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Combining Health Insurance with Critical Illness Cover

Combining Health Insurance with Critical Illness Cover 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies issued, WeCovr has seen firsthand how a robust protection plan is vital for UK families. Combining private medical insurance with critical illness cover is a powerful strategy to secure your health and finances against the unexpected, offering a comprehensive safety net.

Bundling to save while broadening protection in modern insurance strategies

In today's world, safeguarding our health and financial well-being requires a smarter, more integrated approach than ever before. Gone are the days of viewing insurance as a single, isolated product. The modern strategy is about creating a comprehensive shield, and one of the most effective ways to do this is by combining Private Medical Insurance (PMI) with Critical Illness Cover (CIC).

Think of it like this: your car has an airbag to protect you in a crash (PMI for immediate treatment) and breakdown cover to get you home if the engine fails (CIC for the financial aftermath). Both are essential, but they serve different purposes. By bundling them, you not only close dangerous gaps in your protection but also unlock potential savings and administrative simplicity.

This article will explore the powerful synergy between these two types of cover, explaining how they work together to provide a 360-degree safety net for you and your family in the UK.

Understanding Private Medical Insurance (PMI) in the UK

Private medical insurance is designed to work alongside the NHS, giving you more control, choice, and speed when you need medical treatment. Its primary purpose is to cover the costs of private healthcare for acute conditions.

What is an Acute Condition?

An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. This includes things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repairs, and diagnostics for new symptoms.

Crucially, standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed for these new, acute conditions. It does not cover pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy, nor does it cover chronic conditions. A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and cannot be conventionally cured, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. These will continue to be managed by the NHS.

What Does Private Health Cover Typically Include?

While policies vary, most comprehensive PMI plans offer a core set of benefits:

  • In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs if you are admitted to hospital for a procedure or treatment, including surgery fees, anaesthetist fees, and hospital accommodation.
  • Out-patient Consultations and Diagnostics: This pays for initial consultations with a specialist and diagnostic tests like MRI, CT, and PET scans, helping you get a diagnosis far quicker than might be possible otherwise.
  • Advanced Cancer Care: This is a cornerstone of most PMI policies. It provides access to specialist cancer drugs, treatments, and therapies that may not be available on the NHS due to cost or NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approval delays.
  • Mental Health Support: Most leading insurers now offer significant mental health cover, providing access to therapy, counselling, and psychiatric care.
  • Digital and Virtual GP Services: Get a GP appointment via phone or video call, often 24/7, for quick advice, diagnoses, and prescriptions without leaving your home.

Why Do People Choose PMI? The NHS Context

The NHS is a national treasure, but it is under immense pressure. As of mid-2024, NHS England reported a waiting list of approximately 7.5 million treatments. This has led many to seek alternatives for non-emergency care.

PMI isn't a replacement for the NHS – you will still rely on the NHS for accidents and emergencies. Instead, it’s a complementary service that provides two invaluable benefits:

  1. Speed: Bypassing long waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment.
  2. Choice: Selecting your specialist, hospital, and appointment times.

This is where PMI shines, providing peace of mind that if you develop an acute condition, you can be diagnosed and treated quickly, in a comfortable setting, at a time that suits you.

Demystifying Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

While PMI pays your medical bills, Critical Illness Cover pays you. It is a different but equally vital form of protection.

What is Critical Illness Cover?

Critical Illness Cover is a type of long-term insurance policy that pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specified serious illnesses or medical conditions during the policy term.

The number and definition of illnesses covered vary significantly between providers, which is why expert advice is crucial. However, most policies cover the "big three":

  • Cancer (of a specified type and severity)
  • Heart Attack (of a specified severity)
  • Stroke (resulting in permanent symptoms)

Other commonly covered conditions include:

  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Kidney failure
  • Major organ transplant
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Motor neurone disease
  • Loss of limbs or sight

According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 375,000 new cancer cases in the UK every year – that's around 1,000 a day. The British Heart Foundation reports over 100,000 hospital admissions for heart attacks annually in the UK. These aren't remote risks; they are realities that affect thousands of families.

How Can the Lump Sum Be Used?

The power of CIC lies in its flexibility. The money is paid directly to you, and you can use it for whatever you need most during a difficult time. Common uses include:

  • Covering Lost Income: Taking extended time off work to recover without financial pressure.
  • Paying Off a Mortgage: Removing your largest monthly outgoing to reduce stress.
  • Adapting Your Home: Installing a stairlift or wet room after a stroke.
  • Paying for Specialist Care: Funding treatments not covered by the NHS or PMI.
  • Clearing Debts: Wiping out loans or credit card balances.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Allowing a partner to take time off work to care for you.

Essentially, CIC gives you the financial breathing room to focus entirely on your recovery, rather than worrying about how to pay the bills.

The Synergy: Why Combine PMI and Critical Illness Cover?

On their own, both PMI and CIC are powerful tools. But when combined, they create a near-seamless web of protection that covers both your medical treatment and your financial stability.

Filling the Gaps: A Tale of Two Covers

The best way to understand their complementary nature is to see what each one does and doesn't do.

FeaturePrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)Critical Illness Cover (CIC)
PurposePays for private medical treatment for acute conditions.Provides a one-off, tax-free lump sum on diagnosis.
Payout MethodPays medical bills directly to the hospital/specialist.Pays a cash sum directly to you to use as you wish.
What it CoversCost of diagnosis, surgery, consultations, hospital stays.Can be used for anything: mortgage, bills, lifestyle changes.
Key LimitationDoes not provide a cash payout for living expenses or lost income.Does not pay ongoing medical bills directly.
Example ScenarioCovers the £25,000 cost of your private cancer treatment.Pays you £100,000 after your diagnosis to cover lost income.

As the table shows, one pays for the treatment, the other helps you manage the rest of your life while you're being treated.

A Real-World Scenario: David's Story

Let's imagine David, a 50-year-old self-employed consultant. He has both a PMI policy and a £150,000 Critical Illness Cover policy.

  1. The Diagnosis: David suffers a major heart attack. After emergency NHS treatment stabilises him, he needs follow-up surgery and extensive cardiac rehabilitation.
  2. PMI in Action: The NHS waiting list for his non-urgent but necessary bypass surgery is nine months. David's PMI policy allows him to have the surgery in a leading private cardiac hospital within three weeks. His policy covers the entire £30,000 cost of the surgery and his subsequent rehabilitation programme.
  3. CIC in Action: Two weeks after his diagnosis, David's Critical Illness provider pays him his £150,000 tax-free lump sum. As a self-employed consultant, David has no sick pay. This money is a lifeline. He uses it to:
    • Cover his income for the 12 months he needs to fully recover.
    • Pay off his outstanding £20,000 business loan.
    • Give him and his family peace of mind, knowing the mortgage and bills are covered.

Without PMI, David would have faced a long, anxious wait for surgery. Without CIC, the financial stress of being unable to work could have severely hampered his recovery. Together, they provided total support.

The Practicalities of Bundling: How to Combine Your Cover

There are two main ways to structure your combined protection plan.

Option 1: Separate Policies from Different Insurers

You can buy a PMI policy from a specialist health insurer (like Bupa or AXA) and a standalone CIC policy from a life insurance specialist (like Legal & General or Aviva).

  • Pros: You can choose the 'best-in-class' provider for each specific need, potentially getting more comprehensive cover.
  • Cons: This can mean more administration, two separate payments, and potentially a higher overall cost.

Option 2: Bundled Policies from a Single Insurer

Some large insurers offer both health and life insurance products and may provide a discount for taking out both. Sometimes, a limited form of critical illness benefit can be added as an optional extra to a PMI policy.

  • Pros: Simplicity is the main advantage – one provider, one point of contact, and often a multi-policy discount.
  • Cons: A CIC benefit attached to a PMI policy can sometimes be less comprehensive than a standalone one, covering fewer conditions or offering a smaller payout.

The Role of an Expert PMI Broker like WeCovr

Navigating these options is complex. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable. An expert broker doesn't just sell you a policy; they provide a tailored advisory service at no cost to you.

A broker will:

  1. Analyse Your Needs: Understand your health, family, and financial situation.
  2. Compare the Entire Market: Assess hundreds of policies from dozens of providers.
  3. Model the Options: Calculate whether a bundle or separate policies offers you the best value and most appropriate level of protection.
  4. Explain the Jargon: Demystify the complex definitions and clauses in CIC policies.
  5. Handle the Application: Ensure the process is smooth and stress-free.

Using a broker ensures you get a plan that is truly fit for purpose, rather than just an off-the-shelf product.

AspectBundling with One InsurerSeparate Policies (via a Broker)
CostOften cheaper due to multi-policy discounts.Can be more cost-effective as a broker finds the best value.
ConvenienceHigh - one provider, one payment, one renewal.Managed by the broker, making it simple for you.
ComprehensivenessCan sometimes be a compromise on features.Can choose the 'best' policy for each specific need.
Best ForThose who value simplicity above all else.Those who want maximum flexibility and the best possible cover.

Enhancing Your Protection: Added Value and Wellness Benefits

Modern insurance is no longer just a promise to pay a claim. The best PMI providers now include a wealth of benefits designed to keep you healthy and support your well-being every day.

Wellness Programmes and Rewards

Insurers like Vitality have pioneered a proactive approach. Their programmes reward you for living a healthy life with discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, healthy food, and even cinema tickets. By staying active, you can lower your future premiums. This creates a win-win: you stay healthier, and the insurer's risk is reduced.

Digital Health Services

Almost all top-tier private medical insurance UK plans now include:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Speak to a GP anytime, anywhere.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to helplines and apps like Headspace or SilverCloud.
  • Second Medical Opinion Services: Get a world-leading expert to review your diagnosis and treatment plan.

WeCovr's Added Value for Clients

At WeCovr, we believe in going the extra mile. In addition to finding you the best policy at the best price, our clients receive extra benefits:

  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: All clients get free access to our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you manage your diet and health goals.
  • Multi-Cover Discounts: When you buy your PMI or Life Insurance through us, we can offer you exclusive discounts on other policies you might need, such as home or travel insurance, truly bundling your entire protection portfolio.
  • Exceptional Service: We pride ourselves on the high satisfaction ratings we receive from our clients, demonstrating our commitment to providing clear, supportive, and effective advice.

Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider

Choosing the right combination of cover is a deeply personal decision. Here are the key factors to discuss with your advisor:

1. Your Personal & Family Circumstances

  • Age and Health: Your current health status is the biggest factor in pricing.
  • Dependants: Do you need to cover your partner or children? Many PMI policies cover children for free.
  • Family Medical History: This can influence the type and level of cover that is right for you.
  • Lifestyle: Factors like smoking and alcohol consumption will affect your premiums.

2. Your Financial Situation

  • Income & Sick Pay: How long would your employer pay you if you were off sick? If you're self-employed, you may have no safety net at all.
  • Savings: How long could your savings support you if you couldn't work?
  • Debts: Your mortgage is likely your biggest liability. CIC is often taken out to cover this.

3. Understanding the Policy Details

  • The Excess: The amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess lowers your premium.
  • Hospital List: Insurers offer different tiers of hospital access. Ensure the hospitals you'd want to use are on your chosen list.
  • Underwriting Type:
    • Moratorium: Simpler to set up. The policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the last 5 years.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a full health questionnaire. It's more detailed upfront but provides absolute clarity on what is and isn't covered from day one. An expert PMI broker can advise which is best for you.
  • CIC Definitions: This is critical. The definition for a 'heart attack' or 'cancer' can vary. A good broker will help you compare these definitions to ensure you get a policy that is likely to pay out when you need it.

Combining private health cover and critical illness cover is a strategic decision that builds a formidable defence against life's health and financial shocks. It ensures that if the worst happens, you can access the best possible care without delay, while also protecting your family's financial future.


Can I get health insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Generally, standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) does not cover pre-existing conditions. PMI is designed to cover new, acute medical conditions that arise after your policy has started. However, some insurers may agree to cover a past condition after a set period (usually two years) has passed without you experiencing symptoms or needing treatment for it, depending on the underwriting type you choose. It is vital to declare your medical history fully and honestly.

Is combining PMI and Critical Illness Cover always cheaper?

Bundling policies from a single insurer can often result in a multi-policy discount, making it cheaper. However, the primary goal should be securing the best *value* and most appropriate *cover*, not just the lowest price. Sometimes, purchasing two separate, best-in-class policies from different providers via a broker offers more comprehensive protection that is better suited to your needs, even if the cost is slightly higher. An expert broker can compare the entire market to find the most cost-effective solution for your specific circumstances.

Does Critical Illness Cover pay out for any diagnosis of cancer?

No, this is a common misconception. Critical Illness policies pay out for cancers that meet a specific definition in the policy document, which usually relates to the type, stage, and severity of the cancer. For example, very early-stage, non-invasive cancers may not be covered under the main policy, although some policies offer a smaller partial payment for these. It is absolutely essential to read and understand these definitions. A specialist adviser can help you compare policies to find one with comprehensive and fair cancer definitions.

How does a broker like WeCovr help me find the best PMI provider?

An FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr acts as your independent expert guide. We are not tied to any single insurer. Our role is to understand your unique needs, budget, and health circumstances. We then use our expertise and market access to compare policies from a wide range of UK insurers, including those not on comparison websites. We explain the pros and cons of each option in plain English, handle the application process, and provide ongoing support, all at no cost to you. This saves you time, money, and ensures you get the right cover.

Ready to explore a combined protection strategy tailored to you? The expert, FCA-authorised advisors at WeCovr can help. Get your free, no-obligation quote today and discover how to broaden your protection while potentially saving money.


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Any questions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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