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Fertility Treatment and Private Health Insurance

Fertility Treatment and Private Health Insurance 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can be complex. This is especially true when you are seeking support for something as personal and important as starting or growing your family.

WeCovr examines cover options and limitations for fertility care

Embarking on a fertility journey is a significant life event, filled with hope, emotion, and often, many questions. One of the most common questions we encounter is whether private medical insurance (PMI) can help with the costs of fertility treatment. The answer is nuanced.

While standard UK private health insurance policies are not designed to cover the costs of fertility treatments like IVF, they can play a crucial, and often overlooked, role in your journey. This guide will explore exactly what you can and cannot expect from your PMI policy, helping you understand its true value and make informed decisions for your future.


The Landscape of Fertility Care in the UK Today

Understanding the current state of fertility care in the UK helps to explain why so many people explore private options.

Fertility challenges are more common than many people think. According to the NHS, around 1 in 7 heterosexual couples in the UK may have difficulty conceiving. This figure doesn't even include the growing number of single individuals and same-sex couples looking to build their families through assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Key UK Fertility Statistics (2025 Data Projections based on HFEA & ONS trends):

  • IVF Cycles: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reports over 70,000 IVF treatment cycles are performed annually in the UK, a number that continues to rise.
  • Patient Age: The average age of a woman undergoing IVF treatment is now 36, reflecting the wider societal trend of starting families later in life.
  • NHS Provision: Access to NHS-funded fertility treatment varies significantly across the country. This "postcode lottery" means that while some areas may offer up to three full IVF cycles, others may offer only one, or none at all, particularly if one partner already has a child. Waiting lists for NHS services can also be lengthy, often stretching for many months or even years.

This inconsistency and the long waiting times are primary drivers for individuals and couples turning to the private sector for both diagnosis and treatment. The cost of private treatment, however, can be substantial, leading many to question what support their insurance can provide.

What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and What Does It Cover?

Before we delve into fertility specifics, it's vital to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK.

PMI is designed to cover the costs of treatment for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of conditions like a hernia requiring surgery, joint pain needing investigation, or an infection requiring specialist care.

The Critical Exclusions: Chronic and Pre-Existing Conditions

This is the most important concept to grasp when considering any PMI policy. Standard UK private health cover is not designed to cover:

  1. Chronic Conditions: These are illnesses that are long-lasting, have no known cure, and require ongoing management rather than a short course of treatment. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. Insurers view infertility in this category, as it requires a managed, long-term course of action (treatment) rather than a curative intervention for a sudden illness.

  2. Pre-existing Conditions: This refers to any ailment, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice from a medical professional before the start date of your policy. For example, if you visited your GP about irregular periods and difficulty conceiving before taking out PMI, infertility would be considered a pre-existing condition and excluded from cover.

Understanding this "acute vs. chronic" distinction is the key to unlocking the truth about PMI and fertility care.

Does Standard Private Health Insurance Cover Fertility Treatment?

The straightforward answer is no. The vast majority of standard private medical insurance UK policies explicitly exclude cover for the fertility treatment process itself.

This is because treatments like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) are not considered a cure for an acute condition. They are a planned, elective medical procedure to assist conception.

Here is a clear breakdown of what is typically excluded from a standard PMI policy:

Service / TreatmentIs It Usually Covered by Standard PMI?Why?
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)NoConsidered elective treatment, not a cure for an acute condition.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)NoFalls under the same category as IVF.
Consultations at a Fertility ClinicNoPart of the planned treatment process, not acute diagnostics.
Egg, Sperm, or Embryo FreezingNoAn elective procedure for fertility preservation.
Reversal of SterilisationNoExplicitly excluded as an elective procedure.
Surrogacy-related CostsNoFalls far outside the scope of health insurance.
Donor Sperm or EggsNoPart of the treatment process, not a medical necessity.

This might seem disheartening, but it's not the end of the story. While PMI won't pay for your IVF cycle, it can provide significant value in the crucial first stage of your journey: getting a diagnosis.


Where PMI Can Help: The Hidden Value in Your Fertility Journey

This is where private health cover can be a game-changer. While the treatment is excluded, the investigation into the root cause of infertility is often covered.

Why? Because the underlying cause of infertility could be an undiagnosed acute medical condition. Your policy is designed to help find and treat such conditions. By covering these diagnostic steps, PMI can save you precious time, reduce stress, and get you answers far quicker than you might on the NHS.

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures That May Be Covered

If you and your partner are struggling to conceive, your GP would typically refer you for a series of tests. With a private medical insurance policy, you can bypass the NHS waiting lists for these referrals and get them done in a matter of days or weeks.

Here are some of the key investigations that a good PMI policy may cover:

  • Specialist Consultations: Fast-tracked appointments with a consultant gynaecologist (for women) or a urologist (for men) to oversee your investigations.
  • Blood Tests: A range of hormonal blood tests to check levels of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), progesterone, and thyroid function, which are crucial indicators of fertility health.
  • Ultrasound Scans: Pelvic and transvaginal ultrasounds to check the health of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, looking for issues like fibroids, cysts, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Semen Analysis: A fundamental test for male fertility to check sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape).
  • Investigative Surgery: If initial tests are inconclusive, your policy may cover minor surgical procedures to find a definitive cause. These can include:
    • Laparoscopy: A keyhole surgery to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions like endometriosis or check for blocked fallopian tubes.
    • Hysteroscopy: A procedure to look inside the uterus to diagnose issues like polyps or scarring.

Real-Life Example:

Meet Chloe and Ben. After a year of trying for a baby, their GP advised them there would be a nine-month wait for a gynaecology referral. They had a private health cover policy they'd arranged through WeCovr. Within two weeks, Chloe saw a private consultant. Her policy covered the consultation, blood tests, and an ultrasound scan. The scan revealed polycystic ovaries. While her policy didn't cover the subsequent fertility treatment, having a clear diagnosis in under a month allowed them to make informed choices and start planning their next steps immediately, saving them immense stress and uncertainty.

Getting a swift diagnosis is not just about saving time; it provides the clarity needed to decide on the best path forward, whether that's pursuing NHS treatment with a formal diagnosis in hand, or budgeting for private care.

A Closer Look at UK Insurer Policies on Fertility

While the general rule of "investigations, not treatment" holds true, the specifics can vary between providers. The level of cover for diagnostics, financial limits, and specific conditions can differ. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare these details.

Below is an illustrative table of how major UK PMI providers typically approach fertility. Please note: Policy details change frequently, and cover always depends on your specific plan and underwriting terms. This is for informational purposes only.

InsurerCover for Initial InvestigationsCover for Fertility TreatmentKey Limitations & Notes
BupaYes - Often covers investigations to find the underlying cause of infertility, subject to policy limits.No - Treatment like IVF/IUI is a standard exclusion on individual policies.Cover is for finding a medical cause. Some high-end or corporate plans may have enhanced benefits.
AXA HealthYes - Generally provides cover for diagnostic tests and consultations if infertility is a symptom of a potential underlying medical issue.No - Explicitly excludes assisted reproduction techniques on most standard plans.Corporate schemes can sometimes be negotiated to include some level of fertility benefit.
VitalityYes - Tends to cover diagnostics. Their wellness focus also supports overall health.No - Fertility treatments are excluded. They focus on preventative health.Vitality offers rewards for healthy living, which can indirectly support wellbeing during a fertility journey.
AvivaYes - Covers eligible diagnostic tests to determine the cause of infertility up to the limits of your policy.No - Standard exclusion for fertility treatment, sterilisation reversal, and related services.Check the policy wording carefully for financial limits on "out-patient" diagnostics.

Navigating these differences is where professional advice is invaluable. The team at WeCovr can analyse the small print of each policy to ensure you choose a plan with robust diagnostic benefits that align with your needs.

Enhancing Your Wellbeing on a Fertility Journey

A fertility journey can be emotionally and physically demanding. Focusing on your overall health and wellness is one of the most powerful things you can do to support your body and mind during this time.

Making positive lifestyle changes can improve your general health and may even enhance natural fertility or the success rates of treatment.

Key Areas to Focus On:

  1. A Balanced Diet: Nutrition plays a vital role in hormonal health and reproduction.

    • Eat the Rainbow: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, similar to the Mediterranean diet.
    • Key Nutrients: Ensure you're getting enough folic acid (crucial for preventing birth defects), iron, zinc, and vitamin D.
    • Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, nuts, and seeds, are important for hormone production.
    • WeCovr Client Benefit: To help you on your way, all WeCovr clients receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered nutrition and calorie tracking app. It makes monitoring your diet simple and insightful.
  2. Stress Management: High levels of stress can disrupt the hormones that regulate ovulation.

    • Mindfulness and Meditation: Even 10 minutes a day can lower cortisol levels.
    • Gentle Exercise: Activities like yoga, swimming, and walking are excellent for both body and mind. Avoid overly strenuous exercise, which can negatively impact fertility.
    • Prioritise "You" Time: Ensure you make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy and help you relax.
  3. Quality Sleep: Sleep is when your body repairs itself and regulates hormones. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep per night. Establish a calming bedtime routine and avoid screens for at least an hour before you turn in.

  4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being either significantly overweight or underweight can affect hormone levels and disrupt menstrual cycles. Gentle exercise and a balanced diet are the best tools for achieving a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).

By taking control of your lifestyle, you empower yourself and create the best possible internal environment for conception. Furthermore, WeCovr customers who buy a PMI or life insurance policy can get discounts on other types of cover, such as income protection, which can provide further peace of mind during this important life stage.

Key Questions to Ask Your PMI Broker

When discussing your private medical insurance options, being prepared with the right questions will ensure you get the clarity you need.

Here’s a checklist to use when you speak with an adviser:

  1. What is the specific financial limit for out-patient diagnostics on this policy?
  2. Does this limit apply per year or for the lifetime of the policy?
  3. Does the policy cover initial consultations with a private gynaecologist or urologist for fertility issues?
  4. Are specific diagnostic procedures like laparoscopy or hysteroscopy covered if they are deemed medically necessary to find a cause?
  5. What are the underwriting terms? Will a moratorium period apply to any investigations?
  6. If an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids is diagnosed, is the treatment for that condition covered by the policy?
  7. Are there any specific hospitals or specialists on the approved list that are known for gynaecological investigations?

An expert broker from WeCovr will be able to answer all these questions and more, giving you the confidence that you're choosing the best PMI provider for your circumstances.


Does private health insurance cover IVF in the UK?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance (PMI) policies in the UK do not cover the cost of fertility treatments like IVF, IUI, or egg freezing. These are considered elective procedures rather than treatment for an acute medical condition. However, many policies do cover the initial diagnostic tests and specialist consultations to find the underlying cause of infertility, which can save you significant time.

Is infertility considered a pre-existing condition for health insurance?

It can be. If you have sought medical advice, experienced symptoms, or received treatment for fertility issues before your policy start date, it will be classed as a pre-existing condition. Under these circumstances, any investigations or treatments related to it would typically be excluded from your cover. It is vital to declare your medical history accurately when applying.

Why should I get PMI if it doesn't cover fertility treatment?

The main benefit of PMI in a fertility journey is speed of diagnosis. By covering the costs of private specialist consultations, blood tests, scans, and even minor investigative surgery, it allows you to bypass long NHS waiting lists. Getting a swift, clear diagnosis is invaluable for planning your next steps, whether that's with the NHS or privately. Furthermore, PMI provides peace of mind for any other unrelated acute health issues that may arise.

Can a company health insurance scheme offer better fertility cover?

Yes, in some cases. Large corporate private medical insurance schemes can sometimes have bespoke benefits negotiated with the insurer. These may include limited cover for fertility investigations or even a contribution towards treatment. This is becoming a more common employee benefit, so it is always worth checking the details of your workplace scheme if one is available.

Take the Next Step with WeCovr

The journey to parenthood can feel complex, but understanding your health cover options shouldn't be. While private medical insurance may not cover the full cost of treatment, its role in accelerating your diagnosis can be invaluable.

Let our friendly, expert team at WeCovr help you. We compare policies from the UK's leading insurers to find the right private health cover for your unique needs, explaining all the details in plain English.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today and gain the clarity and peace of mind you deserve.


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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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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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