Find Your Perfect Private Health Policy in Minutes with WeCovr
Secure the ideal PMI policy quickly using WeCovr's expert brokers and whole-of-market access
Looking for the right private medical insurance in the UK can feel overwhelming. With WeCovr, an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, you can navigate the market with confidence and find your perfect cover in minutes, at no extra cost to you.
Why More Britons Are Turning to Private Health Insurance
In recent years, a growing number of people across the UK are exploring private health cover. While the National Health Service (NHS) remains a cherished institution, it is facing unprecedented pressures. As of early 2024, NHS England data revealed that the waiting list for routine hospital treatment stood at around 7.5 million.
This has led many to seek the peace of mind that Private Medical Insurance (PMI) can offer. The core benefits are compelling:
- Speed of Access: Get diagnosed and treated faster for eligible conditions, bypassing long waiting lists.
- Choice and Control: You can often choose your specialist, consultant, and the hospital where you receive your treatment.
- Comfort and Privacy: Recover in a private room, usually with an en-suite bathroom, more flexible visiting hours, and better food options.
- Access to Specialist Care: Some policies provide access to breakthrough drugs, treatments, or therapies that may not be available on the NHS due to cost or other restrictions.
NHS vs. Private Healthcare: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | NHS | Private Healthcare (with PMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free at the point of use, funded by taxes | Paid for via monthly insurance premiums and any policy excess |
| Waiting Times | Can be lengthy for non-urgent diagnostics and treatment | Significantly shorter for eligible acute conditions |
| Choice of Hospital | Limited; usually based on your postcode | Extensive choice from a list of approved private hospitals |
| Choice of Specialist | Limited; assigned by the NHS trust | You can often choose your consultant |
| Accommodation | Typically a shared ward | A private, en-suite room is common |
| Emergencies | The go-to for all emergencies (A&E) | Not for emergencies; A&E is handled by the NHS |
What Does Private Health Insurance Actually Cover?
This is the most important question to understand. PMI is designed to work alongside the NHS, not replace it. Its primary function is to cover the treatment of 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 hernias, cataracts, or joint problems requiring replacement surgery.
The Critical Exclusions: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
Standard UK private medical insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, disease, or injury for which you have had symptoms, medication, advice, or treatment before your policy start date.
- Chronic Condition: An illness that cannot be cured but can be managed through medication and monitoring. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
The NHS will always manage your emergency care, chronic conditions, and any pre-existing conditions you have. PMI steps in to offer a private care pathway for new, eligible acute problems.
What's Typically Included in a PMI Policy?
While every policy is different, most standard plans will include:
- In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs when you are admitted to hospital for a bed overnight (in-patient) or for the day (day-patient). This includes surgery, hospital fees, specialist fees, and nursing care.
- Comprehensive Cancer Cover: This is a cornerstone of most policies. It typically covers diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Advanced options can include access to experimental drugs and palliative care.
- Mental Health Support: Many insurers now offer a level of mental health cover, from access to counselling helplines to cover for psychiatric treatment.
Common Optional Extras
To manage costs and tailor the policy, you can add or remove certain benefits:
- Out-patient Cover: This is for diagnostic tests, specialist consultations, and therapies that don’t require a hospital stay. You can often choose a limit (e.g., £500, £1,000, or unlimited) to control your premium.
- Therapies: This includes treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care.
- Dental and Optical Cover: This can be added to some policies to help with routine check-ups and treatments.
Tailoring Your Policy: How to Control the Cost of Your Cover
A common myth is that PMI is unaffordable. In reality, modern policies are highly flexible, allowing you to design a plan that fits your budget. The price of your premium is influenced by your age, location, and medical history, but the biggest control you have is through policy customisation.
Here’s how you can adjust your cover to manage the cost:
- Choose Your Excess: The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the remaining £2,750. A higher excess will lower your monthly premium.
- Select an Underwriting Type:
- Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common option. The insurer does not ask for your full medical history upfront. Instead, they will generally exclude any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before your policy began. However, if you remain trouble-free from that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide your full medical history at the start. The insurer reviews it and states precisely what is and isn’t covered from day one. This provides certainty but can mean permanent exclusions for certain past conditions.
- Refine Your Hospital List: Insurers have tiered hospital lists. A plan covering only local hospitals will be cheaper than one that includes premium central London hospitals like The London Clinic or The Cromwell.
- Consider the "Six-Week Option": This is a popular way to reduce costs significantly. If the NHS can provide the in-patient treatment you need within six weeks of it being recommended, you agree to use the NHS. If the NHS wait is longer than six weeks, your private policy kicks in.
- Adjust Your Out-patient Limit: Limiting your out-patient cover to a set amount (e.g., £1,000 per year) or removing it completely will make your policy much more affordable. You could choose to self-fund initial consultations and use the insurance for major treatments.
How Policy Choices Impact Your Premium
This table gives a simplified illustration of how different choices can affect the cost for a healthy 40-year-old.
| Policy Feature | Lower Premium Option | Higher Premium Option |
|---|---|---|
| Excess | £500 | £100 |
| Out-patient Cover | £0 (None) | Unlimited |
| Hospital List | Local / Guided Option | Nationwide including London |
| Six-Week Option | Included | Not included |
| Resulting Premium | Lower | Higher |
An expert broker, like our team at WeCovr, can walk you through these options to build the perfect blend of cover and cost for your circumstances.
A Look at the UK's Leading Private Health Insurance Providers
The UK private medical insurance market is mature and competitive, with several excellent providers, each with a unique focus.
| Provider | General Focus & Key Strengths |
|---|---|
| AXA Health | A global leader known for its extensive hospital network, strong digital tools, and comprehensive cover options. |
| Aviva | One of the UK's largest insurers, offering a "Healthier Solutions" policy with a clear, modular structure and strong cancer cover. |
| Bupa | A household name in UK healthcare, offering direct access to its own clinics and a focus on customer-centric service. |
| Vitality | Unique for its "Active Rewards" programme, which incentivises healthy living with discounts and perks to lower premiums. |
| The Exeter | A mutual society known for its flexible underwriting, often a good choice for those with some prior medical history or the self-employed. |
| WPA | Respected for its customer-first approach and "Shared Responsibility" model, which can help manage long-term costs. |
Comparing these providers and their dozens of policy variations can be a full-time job. This is where an independent broker adds immense value.
The WeCovr Advantage: Why an Expert Broker Makes All the Difference
You could spend days researching each insurer directly, or you could make one quick call to a broker who has the entire market at their fingertips. Using an FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr is the smartest way to secure private health insurance.
Here’s why:
- Whole-of-Market Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies from all the UK's leading providers to find the one that truly fits your needs.
- Expert Guidance, Simple Language: We cut through the jargon. Our specialists explain the differences between moratorium and FMU, what an out-patient limit means for you, and which hospital list is right for your budget.
- Completely Free Service: Our service costs you nothing. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the policy price. This means you get expert, impartial advice without paying a penny extra.
- Personalised to You: We don't do 'one-size-fits-all'. We take the time to understand your health concerns, your family situation, and your budget before recommending a policy.
- Valuable Member Perks: As a WeCovr client, you'll receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to support your health goals. You'll also be eligible for discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection cover.
- Trusted by Customers: Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to finding the right cover and providing outstanding service, from the initial quote to helping with claims.
Your Path to Cover: The Simple WeCovr Process
We've designed our process to be fast, simple, and stress-free. You can secure your ideal policy in just a few straightforward steps.
- Quick Initial Chat: Start with a brief, no-obligation phone call with one of our friendly PMI experts. We'll listen to your requirements and what's important to you.
- We Search The Market: Your dedicated advisor will then expertly compare policies from across the market, weighing the benefits, exclusions, and costs of each.
- Receive Your Personalised Comparison: We'll present you with a clear, easy-to-understand summary of the 2-3 best options for you. We'll explain the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.
- Application Made Easy: Once you've chosen your preferred policy, we handle the paperwork and guide you through the application process smoothly.
- You're Covered! With your policy active, you have the peace of mind that you're protected against future health uncertainties. And we remain on hand to help with renewals or any questions you may have.
Wellness and You: Proactive Steps for a Healthier Life
While insurance provides a safety net, the best strategy is always to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a huge impact.
- A Balanced Diet: Focus on the principles of the UK's Eatwell Guide. Aim for plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also key.
- Regular Physical Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk, cycling, or swimming) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or a team sport) each week.
- Prioritise Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's crucial for mental health, immune function, and physical recovery. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and minimise screen time before bed.
- Nurture Your Mental Health: Make time for activities you enjoy, connect with friends and family, and practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress. Don't be afraid to talk about your feelings and seek support when you need it.
Some PMI providers actively support these goals. For instance, Vitality's programme rewards you for tracking your activity and making healthy choices, which is a fantastic way to link your insurance with your daily wellness efforts.
How Private Health Insurance Helps in Real Life
It can be hard to visualise how a policy works until you need it. Here are a few examples of PMI in action.
Scenario 1: David, the keen cyclist David, 48, injures his knee while cycling. His GP suspects a torn meniscus and refers him for an MRI on the NHS, with a potential 18-week wait. David calls his PMI provider. They approve the scan, which he has at a private hospital three days later. The diagnosis is confirmed, and he undergoes keyhole surgery a fortnight later, getting him back on his bike and back to work months sooner.
Scenario 2: Chloe, the young professional Chloe, 32, discovers a lump and is understandably worried. While her GP has made an urgent NHS referral, the wait is causing immense anxiety. She uses her PMI policy's 'fast-track diagnostics' feature. She sees a private consultant within two days, who arranges a biopsy and mammogram. Thankfully, it's benign, but the speed and reassurance provided by her policy were invaluable during a stressful time.
Scenario 3: Mark, the small business owner Mark, 55, is struggling with burnout and anxiety. The pressure of running his business is taking its toll. He feels he can't wait months for NHS talking therapies. His PMI policy includes mental health cover, giving him access to a block of 8 private counselling sessions via video call, which he starts the following week. This timely support helps him develop coping strategies and get back on track.
Your Questions Answered: Common PMI Queries
Do I need a GP referral to use my private health insurance?
Can I add my family to my policy?
What happens if I develop a chronic condition after I've taken out a policy?
How does moratorium underwriting work in simple terms?
Is it cheaper to use a broker or go direct to an insurer?
Ready to find the health cover that gives you and your family peace of mind? Let WeCovr do the hard work for you. Our expert, friendly team is ready to compare the market and find your perfect policy today.
[Get Your Free, No-Obligation Quote from WeCovr Now]
Related guides
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!
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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Who Are WeCovr?
WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.
Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!