Login

Employer-Driven Demand Fuels PMI Growth

Employer-Driven Demand Fuels PMI Growth 2026

In a competitive UK job market, businesses are increasingly turning to private medical insurance (PMI) to attract and retain top talent. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr has seen first-hand how employer-funded health cover is becoming a cornerstone of modern employee benefits packages.

Businesses increase investment in staff health cover

The landscape of employee benefits is undergoing a significant transformation. Where once a competitive salary and a decent pension were enough, today's workforce expects more. A growing number of UK companies are responding by investing in a benefit that directly impacts their team's wellbeing and productivity: private medical insurance.

This isn't just a trend driven by large corporations. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are also recognising the powerful return on investment that comes from providing fast access to high-quality healthcare for their staff. This surge in employer-driven demand is now the primary engine of growth in the UK's private health cover market.

Why are UK Businesses Turning to Private Medical Insurance?

Several powerful factors are converging, making company PMI a strategic priority rather than a "nice-to-have" perk. For many business leaders, the decision is a logical response to the current economic and healthcare climate.

The National Health Service (NHS) is a national treasure, but it is under immense pressure. Recent statistics paint a challenging picture for anyone needing non-urgent treatment.

  • Record Waits: Throughout 2024 and into 2025, NHS England's waiting list for routine consultant-led hospital treatment has consistently hovered around 7.5 million.
  • Long Delays: A significant portion of these patients wait many months, and in some cases over a year, for procedures like hip replacements, knee surgery, or cataract operations.

For a business, these delays are not just a health concern for their employee; they are a direct threat to productivity. An employee waiting for a procedure is often in pain, less focused, and may require extended time off work. Private health cover allows them to bypass these queues, receive treatment quickly, and return to health—and work—sooner.

The "War for Talent" and Employee Benefits

In a tight labour market, attracting and keeping skilled employees is a major challenge. Businesses are finding that a comprehensive benefits package is a key differentiator.

A recent survey highlighted that health and wellbeing benefits are now among the most desired perks for UK workers, often ranking higher than traditional extras like a company car. Offering private medical insurance sends a powerful message: "We value you, and we invest in your health."

This makes your organisation more attractive to new hires and fosters loyalty among your existing team, reducing costly staff turnover.

A Focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing

The conversation around mental health has, thankfully, become much more open. ONS data from 2023/2024 showed that stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for a huge proportion of all work-related ill health.

Modern PMI policies have evolved to meet this need. Most now include:

  • Mental Health Pathways: Structured access to counsellors, psychologists, or psychiatrists.
  • Digital Support: Access to therapy apps and online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) courses.
  • Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Confidential 24/7 helplines for a range of issues, from stress and anxiety to financial or legal worries.

By providing this support, businesses can help employees address mental health challenges early, preventing them from escalating into long-term absence.

Reducing Sickness Absence and Boosting Productivity

Sickness absence costs the UK economy billions of pounds each year. According to the ONS, the sickness absence rate reached a decade-high of 2.8% in 2023. This means that for a company of 100 employees, on average, nearly three people are off sick every single day.

Cost of Absence (Example for a 50-person company)Without PMIWith PMI
ScenarioEmployee needs knee surgeryEmployee needs knee surgery
NHS Wait Time9-12 monthsN/A
PMI Wait TimeN/A2-4 weeks
Time Off WorkPotentially months of reduced duties or absenceMinimal absence pre-op, faster recovery
Productivity ImpactHigh: Lost output, cost of coverLow: Employee back to full health quickly

Private medical insurance is a proactive tool to manage this. By enabling quick diagnosis and treatment, it can significantly shorten the duration of an employee's illness and their time away from work.

What Does a Typical Employer-Sponsored PMI Policy Include?

Group PMI schemes are flexible and can be tailored to a company's budget and its employees' needs. Cover is typically split into a core component with optional add-ons.

Crucial Point: It is vital to understand that standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are short-term and likely to respond to treatment. It does not cover chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma) or pre-existing conditions that you had before joining the policy.

Core Cover

This is the foundation of any policy and almost always includes:

  • In-patient Treatment: Covers costs when you are admitted to a hospital and stay overnight. This includes surgery, hospital accommodation, specialist fees, and nursing care.
  • Day-patient Treatment: Covers procedures where you are admitted to a hospital or clinic for a day but do not stay overnight (e.g., an endoscopy).
  • Cancer Cover: This is a key feature, often providing access to specialist drugs and treatments not yet available on the NHS. The level of cancer cover can vary, so it's important to check the details.

Optional Extras

Businesses can choose to add further layers of protection:

  • Out-patient Cover: This is one of the most popular additions. It covers diagnostic tests, scans (MRI, CT, PET), and consultations with a specialist that do not require a hospital stay. Without this, an employee would still rely on the NHS for the initial diagnosis phase.
  • Mental Health Cover: Expands on the basic support to include more extensive psychiatric treatment or therapy sessions.
  • Therapies Cover: Pays for treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care, which are essential for recovery from musculoskeletal issues.
  • Dental and Optical Cover: Helps with the costs of routine check-ups, dental treatment, and prescription eyewear.
FeatureCore CoverCommon Optional Add-on
Hospital Surgery (In-patient)
Cancer Treatment
Specialist Consultations
MRI / CT Scans
Physiotherapy
Routine Dental Care

Understanding the Different Types of Group PMI Underwriting

"Underwriting" is simply the way an insurer assesses risk and decides on the terms of your policy. For group schemes, there are three main methods.

Underwriting TypeHow it WorksBest ForPre-existing Conditions
Medical History Disregarded (MHD)No medical questions asked. All eligible conditions are covered from day one.Larger groups (usually 20+ employees).Generally covered, offering the most comprehensive protection.
Moratorium (Mori)Pre-existing conditions from the last 5 years are excluded for a 2-year waiting period.Small to medium groups. Simpler to set up.May become eligible for cover after 2 years without symptoms or treatment.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)Each employee completes a full health questionnaire.Very small groups or individuals. Can be cheaper if the team is healthy.Conditions disclosed on the form are typically excluded permanently.

For many businesses, Medical History Disregarded underwriting is the gold standard. It provides the most certainty and eliminates the administrative hassle of individual health declarations. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can advise on which underwriting method is most suitable for your company's size and needs.

The Tangible Benefits for Employees: Beyond Quick Treatment

While fast access to specialists is the main draw, modern PMI policies offer a suite of day-to-day benefits that enhance employee wellbeing all year round.

  1. Digital GP Services: Most policies now include 24/7 access to a private GP via a smartphone app or phone call. This allows employees to get medical advice, prescriptions, and referrals without waiting for an appointment at their local NHS surgery.
  2. Wellness Programmes & Rewards: Many leading providers, like Vitality, have built their propositions around encouraging healthy living. They offer discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and healthy food, rewarding employees for being active.
  3. Exclusive Perks: As part of our commitment to holistic health, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app.
  4. Peace of Mind: Perhaps the most underrated benefit is the psychological comfort of knowing that you and your family are protected. This reduces health-related anxiety and allows employees to focus on their lives and their work.

How Much Does Group Health Insurance Cost UK Businesses?

The cost of a group PMI scheme is highly variable. It depends on several factors, and a broker's role is to find the perfect balance between cost and cover.

Key Factors Influencing Your Premium:

  • Average Age of Employees: Premiums are higher for older workforces.
  • Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan with out-patient and therapies cover will cost more than a core-only plan.
  • Policy Excess: Choosing a higher excess (the amount an employee pays towards their first claim each year) can significantly lower the premium.
  • Hospital List: Policies offer different tiers of hospitals. A list that includes only local private hospitals will be cheaper than one that provides access to prime central London facilities.
  • Industry: Some occupations are considered higher risk than others.
  • Underwriting Type: MHD is typically the most expensive but offers the best cover.

Here is an illustrative table of potential monthly costs per employee. These are estimates only.

Employee AgeBasic Cover (Core only, £250 excess)Comprehensive Cover (Out-patient, Therapies, £100 excess)
30£30 - £45 per month£55 - £75 per month
40£40 - £60 per month£70 - £95 per month
50£65 - £90 per month£100 - £140 per month

The best way to get an accurate figure is to get a tailored quote. A broker can gather prices from across the market to ensure you're getting the best possible value.

Choosing the Best PMI Provider for Your Business

The UK private medical insurance market is served by several outstanding providers, each with unique strengths.

ProviderKnown ForKey Selling Point
AXA HealthStrong digital tools and a comprehensive hospital network.Excellent app-based services and clear member pathways.
BupaA globally recognised brand with its own clinics and facilities.A trusted name with a focus on end-to-end healthcare delivery.
VitalityAn innovative focus on wellness and rewarding healthy behaviour.The Vitality Programme, which offers extensive rewards and discounts.
AvivaOne of the UK's largest insurers with competitive pricing and options.The "Expert Select" hospital option can provide significant cost savings.
WPAA non-profit provider with a strong reputation for customer service.Known for flexible policies and high customer satisfaction.

While you can approach these insurers directly, you will only get one price and one point of view. Using an independent broker gives you a complete market overview.

WeCovr's Role: Your Expert Partner in Business Health Insurance

Navigating the complexities of group PMI can be daunting. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr becomes an invaluable partner. Our high customer satisfaction ratings are built on providing clear, impartial, and expert advice.

Here's how we help:

  1. Understand Your Needs: We take the time to learn about your business, your employees, and your budget.
  2. Scan the Market: We use our expertise and technology to compare policies from all the leading UK insurers, analysing the small print so you don't have to.
  3. Provide Clear Recommendations: We present you with a shortlist of the most suitable options, explaining the pros and cons of each in plain English.
  4. Handle the Setup: Once you've chosen a policy, we manage the entire application and implementation process for you.
  5. Offer Ongoing Support: We're here for you at your annual renewal to review the policy, re-broke the market if necessary, and ensure you continue to have the best cover at the best price.
  6. Provide Extra Value: Our clients not only get the best deal on their PMI but also benefit from discounts on other policies, such as business life insurance or key person cover.

Our brokerage service is provided at no cost to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium, whether you go direct or through a broker. You get expert advice and support for the same price—or often less—than going it alone.

Is private medical insurance a taxable benefit in the UK?

Yes, when a company pays for an employee's private medical insurance, it is considered a 'benefit-in-kind'. The business must report it to HMRC on a P11D form, and the employee will have to pay income tax on the value of the premium. National Insurance contributions are also payable by the employer.

Does business health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, standard private medical insurance is for new, acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. However, company schemes for larger groups (e.g., 20+ staff) can be set up on a 'Medical History Disregarded' (MHD) basis. This is a special type of underwriting that does cover eligible pre-existing conditions, making it a highly valuable benefit. For smaller groups, pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.

What is the minimum number of employees for a group PMI scheme?

Most insurers can set up a group private medical insurance scheme for as few as two employees. However, the most attractive pricing and underwriting terms, such as Medical History Disregarded, typically become available for groups with 20 or more members.

How can my business reduce the cost of its PMI policy?

There are several ways to manage the cost. You can opt for a higher excess, introduce a co-payment element, choose a more restricted hospital list, or limit the out-patient cover. The most effective strategy is to work with an independent broker like WeCovr. We compare the entire market to find the provider offering the best value for your specific needs, ensuring you don't overpay for your cover.

Ready to invest in your team's health and your company's future? Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how affordable a comprehensive private medical insurance plan can be for your business.


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.