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Complementary Therapy Coverage Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, and Alternative Medicine

Complementary Therapy Coverage Physiotherapy, Osteopathy,...

Are you considering private medical insurance in the UK? Understanding what's covered beyond surgery and hospital stays is crucial. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr knows that complementary therapy cover is a key factor for many of our clients seeking a holistic approach to their health.

Which complementary treatments PMI covers, session limits, practitioner registration requirements, and insurers with the most generous alternative therapy allowances

Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to help you bounce back from unexpected health issues. While often associated with quick access to specialists and private hospitals, many policies also offer valuable benefits for complementary therapies. These treatments, which work alongside conventional medicine, can be vital for recovery, pain management, and improving your quality of life.

However, the level of cover can vary dramatically between insurers and policies. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from which therapies are included to the session limits and practitioner rules you must follow to ensure your claim is paid.

Understanding Complementary Therapies in a PMI Context

First, let's clarify what we mean by "complementary therapies." In the world of UK private health cover, these are treatments used in addition to mainstream medical care. They are distinct from "alternative medicine," which is used instead of conventional medicine and is very rarely covered by PMI.

The primary role of PMI is to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.

A Critical Point: Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before your policy started.
  • Chronic Condition: An illness that cannot be cured but can be managed, such as diabetes, asthma, or long-term arthritis.

For example, if you have a 10-year history of lower back pain (a chronic condition), PMI won't cover ongoing treatment for it. However, if you pull a muscle in your back while gardening (an acute injury), your policy would likely cover the necessary physiotherapy to help you recover.

The "Big Three": Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, and Chiropractic

These three therapies form the bedrock of complementary care coverage on most UK private medical insurance policies. They are widely recognised for their effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal issues – problems with your bones, joints, and muscles.

  • Physiotherapy: Focuses on restoring movement and function after an injury, illness, or disability. A physiotherapist might use manual therapy, movement, and exercise to help you recover from a sports injury, post-surgery rehabilitation, or joint pain.
  • Osteopathy: Takes a whole-body approach, focusing on how your skeleton, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues function together. An osteopath uses manual techniques like massage and manipulation to improve function and relieve pain, often for issues like back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
  • Chiropractic: Specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractors use specific adjustments to restore proper joint movement, primarily focusing on spinal health to improve nervous system function.

The "Big Three" Explained

TherapyPrimary FocusCommon Conditions Treated
PhysiotherapyMovement, function, and rehabilitation.Sports injuries, post-operative recovery, joint and muscle pain, respiratory problems.
OsteopathyThe structural and functional integrity of the body.Generalised aches and pains, back and neck pain, sciatica, arthritic pain, headaches.
ChiropracticThe spine and its relationship with the nervous system.Lower back pain, neck pain, headaches and migraines, whiplash-associated disorders.

Do I Need a GP Referral?

Historically, a GP referral was almost always required to access these therapies through your PMI. This is changing. Many modern policies now allow for self-referral, especially for physiotherapy. This means you can contact your insurer directly when you feel you need treatment, speeding up the process.

However, some policies or specific conditions may still require a GP's sign-off. It’s a way for insurers to ensure the treatment is medically necessary. Always check your policy documents or call your insurer before booking an appointment.

Practitioner Registration: The Key to Getting Your Claim Approved

This is a non-negotiable rule for every insurer. To be eligible for cover, your chosen therapist must be registered with a specific professional body recognised by your insurance provider. This is your insurer's guarantee that the practitioner meets high standards of training, ethics, and professional conduct.

If you receive treatment from an unregistered therapist, your claim will be rejected, and you will have to pay for the sessions yourself.

Key UK Practitioner Registries

Before booking an appointment, you must verify your therapist's credentials. Most insurers provide a directory of approved specialists, or you can check via these official registers.

TherapyRecognised Professional BodyWhat Registration Means
PhysiotherapyHealth and Care Professions Council (HCPC)"Physiotherapist" is a legally protected title. Registration is mandatory to practise in the UK.
OsteopathyGeneral Osteopathic Council (GOsC)"Osteopath" is a legally protected title. The GOsC is the statutory regulator for the profession.
ChiropracticGeneral Chiropractic Council (GCC)"Chiropractor" is a legally protected title. The GCC is the statutory regulator.
AcupunctureBritish Acupuncture Council (BAcC)While not a statutory body, this is the main voluntary register insurers recognise for acupuncture.

Real-life example: Sarah injures her shoulder and her friend recommends a local physiotherapist. She has ten sessions and submits a claim for £500 to her insurer. The claim is denied because the therapist, while qualified, was not registered with the HCPC. Sarah had to cover the entire cost herself. A quick check on the HCPC register beforehand would have prevented this.

Session Limits and Financial Caps: How Much Coverage Do You Really Get?

While many policies include therapies, the coverage is rarely unlimited. Insurers manage their costs by applying limits, which typically work in one of two ways:

  1. Session Limits: The policy will pay for a set number of sessions per condition or per policy year (e.g., up to 8 or 10 sessions).
  2. Financial Caps: The policy will pay for treatment up to a certain monetary value (e.g., up to £500 or £1,000 per year).

These limits are often part of your policy's outpatient benefit limit. For example, a mid-tier policy might have a £1,000 annual outpatient limit that covers specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and complementary therapies. Each physiotherapy session would reduce your available outpatient fund.

More comprehensive plans may offer separate, more generous limits specifically for therapies. An experienced PMI broker like WeCovr can help you analyse these limits to find a policy that matches your potential needs.

Typical Therapy Limits by Major UK Insurers

This table provides an illustrative overview. Actual cover depends on the specific policy chosen.

InsurerStandard Physiotherapy/Osteo/Chiro CoverOptional UpgradesKey Notes
AXA HealthOften included as standard, may be subject to outpatient limits.Can add extended therapy options.Strong focus on their "Guided Option" to direct you to the right specialist.
BupaIncluded on most plans (e.g., Bupa By You). Limits can be set by a financial cap or session number.Higher limits available on more comprehensive plans.Provides access to a large network of Bupa-recognised therapists for direct settlement.
VitalityCover is standard. Generous session limits are often available, especially on higher-tier plans.Can increase outpatient limits to give more therapy cover.Known for linking benefits to its wellness programme. Better cancer cover often includes therapies.
WPATypically included with flexible benefit options. Known for generous financial allowances.Options to increase outpatient and therapy benefits significantly.Highly regarded for customer service and straightforward claims.

Beyond the Big Three: Exploring Other Alternative Therapies

What about treatments like acupuncture, podiatry, or even homeopathy? Coverage here is much more variable and depends heavily on the insurer and the level of your plan.

  • Acupuncture: Increasingly covered by major insurers, but almost always for pain relief and nausea, and only when performed by a medically qualified practitioner or a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).
  • Podiatry / Chiropody: Treatment by a podiatrist (for foot and lower limb issues) is often available as an optional add-on or on premium policies. The practitioner must be HCPC registered.
  • Speech Therapy: Usually covered following a specific medical event like a stroke, but typically not for developmental issues. Again, the therapist must be HCPC registered.
  • Dietetics: Consultations with a registered dietitian may be covered if referred by a specialist for a specific condition, such as coeliac disease.
  • Therapies Rarely Covered: Treatments like reflexology, aromatherapy, reiki, and homeopathy are generally excluded from standard PMI policies. This is because insurers base their coverage decisions on clinical evidence and recommendations from bodies like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and these therapies often lack the required body of scientific evidence to be included.

Which UK Insurers Offer the Most Generous Complementary Therapy Cover?

While "most generous" depends on your personal needs, some insurers are known for their strong therapy offerings.

  • Vitality: Stands out due to its proactive approach. Not only does it offer good therapy limits on its core products, but its philosophy encourages members to stay active, which can lead to needing services like physiotherapy. Their advanced cancer cover is particularly comprehensive, often including a wide range of therapies to support patients through treatment.
  • WPA: This provider is often praised for its flexibility. WPA's policies can be structured with high outpatient benefit limits, which in turn provides a substantial fund for members to use on therapies as needed. They have a reputation for being less restrictive than some larger competitors.
  • AXA Health: With its "Guided" pathways, AXA aims to get you to the right treatment quickly. While this can sometimes mean an initial assessment via their own services, it ensures the therapy is appropriate. Their higher-tier plans offer excellent, comprehensive benefits that include a good range of therapies.
  • Bupa: As one of the largest providers, Bupa has a vast network of recognised therapists. This makes finding an approved practitioner simple. Their "Bupa By You" product allows you to tailor your cover, so you can choose to add a higher financial limit for therapies if it's a priority for you.

Comparing these intricate policies can be overwhelming. This is where an independent PMI broker is invaluable. The team at WeCovr has deep knowledge of the UK market and can compare policies from these providers and more, ensuring you get the right cover at a competitive price, at no cost to you.

Wellness Beyond Insurance: Proactive Steps to Support Your Health

Private medical insurance is for when things go wrong, but the best strategy is always prevention. Taking proactive steps can reduce your risk of injury and improve your overall wellbeing.

  • Nourish Your Body: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can support joint and muscle health. Include oily fish (salmon, mackerel), leafy greens (spinach, kale), berries, nuts, and seeds. To help you stay on track, all WeCovr clients get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app.
  • Move Every Day: Regular, varied exercise is key. Combine low-impact cardio like swimming or cycling with strength training to support your joints. Don't forget to stretch – dynamic stretches before activity and static stretches after can help prevent injury.
  • Optimise Your Workspace: With many of us working from home, poor ergonomics is a leading cause of back and neck pain. Ensure your monitor is at eye level, your wrists are straight when typing, and your chair supports your lower back. Take regular breaks to stand and stretch.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is when your body repairs itself. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. A lack of sleep can increase inflammation and impair muscle recovery.

Furthermore, when you purchase a PMI or life insurance policy through WeCovr, you may be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect your health and finances even more comprehensively.

How to Make a Claim for Complementary Therapy

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful claims process:

  1. Check Your Policy: Before you do anything, read your policy documents to understand your cover, limits, and whether you need a GP referral.
  2. Get a Referral (if needed): If your policy requires it, visit your GP to discuss your symptoms. They can provide a referral letter for your insurer.
  3. Get Pre-authorisation: This is the most important step. Contact your insurer's claims line before you start treatment. They will confirm your cover, issue a pre-authorisation number, and advise you on any excess you need to pay.
  4. Find a Recognised Practitioner: Ask your insurer for a list of approved therapists in your area or use the online registries (HCPC, GOsC, GCC) to check a practitioner's status.
  5. Attend Your Sessions: Go to your appointments. You will usually need to pay your policy excess directly to the clinic at your first session.
  6. Settle the Bill: Many therapists have a direct settlement agreement with insurers, meaning they bill the insurance company directly. If not, you will need to pay for your treatment and submit the invoices to your insurer for reimbursement.

Do I need a GP referral for physiotherapy on my PMI?

It depends on your policy. Many modern private medical insurance policies in the UK now allow for self-referral to a physiotherapist, meaning you can contact your insurer directly without seeing a GP first. However, some insurers, or specific policy tiers, may still require a GP referral to ensure the treatment is medically necessary. Always check your policy documents or call your insurer to confirm before booking an appointment.

Will my private health cover pay for acupuncture for stress?

Generally, no. While some private health cover includes acupuncture, it is typically for specific conditions like pain relief (e.g., for back pain or migraines) or for nausea related to surgery or chemotherapy. PMI is designed to treat acute medical conditions, and mental health issues like stress are usually managed under a separate mental health benefit, which may or may not include therapies like acupuncture.

What happens if I use up my session limit for osteopathy?

Once you have reached the session limit (e.g., 10 sessions) or financial cap (e.g., £500) specified in your policy for osteopathy, your insurer will not cover any further sessions for that condition or within that policy year. You would be responsible for paying the full cost of any additional appointments yourself. This is why it's important to choose a policy with limits that you feel are adequate for your potential needs.

Is sports massage covered by private medical insurance in the UK?

Sports massage is not typically covered as a standalone treatment by most UK private medical insurance policies. However, it may be included as part of a broader physiotherapy treatment plan if your physiotherapist uses massage techniques during a session to treat a specific, acute injury. The cover is for the physiotherapy session itself, not just for the massage.

Take the Next Step Towards Better Health Protection

Navigating the world of complementary therapy cover can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. The right private medical insurance policy can provide peace of mind and fast access to treatments that get you back on your feet. With high customer satisfaction ratings and a commitment to clear, expert advice, WeCovr is here to help.

Ready to find a private medical insurance policy that truly supports your health and wellbeing?

Contact the friendly experts at WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover the best PMI provider for your needs.

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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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