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Full Medical Underwriting How It Works for PMI

Full Medical Underwriting How It Works for PMI 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr specialises in demystifying the world of private medical insurance in the UK. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) is a crucial option that offers clarity and potential savings, but it's vital to understand how it works before you apply.

Pros, cons, and scenarios where FMU is best for applicants in 2025

Choosing the right type of underwriting for your private health cover is one of the most important decisions you'll make. It directly impacts what you’re covered for, how much you pay, and your peace of mind. Full Medical Underwriting, while more detailed upfront, provides complete certainty from day one. In 2025, with individuals more health-conscious than ever, understanding if this path is right for you is key.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about FMU, comparing it to other options and providing clear scenarios to help you decide.

What is Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)? A Plain English Guide

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) is one of the main ways that health insurers assess your application for private medical insurance (PMI).

In simple terms, it involves you completing a detailed questionnaire about your health and medical history. You will be asked specific questions about:

  • Conditions you've had in the past.
  • Treatments or surgeries you have undergone.
  • Symptoms you have experienced.
  • Medications you have taken.
  • Your general lifestyle (e.g., smoking and alcohol consumption).

The insurer’s medical underwriters then review this information to build a clear picture of your personal health risks. Based on this, they decide the terms of your policy, including what they can and cannot cover.

The Golden Rule of UK Private Medical Insurance

Before we go any further, it's essential to understand a fundamental principle of the UK PMI market:

Private medical insurance is designed to cover 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 (e.g., joint-pain requiring a hip replacement, cataracts, or hernias).

PMI does not cover chronic conditions (long-term illnesses that need ongoing management, like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure) or pre-existing conditions (any ailment you had before taking out the policy). Underwriting is the process insurers use to identify and exclude these conditions.

How Does the Full Medical Underwriting Process Work Step-by-Step?

The FMU process is methodical and designed for clarity. While it requires more effort from you at the start, it removes any guesswork later on. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

  1. Receive the Application Form: When you apply for a policy with FMU, you'll be given a comprehensive health questionnaire. An expert adviser at WeCovr can help you navigate this form and understand exactly what is being asked.

  2. Complete the Questionnaire: You must answer every question honestly and accurately. This is part of your 'duty of fair presentation'. It’s better to provide too much information than too little. You’ll be asked about everything from serious illnesses to minor consultations.

  3. Insurer's Review: Once submitted, the form is passed to the insurer's underwriting team. These are specialists trained to assess medical risk. They will carefully read your answers to understand your health profile.

  4. Request for More Information (If Needed): If you’ve mentioned a condition but the details are unclear, the underwriter might need more information. They may ask for your consent to contact your GP for a report. They can never access your medical records without your explicit, written permission, in line with GDPR regulations.

  5. The Underwriting Decision: The insurer will make one of three decisions:

    • Accepted: Your application is accepted with standard terms.
    • Accepted with Exclusions: Your application is accepted, but with specific, named exclusions for conditions you declared. For example, "Exclusion for any treatment related to the left knee."
    • Declined: In rare cases, if your medical history presents a very high risk, the insurer might decline to offer cover.
  6. Policy Documents Issued: You will receive your policy documents which will clearly list any personal medical exclusions. From this point on, you know exactly where you stand.

The Pros and Cons of Full Medical Underwriting: A Balanced View

FMU is a fantastic option for some, but not for everyone. Understanding the trade-offs is crucial.

Pros of Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)Cons of Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Absolute Clarity from Day One: You receive a policy document that explicitly lists any conditions that are not covered. There are no grey areas or future surprises at the point of claim.Lengthy Application Process: Completing the detailed health questionnaire can be time-consuming and requires you to recall your medical history accurately.
Potential for Lower Premiums: If you are in good health or your past conditions are minor and fully resolved, FMU can result in a cheaper premium compared to other underwriting types.Intrusive Questions: Some people feel uncomfortable disclosing their entire medical history. The questions are personal and detailed.
Some Pre-existing Conditions May Be Covered: This is a key benefit. If you had a condition many years ago and have been symptom-free since, an underwriter may agree to cover it after reviewing the specifics. This isn't possible with moratorium underwriting.Exclusions are Often Permanent: Any exclusion applied at the start of the policy will typically remain in place for the life of that policy. It cannot be removed after a period of good health.
Faster Claims Process: Because all your medical history has been assessed upfront, the claims process is often smoother and quicker. The insurer already knows what is and isn't covered.Potential for Higher Premiums or More Exclusions: If you have a complex or recent medical history, FMU will highlight this, which could lead to higher costs or more exclusions than you might get on a moratorium policy initially.

Full Medical Underwriting vs. Moratorium: Which is Right for You?

The main alternative to FMU is Moratorium Underwriting (MORI). It’s important to understand the difference to make an informed choice.

Moratorium Underwriting: This is a simpler, faster way to get cover. There's no medical questionnaire. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition for which you have had symptoms, treatment, medication, or advice in the 5 years before the policy started.

However, if you then go for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts without needing any treatment, advice, or having symptoms for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.

Here’s a head-to-head comparison:

FeatureFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)Moratorium Underwriting (MORI)
Application ProcessDetailed medical questionnaire to complete.No medical questionnaire at the start.
Speed of ApplicationSlower. Can take a few days or weeks for underwriters to review.Faster. Cover can often be set up on the same day.
Knowledge of ExclusionsCrystal clear from day one. All exclusions are listed in your policy documents.Ambiguous. You don't know for sure what's excluded until you make a claim. The insurer will investigate your history at that point.
Premium CostCan be cheaper if you're healthy. Can be more expensive if you have a significant medical history.Often a standard price based on age and location, which can be higher if you're very healthy.
Pre-existing ConditionsA condition from 7 years ago might be reviewed and accepted for cover.Any condition from the last 5 years is automatically excluded for at least the first 2 years of the policy.
Claims ProcessGenerally smoother, as underwriting was done at the start.Can be slower, as the insurer needs to investigate your 5-year medical history before approving the claim.
Best For...Those who want certainty, have old/minor conditions they want covered, or are in excellent health and want a lower premium.Those who want cover quickly, have a clean recent medical history, and are comfortable with the "2-year rule".

A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can run quotes for both underwriting types, allowing you to compare costs and decide which approach gives you the best value and peace of mind.

Real-Life Scenarios: When is FMU the Smartest Choice in 2025?

Theory is one thing, but real-world examples make the choice clearer. Here are a few scenarios where FMU is likely the better option.

Scenario 1: The Fit and Healthy Applicant

  • Persona: Sarah, a 35-year-old marketing manager who runs three times a week, is a non-smoker, and hasn't seen a doctor for anything other than routine check-ups in over a decade.
  • Why FMU is a good choice: By completing a full medical declaration, Sarah can prove her excellent health status to the insurer. The underwriter will see she is a low-risk applicant. In return, she is likely to be offered one of the most competitive premiums on the market, potentially saving hundreds of pounds a year compared to a standard-priced moratorium policy.

Scenario 2: The Applicant with an Old, Resolved Condition

  • Persona: David, 48, is a self-employed builder. He had keyhole surgery on his shoulder for a rugby injury 12 years ago and has had no pain or issues since.
  • Why FMU is a good choice: On a moratorium policy, anything related to his shoulder would be automatically excluded, as it's a pre-existing condition. The claims team might struggle to differentiate a new shoulder problem from the old one. With FMU, David can declare the surgery, provide the date, and explain his full recovery. The underwriter will likely review the details and agree to offer full cover for his shoulder, giving him complete peace of mind.

Scenario 3: The Applicant Switching Insurers

  • Persona: Maria, 52, has had a PMI policy with Insurer A for five years. She wants to switch to Insurer B for a better price and more benefits. Her current policy has an exclusion for varicose veins.
  • Why FMU is a good choice: Switching insurers on a moratorium basis can be complex, as the "5-year history" clock effectively resets. By applying to Insurer B on an FMU basis, Maria's history can be freshly assessed. Insurer B might agree to apply the same exclusion, or if her condition has been stable, they might even offer better terms. This "continued personal medical exclusions" (CPME) style of underwriting provides continuity and clarity.

The FMU application form can feel daunting. Here are our top tips for getting it right:

  • Be Honest and Thorough: Insurance contracts are based on a principle of "utmost good faith". Hiding a condition, even a minor one, is called 'non-disclosure'. If discovered later, your insurer could reject your claim or even void your policy, leaving you to foot the bill for private treatment.
  • Don't Guess: If you are unsure of the exact date of a consultation or the name of a medication, don't invent it. It's better to state "approximately 2018" or "I cannot recall the exact name". The underwriters can seek clarification if needed.
  • Gather Your Information: Before you start, try to have some key details to hand. Think about any specialist consultations, hospital visits, or regular prescriptions you've had.
  • Use an Expert Adviser: This is where a broker really helps. An adviser from WeCovr can sit with you (virtually or over the phone) and go through the form question by question. They know what the insurers are looking for and can help you phrase your answers clearly and accurately, ensuring the process is as smooth as possible. This service comes at no cost to you.

The UK Health Landscape in 2025: Why PMI is More Relevant Than Ever

The demand for private medical insurance in the UK continues to grow, driven by a desire for faster access to diagnostics and treatment.

According to the latest NHS England statistics, the referral-to-treatment (RTT) waiting list remains a significant challenge. As of July 2024, the list stood at 7.57 million. This pressure on services means that for many elective procedures, the wait can be many months or even longer. PMI offers a valuable alternative, allowing you to bypass these queues and be seen by a specialist in a matter of days or weeks.

Furthermore, people are taking a more proactive approach to their health. Many modern PMI policies include benefits that support a healthy lifestyle, such as:

  • Discounts on gym memberships.
  • Access to virtual GP services 24/7.
  • Enhanced mental health support and therapy sessions.
  • Wellness tools and apps.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you stay on top of your health goals. Plus, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us can benefit from exclusive discounts on other types of cover, like home or travel insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Full Medical Underwriting

What happens if I forget to declare a condition on my FMU application?

Generally, insurers understand that honest mistakes can happen. If you accidentally forget something minor from a long time ago, they may just add a new exclusion to your policy. However, if you deliberately withhold information about a significant or recent condition (known as non-disclosure), the insurer has the right to reject any related claims and could cancel your policy entirely. It is always best to be as honest and complete as possible.

Can a health insurer get my medical records without my permission?

No. Under UK law and GDPR, your medical records are strictly confidential. An insurer cannot access them without your explicit written consent. During the FMU process, if they need more information from your GP, they will send you a consent form to sign first. You have the right to refuse, but this may affect their ability to offer you cover.

Do I have to declare mental health conditions?

Yes. A Full Medical Underwriting questionnaire requires you to declare your entire medical history, which includes both physical and mental health conditions. Whether it was a single episode of anxiety or a longer-term condition, it must be declared. Many insurers now offer excellent mental health cover, so declaring it does not automatically mean it will be excluded, especially if it was a minor issue that occurred some time ago.

Is Full Medical Underwriting more expensive than Moratorium?

It depends entirely on your personal health history. If you are young, fit, and healthy, an FMU policy is often cheaper because the insurer can see you are a low risk. If you have a number of recent or complex health issues, an FMU policy could be more expensive or come with more exclusions. A broker can provide quotes for both to see which is more cost-effective for you.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Health Cover?

Full Medical Underwriting offers a path to private healthcare defined by clarity, certainty, and potential cost savings. While the application is more detailed, the long-term benefit of knowing exactly what your policy covers is invaluable. It’s the preferred choice for those who are healthy, have old and resolved conditions, or simply want no surprises down the line.

The best way to determine if FMU is right for your unique circumstances is to speak to an expert.

Get your free, no-obligation PMI quote from WeCovr today. Our friendly, FCA-authorised advisers will compare the UK’s leading insurers, help you weigh up your underwriting options, and guide you through the application process from start to finish.


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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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