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Group Private Medical Insurance Costs, Providers & Benefits

Group Private Medical Insurance Costs, Providers & Benefits

TL;DR

As an experienced UK broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that your employees are your most valuable asset. This guide provides a definitive overview of group private medical insurance, helping you compare costs, providers, and benefits to make the best decision for your UK business. Compare group private medical insurance providers and policies for UK businesses Choosing the right private medical insurance (PMI) for your company can feel complex.

Key takeaways

  • Attract & Retain Top Talent: In a competitive job market, a strong benefits package is a key differentiator. PMI is consistently ranked as one of the most desired employee benefits, helping you stand out to high-calibre candidates.
  • Reduce Sickness Absence: NHS waiting lists can mean long delays for diagnosis and treatment. According to recent ONS data, an estimated 1.8 million working-age people are out of work due to long-term sickness. PMI provides fast-track access to specialists and treatment, getting your employees back to health and work sooner.
  • Boost Productivity & Morale: Knowing they are cared for improves employee morale and loyalty. Healthy, supported employees are more engaged, focused, and productive.
  • Fulfilling a Duty of Care: Offering health insurance demonstrates a genuine commitment to your team's wellbeing, fostering a positive and supportive company culture.
  • In-patient & Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs when an employee is admitted to hospital for a procedure or surgery and requires a bed, either overnight (in-patient) or for the day (day-patient). This includes hospital fees, specialist fees, and anaesthetist charges.

As an experienced UK broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that your employees are your most valuable asset. This guide provides a definitive overview of group private medical insurance, helping you compare costs, providers, and benefits to make the best decision for your UK business.

Compare group private medical insurance providers and policies for UK businesses

Choosing the right private medical insurance (PMI) for your company can feel complex. With multiple providers, different levels of cover, and confusing jargon, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide cuts through the noise, providing clear, actionable insights to help you navigate the market and secure a plan that boosts employee wellbeing and protects your business.

We will cover everything from the average costs and tax implications to a direct comparison of the UK's leading insurers, ensuring you have all the information you need in one place.

What is Group Private Medical Insurance?

Group Private Medical Insurance, often called business health insurance or company PMI, is a highly valued employee benefit that provides your team with access to private healthcare. An employer purchases a single policy that covers a defined group of staff members, often at a lower cost per person than individual policies.

The core purpose of UK private medical insurance is to cover the cost of treatment for acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.

Crucially, standard UK PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions. Chronic conditions are those that require long-term monitoring and management, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. These are managed by the NHS.

The Tangible Business Case: Why Offer Group Health Cover?

Investing in your team's health is one of the most effective strategic decisions a business can make. The benefits go far beyond simply being a "nice perk".

  • Attract & Retain Top Talent: In a competitive job market, a strong benefits package is a key differentiator. PMI is consistently ranked as one of the most desired employee benefits, helping you stand out to high-calibre candidates.
  • Reduce Sickness Absence: NHS waiting lists can mean long delays for diagnosis and treatment. According to recent ONS data, an estimated 1.8 million working-age people are out of work due to long-term sickness. PMI provides fast-track access to specialists and treatment, getting your employees back to health and work sooner.
  • Boost Productivity & Morale: Knowing they are cared for improves employee morale and loyalty. Healthy, supported employees are more engaged, focused, and productive.
  • Fulfilling a Duty of Care: Offering health insurance demonstrates a genuine commitment to your team's wellbeing, fostering a positive and supportive company culture.

How Much Does Group Private Medical Insurance Cost in the UK?

The cost of a group PMI policy is not one-size-fits-all. Premiums are calculated based on a range of risk factors. As a guide, UK businesses can expect to pay between £35 and £95 per employee per month.

Here are the primary factors that determine your final premium:

FactorImpact on CostWhy it Matters
Average AgeHighOlder employees are statistically more likely to claim, so the higher the average age of the group, the higher the premium.
LocationHighTreatment costs vary significantly across the UK. Policies with access to central London hospitals are the most expensive.
Level of CoverHighA basic policy covering only in-patient care will be much cheaper than a comprehensive one with full out-patient, mental health, and dental cover.
Excess LevelMediumA higher excess (the amount an employee pays towards their claim) will lower the overall premium. A typical excess is £100 or £250.
IndustryMediumSome industries, such as manual labour or construction, may carry a higher risk of injury, which can influence the price.
UnderwritingHighThe method used to assess pre-existing conditions (more on this below) has a significant impact on both price and coverage.

Sample Group PMI Costs (Illustrative Examples)

To give you a clearer idea, here are some estimated monthly costs per employee for a company of 15 staff with a £250 excess and mid-level cover.

Business ProfileAverage AgeLocationEstimated Monthly Cost Per Employee
Tech Startup32Shoreditch, London£75 - £95
Marketing Agency38Manchester£55 - £70
Accountancy Firm45Edinburgh£60 - £80
Logistics Company42Birmingham£58 - £75

These figures are for illustrative purposes only. For an accurate price, it's essential to get a tailored quote.

Get Tailored Quote

Decoding Your Policy: Core vs. Optional Benefits

Group PMI policies are built in layers. You start with core cover and then add optional modules to create a plan that fits your budget and your employees' needs.

Core Cover (Included as Standard)

All credible UK PMI policies will cover these non-negotiable essentials.

  • In-patient & Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs when an employee is admitted to hospital for a procedure or surgery and requires a bed, either overnight (in-patient) or for the day (day-patient). This includes hospital fees, specialist fees, and anaesthetist charges.
  • Comprehensive Cancer Cover: This is a cornerstone of modern PMI. Policies typically offer full cover for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Many insurers also provide access to cutting-edge drugs and treatments not yet available on the NHS.

Tailoring your policy with these options provides more comprehensive protection.

Optional BenefitWhat It CoversWhy It's Valuable
Out-patient CoverConsultations with specialists, diagnostic tests, and scans that do not require a hospital bed.This is the most popular add-on. It speeds up the entire diagnostic process, meaning your employee gets a diagnosis and treatment plan far more quickly.
Mental Health CoverAccess to psychiatric consultations, therapy sessions (e.g., CBT), and in-patient treatment for mental health conditions.With mental health issues being a leading cause of workplace absence, this cover is increasingly seen as essential for providing holistic support.
Therapies CoverPhysiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment to help with musculoskeletal issues.Speeds up recovery from injuries, especially common issues like back and neck pain, helping employees return to work faster.
Dental & OpticalA contribution towards routine dental check-ups, treatments, eye tests, and glasses/contact lenses.A highly tangible and appreciated benefit that helps employees with everyday healthcare costs.

Expert Tip: Out-patient cover is the most impactful add-on. Without it, your employees must rely on the NHS for all diagnostics, which can defeat the primary purpose of PMI: speed of access.

The "Big Four" UK Group Health Insurance Providers Compared

The UK market is dominated by four major insurers, each with its own strengths and focus. A specialist broker like WeCovr can provide a detailed comparison of the entire market, but here is a high-level overview.

ProviderKey Selling PointValue-Added ExtrasMental Health Focus
AvivaStrong all-round cover and a highly-rated cancer pledge. Often competitive on price.Digital GP, "Get Active" fitness discounts, stress counselling helpline.Comprehensive mental health options, including their "Mental Health Pathway".
AXA HealthExcellent pathways and strong clinical support. Known for its extensive hospital network.24/7 "Doctor at Hand" digital GP service, dedicated heart and cancer nurses.Strong focus on proactive support, with access to counsellors and therapists.
BupaThe UK's best-known health insurance brand with a vast network, including its own facilities."Anytime HealthLine" nurse support, rewards, and wellbeing programmes.Extensive mental health cover, including support for more complex conditions.
VitalityUnique "Shared Value" model that rewards healthy living with discounts and perks.Heavily gamified wellness programme with cinema tickets, coffee, and Apple Watch discounts.Integrated approach linking physical and mental wellbeing. Cover is a standard benefit.

The Most Important Decision: Choosing Your Underwriting

Underwriting is how an insurer assesses medical risk, specifically how it will treat pre-existing conditions. This is the single most critical decision you will make.

  1. Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common type for small groups. No medical questionnaire is required upfront, making it quick and easy to set up. With a moratorium, any medical condition that existed in the 5 years prior to the policy start date is excluded. However, if an employee goes 2 full years without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after joining, it may become eligible for cover.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): Each employee completes a full medical history questionnaire. The insurer then assesses this and applies specific exclusions to the policy for any pre-existing conditions. It's more administration-heavy but provides absolute clarity from day one on what is and isn't covered.
  3. Medical History Disregarded (MHD): This is the gold standard of underwriting, typically available to groups of 15-20+ employees. As the name suggests, the insurer agrees to disregard all prior medical history and cover eligible conditions regardless of whether they are pre-existing. It is the most comprehensive and expensive option but removes all ambiguity for employees.

Broker Insight: For businesses looking to provide the best possible benefit and avoid any confusion at the point of claim, MHD underwriting is the ultimate goal. A broker can advise if your company is eligible and negotiate these terms on your behalf.

Understanding the Tax Rules for Company Health Insurance

The tax treatment of group PMI is straightforward but important to understand.

  • For the Employer: The premiums you pay for a group health insurance policy are considered an allowable business expense. This means you can deduct the full cost from your pre-tax profits, reducing your Corporation Tax bill.
  • For the Employee: The provision of private medical insurance is treated as a ‘benefit in kind’. This means the value of the premium is added to their income for tax purposes. The employer reports this on a P11D form at the end of the tax year, and the employee pays income tax (but not National Insurance) on the benefit.

Example: If the premium for an employee is £600 per year and they are a basic rate (20%) taxpayer, they will pay an extra £120 in tax per year (£10 per month). For a higher rate (40%) taxpayer, this would be £240 per year (£20 per month).

How to Switch Your Group PMI Provider Seamlessly

Many businesses wrongly assume they are locked in with their current provider, fearing that switching would mean their staff lose cover for conditions that have developed. This is not the case.

When you switch a group scheme, you can do so on a Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) basis. This special type of underwriting ensures that your team members carry over the same level of cover they had on their old policy. Any exclusions they had will remain, but crucially, any new conditions that arose while they were covered by the old insurer will continue to be covered by the new one.

This allows you to test the market each year to ensure you are getting the best value, without disadvantaging your employees. An expert adviser at WeCovr can manage this entire switching process for you, ensuring a smooth and risk-free transition.

Why Use a Specialist Broker Like WeCovr?

Navigating the group PMI market alone can be time-consuming and lead to costly mistakes. Partnering with a specialist, FCA-regulated broker offers significant advantages.

  • Whole-of-Market Expertise: We work with all the leading UK insurers and understand the intricate details of their policies. We find the cover that truly matches your company's needs.
  • Unbeatable Value: We use our industry relationships and market knowledge to negotiate competitive terms and premiums on your behalf.
  • Time-Saving: We handle all the legwork, from gathering quotes and comparing policies to managing the application and renewal process.
  • Ongoing Support: Our service doesn't stop once the policy is live. We are here to assist with claims queries, policy administration, and annual reviews.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium, so you pay no more than going direct.

As a WeCovr client, your employees also gain complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, and you can benefit from discounts on other business and personal insurance policies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Group PMI

How many employees do I need for a group private medical insurance scheme?

Generally, you need a minimum of two or three employees to set up a group private medical insurance policy in the UK. Some insurers will consider schemes for just one director, but these are typically arranged on a business-paid individual policy basis. The benefits of group underwriting, such as Medical History Disregarded, usually become available for groups of 15-20 or more.

Does group PMI cover pre-existing medical conditions?

It depends on the type of underwriting. On standard Moratorium or Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) policies, pre-existing conditions are typically excluded. However, for larger groups (usually 15-20+ employees), it is possible to get 'Medical History Disregarded' (MHD) underwriting, which means the insurer agrees to cover eligible acute conditions regardless of an employee's previous medical history.

Is group private medical insurance a taxable benefit in the UK?

Yes. For the employer, the premiums are a tax-deductible business expense. For the employee, it is considered a 'benefit in kind'. This means the value of the insurance premium is added to their taxable income, and they will pay income tax on it. The employer must report this benefit to HMRC on a P11D form each year.

Ready to protect your team and grow your business?

Choosing the right group health insurance is a powerful investment in your people and your company's future. The right plan can transform your benefits package, reduce absenteeism, and create a culture of care and loyalty.

Contact our friendly team of experts today for a free, no-obligation market review. We'll help you compare leading providers and find the perfect policy for your budget and your business.

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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 experienced 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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