Login

Does Health Insurance Cover Family Planning and Contraception

Does Health Insurance Cover Family Planning and...

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies of various kinds issued, WeCovr helps UK families navigate the world of private medical insurance. This guide demystifies what’s covered when it comes to family planning, contraception, and fertility, helping you make informed decisions about your health and finances.

What's free, claimable, or out-of-pocket in 2025

Navigating the costs of family planning in the UK involves understanding three pillars: the comprehensive services offered freely by the NHS, the specific role of private medical insurance (PMI), and the services you’ll need to pay for yourself (out-of-pocket).

For most people, routine contraception is a free NHS service. Private health cover is designed for treating unexpected, acute medical conditions, not for preventative care. However, it can play a crucial role in diagnosing underlying issues that affect your reproductive health.

Here is a quick overview of how common family planning services are typically paid for in the UK:

ServiceNHS Provision (Free)Standard Private Medical InsuranceOut-of-Pocket (Private)
Routine ContraceptionYes (Pills, patches, injections, condoms)NoPrivate prescription cost
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)Yes (Implants, IUDs/IUS coils)No£400 - £700
Permanent ContraceptionYes (Vasectomy, female sterilisation - often with long waiting lists)Generally No£600 - £4,000
Fertility InvestigationsYes (Subject to criteria and waiting times)Often Yes (For diagnostics, up to a limit)£500 - £2,500+
Fertility Treatment (e.g., IVF, IUI)Yes (Strict eligibility, limited cycles)Almost universally No£5,000 - £15,000+ per cycle
Routine Pregnancy CareYes (Comprehensive maternity pathway)NoN/A (or full private package)
Pregnancy ComplicationsYesSometimes (On high-end policies)Included in private package

Understanding Family Planning Services in the UK

"Family planning" is a broad term that covers all the methods a person or couple can use to decide the number and timing of their children. It’s not just about preventing pregnancy; it’s about planning for one, too.

This includes:

  • Contraception: Methods to prevent pregnancy.
  • Fertility: Help with conceiving a child.
  • Maternity: Care during pregnancy and childbirth.

In the UK, we have a dual system. The National Health Service (NHS) provides a fantastic, world-class range of family planning services, completely free at the point of use. This is the foundation of reproductive healthcare for the vast majority of the population.

Private healthcare, including private medical insurance, exists to supplement the NHS, not replace it. Its primary function is to provide faster access to specialists and treatment for specific types of medical conditions. The key is understanding which services fall under which umbrella.

The NHS and Contraception: Your Free-at-the-Point-of-Use Options

Before considering private options, it’s essential to know what you are already entitled to for free through the NHS. The NHS offers a comprehensive contraception service to prevent unplanned pregnancies, available to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.

You can access free contraception from:

  • Most GP surgeries
  • Community contraception clinics
  • Sexual health clinics (sometimes called GUM clinics)
  • Some young people’s services

Types of Free Contraception Available on the NHS:

  1. Short-Acting Methods:

    • Combined pill & progestogen-only pill ('mini-pill')
    • Contraceptive patch
    • Vaginal ring
    • Male and female condoms
  2. Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARCs): These are highly effective and you don't have to remember to take them daily.

    • The Implant (Nexplanon): A small rod inserted under the skin of your upper arm. Lasts for 3 years.
    • The IUS (Intrauterine System): A small, T-shaped device fitted in your womb that releases hormones (e.g., Mirena, Kyleena). Lasts for 3 to 8 years depending on the type.
    • The IUD (Intrauterine Device): A hormone-free copper coil fitted in your womb. Lasts for 5 to 10 years.
    • The Injection: An injection of progestogen given every 8 or 13 weeks.
  3. Permanent Methods:

    • Female Sterilisation (Tubal Ligation): A surgical procedure to block the fallopian tubes.
    • Vasectomy: A simple surgical procedure to block the tubes that carry sperm.

While these services are free, access can sometimes be delayed. For instance, NHS waiting lists for vasectomies can range from several months to over a year in some areas. This is one area where people might consider paying out-of-pocket for a faster private procedure.

How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Works in the UK

This is the most misunderstood part of private healthcare. Many people assume a health insurance policy is like an all-access pass to any private medical treatment they desire. This isn't the case.

The Golden Rule of UK PMI: Standard private medical insurance is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

Let's break that down:

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like appendicitis, a cataract, or a joint injury needing surgery.
  • Chronic Condition: A condition that continues for a long time and for which there is no known cure. It can be managed, but not cured. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. PMI does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any medical condition you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before you took out your policy. These are typically excluded for a set period or entirely.

Routine, preventative, and lifestyle-related choices—like contraception—do not fit the definition of an acute condition. Therefore, they fall outside the scope of standard PMI cover.

Does UK Private Health Insurance Cover Contraception?

The short and simple answer is no.

Standard private health cover in the UK does not pay for routine contraception. This includes:

  • The contraceptive pill
  • Patches, rings, or injections
  • Fitting or removal of implants or coils (IUD/IUS)
  • Vasectomies or female sterilisation

Why is contraception excluded?

Insurers exclude it for two main reasons:

  1. It's Not Treating an Acute Condition: Contraception is a preventative measure and a lifestyle choice. It's not treating an illness or injury that has unexpectedly occurred.
  2. It's Freely Available on the NHS: Insurers design policies to complement the NHS, not duplicate services that are already provided efficiently and for free to the entire population. Covering contraception would significantly increase premiums for everyone for a service most can get for free.

Think of it like car insurance. Your policy covers you for an unexpected accident, but it doesn't pay for your petrol, MOT, or regular servicing. Contraception is seen as the healthcare equivalent of 'running costs'.

Are There Any Exceptions? When PMI Might Indirectly Help

While your policy won't pay for a packet of pills or a vasectomy, it can be incredibly valuable in related scenarios. The benefit of private medical insurance UK is often about speed of access to diagnosis.

1. Contraception Used for a Medical Condition

Sometimes, a contraceptive method is prescribed not for birth control, but to treat a medical condition. For example:

  • A gynaecologist might prescribe the combined pill to manage severe period pain (dysmenorrhoea) or heavy bleeding (menorrhagia).
  • The Mirena coil (IUS) is a first-line treatment for endometriosis or to control heavy menstrual bleeding.

In these cases, your PMI policy won't pay for the pill or the coil itself. However, it will cover the crucial steps leading up to that prescription:

  • Fast-track referral to a private gynaecologist, bypassing NHS waiting lists.
  • Diagnostic tests and scans like ultrasounds or MRI to find the cause of your symptoms.
  • Consultant follow-up appointments.

So, while you might pay a small one-off cost for the prescription or the coil, your insurance could cover thousands of pounds worth of consultations and diagnostics, getting you an answer and a treatment plan in weeks, not months or years.

Real-Life Example: Sarah has been suffering from debilitating pelvic pain for over a year. Her GP suspects endometriosis. The NHS waiting list for a gynaecology appointment is 9 months. Sarah has a PMI policy. Her GP refers her, and she sees a private gynaecologist within a week. The consultant's fees and the subsequent MRI scan are covered by her insurance. The diagnosis is confirmed, and the consultant recommends a Mirena coil. Sarah pays around £150 for the coil and a private fitting, but her insurance has saved her months of pain and uncertainty.

2. Complications Arising from Contraception

Another area where PMI can help is in treating an acute condition that results from a contraceptive procedure.

  • If you develop a severe infection after an IUD fitting that requires hospital treatment.
  • If you have a complication during or after a sterilisation surgery that requires further investigation or corrective surgery.

In these scenarios, the complication is a new, acute condition. Your PMI policy would likely cover the cost of treating it, even though it wouldn't have covered the initial procedure.

What About Fertility Treatment and IVF?

This is a major question for many individuals and couples. The journey to parenthood can sometimes be challenging, and the costs of private fertility treatment are significant.

Fertility Investigations This is the process of finding out why you are struggling to conceive.

  • Good News: Many mid-to-high-tier PMI policies do offer some level of cover for fertility investigations.
  • The Catch: This cover is usually limited. For example, a policy might offer up to £1,000 towards diagnostic tests (like blood tests for hormones, semen analysis, or scans) once you have been trying to conceive for a set period (usually 1-2 years). This helps get a diagnosis faster than on the NHS.

Fertility Treatment (IVF, IUI) This is the process of actively trying to create a pregnancy.

  • The Rule: Standard individual or family private medical insurance policies do not cover fertility treatments like IVF or IUI.
  • The Reason: Like contraception, this is seen as a lifestyle choice and is incredibly expensive. Covering it would make policies unaffordably expensive for everyone. According to the NHS, one cycle of IVF can cost £5,000 or more privately.
  • The Exception: Some top-level corporate PMI schemes, arranged through an employer, may offer a cash benefit or limited contribution towards IVF. This is a specialist benefit and not available on the individual market.

Navigating this can be complex. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you understand the exact limits and terms for fertility investigations on different policies, ensuring you choose a plan that offers the best possible support for your needs.

Maternity and Pregnancy Cover: What's Included?

Similar to contraception and IVF, routine pregnancy and childbirth are not covered by UK private medical insurance. The NHS provides an excellent and comprehensive maternity pathway for free.

However, some of the most premium policies on the market, often with a "family and children" focus, may include some limited maternity-related benefits:

  • NHS Cash Benefit: A fixed cash payment for every night you spend in an NHS hospital for childbirth (e.g., £100 per night).
  • Birth Cash Benefit: A one-off cash payment upon the birth of a child (e.g., £250).
  • Complications of Pregnancy: Some elite policies offer cover for a specific list of serious and unforeseen complications that can occur during pregnancy or childbirth, like an ectopic pregnancy or a retained placenta requiring surgery.

These are add-ons, not a replacement for NHS maternity care. No standard policy will cover private antenatal appointments, scans, and a private delivery, which can cost upwards of £15,000.

The WeCovr Advantage: Beyond the Policy

Understanding the fine print of what's covered is daunting. This is where working with a specialist PMI broker like WeCovr makes all the difference. As an FCA-authorised firm with high customer satisfaction ratings, we work for you, not the insurer. We compare policies from the UK's leading providers to find the cover that best fits your life and budget, at no extra cost to you.

We also believe in promoting holistic health. That's why clients who purchase private medical insurance or life insurance through WeCovr receive:

  • Complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet is crucial for both fertility and overall wellbeing. CalorieHero makes it simple and intuitive to manage your nutrition goals.
  • Discounts on other insurance products. When you're planning a family, you might also be thinking about life insurance or income protection. We can help you secure comprehensive protection for your growing family at a preferential rate.

Our job is to provide clarity and peace of mind, ensuring your private health cover works for you when you need it most.

Tips for Managing Your Health for Family Planning

Whether you are trying to conceive or simply want to maintain your reproductive health, a healthy lifestyle is your strongest asset.

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. If you are planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to take a 400 microgram folic acid supplement daily.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being significantly overweight or underweight can disrupt your menstrual cycle and affect fertility. Use tools like CalorieHero to help you stay on track with your health goals.
  • Regular Exercise: Aim for moderate activity like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling for 30 minutes, most days of the week. This helps manage stress and maintain a healthy body.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep is vital for hormone regulation, which is the cornerstone of your reproductive cycle.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact fertility in both men and women. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or spending time in nature into your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to declare my contraceptive use when applying for health insurance?

Generally, yes. When you apply for a private medical insurance UK policy, you'll be asked about your medical history, including any medication you are taking. You should declare the contraceptive method you use. In most cases, it will have no impact on your application or premium, as it's considered routine. However, if the contraception is being used to manage an underlying medical condition, that condition would need to be declared.

Can I get private health cover if I am already pregnant?

Yes, you can absolutely get a new private health cover policy while pregnant. However, the policy will not cover the pregnancy itself, as it is a pre-existing condition. The benefit is that you would be covered for any new, unrelated acute conditions that arise during your pregnancy, giving you fast access to treatment and peace of mind.

Does health insurance cover abortion or termination of pregnancy?

Elective termination of pregnancy is not covered by standard private medical insurance policies in the UK. Like other family planning services, it is available for free on the NHS. In the very rare event that a termination is required for medical reasons to save the mother's life (a new, acute emergency), it may be covered, but this is subject to the specific terms of an individual's policy.

Are my children covered for contraception on my family policy?

No, contraception for dependants on a family policy is excluded for the same reasons it is for the adult policyholders. It is considered routine, preventative care that is freely and confidentially available to young people through the NHS via their GP or local sexual health clinics.

Ready to explore your options? Get clear, expert advice and a personalised quote in minutes. Let WeCovr help you find the right private medical insurance for your needs today.


Related guides


Get A Free Quote

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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 900,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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.


Learn more


...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.