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Does PMI Cover Prescription Medication

Does PMI Cover Prescription Medication 2025

As an FCA-authorised private medical insurance broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr knows the UK market inside and out. A common question we hear is whether private health cover includes prescription medication. The answer is nuanced, but this guide will provide the clarity you need.

Understanding what's included in PMI prescriptions cover

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) can feel complex, especially when it comes to understanding the finer details like prescription drug cover. Does your policy pay for the medicine you need after a private consultation or a hospital stay? The short answer is: it depends entirely on the type of care you receive and the level of cover you choose.

Most UK PMI policies draw a clear line between medication provided during an inpatient stay and drugs prescribed for you to take at home (outpatient). Furthermore, the single most important rule to remember is that PMI is designed for acute conditions—illnesses that are short-term and curable. It does not cover long-term, chronic conditions or any pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy.

This guide will break down exactly what you can expect, helping you make an informed decision about your private health cover.

The Core Rule: Inpatient vs. Outpatient Medication

The most fundamental factor determining if your prescriptions are covered is the setting in which you receive them. Insurers categorise care into two main types: inpatient/day-patient and outpatient.

Inpatient and Day-Patient Medication: Almost Always Covered

If you are admitted to a hospital, either overnight (inpatient) or for a planned procedure where you don't stay overnight (day-patient), the cost of your medication is almost universally covered by a standard PMI policy.

This medication is considered an integral part of your treatment. Think of it this way: if a hospital needs to administer a drug to perform your surgery or manage your recovery on-site, it's part of the hospital bill that your insurer settles.

Examples of covered inpatient/day-patient medication:

  • Anaesthetics used during an operation.
  • Intravenous (IV) antibiotics to treat a severe infection while you're in hospital.
  • Pain relief administered by nurses following a procedure.
  • Chemotherapy drugs given during a day-patient session at a private clinic.

In these scenarios, you won't see a separate bill for the drugs. They are bundled into the overall cost of your private treatment, which your insurer pays directly to the hospital, subject to your policy limits.

Outpatient Medication: Usually an Optional Extra

This is where things become more complicated. Outpatient care refers to any treatment or consultation where you are not formally admitted to a hospital bed. This includes:

  • Seeing a specialist consultant for a diagnosis.
  • Having diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRI scans, or blood tests.
  • Receiving a prescription from that consultant to take away and have filled at a pharmacy.

Most entry-level or standard private medical insurance UK policies do not cover the cost of these take-home (outpatient) prescriptions.

If your policy only covers inpatient care, you would be responsible for paying the full cost of any medication prescribed during an outpatient appointment. This can sometimes be more expensive than an NHS prescription, as you pay the actual price of the drug, not a subsidised flat fee.

To get cover for outpatient drugs, you typically need to purchase an outpatient cover add-on for your policy.

The Crucial Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is a non-negotiable principle of the UK private health insurance market. Understanding it is key to avoiding disappointment when you need to make a claim.

What is an Acute Condition?

An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. It's short-term and curable.

Examples of Acute Conditions PMI Covers:

  • A bone fracture requiring surgery.
  • Hernia repair.
  • A severe respiratory infection needing hospitalisation.
  • Gallstone removal.
  • Joint replacement (e.g., hip or knee).

PMI is designed to diagnose and treat these conditions swiftly, helping you bypass NHS waiting lists and get back on your feet.

What is a Chronic Condition?

A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed through medication and lifestyle changes.

Examples of Chronic Conditions PMI Does Not Cover:

  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
  • Arthritis (the long-term management of it)
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Eczema or Psoriasis

Critically, standard PMI policies will not cover the ongoing management or prescriptions for any chronic or pre-existing conditions. The NHS remains the primary provider for this type of long-term care. If you have a private consultation for an acute issue and the specialist discovers a chronic condition like high blood pressure, your PMI will cover the consultation, but you will be referred back to your NHS GP for the ongoing prescriptions and management.

This is to keep private health cover affordable. Insuring long-term, predictable costs for the entire population would make premiums prohibitively expensive. PMI's role is to intervene for unexpected, acute health issues.

How to Get Outpatient Prescriptions Covered by PMI

If you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your take-home medications will be paid for, you need to add outpatient cover to your policy. Insurers offer this as an optional benefit, often with different levels of cover to suit your budget.

Levels of Outpatient Cover

When choosing an outpatient add-on, you'll typically see these options:

  1. Capped Cover: The most common option. Your insurer will cover outpatient costs, including consultations, diagnostics, and prescriptions, up to a set annual limit. This could be £500, £750, £1,000, or £1,500 per policy year. Once you reach this limit, you must pay for any further outpatient care yourself.
  2. Unlimited Cover: A more comprehensive and expensive option. This provides full cover for all eligible outpatient treatments and prescriptions with no annual financial cap.
  3. "Therapies Only" Cover: Some policies might offer an add-on that only covers therapies like physiotherapy or osteopathy, but not consultations or prescriptions. It's vital to check the details.

A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare these options across different providers to find the sweet spot between cost and coverage that works for you.

FeatureBasic PMI PolicyPMI with Outpatient Add-on
Inpatient Prescriptions✅ Covered✅ Covered
Day-Patient Prescriptions✅ Covered✅ Covered
Outpatient Prescriptions❌ Not Covered✅ Covered (up to the annual limit)
Ideal ForHealthy individuals wanting cover for major surgery/hospital stays.Individuals wanting comprehensive cover for diagnosis and treatment.

A Closer Look: What Types of Drugs Are Covered?

Even with comprehensive outpatient cover, not every drug is automatically approved. Insurers have rules to ensure treatments are proven, safe, and cost-effective.

Standard Licensed Drugs

Insurers will cover drugs that have been licensed for use in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This is the government body responsible for ensuring medicines work and are acceptably safe.

High-Cost Drugs and Cancer Treatment

This is one of the most significant benefits of private medical insurance. PMI can provide access to expensive, cutting-edge drugs, particularly for cancer, that may not be available on the NHS or may only be accessible after a long wait or appeal process.

The NHS in England uses the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to assess the cost-effectiveness of new drugs. Sometimes, a promising new treatment might not be approved by NICE for widespread use, or it may be restricted. Private insurers are not bound by the same NICE guidelines and often have their own expert panels to approve new treatments faster.

This can make a life-changing difference for patients needing the very latest therapies.

Comparing NHS vs. PMI for Cancer Drug Access

AspectNHSPrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)
Drug ApprovalRelies on NICE approval, which can be slow and focuses on cost-effectiveness.Insurers have their own panels to approve licensed drugs, often faster.
Access to New DrugsMay be limited or only available through the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) with strict criteria.Often provides broader access to new and innovative treatments as a core benefit.
Choice of OncologistLimited to the specialists available at your local NHS trust.Greater choice of leading oncologists and specialist cancer centres.
Treatment EnvironmentWard-based treatment, often with less privacy.Private rooms, more comfortable facilities, and flexible appointment times.

Experimental or "Off-Label" Drugs

PMI policies universally exclude experimental drugs and treatments that have not been proven through clinical trials. They also typically exclude "off-label" prescribing—where a doctor prescribes a drug for a condition it wasn't originally licensed for—unless there is very strong clinical evidence to support its use.

The Process: How to Claim for Prescriptions on PMI

Claiming for medication on your PMI follows a clear, structured process. Insurers require pre-authorisation for almost all treatment to ensure it's medically necessary and covered by your policy.

  1. Visit Your NHS GP: Your journey almost always starts here. You'll need a referral from your GP to see a private specialist. Digital GP services, often included with PMI, can speed this up.
  2. Contact Your Insurer for Pre-Authorisation: Before you book any appointment, you must call your insurer. Provide them with your GP's referral letter and details of the specialist you plan to see. They will give you a pre-authorisation number, confirming that the consultation is covered.
  3. See the Private Specialist: Attend your appointment. The specialist will diagnose your condition.
  4. Prescription is Issued:
    • If it's for inpatient/day-patient care: The hospital will manage the medication, and the cost will be settled directly by your insurer.
    • If it's an outpatient (take-home) prescription: You need to check your policy. If you have an outpatient add-on that covers prescriptions, your insurer will explain how to claim.
  5. Settling the Bill:
    • Direct Settlement: Most common. The pharmacy at the private hospital may have a direct payment arrangement with your insurer. You provide your policy and pre-authorisation details, and they handle the bill.
    • Pay and Claim: Less common. You may have to pay for the prescription yourself and then submit the receipt to your insurer for reimbursement.

Managing Costs: NHS vs. Private Prescriptions

Even if you have private health cover, it's not always the most cost-effective route for outpatient medication.

As of late 2024, an NHS prescription in England costs a fixed fee of £9.90 per item (prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). Many people with long-term conditions qualify for a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC), which covers all their NHS prescriptions for a set fee (£32.05 for 3 months or £114.50 for a year), offering significant savings.

A private prescription has no fixed cost. You pay:

  • The actual cost of the drug itself.
  • The pharmacy's professional dispensing fee.

For a common, inexpensive drug, the private cost could easily be £15-£20. For a specialised drug, it could be hundreds of pounds.

When to use the NHS vs. PMI:

  • No outpatient cover? Always use your NHS GP for take-home prescriptions. Ask your private specialist to write to your GP with their recommendation.
  • Have capped outpatient cover? If the drug is inexpensive, consider paying for an NHS prescription to preserve your annual PMI outpatient limit for more expensive diagnostics or consultations.
  • Need an expensive, specialist drug? This is where your PMI outpatient cover provides huge value, saving you potentially thousands of pounds.

Beyond Prescriptions: The Added Value of a Modern PMI Policy

The best PMI providers today offer far more than just hospital cover. They are evolving into holistic health and wellness partners. When you arrange a policy through an expert broker like WeCovr, we ensure you are aware of all the valuable extras that come with your cover.

These often include:

  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call, allowing you to get medical advice and referrals quickly without leaving your home.
  • Mental Health Support: Most policies now include extensive mental health cover, from counselling sessions to access to psychiatric care, often without needing a GP referral.
  • Wellness Programmes: Many insurers incentivise healthy living. You can get rewards, premium discounts, or vouchers for tracking your activity, getting regular health checks, and maintaining a healthy diet.
  • Exclusive Member Benefits: At WeCovr, we provide our health and life insurance clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our cutting-edge AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. We also offer discounts on other insurance products, such as life or income protection insurance, when you take out a PMI policy with us. Our focus on client value has earned us consistently high satisfaction ratings.

Does private health insurance cover prescriptions for pre-existing conditions?

No. Standard UK private medical insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions or any related prescriptions. PMI is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy has started. The long-term management and medication for pre-existing and chronic conditions, like diabetes or asthma, remains the responsibility of the NHS.

Are cancer drugs covered by my PMI in the UK?

Yes, cancer care, including expensive chemotherapy and biological therapy drugs, is a core benefit of most comprehensive PMI policies. A major advantage of private cover is gaining access to innovative drugs that may not yet be approved for routine use on the NHS, giving you more treatment options.

Is it cheaper to get prescriptions through the NHS or my private medical insurance?

It depends on your policy and the medication. An NHS prescription in England has a fixed cost (£9.90 per item in late 2024), while a private prescription's cost is the full price of the drug. If you do not have outpatient cover on your PMI, the NHS will always be cheaper. If you do have cover, using your PMI for expensive drugs is highly beneficial, but for cheaper items, you might save your annual limit by using the NHS.

Do I need a GP referral for a private prescription?

Generally, yes. To see a private specialist who can issue a prescription, you will almost always need a referral letter from your GP. This is a standard requirement for most UK insurers to ensure the treatment is medically necessary. Some policies offer direct access for specific conditions like mental health or physiotherapy.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Understanding prescription cover is a vital part of choosing the right private health insurance. While the rules can seem complex, they are designed to provide fast, effective care for acute conditions while keeping policies affordable.

The key is to match your policy to your potential needs. Do you want basic cover for major health events, or comprehensive protection that includes diagnostics and medication?

At WeCovr, we make this process simple. As independent, FCA-authorised experts, we compare policies from all leading UK insurers to find the one that offers the best value and the right level of cover for you, at no extra cost.

Ready to find the perfect private health cover? Get your free, no-obligation PMI quote from WeCovr 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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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.

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