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Does Private Medical Insurance Cover Family Members

Does Private Medical Insurance Cover Family Members 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr knows that protecting your family's health is a top priority. This guide explores how private medical insurance in the UK can be extended to cover your loved ones, giving you peace of mind and fast access to care.

Details on family add-ons, dependents, maternity coverage, and children's healthcare as seen in new policy launches in 2025

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) can feel complex, especially when you're trying to figure out the best way to protect your entire family. The good news is that the UK's leading insurers have made it simpler than ever to secure comprehensive cover for your spouse, partner, and children under a single policy.

As we look at the market in 2025, we're seeing policies become more flexible and family-focused. Insurers are increasingly recognising the need for seamless cover, from adding a newborn baby without hassle to providing enhanced mental health support for teenagers. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about family health insurance, including:

  • Who you can add to your policy.
  • The costs and benefits involved.
  • Specialist cover for children's health.
  • The important details about maternity and pregnancy cover.

The Core Principle of UK Private Medical Insurance

Before we dive in, it's crucial to understand a fundamental rule of PMI in the UK. Private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health.

PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before taking out the policy) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure that require ongoing management rather than a cure).

What is a Family Private Medical Insurance Policy?

A family private medical insurance policy is a single insurance plan that covers multiple members of the same family. Instead of taking out separate individual policies for yourself, your partner, and your children, you can group everyone together under one umbrella.

This approach offers several advantages:

  • Simplicity: You have one set of policy documents, one premium payment, and one renewal date to manage.
  • Potential Cost Savings: Insurers often offer discounts for adding family members, which can make a family plan more economical than multiple individual ones.
  • Consistent Cover: Everyone on the policy typically shares the same core level of benefits, ensuring consistent access to care.

Think of it like a family mobile phone plan—it’s often easier and more cost-effective to have everyone on the same contract.

Who Can I Add to My Private Health Insurance Policy?

Insurers have specific definitions for who qualifies as a dependent. Understanding these is key to building the right policy for your household.

Spouses and Partners

You can almost always add your legal spouse or civil partner to your policy. In a positive trend for 2025, most major UK insurers also extend this to cohabiting partners. You don't necessarily need to be married. Typically, you'll just need to confirm that you live together in a long-term relationship.

Children and Dependents

This is where policies show a lot of flexibility. You can add:

  • Biological children
  • Step-children
  • Legally adopted children

The main factor is the child's age and dependency status.

Child's StatusTypical Age Limit for CoverNotes
Child (not in education)Up to 18Cover usually ceases on their 18th or 19th birthday.
Child in Full-Time EducationUp to 24 or 25The age limit is extended if they are at university or in other formal education.
Dependent Child (with disability)No age limitSome insurers offer to continue cover for life for children with disabilities who remain dependent.

2025 Trend: We're seeing more insurers standardise the upper age limit for students at 25, reflecting that many young people are staying in higher education for longer. Always check the specific terms when you get a quote.

Adding a Newborn Baby

One of the most valuable family-friendly features is the 'newborn grace period'. Most insurers allow you to add your new baby to your policy within a set timeframe (usually 3 to 6 months) without any medical underwriting.

This means any conditions the baby develops in those first few months will be covered, rather than being classed as pre-existing. It's a vital benefit that provides immense peace of mind during a wonderful but often worrying time. To do this, you simply contact your insurer after the birth and provide the baby's name and date of birth. Your premium will then be adjusted accordingly.

How Do Family Health Insurance Policies Work?

While a family policy is managed as a single account, the cover itself is applied on a per-person basis. This is an important distinction.

  1. Individual Underwriting: When you add a family member, they are underwritten individually. This means the insurer will assess their personal medical history to determine what can be covered. If your partner has a pre-existing condition, it will be excluded from their cover, but it won't affect yours.
  2. Per-Person Benefit Limits: Your policy will have benefit limits, such as a £1,000 cap on outpatient consultations. In nearly all modern policies, this limit is per person, per year. So, if you have a family of four, you collectively have £4,000 available for outpatient care (£1,000 each). The family doesn't share a single pot.
  3. Shared Excess: The policy excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. On a family policy, you typically only pay the excess once per person, per policy year, no matter how many claims that individual makes.

Real-Life Example: The Smith family has a PMI policy with a £250 excess.

  • In January, Mrs. Smith has a consultation and diagnostic scans, starting a claim. The Smiths pay the first £250 of the costs.
  • In June, their son needs grommets inserted. This is a new claim for a different person, so they pay another £250 excess.
  • In September, Mrs. Smith needs physiotherapy related to her initial claim. As she has already paid her excess for the year, the insurer covers the full cost.

The Cost of Family Private Medical Insurance in the UK (2025 Insights)

The premium for a family policy is calculated by adding up the individual risks of each member. The main factors that determine the cost are:

  • Age and Health: The older a person is, the higher their premium.
  • Location: Private hospital costs vary significantly across the UK. Living in Central London will lead to a higher premium than in a rural area.
  • Level of Cover: A basic policy covering only inpatient treatment will be much cheaper than a comprehensive plan with full outpatient, dental, and mental health cover.
  • Policy Excess: Choosing a higher voluntary excess (e.g., £500 instead of £100) will lower your monthly premium.
  • Hospital List: Insurers offer different tiers of hospital lists. A plan that includes only local hospitals will be more affordable than one giving you access to premium London facilities.

Illustrative Monthly Premiums for Family PMI in 2025

The table below provides an estimated monthly cost for a mid-level comprehensive private medical insurance UK policy. These are for illustration only; your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances.

Family ProfileLocationIllustrative Monthly Premium (with £250 excess)
Couple (Ages 35 & 36)Bristol£95 - £140
Family of 4 (Parents 42 & 40, Children 10 & 8)Manchester£160 - £230
Single Parent (Age 38) with 1 child (Age 6)Edinburgh£80 - £125

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can be invaluable here. We can run a single search across all the best PMI providers, instantly comparing prices and features to find a plan that fits your family's budget and healthcare needs perfectly. Our advice comes at no cost to you.

Children's Healthcare on PMI: What's Covered in 2025?

Private health cover truly shines when it comes to children's healthcare. It allows parents to bypass long waiting lists for common procedures and access specialist care quickly.

According to the latest NHS data, waiting lists in the UK remain stubbornly high, with millions waiting for routine treatment. For a child in discomfort or a parent worried about their development, PMI offers a swift and reassuring alternative.

Key benefits for children often include:

  • Prompt access to specialist consultations with paediatricians.
  • Quick treatment for common childhood conditions like tonsillitis (tonsillectomy), glue ear (grommets), hernias, and squints.
  • Parental Accommodation: Most policies will pay for a parent to stay in the hospital with their child, a benefit that provides huge comfort.
  • Advanced Cancer Care: Access to the latest cancer drugs and treatments, some of which may not be available on the NHS.
  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call. This is a lifeline for parents needing quick advice about a child's fever or rash in the middle of the night.
  • Enhanced Mental Health Support: A major focus for 2025. Policies are now including better access to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), offering pathways to therapy and psychiatric assessments without the long waits.

A Focus on Family Wellness

Leading PMI providers are moving beyond just treatment. They now actively promote a healthy lifestyle for the whole family. As a WeCovr client, you and your family get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It's a fantastic tool to help teach children about balanced eating and encourage everyone to stay active and healthy, which can also help keep future premiums down.

Maternity and Pregnancy Cover: The Reality of UK PMI

This is one of the most frequently misunderstood areas of private medical insurance. It is essential to be clear:

Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover routine pregnancy and childbirth.

The NHS provides an excellent, world-class maternity service, and the private sector is not set up to replicate this on a large scale. A normal, healthy pregnancy and delivery are not considered 'acute conditions' in insurance terms.

So, What Can PMI Cover?

While the birth itself isn't covered, high-end PMI policies may offer support for complications. These are unforeseen medical issues that can arise during pregnancy or childbirth.

FeatureIs it Typically Covered by PMI?Explanation
Routine Antenatal Scans & Check-upsNoThese are considered standard care, provided by the NHS.
Planned C-Section or Natural BirthNoThe delivery itself is not covered.
Complications of PregnancyYes (on some policies)Conditions like ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or gestational diabetes may be covered.
Emergency Childbirth ComplicationsYes (on some policies)If you require emergency life-saving surgery after the birth (e.g., for a post-partum haemorrhage), this may be covered.
Newborn Cash BenefitYes (on some policies)Some top-tier plans offer a small, fixed cash payment (e.g., £100-£250) for each baby born.
Post-natal Depression SupportYes (increasingly)As part of the enhanced mental health focus, many policies now offer better support for post-natal mental health issues.

If comprehensive private maternity cover is a priority, you would need to look at highly specialised (and very expensive) international health insurance plans, which are different from standard UK PMI. For most families in the UK, the combination of NHS maternity care and a PMI policy for other acute conditions is the most practical solution.

How to Choose the Best Family Health Insurance

With so many options on the market, choosing the right policy can be daunting. A specialist broker can make this process simple and transparent. At WeCovr, we help thousands of families every year. We take the time to understand your unique needs—your budget, your location, your healthcare priorities—and then compare policies from across the market to find your perfect match.

Because we are an independent broker, our advice is completely impartial. Our goal is to find you the best possible cover for the best price. Better yet, our service is completely free for you to use.

Furthermore, when you purchase a PMI or life insurance policy through WeCovr, you may be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance, providing even greater value for your family. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to providing clear, helpful, and supportive guidance every step of the way.


Can I add my elderly parents to my private medical insurance policy?

Generally, you cannot add elderly parents to your own personal or family PMI policy in the UK. Insurers classify them as a separate household with their own distinct risk profile. The best approach is to help them take out their own individual policy. Premiums will be higher due to their age, but it will provide them with the cover they need.

Is it always cheaper to get a family policy than separate individual policies?

In most cases, yes. Insurers often provide discounts for each person you add to a policy, making a single family plan more cost-effective. However, there can be exceptions, especially if family members have very different health needs. A broker can quickly compare both scenarios to find the most economical option for you.

What happens to my child's cover when they are no longer eligible for my family policy?

When your child reaches the age limit of your policy (e.g., 18, or 25 if a student), they will need their own individual policy to remain covered. Most insurers offer a 'continuation' option, allowing them to switch seamlessly to their own plan without any new medical underwriting. This is a significant advantage as it means any conditions they developed while on the family policy will continue to be covered.

Do I need to declare my partner's medical history when adding them to my policy?

Yes. Each person added to a policy is underwritten individually. You will need to provide details of their medical history, just as you did for yourself. Any pre-existing conditions they have will be excluded from their cover, but this will not impact the cover for other family members on the same policy. Honesty and accuracy are essential to ensure any future claims are paid.

Ready to find the right health protection for your family?

Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our friendly experts will compare the UK's leading insurers and build a personalised plan that gives your family the peace of mind they deserve.


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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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