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Health Coverage Calculator UK Over 60s and Retirees

Health Coverage Calculator UK Over 60s and Retirees 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert helping over 750,000 people find the right protection, WeCovr understands that navigating private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. This guide is designed to demystify the costs and options for over 60s and retirees, putting you in control.

Work out typical costs and smart ways to keep premiums manageable in later life

Planning for your health in retirement is just as important as planning your finances. With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant concern, many people over 60 are exploring private health cover for peace of mind and faster access to treatment. But how much does it actually cost, and can you afford it on a retirement income?

This guide acts as your "health coverage calculator". We won't just give you numbers; we'll break down the factors that determine your premium and reveal the proven strategies for securing comprehensive cover without breaking the bank. We’ll explore typical costs, what's covered (and what isn't), and how to tailor a policy to your precise needs and budget.

Why Consider Private Medical Insurance in Your 60s and Beyond?

While the NHS provides exceptional care, particularly for emergencies and chronic conditions, it is currently facing unprecedented pressure. For those in their later years, this can translate into lengthy, worrying waits for diagnosis and non-urgent treatment.

According to NHS England data, the elective care waiting list has frequently exceeded 7 million cases in recent years. For common procedures affecting older adults, such as hip or knee replacements and cataract surgery, the wait can stretch from referral to treatment for many months.

Private medical insurance UK offers a parallel path, providing distinct advantages:

  • Speedy Access: Get prompt appointments with specialists and consultants, often within days or weeks, bypassing long NHS queues.
  • Choice and Control: You can often choose your specialist and the hospital where you receive treatment, including high-quality private facilities.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Recover in a private en-suite room, offering a more peaceful and comfortable environment than a busy ward.
  • Access to Specialist Treatments: Some policies provide funding for new drugs or treatments that may not yet be available on the NHS due to cost or pending approval.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place to deal with new health concerns swiftly can significantly reduce anxiety for you and your family.

For retirees, PMI isn't about replacing the NHS; it's about complementing it. It provides a safety net for specific health issues, allowing you to get back to enjoying your retirement as quickly as possible.

How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost for Over 60s?

This is the central question for most retirees. The cost of private health cover increases with age because the statistical likelihood of needing to make a claim rises. However, the final premium is influenced by a range of factors you can control.

Below are some illustrative estimates to give you a general idea of costs in 2025. Please remember these are not quotes; your actual premium will depend on your individual circumstances and choices.

Age BracketTypical Monthly Premium (Mid-Range Cover)
60-64£85 – £160
65-69£120 – £220
70-74£160 – £300
75+£200 – £400+

Disclaimer: These figures are for illustrative purposes only. They represent a broad market average for a non-smoker with a mid-level excess (£250-£500) and a standard hospital list. Your quote will vary.

Key Factors That Determine Your Premium

Think of these as the levers you can pull to adjust your "health coverage calculation":

  1. Age: This is the most significant factor. Insurers base premiums on risk, and advancing age is statistically linked to a higher need for medical treatment.
  2. Location: Where you live in the UK matters. Premiums are typically highest in London and the South East due to the higher cost of private treatment in these areas. Costs can be considerably lower in Scotland, Wales, and Northern England.
  3. Level of Cover: Policies are usually tiered:
    • Basic: Covers in-patient and day-patient treatment only (when you need a hospital bed).
    • Mid-Range: Adds cover for out-patient diagnostics and consultations up to a set limit (e.g., £1,000). This is the most popular level.
    • Comprehensive: Offers extensive out-patient cover, plus options for therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy), mental health support, and dental/optical benefits.
  4. Excess: This 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 significantly lower your monthly premium.
  5. Hospital List: Insurers have different lists of approved hospitals. A policy that gives you access to every private hospital in the UK, including prime central London facilities, will cost more than one with a more restricted list of local private hospitals.
  6. No Claims Discount (NCD): Similar to car insurance, you can build up a discount for every year you don't make a claim, often up to 60-75%.
  7. Lifestyle: Premiums are higher for smokers due to the associated health risks.

Understanding these elements is the first step to tailoring an affordable policy. An expert PMI broker, like WeCovr, can walk you through these options to find the perfect balance for your budget.

The Critical Point: What UK Private Health Insurance Does NOT Cover

This is arguably the most important section of this guide. A misunderstanding here can lead to disappointment later.

Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy has started.

  • 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., a hernia, cataracts, joint pain needing a replacement).
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed. Examples include diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, asthma, and most types of heart disease.

Crucially, PMI policies do not cover:

  1. Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice or treatment before the start date of your policy.
  2. Chronic Conditions: The long-term, ongoing management of chronic illnesses. The NHS remains the best place for this care.

Real-Life Example:

  • Scenario 1 (Covered): You take out a PMI policy in January. In June, you develop severe hip pain for the first time. Your GP refers you to a specialist. Your PMI would cover the private consultation, diagnostic scans (MRI/X-ray), and a subsequent hip replacement operation.
  • Scenario 2 (Not Covered): You have been managing arthritis in your hip for five years with medication from your GP. You then take out a PMI policy. The policy will not cover a private hip replacement for that arthritic hip, as it's a pre-existing and chronic condition.

However, if you developed an unrelated acute condition, like gallstones, your policy would cover that new issue.

Smart Strategies to Keep Your Health Insurance Premiums Affordable

Now for the practical advice. You have more control over the cost of your premium than you might think. Here are seven proven strategies for retirees to secure manageable private health cover.

1. Increase Your Policy Excess

This is the quickest and most effective way to reduce your premium. By agreeing to contribute more towards the cost of a claim, you lower the insurer's risk, and they pass that saving on to you.

Example: Impact of Excess on a Monthly Premium (For a 68-year-old with mid-range cover)

Policy ExcessIllustrative Monthly PremiumPotential Saving
£100£195-
£250£17013%
£500£14526%
£1,000£11541%

For many retirees, a £500 or £1,000 excess makes sense. You are insuring against significant costs (like surgery costing £15,000), not small ones, and you can cover the excess from savings if you need to claim.

2. Choose a Guided Hospital List

Instead of a policy that covers every hospital, choose one with a more curated list. Most insurers offer tiered lists:

  • Local/Regional List: A selection of quality private hospitals in your area. This is often the most cost-effective.
  • National List: A wide range of hospitals across the UK, but may exclude the most expensive ones in Central London.
  • Premium List: Includes all hospitals, including those like The London Clinic or HCA facilities at The Shard.

Unless you have a strong reason to need access to a specific top-tier London hospital, opting for a national or local list can save you 10-20% on your premium.

3. Add a "6-Week Wait" Option

This is a clever compromise. With a 6-week wait option, if you need treatment and the NHS waiting list for it is longer than six weeks, your private policy kicks in. If the NHS can treat you within six weeks, you use the NHS. Because this reduces the likelihood of a claim, it can cut your premium by 20-30%. It provides a fantastic safety net against the longest NHS waits while keeping costs down.

4. Understand Your Underwriting Options

This sounds technical, but it's a simple choice you make when you first apply.

  • Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't complete a full medical questionnaire. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had in the five years before joining. However, if you go for a set period (usually two years) without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. It's simple and fast.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer reviews your medical history and explicitly lists any conditions that will be permanently excluded from your policy. This provides complete certainty from day one about what is and isn't covered. Sometimes, an insurer might agree to cover a past minor issue on FMU terms.

An expert broker can advise which option is better for your personal history.

5. Build and Protect Your No Claims Discount

Most UK PMI providers reward you for not claiming. For each year you hold the policy without making a claim, you'll earn a discount on your renewal premium, often up to a maximum of 70% or 75%. If you do claim, this discount will be reduced. Some insurers offer an option to pay a little extra to protect your NCD.

6. Pay Annually

If your finances allow, paying for your policy in one annual lump sum can often save you around 5% compared to paying by monthly direct debit, as it avoids interest charges.

7. Use an Independent PMI Broker

Trying to compare policies yourself is time-consuming and confusing. An independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr does the hard work for you. We use our expertise and market knowledge to:

  • Compare quotes from all the leading UK insurers.
  • Explain the differences in policy wording and benefits.
  • Help you tailor the cover using the cost-saving strategies above.
  • Advocate for you if there are any complexities with your application.

This service comes at no extra cost to you. Our commission is paid by the insurer you choose, and it doesn't affect your premium.

Beyond Insurance: Proactive Steps for a Healthier Retirement

While insurance is a safety net, the best strategy is to stay as healthy as possible. A healthy lifestyle can improve your quality of life and may even help keep your insurance premiums stable over the long term.

  • Nourish Your Body: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is vital. Staying hydrated is also key. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you stay on track.
  • Stay Active: Regular, gentle exercise like brisk walking, swimming, gardening, or yoga improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and muscles, and boosts mental well-being. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Good quality sleep is essential for physical and mental recovery. Aim for 7-9 hours per night and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
  • Engage Your Mind and Community: Hobbies, volunteering, and socialising are powerful tools against cognitive decline and loneliness. Staying connected with friends and family is crucial for mental resilience.
  • Don't Skip Health Checks: Take advantage of free NHS Health Checks (offered to those aged 40-74) and talk to your GP about any health concerns promptly.
  • Travel with Confidence: Many retirees love to travel. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance, especially for pre-existing conditions. WeCovr can also assist with this, and customers who buy PMI or Life Insurance may be eligible for discounts on other types of cover.

Comparing Top UK Private Health Insurance Providers for Retirees

The "best PMI provider" is the one that best fits your personal needs and budget. Here’s a brief overview of what some of the major UK insurers are known for, particularly regarding older applicants.

ProviderKey Strengths for Over 60s & Retirees
AXA HealthKnown for excellent customer service, a broad range of policy options, and strong core cover. Often have no upper age limit for new policies.
AvivaA major UK brand offering a solid, well-regarded product. Their "Healthier Solutions" policy is comprehensive and they often have competitive NCD structures.
BupaOne of the most recognised names in UK health insurance. Offers direct access to services without a GP referral for some conditions and has a large network of its own facilities.
VitalityUnique for its wellness-based approach. They actively reward healthy living (tracking steps, health checks) with premium discounts and other perks like cinema tickets and coffee. This can be motivating but requires engagement.
The ExeterA friendly society known for its flexible underwriting and often a good choice for those with some prior medical history. They have a strong reputation for customer focus and a clear approach to claims.

Comparing these providers requires a deep dive into their policy details. This is where the value of a broker becomes clear – we can quickly filter the options based on your specific requirements.

How WeCovr Can Help You Find the Right Cover

Navigating the private medical insurance market in your 60s, 70s, and beyond requires specialist knowledge. At WeCovr, we provide that expertise with a human touch.

As a highly-rated, independent, and FCA-authorised broker, our sole focus is on finding the best outcome for you.

Here’s how we help:

  • We Listen: We take the time to understand your health priorities, your concerns, and your budget.
  • We Compare: We provide like-for-like quotes from across the UK's leading insurers, presenting them in a clear, easy-to-understand format.
  • We Explain: We demystify the jargon. We'll explain the pros and cons of moratorium vs. full medical underwriting, the impact of different excess levels, and how hospital lists work.
  • We Empower: We give you all the information you need to make a confident decision, with no pressure.
  • We Support: Our service is free, and we're here to help you for the life of your policy.

We can also help you bundle your protection, offering discounts on other policies like life or travel insurance when you take out a PMI plan with us.

Do I need to declare all my past medical conditions when applying for health insurance?

Yes, it is crucial to be completely honest. If you choose Full Medical Underwriting (FMU), you will complete a detailed questionnaire about your health history. If you opt for Moratorium underwriting, you won't need to declare conditions upfront, but anything you've had in the last 5 years will be automatically excluded. Non-disclosure can invalidate your policy, so transparency is essential.

Is private health insurance worth it for retirees if the NHS is free?

This is a personal decision. While the NHS is a fantastic service for emergencies and chronic care management, private medical insurance offers speed, choice, and comfort for new, acute conditions. For many retirees, the value lies in bypassing long waiting lists for diagnosis and surgery, allowing them to return to an active, enjoyable retirement much faster. It complements the NHS, rather than replacing it.

Can my private medical insurance premium go up every year?

Generally, yes. Premiums are likely to increase at your annual renewal for two main reasons. The first is your age – as you move into the next age bracket, the underlying risk increases. The second is "medical inflation," which is the rising cost of new medical technologies, drugs, and hospital fees, which tends to run higher than general inflation. Building a No Claims Discount can help offset these increases.

What happens if I develop a chronic condition after my policy starts?

This is a key detail. Your private medical insurance policy will typically cover the initial diagnosis and treatment to stabilise the new condition (as it is an acute flare-up). For example, it would cover the consultations and tests to diagnose heart disease. However, once the condition is diagnosed as chronic and requires long-term management (e.g., ongoing medication and check-ups), this ongoing care will typically revert to the NHS.

Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind

Ready to see what a personalised private health cover plan could look like for you? The team at WeCovr is here to provide a free, no-obligation quote. Let us help you calculate your options and find the perfect cover to protect your health and well-being throughout your retirement.

[Click here to get your free, personalised health insurance quote from WeCovr today.]

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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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