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Does PMI Affect Access to NHS Care

Does PMI Affect Access to NHS Care 2026

As an FCA-authorised private medical insurance broker in the UK, WeCovr has helped countless individuals navigate their health choices. One question comes up more than any other: will taking out a PMI policy negatively impact my right to use the NHS? Let's clear this up once and for all.

Clarifying rights, hybrid scenarios, and when both can be used

The short answer is an emphatic no. Holding a private medical insurance (PMI) policy does not, in any way, diminish your right to access NHS care. The NHS is a residency-based healthcare system, funded by general taxation and National Insurance contributions. If you are a UK resident, you are entitled to its services based on clinical need, not on your financial status or whether you have private cover.

This is not just an informal understanding; it is a cornerstone of how healthcare is structured in the UK. The NHS Constitution for England explicitly states that the NHS provides a "comprehensive service, available to all". It clarifies that access is based on clinical need, not an individual’s ability to pay.

Think of PMI not as a replacement for the NHS, but as a complementary service that runs alongside it. It offers you more choice, speed, and comfort for specific types of treatment, but the NHS remains your safety net for everything else, including emergencies, chronic conditions, and any care you choose not to have privately.

In this guide, we'll explore:

  • Your fundamental rights to NHS care.
  • How the two systems work together in "hybrid" scenarios.
  • The critical differences between what PMI and the NHS cover.
  • How using PMI can actually benefit the NHS by easing pressure on its resources.

Your Fundamental Right to NHS Care: What the Rules Say

It's a common worry. "If I go private for one thing, will the NHS put me to the back of the queue if I need it for something else?" This is a myth. Your access to the NHS is protected and guaranteed, regardless of your insurance status.

The core principles of the NHS are built on equality:

  1. Free at the Point of Use: You will not be asked to pay for NHS hospital treatment.
  2. Based on Clinical Need: A doctor or clinician determines your priority for treatment based on your medical condition, not your bank balance.
  3. Comprehensive Service: The NHS is designed to cater for all health needs, from GP appointments and emergency care to long-term management of chronic illnesses.

Having PMI simply gives you an alternative route for eligible acute conditions. You can choose to use this route, or you can stick with the NHS pathway. The decision is always yours. An NHS doctor cannot refuse to treat you, or treat you differently, because you hold a private health policy.

In fact, most private health journeys in the UK begin with the NHS. The vast majority of private medical insurance policies require a referral from your NHS GP before you can see a private specialist. This makes the NHS GP the central "gatekeeper" to all further healthcare, whether public or private.

Your RightWhat it Means in PracticeDoes PMI Affect This?
Access to an NHS GPYou can register with a local GP surgery and book appointments as normal.No
Access to NHS Emergency Services (A&E)If you have an accident or a medical emergency, you should go to an NHS A&E. Private hospitals are not equipped for major emergencies.No
Access to NHS Specialist ReferralsYour GP can refer you to an NHS specialist, and you will be placed on the relevant waiting list based on clinical urgency.No
Access to NHS TreatmentYou are entitled to receive any treatment deemed clinically necessary by your NHS doctors.No

How PMI and the NHS Work Together: Real-Life Hybrid Scenarios

Far from being separate worlds, the NHS and private healthcare sectors are deeply interconnected. Patients frequently move between the two systems to create a "hybrid" care pathway that works best for them. This flexibility is one of the key advantages of having private health cover in the UK.

Let's look at some common examples.

Example 1: Speeding Up a Diagnosis

Sarah, 45, has been experiencing persistent knee pain.

  1. NHS Step: She visits her NHS GP, who examines her and agrees she needs to see an orthopaedic specialist. The GP advises her that the current NHS waiting time for a routine specialist appointment is around 22 weeks.
  2. PMI Step: Sarah calls her PMI provider. With her GP's referral letter, they authorise a consultation with a private specialist. She gets an appointment for the following week. The specialist sends her for an MRI scan, which she has two days later.
  3. The Choice: The MRI reveals a torn meniscus requiring surgery. Sarah now has two options:
    • Use PMI for surgery: Have the operation within a few weeks at a private hospital.
    • Return to the NHS: Take her diagnosis and scan results back to her NHS GP and ask to be placed on the NHS surgical waiting list. She will be prioritised based on clinical need, not on the fact she had a private diagnosis.

Example 2: Managing Treatment Costs and Preferences

David, 60, is diagnosed with cataracts through an NHS optician.

  1. NHS Pathway: He is placed on the NHS waiting list for surgery, which is currently around 9-12 months in his area.
  2. PMI Step: David decides he doesn't want to wait. His private medical insurance policy has a £500 excess. He uses his cover to have the surgery done privately with a surgeon of his choice in three weeks. He pays the £500 excess, and his insurer pays the remaining thousands of pounds for the surgery.
  3. Return to NHS: After the operation, his private consultant discharges him back to the care of his NHS GP for any routine follow-up or prescription eye drops.

Example 3: Handling Complications and Emergencies

Emily, 35, has a planned hernia repair operation at a private hospital, paid for by her PMI.

  1. Private Treatment: The surgery goes well, and she is discharged the same day.
  2. Emergency Situation: Late that night, she develops a high fever and severe pain. This is a medical emergency.
  3. NHS Step: Her family calls 999. An ambulance takes her to the nearest NHS A&E department. The NHS team assesses and treats her for a post-operative infection immediately, without any question about where her original surgery took place. The NHS is always the provider for emergency care.

This "mix-and-match" approach is incredibly common. A 2023 survey by the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) found that a significant portion of patients use a blend of both sectors for their care.

Common Hybrid Healthcare Pathways

ScenarioInitial Step (NHS)Using PMIReturning to NHS
Fast DiagnosisVisit NHS GP for a referral letter.See a private specialist and have diagnostic scans (MRI, CT, etc.) within days.Take diagnosis back to the NHS to join the surgical waiting list, or continue with private treatment.
Choice of SurgeonReceive an NHS diagnosis.Use PMI to choose a specific surgeon and hospital for your operation, bypassing the NHS wait.Post-operative check-ups and prescriptions managed by your NHS GP.
Emergency CareN/AHave scheduled, elective surgery in a private hospital.If a serious complication arises, you are taken to an NHS A&E for emergency treatment.
Drug TreatmentAn NHS oncologist diagnoses cancer.Your PMI policy includes a list of specialist cancer drugs not yet available on the NHS. You receive this drug privately.You continue to receive all other aspects of your cancer care (radiotherapy, check-ups) from the NHS.

Critical Distinctions: What PMI Covers (and What It Doesn't)

Understanding the limits of private medical insurance is just as important as knowing its benefits. This is the single most important concept to grasp: standard UK PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the fundamental dividing line between private insurance and the NHS.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health. Think of things like joint replacements, hernia repair, cataract surgery, or removing gallstones.
  • Chronic Condition: A long-term condition that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes illnesses like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis, and most types of heart disease.

The NHS is, and will remain, your provider for the management of any chronic conditions. A PMI policy will not pay for your insulin, asthma inhalers, or blood pressure medication.

FeatureAcute Condition (Covered by PMI)Chronic Condition (Managed by NHS)
DefinitionShort-term and curable.Long-term, ongoing, and incurable.
ExamplesCataract removal, appendicitis, broken bones (in some cases), new joint pain requiring surgery.Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, Crohn's disease, eczema, arthritis.
Role of PMITo diagnose and provide curative treatment quickly.Once a condition is diagnosed as chronic, PMI's involvement typically ends.
Role of the NHSProvides care if you don't have or choose not to use PMI.Provides all ongoing care, monitoring, medication, and management for the rest of your life.

Pre-existing Conditions

This is another key exclusion. A pre-existing condition is any illness or symptom you have sought advice for, received treatment for, or been aware of before the start date of your PMI policy.

For example, if you have been seeing your GP for back pain for the last year, you cannot then take out a new PMI policy and claim for private physiotherapy or surgery for that same back pain.

Insurers handle this in two ways:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: All pre-existing conditions from the last 5 years are automatically excluded. However, if you go for a set period (usually 2 years) without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after your policy starts, the insurer may then agree to cover it.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting: You provide a full medical history when you apply. The insurer assesses it and lists specific conditions that will be permanently excluded from your cover.

This is why it is often best to take out private medical insurance in the UK when you are younger and healthier. If you need help understanding which underwriting is best for you, an expert broker like WeCovr can provide clear, impartial advice.

The Positive Impact of PMI on NHS Resources

With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant challenge, having a robust private healthcare sector is more important than ever. According to the latest data from NHS England, the overall waiting list for consultant-led elective care stands at over 7.5 million treatment pathways.

Every person who chooses to use PMI for an eligible procedure is effectively freeing up a space on that list for someone else. This helps to alleviate pressure on the system, potentially reducing waiting times for everyone.

Consider this:

  • Tax Contributions: People with PMI are still taxpayers. They fund the NHS through their National Insurance and general taxes just like everyone else. They are not "opting out" of the system; they are simply choosing not to use it for a specific episode of care.
  • Reducing the Burden: A straightforward knee replacement can cost the NHS thousands of pounds. When this is paid for by a private insurer, it frees up that NHS funding to be used for emergency care, chronic disease management, or more complex treatments.
  • A Safety Valve: The private sector acts as a "safety valve" for the NHS, providing additional capacity for diagnostics and elective surgery that the public system would otherwise have to provide.

Viewing PMI as a partner to the NHS, rather than a competitor, is the most accurate way to see its role in the UK's overall health landscape.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover for You

Navigating the world of private medical insurance can feel complex. With hundreds of policy combinations from providers like Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, and Vitality, how do you choose?

This is where a specialist PMI broker is invaluable. At WeCovr, our service is designed to make the process simple and transparent, at no cost to you.

  1. We Listen: We take the time to understand your personal needs, your family's health, and your budget.
  2. We Compare: We use our expertise to compare policies from across the market, explaining the key differences in plain English.
  3. We Advise: We help you understand the crucial choices:
    • Level of Cover: From basic policies covering only inpatient surgery to comprehensive plans that include outpatient consultations, diagnostics, and therapies.
    • Hospital List: Choosing a local, national, or premium hospital network affects the price.
    • Excess: Agreeing to pay a small amount towards any claim (e.g., £100 or £250) can significantly reduce your monthly premium.
    • Underwriting: We explain the pros and cons of moratorium versus full medical underwriting for your situation.

As an independent, FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, our priority is finding the right cover for you, not for the insurer. We also offer added benefits, such as complimentary access to our AI-powered diet tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you stay on top of your health goals, and discounts on other insurance products when you take out a policy.

Wellness and Health Tips: A Proactive Approach

Having health insurance is about peace of mind for when things go wrong, but the best strategy is always to proactively manage your health. Small, consistent habits can make a huge difference in your long-term wellbeing.

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods. Aim for five portions of varied fruit and vegetables a day, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates like whole grains. Using an app like CalorieHero can help you understand your nutritional intake without the stress of manual tracking.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It is essential for immune function, mental clarity, and physical recovery. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and minimise screen time an hour before bed.
  • Stay Active: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be a brisk walk, cycling, swimming, or a dance class. Find something you enjoy, as you're more likely to stick with it.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have a physical impact on your health. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, spending time in nature, or simply talking to friends can be powerful tools for managing stress levels.

Many of the best PMI providers now include wellness benefits and rewards in their policies, actively encouraging and supporting these healthy habits.

Do I need to tell my NHS GP that I have private medical insurance?

No, you are not obligated to tell your NHS GP that you have PMI. However, it is often very helpful to do so. Most PMI policies require a GP referral letter to authorise private specialist treatment, so having an open conversation with your GP can make the process much smoother and faster. They are used to writing these letters and will not treat you any differently.

Can an NHS doctor refuse to treat me if I have a PMI policy?

Absolutely not. It is against the principles of the NHS and the professional obligations of any doctor to refuse or delay necessary treatment based on whether a patient has private insurance. Your right to NHS care is based entirely on your clinical need. Having PMI simply gives you an additional option; it does not take any of your existing rights away.

What happens if my PMI policy doesn't cover the full cost of my treatment?

This can happen if your policy has limits, such as a cap on outpatient consultations, or if a particular drug or procedure is excluded. In this scenario, you have a few options. You can choose to "self-fund" the shortfall to continue your private care, or you can transfer back to the NHS at any point to complete your treatment. Your place on the NHS waiting list will be determined by your clinical need, just like any other patient.

If I go private for an operation, will my NHS GP provide my post-op prescriptions?

A private consultant will typically issue a private prescription immediately after your treatment, which you pay for in full. However, they can also write to your NHS GP with a recommendation for ongoing medication. The GP can then choose to issue an NHS prescription, which is charged at the standard NHS rate. While most GPs are happy to do this for standard medications, they are not obligated to, especially if the drug is highly specialised or not on their local NHS formulary.

Ready to explore how private medical insurance can offer you and your family peace of mind and faster access to treatment, all while working in harmony with the NHS?

The expert team at WeCovr is here to help. We provide free, impartial, and no-obligation quotes from across the UK market, ensuring you find the perfect cover for your needs.

[Get Your Free, No-Obligation PMI Quote Today]

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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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