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Does PMI Cover Routine Check-Ups

Does PMI Cover Routine Check-Ups 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised private medical insurance broker in the UK that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the nuances of health cover. A common question we hear is whether private medical insurance (PMI) includes routine check-ups. The short answer is typically no, but the full story is more detailed.

WeCovr clarifies what counts as outpatient cover in PMI policies

Private medical insurance is designed to provide cover for the diagnosis and treatment of new, acute medical conditions that arise after your policy begins. It is not a pre-payment plan for routine, preventative, or foreseeable healthcare. This is the single most important principle to grasp when considering private health cover.

Think of it like your car insurance: it covers the cost of repairs after an unexpected accident, but it doesn't pay for your annual MOT, servicing, or new tyres. PMI works in a similar way for your health.

The distinction boils down to two key areas:

  1. The type of medical condition: Is it acute or chronic?
  2. The type of care: Is it inpatient, day-patient, or outpatient?

Understanding these concepts is the key to unlocking the true value of your policy and knowing exactly what you are covered for.

Acute vs. Chronic Conditions: The Golden Rule of PMI

Every private medical insurance policy in the UK is built around this fundamental difference.

  • 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, cataracts, joint pain requiring a replacement, or appendicitis. PMI is designed to cover these.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, is incurable, has recurring symptoms, or requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Standard PMI does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.

Similarly, pre-existing conditions—any medical issue for which you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment before your policy started—are also excluded. PMI is for future, unforeseen health problems.

The Core of PMI: Inpatient vs. Outpatient Cover Explained

When you need medical care, it will fall into one of three categories. Your level of PMI cover for each will determine what your insurer pays for.

Type of CareDescriptionCommon Examples
InpatientTreatment that requires you to be admitted to a hospital and stay overnight in a bed.Major surgery (e.g., heart bypass, hip replacement), post-operative recovery, severe illness requiring overnight observation.
Day-PatientTreatment that requires you to be admitted to a hospital or clinic for the day, with a bed allocated, but you do not stay overnight.Minor surgical procedures (e.g., wisdom tooth removal, arthroscopy), some forms of chemotherapy, cataract surgery.
OutpatientMedical care that does not require a hospital bed. You visit a hospital or clinic for a test or consultation and go home the same day.Specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scans, X-rays), physiotherapy, blood tests.

All PMI policies cover inpatient and day-patient treatment as standard. Where policies differ most significantly—and where you can tailor your plan to your budget—is the level of outpatient cover.

So, Why Aren't Routine Check-Ups Covered by Standard PMI?

Now we can circle back to the original question. A routine check-up, such as an annual health screening with your GP or a private wellness clinic, is preventative care, not treatment for a specific, symptomatic, acute condition.

Here are the main reasons why it's excluded from core PMI policies:

  1. The Principle of Insurance: PMI pools the premiums of many to pay for the unexpected, significant claims of a few. If it covered predictable, routine costs for everyone, the premiums would become unaffordable for the average person.
  2. Focus on Acute Care: The primary value of private medical insurance in the UK is to bypass NHS waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions. According to NHS England data, the waiting list for consultant-led elective care stood at around 7.54 million treatments in spring 2024. PMI gives you a path to get seen and treated faster for eligible conditions.
  3. Moral Hazard: If check-ups were fully covered, there would be no limit to their use, driving up costs for the insurer and, subsequently, premiums for all policyholders.

Essentially, PMI is your safety net for when things go wrong, not a maintenance plan for when things are going right.

What Outpatient Services Are Typically Covered by PMI?

This is where the value of outpatient cover becomes clear. While a routine check-up isn't covered, the diagnostic process to investigate new symptoms absolutely is, provided you have the right level of cover.

Let's walk through a real-life example:

Scenario: David, a 45-year-old office worker.

  1. The Symptom: David develops persistent and worsening pain in his right knee after a weekend of gardening. It's not getting better with rest.
  2. The GP Visit: He visits his NHS GP, who examines the knee and suspects a possible meniscal tear. The GP says an MRI scan is needed, but the NHS waiting time is currently 8-10 weeks in his area.
  3. Using PMI: David calls his PMI provider. Because he has outpatient cover, they approve a referral to a private orthopaedic consultant.
  4. The Consultation (Outpatient): David sees the private consultant within a week. The consultant agrees an MRI is necessary. This consultation fee is covered by his outpatient limit.
  5. The Scan (Outpatient): David has his MRI scan two days later. The cost of the scan is covered.
  6. The Diagnosis: The scan confirms a significant meniscal tear requiring surgery (arthroscopy).
  7. The Treatment (Day-Patient): David has the surgery in a private hospital a fortnight later. As this is day-patient care, it is covered by his policy.
  8. The Recovery (Outpatient): His policy also includes post-operative physiotherapy to help him recover fully. The six sessions of physio are covered under his outpatient benefit.

In this scenario, David used his PMI to go from symptom to treatment in under a month, bypassing a potentially long wait and getting back on his feet quickly. Every step of his diagnosis and treatment for this new, acute condition was covered.

Choosing the right level of outpatient cover is one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying private medical insurance in the UK. This is where an expert PMI broker like WeCovr can provide invaluable guidance.

Here are the typical options offered by providers:

Level of Outpatient CoverWhat It Typically IncludesBest For...
Full CoverNo annual financial limit on eligible consultations, diagnostic scans, and therapies.Those who want the most comprehensive cover and peace of mind, and for whom budget is less of a concern.
Capped CoverA set financial limit per policy year (e.g., £500, £1,000, or £1,500) for all outpatient services combined.A great middle-ground. Provides cover for initial diagnosis while keeping premiums more affordable. The most popular choice.
Diagnostics OnlyCover for diagnostic scans and tests (like MRI, CT, PET scans) only. Does not cover specialist consultations or therapies.People on a tighter budget who mainly want to speed up the diagnostic process, but are happy to use the NHS for consultations.
Inpatient OnlyNo outpatient cover at all. The policy only pays for treatment once you are admitted to hospital as an inpatient or day-patient.Those on the strictest budget whose main priority is covering the high cost of surgery and hospital stays.

Your choice depends on your personal attitude to risk and your budget. A higher outpatient limit will result in a higher premium, whereas a lower limit or no outpatient cover will significantly reduce your monthly cost.

The Rise of Wellness Benefits: A Modern Exception to the Rule

While standard PMI doesn't cover routine check-ups, the industry has evolved. Insurers recognise that a healthy client is less likely to make a large claim. Consequently, many of the best PMI providers now include a range of wellness and preventative benefits, either as standard or as an optional add-on.

These are not the same as core medical cover, but they are a fantastic value-add that can help you stay on top of your health.

Common wellness benefits can include:

  • Health Screenings: Some insurers offer a basic health check (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI) once every year or two. This is the closest you'll get to a "covered check-up".
  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a virtual GP via phone or video call. This is incredibly convenient for getting quick advice, prescriptions, and referrals.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to counselling or therapy sessions, often without needing a GP referral. This is a hugely valuable benefit, addressing issues like stress, anxiety, and depression early on.
  • Lifestyle Discounts: Money off gym memberships, fitness trackers (like Fitbit or Garmin), and healthy food services.
  • Nutrition and Health Coaching: Access to experts who can provide personalised advice on diet and lifestyle.

At WeCovr, we believe in promoting this proactive approach to health. That's why clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help them achieve their health goals.

A Critical Reminder: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

It is vital to be absolutely clear on this point: standard private medical insurance in the UK is for new, acute medical conditions that occur after your policy starts.

It does not cover:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury you had before taking out the policy.
  • Chronic conditions: Long-term illnesses like diabetes, Crohn's disease, asthma, or epilepsy that require ongoing management rather than a curative treatment.

Your policy will be underwritten in one of two ways to exclude these:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common method. Your policy automatically excludes any condition you've had in the 5 years before joining. However, if you go for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide a full medical history questionnaire upfront. The insurer then manually assesses your health and lists specific, permanent exclusions on your policy from the start.

Understanding this ensures there are no surprises when you need to make a claim.

How WeCovr Helps You Find the Right Balance of Cover

Navigating the complexities of outpatient limits, wellness benefits, and underwriting can be daunting. As an independent PMI broker, WeCovr's job is to make it simple.

  • We Listen: We take the time to understand your priorities, your health concerns, and your budget.
  • We Compare: We use our expertise to compare policies from across the UK's leading insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality, to find the perfect match.
  • We Explain: We break down the jargon and clearly explain the differences between policies, so you know exactly what you're buying.
  • We Add Value: On top of finding you the best price, we offer extra benefits like our CalorieHero app and discounts on other insurance products, such as life or income protection cover, when you buy through us. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to providing exceptional service.

Practical Health & Wellness Tips from the WeCovr Team

While insurance is crucial for when things go wrong, preventing illness in the first place is always the best strategy. Here are some simple, evidence-based tips to support your wellbeing.

1. Nourish Your Body

A balanced diet is the foundation of good health. Focus on whole foods: fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Try to limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats. Using an app like CalorieHero, which WeCovr provides to its clients, can make it easy to track your intake and understand the nutritional content of your food.

2. Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is not a luxury; it's a biological necessity. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. To improve sleep hygiene, create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, and ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.

3. Move Every Day

The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk, cycling, or swimming) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or HIIT) a week. Find an activity you enjoy, as you're more likely to stick with it.

4. Manage Your Stress

Chronic stress can have a significant negative impact on both your physical and mental health. Incorporate stress-management techniques into your day, such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones. Many PMI policies now offer excellent resources for mental health support.

Does private medical insurance cover dental or optical check-ups?

Standard private medical insurance does not cover routine dental or optical check-ups. These are considered separate from general health. However, most insurers offer dental and optical cover as an optional add-on for an extra premium. This add-on can help cover the costs of routine examinations, hygiene appointments, glasses, and contact lenses.

Can I add a health screening benefit to my PMI policy?

Yes, many UK PMI providers now offer health screening or wellness benefits. Sometimes these are included as standard in higher-tier plans, or they can be added to your policy for an additional cost. These benefits typically provide for a basic check of key health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI. They are a great way to proactively monitor your health, but they are separate from the core diagnostic cover for acute conditions.

What is the difference between an outpatient limit and a policy excess?

An outpatient limit is the maximum amount your insurer will pay out for all your eligible outpatient claims combined within a policy year (e.g., £1,000). Once you reach this limit, you must pay for any further outpatient care yourself. An excess is a fixed amount (e.g., £100 or £250) that you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim *before* the insurer pays anything. You typically only pay the excess once per policy year, regardless of how many claims you make. Choosing a higher excess is a common way to lower your monthly premium.

Why doesn't my PMI policy cover my long-term diabetes management?

UK private medical insurance is designed to cover the treatment of new, acute conditions that are expected to resolve with treatment. Diabetes is a chronic condition, meaning it requires long-term, ongoing management rather than a short-term cure. The NHS is structured to provide comprehensive care for chronic conditions. Therefore, the routine management of diabetes, including medication, regular check-ups, and monitoring, is not covered by standard PMI policies. However, if you were to develop a new, unrelated acute condition (like a hernia), your PMI would cover you for that.

Ready to find a private health cover plan that perfectly balances comprehensive protection with your budget? The expert team at WeCovr is here to help. We provide free, impartial advice and can generate personalised quotes from the UK's top insurers in minutes.

Get your free, no-obligation PMI quote today and take control of your health.

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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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