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Comparing UK Hospital Groups Which Charge More for Private Procedures

Comparing UK Hospital Groups Which Charge More for Private...

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged, WeCovr provides insight into the UK private medical insurance market. This guide dissects the costs of major hospital groups, helping you understand how your choice of facility directly impacts your insurance premiums and the value you receive.

WeCovr reviews Spire, Nuffield, HCA, and Circle costs to see who is most expensive

Choosing a private medical insurance (PMI) policy in the UK involves more than just picking an insurer; it's also about deciding where you'll receive your treatment. The hospital you choose can have the single biggest impact on the cost of your policy and the quality of your care.

The UK's private healthcare landscape is dominated by a few large hospital groups. For this review, we are focusing on the 'big four': Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health, HCA Healthcare UK, and Circle Health Group. Understanding the differences in their pricing, specialisms, and geographic locations is crucial for making an informed decision about your health cover.

At WeCovr, we believe in empowering you with clear, expert information. Let's delve into the data to see who charges more and what you get for your money.

Why Your Choice of Hospital Matters for Your PMI Premiums

When you buy private health cover, you're not just paying for access to a consultant; you're paying for the entire treatment pathway. This includes the hospital's operating theatres, nursing staff, diagnostic equipment (like MRI and CT scanners), and your overnight stay.

Insurers are acutely aware that some hospitals cost significantly more than others. To manage their costs—and yours—they create 'hospital lists' or 'tiers'.

  • Higher Cost Hospitals = Higher Premiums: If you want a policy that includes access to the most expensive hospitals, typically those in Central London with world-renowned specialists and state-of-the-art technology, your premium will be higher.
  • Lower Cost Hospitals = Lower Premiums: If you are happy with a more restricted list of hospitals, perhaps excluding those in major city centres, you can significantly reduce your monthly payments.

Think of it like car insurance. Insuring a high-performance sports car kept in a city centre will always cost more than insuring a family hatchback in a quiet village. The principle is the same: higher risk or cost to the insurer translates to a higher premium for you.

Understanding Hospital Lists and Tiers in Private Health Insurance

Insurers don't just have one master list of hospitals. They carefully categorise them into bands or tiers to offer you different levels of cover at different price points. While the names vary between insurers (e.g., 'Key', 'Extended', 'Premium'), they generally fall into these categories:

  1. Basic or Local Lists: These offer the lowest premiums. They typically include a curated selection of private hospitals from groups like Spire and Nuffield but may exclude facilities in major metropolitan hubs, especially London. This can be a great value option if you live outside a major city and are happy with local treatment.
  2. Standard or National Lists: This is the most common option. It provides access to a wide range of hospitals across the UK, including most facilities from Spire, Nuffield, and Circle Health Group. It offers a good balance between choice and cost.
  3. Comprehensive or Premium Lists: This is the top-tier option, offering unrestricted access to almost any private hospital in the UK. Crucially, this tier includes the high-cost hospitals in Central London, such as those run by HCA Healthcare UK. This option carries the highest premium.

A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these lists to find a policy that includes the hospitals you'd want to use without making you overpay for facilities you'll never visit.

Introducing the 'Big Four': A Profile of Spire, Nuffield, HCA, and Circle

These four groups represent the vast majority of private hospital beds in the United Kingdom. Each has a distinct identity and market position.

FeatureSpire HealthcareNuffield HealthHCA Healthcare UKCircle Health Group
Number of HospitalsAround 40377 (plus clinics)Around 50
Primary FocusBroad UK coverage, wide range of proceduresIntegrated health & wellness (hospitals, gyms, clinics)Complex care, Central London, international patientsModern facilities, patient experience, national network
Ownership ModelPublicly listed company (PLC)Not-for-profit charitable trustUS-owned private companyIndependent, previously acquired BMI Healthcare
Typical Price PointMid to HighMid-rangePremium / Very HighMid to High
Geographic SpreadExcellent national coverageStrong national coverageHeavily London-centricExcellent national coverage

The Cost Breakdown: Comparing Spire, Nuffield, HCA, and Circle

Now for the central question: who is the most expensive? To answer this, we need to look at the 'self-pay' or 'package' prices for common procedures. While your insurer negotiates rates, these guide prices are a strong indicator of the underlying cost structure.

A crucial note on pricing: The costs below are illustrative estimates for 2025 and are for comparison purposes only. Actual prices vary based on the specific consultant, the complexity of your case, the exact hospital location, and the type of implant or prosthesis used.

Illustrative Costs for Common Private Procedures (2025)

ProcedureNuffield Health (Mid-Range)Spire Healthcare (Mid-High)Circle Health (Mid-High)HCA Healthcare (Premium)
MRI Scan (1 part)£400 - £600£450 - £700£450 - £750£800 - £1,200+
Cataract Surgery (1 eye)£2,500 - £3,200£2,600 - £3,500£2,700 - £3,600£3,800 - £5,000+
Knee Arthroscopy£3,800 - £4,800£4,000 - £5,200£4,200 - £5,500£6,000 - £8,000+
Hernia Repair (Inguinal)£3,000 - £4,000£3,200 - £4,400£3,300 - £4,500£4,800 - £6,500+
Hip Replacement£12,500 - £15,000£13,000 - £16,000£13,500 - £16,500£18,000 - £25,000+
Knee Replacement£13,000 - £15,500£13,500 - £16,500£14,000 - £17,000£19,000 - £26,000+

Analysis:

As the table clearly shows, HCA Healthcare UK is consistently the most expensive hospital group, often by a significant margin. Their costs reflect their Central London locations, investment in cutting-edge robotic surgery and cancer care, and their ability to attract world-leading consultants.

Nuffield Health often appears as the most competitively priced, which may be influenced by its not-for-profit charitable status. Spire and Circle Health Group are closely matched, occupying the middle-to-high ground and forming the backbone of most standard private medical insurance UK hospital lists.

A Closer Look at HCA Healthcare UK: The Premium Choice

HCA is synonymous with top-tier private medical care in London. Their facilities, including The Harley Street Clinic, The Lister Hospital, and London Bridge Hospital, are where you go for highly complex procedures.

  • Strengths: Unrivalled access to leading specialists, particularly in oncology (cancer), cardiology (heart), and neurosciences. They have some of the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technology in Europe.
  • Why so expensive?
    1. Location: Prime Central London real estate carries immense overheads.
    2. Technology: Constant investment in the latest medical equipment is costly.
    3. Staffing: Attracting and retaining the very best clinical and nursing staff demands premium salaries.
    4. Complexity: They handle some of the most difficult and resource-intensive medical cases, often for international patients.
  • Who needs an HCA-inclusive policy? If you live or work in London and want no-compromise access to the absolute best specialists and facilities for serious conditions, then including HCA on your hospital list is essential.

A Closer Look at Spire Healthcare: The UK's Largest Network

Spire Healthcare is one of the UK's largest private hospital providers by revenue and reach. With around 40 hospitals and 8 clinics across England, Wales, and Scotland, they are a cornerstone of the UK PMI market.

  • Strengths: Excellent geographic coverage means most people are within a reasonable drive of a Spire hospital. They offer a comprehensive range of services, from routine diagnostics to complex surgery. They are a trusted partner for the NHS, often helping to reduce waiting lists.
  • Pricing Position: Spire sits in the mid-to-high price bracket. They are more expensive than many Nuffield hospitals but more affordable than HCA. They represent the "default" high-quality option for many insurers.
  • Who is Spire good for? Anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality national network. A policy that includes Spire gives you fantastic choice and accessibility almost anywhere in the country.

A Closer Look at Nuffield Health: The Wellness-Focused Charity

Nuffield Health is unique because it is a registered charity, not a shareholder-owned company. This means all profits are reinvested back into the organisation's mission of "building a healthier nation."

  • Strengths: Their integrated model connects hospitals with fitness and wellbeing centres (gyms) and health assessment clinics. This allows for a focus on preventative health and rehabilitation. As a charity, their ethos is centred on patient outcomes rather than profit. They also offer a unique 'Recovery Plus' programme for certain procedures, providing post-op physiotherapy at their gyms.
  • Pricing Position: Generally in the mid-range. Their not-for-profit status can lead to more competitive pricing on certain procedures, making them an excellent value proposition.
  • Who is Nuffield good for? Patients who appreciate a holistic approach to health that extends beyond the operating theatre. Their focus on rehabilitation and prevention is a significant benefit.

A Closer Look at Circle Health Group: The Modern Challenger

Circle Health Group became one of the UK's largest hospital operators after acquiring BMI Healthcare. They have a strong reputation for modern, well-designed facilities and a focus on the patient experience, often described as more like a hotel than a hospital.

  • Strengths: State-of-the-art hospitals with a strong emphasis on patient comfort and technology. Their national network is now vast, rivalling Spire's. They have invested heavily in new facilities and technology, including pioneering rehabilitation centres.
  • Pricing Position: Similar to Spire, they occupy the mid-to-high price bracket. They compete on service, technology, and patient environment.
  • Who is Circle good for? Patients who value a modern, comfortable environment and a seamless patient journey. Their national scale makes them a core part of almost all standard PMI policies.

How Insurers' Hospital Lists Affect Your Monthly Premium

To see how this all plays out in your bank account, let's look at some illustrative examples. The premiums below are for a 45-year-old non-smoker seeking comprehensive cover with a £250 excess.

Hospital List TierIncluded Hospital GroupsIllustrative Monthly PremiumWho It's For
Tier 1: Local / BasicSelected Nuffield, Circle, Spire (No Central London)£75Someone living outside a major city, happy with local high-quality care, and seeking maximum value.
Tier 2: Standard / NationalFull Nuffield, Circle, Spire networks (No Central London)£95The majority of UK customers. Offers extensive choice and national coverage at a competitive price.
Tier 3: Comprehensive / PremiumAll hospitals, including HCA in Central London£140London-based professionals or those who want guaranteed access to the UK's most prestigious hospitals.

As you can see, simply adding the premium Central London hospitals (primarily HCA) can increase a premium by nearly 50%. This is why it's so important to get expert advice. If you don't live near London, paying for a Tier 3 list is often poor value. The team at WeCovr can run a detailed market comparison to ensure you're only paying for the cover you actually need.

Critical Information: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions Are Not Covered

This is one of the most important principles of private health cover in the UK. It's vital to understand what PMI is designed for.

Private medical insurance 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 a hernia, cataracts, or a joint injury requiring replacement.
  • A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, in the years before your policy began (typically the last 5 years).
  • A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured and needs long-term management, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.

Standard UK PMI policies do not cover the treatment of pre-existing or chronic conditions. They are designed for unexpected, short-term health issues, providing a route to faster diagnosis and treatment outside of the NHS.

Boosting Your Wellbeing: Small Steps for a Healthier Life

While insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best strategy is to stay healthy. Investing in your wellbeing can reduce your long-term health risks. Here are some simple, effective tips:

  • Nourish Your Body: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reduce your intake of processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats. Using an app can help track your intake. As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracker, CalorieHero.
  • Move Every Day: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or swimming) a week. Find an activity you enjoy to make it a sustainable habit.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, and ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Good sleep is essential for mental and physical recovery.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact your health. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or simple breathing exercises. Spending time in nature and connecting with loved ones are also powerful stress relievers.

How WeCovr Helps You Find the Right Balance of Cost and Cover

Navigating the complexities of hospital lists, insurer jargon, and policy exclusions can be daunting. This is where an expert, independent PMI broker proves invaluable.

At WeCovr, we don't just sell you a policy; we provide a service.

  1. We Listen: We take the time to understand your needs, your budget, and what's important to you in a healthcare provider.
  2. We Compare: We use our expertise and technology to analyse policies from across the market, comparing not just price but also the crucial details of their hospital lists and benefit limits. We enjoy high customer satisfaction ratings on major review websites because we put our clients first.
  3. We Advise: We explain your options in plain English, highlighting the pros and cons of each, so you can make a confident choice.
  4. We Add Value: When you take out a private medical or life insurance policy with us, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero app. We also offer discounts on other types of insurance, helping you protect your family and finances more affordably.

Our service is provided at no cost to you. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, but our advice remains completely impartial and focused on your best interests.

Is the most expensive hospital always the best?

Not necessarily. "Best" is subjective and depends on your needs. The most expensive hospitals, like those in the HCA group, are exceptional for complex and specialist care, particularly in London. However, for more routine procedures like a hip replacement or cataract surgery, a hospital from Nuffield Health or Spire may offer equally excellent clinical outcomes in a more convenient location and at a lower cost to your insurer, keeping premiums down. The 'best' hospital is one with a strong track record for your specific procedure.

Can I change my hospital list after my policy has started?

Yes, you can typically change your hospital list, but usually only at your policy's annual renewal date. You can choose to upgrade to a more comprehensive list (which will increase your premium) or downgrade to a more restricted list to save money. You cannot, however, change your hospital list mid-term simply because you need to make a claim at a hospital not on your current list. This is why it's so important to choose the right list from the start with help from a PMI broker.

Does private medical insurance UK cover the consultant's fees as well as the hospital costs?

Yes, a core benefit of private medical insurance is that it covers the costs of the specialist consultant and the anaesthetist as well as the hospital's charges. However, most insurers have fee guidelines and will only cover fees up to a certain level. The vast majority of consultants charge within these guidelines, but it's always wise to check with your insurer before beginning treatment to ensure your chosen consultant's fees will be covered in full.

Ready to find the perfect balance of cost, choice, and quality for your health cover?

Get your free, no-obligation quote from a WeCovr expert today and see how much you could save.

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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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