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Corporate Health Insurance 2026 Should Your Company Pay for Staff Wegovy

Corporate Health Insurance 2026 Should Your Company Pay for...

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the evolving landscape of private medical insurance in the UK. This guide provides a critical analysis for HR Directors considering one of the most talked-about employee benefits: prescription weight-loss medication like Wegovy.

The health of your workforce is the bedrock of your organisation's success. Yet, UK businesses face a growing and costly challenge: the impact of obesity on employee health, attendance, and productivity. As we look towards 2026, a new generation of clinically-proven weight management treatments, most notably Wegovy (semaglutide), is entering the corporate benefits arena.

This presents a pivotal question for strategic HR and leadership teams: Should your company pay for staff to access these treatments through your corporate health insurance?

This definitive guide provides a clear cost-benefit analysis. We will weigh the direct cost of enhanced private medical insurance (PMI) against the significant, often hidden, costs of obesity-related sick leave and reduced productivity. We will dissect Bupa's pioneering Weight Management pathway as a prime example and equip you with the data needed to build a compelling business case.

The Staggering Cost of Obesity to UK Businesses

To make an informed decision, you must first grasp the scale of the problem. The financial drain of obesity on UK plc is not a vague wellness concept; it is a measurable economic reality.

According to recent data from sources like the NHS and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the situation is stark:

  • Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the UK are living with obesity. Within a typical workforce, this means a significant portion of your employees may be struggling with their health.
  • Absenteeism: A 2023 report highlighted that individuals with obesity take an average of four extra sick days per year compared to those with a healthy weight.
  • Related Conditions: Obesity is a primary driver of numerous chronic and acute health problems, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and musculoskeletal issues (e.g., back and knee pain). These are leading causes of employee absence.
  • Presenteeism: Beyond sick days, there's the hidden cost of 'presenteeism'—when employees are at work but are less productive due to ill health, fatigue, or discomfort. Research suggests the cost of presenteeism can be several times higher than that of absenteeism.

Let's translate this into tangible figures for your business. The average cost of a sick day per employee in the UK is estimated to be around £150-£200 when considering lost output, management time, and temporary cover.

Company Size (Employees)Estimated Employees with Obesity (at 25%)Extra Annual Sick Days (4 per employee)Estimated Annual Cost of Absenteeism (at £175/day)
501352£9,100
25063252£44,100
1,0002501,000£175,000

Insider Tip: These figures are conservative. They do not account for the increased risk of long-term disability, the impact on team morale when colleagues are frequently absent, or the hidden productivity losses from presenteeism. The true cost to your organisation is likely much higher.

What is Wegovy and How Does It Work?

Before analysing its role in a benefits package, it's crucial to understand what Wegovy is and, equally, what it isn't.

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a prescription-only injectable medication. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. In simple terms:

  1. It mimics a natural hormone: It copies the action of a gut hormone that is released after eating.
  2. It regulates appetite: This hormone targets areas of the brain that control hunger, making you feel fuller for longer and reducing cravings.
  3. It slows digestion: It also slows down the rate at which your stomach empties, contributing to the feeling of satiety.

Key Facts for HR Directors:

  • It's a Clinical Treatment: This is not a cosmetic or lifestyle drug. It is a medically supervised treatment for individuals clinically diagnosed with obesity.
  • Strict Prescription Criteria: To be prescribed Wegovy in the UK, a patient must typically have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more alongside at least one weight-related health condition (like high blood pressure or pre-diabetes).
  • It's Part of a Programme: Wegovy is most effective and is licensed for use in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is a tool to support lifestyle changes, not a replacement for them.

Understanding this context is vital. Offering Wegovy isn't about providing a "quick fix"; it's about providing access to a comprehensive, medically-led health intervention.

The Corporate Health Insurance Solution: Bupa's Weight Management Pathway

Standard private medical insurance in the UK has a fundamental rule: it is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out a policy. It does not typically cover the management of chronic (long-term) conditions like obesity, nor does it cover pre-existing conditions.

This is where the market is evolving. Insurers like Bupa are now offering specific, bolt-on modules that proactively address the root causes of future health claims.

Bupa's Weight Management pathway is a prime example of this new approach. Here’s how it works:

  1. It's an Add-On: This is not included in a standard corporate PMI policy. You must choose to add it to your company's plan, which will increase the premium.
  2. GP Referral: An employee experiencing issues with their weight would first consult a GP, who can refer them into the pathway if they meet the clinical criteria.
  3. Consultant-Led Care: The employee is then assessed by a specialist consultant (an endocrinologist or similar) who confirms the diagnosis and formulates a treatment plan.
  4. Holistic Programme: If appropriate, the plan may include a prescription for a GLP-1 medication like Wegovy or Saxenda. Crucially, this is delivered as part of a 24-month programme that includes:
    • The cost of the medication.
    • Regular consultations with the specialist.
    • Support from dieticians, psychologists, and health coaches to help embed sustainable lifestyle changes.

The Cost of the Add-On:

The cost of adding a weight management pathway to your corporate health insurance policy will vary based on your company's demographics and the level of cover. As a guide, you can expect this to add anywhere from £15 to £40 per employee, per month to your premium.

While this may seem significant, consider the alternative: the out-of-pocket cost for an individual to access Wegovy privately can be £200-£300 per month, plus the cost of specialist consultations. Providing it through a corporate scheme makes this life-changing treatment accessible and affordable for your staff.

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The Cost-Benefit Analysis: The Wegovy Add-On vs. The Cost of Inaction

Now we arrive at the central business case. By bringing together the cost of obesity and the cost of the insurance solution, we can perform a direct comparison.

Let's analyse the return on investment (ROI) for a hypothetical company with 250 employees.

MetricScenario 1: No Wegovy Programme (The Cost of Inaction)Scenario 2: With Bupa Wegovy Programme (The Investment)
Direct Financial Cost£44,100+ annually in obesity-related absenteeism (from our earlier table). Plus unknown, higher costs of presenteeism.£45,000 annually (assuming a mid-range add-on cost of £15 per employee per month: 250 x £15 x 12).
Employee Health & ProductivityContinued high rates of sick leave. Lower productivity from staff suffering with fatigue, pain, and poor mental health. Increased risk of long-term disability claims.Reduced Absenteeism: If the programme helps just 10 employees avoid 4 sick days each, that's 40 saved days, recouping £7,000. Improved Productivity: Staff feel healthier, more energetic, and more focused.
Talent Attraction & RetentionStandard benefits package. May be perceived as lagging behind market-leading competitors who offer proactive wellness solutions.Major Differentiator: A highly attractive, modern benefit that shows the company invests in employee wellbeing. Powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent.
Organisational RiskHigher risk of key personnel being absent for extended periods. Greater exposure to future claims on other benefits like Group Income Protection.Proactive Risk Management: Addresses a root cause of ill health, potentially lowering future PMI and disability claims. Creates a more resilient, healthier workforce.
Company Culture & ESGA reactive approach to health. Employees may feel unsupported in managing chronic health challenges.Demonstrates a Culture of Care: Positions the company as a genuinely supportive employer. A tangible action that supports your Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

The ROI Calculation:

In this scenario, the direct annual cost of the insurance add-on (£45,000) is almost identical to the minimum estimated cost of absenteeism (£44,100). This means that any reduction in sick leave, any improvement in productivity, and any success in retaining just one key employee who might have otherwise left for a competitor with better benefits, represents a positive return on investment.

The business case is not just about breaking even; it's about the significant upside that a healthier, more engaged workforce delivers.

Broader Considerations for HR Directors in 2026

Implementing a benefit like this requires careful strategic planning beyond the financial analysis.

  • Equity and Fairness: How do you offer a benefit that only a portion of your workforce will be eligible for? The key is communication. Frame it as one part of a comprehensive, holistic wellness strategy that includes benefits for everyone, such as mental health support, gym memberships, and preventative health screenings.
  • Other Insurers: While Bupa has been a vocal pioneer, other major UK private medical insurance providers like AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality are all actively developing or have launched their own weight management services. The market is moving fast. This is why partnering with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr is essential. We can provide an impartial, whole-of-market comparison to find the policy that best fits your company's specific needs and budget.
  • Tax Implications: Remember that private medical insurance is a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK). This means the value of the premium paid by the company is treated as taxable income for the employee, who will pay income tax on it. This needs to be clearly communicated to staff.
  • Long-Term Strategy: These treatments are not a short course. What is your policy if an employee on the programme leaves the company? Clear communication about what happens to their treatment plan is vital.

The WeCovr Advantage: Holistic Wellness Support

Choosing to add a weight management pathway is a significant strategic decision. At WeCovr, we support our corporate clients beyond just sourcing the policy. We provide the tools to help make your investment a success.

  • Expert, Impartial Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our role is to understand your business goals and search the entire market, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva and Vitality, to find the optimal solution.
  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: To maximise the effectiveness of any weight management programme, lifestyle change is key. That's why all corporate clients who arrange their PMI with us receive complimentary access for their staff to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. This provides a tangible tool to support the dietary changes required for success.
  • Integrated Benefits: We believe in a joined-up approach. Companies that partner with us for their Group PMI or Group Life insurance can also access discounts on other essential business insurance, simplifying administration and saving money.

People Also Ask: Quick Answers for Busy HR Leaders

Is Wegovy available on the NHS for everyone? No. Wegovy is available on the NHS but under very strict criteria and often with long waiting lists. It is typically reserved for use within specialist weight management services and is not available as a simple GP prescription for all who qualify by BMI.

Does standard corporate health insurance cover weight loss treatment? Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK is for new, acute conditions. Weight loss treatment is typically excluded as it relates to a chronic condition (obesity) or is considered a lifestyle choice. The new, specific add-on pathways from insurers like Bupa are the major exception to this rule.

What is the BMI requirement for a Wegovy prescription? The licensed indication for Wegovy is for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity), or a BMI of 27 kg/m² to 30 kg/m² (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Are there tax implications for offering staff private health insurance? Yes. Employer-paid private medical insurance is considered a 'Benefit-in-Kind' (BIK) in the UK. The cost of the insurance premium is reported on a P11D form, and the employee will pay income tax on that amount. National Insurance contributions may also be payable by the employer.

Your Next Steps

The evidence is clear. The cost of inaction on workforce obesity is substantial and growing. Proactive, clinically-led interventions, made accessible through corporate health insurance, offer a compelling ROI by reducing absenteeism, boosting productivity, and marking your organisation as a top-tier employer.

However, the market is complex and evolving rapidly. Navigating the different offerings from Bupa, Aviva, AXA, and others to find the right fit for your culture and budget requires specialist expertise.

Don't navigate this alone. Speak to the expert corporate PMI brokers at WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation review of your current benefits strategy. We’ll help you analyse the costs, compare the market, and build a powerful business case for a healthier, more productive workforce in 2026.


Do I need to declare pre-existing conditions for a company health insurance scheme?

It depends on the type of underwriting the company chooses. For larger schemes, 'Medical History Disregarded' (MHD) underwriting is common, where pre-existing conditions are covered (though chronic conditions are still generally excluded from management). For smaller schemes, 'Moratorium' or 'Full Medical Underwriting' may be used, which would exclude conditions from the past five years. An expert broker can advise on the best option for your group size.

What is the difference between Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting for a corporate policy?

'Full Medical Underwriting' (FMU) requires each employee to complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then explicitly lists any conditions that will be excluded from cover. 'Moratorium' (MORI) underwriting is simpler; no medical forms are needed upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any condition the employee has had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the five years before joining. However, if they then go two full years on the policy without any issues relating to that condition, it may become eligible for cover.

Can our company switch its private medical insurance provider easily?

Yes, switching providers is a common practice, and a specialist broker can manage the process for you seamlessly. If you already have a group scheme, it's often possible to switch to a new insurer on a 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME) or 'Continued Moratorium' basis. This ensures that any cover your employees have already built up for pre-existing conditions under their old moratorium is not lost, providing continuity of cover.

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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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