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Does PMI Cover Dental Care in the UK

As a broking firm that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr knows that navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. One of the most common questions our clients ask is about dental care.

Last updated Oct 6, 2026

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TL;DR

As a broking firm that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr knows that navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. One of the most common questions our clients ask is about dental care. This comprehensive guide explains exactly what you need to know.

Key takeaways

  • What are the annual limits? Know exactly how much you can claim for routine and restorative work each year.
  • Are there waiting periods? Don't get caught out. Check how long you have to wait before you can claim for different types of treatment.
  • Is there an excess? Find out if you need to pay an excess on dental claims, and whether it's separate from your main PMI policy excess.
  • What are the exclusions? Cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening and veneers are almost always excluded. Check for any other specific exclusions.
  • How does the claims process work? Is it a simple 'pay and claim back' system, or does the insurer settle bills directly with certain dentists?

As a broking firm that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr knows that navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. One of the most common questions our clients ask is about dental care. This comprehensive guide explains exactly what you need to know.

WeCovr explains when dental treatment is included

The short answer is that standard private medical insurance policies in the UK do not typically cover routine or major dental treatment. PMI is designed to cover the costs of unexpected, acute medical conditions, not foreseeable expenses like dental check-ups.

However, there are important exceptions and optional extras that can provide the dental cover you're looking for. In this guide, we'll break down how PMI may cover dental surgery, what optional 'add-on' plans include, and how they compare to standalone dental insurance.

First, What is Private Medical Insurance Really For?

Before we dive into the dental details, it's crucial to understand the core purpose of PMI. Private health cover is designed to give you peace of mind and faster access to high-quality medical care for acute conditions that begin after your policy starts.

  • An Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia, appendicitis, or a broken bone.
  • A Chronic Condition: A condition that continues long-term and has no known cure, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. PMI does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.
  • A Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, disease, or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before your policy began. These are also excluded from standard PMI cover.

Understanding this 'acute condition' principle is key to seeing why routine dental care isn't usually included.

The Big Question: Is Dental Treatment Covered by Standard PMI?

As a rule, no. Insurers view most dental work—from your six-month check-up to a filling or a crown—as routine maintenance for your body. It's a predictable, budgetable expense, much like an MOT for your car. PMI is there for the unexpected 'crashes' (like needing a joint replacement), not the routine servicing.

Therefore, you will find that nearly all standard private medical insurance UK policies list 'routine dental treatment' in their list of general exclusions.

However, this is not the end of the story. There are two main situations where your dental health can be covered through PMI.

When Your PMI Policy Can Cover Dental Treatment

While routine care is out, there are specific, significant circumstances where your core PMI policy may step in to cover dental-related procedures.

1. Dental Surgery Following an Accident or Injury

This is a key area of cover. If you suffer a significant injury to your face or mouth, your PMI policy will often cover the necessary surgery to repair the damage. This cover is for treatment performed by a specialist, usually in a hospital setting.

Real-Life Example: Imagine you are cycling and have a fall, resulting in a broken jaw and several damaged teeth. The surgery to set your jaw, and potentially to surgically implant new teeth (if it's part of the reconstructive surgery), would likely be covered by your core PMI policy because it's treatment for an acute injury. However, a simple replacement crown for a single chipped tooth from a minor knock would likely not be covered.

2. Medically Necessary Oral Surgery

Certain complex dental procedures blur the line between dentistry and medicine. If a consultant maxillofacial surgeon deems a procedure medically necessary and it's performed in a hospital, your PMI is more likely to cover it.

Common examples include:

  • Surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth: Specifically, when the tooth is stuck in the jawbone and requires a complex surgical procedure, not a simple extraction in the dentist's chair.
  • Treatment for oral cancer: Diagnosis and surgical treatment for cancers of the mouth, tongue, or jaw are typically covered under the cancer care provisions of a comprehensive PMI policy.
  • Jaw realignment surgery (Orthognathic surgery): When needed to correct severe functional problems with biting or breathing.

The key distinction is that these are surgical procedures to treat a diagnosed medical condition, not routine dental work.

Your Main Option for Everyday Dental Cover: The 'Add-On'

For everyday check-ups, hygienist visits, fillings, and crowns, you need to look beyond a standard PMI policy. The most common solution is to purchase a dental and optical add-on (sometimes called a 'bolt-on') for an extra monthly fee.

Most major UK insurers, including AXA, Bupa, Aviva, and Vitality, offer these optional extras. They are a convenient way to bundle your health and dental cover together.

What Do Dental Add-Ons Typically Cover?

Cover is usually tiered, with basic plans offering lower limits and comprehensive plans covering a wider range of treatments.

FeatureWhat It Typically CoversTypical Annual Limit (Example)
Routine CareDental check-ups, scale and polish, X-rays.£150 - £400
Restorative TreatmentFillings, root canals, extractions, crowns, bridges, dentures.£250 - £1,000+
Dental EmergenciesUrgent treatment needed to relieve pain (often outside normal hours).£100 - £300 per incident
Dental InjuriesTreatment required after an accident (separate from core PMI cover).£500 - £10,000+
Oral CancerContribution towards diagnosis and treatment.Often paid in full up to a high limit.
OrthodonticsBraces and other teeth-straightening treatments.Often excluded or only available on top-tier plans with strict limits.

Important Note: These add-ons always come with annual financial limits. For example, a plan might cover 100% of your costs for fillings up to a limit of £500 per year. Any costs beyond that limit would have to be paid by you.

PMI Add-ons vs. Standalone Dental Plans: Which is Right for You?

The other route is to ignore the PMI add-on and buy a completely separate dental insurance policy from a specialist provider like Denplan or Bupa Dental Care.

Here’s a comparison to help you decide:

AspectPMI Dental Add-OnStandalone Dental Plan
ConvenienceHigh. One policy, one provider, one monthly payment.Lower. A separate policy and provider to manage.
CostCan be cost-effective, often from £10-£40 per month extra.Can be more expensive for equivalent cover, but sometimes cheaper for basic plans.
Coverage ScopeGood for general care, but limits can be lower than specialist plans.Often more comprehensive, with higher limits for major work like implants and crowns.
Waiting PeriodsCommon. You may have to wait 1-3 months for routine care and 3-6 months for major work.Also common. Waiting periods are standard across the industry to prevent immediate large claims.
Choice of DentistUsually allows you to visit any UK dentist (private or NHS).Some plans (capitation schemes like Denplan) are tied to a specific network of dentists.
ClaimingUsually a 'pay and claim' system. You pay the dentist and claim the money back from the insurer.Varies. Can be 'pay and claim' or direct settlement with the dental practice.

The WeCovr View: For many people, a PMI add-on provides a fantastic blend of convenience and value, covering the essential treatments most families need. However, if you know you require extensive and expensive work (like multiple implants or complex orthodontics), a top-tier standalone plan might offer better value despite the higher cost. A PMI specialist at WeCovr or one of our broker partners can help you compare the costs and benefits to find the right fit for your needs and budget, with no separate broker fee.

The Reality of NHS Dentistry in 2025

A key driver for considering private dental cover is the well-documented pressure on NHS dental services. Many people across the UK find it incredibly difficult to register with an NHS dentist.

  • Access Issues: According to recent analysis by organisations like the British Dental Association, millions of people are unable to get the NHS dental appointments they need, creating a significant access crisis in many parts of the country.
  • "Dental Deserts": Some areas have so few NHS dentists taking on new patients that they have been labelled "dental deserts."

This situation means that many are forced to pay for private treatment out-of-pocket, even if they would prefer to use the NHS. A private dental plan can make these costs predictable and manageable.

WeCovr's Focus on Your Overall Wellbeing

We believe that true health cover is about more than just reacting to illness; it's about supporting your overall wellbeing. That’s why, when you arrange your private medical insurance with us, you get more than just a policy.

  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: All WeCovr PMI clients receive free access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. Maintaining a healthy diet is fundamental to good health, including your oral health, as high-sugar diets are a leading cause of tooth decay.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: We value your loyalty. When you take out a PMI or life insurance policy through us, we can offer you exclusive discounts on other types of cover you might need, helping you protect your family and your finances more affordably.

Our high customer satisfaction ratings are built on this holistic approach—providing regulated guidance, great value, and tangible benefits that support a healthier lifestyle.

Key Things to Check Before Adding Dental Cover

If you decide to add a dental plan to your PMI, be sure to check the small print. Here are the crucial questions to ask:

  1. What are the annual limits? Know exactly how much you can claim for routine and restorative work each year.
  2. Are there waiting periods? Don't get caught out. Check how long you have to wait before you can claim for different types of treatment.
  3. Is there an excess? Find out if you need to pay an excess on dental claims, and whether it's separate from your main PMI policy excess.
  4. What are the exclusions? Cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening and veneers are almost always excluded. Check for any other specific exclusions.
  5. How does the claims process work? Is it a simple 'pay and claim back' system, or does the insurer settle bills directly with certain dentists?
  6. Does orthodontics cover include existing treatment? Most plans will not cover orthodontic treatment that has already started.

Is cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening covered by PMI or dental add-ons?

Generally, no. Cosmetic treatments, including teeth whitening, veneers, and composite bonding, are almost always excluded from private medical insurance and dental add-on plans. These policies are designed to cover medically necessary treatments to restore health and function, not to improve appearance.

What is the difference between a dental insurance plan and a dental cash plan?

A dental insurance plan (like a PMI add-on) typically pays a percentage of your treatment costs, up to an annual limit. For example, it might cover 100% of check-ups and 75% of fillings. A dental cash plan, on the other hand, gives you a fixed amount of money back for specific treatments, regardless of the actual cost. For instance, you might get £60 back for a check-up, even if the dentist charged you £80.

Can I add a dental option to my PMI policy at any time?

Usually, you can only add an optional extra like a dental plan when you first take out your private medical insurance policy or at your annual renewal date. Insurers do not typically allow you to add options mid-way through your policy year, so it's important to consider it from the start. A WeCovr specialist or one of our broker partners can help you assess this when you first get a quote.

Does a PMI dental plan let me see an NHS dentist?

Yes, most 'pay and claim' dental insurance plans allow you to claim back costs for treatment received from either an NHS or a private dentist. You simply pay the relevant NHS charge or the private fee, get a receipt, and submit it to your insurer to claim the money back according to your policy's benefit limits.

Get Your Free, No-Obligation PMI Quote Today

Understanding the nuances of dental cover within a PMI policy can be tricky. One effective way to find the right level of protection for your health and your smile is to speak with an expert.

A WeCovr specialist or trusted broker partner handles the hard work for you. We compare policies from all the leading UK insurers to find a plan that fits your unique needs and budget—including the most suitable dental options. Our advice is regulated, and our service has no separate broker fee.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how affordable comprehensive private health and dental cover can be.

Sources

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

Important Information and Risks

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

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

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

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

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Some policies can also cover treatments and drugs that aren't routinely available on the NHS.

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

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you may benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

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

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

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

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

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

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, chronic conditions and conditions present before the policy started.

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

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. Depending on the insurer, it applies once per policy year or once per claim. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the excess options available.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Tap a button below to get your own personalised quote through WeCovr.

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

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

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

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

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

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

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

Usually, yes: cover for eligible new conditions starts when your policy starts, and services like a nurse helpline or digital GP app are usually available straight away. If you make a claim soon after starting, the insurer may ask for a report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Visit your insurer's website, or ask a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners, for details of member rewards.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

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

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find policies that offer GP services.

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

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

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

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find appropriate cover.

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

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand the differences and choose the right option for you.

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

To find the right health insurance for you, compare policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you evaluate your options.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, check your policy terms to see whether your insurer requires a GP referral first (many do). Some policies offer direct access without a referral for certain conditions, such as muscle and joint problems or counselling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has published research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practise privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant either way. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, usually a private room, and more flexible visiting. Some policies also give access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

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



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