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Corporate Health Insurance for Large Companies in the UK

As an insurance intermediary with over 1,000,000 policies of various types issued, WeCovr understands the UK market for private medical insurance inside and out. This guide provides HR managers in large companies with a comprehensive framework for structuring a corporate PMI package that delivers real value for both your people and your organisation.

Last updated Oct 6, 2026

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TL;DR

As an insurance intermediary with over 1,000,000 policies of various types issued, WeCovr understands the UK market for private medical insurance inside and out. This guide provides HR managers in large companies with a comprehensive framework for structuring a corporate PMI package that delivers real value for both your people and your organisation.

Key takeaways

  • In-patient: Requires an overnight stay in a hospital bed.
  • Day-patient: Admitted to hospital for a procedure but does not need to stay overnight.
  • Hospital accommodation and nursing care
  • Surgeons' and anaesthetists' fees
  • Specialist consultations

As an insurance intermediary with over 1,000,000 policies of various types issued, WeCovr understands the UK market for private medical insurance inside and out. This guide provides HR managers in large companies with a comprehensive framework for structuring a corporate PMI package that delivers real value for both your people and your organisation.

An HR managers guide to structuring corporate PMI packages

Navigating the world of corporate Private Medical Insurance (PMI) can feel complex. As an HR manager for a large UK company, you are tasked with creating a benefits package that not only attracts top talent but also supports the health and wellbeing of your existing workforce, ultimately driving business success.

This guide will demystify the process. We will walk you through the strategic benefits, core components, and customisation options of a corporate health insurance scheme, enabling you to make informed decisions that align with your company’s goals and budget.

Why Corporate Private Medical Insurance is a Strategic Asset for UK Businesses

In today's competitive landscape, a robust health and wellbeing strategy is no longer a 'nice-to-have'—it's a critical business tool. A well-structured corporate PMI scheme sits at the heart of this strategy, offering tangible returns on investment.

1. Winning the War for Talent

A comprehensive benefits package is a powerful differentiator. In a tight labour market, candidates often weigh up job offers not just on salary, but on the perceived value of the perks. Offering private health cover signals that you are an employer who invests in the long-term health of your staff, making you a more attractive prospect.

2. Reducing Sickness Absence and Presenteeism

Sickness absence takes a significant toll on the UK economy. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 185.6 million working days were lost because of sickness or injury in 2022. PMI tackles this head-on by providing:

  • Faster access to diagnostics: Employees can bypass long NHS waiting lists for consultations and scans.
  • Prompt treatment: Quicker access to surgery and medical care means a faster return to work.

This not only reduces absenteeism (days off work) but also presenteeism—the issue of employees coming to work while unwell and operating at a lower capacity.

3. Boosting Productivity and Morale

When employees feel valued and supported, their engagement and morale soar. Knowing they have access to first-class medical care should they need it provides invaluable peace of mind. This positive environment fosters loyalty, reduces staff turnover, and contributes to a more productive and motivated workforce.

4. Fulfilling Your Duty of Care

Employers have a fundamental duty of care for their employees' health, safety, and wellbeing. A corporate PMI scheme is a clear and powerful demonstration of this commitment, showing you are proactively investing in their physical and mental health.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Corporate PMI in the UK

Before diving into structuring a package, it's essential to grasp the core concepts of private health cover in the UK.

What is Corporate PMI?

Corporate Private Medical Insurance is a policy taken out by an employer to provide healthcare benefits for its employees. When an employee develops an eligible medical condition, the policy covers the cost of private diagnosis and treatment, from consultations and scans to surgery and aftercare.

The Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand about UK PMI.

  • Acute Conditions: These are diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you join the scheme.
  • Chronic Conditions: These are long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.

Similarly, pre-existing conditions (illnesses you had before the policy started) are typically excluded, although this can be different for large corporate schemes, as we'll explore below.

Key Terminology Explained

TermWhat it Means for Your Scheme
UnderwritingThis is how an insurer assesses risk. For large groups (typically 20+ staff), the most common type is Medical History Disregarded (MHD). This is a major benefit, as it means the insurer agrees to cover eligible medical conditions, regardless of a member's previous medical history. Pre-existing conditions that would be excluded on an individual policy may be covered.
ExcessThe amount an employee must pay towards their claim each policy year. For example, if the excess is £100 and the treatment costs £2,000, the employee pays the first £100 and the insurer pays the remaining £1,900. A higher excess lowers the overall premium.
Benefit LimitsMost policies have an annual limit on the total value of claims that can be made, either per person or per policy. While often high (e.g., £1 million), some elements like out-patient cover may have lower sub-limits.
Hospital ListInsurers have lists of approved hospitals. These are often tiered. A standard list might include hundreds of private hospitals nationwide, while a more expensive option might add premium private hospitals in Central London. Restricting this list can be a key way to manage costs.

The Core Components of a Corporate Health Insurance Policy

Think of a PMI policy as a set of building blocks. You start with the foundation and then add optional extras to create the right package for your needs.

1. In-patient and Day-patient Cover (The Foundation)

This is the core of every PMI policy and typically covers costs when an employee is admitted to hospital for treatment.

  • In-patient: Requires an overnight stay in a hospital bed.
  • Day-patient: Admitted to hospital for a procedure but does not need to stay overnight.

This cover includes:

  • Hospital accommodation and nursing care
  • Surgeons' and anaesthetists' fees
  • Specialist consultations
  • Diagnostic tests like CT and MRI scans
  • Operating theatre costs

2. Out-patient Cover (The Most Common Add-on)

This covers diagnosis and treatment where a hospital bed is not required. It's one of the most used parts of a policy. Cover typically includes:

  • Specialist consultations
  • Diagnostic tests and scans
  • Physiotherapy and other therapies

Out-patient cover is usually offered in levels, for example:

  • Basic (illustrative): A financial limit of around £500 per person per year.
  • Standard (illustrative): A limit of £1,000 - £1,500.
  • Comprehensive: Full cover with no yearly financial limit.

3. Cancer Cover (A Crucial Element)

Cancer care is a cornerstone of modern PMI. While the NHS provides excellent cancer care, private cover can offer access to treatments, drugs, and facilities that may not be available on the NHS due to funding decisions. Comprehensive cancer cover typically includes:

  • Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy
  • Consultations and monitoring
  • Access to specialist cancer centres
  • Experimental or newly licensed drugs

4. Mental Health Support (Increasingly Essential)

With mental ill-health being a leading cause of long-term absence, strong mental health support is vital. Policies can include:

  • Access to counsellors, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists
  • In-patient and day-patient psychiatric treatment
  • Digital mental health support via apps and online platforms

Structuring Your PMI Package: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Managers

Now, let's put it all together. Structuring the right scheme involves a series of strategic decisions.

Step 1: Define Your Objectives and Budget

First, clarify what you want to achieve.

  • Are you aiming for market leadership? You'll need a comprehensive, top-tier plan.
  • Is your goal to provide a solid, valued benefit while managing costs? A well-chosen mid-tier plan with cost-control options might be best.
  • What is your per-head budget? This will be the primary constraint guiding your choices.

Step 2: Decide Who to Cover (Scheme Membership)

You have several options for eligibility:

  • All employees: The most inclusive approach, fostering equality and broad-based goodwill.
  • Based on seniority: Different levels of cover for different job grades (e.g., comprehensive for directors, core for managers, etc.).
  • Based on length of service: As a reward for loyalty, e.g., employees become eligible after passing their probation or after one year of service.

While tiered systems can manage costs, a single, inclusive scheme for all staff is often simpler to administer and communicate.

Step 3: Choose the Right Underwriting: Medical History Disregarded (MHD)

For large companies, this decision is straightforward. Medical History Disregarded (MHD) is the industry standard for schemes with over 20 employees.

Why is MHD so important? Unlike individual policies, it ignores previous medical history. This means eligible acute conditions may be covered, even if they are pre-existing. This is a hugely valuable benefit that removes a major barrier to cover and simplifies administration, as employees do not need to declare their medical history.

Step 4: Select the Level of Cover (Core vs. Comprehensive)

This is where you balance benefits with your budget. Here’s a typical comparison:

FeatureCore "Essentials" PlanComprehensive "Prestige" Plan
In-patient / Day-patientFull CoverFull Cover
Out-patient Cover£500 limit for diagnostics & consultationsFull Cover (unlimited)
Cancer CoverCore cover (standard treatments)Full advanced cover (incl. new drugs)
Mental HealthOut-patient consultations onlyIn-patient & out-patient treatment
Therapies (Physio etc.)Included within out-patient limitSeparate, generous limit
Dental & OpticalNot includedIncluded as an optional add-on
Hospital ListStandard national listFull list including Central London

Step 5: Customise with Add-ons and Value-Added Services

Beyond the core components, you can enhance your package with a range of valuable extras:

  • Dental & Optical Cover: Can be included for routine check-ups, treatments, and eyewear.
  • Therapies Cover: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment are highly valued benefits that help employees recover from musculoskeletal issues, a common cause of absence.
  • Travel Insurance: Often available as a bolt-on, providing worldwide travel cover for business and leisure.
  • Wellness Programmes: Many insurers offer rewards for healthy living, such as gym discounts or points for hitting activity targets.
  • Digital GP: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call is now a standard and highly convenient feature.

WeCovr enhances our health and life insurance offerings by providing clients with complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, and offer discounts on other insurance products, adding extra value to your benefits package.

Step 6: Managing Costs with Smart Policy Levers

A skilled broker can help you fine-tune your policy to meet your budget without sacrificing essential cover. The main cost-control levers are:

  1. The 6-Week Wait Option: This is one of the most effective ways to reduce premiums. With this option, if the NHS can provide the required in-patient treatment within six weeks, the employee will use the NHS. If the wait is longer than six weeks, the private medical insurance kicks in. This ensures employees get prompt care when the NHS is under pressure, but utilises the NHS for more routine procedures, saving money.
  2. Adjusting Excess Levels: Introducing or increasing the employee excess (e.g., from £0 to £150) will lower the premium. This encourages employees to consider the cost of care and can be set at different levels for different staff grades.
  3. Tailoring the Hospital List: Unless a large portion of your workforce is based in Central London, choosing a hospital list that excludes the most expensive city-centre hospitals can generate significant savings.
  4. Co-payment Options: Some policies allow for a co-payment, where the employee pays a percentage of their claim costs (e.g., 20%) up to a set cap.

How to Compare Corporate PMI Providers in the UK

The UK market is served by several excellent, well-established insurers. Each has its own strengths and focus areas.

ProviderKey Strength / Unique Selling Point (USP)Example Features
BupaExtensive experience and network, including their own hospitals and clinics. A very trusted brand.Direct access to services, Be.Me app for wellbeing.
AvivaStrong digital focus and integration with other insurance products. Excellent clinical expertise.Aviva Digital GP, "BacktoBetter" muscle, bone, and joint support.
AXA HealthFocus on preventative healthcare and clinical support. Strong digital tools.Access to their 24/7 health support line, Doctor@Hand digital GP service.
VitalityUnique model focused on rewarding healthy behaviour with discounts and perks.The Vitality Programme, which encourages activity for rewards like cinema tickets and coffee.

The Role of an Expert PMI Broker

Choosing between these providers and their countless policy combinations can be overwhelming. This is where a PMI specialist at WeCovr or one of our broker partners is indispensable.

An expert broker:

  • Understands the whole market: We work with all the well-known insurers.
  • Saves you time: We do the research and price comparisons for you.
  • Provides regulated advice: We are not tied to any one insurer and will recommend the policy that best fits your specific needs and budget.
  • Negotiates on your behalf: We can often secure better terms than you could by going direct.
  • Offers ongoing support: We help with implementation, communication, and the annual renewal process to ensure your scheme remains competitive and cost-effective.

Best of all, using a broker typically comes at no extra cost to you, as we are compensated by the insurer you choose.

Beyond PMI: Building a Holistic Corporate Wellness Strategy

Private medical insurance is a powerful tool, but it's most effective as part of a wider, proactive wellness strategy. Consider integrating your PMI with:

  • Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP): Confidential, 24/7 support lines for issues like stress, debt, legal queries, and family problems.
  • Proactive Health Screenings: Offering yearly health checks to catch potential issues like high cholesterol or blood pressure early.
  • Financial Wellbeing Support: Financial stress is a major contributor to poor mental health. Offering workshops or access to financial advisors can be hugely beneficial.
  • Promoting Healthy Habits: Encourage good sleep, a balanced diet, and regular activity. Simple initiatives like providing fresh fruit, encouraging walking meetings, and promoting tools like CalorieHero can make a real difference.

The Financials: Understanding Costs and Tax Implications

As an HR Manager, you'll need to understand the financial side of PMI for both the company and the employee.

How Premiums are Calculated

Insurers base your company's premium on several factors:

  • Average age of employees: Younger workforces generally have lower premiums.
  • Industry: Some professions are considered higher risk than others.
  • Location: Postcodes influence the cost of local private healthcare.
  • Level of cover: The more comprehensive the plan, the higher the cost.
  • Claims history: At renewal, your company's claims history will influence the new premium.

Tax Implications

  • For the Business: The cost of the PMI premiums is considered a legitimate business expense and is therefore eligible for Corporation Tax relief.
  • For the Employee: Corporate health insurance is a 'benefit in kind' (BIK). This means the value of the premium paid by the employer is treated as taxable income for the employee. The company must report this to HMRC on a P11D form for each covered employee, and the employee may pay income tax on that amount. It's crucial to communicate this clearly to staff so they understand the small impact on their tax code.

Taking the Next Step

Structuring a corporate health insurance package is a significant strategic decision. It requires a clear understanding of your objectives, your budget, and the needs of your workforce. By focusing on the core components, using smart cost-control levers, and partnering with an expert, you can design a scheme that delivers outstanding value.

A well-designed PMI scheme is more than just a benefit; it's an investment in your most valuable asset—your people. It protects their health, provides peace of mind, and ultimately drives the success and resilience of your entire organisation.

Is corporate health insurance a taxable benefit in the UK?

Yes, in the UK, private medical insurance provided by an employer is considered a 'benefit in kind' (BIK). The cost of the premium is treated as part of the employee's income, and they may pay income tax on it. As the employer, you are required to report this benefit to HMRC on a P11D form for each employee who is part of the scheme.

Does corporate PMI cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, standard private medical insurance in the UK excludes pre-existing and chronic conditions. However, a key advantage of large corporate schemes (e.g., for 20+ employees) is that they are almost always set up on a 'Medical History Disregarded' (MHD) basis. This means the insurer agrees to cover new, eligible acute conditions even if they are related to a pre-existing condition, which is a significant benefit compared to individual policies.

What is the '6-week wait' option in a PMI policy?

The 6-week wait option is a popular cost-saving feature. If an employee needs in-patient treatment and the NHS can provide it within six weeks of the recommended date, the employee will be treated by the NHS. If the NHS waiting list is longer than six weeks, the private medical insurance policy will kick in to cover the treatment privately. This ensures prompt care when it's needed most while significantly reducing the overall premium.

How can we reduce the cost of our company's health insurance scheme?

There are several effective ways to manage the cost of your corporate PMI scheme. The most common levers are: introducing a '6-week wait' option, increasing the policy excess that employees pay per claim, tailoring the hospital list to exclude the most expensive facilities (like those in Central London), and choosing a more limited level of out-patient cover. An expert broker can model these changes to find the optimal balance of cost and cover for your business.

Ready to explore the right private medical insurance UK options for your company? a WeCovr specialist or trusted broker partner can help you compare the market and build the perfect package. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and a confidential discussion about your needs.

Sources

  • NHS England: Waiting times and referral-to-treatment statistics.
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Health, mortality, and workforce data.
  • NICE: Clinical guidance and technology appraisals.
  • Care Quality Commission (CQC): Provider quality and inspection reports.
  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Public health surveillance reports.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Health and protection market publications.

Important Information and Risks

No advice: This article is for general information only. It is not financial, legal, insurance, or tax advice, and it is not a personal recommendation. WeCovr does not assess your individual circumstances or recommend a specific product through this article.

Policy exclusions and underwriting: Insurance policies, including life insurance, private medical insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection, are subject to insurer underwriting, eligibility, acceptance criteria, terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. Pre-existing medical conditions may be excluded, restricted, or accepted on special terms unless an insurer confirms otherwise in writing.

Tax treatment: References to tax treatment, HMRC rules, or business reliefs are based on current UK legislation and guidance, which can change. Tax treatment depends on your personal or business circumstances and may differ from examples in this article.

Before you buy: Always read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID), policy summary, and full policy terms before buying, renewing, changing, or keeping cover. If you are unsure whether a policy is suitable for you, speak to an insurance adviser.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Private medical insurance is designed for conditions that start after your policy begins, so pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, at least at first. With moratorium underwriting, a pre-existing condition may become eligible for cover once you have gone two continuous years on the policy without symptoms, treatment or advice for it. With full medical underwriting, the insurer tells you upfront which conditions are excluded. If you are switching from another policy or leaving a company scheme, you may be able to keep your existing underwriting terms, and some larger company schemes use Medical History Disregarded underwriting, where pre-existing conditions aren't excluded. Chronic conditions that need long-term management aren't covered by standard policies.

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. Some policies can also cover treatments and drugs that aren't routinely available on the NHS.

There's no fee to get quotes through WeCovr. WeCovr and its broker partners are typically paid a commission by the insurer when you take out a policy. The cost of the policy itself depends on your age, where you live, the cover you choose and your excess.

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 may benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product, and policies differ in ways that matter. Speaking to a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners helps make sure your requirements are understood so you can choose the right cover.

WeCovr's broker partners are firms authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which requires them to treat customers fairly. You can check any firm on the FCA Register.

WeCovr and its broker partners are typically paid a commission by the insurer when a policy is taken out. The premium is set by the insurer, and you don't pay a separate fee for using the service. You can ask about the commission at any time.

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 eligible conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly or annual premium and can claim for private healthcare covered by your policy. Benefits can include quicker access to treatment than on the NHS and, on some policies, access to drugs or treatments that aren't routinely available on the NHS.

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, chronic conditions and conditions present before the policy started.

Usually not on a new personal policy: pre-existing conditions are generally excluded, whatever the premium. Depending on your underwriting, a condition may become eligible later, and if you are switching policies or leaving a company scheme you may be able to keep existing terms. If you have questions about what is covered, contact WeCovr and a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the options.

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. Depending on the insurer, it applies once per policy year or once per claim. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the excess options available.

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.

Some insurers have an upper age limit for new customers, while others don't, and age affects the price. Many insurers will renew an existing policy regardless of age. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find insurers that accept your age.

A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can compare health insurance plans from a range of insurers for you, with no fee to you. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing.

Usually, yes. Many insurers let you add a partner or dependent children, either at any time or at renewal, depending on the insurer. The cost depends on factors like their age, where you live and the cover you choose. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for help adding someone to your policy.

UK private medical insurance is designed for treatment in the UK, although some policies include limited cover abroad. If you live or work abroad, international health insurance may be more suitable, and WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you compare options. For holidays, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover usually includes more extensive benefits, such as fuller outpatient cover for consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy and mental health therapies, within the policy limits. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the different levels of cover.

Private health insurance typically does not cover routine dental treatment, although some insurers offer a dental option and there are standalone dental policies. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you compare policies with dental options.

Most private medical insurance policies include cover for cancer diagnosed after the policy starts, but the level of cover varies: some policies limit drugs, treatment time or cost. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you compare cancer cover between policies.

You can usually change your cover at renewal, and some insurers allow changes during the year. You also have a 14-day cooling-off period after receiving your policy documents, during which you can cancel. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help with changes.

Many policies include a digital GP service provided by the insurer, often with same-day or next-day appointments. Check what your policy includes.

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

Yes. Insurers offer a range of cover levels to suit different budgets and needs, and a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can talk you through the options.

Your insurer can tell you which hospitals and specialists are included in your policy. For help comparing policies' hospital lists, tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a few details, and a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners will be in touch.

A fee-assured (or fee-approved) consultant has agreed to charge within your insurer's fee limits, so for eligible, authorised treatment you shouldn't have to pay a shortfall for their fees.

Many policies include some mental health cover, either as standard or as an option, usually with limits on therapy sessions or costs. Cover varies between insurers, so check the details.

Yes, children up to a certain age can usually be included on your policy, and some insurers offer discounts for children.

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. Tap a button below to get your own personalised quote through WeCovr.

Private health insurance can offer quicker access to consultations and treatment for eligible conditions, and more choice over when and where you are treated.

Many policies include physiotherapy, sometimes with limits on sessions or cost. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find plans that include it.

Services such as the insurer's digital GP app are usually available as soon as your policy starts.

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 eligible new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, chronic conditions aren't covered, and other exclusions apply.

Health insurance pays for eligible private healthcare, such as consultations and treatment, up to your policy limits. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you arrange cover.

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

Usually, yes: cover for eligible new conditions starts when your policy starts, and services like a nurse helpline or digital GP app are usually available straight away. If you make a claim soon after starting, the insurer may ask for a 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. Visit your insurer's website, or ask a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners, for details of member rewards.

You may be able to continue your cover with the same insurer on a personal policy, or take out a new policy. Continuing with the same insurer can mean keeping your existing underwriting, so conditions covered under the company scheme may stay covered. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can talk you through your options.

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

Your cover may be similar but not identical, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered, depending on the terms. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find the right level of cover.

Usually not, because employers often pay for or contribute to staff cover and group schemes are priced differently. Your cover level and age also affect the price. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can give you more detail.

There is usually a limited window after leaving, set by the insurer, so check as early as possible. Your personal policy can often start the day after your work cover ends, and a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain other options.

Have your leaving date and your current policy details ready, then contact WeCovr to discuss your options with a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners.

Ongoing treatment may be covered if you continue with the same insurer on a personal policy, although it could affect the price. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain your options.

Your insurer will explain how to pay your excess when you contact them for treatment authorisation. Usually you pay it to the hospital or consultant.

Usually not: with most insurers, there's no excess for services such as a digital GP. Check your policy.

Excess changes are usually made at renewal, although some insurers allow changes at other times.

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

Pre-existing conditions usually aren't covered on a new personal policy. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the underwriting options.

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 are medical issues that existed before your policy started. Many insurers treat any condition you've had symptoms of, treatment for or advice about in the five years before the policy started as pre-existing. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's worth comparing policies when yours is due for renewal to check it still offers good value for the cover you need. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you compare.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but children can usually be included on a family policy. Some insurers have an upper age limit for new customers, and premiums typically increase with age. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the age rules of different insurers.

Some insurers charge less if you pay annually, but this depends on the insurer. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can tell you whether paying annually would save you money.

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.

Usually not. With full medical underwriting you complete a medical questionnaire, and the insurer may occasionally ask your GP for a report. With moratorium underwriting there's no medical questionnaire upfront. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain 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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often get a GP appointment much more quickly, sometimes even on the same day, through the insurer's GP service. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find policies that include it.

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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance pays for eligible medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the illnesses listed in the policy, which you can use however you choose, for example to replace lost income. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand the differences.

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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find appropriate cover.

If your employer pays for your health insurance, it's usually a taxable 'benefit in kind': you pay income tax on its value, normally through your tax code or payroll, and your employer pays Class 1A National Insurance. For the employer, the premiums are usually an allowable business expense. If you buy a personal policy, you pay for it from taxed income. For advice on your situation, speak to an accountant.

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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners 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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand the differences and choose the right option for you.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Each year you don't claim typically adds to your no-claims discount, which can reduce your premium at renewal. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the right health insurance for you, compare 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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you evaluate your options.

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, check your policy terms to see whether your insurer requires a GP referral first (many do). Some policies offer direct access without a referral for certain conditions, such as muscle and joint problems or counselling 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 published 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 practise privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant either way. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, usually a private room, and more flexible visiting. Some policies also give 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.

Usually, yes. If you have private tests or scans but then want NHS treatment, your GP or private consultant can refer you to the NHS and share your results, although the NHS team may want to repeat some tests.

Key guides

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