-class transplant services. Some very high-tier corporate policies may have specific provisions, but for most individual plans, it is not a covered benefit.

What is the main benefit of PMI if it doesn't cover chronic conditions like CKD?

The primary benefit is **speed of diagnosis and access to specialists for new, acute symptoms.** For any eligible acute condition, from joint pain requiring surgery to investigating worrying symptoms, PMI allows you to bypass NHS waiting lists. This provides peace of mind and, in the case of a serious diagnosis like CKD, gives you a crucial head start on management and treatment with the NHS, armed with a swift, definitive diagnosis. Many policies also include valuable wellness benefits like 24/7 virtual GP access and mental health support.

Chronic kidney disease is a serious journey, but one that can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and the right support. While the NHS provides excellent long-term care, private medical insurance offers a powerful way to take control of your health by ensuring you get the answers you need, when you need them.

Ready to explore your options? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts find the private health cover that's right for you.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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