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Expatriate Group International Income Protection Benefits, Definitions & Claims Process

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 14, 2026
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Key takeaways

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Utility bills and groceries
  • School fees
  • Loan or credit card repayments
  • Savings and pension contributions

As expert brokers in the UK private medical insurance market, we at WeCovr have helped over 900,000 people secure their health and financial wellbeing. We understand that for British expatriates, moving abroad brings unique challenges, chief among them being how to protect your income if you fall ill or have an accident. This guide provides a definitive look at international income protection, focusing on a leading provider: Expatriate Group.

A deep dive into global income protection – deferment periods, own occupation definitions, exclusions, evidence requirements and claim scenarios

Living and working abroad is an incredible opportunity, but it also means leaving the familiarity of the NHS and UK-based financial safety nets behind. If you were unable to work due to sickness or injury, how would you pay your bills, rent, or mortgage?

This is where International Income Protection (IIP) becomes essential. Unlike private medical insurance, which pays for your treatment, income protection pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income to replace your lost earnings. It's the financial foundation that allows you to maintain your lifestyle and meet your obligations while you focus on recovery.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll dissect the International Income Protection plan from Expatriate Group, a specialist provider dedicated to the needs of the global citizen. We'll explore every critical component, from benefit levels to the small print in the claims process, giving you the clarity needed to make an informed decision.

What is International Income Protection?

International Income Protection is a type of insurance policy designed specifically for people who live and work outside of their home country. Its primary function is simple but vital:

International Income Protection provides a monthly replacement income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.

This regular payment acts as your salary, allowing you to cover essential living costs like:

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Utility bills and groceries
  • School fees
  • Loan or credit card repayments
  • Savings and pension contributions

It’s crucial to understand how it differs from other types of cover:

  • vs. Private Medical Insurance (PMI): PMI covers the cost of eligible medical diagnosis and treatment in private facilities. It pays the hospital, while Income Protection pays you. They are complementary, not substitutes.
  • vs. Critical Illness Cover: This pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific, defined serious illness (like cancer or a stroke). Income Protection pays a monthly income for a wider range of conditions that stop you from working, including stress, depression, or a broken leg.

For an expatriate, a domestic UK income protection policy is simply not fit for purpose. It isn't designed to cover you while residing overseas and will almost certainly not pay a claim. You need a specialist international policy that offers global coverage.

Why Choose Expatriate Group for Your Global Cover?

When you're an expat, you need an insurer who understands your unique situation. Mainstream providers often struggle with the complexities of international residence, different legal jurisdictions, and cross-border claims.

Expatriate Group was founded to solve this problem. They are specialists, focusing exclusively on providing international health, life, and income protection insurance for the globally mobile community.

Key advantages of Expatriate Group:

  • Expat-Focused: Their policies are built from the ground up for expatriates, not adapted from domestic plans.
  • Global Coverage: Their plans are designed to cover you in your country of residence, wherever that may be (subject to some sanctioned territories).
  • Clear Definitions: They use clear, fair policy language, including the vital 'Own Occupation' definition of incapacity.
  • Streamlined Process: Their application and claims processes are managed online, making it easy to deal with them from anywhere in the world.

As independent brokers, we at WeCovr often recommend Expatriate Group because their product is robust, their specialism is genuine, and they have a proven track record of supporting expats when they need it most.

Unpacking the Core Benefits: What Does Expatriate Group's Policy Cover?

When setting up your policy, you'll make several key choices that determine the shape of your cover and its cost.

Benefit Amount

This is the amount of money you'll receive each month if you make a successful claim.

  • How much? You can typically insure up to 75% of your gross annual income (your salary before tax).
  • Why not 100%? The 75% cap exists to provide an incentive to return to work when you are fit and able. As the benefit is usually paid tax-free (in the UK), this amount often equates to a similar level as your post-tax take-home pay.

For example, if you earn £80,000 per year, you could insure a maximum benefit of £60,000 per year, which translates to a monthly payment of £5,000.

Benefit Period

This is the maximum length of time the policy will pay out for any single claim.

  • Short-Term: A common option is a 2-year or 5-year benefit period. This is a more affordable choice, providing a significant safety net to cover recovery from most illnesses and injuries.
  • Long-Term: The most comprehensive option pays out until a set age, typically your planned retirement age (e.g., age 65). This protects you from a career-ending disability that could leave you unable to work ever again.

The choice depends on your budget and risk appetite. Long-term cover offers the ultimate peace of mind but comes with a higher premium.

Summary of Benefit Options

FeatureDescriptionBroker Insight
Benefit AmountA percentage of your gross income, usually up to 75%.Be realistic about your essential outgoings. Don't under-insure yourself to save a few pounds.
Benefit PeriodHow long the policy pays out for. Options: 2 years, 5 years, or to retirement age.Long-term cover is the gold standard. Consider what would happen if you could never work again.
Geographical ScopeWorldwide.Always notify your insurer if you move countries to ensure your cover remains valid.

The Deferment Period: Your Waiting Time Explained

The deferment period (also known as the 'waiting period') is one of the most important levers for customising your policy.

The deferment period is the fixed amount of time you must be off work due to illness or injury before your policy starts paying out.

Expatriate Group offers a range of deferment periods, typically including:

  • 4 weeks (28 days)
  • 8 weeks (56 days)
  • 13 weeks (91 days)
  • 26 weeks (182 days)
  • 52 weeks (364 days)

How to Choose the Right Deferment Period:

The longer your deferment period, the lower your monthly premium will be. The key is to align it with your other financial resources.

  1. Check Your Employment Contract: How long will your employer pay you if you're sick? If you get 3 months of full sick pay, a 13-week (91-day) deferment period is a perfect fit.
  2. Assess Your Savings: How long could your emergency fund support you? If you have enough cash to cover 6 months of expenses, you could opt for a 26-week deferment and benefit from a much lower premium.
  3. Consider Your Budget: If you have limited sick pay and savings, a shorter deferment period of 4 or 8 weeks is safer, even though it costs more.
Deferment PeriodPremium CostBest For...
4 WeeksHighestThose with no employer sick pay and limited savings.
13 WeeksMediumPeople with a typical employer sick pay package (e.g., 3 months).
26 WeeksLowerIndividuals with generous sick pay or a substantial emergency fund.
52 WeeksLowestHigh earners with significant savings who want to cover long-term risks at a low cost.

Insider Tip: A common mistake is choosing a long deferment period to save money, without having the savings to bridge the gap. Be brutally honest about how long you can survive without an income.

Get Tailored Quote

The 'Own Occupation' Definition: The Gold Standard of Protection

Of all the technical terms in an insurance policy, the definition of incapacity is arguably the most important. It dictates the circumstances under which the insurer will accept your claim. Expatriate Group's policy uses the best definition available: 'Own Occupation'.

'Own Occupation' means you are considered incapacitated and able to claim if you are unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your specific job.

Let's compare this to weaker definitions:

DefinitionWhat It MeansExample
Own OccupationYou can't do your specific job.A surgeon who develops a hand tremor can claim, even if they could still work as a university lecturer.
Suited OccupationYou can't do your job or any other job you are suited to by education or experience.The surgeon with a hand tremor might have their claim denied if the insurer argues they are 'suited' to lecturing.
Any OccupationYou can't do any kind of work at all.The surgeon would have to be almost completely incapacitated to claim. This is a very low level of cover.

For skilled professionals, 'Own Occupation' cover is non-negotiable. It protects your specialist career and income level. Imagine an oil rig engineer who suffers a balance-affecting inner ear condition. They can no longer work offshore ('Own Occupation'), but they could work in a land-based office ('Suited Occupation'). With 'Own Occupation' cover, their claim would be paid.

Key Exclusions: What Is Not Covered?

No insurance policy covers everything. Understanding the exclusions is just as important as knowing the benefits. It prevents surprises and disappointment at the point of a claim.

Key exclusions on an Expatriate Group International Income Protection policy will typically include:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: This is the most significant exclusion. The policy will not cover you for any illness or injury you had, or had symptoms of, before your policy started. Underwriting (the insurer's assessment of your health) will determine if any specific exclusions are applied to your policy based on your medical history.
  • Self-Inflicted Injury & Suicide Attempts: Intentional acts of self-harm are not covered.
  • Drug & Alcohol Abuse: Illnesses or injuries caused by substance abuse are excluded.
  • Normal Pregnancy & Childbirth: Income protection is for unforeseen illness, not planned events. However, complications of pregnancy may be covered if they are medically classified as an illness that prevents you from working.
  • War & Terrorism: Living or travelling in a country where a war is taking place may invalidate your cover.
  • Hazardous Pursuits: If you participate in dangerous hobbies (e.g., mountaineering, motorsports, diving), you must declare them. They may be excluded, or you may be charged a higher premium.
  • Criminal Acts: Any injury sustained while committing a crime is not covered.

Broker Insight: Full and honest disclosure during your application is vital. Forgetting to mention a past back problem or a risky hobby could lead to your entire claim being rejected for non-disclosure. At WeCovr, we guide you through the application to ensure it's completed accurately.

The Claims Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The thought of claiming can be daunting, especially when you're unwell and living overseas. Expatriate Group's process is designed to be as straightforward as possible.

Here is a typical step-by-step guide to making an income protection claim:

Step 1: Initial Notification As soon as you know you'll be off work for a period that will likely exceed your deferment period, you should contact the insurer's claims department. You'll need your policy number and to provide basic details about your condition and your inability to work.

Step 2: Submitting the Claim Form The insurer will send you a claim form. This will ask for:

  • Your personal and policy details.
  • Information about your job and employer.
  • Details of your illness or injury.
  • Consent to obtain medical information from your doctor.

Step 3: Providing Medical Evidence This is the cornerstone of your claim. The insurer needs independent proof of your incapacity. You will need to provide:

  • A report from your treating doctor or specialist. This report must be detailed, stating your diagnosis, prognosis, symptoms, and a clear medical opinion on why you cannot perform your job duties.
  • Copies of medical records, scans, or test results relevant to your condition.

The clarity and completeness of this evidence are crucial. Vague statements like "patient is unwell" are not sufficient. The report needs to link the medical condition directly to your inability to work.

Step 4: Providing Financial Evidence The insurer also needs to verify the level of income you were earning before you stopped work. This ensures the benefit amount you are claiming is correct. You will need to provide:

  • If employed: Recent payslips and a copy of your employment contract.
  • If self-employed: Recent tax returns, or your accounts certified by an accountant.

Step 5: Assessment and Decision The insurer's claims team will review all the medical and financial evidence. They may contact your doctor for further clarification or, in some complex cases, arrange for an independent medical assessment. Once they are satisfied that your claim is valid under the terms of the policy, they will formally accept it.

Step 6: Receiving Payments Once your claim is accepted and your deferment period has ended, payments will begin. They are typically made monthly in arrears, directly into your nominated bank account. The insurer will require ongoing medical evidence periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months) to confirm you remain unable to work.

Real-Life Claim Scenarios

Theory is one thing; seeing how a policy works in practice is another. Here are three scenarios illustrating the power of international income protection.

Scenario 1: The Marketing Manager in Berlin

  • Profile: Sarah, 40, a UK citizen working as a Marketing Manager in Berlin. She earns €90,000 per year.
  • Policy: Expatriate Group IIP covering 75% of income (€5,625/month), with a 13-week deferment period and a 5-year benefit period.
  • Event: Sarah has a serious cycling accident, resulting in multiple fractures. She requires surgery and extensive physiotherapy. Her doctors sign her off work for 6 months.
  • Claim:
    1. Sarah notifies the insurer and completes the claim form.
    2. Her German orthopaedic surgeon provides a detailed medical report.
    3. Her employer provides a sick pay certificate and contract.
    4. The claim is approved. After the 13-week deferment period ends, Sarah starts receiving €5,625 per month.
    5. The payments continue for 3 months until she is fit to return to work. The policy provided a vital €16,875, allowing her to pay her rent and bills in Berlin without financial stress.

Scenario 2: The Project Manager in the UAE

  • Profile: David, 52, an oil and gas Project Manager in Dubai earning £120,000 per year.
  • Policy: 'Own Occupation' cover with a benefit until age 65 and a 26-week deferment period.
  • Event: David is diagnosed with a progressive neurological condition that affects his balance and cognitive function. He can no longer safely manage on-site projects, which is the core of his job.
  • Claim:
    1. David's neurologist confirms he cannot perform the duties of his 'Own Occupation' as a Project Manager.
    2. The insurer's 'Own Occupation' definition is critical. Even though David could potentially do a simple office job, his policy responds because he cannot do his job.
    3. After his 26-week deferment (covered by savings), his claim is paid. He receives £7,500 per month.
    4. Because his condition is permanent, the policy will continue to pay him this income every month until he reaches age 65, providing long-term financial security.

Scenario 3: The Freelance Teacher in Italy

  • Profile: Chloe, 35, a self-employed English teacher living in Rome. Her income averages €45,000.
  • Policy: Cover for 75% of income (€2,812/month) with an 8-week deferment period.
  • Event: Chloe experiences severe burnout and is diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety, making it impossible for her to teach. Her psychiatrist signs her off work.
  • Claim:
    1. Mental health is a leading cause of income protection claims.
    2. Chloe provides a detailed report from her psychiatrist. As she is self-employed, she provides her previous year's tax return as financial evidence.
    3. The claim is accepted. After 8 weeks, she begins receiving €2,812 per month.
    4. The payments continue for 7 months while she undergoes therapy. The financial support allows her to focus fully on her recovery without the pressure of needing to work.

How WeCovr Can Help You Secure the Right Cover

Navigating the world of international insurance can be complex. As specialist independent brokers, WeCovr adds value in several key ways:

  • Expert Advice: We understand the nuances of different policies and can help you compare Expatriate Group's offering against others in the market to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
  • Application Support: We guide you through the application process, ensuring you disclose all necessary information correctly. This simple step dramatically reduces the risk of problems if you ever need to claim.
  • No Extra Cost: Our expert advice and support are completely free of charge to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer if you choose to proceed with a policy.
  • Added Benefits: When you arrange your insurance through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, and can receive discounts on other policies like Life Insurance or Private Medical Insurance.

Protecting your income is too important to leave to chance. Let us help you get it right.

Is the benefit from an international income protection policy taxable?

If you pay the premiums personally from your post-tax income, the benefit paid out by the policy is generally not considered taxable income in the UK. However, this is a complex area. The tax treatment will ultimately depend on the local tax laws in your country of residence at the time of the claim. It is essential to seek local tax advice.

What happens if I move to a different country after taking out the policy?

You must inform your insurer of any change in your country of residence. International policies like those from Expatriate Group are designed for this mobility. In most cases, your cover will continue seamlessly. However, cover may be restricted or invalidated if you move to a high-risk or internationally sanctioned country. Always check with the insurer before you move.

Can I get cover if I work in a high-risk job or have dangerous hobbies?

It depends. You must declare any high-risk duties (e.g., working at heights, with explosives) or hazardous hobbies (e.g., motor racing, climbing) on your application. The insurer will assess the risk. They may offer cover at the standard price, add an exclusion for that specific activity, or increase the premium to reflect the higher risk. Failure to declare these activities can void your policy.

Ready to protect your global lifestyle and secure your financial future? Don't leave your most valuable asset—your ability to earn an income—unprotected.

Contact the friendly experts at WeCovr today for a no-obligation quote and personalised advice on Expatriate Group's International Income Protection. We'll help you build the right safety net, so you can enjoy your life abroad with complete peace of mind.

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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 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.

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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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