Login

Does Private Insurance Cover Experimental and New Treatments

Does Private Insurance Cover Experimental and New Treatments

When facing a serious diagnosis, the hope of a breakthrough treatment can be a powerful lifeline. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we understand that access to the latest medicine is a key concern for those considering private medical insurance in the UK. This guide explores the realities of coverage.

Review of access to cutting-edge medicine, trials, and restrictions

The world of medicine is constantly advancing, with new drugs, therapies, and surgical techniques emerging at a remarkable pace. For anyone navigating a health challenge, the question of access is paramount: can private medical insurance (PMI) unlock these cutting-edge treatments faster than the NHS?

The answer is complex. While PMI offers swift access to established private care, its role in covering experimental or brand-new treatments is more nuanced. This comprehensive review will demystify the rules, exceptions, and policy details you need to understand.

A Crucial Foundation: What UK PMI is For

Before we dive in, it is vital to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK. Standard policies are designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health.

Crucially, PMI does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. A chronic condition is one that requires long-term management and has no known cure, such as diabetes or asthma. A pre-existing condition is any ailment you had symptoms of or received advice for before your policy began. This principle underpins the entire market and is the main reason insurers can manage their risk and offer affordable premiums.

What Do Insurers Mean by "Experimental" Treatment?

To understand your cover, you first need to understand the terminology insurers use. These terms are not interchangeable and have specific meanings.

  • Experimental/Investigational: This refers to any treatment (drug, therapy, device, or procedure) that has not been proven to be safe and effective for treating your specific condition. It is typically still being studied in clinical trials and has not been approved by the relevant UK regulatory bodies.
  • Unlicensed: In the UK, medicines must be granted a licence by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This licence specifies the conditions the drug can be used to treat. An "unlicensed" treatment is one being used for a purpose it hasn't been officially approved for, sometimes called "off-label" use.
  • New or Advanced Treatment: This is a broader term. It could mean a treatment that is licensed and proven, but is so new it is not yet widely available or funded on the NHS.

The Journey of a New Treatment: From Lab to Clinic

A treatment's journey from an idea to standard practice is long and rigorous. Understanding this helps explain why insurers are cautious.

  1. Pre-clinical Research: Scientists test a new drug or therapy in labs and on animals.
  2. Phase I Clinical Trials: The treatment is given to a small group of people (often healthy volunteers) to check its safety, determine a safe dosage, and identify side effects.
  3. Phase II Clinical Trials: The treatment is given to a larger group of people with the specific condition to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
  4. Phase III Clinical Trials: The treatment is given to thousands of patients and compared to existing treatments or a placebo. This phase confirms its effectiveness, monitors side effects, and collects information that will allow it to be used safely.
  5. Regulatory Approval: After successful Phase III trials, the manufacturer applies to the MHRA for a licence.
  6. NICE Appraisal: Once licensed, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) assesses the treatment's clinical and cost-effectiveness. A positive NICE recommendation usually means the NHS is legally obliged to make it available.

Insurers generally consider treatments in Phases I-III, and those without MHRA or NICE approval, as "experimental."

The General Rule: No Cover for Experimental Treatments

For the vast majority of conditions, the standard position of UK private health insurance providers is clear: they do not cover experimental or unproven treatments.

If a procedure, drug, or therapy is still in a trial phase or has not been recognised by the mainstream UK medical profession as a standard, effective option, it will almost certainly be excluded from your policy.

Why is this the case?

  • Evidence and Efficacy: Insurers need to know that a treatment works. They rely on a large body of evidence from peer-reviewed studies and regulatory approvals to make this judgement. Covering unproven treatments would be a gamble.
  • Safety: Patient safety is paramount. Experimental treatments carry unknown risks and side effects that have not been fully quantified.
  • Cost Management: The costs of experimental medicine can be astronomical and unpredictable. Including them in standard cover would drive premiums up to unaffordable levels for everyone.
  • Defining "Standard Care": PMI is designed to provide access to the accepted standards of private medical care, just delivered more quickly and with more choice than may be available on the NHS. It isn't designed to be a gateway to the unknown.

Think of it like car insurance: your policy covers repairs using standard, approved parts at a reputable garage. It won't pay for you to test an experimental engine that hasn't been safety-certified.

The Major Exception: Cancer Care and New Drugs

While the general rule is "no," there is one significant and incredibly important area where private insurers often go above and beyond: cancer treatment.

Cancer is a primary driver for people taking out private health cover. According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 393,000 new cancer cases in the UK every year (based on 2017-2019 data). Recognising this, insurers compete to offer the most comprehensive cancer cover possible, and this often includes access to drugs that are not yet funded by the NHS.

Here’s how it typically works:

  • The drug must be licensed by the MHRA for your specific type of cancer.
  • It must be prescribed by your specialist consultant.
  • It may be a drug that NICE has not yet appraised or has decided is not cost-effective for the NHS.

This is a huge potential benefit. The "NICE lag" means there can be a period of many months, or even years, between a drug being licensed for use in the UK and it becoming routinely available on the NHS. During this time, PMI could be your only route to access it without self-funding.

How Top UK Insurers Approach New Cancer Drugs

Insurers' exact policies on new and experimental treatments, especially for cancer, can be a key differentiator. It's one of the areas where comparing policies with an expert broker like WeCovr is invaluable. Below is an illustrative table of how major providers might approach this.

Please Note: This table is for illustrative purposes only, based on general market knowledge. Policies and wording change frequently. Always check the latest policy documents before purchasing.

ProviderApproach to New Cancer DrugsPotential for Clinical Trial CoverKey Consideration
AvivaOften provides cover for licensed cancer drugs even if not available on the NHS, subject to their clinical criteria.May contribute to costs of standard care (tests, scans) if you're in a trial, but not the experimental drug itself.Their "Expert Select" hospital list can influence where you receive advanced treatments.
AXA HealthStrong cancer cover, frequently including access to licensed drugs post-MHRA approval but pre-NICE funding.Similar to others; may cover routine costs associated with a trial but not the trial itself.Often praised for their dedicated cancer support teams who help navigate treatment pathways.
BupaA market leader in comprehensive cancer care. Provides access to a wide range of breakthrough drugs and treatments once licensed.May pay for eligible treatment as part of a clinical trial if it's considered established practice. Excludes the experimental drug cost.Bupa has its own network of facilities and specialist cancer centres, which can streamline care.
VitalityKnown for its "Advanced Cancer Cover," which includes access to a broad formulary of drugs, often before NHS availability.Has specific criteria where they might fund treatment as part of a trial if there's good evidence.The Vitality wellness programme encourages healthy living, which can reduce cancer risk factors.

This commitment to advanced cancer care is a powerful reason to consider private medical insurance in the UK. It can provide peace of mind and, in some cases, life-extending or life-saving options that are not yet available through public healthcare.

Understanding Clinical Trials and Your PMI Policy

What if your consultant recommends you join a clinical trial for a promising new treatment?

Generally, your PMI policy will not pay for the experimental drug or therapy being tested. These costs are almost always covered by the pharmaceutical company or research body running the trial.

However, a clinical trial often involves many other procedures that are standard practice, such as:

  • Blood tests
  • MRI or CT scans
  • Hospital stays
  • Consultant appointments
  • Treatment for side effects

Some insurers may agree to cover these "standard care" components of the trial, even if they won't fund the experimental part. This can be beneficial, as it allows you to have these elements done privately, quickly, and at a time and place of your choosing.

The decision is always made on a case-by-case basis. You and your consultant would need to present a clear plan to the insurer, who will then assess which parts of the trial they consider to be standard, proven care that they can fund.

How to Check Your Policy for Coverage Details

The devil is in the detail. Your policy documents are the ultimate source of truth. When reviewing them, look for a section titled "Exclusions" or "What isn't covered."

You will find clauses relating to:

  • Experimental, investigational or unproven treatment: This is the standard exclusion clause.
  • Treatment without a UK product licence (MHRA): This explicitly excludes unlicensed drugs.
  • Treatment not approved by NICE: This is a stricter exclusion. Policies with better cancer cover will often not have this exclusion, instead stating that they will cover licensed drugs even without NICE approval.
  • Treatment not recognised by the appropriate medical specialty: This is a catch-all for therapies that are not yet mainstream.

Reading and understanding these documents can be daunting. This is where an independent PMI broker is essential. At WeCovr, we analyse the small print of policies from across the market, helping you find the one that best matches your priorities, whether that's comprehensive cancer cover, mental health support, or a wide choice of hospitals.

Proactive Health: Reducing Your Need for Advanced Treatments

While it's wise to plan for the worst-case scenario, the best strategy is always to invest in your health proactively. Private medical insurance is increasingly focused on prevention, with many providers offering benefits and rewards for healthy living.

Here are some tips to help you stay well and reduce your long-term health risks:

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limiting processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats is crucial for cardiovascular and metabolic health. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you track your intake and make healthier choices.
  • Regular Physical Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing. It lowers the risk of numerous conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a weakened immune system, weight gain, and an increased risk of chronic disease. Establish a regular sleep routine and create a restful environment.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have a significant physical impact. Incorporate stress-management techniques into your day, such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. Many PMI policies now include access to mental health support services.
  • Don't Skip Screenings: Participate in routine NHS health checks and cancer screening programmes (e.g., for breast, cervical, and bowel cancer). Early detection dramatically improves outcomes.

By taking these steps, you not only improve your quality of life but also reduce the likelihood of needing the very advanced treatments discussed in this guide.

Summary: Key Takeaways on Experimental Treatment Cover

Let's recap the essential points:

  1. Standard Rule is No: Most PMI policies do not cover experimental, investigational, or unlicensed treatments. The insurance is for proven, established medical care.
  2. Acute vs. Chronic: Remember, PMI is for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts, not for managing pre-existing or chronic illnesses.
  3. Cancer is the Exception: The most significant exception is cancer care. Many top-tier policies will fund new, licensed cancer drugs even if they are not yet available on the NHS. This is a major benefit of PMI.
  4. Clinical Trials are Complex: Insurers won't pay for the experimental part of a trial but may cover the associated standard care costs (scans, tests) on a case-by-case basis.
  5. Read the Wording: Your policy document is key. Check the exclusions carefully and compare cancer cover limits between providers.
  6. Expert Advice is Free: Navigating this landscape is complex. An expert broker like WeCovr can compare the market for you, explain the nuances of different policies, and find the right cover for your needs and budget, all at no cost to you. Plus, when you secure a policy with us, you may be eligible for discounts on other insurance products like life or home insurance.

In a world of rapid medical innovation, private health insurance can provide a valuable safety net. While it may not be a blank cheque for any and every new therapy, for critical illnesses like cancer, it can offer life-changing access to the very latest that proven medicine has to offer.


Does private medical insurance cover genetic testing for cancer risk?

This varies between insurers. Some comprehensive policies may cover genetic testing if you have a strong family history of a specific cancer (e.g., breast cancer and the BRCA gene) and it is recommended by a specialist. However, it is often not included in standard policies. It's considered a screening and preventative measure, and cover for this is a specific policy feature you need to look for. Always check the policy details or ask a broker.

What happens if a new cancer drug gets NICE approval after my treatment has started?

If your private medical insurance was funding a licensed drug that was not yet available on the NHS, and that drug then receives NICE approval, the situation can change. In many cases, your consultant and insurer may arrange for your care to be seamlessly transferred to the NHS to continue the treatment. This ensures the long-term cost is managed by the public system as intended once a drug is approved for routine use.

Are "biologics" or "immunotherapies" considered experimental?

Not necessarily. Biologics and immunotherapies are modern classes of drugs that are now well-established for treating many conditions, from rheumatoid arthritis to specific cancers. If a particular biologic drug is licensed by the MHRA and approved by NICE for your condition, it is considered standard, proven treatment and would be covered by a comprehensive PMI policy. However, a *new* immunotherapy still in a clinical trial would be considered experimental and would likely be excluded.

Why won't my PMI cover a chronic condition even if a new, effective treatment becomes available?

This is a fundamental principle of UK private medical insurance. Policies are designed and priced to cover acute conditions that have a foreseeable end. Chronic conditions, by definition, require ongoing, long-term management and are therefore excluded. Even if a breakthrough treatment emerges for a chronic condition like diabetes or Crohn's disease, it is still managing a long-term illness, and its provision falls to the NHS. PMI's role is to resolve short-term health issues swiftly.

Ready to explore your options for comprehensive health cover? The expert team at WeCovr is here to help. We provide independent, no-obligation advice to help you compare the UK's leading insurers and find the policy that gives you and your family peace of mind.

[Get Your Free, Personalised PMI Quote Today]


Related guides


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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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.


Learn more


...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.