Expatriate Group Individual IPMI vs Other Global Health Plans

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 14, 2026
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Expatriate Group Individual IPMI vs Other Global Health...

TL;DR

Navigating the world of international private medical insurance (IPMI) can feel complex. At WeCovr, with our experience helping arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds for UK and global clients, we understand the challenge. This guide offers an expert comparison between specialist provider Expatriate Group and global giants like AXA, Bupa, and IMG.

Key takeaways

  • vs. Standard UK PMI: UK private medical insurance is designed for use within the UK only. IPMI provides cover across specified geographical regions, which can be worldwide.
  • vs. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is for short-term trips and focuses on medical emergencies, lost baggage, and cancellations. It is not designed for routine healthcare or long-term residency abroad. IPMI is your comprehensive health plan while you are living overseas.
  • Who they are: A specialist provider focusing exclusively on expatriates. They offer a more direct, streamlined service, often with a simpler product structure.
  • Best for: Individuals and families looking for comprehensive, no-frills international health cover without the complexity of some larger providers. Their plans are often perceived as being more straightforward and accessible.
  • Who they are: A premium, market-leading brand in global health insurance. Bupa Global is synonymous with extensive coverage, high benefit limits, and exceptional service.

Navigating the world of international private medical insurance (IPMI) can feel complex. At WeCovr, with our experience helping arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds for UK and global clients, we understand the challenge. This guide offers an expert comparison between specialist provider Expatriate Group and global giants like AXA, Bupa, and IMG.

A comparison between Expatriate Group's individual IPMI and other global private medical insurance options like AXA Global, Bupa Global and IMG

Choosing the right global health plan is one of the most important decisions you'll make when planning a life abroad. The policy you select is your passport to quality healthcare, no matter where you are in the world. But the market is crowded, with different providers catering to vastly different needs and budgets.

In one corner, you have the specialist providers like Expatriate Group, known for their focused, often more streamlined offerings. In the other, you have the titans of the industry: Bupa Global, AXA Global, and IMG (International Medical Group), each with decades of experience and vast global networks.

This article breaks down the key differences, helping you understand which provider and plan aligns best with your personal circumstances, destination, and budget.

What is International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)?

Before we compare the providers, let's clarify what IPMI is and, crucially, what it isn't.

International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) is an annual health insurance plan designed for individuals and families living or working outside their home country for an extended period (typically one year or more).

Its primary purpose is to cover the cost of private medical treatment for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. This includes everything from consultations and diagnostics to hospital stays and surgery.

Here’s how IPMI differs from other types of cover:

  • vs. Standard UK PMI: UK private medical insurance is designed for use within the UK only. IPMI provides cover across specified geographical regions, which can be worldwide.
  • vs. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is for short-term trips and focuses on medical emergencies, lost baggage, and cancellations. It is not designed for routine healthcare or long-term residency abroad. IPMI is your comprehensive health plan while you are living overseas.

Essentially, if you are moving abroad, IPMI is designed to replace the function of your home country's health system, like the NHS in the UK.

The Contenders: A Closer Look at the Providers

Each insurer has a distinct identity and market position. Understanding this is the first step to finding your match.

Expatriate Group

  • Who they are: A specialist provider focusing exclusively on expatriates. They offer a more direct, streamlined service, often with a simpler product structure.
  • Best for: Individuals and families looking for comprehensive, no-frills international health cover without the complexity of some larger providers. Their plans are often perceived as being more straightforward and accessible.

Bupa Global

  • Who they are: A premium, market-leading brand in global health insurance. Bupa Global is synonymous with extensive coverage, high benefit limits, and exceptional service.
  • Best for: Senior executives, high-net-worth individuals, and families who want the highest level of assurance, access to a vast network of top-tier facilities, and are willing to pay a premium for it.

AXA Global

  • Who they are: Part of the global AXA Group, they are a major force in the IPMI market. They offer a wide range of customisable plans backed by a massive international network and strong brand recognition.
  • Best for: Those who value choice and flexibility. AXA provides multiple tiers of cover that can be tailored with various add-ons, making them a strong option for a wide range of expatriates.

IMG (International Medical Group)

  • Who they are: A US-based insurer with a significant global footprint. IMG is known for its wide variety of plans, catering to different needs and budgets, from students and missionaries to corporate groups and long-term expats.
  • Best for: A broad audience, including US citizens abroad or non-US citizens needing cover that includes the USA. Their tiered plans offer clear pathways from essential cover to comprehensive benefits.

Core Feature Comparison: Expatriate Group vs The Titans

Let's put these providers head-to-head on the features that matter most. An expert broker like WeCovr can provide a personalised comparison based on your exact needs, but this table gives you a clear overview.

FeatureExpatriate GroupBupa GlobalAXA GlobalIMG
Market PositionSpecialist, streamlinedPremium, high-serviceMajor global player, flexibleBroad appeal, strong US options
Typical Plan RangeFewer, well-defined tiersMultiple premium tiersHighly customisable tiersWide range from budget to full-cover
Annual Benefit LimitGood to very good (£1m+)Very high to unlimitedHigh to very highVaries widely by plan
Area of CoverClear regional optionsWorldwide options, often excl. or incl. USAFlexible zones, incl. USA optionsMultiple zones, strong in Americas
UnderwritingMoratorium or Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)Moratorium or FMUMoratorium or FMUMoratorium or FMU
Out-patient CoverUsually included in mid- to top-tier plansGenerous limits, often included as standardAvailable as standard or an add-onVaries significantly by plan tier
Dental & VisionOptional add-onOptional add-on, often with high limitsOptional add-onOptional add-on
Medical EvacuationIncluded as standardIncluded as standard, high limitsIncluded as standardIncluded as standard
Direct SettlementGrowing networkVery extensive global networkVery extensive global networkLarge global network
Adviser's InsightA strong contender for those wanting solid, understandable cover without paying for a premium brand name. Their direct approach can be appealing.The 'gold standard' for a reason. If budget is less of a concern and you want maximum peace of mind, Bupa is hard to beat.A fantastic all-rounder. AXA's strength lies in its ability to be tailored. You can build a plan that precisely fits your needs.IMG offers great flexibility, especially if you need cover in the USA. Their variety of plans means there's likely an option for most budgets.

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Underwriting Explained: Choosing Your Path to Cover

When you apply for IPMI, the insurer needs to understand your health history. This process is called underwriting. There are two main types, and your choice has significant implications.

  1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

    • What it is: You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer assesses this information and may apply specific exclusions or premium loadings for pre-existing conditions.
    • Pros: You have complete clarity from day one about what is and isn't covered.
    • Cons: The application process is longer and more intrusive.
    • Insider Tip: Choose FMU if you have a known medical history and want certainty. It's better to know upfront if a condition is excluded than to have a claim denied later.
  2. Moratorium Underwriting

    • What it is: You don't declare your medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any condition you've had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, in the 5 years before your policy started.
    • How it works: This exclusion is temporary. If you go for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Pros: Quick and simple application.
    • Cons: Creates a "grey area." You may not be sure if a condition is covered until you make a claim.
    • Crucial Point: Chronic conditions (like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension) and pre-existing conditions are generally not covered by standard IPMI policies. IPMI is for new, unforeseen, and acute illnesses or injuries.

The Cost Equation: What Drives Your IPMI Premium?

Your IPMI premium isn't an arbitrary number. It's calculated based on several key risk factors. Understanding these helps you see where you can adjust your cover to manage costs.

  • Age: This is the single biggest factor. Premiums increase significantly with age.
  • Area of Cover: "Worldwide excluding the USA" is a common and cost-effective option. Including the USA can increase premiums by 50-100% due to the high cost of American healthcare.
  • Level of Cover: A basic plan covering only in-patient treatment (hospital stays) will be much cheaper than a comprehensive plan that includes out-patient visits, dental, and wellness checks.
  • Excess (or Deductible): This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer pays out. A higher excess (£1,000) will result in a lower premium than a small excess (£100).

Illustrative Cost Comparison

To give you a real-world idea, here is a hypothetical comparison for a 40-year-old British national living in Spain, non-smoker, seeking a mid-tier comprehensive plan (Worldwide excluding USA cover).

ProviderIllustrative Plan TierEstimated Annual Premium*
Expatriate GroupSelect£2,400
Bupa GlobalWorldwide Health Options£4,500
AXA GlobalStandard£3,800
IMGGold£3,200

*Disclaimer: These figures are for illustrative purposes only, based on typical market pricing in early 2026. Your actual quote will vary based on your specific details, chosen excess, and underwriting outcome. Contact WeCovr for a precise, personalised quote.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Choosing Global Health Cover

As experienced private medical insurance brokers, we see clients make the same costly mistakes. Here are five to avoid:

  1. Confusing IPMI with Travel Insurance: The biggest error. Moving abroad for a year on a travel policy is a recipe for disaster. It won't cover routine care and may refuse to pay out if they deem you a resident, not a tourist.
  2. Ignoring the "USA Effect": Opting for a "Worldwide excl. USA" plan to save money is smart, but only if you are certain you won't live, work, or spend significant time there. A single medical incident in the US without cover can lead to financial ruin.
  3. Misunderstanding Moratorium: Believing a pre-existing condition will automatically be covered after two years. It will only be covered if you have been completely free of symptoms, treatment, and advice for that entire period. For chronic conditions, this is rarely possible.
  4. Choosing an Unrealistic Excess: A £5,000 excess might make your premium look attractive, but can you comfortably pay that amount if you need treatment? Choose an excess that you can genuinely afford.
  5. Overlooking the Network: Don't just look at the price. Check the insurer's direct settlement network in your country of residence. A strong network means the hospital bills the insurer directly, saving you from paying large sums upfront and claiming back later.

Why Use a Broker like WeCovr for Your IPMI?

In a market this complex, going it alone can be risky. An independent, FCA-regulated broker like WeCovr adds value at no extra cost to you.

  • Market Expertise: We live and breathe private medical insurance UK and global plans. We know the providers, the plans, and the fine print inside-out, saving you dozens of hours of research.
  • Personalised Comparison: We don't just give you prices. We listen to your needs—your destination, family structure, medical history, and budget—and recommend the plan that truly fits.
  • It's Free: Our service costs you nothing. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium. You get expert advice without paying a penny extra.
  • Your Advocate: From helping with the application to providing support if you have a claims query, we work for you, not the insurance company.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange a policy through us, you also get complimentary access to WeCovr's AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, plus potential discounts on other policies like life insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Global Health Insurance

Does IPMI cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, standard IPMI plans do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. If you choose Moratorium underwriting, any condition present in the last 5 years is excluded for a 2-year waiting period. With Full Medical Underwriting (FMU), an insurer may offer to cover a pre-existing condition, sometimes for an additional premium, or they may apply a permanent exclusion. It is vital to be transparent.

Can I add my family to my IPMI plan?

Yes, all major IPMI providers allow you to add your partner and dependent children to your policy. Family plans can sometimes offer better value than individual policies for each person, but it's always worth comparing. A broker can run the numbers for you.

What is the difference between an excess and a co-payment?

An excess (or deductible) is a fixed amount you pay per year or per claim before the insurer starts paying. For example, if you have a £500 excess, you pay the first £500 of your eligible treatment costs in a policy year. A co-payment is a percentage you pay towards each claim. For instance, a 10% co-payment on a £2,000 bill means you pay £200 and the insurer pays £1,800.

Can I switch my IPMI provider?

Yes, you can switch providers, but it requires careful consideration. When you switch, any medical conditions that arose while you were with your old insurer will be treated as pre-existing by the new one. This can lead to new exclusions. It's crucial to seek advice from a PMI broker before switching to ensure continuous and appropriate cover.

Finding Your Perfect Global Health Plan

There is no single "best" IPMI provider. The right choice is the one that matches your unique circumstances.

  • Expatriate Group is an excellent choice for straightforward, robust cover.
  • Bupa Global is the premium standard for those wanting the highest level of service.
  • AXA Global offers unparalleled flexibility to build a bespoke plan.
  • IMG provides a vast range of options, particularly for those needing US cover.

The most effective way to navigate this choice is with expert, independent advice.

Ready to secure your health and peace of mind abroad? The friendly experts at WeCovr are here to help. We'll compare the market's leading plans for you, ensuring you get the right cover at the best possible price.


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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.


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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.

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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