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Fast-Track Cancer Care with UK PMI

Fast-Track Cancer Care with UK PMI 2026

A cancer diagnosis is one of life's most daunting challenges, a moment where clarity, speed, and control are paramount. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we understand that when facing uncertainty, waiting is the hardest part. This guide explores how private medical insurance in the UK can revolutionise your cancer journey.

How private health insurance revolutionizes cancer pathways for faster outcomes

Receiving a potential cancer diagnosis triggers an immediate and urgent need for answers. While the NHS provides exceptional care, the system is under unprecedented pressure, often leading to stressful waits for specialist appointments, diagnostic tests, and the start of treatment.

Private medical insurance (PMI) offers a powerful alternative. It is designed to work alongside the NHS, providing a parallel pathway that prioritises speed and patient choice. By bypassing waiting lists, PMI empowers you to access leading consultants and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools within days, not weeks or months.

This acceleration is more than a convenience; it can have a profound impact on both your psychological wellbeing and, in some cases, your clinical outcome. It replaces waiting and worrying with proactive, decisive action, giving you a greater sense of control at a time when you need it most.

Understanding the Cancer Care Gap: NHS vs. Private Pathways

To appreciate the value of PMI, it’s essential to understand the typical journey a patient takes within both the NHS and the private sector.

The NHS Cancer Pathway

The NHS is a national treasure, staffed by world-class, dedicated professionals. The standard pathway for a suspected cancer diagnosis is robust and well-defined:

  1. GP Visit: You present your symptoms to your GP.
  2. Urgent Referral: If cancer is suspected, your GP makes an "urgent two-week wait" referral to a hospital specialist. The aim is for you to see a specialist within 14 days.
  3. Diagnostic Tests: The specialist will arrange for necessary tests, such as MRI scans, CT scans, biopsies, or endoscopies.
  4. Results & Diagnosis: After the tests, you'll have a follow-up appointment to receive your results and, if necessary, a definitive diagnosis.
  5. Treatment Plan: A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) will meet to decide on the best course of treatment for you.
  6. Start of Treatment: The goal is to start treatment within 62 days of the initial urgent GP referral.

However, immense demand means these targets can be challenging to meet. According to the latest NHS England data, the 62-day target is frequently missed for a significant percentage of patients, leading to prolonged periods of anxiety.

The Private Health Insurance Pathway

PMI provides a direct route that bypasses these queues.

  1. GP Referral: You still typically need a GP referral. However, many PMI policies include access to a 24/7 digital GP service, allowing you to get a referral in hours, from the comfort of your home.
  2. Rapid Specialist Access: Your insurer will provide a list of approved specialists. You can often secure an appointment within a few days.
  3. Swift Diagnostics: Private hospitals have dedicated diagnostic facilities, meaning you can get scans and tests scheduled almost immediately, sometimes even on the same day as your consultation.
  4. Quick Results & Treatment Start: With results often returned in 24-48 hours, your consultant can finalise a treatment plan and begin therapy—be it surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy—in a fraction of the time.

At a Glance: Typical Timelines for Cancer Diagnosis

Stage of JourneyTypical NHS TimelineTypical PMI Timeline
GP to Specialist Consultation~2 weeks2-5 days
Specialist to Diagnostic Scan2-4 weeks1-3 days
Scan to Results/Diagnosis1-2 weeks1-2 days
Diagnosis to First Treatment2-4 weeks3-7 days
Total Time (Referral to Treatment)~6-10 weeks (Target: 62 days)~1-3 weeks

Note: Timelines are illustrative estimates. The NHS provides outstanding urgent care, but these figures reflect the impact of systemic waiting lists.

The Critical Role of Speed in Cancer Treatment

Why does shortening the cancer pathway matter so much? The benefits are twofold: psychological and clinical.

Reducing the Psychological Burden

The period between a suspected diagnosis and the start of treatment is often called "scanxiety"—a time filled with intense fear and uncertainty. Every day of waiting can feel like an eternity. A faster timeline provides:

  • Clarity: Getting a definitive diagnosis quickly ends the torment of the unknown.
  • Control: Being able to act swiftly and begin treatment restores a sense of agency.
  • Reduced Stress: Minimising the waiting period significantly lowers the mental health toll on you and your family.

Potential for Better Clinical Outcomes

For many cancers, early diagnosis and treatment are directly linked to better survival rates and a wider range of treatment options. While a few weeks may not make a clinical difference for slow-growing cancers, for more aggressive types, it can be crucial.

  • Preventing Progression: A shorter wait can mean treating a cancer at an earlier, more manageable stage.
  • Improving Treatment Efficacy: Starting treatment when the tumour is smaller can make surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy more effective.
  • Maintaining Fitness for Treatment: A long wait can lead to deteriorating health, potentially making a patient less able to tolerate intensive treatments.

What Does 'Comprehensive Cancer Cover' Actually Mean in a PMI Policy?

When a policy offers "cancer cover," it's not a single benefit but a suite of services designed to manage the entire journey from diagnosis to recovery. Understanding what's included is key.

A comprehensive policy will typically cover:

  • Diagnosis: All costs for specialist consultations, blood tests, and advanced imaging like CT, MRI, and PET scans.
  • Surgery: Including fees for the surgeon and anaesthetist, as well as hospital costs. This often includes reconstructive surgery after a procedure like a mastectomy.
  • Cancer Therapies:
    • Chemotherapy: The cost of the drugs, their administration, and any supportive medications.
    • Radiotherapy: Including advanced techniques like IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy) which targets tumours more precisely.
    • Hormone Therapy & Bisphosphonates: Standard treatments for certain cancers.
  • Advanced and Experimental Drugs: This is a major advantage of PMI. Policies often provide access to cutting-edge biological therapies, immunotherapies, or targeted drugs that may not yet be approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for routine NHS use due to cost or ongoing evaluation.
  • Holistic Support:
    • Specialist Cancer Nurses: A dedicated nurse who acts as your single point of contact, coordinating care and offering emotional support.
    • Palliative Care: Management of pain and other symptoms to improve quality of life, even during curative treatment.
    • At-Home Chemotherapy: The option for a qualified nurse to administer treatment in the comfort of your own home.
    • Mental Health Support: Access to counselling or therapy to help you and your family cope with the emotional impact.

A Critical Note on Pre-Existing and Chronic Conditions

It is vital to understand a fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK: PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • Pre-Existing Conditions: PMI will not cover any cancer (or symptoms of it) for which you have sought advice, diagnosis, or treatment in the years before your policy began (typically the last 5 years).
  • Chronic Conditions: PMI does not cover the long-term management of chronic illnesses that cannot be "cured." While the initial, acute phase of cancer treatment is fully covered, if it were to become a long-term chronic condition requiring indefinite management, your care would typically revert to the NHS.

An expert broker like WeCovr can help you understand the specific underwriting terms of each policy to ensure you have no surprises.

Choosing Your Cancer Cover: Key Policy Features to Look For

Not all PMI policies are created equal, especially when it comes to cancer care. When comparing private medical insurance in the UK, here are the features you should scrutinise.

  1. Level of Cancer Cover:

    • Comprehensive/Full Cover: This is the gold standard. It means the insurer will pay for your eligible cancer treatment in full, with no financial or time limits.
    • Capped Cover: Some policies may place a financial limit (e.g., £50,000) or a time limit (e.g., for 1-2 years from diagnosis) on cancer treatment.
    • Diagnostics Only: Basic policies may only cover the diagnostic phase, after which you would use the NHS for treatment.
  2. Access to Drugs and Treatments:

    • Check if the policy includes access to drugs that are not yet approved by NICE. This can be a life-changing benefit, offering hope and options where the standard pathway may have none.
  3. Hospital List:

    • Insurers have different "hospital lists" that dictate where you can be treated. For cancer care, it's crucial to choose a policy with a list that includes leading specialist cancer centres, such as HCA UK facilities or The Royal Marsden.
  4. NHS Cancer Cover Promise / Cash Benefit:

    • This is a feature offered by many leading insurers. If you choose to have some or all of your cancer treatment on the NHS, the insurer will pay you a cash benefit (e.g., £100 per day/session or a lump sum like £5,000). This provides flexibility and recognises that the NHS provides excellent care.

Comparing Typical Policy Tiers

FeatureEssential PlanComprehensive PlanElite Plan
Cancer DiagnosticsYesYesYes
Surgery & TherapiesLimited or NoFull CoverFull Cover
Financial/Time LimitsOften CappedNo LimitsNo Limits
Experimental DrugsNoSometimesYes
Hospital ListLocal / LimitedNationalExtended / International
NHS Cash BenefitYesYesYes

How WeCovr Helps You Navigate the Complexities of PMI

The UK private health insurance market is complex, filled with jargon and subtle differences between policies. Choosing the right one, especially for something as important as cancer care, can be overwhelming. This is where an independent PMI broker is invaluable.

The team at WeCovr provides a free, expert service to help you find the perfect policy. We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to clear, honest advice.

Our role is to:

  • Listen to Your Needs: We take the time to understand your health priorities, your budget, and what matters most to you.
  • Compare the Market: We use our expertise to compare policies from all the best PMI providers, saving you hours of research.
  • Explain the Details: We demystify the small print, explaining concepts like underwriting, excesses, and hospital lists in Plain English.
  • Find the Best Value: Our goal is to secure the most comprehensive cover for your budget.

As a WeCovr client, you also gain complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you manage your health proactively, and receive discounts on other insurance products when you purchase PMI or life cover.

Beyond Treatment: The Holistic Support Offered by PMI

Modern private health cover extends far beyond just paying for treatment. Insurers now focus on providing a 360-degree support system for your physical and mental wellbeing.

  • Digital GP Services: Get a virtual consultation with a GP within hours, 24/7, for quick advice and referrals.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to accredited therapists and counsellors is often included as standard, providing vital support for the emotional rollercoaster of a cancer diagnosis.
  • Proactive Wellness and Prevention: Many policies encourage a healthy lifestyle to reduce health risks. This can include:
    • Discounts on gym memberships and fitness trackers.
    • Access to preventative health screenings.
    • Support from nutritionists and lifestyle coaches.

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying active are proven ways to reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. Tools like our CalorieHero app can be a fantastic aid in managing your diet and supporting your long-term health goals.

Real-World Scenarios: How PMI Changes the Cancer Journey

To illustrate the impact, let's look at some anonymised examples.

Scenario 1: The Busy Professional David, a 52-year-old consultant, noticed a persistent cough. His digital GP appointment via his PMI provider led to an urgent referral. Within three days, he had a consultation and a CT scan, which revealed a small lung nodule. A biopsy was performed two days later. Ten days after his initial GP call, he had a full diagnosis and was starting a targeted radiotherapy plan, with appointments scheduled around his work commitments. The entire process was seamless, fast, and minimised disruption to his life.

Scenario 2: Access to Advanced Treatment Sarah, 66, was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer that had spread. The standard NHS treatment offered a limited prognosis. Her comprehensive PMI policy, however, provided access to a new immunotherapy drug not yet available on the NHS. This treatment proved highly effective, putting her cancer into remission and giving her a future she didn't think she had.

What are the Costs of Private Cancer Care?

The premium for private medical insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, the level of cover you choose, and your excess (the amount you agree to pay towards a claim).

While it's an investment, the peace of mind and rapid access it provides can be priceless.

Estimated Monthly Premiums for Comprehensive PMI

The following table provides a rough guide for a non-smoker seeking a comprehensive policy with full cancer cover.

Age GroupEstimated Monthly Premium (Comprehensive Cover)
30-39£45 - £75
40-49£65 - £110
50-59£95 - £160+

These are illustrative estimates only. The only way to get an accurate price is to request a personalised quote. A higher excess can significantly lower your monthly premium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does private health insurance cover all types of cancer?

Generally, yes. If you are diagnosed with a new, acute cancer after your policy starts, it will be covered. However, the extent of the cover—especially for advanced or experimental drugs and treatments—can vary significantly between policies. Comprehensive plans will cover virtually all recognised treatments, whereas more basic plans may have financial or time limits. It's crucial to check the policy details.

What happens if I'm diagnosed with cancer and don't have insurance?

You will be treated by our world-class NHS. The UK has some of the best cancer specialists and hospitals in the world, and you will receive excellent care. The primary challenge is the potential for waiting lists for diagnosis and the start of treatment. It is important to note that you cannot buy insurance to cover a cancer that has already been diagnosed or is suspected; this would be a pre-existing condition.

Can I switch back to the NHS after starting private treatment?

Absolutely. As a UK resident, you have the right to use the NHS at any time. You can use your private medical insurance for the initial diagnosis and surgery, for example, and then switch to the NHS for ongoing chemotherapy. This flexible approach is very common, and many insurers even offer a cash benefit if you opt to use the NHS for part of your cancer care.

Is it worth getting private medical insurance just for cancer cover?

While fast-track cancer care is one of the most compelling reasons to get PMI, it's just one part of a much broader safety net. A good policy also provides rapid access to treatment for a vast range of other acute conditions, from joint replacements and cataract surgery to heart conditions and mental health support. It offers comprehensive peace of mind for your overall health and wellbeing.

A cancer diagnosis doesn't have to mean a long and anxious wait. With the right private medical insurance, you can take immediate control, ensuring you get the best possible care as quickly as possible.

Ready to secure that peace of mind? The expert, friendly team at WeCovr is here to help. We'll compare the UK's leading providers for you, explaining your options in simple terms.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today and find the perfect private health cover for you and your family.


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

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

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

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

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Any questions?

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

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

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

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

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

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

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

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

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

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.


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