Cigna Private Health Insurance When Its a Fit (UK and International)

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 13, 2026
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TL;DR

Navigating the world of private medical insurance can feel complex, with a host of providers all offering different strengths. As experienced brokers who have arranged over 900,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr understands that choosing the right insurer is a crucial decision. This guide focuses on Cigna, a global health service giant, exploring both its UK domestic and international private health insurance plans to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.

Key takeaways

  • Who Cigna are and their place in the health insurance landscape.
  • The specifics of their UK-based private health cover.
  • The key differences and benefits of their renowned International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI).
  • Real-world scenarios where Cigna’s international plans are a perfect match.
  • How to customise a Cigna policy and get the best possible price.

Navigating the world of private medical insurance can feel complex, with a host of providers all offering different strengths. As experienced brokers who have arranged over 900,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr understands that choosing the right insurer is a crucial decision. This guide focuses on Cigna, a global health service giant, exploring both its UK domestic and international private health insurance plans to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.

A guide to Cigna private health insurance and when international-style cover may be relevant

Cigna stands out in the UK private medical insurance (PMI) market due to its formidable global presence. While many providers focus solely on the UK, Cigna offers robust solutions for both UK residents and those with international lifestyles. This dual focus makes them a compelling, if sometimes complex, option.

This article will break down:

  • Who Cigna are and their place in the health insurance landscape.
  • The specifics of their UK-based private health cover.
  • The key differences and benefits of their renowned International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI).
  • Real-world scenarios where Cigna’s international plans are a perfect match.
  • How to customise a Cigna policy and get the best possible price.

Who is Cigna? A Global Health Service Giant

Cigna is not just another insurer; it's a global health services organisation with a history stretching back over 200 years. Operating in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions, and with over 190 million customer and patient relationships worldwide, their scale is immense. In 2018, Cigna merged with Express Scripts to form The Cigna Group, further solidifying its position as a powerhouse in global healthcare.

For UK consumers, this means Cigna brings:

  • Financial Stability: The reassurance of being insured by a large, well-established global corporation.
  • A Global Network: An extensive network of hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals worldwide, which is the cornerstone of their international plans.
  • A Focus on "Whole Health": Cigna heavily promotes a holistic approach, providing resources for physical, mental, and financial well-being, not just reactive medical treatment.

Cigna’s UK presence is primarily focused on corporate schemes and its international plans for individuals and families. While they do offer domestic UK cover, their brand is most synonymous with global health solutions.

Understanding Cigna's UK Private Medical Insurance Offering

For individuals and families living and working solely within the UK, Cigna provides domestic private medical insurance plans designed to work alongside the NHS. The primary benefit, as with all UK PMI, is to bypass NHS waiting lists for eligible conditions, giving you fast access to specialist consultations, diagnostics, and private treatment.

A typical Cigna UK plan is built around a core set of benefits, which you can then tailor with optional extras.

Core cover usually includes:

  • In-patient and day-patient treatment: Covers costs for surgery and procedures where you need a hospital bed, even just for the day. This includes surgeons' fees, anaesthetists' fees, and hospital charges.
  • Cancer Cover: Comprehensive cancer care is a cornerstone of modern PMI. This typically includes diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Cigna often offers advanced therapies and support services.
  • Diagnostics: MRI, CT, and PET scans are covered to ensure a swift and accurate diagnosis.

Optional add-ons allow you to build a more comprehensive policy:

  • Out-patient Cover: This pays for specialist consultations and diagnostic tests that don’t require a hospital bed. It's one of the most valuable parts of a policy for getting a quick diagnosis.
  • Mental Health Cover: Provides access to psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists. This has become an increasingly important and sought-after benefit.
  • Therapies: Covers treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care, often up to a set number of sessions.

What UK PMI Covers (and What It Doesn't)

It is absolutely vital to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK. UK PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • 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 joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repair.
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

Standard UK private health insurance, from Cigna or any other provider, does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions. It also explicitly excludes pre-existing conditions, at least for a set period.

FeatureWhat's Typically Covered by Cigna UK PMIWhat's Typically Excluded
ConditionsNew, acute conditions (e.g., hip replacement, gallstones)Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma management)
HistoryConditions that begin after your policy startsPre-existing conditions (from before you joined)
TreatmentDiagnosis, surgery, eligible cancer treatment, therapiesA&E / Emergency services, cosmetic surgery, organ transplants
MaternityComplications from pregnancy (on some plans)Routine, uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth
WellbeingAccess to digital GPs, stress support helplinesRoutine dental check-ups, eye tests, prescriptions

Working with an expert broker like WeCovr ensures you understand these limitations and can build a policy that provides the protection you actually need, without paying for benefits you can't use.

The Cigna Difference: International Health Insurance (IPMI)

This is where Cigna truly excels. International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) is a different class of product from standard UK PMI. It’s designed for people who live, work, or travel between countries and require seamless, high-quality medical cover wherever they are.

Who is Cigna International Health Insurance for?

  1. Expatriates: A British citizen moving to Dubai, Singapore, or Spain for work needs a plan that covers them in their new country of residence and potentially back in the UK when they visit.
  2. Global Executives: Professionals who travel extensively and cannot afford to be reliant on local healthcare systems or simple travel insurance.
  3. High-Net-Worth Individuals: Those who want the freedom to seek the very best medical treatment anywhere in the world, without geographic restrictions.
  4. Returning UK Residents: People moving back to the UK after living abroad who may not be immediately eligible for NHS care or want to ensure continuity of private cover.

Real-Life Scenarios: When Cigna IPMI is a Fit

  • Scenario 1: The Tech Consultant in Berlin.

    • Profile: Sarah, a UK citizen, takes a 3-year contract in Berlin. She wants medical cover for her life in Germany but also wants the option to have major surgery back home in the UK to be near family.
    • Solution: A Cigna Global plan with Europe as the area of cover, including the UK. This gives her comprehensive local cover and peace of mind.
  • Scenario 2: The Semi-Retired Couple in Portugal.

    • Profile: David and Jane retire to the Algarve. They need robust local health insurance but travel back to the UK for three months every summer.
    • Solution: A Cigna international plan ensures they are covered in Portugal and can access private UK treatment during their extended visits, something standard travel insurance would never cover.
  • Scenario 3: The CEO of a Multinational.

    • Profile: Mark is based in London but spends 40% of his time in New York, Hong Kong, and the Middle East.
    • Solution: A Cigna Global plan with "Worldwide" or "Worldwide including USA" cover. This top-tier plan gives him access to Cigna's vast network in every country he visits, ensuring he gets consistent, high-quality care without question.
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UK PMI vs. Cigna International PMI: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Understanding the distinction is key to choosing the right product.

FeatureStandard UK PMICigna International PMI (IPMI)
Geographic CoverUnited Kingdom only.A chosen region (e.g., Europe) or Worldwide.
PortabilityPolicy typically ends if you move abroad.Fully portable. You can move countries and keep your policy.
CurrencyPremiums and payments in Pounds Sterling (GBP).Options for GBP, Euros (EUR), or US Dollars (USD).
UnderwritingMoratorium is common.Full Medical Underwriting is more common and often required.
Typical CustomerA permanent UK resident.An expatriate, frequent traveller, or global citizen.
CostGenerally more affordable.Significantly more expensive due to wider cover and complexity.

Key Cigna Policy Features and How to Customise Your Cover

Whether you choose a UK or international plan, Cigna offers several levers to control your level of cover and the price you pay.

1. Underwriting Explained: Mori vs. FMU

This is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will and won't cover.

  • Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the "wait-and-see" approach, common in the UK market. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer will automatically exclude any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before your policy started. However, if you remain completely symptom-free from that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy begins, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Best for: Younger, healthier individuals with a clean medical history who want a quick and simple application.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): This is the "declare everything" approach. You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then analyses your history and explicitly states in writing what will be excluded from your policy from day one.
    • Best for: Anyone with a known medical history, as it provides absolute clarity on what is and isn't covered. It's also the standard for most international plans.

An adviser at WeCovr can provide invaluable guidance on which underwriting method is most suitable for your personal circumstances.

2. The Policy Excess

An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim each year. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your eligible treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and Cigna pays the remaining £2,750.

Choosing a higher excess is a direct way to lower your monthly premium.

Example ExcessEstimated Impact on PremiumBest For
£0Highest PremiumMaximum peace of mind, no out-of-pocket costs.
£250~10-15% reductionA popular, balanced choice.
£500~20-25% reductionThose happy to self-fund smaller claims.
£1,000~30-40% reductionHealthy individuals wanting cover mainly for major events.

3. Hospital Lists

Insurers group UK private hospitals into tiers. A standard list might include most private hospitals, while an extended list adds the premium, high-cost hospitals in Central London. By opting for a more restricted hospital list (e.g., one that excludes London's most expensive facilities), you can achieve significant premium savings.

4. The Six-Week Option

This is a clever cost-saving feature available on many UK PMI plans. If the NHS can provide the in-patient treatment you need within six weeks of when it's recommended, you agree to use the NHS. If the NHS waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private policy kicks in. This significantly reduces the risk for the insurer, and they pass those savings on to you.

How to Get the Best Price on Cigna Health Insurance

Securing comprehensive cover doesn't have to mean paying the highest price. Here are five expert tips:

  1. Use an Independent Broker: This is the single most effective strategy. A specialist broker like WeCovr has a complete view of the market. We compare Cigna's quotes against those from Aviva, Bupa, Vitality, and others to ensure you're not just getting a good policy, but you're getting it at the best possible price. Our service is free to you, as we are paid by the insurer.
  2. Increase Your Excess: As shown above, being willing to contribute a small amount towards a claim can slash your monthly premiums.
  3. Tailor Your Hospital List: Be realistic about where you would want to be treated. If you live in Manchester, you probably don't need a list that includes expensive London hospitals.
  4. Consider the 6-Week Option: If you are comfortable using the excellent care of the NHS for non-urgent procedures, this is a fantastic way to make your premium more affordable.
  5. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle: Cigna is focused on wellness. Maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking can positively impact your premiums. WeCovr supports this by providing complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to all our health and life insurance clients.

The Final Verdict: Is Cigna Right For You?

Cigna is a top-tier global insurer with an outstanding reputation, particularly in the international space.

Cigna is an excellent choice if:

  • You are an expatriate, a frequent international traveller, or a global citizen.
  • You require a portable policy that can move with you across borders.
  • You value a huge global network and the stability of a major US health corporation.
  • You are a UK business looking for a comprehensive corporate scheme.

You might want to compare other options if:

  • You are a UK resident with no plans to live or work abroad. While their UK plan is solid, dedicated UK-only providers like Aviva and Vitality are fierce competitors and may offer more competitive pricing or different benefit structures.

The only way to know for sure is to compare. An independent analysis from a broker will lay out the costs and benefits of Cigna's plans alongside the best alternatives, empowering you to make a truly informed decision. Furthermore, when you take out a policy with WeCovr, you may be eligible for discounts on other products like life or income protection insurance.


Does Cigna cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK, including from Cigna, is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are excluded. If your policy is underwritten on a 'moratorium' basis, a condition might become eligible for cover, but only after you complete a set period (usually two years) without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for it. On a 'full medical underwriting' policy, pre-existing conditions you declare will be permanently excluded.

Can I use Cigna health insurance for a chronic condition like diabetes?

No, private health insurance in the UK does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. These are managed by the NHS. A private policy is intended for the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions. However, a plan may cover an acute flare-up of a chronic condition, but not the day-to-day monitoring, check-ups, or prescriptions associated with it.

What is the main difference between Cigna UK and Cigna Global insurance?

The primary difference is the geographical area of cover. A Cigna UK policy covers you for private medical treatment within the United Kingdom only. A Cigna Global (International) policy is designed for expatriates and frequent travellers, providing medical cover in a chosen geographical region (e.g., Europe, or Worldwide) and is portable, meaning it stays with you if you move to another country within your covered area.

Ready to find out if Cigna provides the best fit and value for your unique needs?

The private health insurance market is complex, but the choice doesn't have to be. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our FCA-authorised advisers will conduct a thorough market comparison, analysing Cigna's plans against the UK's leading insurers to find you the perfect cover at the best possible price.


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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.


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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 experienced 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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