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Does PMI Really Speed Up Treatment

Does PMI Really Speed Up Treatment 2025

As FCA-authorised brokers who have helped arrange over 800,000 policies of various kinds, the team at WeCovr specialises in guiding UK consumers through the world of private medical insurance. The simple answer to whether PMI speeds up treatment is a resounding 'yes' for most non-emergency situations.

Multiple bloggers confirm private insurance typically offers much faster access for non-emergencies and diagnostics. Expect consultant appointments in days not months with PMI. — Money Saving Experts

This statement from one of the UK's most trusted consumer websites cuts to the heart of why millions of people are now considering private medical insurance (PMI). While our National Health Service (NHS) is a source of immense national pride, offering incredible care free at the point of use, it is currently facing unprecedented pressure.

For non-urgent medical issues, the journey from seeing your GP to receiving treatment can be a long and anxious one. This is the gap that private health cover is designed to fill. It’s not about replacing the NHS for emergencies or routine GP visits, but about providing a faster, more comfortable alternative for planned procedures, diagnostic tests, and specialist consultations.

In this guide, we'll explore the reality of NHS waiting times, show you exactly how PMI can accelerate your care, and explain what is and isn't covered, so you can make an informed decision for yourself and your family.

NHS Waiting Lists in 2025: The Stark Reality

To understand the value of speed, we first need to look at the current landscape. The NHS is grappling with a significant backlog of patients waiting for elective (planned) care.

According to the latest NHS England data, the referral to treatment (RTT) waiting list remains stubbornly high. As of mid-2024, the figures paint a challenging picture:

  • Total Waiting List: Over 7.5 million treatment pathways are on the waiting list in England. This represents millions of individuals waiting for procedures like hip replacements, cataract surgery, and hernia repairs.
  • Median Wait Time: The median waiting time for patients to start treatment is around 15 weeks. This means half of all patients wait longer than this.
  • Long Waits: Despite efforts to reduce them, hundreds of thousands of patients are still waiting over 52 weeks for treatment.

Source: NHS England, Referral to Treatment (RTT) Waiting Times Statistics.

These are not just numbers on a page; they represent people living with pain, discomfort, and uncertainty, often impacting their ability to work, care for family, or simply enjoy life. The situation is similar across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with their respective health services also under immense strain.

Why Are NHS Waiting Lists So Long?

Several factors contribute to the long waits:

  • Pandemic Backlog: The suspension of non-urgent care during the COVID-19 pandemic created a huge backlog that the system is still working through.
  • Staffing Shortages: The NHS faces ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining key medical staff, from nurses to specialist consultants.
  • Growing Demand: An ageing population with more complex health needs means demand for NHS services is constantly increasing.
  • Funding Pressures: While NHS funding has increased, it has struggled to keep pace with rising costs and demand.

This reality has led many to seek alternatives, fuelling a surge of interest in the private medical insurance UK market.

How Private Medical Insurance Shortens Your Wait

PMI acts like a priority pass for the UK's extensive network of private hospitals and specialists. It bypasses the long NHS queues for eligible, acute conditions. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the journey differs.

The Typical Patient Journey: NHS vs. PMI

Stage of TreatmentTypical NHS PathwayTypical PMI Pathway
1. GP VisitYou feel unwell (e.g., persistent knee pain). You see your NHS GP. This is the same starting point for both pathways.You feel unwell. You see your NHS GP. Some policies offer a Digital GP service for even faster initial consultation.
2. Specialist ReferralYour GP refers you to an NHS orthopaedic consultant. You are placed on a waiting list. Wait Time: Weeks to Months.Your GP provides an 'open referral'. You call your insurer, who provides a choice of approved specialists. Wait Time: Days.
3. Diagnostic TestsThe NHS consultant may require an MRI scan to diagnose the problem. You are placed on another waiting list for the scan. Wait Time: Several Weeks.Your private consultant refers you for an MRI. This is often done at the same private hospital, sometimes on the same day. Wait Time: Days.
4. Consultation & DiagnosisYou have a follow-up appointment with the NHS consultant to discuss scan results and treatment options. Wait Time: Weeks.You have a follow-up with your private consultant, often within a week of the scan, to get a diagnosis and agree on a treatment plan.
5. Treatment (Surgery)You are added to the waiting list for surgery (e.g., an arthroscopy). Wait Time: Months to over a Year.Your surgery is booked at a private hospital of your choice, on a date that is convenient for you. Wait Time: Weeks.
6. Post-Op CarePhysiotherapy sessions are arranged through the NHS, which may also have a waiting list.Your PMI policy often includes a set number of post-operative physiotherapy sessions, which can start almost immediately after surgery.

As the table clearly shows, the time savings at each stage are significant. What can take over a year on the NHS can often be completed within a month or two through private health cover.

What Does PMI Actually Cover for Faster Treatment?

This is the most important section to understand. Private medical insurance is not a replacement for the NHS; it's a supplement for specific types of care.

The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint injuries, hernias, gallstones, cataracts, and most cancers.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

PMI will not cover the routine, long-term management of chronic conditions. It is also crucial to know that PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions—any medical issue you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before your policy began.

A Real-Life Example: Sarah's Knee Injury

Let's make this tangible. Meet Sarah, a 45-year-old marketing manager who loves hiking.

Without PMI:

  1. Sarah twists her knee badly while hiking in the Lake District. The pain persists for weeks.
  2. Her GP refers her to an NHS orthopaedic specialist. She's told the wait for an appointment is 4 months.
  3. The consultant sees her and orders an MRI. The wait for the scan is 6 weeks.
  4. The scan reveals a torn meniscus. Sarah is placed on the surgical waiting list for an arthroscopy. The estimated wait is 9-12 months.
  5. In total, Sarah waits over a year for her operation. During this time, she's in constant pain, unable to hike, and has to take several periods of sick leave.

With PMI:

  1. Sarah twists her knee. Her GP gives her an open referral.
  2. She calls her insurance provider. They approve a consultation with a top-rated specialist at a private hospital near her home. She gets an appointment for the following week.
  3. The specialist sees her and arranges an MRI for two days later.
  4. The results confirm a torn meniscus. The consultant's secretary calls to book her surgery for two weeks' time.
  5. In less than a month from her GP visit, Sarah has had her surgery. Her policy includes 10 sessions of physiotherapy, which she starts immediately. She's back to gentle walking within two months.

Sarah's story perfectly illustrates how a private health cover policy transforms a year of pain and uncertainty into a few weeks of proactive treatment and recovery.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover: Key Factors

Not all PMI policies are created equal. The level of cover you choose directly impacts what you can access and how much you pay. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare options from the UK's best PMI providers, but it's good to understand the basics.

Key Policy Levers to Consider

  1. Level of Outpatient Cover:

    • Full Cover: Covers all specialist consultations and diagnostic tests before and after a hospital stay.
    • Limited Cover: Puts a financial cap (e.g., £1,000) on outpatient services per year.
    • No Cover: You would use the NHS for diagnosis and then switch to your PMI for private treatment once a diagnosis is confirmed. This is a cheaper option.

  2. Hospital List:

    • Insurers have different tiers of hospitals. A basic policy might include a national list of good-quality private hospitals, while a premium policy could include high-end central London hospitals, which are more expensive.

  3. Excess:

    • This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the rest. A higher excess lowers your monthly premium.

  4. Underwriting:

    • Moratorium: You don't declare your medical history upfront. The insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last 5 years. If you then go 2 continuous years on the policy without symptoms or treatment for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You declare your full medical history. The insurer then tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from day one.

Finding the right balance of these options is key to getting a policy that works for you.

Is PMI Worth the Cost? A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Premiums for private medical insurance in the UK vary widely based on age, location, lifestyle (e.g., smoker vs. non-smoker), and the level of cover chosen.

Illustrative Monthly PMI Premiums (2025)

Age GroupBasic Policy (High Excess, Limited Outpatient)Comprehensive Policy (Low Excess, Full Outpatient)
30-year-old£35 - £50£70 - £95
45-year-old£50 - £75£100 - £140
60-year-old£90 - £130£180 - £250+

Note: These are illustrative estimates. Your actual quote will depend on your individual circumstances.

When weighing the cost, consider:

  • The Cost of Self-Funding: A single private knee surgery can cost £5,000-£8,000. A hip replacement can be over £12,000. PMI protects you from these sudden, large bills.
  • The Cost of Waiting: What is the financial impact of being unable to work for months?
  • The Quality of Life Cost: What is the emotional and physical toll of living with pain and being unable to do the things you love?

For many, the peace of mind and rapid access to care offered by PMI represent excellent value for money.

Beyond Faster Treatment: The Added Perks of PMI

While speed is the primary driver for most, a good PMI policy offers a range of other benefits that enhance your healthcare experience.

  • Choice: You can choose your specialist and hospital from an approved list, giving you control over your care.
  • Comfort: Treatment is in a private hospital, which usually means a private en-suite room, better food, and more flexible visiting hours.
  • Access to New Treatments: Some policies provide access to new drugs or treatments that may not yet be available on the NHS due to cost or NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approval delays.
  • Wellness and Mental Health Support: Many modern policies include valuable extras like:
    • Digital GP services (24/7 access)
    • Mental health support lines and therapy sessions
    • Discounts on gym memberships and fitness trackers

At WeCovr, we go a step further. Our PMI and life insurance clients receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you stay on top of your health goals. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance with us are often eligible for discounts on other types of cover, like home or travel insurance.

A Note on Wellness: Preventing the Need for Treatment

The best way to avoid a waiting list is to stay healthy. While insurance is there for when things go wrong, proactive wellness is your first line of defence.

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A balanced diet supports your immune system and reduces the risk of chronic disease. Use an app like CalorieHero to track your intake and make informed choices.
  • Regular Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or cycling, per week. Strength training is also vital for bone and muscle health.
  • Quality Sleep: Prioritise 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's essential for physical and mental recovery.
  • Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact your health. Incorporate practices like mindfulness, yoga, or simply spending time in nature to manage stress levels.

How WeCovr Makes Finding the Best PMI Provider Simple

The UK private medical insurance market can feel overwhelming, with dozens of providers and countless policy variations. This is where we come in.

WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised insurance broker. Our job is to do the hard work for you.

  • We Listen: We take the time to understand your unique needs, health concerns, and budget.
  • We Compare: We use our expertise and technology to compare policies from across the market, including major names like Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, and Vitality.
  • We Advise: We present you with clear, jargon-free options, explaining the pros and cons of each, so you can make a confident choice.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is completely free for you to use. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which doesn't affect the price you pay.

With consistently high customer satisfaction ratings, our focus is entirely on finding the right cover for you, not on pushing a particular product.


Does PMI cover emergencies like a heart attack or stroke?

No, PMI is not for emergencies. In any life-threatening situation, you should always call 999 and use the NHS Accident & Emergency services. Private hospitals are generally not equipped to handle major trauma or acute emergencies. PMI is for planned, non-emergency treatment.

Can I get private health cover if I already have a medical condition?

Yes, you can still get a policy, but it will not cover your pre-existing conditions. Insurers will either exclude them specifically after you declare them (Full Medical Underwriting) or apply a general exclusion for any condition you've had in the last five years (Moratorium underwriting). The policy is for new, eligible conditions that arise after you join.

Will my PMI premiums go up every year?

It is very likely that your premiums will increase at renewal each year. This is due to two main factors: your age (as you get older, the risk of claiming increases) and medical inflation (the rising cost of private healthcare, which typically outpaces general inflation). Making a claim can also impact your renewal premium with some insurers.

Is cancer covered by private medical insurance?

Yes, comprehensive cancer cover is a core feature of most UK private medical insurance policies. It typically provides fast access to diagnosis and covers treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Many policies also include access to cutting-edge drugs and therapies not yet available on the NHS.

Ready to Take Control of Your Health Journey?

If you're tired of the uncertainty of waiting lists and want the peace of mind that comes with fast access to high-quality medical care, private medical insurance could be the right choice for you.

Let WeCovr guide you through the options. Get a free, no-obligation quote today and see how affordable it can be to prioritise your health.

Get A Free Quote

Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

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

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

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

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

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

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

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

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

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

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

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

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

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

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

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

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

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

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

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

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

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

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

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

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

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

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

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

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

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

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

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

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

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

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

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

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

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

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

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