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Essential Questions for Your Broker About Health Insurance

Essential Questions for Your Broker About Health Insurance

Navigating the UK's private medical insurance (PMI) market can feel like a daunting task. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, we believe knowledge is power. Asking a broker the right questions is the crucial first step toward securing the perfect health cover for you and your family.

This guide is designed to arm you with those essential questions. A good broker won't just sell you a policy; they will act as your expert guide, helping you understand the intricacies of cover, claims, and costs.

Key questions and the best answers brokers should provide on policies and claims

Choosing a private medical insurance policy is a significant decision. Your broker's role is to provide clarity and confidence. Below are the critical areas to explore with them, along with the detailed, transparent answers you should expect to receive.

Part 1: Understanding You and Your Needs

Before a broker even mentions an insurer or a policy, they should first seek to understand you. A quality broker’s initial questions should revolve around your personal circumstances, expectations, and budget. If they launch straight into a sales pitch, it’s a red flag.

Question: "What do you need to know about me to find the right policy?"

A great broker will want to build a complete picture of your needs. They should ask you about:

  • Your Health & Lifestyle: Are you a smoker? What are your general activity levels? While they cannot ask for your full medical history at this stage, they need a sense of your overall health profile.
  • Who to Cover: Is the policy just for you, or for your partner and children too? The needs of a 25-year-old individual are very different from those of a family of four.
  • Your Budget: What is a comfortable monthly premium for you? An honest conversation about budget prevents them from recommending policies that are unaffordable.
  • Your Expectations: Why are you considering PMI? Is it primarily to bypass NHS waiting lists for surgery? Or are you looking for comprehensive cover that includes mental health support, therapies, and extensive wellness benefits?
  • Your Location: Where you live in the UK affects which hospitals are available and can influence your premium.

The Best Answer a Broker Should Give: "To find the best policy, I first need to understand what 'best' means for you. We'll discuss your budget, who needs cover, and what's most important to you—whether that's fast access to treatment, comprehensive cancer care, or mental health support. We'll then match your unique needs to the insurers and policies that are the best fit, explaining the pros and cons of each."

Part 2: De-mystifying the Policy Details

Once your broker understands your needs, the conversation can turn to the specifics of the policies available. This is where detail is everything.

Critical Question: "What exactly is and isn't covered?"

This is the single most important question you can ask. Misunderstanding the scope of cover is the primary source of frustration for policyholders.

The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

A good broker must explain this fundamental principle of UK private medical insurance from the outset:

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair, and treatment for infections. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease. Standard UK PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.

Your broker should provide a clear table of common inclusions and exclusions.

Common Inclusions (for Acute Conditions)Common Exclusions
In-patient and day-patient surgery & treatmentPre-existing conditions (see underwriting section below)
Consultations with specialistsManagement of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma)
Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, PET scans)Routine GP services and A&E visits
Cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy)Normal pregnancy and childbirth
Hospital accommodation and nursing careCosmetic surgery (unless medically necessary)
Out-patient therapies (e.g., physiotherapy)Experimental or unproven treatments
Mental health support (varies by policy)Alcohol or substance abuse treatment

The Best Answer a Broker Should Give: "Your policy is designed to get you diagnosed and treated quickly for new, acute medical conditions that arise after your policy starts. It covers things like surgery, consultations, and cancer care. It's important to understand it doesn't cover pre-existing conditions or the day-to-day management of long-term chronic illnesses like diabetes. Let's walk through some specific examples so you're completely clear on what you're protected for."

Question: "How do you handle pre-existing conditions? What is 'underwriting'?"

This follows directly from the previous question. Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to assess your medical history and decide which conditions, if any, to exclude from your cover.

Your broker must explain the two main types of underwriting in the UK:

  1. Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a general rule: any medical condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before your policy starts is automatically excluded for an initial period (usually the first 2 years of the policy). If you then remain completely trouble-free from that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer reviews your medical history and provides a definitive list of any specific exclusions from day one.
FeatureMoratorium (Mori) UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Application ProcessQuick and simple. No health forms.Slower. Requires a detailed health questionnaire.
Clarity on CoverCan be grey areas. An insurer may need to check your medical history at the point of a claim.Fully transparent. You know exactly what is excluded from the start.
Best ForPeople with few or no recent health issues who want a fast application.People with a complex medical history who want certainty about what's covered.
Claim ProcessPotentially slower as the insurer may need to investigate if a condition is pre-existing.Generally faster as exclusions are already defined.

The Best Answer a Broker Should Give: "We have two main options for underwriting. With 'Moratorium', it's quick to set up as there are no health forms, but any condition you've had in the last five years is automatically excluded for the first two years of your policy. With 'Full Medical Underwriting', you fill out a health form, and the insurer tells you upfront exactly what is excluded. We can discuss your medical history in confidence to help you decide which path gives you the most peace of mind."

Question: "What are the different levels of cover available?"

PMI is not a one-size-fits-all product. Policies are typically structured in tiers, allowing you to balance the level of cover with the cost of the premium.

Your broker should explain the three main levels:

  • Basic/Entry-Level: Primarily covers in-patient and day-patient treatment (i.e., when you need a hospital bed). It often has limited or no cover for out-patient diagnostics and consultations. This is a good option for those on a tight budget who are most concerned about covering the costs of major surgery.
  • Mid-Range: The most popular choice. It includes full in-patient cover plus a specified limit for out-patient services (e.g., up to £1,000-£1,500 per year). This covers the specialist consultations and diagnostic scans needed before you are admitted to hospital.
  • Comprehensive: Offers full cover for in-patient treatment and either unlimited or very high limits for out-patient care. These policies often include more extensive cover for mental health, therapies, and alternative treatments, alongside generous wellness benefits.
FeatureBasic CoverMid-Range CoverComprehensive Cover
In-patient & Day-patient✅✅✅
Cancer CoverCore treatment is usually standard.Enhanced options available (e.g., choice of drugs).Full, advanced cover often included.
Out-patient LimitsOften excluded or very low (e.g., £0-£500).Capped limit (e.g., £1,000-£1,500).Full cover or very high limits (e.g., £2,000+).
Therapies (Physio etc.)Usually excluded.Often included with limits.Included with higher limits.
Mental Health SupportLimited or excluded.Can be added as an option.More extensive cover usually included.

The Best Answer a Broker Should Give: "We can tailor the level of cover to your priorities. A 'Basic' policy focuses on covering the big costs like surgery. A 'Mid-Range' policy adds cover for the consultations and scans you'd need beforehand, which is what most clients choose. A 'Comprehensive' plan provides the most extensive protection, including higher limits for therapies and mental health. Let's look at the price difference between these to see what offers you the best value."

Question: "How can I customise my policy to make it more affordable?"

A key advantage of using a broker is their ability to fine-tune a policy to fit your budget. They should proactively suggest ways to manage your premium without sacrificing the cover that matters most to you.

Key customisation options include:

  • Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim each year. A higher excess (e.g., £500) will significantly lower your monthly premium compared to a lower excess (e.g., £100).
  • Hospital List: Insurers have different tiers of hospital lists. Choosing a more restricted list that covers excellent local hospitals but excludes the most expensive central London facilities can reduce your premium.
  • Six-Week Option: This is a popular cost-saving measure. If the NHS can provide the in-patient treatment you need within six weeks of it being recommended, you would use the NHS. If the waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in. This can reduce premiums by 20-30%.
  • No-Claims Discount (NCD): Similar to car insurance, you build up a discount for every year you don't claim, which helps keep future premiums down. Your broker should explain how each insurer's NCD works.

The Best Answer a Broker Should Give: "There are several ways we can make your policy more affordable. The most effective is adjusting the 'excess'—the amount you pay per claim. We can also look at the 'hospital list' to ensure you're not paying for access to hospitals you'd never use. Finally, the 'six-week option' is a fantastic way to lower costs, leveraging the NHS for quicker treatments while still having private cover as a safety net for longer waits."

Part 3: The Broker and the Insurers

It's not just the policy you need to question, but also the person and the companies behind it.

Question: "Why should I use you as a broker? What makes you different?"

You need to feel confident in the broker's expertise and impartiality.

The Best Answer a Broker Should Give: "As an FCA-authorised broker, our primary duty is to you, not the insurance company. We are independent and have access to a wide panel of leading UK insurers, so we're not tied to just one provider. Our service is provided at no cost to you, as we are paid a commission by the insurer you choose. Our role is to use our market expertise to find you the best possible cover for your budget and support you throughout the life of your policy, including helping you if you ever need to make a claim. At WeCovr, we pride ourselves on our high customer satisfaction and our ability to make the complex simple for our clients."

Question: "Which insurers do you recommend and why?"

A good broker won't have a single "best" insurer. The best insurer is the one that best matches your specific needs.

The Best Answer a Broker Should Give: "There is no single 'best' provider—it all depends on what you're looking for. For example:

  • Bupa and AXA Health are known for their extensive hospital networks and strong brand reputation.
  • Vitality is a great choice if you're active and want to be rewarded for a healthy lifestyle, as their wellness programme is market-leading.
  • Aviva offers very flexible and competitively priced policies.

My job is to explain the strengths of each and recommend the one whose underwriting, claims philosophy, and pricing aligns best with the needs we've already discussed."

Part 4: The Claims Process and Long-Term Value

A policy is only as good as its ability to pay out when you need it.

Question: "Can you walk me through the claims process step-by-step?"

Understanding the process in advance removes stress and uncertainty when you're unwell.

The Best Answer a Broker Should Give: "The process is designed to be straightforward. Let's use an example: you develop persistent knee pain.

  1. GP Referral: You visit your NHS GP. They examine you and agree you need to see a specialist, giving you an 'open referral'.
  2. Contact Your Insurer: You call your insurer's claims line with your policy number and the referral details.
  3. Get Authorisation: The insurer checks your cover and authorises a consultation with a specialist from their approved network. They will give you an authorisation code.
  4. Book and Attend Appointment: You book your appointment with the specialist, giving them your authorisation code.
  5. Treatment Authorisation & Delivery: If the specialist recommends a scan or surgery, you call the insurer again for authorisation before proceeding.
  6. Bills are Settled: The hospital and specialist bill the insurer directly. You only have to pay your excess if it applies."

Question: "What happens if there's a problem with a claim? What is a 'shortfall'?"

This tests the broker's commitment to you after the sale.

The Best Answer a Broker Should Give: "If you run into any issues, you should call us. As your broker, we can speak to the insurer on your behalf to help resolve any confusion. A 'shortfall' can sometimes happen if a specialist charges more than the insurer's published fee guidelines. The best way to avoid this is to always use a specialist from the insurer's approved list and to get full authorisation before any treatment. We always guide our clients on how to do this correctly."

Question: "What additional benefits and wellness rewards are available?"

Modern PMI is evolving beyond just paying for treatment. Many policies now include proactive health and wellness benefits.

The Best Answer a Broker Should Give: "Many top-tier policies now include fantastic wellness benefits to help you stay healthy. These can include:

  • Discounted gym memberships.
  • Wearable tech offers (like Apple Watch or Garmin).
  • Points and rewards for healthy activities.
  • Digital GP services for 24/7 access to a doctor.
  • Mental health support lines and apps.

For instance, at WeCovr, all our health and life insurance clients receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support their health goals. Furthermore, when you take out a PMI policy with us, we can often provide you with discounts on other crucial cover like life insurance or income protection, helping you build a comprehensive financial safety net."

Question: "How will my premium change over the years?"

It's vital to understand that your premium will not stay the same forever. A transparent broker will explain the factors that cause increases.

The Best Answer a Broker Should Give: "Your premium is likely to increase each year for three main reasons:

  1. Age: As we get older, the statistical risk of needing medical treatment increases, so your age-related price will rise at each renewal.
  2. Medical Inflation: The cost of medical technology, drugs, and hospital services generally rises faster than standard inflation. This is usually around 8-10% per year.
  3. Claims: If you make a claim, it will likely reduce your No-Claims Discount, leading to a higher premium the following year.

Our job is to review your cover each year to ensure it still represents good value. If your renewal price is too high, we can re-broke the market for you to see if another insurer can offer better terms."

Final Checks Before You Commit

Before signing on the dotted line, run through this final checklist with your broker:

  • Confirm the exact monthly premium.
  • Re-read the policy summary, paying close attention to the list of exclusions.
  • Understand the cooling-off period (usually 14 days), during which you can cancel without penalty.
  • Ask for the claims line number and save it in your phone.

Choosing private medical insurance is a partnership between you, your broker, and the insurer. By asking these questions, you empower yourself to make an informed choice, ensuring the policy you buy is the one that will truly be there for you when you need it most.


Can I get health insurance to cover a pre-existing condition?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Pre-existing conditions, which are any health issues you have had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the years before taking out the policy (usually 5 years), are typically excluded from cover, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the type of underwriting you choose.

Is private medical insurance worth it in the UK?

Whether PMI is 'worth it' is a personal decision based on your priorities and financial situation. With NHS waiting lists in England for routine treatments regularly exceeding several million (NHS England data often shows figures over 7 million), many people find value in PMI for the speed of access, choice of specialist and hospital, and privacy it provides for eligible acute conditions. It acts as a complement to the excellent emergency and chronic care provided by the NHS.

Do I always need a GP referral to use my private health insurance?

In most cases, yes. The standard claims process requires a referral from your NHS GP to see a specialist. This ensures your treatment path is clinically appropriate. However, some modern policies offer direct access for specific conditions (like cancer or mental health) or provide a Digital GP service that can provide a private referral, bypassing your NHS GP. An expert broker can help you identify policies with these features if they are a priority for you.

Ready to find the right private health cover for your needs? The expert team at WeCovr is here to provide free, impartial advice and compare leading UK insurers for you.

[Get Your Free, No-Obligation Quote Today and let us demystify the world of PMI for you.]

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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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