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Critical Illness + PMI The Ultimate Protection

Critical Illness + PMI The Ultimate Protection 2026

In today's complex world, safeguarding your health and financial future is paramount. As an FCA-authorised UK broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr understands the landscape. This guide explores combining private medical insurance with critical illness cover for ultimate peace of mind.

Combining policies for maximum security in 2026

As we look towards 2026, the conversation around personal health has never been more critical. The UK's healthcare system, while a source of national pride, faces undeniable pressures. For individuals and families seeking control, certainty, and comprehensive protection, a single insurance policy may no longer be sufficient.

The ultimate strategy for robust security involves a powerful combination: Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Critical Illness Cover (CIC). These are not competing products; they are complementary pillars of a formidable financial and wellbeing plan. PMI addresses the 'how' and 'when' of your medical treatment, while Critical Illness Cover addresses the significant financial impact a serious health event can have on your life.

This article will demystify both types of cover, illustrate why they work so well together, and guide you on creating a protection strategy that offers true security for you and your loved ones in 2026 and beyond.

Understanding the Two Pillars of Health Protection

To appreciate why combining these policies is so effective, we first need to understand what each one does—and, just as importantly, what it doesn't do.

What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)? The Key to Fast Treatment

Private Medical Insurance, often called private health cover, is a policy you pay for that covers the cost of private medical care for specific conditions. Its primary purpose is to help you bypass NHS waiting lists and gain rapid access to specialists, diagnostic tests, and treatment.

Think of PMI as your key to unlocking speed and choice in healthcare.

What PMI typically covers:

  • Consultations with specialist doctors.
  • Diagnostic tests like MRI scans, CT scans, and X-rays.
  • In-patient and day-patient treatment, including surgery.
  • A private room in a comfortable, modern hospital.
  • Cancer care, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy (often a core benefit).
  • Mental health support (increasingly common in comprehensive plans).

The Critical Constraint: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand about PMI in the UK. Standard policies are designed to cover 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. Examples include a hernia, cataracts, or a joint replacement.

PMI does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before your policy began.
  • Chronic Conditions: Illnesses that cannot be cured and require long-term management, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.
PMI: Typical Inclusions & Exclusions
✅ Typically Included (Acute Conditions)❌ Typically Excluded
Consultations & Diagnostics (Scans)Pre-existing conditions
Surgery (e.g., hip replacement, heart surgery)Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma)
Cancer TreatmentRoutine maternity care
Mental Health Support (limits apply)Cosmetic surgery
Physiotherapy & RehabilitationA&E / Emergency services
Private Hospital RoomDrug and alcohol addiction treatment

What is Critical Illness Cover (CIC)? The Financial Safety Net

Critical Illness Cover works very differently. It is not designed to pay for medical bills. Instead, it pays you a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the specific serious illnesses listed in your policy.

Think of CIC as your financial shield, protecting your lifestyle and giving you breathing room when you need it most. You decide how to use the money.

Common uses for a CIC payout:

  • Paying your mortgage or rent while you are unable to work.
  • Clearing outstanding debts like loans or credit cards.
  • Replacing lost income for you or a partner who takes time off to care for you.
  • Making adaptations to your home, such as installing a ramp or a walk-in shower.
  • Paying for specialist treatment not available on the NHS or covered by your PMI.
  • Simply reducing financial stress so you can focus 100% on your recovery.

What illnesses are covered?

Policies vary, but most providers cover a core set of conditions. The quality of a policy is often determined by the number of conditions covered and the precise definitions used.

Common Conditions Covered by Critical Illness Cover
Cancer (of a specified severity)
Heart Attack
Stroke
Multiple Sclerosis
Organ Transplant
Kidney Failure
Major Head Trauma
Parkinson's Disease

Note: The exact definition and severity required for a payout are crucial. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these details.

The Protection Gap: Why One Policy Isn't Enough

Understanding the distinct roles of PMI and CIC reveals a crucial "protection gap" that exists when you only have one.

  • PMI Only: You get fast, high-quality treatment, but you have no financial support for your everyday life. How do you pay the bills if you're off work for six months recovering from surgery?
  • CIC Only: You receive a large cash payout, which is a huge relief. But you might still be facing a lengthy wait for the actual treatment on the NHS, causing significant anxiety and potentially impacting your long-term prognosis.

Let's illustrate this with a real-life scenario.

A Tale of Two Scenarios: Meet Sarah

Sarah is a 42-year-old marketing manager with a mortgage and two school-aged children. She is diagnosed with a serious form of breast cancer.

Scenario 1: Sarah only has Private Medical Insurance

Her PMI policy is fantastic. Within days of her GP referral, she sees a top oncologist privately. Her scans are done the same week, and her chemotherapy begins in a comfortable private hospital shortly after. The medical side is handled brilliantly.

However, the intensive treatment means she cannot work for nine months. Her sick pay runs out after three. Suddenly, the mortgage payments become a terrifying monthly worry. The stress of managing household finances on a reduced income begins to take a toll on her recovery. Her PMI paid the hospital, but it didn't pay her bills.

Scenario 2: Sarah has both PMI and Critical Illness Cover

This is a completely different story.

  1. Fast Treatment (PMI): Just like before, her PMI plan gets her immediate access to the best specialists and treatment, bypassing any delays.
  2. Financial Security (CIC): Upon diagnosis, her Critical Illness policy pays out a £120,000 tax-free lump sum. This changes everything. She immediately uses part of it to pay her mortgage for the next 18 months. She can afford extra help at home, pay for travel to the hospital without worry, and completely remove financial stress from the equation.

With both policies, Sarah has a holistic shield. She has the peace of mind that her health is being managed by the best people as quickly as possible, and the financial freedom to focus entirely on what matters most: getting better.

The Compelling Case for Combining PMI and CIC in 2026

The synergy between these two policies provides a level of security that is becoming increasingly essential in the modern UK.

The reality of UK healthcare in the mid-2020s makes a compelling case for private protection. According to NHS England data from late 2025, the elective care waiting list remains stubbornly high, with millions of people waiting for routine procedures. This isn't just about inconvenience; for many conditions, a delay in treatment can lead to worse outcomes.

At the same time, lifestyle-related and age-related illnesses are on the rise. Reputable sources like Cancer Research UK state that 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. The British Heart Foundation highlights that there are around 100,000 hospital admissions each year due to heart attacks in the UK.

These statistics aren't meant to scare, but to inform. A serious illness is a significant risk, and a proactive plan is a sensible response.

The Synergy Effect: How the Policies Work Together

When combined, PMI and CIC create a seamless protection plan that covers you from diagnosis through to recovery.

  • Speed & Choice (from PMI): You bypass waiting lists, choose your specialist, and select a hospital that is convenient and comfortable for you.
  • Financial Freedom (from CIC): You are shielded from the financial fallout of a serious illness. The lump sum gives you choices and removes the immense pressure of household bills and lost income.
  • Reduced Stress (from both): The combination removes the two biggest worries associated with illness: "When will I get treated?" and "How will we cope financially?". This allows you to channel all your energy into recovery.
  • Comprehensive Family Protection: Both policies can typically be extended to cover your partner and children, ensuring your entire family is protected.

Designing Your Bespoke Protection Plan

There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution. The right cover depends on your personal circumstances, budget, and priorities. This is where professional advice is invaluable.

Tailoring Your Private Medical Insurance UK Policy

When setting up a PMI plan, you will make several key choices that affect your cover and your premium.

  • Underwriting: You'll choose between Moratorium (where the insurer automatically excludes conditions you've had in the last 5 years) or Full Medical Underwriting (where you declare your full history upfront).
  • Level of Cover: Policies range from basic plans covering only in-patient treatment to comprehensive options that include extensive outpatient diagnostics, therapies, and mental health support.
  • Outpatient Limit: You can choose a limit on how much the policy will pay for consultations and tests that don't require a hospital bed (e.g., from £0 to 'unlimited').
  • Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim (e.g., £100, £250, £500). A higher excess will lower your monthly premium.
  • Hospital List: Insurers have different lists of eligible hospitals. A plan with a more limited local list will be cheaper than one with a comprehensive national list that includes prime London hospitals.

An independent broker like WeCovr can demystify these options, comparing policies from across the market to find the best private health cover for your specific needs and budget, all at no extra cost to you.

Choosing the Right Critical Illness Cover

Your CIC policy also requires careful tailoring.

  • Level of Cover: How much money would you need? A common starting point is to calculate your annual salary multiplied by two or three, or an amount sufficient to clear your mortgage.
  • Term of Policy: You can set the policy to run until your children are independent, your mortgage is paid off, or you reach retirement age.
  • Condition Definitions: This is crucial. A cheaper policy might have very strict definitions, making it harder to claim. A good policy will have comprehensive and clear definitions for a wide range of illnesses. Reviewing these with an expert is highly recommended.

A Proactive Approach to Your Health & Wellbeing

While insurance is a vital safety net, the best strategy is always to invest in your own health. Preventing illness is always better than treating it. Many modern insurers recognise this and actively reward healthy lifestyles.

The Four Pillars of a Healthy Life

Small, consistent habits can have a huge impact on your long-term health and reduce your risk of developing many of the conditions discussed.

  1. A Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Understanding your calorie and nutrient intake is key. As a benefit to our clients, WeCovr provides complimentary access to CalorieHero, an AI-powered app that makes tracking your food intake simple and effective.
  2. Regular Exercise: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running) a week.
  3. Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. It's essential for immune function, mental health, and cellular repair.
  4. Stress Management: Chronic stress contributes to numerous health problems. Incorporate activities like mindfulness, yoga, reading, or spending time in nature to manage your stress levels.

Many of the best PMI providers now offer wellness programmes with discounts on gym memberships, health screenings, and wearable tech to encourage you to stay active and engaged with your health.

Cost Considerations: An Honest Look at Premiums

The cost of combining PMI and CIC will depend on several factors:

  • Your Age: Premiums are lower when you are younger and healthier.
  • Your Health: Your personal medical history and lifestyle (e.g., smoking) have a significant impact.
  • Level of Cover: The more comprehensive the cover and the higher the payout, the higher the premium.
  • Your Location: In some cases, where you live in the UK can affect PMI premiums.

To give you an idea, here are some illustrative monthly costs for a healthy non-smoker.

AgeIllustrative PMI Premium (Mid-level cover, £250 excess)Illustrative CIC Premium (£100,000 cover to age 65)
30From £45 / monthFrom £12 / month
40From £65 / monthFrom £25 / month
50From £95 / monthFrom £50 / month

Disclaimer: These figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not a quote. Your actual premium will depend on your individual circumstances and the provider chosen.

Making Your Cover More Affordable

  • Increase Your Excess: Agreeing to pay more towards a claim can significantly reduce your PMI premium.
  • Opt for a 6-Week Wait (PMI): Some policies offer a reduced premium if you agree to use the NHS if the waiting list for your treatment is less than six weeks.
  • Review Annually: Don't just auto-renew. Your needs change, and the market evolves. A broker can re-shop the market for you each year.
  • Bundle and Save: When you purchase PMI or Life Insurance through a broker like WeCovr, you can often get discounts on other types of cover, making a comprehensive protection plan more affordable.

The Final Word: Investing in Peace of Mind

Combining Private Medical Insurance with Critical Illness Cover is the most robust way to protect yourself and your family against the dual impact of a serious illness: the physical and the financial.

PMI gives you control over your treatment, ensuring it's fast and of high quality. CIC gives you control over your life, ensuring that money is the last thing you need to worry about during a difficult time. Together, they form the ultimate protection strategy for 2026, offering a level of security and peace of mind that is truly priceless.

As an FCA-authorised broker with high satisfaction ratings on leading customer review platforms, WeCovr is committed to helping you find the right protection. Our expert advisors can guide you through the process, comparing leading UK providers to build a plan that's perfectly tailored to you.

Ready to build your ultimate protection plan? Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how affordable true peace of mind can be.

Do I need to declare my pre-existing conditions for private medical insurance?

Yes, you absolutely must be honest and transparent about your medical history. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. It explicitly excludes pre-existing conditions. Failing to declare them can invalidate your policy, meaning the insurer could refuse to pay for any future claims.

Is the payout from Critical Illness Cover taxed?

No. In the UK, a payout from a personal Critical Illness Cover policy is paid as a tax-free lump sum. This means if you have a policy for £100,000, you will receive the full £100,000. You are then free to use this money for whatever you need, whether it's paying your mortgage, covering living costs, or adapting your home.

Can I add my family to my policies?

Generally, yes. Most private medical insurance and critical illness providers allow you to add your partner and dependent children to your policy. This is often more convenient and can sometimes be more cost-effective than taking out separate policies for everyone. The premium will increase for each person added to the plan.

What happens if I have PMI but choose to use the NHS for treatment?

Many private medical insurance policies include a feature called an 'NHS Cash Benefit' or 'NHS Cashback'. If you have an eligible claim but choose to receive your treatment for free on the NHS instead, the insurer will pay you a fixed cash amount for every night you spend in an NHS hospital or for every procedure you have. This provides flexibility and rewards you for using NHS services.

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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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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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