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Fever in Children When to Seek Care

Fever in Children When to Seek Care 2025

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we at WeCovr know that a child's health is a parent's top priority. This guide demystifies childhood fevers, explaining when to worry and how UK private medical insurance can provide peace of mind and rapid access to care.

Understand childhood fevers, red-flag symptoms, and how PMI supports fast access to paediatric care

A child's sudden fever can send a wave of anxiety through any parent. Is it just a common cold, or something more serious? When should you manage it at home, and when should you seek urgent medical help?

This comprehensive guide is designed to give UK parents the confidence to navigate childhood fevers. We will cover:

  • What fever is and why it happens.
  • How to care for a feverish child at home.
  • The critical 'red-flag' symptoms that require immediate attention.
  • How the NHS and private healthcare systems work together.
  • The supportive role private medical insurance (PMI) can play in accessing swift, expert paediatric care for non-emergency concerns.

What Exactly Is a Fever in a Child?

A fever isn't an illness in itself; it's a sign that the body's immune system is fighting an infection or illness. Think of it as the body turning up its internal thermostat to create an environment where viruses and bacteria struggle to survive.

A child's normal body temperature is typically around 36.4°C (97.5°F), but this can vary slightly from child to child. According to NHS guidance, a fever in a child is defined as a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.

While often caused by common viral infections like colds, flu, or chickenpox, a fever can sometimes signal a more serious bacterial infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, or in rare cases, meningitis. The key is not just the number on the thermometer, but how your child is behaving overall.

How to Take Your Child's Temperature Correctly

Getting an accurate temperature reading is the first step. Gone are the days of old-fashioned mercury thermometers. Today's digital options are faster, safer, and more accurate.

Types of Thermometers for Children:

Thermometer TypeHow it WorksBest ForPros & Cons
Digital (Underarm)Placed in the armpit.All agesPro: Safe and easy. Con: Can be less accurate than other methods.
In-ear (Tympanic)Measures infrared heat from the eardrum.Babies over 6 monthsPro: Very fast (1-3 seconds). Con: Earwax or a curved ear canal can affect the reading.
Forehead (Temporal)Scans the temporal artery on the forehead.All agesPro: Non-invasive, good for sleeping children. Con: Accuracy can be affected by sweat or drafts.

How to get an accurate reading:

  1. Read the instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's guide for your specific thermometer.
  2. Stay calm: Try to take the temperature when your child is calm and still.
  3. Wait if necessary: If your child has just had a warm bath or been bundled up in blankets, wait a few minutes before taking their temperature to get a true reading.

Managing a Fever at Home: Practical Tips for Parents

For most common childhood illnesses, a fever can be safely managed at home. The goal is to keep your child comfortable while their body fights the infection.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Hydration is Key: Offer plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water is best, but you can also offer diluted fruit juice, milk, or even an ice lolly. For babies, continue to offer breast milk or formula.
  • Keep Them Comfortable: Dress them in light clothing and use a light sheet or blanket. Don't overdress them or pile on blankets, as this can trap heat. Keep the room at a comfortable, cool temperature.
  • Food is Optional: Don't worry if your child doesn't have much of an appetite. As long as they are drinking, they will be fine for a few days. Offer light foods if they seem hungry.
  • Medicines (If Needed): You can give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are distressed or seem unwell.
    • Paracetamol: Can be given to children over 2 months old.
    • Ibuprofen: Can be given to children over 3 months old and weighing more than 5kg.
    • Crucially: Always follow the dosage instructions on the packet based on your child's age and weight. Never give both at the same time unless advised by a healthcare professional.
  • Never Give Aspirin: Do not give aspirin to children under 16, as it is linked to a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.

The most important thing is to watch your child, not the thermometer. A child with a 39°C fever who is playing and drinking happily is often less concerning than a child with a 38.2°C fever who is lethargic and refusing fluids.

Red-Flag Symptoms: When to Call 999 or Go to A&E

While most fevers are harmless, some are accompanied by symptoms that indicate a serious illness requiring immediate medical attention. Trust your parental instincts. If you are seriously worried, seek help immediately.

Go to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department or call 999 for an ambulance if your child has a fever AND any of the following symptoms:

Urgent Red Flags for All Children

  • Breathing difficulties: Making grunting noises, sucking their tummy in under their ribs, or nostrils flaring.
  • A non-blanching rash: A rash that does not fade when you press a clear glass against it. This can be a sign of meningitis.
  • Changes in consciousness: Seems unusually drowsy, is difficult to wake up, is confused, or has a weak, high-pitched cry.
  • A seizure (fit): This can be a febrile convulsion, which is often scary but usually harmless, but it always needs to be checked out urgently the first time it happens.
  • A stiff neck: Cannot put their chin to their chest.
  • Pale, mottled, or blue skin, lips, or tongue.
  • Is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher.
  • Is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39°C or higher.
  • Shows signs of severe dehydration: Sunken eyes, a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on a baby's head), a dry mouth, or no wet nappies for 12 hours.

This table summarises the most critical signs:

Symptom CategoryRed-Flag SignAction Required
BreathingGrunting, flared nostrils, sucking in ribsCall 999 / Go to A&E
Skin/RashRash that doesn't fade under a glass ("non-blanching")Call 999 / Go to A&E
ConsciousnessDrowsy, difficult to wake, confused, stiff neckCall 999 / Go to A&E
Age-SpecificUnder 3 months with temp ≥ 38°CCall 999 / Go to A&E
Age-Specific3-6 months with temp ≥ 39°CCall 999 / Go to A&E
HydrationNo wet nappy for 12 hours, sunken eyes/fontanelleCall 999 / Go to A&E

Private medical insurance is not designed for emergencies. A&E and 999 are the correct and only pathways for urgent, life-threatening situations.

When to Contact a GP or NHS 111

For situations that are concerning but not life-threatening emergencies, your GP or the NHS 111 service is the right port of call.

Contact your GP or call 111 if:

  • The fever lasts for more than 5 days.
  • Your child has a fever but is still shivering or complaining of feeling cold.
  • You are worried and feel your child is getting worse.
  • Your child has other signs of illness, such as a persistent sore throat, earache, or pain when weeing.
  • Your child has a long-term health condition, such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, which might make them more vulnerable.
  • The fever went away for more than 24 hours and then returned.

NHS 111 can provide advice, book an out-of-hours GP appointment, or direct you to the most appropriate service.

How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Can Help When Your Child is Unwell

While the NHS provides excellent emergency and primary care, accessing specialist services for non-urgent issues can sometimes involve long waits. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was around 15 weeks in early 2025. This is where private medical insurance UK can be a huge comfort for families.

PMI is designed to work alongside the NHS. It provides funding for prompt diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions – new, short-term illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment.

Key benefits of PMI for paediatric care include:

  1. Fast Access to Specialists: If your GP feels your child needs to see a paediatrician, an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist for recurrent tonsillitis, or a dermatologist for a skin condition, PMI can allow you to bypass long NHS waiting lists and see a consultant in days or weeks.
  2. Digital GP Services: Most modern PMI policies include a 24/7 virtual GP service. For a worried parent at 2 am, being able to speak to a doctor via video call within minutes is invaluable. They can offer reassurance, prescribe medication, and provide an open referral letter for specialist care if needed.
  3. Choice of Hospital and Consultant: PMI gives you more control over your child's care, allowing you to choose from a list of approved high-quality private hospitals and leading paediatric specialists.
  4. Comfort and Privacy: Private hospitals typically offer private en-suite rooms, making a hospital stay less stressful for both child and parent.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare policies from the UK's leading insurers to find cover that fits your family's needs and budget, at no cost to you.

Real-Life Example: Recurrent Ear Infections

Imagine your two-year-old suffers from repeated ear infections and fevers. Your NHS GP has prescribed antibiotics several times, but the problem persists. The next step is a referral to an ENT specialist to consider grommets, but the local waiting list is over six months long.

With private health cover, your journey could look like this:

  • Step 1: After another sleepless night, you use your insurer's 24/7 virtual GP app.
  • Step 2: The private GP agrees that a specialist opinion is needed and provides an open referral letter.
  • Step 3: You call your insurer to get the claim pre-authorised.
  • Step 4: You book an appointment with a leading paediatric ENT specialist for the following week.
  • Step 5: After the consultation, the specialist recommends surgery, which is scheduled for a few weeks later at a convenient private hospital.

This speed and convenience can significantly reduce stress and get your child back to feeling well sooner.

A Critical Note on PMI: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

It is vital to understand what private medical insurance does and does not cover. Standard UK PMI policies are designed for acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment, returning you to the state of health you were in before it started (e.g., a cataract, joint replacement, hernia repair).
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to come back, or requires palliative care (e.g., asthma, diabetes, eczema).

PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions. These will continue to be managed by the NHS. Likewise, pre-existing conditions – illnesses your child had before the policy began – will be excluded from cover, either permanently or for a set period.

Finding the Best Private Health Cover for Your Family

Choosing a family policy requires careful thought. Here are the key factors to consider:

  • Level of Cover: Policies range from basic (covering only inpatient treatment) to comprehensive (including outpatient consultations, diagnostic scans, and therapies like physiotherapy).
  • Outpatient Limits: A common feature is a cap on the value of outpatient services per year (e.g., £500, £1,000, or unlimited). A higher limit means more cover for consultations and tests before any hospital admission.
  • Hospital List: Insurers offer different tiers of hospital lists. A national list is standard, but you can pay more to include prime central London hospitals.
  • Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. A higher excess (e.g., £250 or £500) will lower your monthly premium.
  • Underwriting:
    • Moratorium: The insurer doesn't ask for your medical history upfront. Instead, they will exclude treatment for any condition you've had symptoms of or advice for in the last 5 years. This exclusion is typically lifted if you go 2 continuous years on the policy without needing treatment or advice for that condition.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide your full medical history. The insurer then tells you exactly what is excluded from day one. This provides more certainty but can be more complex.

Here is a simplified comparison of cover levels:

FeatureBasic "Inpatient Only" CoverMid-Range "Core" CoverComprehensive Cover
Inpatient/Day-patient Care✅ Full Cover✅ Full Cover✅ Full Cover
Cancer Care✅ Full Cover✅ Full Cover✅ Full Cover (often with enhanced options)
Virtual GP Access✅ Usually included✅ Usually included✅ Usually included
Outpatient Consultations & Tests❌ Not included✅ Included (often up to a limit, e.g. £1,000)✅ Full Cover
Physiotherapy & Therapies❌ Not included❌ Often an add-on✅ Included
Mental Health Cover❌ Not included✅ Often included as an add-on or with limits✅ More extensive cover

Working with an independent broker like WeCovr makes this process simple. We take the time to understand your family's needs and compare policies from top providers like Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality to find the perfect fit. Plus, as a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, and discounts on other insurance products like life or home insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Childhood Fevers and PMI

Can I add my child to my existing private medical insurance policy?

Yes, most insurers allow you to add your newborn or older children to your existing policy, often at your policy renewal date. Some insurers even offer a period of free cover for newborns. It is usually more cost-effective to have one family policy rather than separate policies for each member.

Does PMI cover routine childhood vaccinations?

Generally, no. Routine and preventative treatments, including the standard UK childhood immunisation schedule (e.g., MMR, 6-in-1), are not covered by private medical insurance as they are provided for free by the NHS. PMI is for treating unforeseen acute illness and injury.

What happens if my child's condition, first diagnosed privately, turns out to be chronic?

This is a very important point. Private medical insurance will typically cover the initial diagnosis of a new condition. However, if that condition is then classified as chronic (e.g., asthma, Crohn's disease), the policy will not cover the ongoing, long-term management. At that point, your child's care for that specific condition would seamlessly transition back to the NHS, which is set up to provide excellent long-term chronic care.

Do I still need to be registered with an NHS GP if I have PMI?

Yes, absolutely. It is a requirement of all UK private medical insurance policies that you and your family remain registered with an NHS GP. The two systems are designed to work together. Your NHS GP manages your day-to-day health and chronic conditions, while PMI provides an additional route for faster access to specialist care for acute conditions.

Navigating your child's health can be daunting, but being informed is the best tool a parent can have. Understanding when to act, what to look for, and what your options are provides immense peace of mind.

While the NHS is the cornerstone of UK healthcare, a private medical insurance policy can offer a valuable layer of support, ensuring that for non-emergency issues, your child gets the expert care they need, right when they need it.

Ready to explore your options? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our expert advisors will help you compare leading insurers and find the right private health cover to protect 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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