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Health Insurance After Cancer Getting Coverage Post-Diagnosis

Health Insurance After Cancer Getting Coverage...

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex, especially after a life-changing diagnosis like cancer. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands your concerns and is here to provide clear, expert guidance on your options.

Options for securing PMI after cancer treatment, moratorium implications for cancer survivors, specialized insurers, and managing ongoing monitoring needs

A cancer diagnosis brings many questions, and one of the most common is, "Can I still get private health insurance?" The short answer is yes, it is often possible. However, the cover you can get will have important limitations. This guide will walk you through the entire process, explaining how underwriting works, what to expect, and how a policy can still provide immense value for your future health.

The First Principle of UK PMI: Understanding Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

Before we dive into the specifics of cancer, it's vital to grasp the fundamental rule of the UK private health insurance market.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of conditions like a hernia, appendicitis, or a joint injury.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, it requires control or relief of symptoms, it has no known cure, or it is likely to recur. Diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure are common examples.

Insurers consider cancer, even when in remission, to be a pre-existing and often chronic condition due to the need for long-term monitoring and the possibility of recurrence. Therefore, any new private health cover you take out will not cover the cancer you've been diagnosed with, its treatment, or its ongoing monitoring.

Despite this, a PMI policy can still be an incredibly worthwhile investment, providing fast access to diagnosis and treatment for a vast range of new, unrelated medical issues you may face in the future.

Why is it Challenging to Get Health Insurance After Cancer?

Insurers work by assessing risk. A history of a serious illness like cancer signals a higher potential risk of future health complications, not just related to the cancer itself but sometimes from the side effects of treatment.

From an insurer's perspective:

  • There is a risk the cancer could return.
  • There is a risk of secondary cancers developing.
  • Past treatments (like chemotherapy or radiotherapy) can sometimes lead to other health issues later in life.

Because of this increased risk, insurers will always place an "exclusion" on your policy for cancer and any related conditions. This is standard practice across the industry. The key is to understand what this exclusion means for you and to find a policy that still offers robust protection for everything else.

Your Underwriting Options: The Gateway to Cover

When you apply for PMI, the insurer will "underwrite" your application. This is the process they use to assess your health and decide what they can and cannot cover. For someone with a history of cancer, there are two main paths.

1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

This is the most transparent option.

  • How it works: You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history, including your cancer diagnosis, dates of treatment, and current status (e.g., in remission, having check-ups).
  • The outcome: The insurer reviews your information and issues a policy with specific, named exclusions written into your policy documents. For example, it might state, "We will not cover any claims relating to breast cancer, its symptoms, treatment, or related complications."
  • Pros: You know from day one, with 100% certainty, exactly what is and isn't covered. There are no grey areas.
  • Cons: The application process is more involved. It can be emotionally taxing to revisit your medical history in detail.

2. Moratorium Underwriting

This is a more common and simpler approach, but its rules can be complex for cancer survivors.

  • How it works: You don't declare your medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition for which you have had symptoms, treatment, or advice in the 5 years before your policy started.
  • The "2-Year Rule": An exclusion can be lifted, but only if you go for a continuous 2-year period after your policy begins without experiencing any symptoms, needing any treatment, or seeking any medical advice for that specific condition.
  • The Crucial Implication for Cancer: This is where it gets tricky. For a cancer survivor, "medical advice" or "treatment" includes:
    • Routine check-ups with an oncologist.
    • Annual or biennial scans (e.g., mammograms, CT scans).
    • Prescription medication to reduce the risk of recurrence (e.g., Tamoxifen, Letrozole).
    • Consultations about a symptom, even if it turns out to be nothing.

Because most cancer survivors have some form of follow-up care for at least 5-10 years post-treatment, it is highly unlikely they will be able to satisfy the 2-year "clear" period. This means that under a moratorium policy, the exclusion for cancer will almost certainly be permanent.

Comparison: FMU vs. Moratorium After Cancer

FeatureFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)Moratorium Underwriting
Application ProcessDetailed health questionnaire required.No health questions at the start.
Clarity of CoverVery clear. Exclusions are named in your policy documents from day one.Can be uncertain. You may not know if a condition is covered until you claim.
Cancer ExclusionThe cancer and related conditions will be explicitly and permanently excluded.The cancer is automatically excluded. This exclusion is effectively permanent due to ongoing monitoring.
Best For...Someone who wants absolute certainty about what their policy covers and doesn't mind a longer application.Someone who wants a quicker application and understands the limitations, particularly regarding the pre-existing cancer.

For most people post-cancer, Full Medical Underwriting is the recommended path. It provides upfront clarity and avoids any potential disputes or disappointments when you need to make a claim. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can guide you through the FMU process to ensure it's as smooth as possible.

What Can a PMI Policy Cover After a Cancer Diagnosis?

This is the most important question. While the cancer itself is excluded, a private medical insurance policy opens the door to prompt, high-quality care for a huge range of other health concerns.

Your policy is there to protect you from the unexpected. Here are just a few examples of new, acute conditions that would typically be covered:

  • Diagnostics for New Symptoms: Fast access to MRI, CT, and PET scans to investigate a new pain or lump (provided it's not suspected to be related to your previous cancer).
  • Joint and Muscle Problems: Consultation with a specialist and treatment for arthritis, a torn ligament, or back pain. This can include physiotherapy and joint replacement surgery (e.g., hip or knee replacement).
  • Heart Conditions: Seeing a cardiologist quickly for new symptoms, including investigations and potential surgery.
  • Digestive Issues: Access to a gastroenterologist for conditions like gallstones or hernias.
  • Common Surgeries: Procedures like cataract surgery, varicose vein removal, and wisdom tooth extraction.
  • Mental Health Support: Many policies include access to therapy and counselling, which can be invaluable for managing the emotional impact of a serious illness.

Table: Example of Cover on a New PMI Policy for a Cancer Survivor

Condition / SituationLikely Covered by a New PMI Policy?Why?
Annual mammogram after breast cancerNoThis is routine monitoring for a pre-existing condition.
Knee pain from a new running injuryYesThis is a new, acute condition unrelated to the cancer.
Consultation for a lump in the other breastMaybe (initially)Diagnostics to determine the cause would likely be covered. If it's a new primary cancer, it may be covered. If it's a recurrence, it won't be.
Prescription for TamoxifenNoThis is part of the ongoing treatment/prevention for the pre-existing cancer.
Hernia repair surgeryYesThis is a standard acute condition covered by PMI.
Mental health support for anxietyYes (on most plans)Many modern PMI policies include a set number of therapy sessions for mental wellbeing.

The Role of a Specialist PMI Broker

Trying to navigate the insurance market alone after a cancer diagnosis can be stressful and disheartening. This is where an independent broker becomes your greatest asset.

An FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr works for you, not the insurance companies. Here's how we help:

  1. Market Knowledge: We know the underwriting stances of all the major UK insurers. We know which providers are more likely to offer favourable terms and can save you from applying to ones that will simply decline.
  2. Expert Guidance: We can explain the pros and cons of moratorium vs. full medical underwriting for your specific situation, ensuring you make an informed choice.
  3. Application Support: We help you complete the application forms accurately, presenting your medical history in the clearest way to the insurer. This minimises back-and-forth and speeds up the process.
  4. No Cost to You: Our service is free. We receive a commission from the insurer if you decide to proceed, but the premium you pay is the same as if you went direct.
  5. Ongoing Support: We are here for you at renewal or if you have questions about your policy, ensuring you always have the best private health cover for your needs.

Are There "Specialist" Insurers for Cancer Survivors?

In the UK, there are no mainstream private medical insurance providers that specialise solely in covering people with a history of cancer. Standard underwriting rules will apply across the board with providers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality.

However, the way each insurer interprets your medical information can differ slightly. Some may apply a broader "cancer exclusion," while others might be more specific. This is another reason why using a broker is so beneficial; they can find the insurer with the most favourable and precise wording for your exclusion.

The Best Route: Group Health Insurance

If you have the opportunity to join a company health insurance scheme through your employer, this is often the single best way to get comprehensive cover. Many group schemes, particularly for larger companies, are set up on a "Medical History Disregarded" (MHD) basis.

MHD underwriting does exactly what it says: it disregards your previous medical history. This means your cancer history would be covered, just like any other illness. If changing jobs is a possibility, actively look for employers who offer a group PMI scheme as part of their benefits package.

Enhancing Your Wellbeing: The Added Benefits of PMI

Modern private medical insurance UK policies are about more than just hospital treatment. They are increasingly focused on proactive health and wellbeing, offering a suite of benefits that are particularly valuable for anyone focused on their health post-cancer.

  • Digital GP Services: Get a 24/7 video or phone consultation with a private GP, often within hours. This is perfect for quick advice and prescriptions without waiting for an NHS appointment.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to telephone counselling or a set number of face-to-face therapy sessions can provide crucial support for your mental and emotional recovery.
  • Wellness Programmes: Many insurers, like Vitality, reward you for healthy living. You can get discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and healthy food for staying active.
  • Nutrition and Diet Support: At WeCovr, we provide our health and life insurance clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. Maintaining a healthy diet is a cornerstone of wellness and recovery, and this tool makes it simple and easy.

Furthermore, when you purchase a policy through WeCovr, you can often benefit from discounts on other essential protection, such as life insurance or income protection.

Managing Your Health Journey: Diet, Activity, and Travel

Living well after cancer treatment is a priority. Your PMI policy can support this, but it's part of a bigger picture.

  • Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This can help with energy levels, recovery, and overall health. Using an app like CalorieHero can help you stay on track.
  • Activity: Gentle, regular exercise, as approved by your medical team, is proven to improve both physical and mental health. This could be walking, swimming, yoga, or pilates.
  • Sleep: Prioritise good sleep hygiene. Aim for 7-9 hours per night to allow your body to repair and recharge.
  • Travel: Getting away is important for wellbeing, but travel insurance is essential. You must declare your cancer diagnosis to your travel insurer. Standard policies may not cover you, so look for specialist providers who cover pre-existing medical conditions. A broker can also help with this.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I have to declare my cancer diagnosis when applying for health insurance?

Yes, you absolutely must. If you choose Full Medical Underwriting, you will declare it on the application form. If you choose Moratorium underwriting, you don't declare it upfront, but the condition is automatically excluded. Failing to disclose a condition when asked is known as 'non-disclosure' and could invalidate your entire policy, not just claims related to the cancer. Honesty is always the best policy.

Will my PMI premiums be much higher because I've had cancer?

Not necessarily. Because the insurer will exclude the cancer and any related conditions from cover, they are no longer taking on the risk for that specific illness. Therefore, your premium will be based on your age, location, and the level of cover you choose, just like anyone else. It should not be "loaded" or increased simply because of your cancer history.

Can I get health insurance if I am still having check-ups or taking preventative medication?

Yes, you can. You can apply for a policy at any point. However, these ongoing check-ups, scans, and medications will confirm the cancer as a pre-existing condition, and it will be excluded from your new policy. The policy will be there to cover you for new, unrelated health problems that may arise in the future.

What happens if I get diagnosed with a completely new, different type of cancer?

This is a nuanced area and depends on the specific wording of your exclusion. If the exclusion is very specific (e.g., "prostate cancer"), then a new, unrelated primary cancer (e.g., "bowel cancer") might be covered. If the exclusion is broad (e.g., "cancer"), it may not be. This is a key reason why working with a broker to get the clearest possible terms with Full Medical Underwriting is so important.

Your Next Step to Peace of Mind

Securing private medical insurance after a cancer diagnosis is a positive step towards protecting your future health. While your policy will not cover your pre-existing cancer, it provides a vital safety net for a wide range of other conditions, giving you fast access to specialists, diagnostics, and treatment when you need it most.

The market can seem daunting, but you don't have to navigate it alone. The expert, friendly team at WeCovr is here to provide no-obligation advice, compare the UK's leading insurers, and find the right policy for you, at no cost.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, confidential chat and let us help you secure the peace of mind you deserve.

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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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