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Excess vs Co Payment Whats the Difference in Health Insurance

As a broking firm that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. Two terms that often cause confusion are 'excess' and 'co-payment', yet understanding them is key to controlling your costs.

Last updated Oct 7, 2026

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TL;DR

As a broking firm that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. Two terms that often cause confusion are 'excess' and 'co-payment', yet understanding them is key to controlling your costs.

Key takeaways

  • Consultation & Scans (illustrative): You see a consultant and have an MRI scan. The total bill for this is 1,200.
  • Paying the Excess (illustrative): You are responsible for paying the first 250 of this bill. You might pay the hospital directly, or your insurer may pay the full amount and then ask you to reimburse them for the 250 excess.
  • Insurer Pays the Rest (illustrative): Your private medical insurance provider then covers the remaining balance of 950 (1,200 - 250).
  • Calculate Your Share (illustrative): Your share is 20% of the total bill. 20% of 12,000 is 2,400.
  • You Pay Your Share (illustrative): You are responsible for paying 2,400 of the cost.

As a broking firm that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. Two terms that often cause confusion are 'excess' and 'co-payment', yet understanding them is key to controlling your costs.

Clear guidance on these two policy features and how they affect claims and savings

When you choose a private health insurance policy, you are entering into a partnership with your insurer. While they agree to cover the bulk of your medical bills for eligible treatment, most policies include cost-sharing features. This is where you, the policyholder, agree to contribute a portion of the cost.

The two most common ways this happens are through an excess and a co-payment.

Think of them as tools that allow you to fine-tune your policy. By agreeing to pay a little more when you claim, you can significantly reduce the amount you pay every month in premiums. This article will break down exactly what each term means, how they work in the real world, and how you can use them to your advantage to find the perfect balance between comprehensive cover and an affordable price.

What is an Excess in Private Health Insurance?

An excess is one of the simplest and most common features of any insurance policy, whether it's for your car, home, or health.

A Simple Definition of Excess

An excess (sometimes called a deductible) is a fixed, pre-agreed amount of money that you must pay towards a claim before your insurance provider starts to pay.

You choose the excess level when you take out your policy. Common options in the UK PMI market include £0, £100, £250, £500, £1,000, or even higher. The golden rule is straightforward: the higher your excess, the lower your monthly premium will be. (illustrative estimate)

How Does an Excess Work in Practice?

Let's imagine you have a private health cover policy with a £250 excess. You develop knee pain and your GP refers you to a specialist. (illustrative estimate)

  1. Consultation & Scans (illustrative): You see a consultant and have an MRI scan. The total bill for this is £1,200.
  2. Paying the Excess (illustrative): You are responsible for paying the first £250 of this bill. You might pay the hospital directly, or your insurer may pay the full amount and then ask you to reimburse them for the £250 excess.
  3. Insurer Pays the Rest (illustrative): Your private medical insurance provider then covers the remaining balance of £950 (£1,200 - £250).

The crucial point is that you only pay this excess once per policy year, or once per claim, depending on your policy's terms.

Key Characteristics of a Health Insurance Excess

  • It’s a fixed sum: You know exactly how much you'll need to contribute (£250 in our example).
  • It’s paid first: The excess is your initial contribution before the insurer's cover kicks in.
  • It lowers your premium: Agreeing to pay a higher excess makes you less of a risk to the insurer for small claims, so they reward you with cheaper monthly payments.
  • It can be "Per Claim" or "Per Policy Year": This is a vital distinction that can have a big impact on your finances.

The "Per Claim" vs. "Per Policy Year" Excess Explained

Understanding this difference is one of the most important steps in choosing a strong fit for your needs.

  • Per Policy Year Excess: You pay the excess only once during your 12-month policy period, regardless of how many separate claims you make for different conditions. This is generally the most common and customer-friendly option.
  • Per Claim Excess: You must pay the excess for each new, unrelated claim you make within the policy year.

Let's use a table to see the difference in a real-world scenario.

ScenarioPolicy A: £500 Excess (Per Policy Year)Policy B: £500 Excess (Per Claim)
Claim 1 (Jan): Shoulder surgery costing £6,000You pay £500. Insurer pays £5,500.You pay £500. Insurer pays £5,500.
Claim 2 (July): Hernia repair costing £3,500You pay £0. Your annual excess is met. Insurer pays the full £3,500.You pay £500 again for this new claim. Insurer pays £3,000.
Total Paid by You:£500£1,000

As you can see, a 'per policy year' excess offers much better financial predictability and protection if you are unfortunate enough to need treatment for multiple unrelated conditions in the same year.

What is a Co-payment in Private Medical Insurance?

A co-payment works differently from an excess. Instead of a fixed amount, it's a percentage of the treatment cost that you agree to share with the insurer.

A Simple Definition of Co-payment

A co-payment is a feature where you agree to pay a certain percentage of the cost of every eligible claim, and the insurer pays the rest.

Common co-payment levels are 10%, 20%, or 25%. This feature is often added to a policy to significantly reduce the premium. It's a way of saying, "I will share the risk with you on every claim."

How Does a Co-payment Work in Practice?

Let's say you have a policy with a 20% co-payment. You need hip replacement surgery that costs a total of £12,000. (illustrative estimate)

  1. Calculate Your Share (illustrative): Your share is 20% of the total bill. 20% of £12,000 is £2,400.
  2. You Pay Your Share (illustrative): You are responsible for paying £2,400 of the cost.
  3. Insurer Pays Theirs (illustrative): The insurer covers the remaining 80%, which is £9,600.

The amount you pay is directly linked to the cost of the treatment. For a smaller claim, your contribution would be less. For example, on a £1,000 claim, your 20% co-payment would only be £200.

Co-payment Caps: An Important Safeguard

Because a percentage of a very large bill could become unaffordable, most of the PMI options providers in the UK apply a cap on the co-payment per claim or per year.

For example, your policy might have a "20% co-payment, capped at £1,000 per claim". In our £12,000 hip replacement example, your 20% share is £2,400. However, because of the cap, you would only have to pay a maximum of £1,000. This provides a crucial safety net against exceptionally high treatment costs.

Excess vs. Co-payment: A Head-to-Head Comparison

To make the choice clearer, let's compare the two features side-by-side.

FeatureExcessCo-payment
How It's CalculatedA fixed amount (e.g., £250).A percentage of the total claim cost (e.g., 20%).
Cost PredictabilityHigh. You know the exact maximum you'll pay at the start.Variable. The amount you pay changes with the cost of treatment.
When It AppliesOnce per policy year or once per claim.Applies to every eligible claim (unless capped).
Best For...People who prefer a predictable, one-off cost and want full cover after the excess is paid.People who are comfortable sharing a portion of every claim cost in return for a lower premium.
Example ScenarioA £4,000 claim with a £500 excess. You pay £500, insurer pays £3,500.A £4,000 claim with a 20% co-payment. You pay £800, insurer pays £3,200.
Financial RiskYour risk is limited to the fixed excess amount.Your risk is a percentage of the total bill, which is why a cap is so important.

How Excess and Co-payment Affect Your Premiums and Savings

The primary reason to choose a policy with an excess or co-payment is to make your private medical insurance UK more affordable.

The Direct Impact on Your Monthly Premiums

Insurers calculate premiums based on risk. By agreeing to an excess or co-payment, you take on a small portion of the financial risk yourself. This reduces the insurer's potential claim payment, especially for smaller claims, and they pass these savings directly on to you through lower premiums.

The effect can be dramatic. Let's look at an illustrative example of how changing the excess can affect monthly costs for a typical policy.

Example Table: The Effect of Excess on Monthly Premiums (Note: These are illustrative figures. Your actual quote will depend on your age, location, and chosen cover level.)

Excess Level (Per Year)Example Monthly PremiumPotential Annual Saving (vs. £0 Excess)
£0£90£0
£250£78£144
£500£65£300
£1,000£50£480

Choosing the Right Level for Your Budget

The perfect level is a personal choice based on your financial situation. Ask yourself:

  • What can I comfortably afford to pay if I need to make a claim tomorrow? Your excess should not be more than the amount you have readily available in savings.
  • Illustrative estimate: What is my tolerance for risk? If you want absolute peace of mind with no surprises, a £0 or low excess policy might be best, even with a higher premium. If you are young, healthy, and want a safety net for major issues only, a high excess of £1,000+ could be a smart, cost-effective choice.

This is where speaking to a PMI broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We can provide detailed quotes showing you the exact cost difference between various excess and co-payment options across multiple insurers, helping you find your ideal balance.

Can You Combine an Excess and a Co-payment?

Yes, some insurers allow you to combine both for the largest possible premium discount. This is an option for those who want the absolute lowest premium and are comfortable taking on a larger share of the cost at the point of claim.

Here's how it would work: Imagine a policy with a £250 excess and a 10% co-payment. You have a claim for a £5,000 procedure. (illustrative estimate)

  1. Pay the Excess (illustrative): You pay the first £250.
  2. Calculate the Remainder (illustrative): The remaining bill is £4,750 (£5,000 - £250).
  3. Pay the Co-payment (illustrative): You pay 10% of the remaining bill, which is £475.
  4. Your Total Cost (illustrative): Your total out-of-pocket expense is £250 + £475 = £725.
  5. Insurer's Payment (illustrative): The insurer pays the final balance of £4,275.

Critical Information You Must Know About UK PMI

Before choosing any policy, it's vital to understand what private medical insurance is designed for, and what it isn't.

PMI is for Acute Conditions, Not Chronic Ones

UK private medical insurance is designed to provide treatment for acute conditions.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include cataracts, joint replacements, hernias, and most cancers. The goal is to return you to your previous state of health.
  • A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured and requires long-term management or monitoring. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease.

Standard PMI policies do not cover the routine, long-term management of chronic conditions. The NHS remains the primary provider for this type of care in the UK.

The Rule on Pre-existing Conditions

A pre-existing condition is any medical issue for which you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment before the start date of your PMI policy.

As a general rule, private health cover does not cover pre-existing conditions, at least not initially. Insurers manage this in two main ways:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common method. The policy automatically excludes any condition you've had in the 5 years before joining. However, if you then complete 2 continuous years on the policy without needing any treatment, advice, or medication for that condition, the insurer may agree to cover it in the future.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer assesses your medical history and tells you upfront exactly what is and isn't covered. This provides more certainty but can take longer.

Beyond Excess and Co-payments: Other Ways to Manage Your PMI Costs

Excess and co-payments are not the only levers you can pull to make your policy more affordable. Consider these other powerful options:

The 'Six-Week Wait' Option

This is a popular way to reduce premiums by 20-30%. With this option, if the NHS can provide the inpatient treatment you need within six weeks of you being placed on the waiting list, you agree to use the NHS. If the NHS waiting time is longer than six weeks, your private medical insurance kicks in immediately. Given the current pressures on the health service, this is a very effective cost-saving measure.

According to the latest analysis of NHS England data by the British Medical Association, the waiting list for consultant-led elective care stood at over 7.5 million in late 2024. This context makes the six-week wait option a calculated and often beneficial choice for many.

Choosing Your Hospital List

Insurers group hospitals into tiers based on their costs. A policy that gives you access to every hospital in the country, including expensive prime London clinics, will cost the most. You can manage costs by choosing a policy with a more restricted hospital list that still includes excellent facilities near your home.

Outpatient Cover Limits

Outpatient care includes initial consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans before you are admitted to hospital. While full outpatient cover is available, you could reduce your premium by setting a limit on this benefit (e.g., £500, £1,000, or £1,500 per year). This means you'd be covered for major inpatient procedures but would contribute towards some of the initial diagnostic costs if they exceed your chosen limit. (illustrative estimate)

Embracing Wellness and Health Programmes

Many well-known insurers now actively reward you for staying healthy. By linking your policy to a fitness tracker, going to the gym, or completing health checks, you can earn rewards like cinema tickets, coffee, and even direct discounts on your renewal premium.

WeCovr supports our clients' health journeys by providing complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you manage your diet and wellness goals. Furthermore, WeCovr clients who purchase PMI or life insurance often qualify for valuable discounts on other policies they might need, such as home or travel insurance, delivering even greater value.

How a WeCovr Specialist or Trusted Broker Partner Can Help

Choosing the right combination of excess, co-payment, hospital lists, and outpatient limits can feel overwhelming. This is where a regulated broker adds immense value.

  • Panel-based Comparison: We are not tied to a single insurer. We compare policies from our panel to find the right fit for you.
  • Expert Guidance: We translate the jargon and explain how different policy features will affect you in practice. Our expertise is reflected in our consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Tailored to You: As FCA-authorised, regulated broker, WeCovr, sometimes working with broker partners, works for you. We listen to your needs and budget to create a shortlist of the most suitable options.
  • No Separate Broker Fee: Our service has no separate broker fee for you. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, which is already built into the price of the policy, so you pay the same (or often less) than going direct.

With over 1,000,000 policies of various types arranged for our clients, our team has the experience to guide you through every step of the process with clarity and confidence.


What is a better choice: a high excess or a co-payment?

This depends entirely on your financial preferences and attitude to risk. A high excess offers predictable costs; you know exactly what you need to pay (£500, £1,000 etc.) before your cover is total. A co-payment offers a lower premium but means you will share a percentage of the cost of every claim. This can be small for minor treatments but could be substantial for major surgery, which is why checking for a 'co-payment cap' is essential. A broker can model both scenarios for you.

Do I have to pay the excess if I only have a consultation?

Yes, if your policy includes an excess that applies to outpatient claims. The excess is the first part of any eligible claim. If the cost of your consultation is £200 and you have a £250 excess, you would pay the full £200. This would then count towards your annual excess, leaving only £50 to pay on your next claim in that policy year (if you have a 'per year' excess).

Can I change my excess or co-payment mid-policy?

You can typically only adjust your excess or co-payment options at your annual policy renewal. At renewal, it is usually straightforward to increase your excess or add a co-payment to lower your future premiums. However, if you wish to decrease your excess or remove a co-payment, the insurer may ask you to go through medical underwriting again as this increases their risk.

Is private medical insurance worth it in the UK with the NHS?

While the NHS provides excellent care, particularly for emergencies, its resources are stretched for non-urgent treatments. Private medical insurance is a valuable choice for those who prioritise speed of access, choice, and comfort. It allows you to bypass long NHS waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions, choose your specialist and hospital, and recover in a private room. With NHS waiting lists in England consistently numbering in the millions according to official NHS data, many people find the peace of mind and prompt access offered by PMI to be well worth the cost.

Ready to find the right private health cover for you? Navigating excesses, co-payments, and provider options can be complex. The WeCovr specialists or broker partners make it simple.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today and let us compare the insurers on our UK panel to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Sources

  • NHS England: Waiting times and referral-to-treatment statistics.
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Health, mortality, and workforce data.
  • NICE: Clinical guidance and technology appraisals.
  • Care Quality Commission (CQC): Provider quality and inspection reports.
  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Public health surveillance reports.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Health and protection market publications.

Important Information and Risks

No advice: This article is for general information only. It is not financial, legal, insurance, or tax advice, and it is not a personal recommendation. WeCovr does not assess your individual circumstances or recommend a specific product through this article.

Policy exclusions and underwriting: Insurance policies, including life insurance, private medical insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection, are subject to insurer underwriting, eligibility, acceptance criteria, terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. Pre-existing medical conditions may be excluded, restricted, or accepted on special terms unless an insurer confirms otherwise in writing.

Tax treatment: References to tax treatment, HMRC rules, or business reliefs are based on current UK legislation and guidance, which can change. Tax treatment depends on your personal or business circumstances and may differ from examples in this article.

Before you buy: Always read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID), policy summary, and full policy terms before buying, renewing, changing, or keeping cover. If you are unsure whether a policy is suitable for you, speak to an insurance adviser.

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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 experienced advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

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

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

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

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

Private medical insurance is designed for conditions that start after your policy begins, so pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, at least at first. With moratorium underwriting, a pre-existing condition may become eligible for cover once you have gone two continuous years on the policy without symptoms, treatment or advice for it. With full medical underwriting, the insurer tells you upfront which conditions are excluded. If you are switching from another policy or leaving a company scheme, you may be able to keep your existing underwriting terms, and some larger company schemes use Medical History Disregarded underwriting, where pre-existing conditions aren't excluded. Chronic conditions that need long-term management aren't covered by standard policies.

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. Some policies can also cover treatments and drugs that aren't routinely available on the NHS.

There's no fee to get quotes through WeCovr. WeCovr and its broker partners are typically paid a commission by the insurer when you take out a policy. The cost of the policy itself depends on your age, where you live, the cover you choose and your excess.

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 may benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product, and policies differ in ways that matter. Speaking to a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners helps make sure your requirements are understood so you can choose the right cover.

WeCovr's broker partners are firms authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which requires them to treat customers fairly. You can check any firm on the FCA Register.

WeCovr and its broker partners are typically paid a commission by the insurer when a policy is taken out. The premium is set by the insurer, and you don't pay a separate fee for using the service. You can ask about the commission at any time.

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 eligible conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly or annual premium and can claim for private healthcare covered by your policy. Benefits can include quicker access to treatment than on the NHS and, on some policies, access to drugs or treatments that aren't routinely available on the NHS.

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, chronic conditions and conditions present before the policy started.

Usually not on a new personal policy: pre-existing conditions are generally excluded, whatever the premium. Depending on your underwriting, a condition may become eligible later, and if you are switching policies or leaving a company scheme you may be able to keep existing terms. If you have questions about what is covered, contact WeCovr and a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the options.

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. Depending on the insurer, it applies once per policy year or once per claim. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the excess options available.

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.

Some insurers have an upper age limit for new customers, while others don't, and age affects the price. Many insurers will renew an existing policy regardless of age. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find insurers that accept your age.

A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can compare health insurance plans from a range of insurers for you, with no fee to you. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing.

Usually, yes. Many insurers let you add a partner or dependent children, either at any time or at renewal, depending on the insurer. The cost depends on factors like their age, where you live and the cover you choose. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for help adding someone to your policy.

UK private medical insurance is designed for treatment in the UK, although some policies include limited cover abroad. If you live or work abroad, international health insurance may be more suitable, and WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you compare options. For holidays, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover usually includes more extensive benefits, such as fuller outpatient cover for consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy and mental health therapies, within the policy limits. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the different levels of cover.

Private health insurance typically does not cover routine dental treatment, although some insurers offer a dental option and there are standalone dental policies. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you compare policies with dental options.

Most private medical insurance policies include cover for cancer diagnosed after the policy starts, but the level of cover varies: some policies limit drugs, treatment time or cost. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you compare cancer cover between policies.

You can usually change your cover at renewal, and some insurers allow changes during the year. You also have a 14-day cooling-off period after receiving your policy documents, during which you can cancel. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help with changes.

Many policies include a digital GP service provided by the insurer, often with same-day or next-day appointments. Check what your policy includes.

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

Yes. Insurers offer a range of cover levels to suit different budgets and needs, and a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can talk you through the options.

Your insurer can tell you which hospitals and specialists are included in your policy. For help comparing policies' hospital lists, tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a few details, and a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners will be in touch.

A fee-assured (or fee-approved) consultant has agreed to charge within your insurer's fee limits, so for eligible, authorised treatment you shouldn't have to pay a shortfall for their fees.

Many policies include some mental health cover, either as standard or as an option, usually with limits on therapy sessions or costs. Cover varies between insurers, so check the details.

Yes, children up to a certain age can usually be included on your policy, and some insurers offer discounts for children.

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. Tap a button below to get your own personalised quote through WeCovr.

Private health insurance can offer quicker access to consultations and treatment for eligible conditions, and more choice over when and where you are treated.

Many policies include physiotherapy, sometimes with limits on sessions or cost. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find plans that include it.

Services such as the insurer's digital GP app are usually available as soon as your policy starts.

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 eligible new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, chronic conditions aren't covered, and other exclusions apply.

Health insurance pays for eligible private healthcare, such as consultations and treatment, up to your policy limits. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you arrange cover.

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

Usually, yes: cover for eligible new conditions starts when your policy starts, and services like a nurse helpline or digital GP app are usually available straight away. If you make a claim soon after starting, the insurer may ask for a 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. Visit your insurer's website, or ask a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners, for details of member rewards.

You may be able to continue your cover with the same insurer on a personal policy, or take out a new policy. Continuing with the same insurer can mean keeping your existing underwriting, so conditions covered under the company scheme may stay covered. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can talk you through your options.

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

Your cover may be similar but not identical, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered, depending on the terms. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find the right level of cover.

Usually not, because employers often pay for or contribute to staff cover and group schemes are priced differently. Your cover level and age also affect the price. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can give you more detail.

There is usually a limited window after leaving, set by the insurer, so check as early as possible. Your personal policy can often start the day after your work cover ends, and a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain other options.

Have your leaving date and your current policy details ready, then contact WeCovr to discuss your options with a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners.

Ongoing treatment may be covered if you continue with the same insurer on a personal policy, although it could affect the price. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain your options.

Your insurer will explain how to pay your excess when you contact them for treatment authorisation. Usually you pay it to the hospital or consultant.

Usually not: with most insurers, there's no excess for services such as a digital GP. Check your policy.

Excess changes are usually made at renewal, although some insurers allow changes at other times.

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

Pre-existing conditions usually aren't covered on a new personal policy. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the underwriting options.

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 are medical issues that existed before your policy started. Many insurers treat any condition you've had symptoms of, treatment for or advice about in the five years before the policy started as pre-existing. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's worth comparing policies when yours is due for renewal to check it still offers good value for the cover you need. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you compare.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but children can usually be included on a family policy. Some insurers have an upper age limit for new customers, and premiums typically increase with age. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the age rules of different insurers.

Some insurers charge less if you pay annually, but this depends on the insurer. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can tell you whether paying annually would save you money.

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.

Usually not. With full medical underwriting you complete a medical questionnaire, and the insurer may occasionally ask your GP for a report. With moratorium underwriting there's no medical questionnaire upfront. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain 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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often get a GP appointment much more quickly, sometimes even on the same day, through the insurer's GP service. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find policies that include it.

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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance pays for eligible medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the illnesses listed in the policy, which you can use however you choose, for example to replace lost income. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand the differences.

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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find appropriate cover.

If your employer pays for your health insurance, it's usually a taxable 'benefit in kind': you pay income tax on its value, normally through your tax code or payroll, and your employer pays Class 1A National Insurance. For the employer, the premiums are usually an allowable business expense. If you buy a personal policy, you pay for it from taxed income. For advice on your situation, speak to an accountant.

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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners 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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand the differences and choose the right option for you.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Each year you don't claim typically adds to your no-claims discount, which can reduce your premium at renewal. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the right health insurance for you, compare 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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you evaluate your options.

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, check your policy terms to see whether your insurer requires a GP referral first (many do). Some policies offer direct access without a referral for certain conditions, such as muscle and joint problems or counselling 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 published 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 practise privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant either way. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, usually a private room, and more flexible visiting. Some policies also give 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.

Usually, yes. If you have private tests or scans but then want NHS treatment, your GP or private consultant can refer you to the NHS and share your results, although the NHS team may want to repeat some tests.

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