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Health Insurance for Over 60s Affordable Options

Health Insurance for Over 60s Affordable Options 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker with over 900,000 policies of various kinds arranged for our clients, WeCovr is dedicated to helping you navigate the world of affordable private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK. This is especially true for those planning for a healthy and secure retirement over 60.

WeCovr's comprehensive guide to securing affordable cover in retirement

Entering your 60s is a milestone. It's a time for enjoying the fruits of your labour, spending more time with family, and pursuing hobbies you've long put on hold. To do all this with peace of mind, having a robust plan for your health is essential.

While the NHS is a national treasure, many people in or approaching retirement are exploring private medical insurance for the choice, speed, and comfort it can provide. The big question is: can it be affordable?

The answer is a resounding yes. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding affordable, high-quality health insurance for over 60s in the UK. We'll demystify the jargon, show you the levers you can pull to manage costs, and provide actionable tips for a healthier, happier retirement.

Why Consider Private Health Insurance in Your 60s?

As we age, our healthcare needs naturally change. While the NHS provides excellent care, it is facing unprecedented pressures. For those over 60, private health cover is often about gaining control and peace of mind.

Key Motivations for Considering PMI:

  • Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment: One of the main benefits is bypassing long waiting lists for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and elective surgery. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was around 14.5 weeks in mid-2024, with hundreds of thousands waiting much longer. PMI can reduce this to a matter of weeks, or even days.
  • Choice and Control: PMI gives you more control over your healthcare journey. You can often choose your specialist or surgeon and select a hospital that is convenient for you.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Treatment in a private hospital typically means a private, en-suite room, more flexible visiting hours, and a quieter environment, which can significantly aid recovery.
  • Access to Specialist Drugs and Treatments: Some advanced drugs or treatments may not be available on the NHS due to cost or other restrictions. A comprehensive PMI policy might provide access to these.

For many, it's not about replacing the NHS – which remains essential for accidents, emergencies, and chronic condition management – but about supplementing it for planned, acute care.

The Crucial Rule of Private Medical Insurance: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Before we explore affordable options, it is vital to understand the fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK. This is the single most important concept to grasp.

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

Let's break this down:

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include cataracts, hernias, joint replacements, and most infections.
  • 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 management through drugs or tests, it has no known cure, or it is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, and Crohn's disease.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness or injury you have had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, in the years before taking out your policy (typically the last 5 years).

Private health insurance does NOT cover the management of chronic conditions or pre-existing conditions. The NHS will always be your port of call for these. PMI steps in for new, treatable health concerns, ensuring you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

How to Make Health Insurance for Over 60s More Affordable

Many people assume PMI is prohibitively expensive in later life. While age is a significant factor in pricing, you have considerable control over the final cost. By customising your policy, you can strike the perfect balance between comprehensive cover and an affordable premium.

Here are the key levers you can pull to tailor your policy:

1. Choose a Higher Excess

An 'excess' is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. It works just like the excess on your car or home insurance. You only pay it once per policy year, per person, if you make a claim.

  • How it works: If you have an excess of £500 and your private treatment costs £4,000, you would pay the first £500 and your insurer would pay the remaining £3,500.
  • Impact on premium: Opting for a higher excess (e.g., £500 or £1,000 instead of £100 or £0) can significantly reduce your monthly or annual premium. It's a direct trade-off: you accept more of the initial financial risk in exchange for lower regular payments.

2. Opt for a '6-Week Wait' Option

This is one of the most effective ways to lower your premium. With a 6-week wait option, you agree to use the NHS for inpatient treatment if the NHS waiting list for that procedure is less than six weeks.

  • How it works: If you need a hip replacement and the NHS can perform it within six weeks, you'll have the surgery on the NHS. If the waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private medical insurance policy kicks in, and you can go private immediately.
  • Why it's smart: This option leverages the strengths of both systems. Given that NHS waiting times for many elective procedures are currently well over six weeks, you are highly likely to be eligible for private treatment when you need it. This option protects you against long waits while substantially cutting your premium.

3. Limit Your Hospital List

Insurers have different 'tiers' of hospitals, often based on location and cost (with central London hospitals being the most expensive).

  • How it works: Instead of choosing a comprehensive list that includes every private hospital in the country, you can opt for a more limited list that includes quality hospitals in your local area.
  • Impact on premium: Removing the most expensive city-centre hospitals from your list can lead to notable savings without compromising the quality of care available to you. An expert broker can help you find a list that provides excellent local options at a lower price point.

4. Adjust Your Outpatient Cover

'Outpatient' cover relates to consultations and diagnostic tests that don't require a hospital bed. This is a key area where you can customise your policy.

Level of Outpatient CoverWhat it Typically IncludesImpact on Premium
Full CoverAll specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scans), and therapies are covered in full.Highest Premium
Capped CoverCover is limited to a set monetary value per year, for example, £500, £1,000, or £1,500.Medium Premium
No Outpatient CoverThe policy only covers diagnosis and treatment once you are admitted to hospital (inpatient). You would pay for initial consultations and scans yourself.Lowest Premium

For many, a capped outpatient limit of around £1,000 offers a great compromise. It covers the most likely costs of diagnosis while keeping the premium manageable.

5. Consider a Guided Consultant List

Some insurers offer a 'guided' or 'expert-select' option. Instead of choosing any consultant you wish, the insurer provides a shortlist of 3-5 specialists they have vetted for quality and value.

  • How it works: When you need to make a claim, the insurer recommends a handful of high-performing consultants for your condition. You still get a choice, but from a curated list.
  • Impact on premium: Because the insurer can negotiate favourable rates with these consultants, they pass the savings on to you in the form of a lower premium. This is a growing trend in the private medical insurance UK market and offers an excellent way to save money without sacrificing quality.

By combining these options, you can design a policy that fits your budget. Working with a specialist broker like WeCovr is invaluable here, as we can quickly model these different scenarios across multiple insurers to find your ideal solution at no extra cost to you.

Understanding Underwriting: Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting

'Underwriting' is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide the terms of your policy. For those over 60, this is a particularly important choice.

1. Moratorium Underwriting (MORI)

This is the most common type. It's quick and simple as you don't have to declare your full medical history upfront.

  • How it works: The policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the 5 years before the policy start date.
  • The "2-Year Rule": If you go for 2 continuous years without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that specific pre-existing condition after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
  • Pros: Quick, less intrusive application process.
  • Cons: Less certainty at the point of claim, as the insurer will investigate your medical history then.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire as part of your application, declaring your medical history.

  • How it works: The insurer assesses your history and tells you upfront exactly what is and isn't covered. They will apply specific exclusions to your policy for any pre-existing conditions.
  • Pros: Complete clarity from day one. You know precisely where you stand before you ever need to claim.
  • Cons: A longer, more detailed application process.

For many over 60s, Full Medical Underwriting is the preferred choice. It provides certainty and avoids any potential disputes or disappointments when you need to make a claim.

What Does a Typical PMI Policy for Over 60s Cover?

While every policy is different, most are built around a core set of benefits, with optional extras you can add.

Benefit CategoryWhat's IncludedNotes
Core Cover (Inpatient & Day-patient)
  • Hospital charges (room, nursing)
  • Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
  • Specialist consultations while in hospital
  • Diagnostic tests (scans, X-rays) in hospital
This is the foundation of every PMI policy. It covers treatment that requires a hospital bed.
Optional: Outpatient Cover
  • Specialist consultations
  • Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, PET scans)
  • Physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy
Can be added in full, capped at a financial limit, or excluded entirely to manage cost.
Optional: Therapies
  • Physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic
Sometimes included within outpatient cover, sometimes as a separate add-on. Essential for musculoskeletal issues.
Optional: Mental Health Cover
  • Access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapy
Increasingly important and offered by most major insurers. Cover can range from limited to comprehensive.
Standard: Cancer Cover
  • Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery
  • Biological therapies, hormone therapies
  • Palliative care
This is a cornerstone of modern PMI. The level of cover is a key differentiator between policies.
Standard: Digital GP & Wellness Services
  • 24/7 remote GP appointments
  • Health and wellness apps
  • Mental health support lines
Most insurers now include these valuable digital services as standard.
Typical Exclusions
  • Pre-existing and chronic conditions
  • Accident & Emergency treatment
  • Normal pregnancy and childbirth
  • Cosmetic surgery, unless reconstructive
  • Self-inflicted injuries
It's crucial to read your policy documents to understand what is not covered.

Beyond Insurance: Proactive Steps to a Healthier Retirement

A health insurance policy is a safety net, but the best strategy is to invest in your health every day. A healthy lifestyle can not only improve your quality of life but may also contribute to lower insurance premiums over the long term.

Nutrition and Diet

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein (fish, chicken), and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts). This is linked to better heart health and cognitive function.
  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can cause confusion, constipation, and fatigue. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day.
  • Monitor Your Intake: Understanding your calorie and nutrient intake is key. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you make informed choices.

Physical Activity

According to the NHS, adults aged 65 and over should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week.

  • Mix it Up: Combine cardiovascular exercise (brisk walking, swimming, cycling) with strength training (using weights, resistance bands) and flexibility/balance exercises (yoga, tai chi).
  • Start Small: If you're new to exercise, start with a 10-minute walk each day and gradually build up. Every little bit counts.
  • Listen to Your Body: It's normal to have aches and pains, but don't push through sharp or unusual pain.

Sleep and Mental Wellbeing

  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a regular routine, create a restful environment, and avoid screens before bed.
  • Stay Socially Connected: Loneliness and social isolation are significant health risks. Make time for friends, family, and community groups.
  • Keep Your Mind Active: Reading, puzzles, learning a new skill, or playing an instrument can help maintain cognitive function.

Health Screenings and Travel

  • Regular Check-ups: Take advantage of NHS health checks and don't ignore any new or unusual symptoms.
  • Travel Insurance: Remember that private medical insurance is for treatment in the UK only. For holidays abroad, you will still need comprehensive travel insurance.

The WeCovr Advantage: How an Expert Broker Helps You Save

Navigating the private health insurance market can be complex, especially with the various options available. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr becomes your most valuable asset.

1. We Do the Shopping For You: Instead of you spending hours getting quotes from individual insurers, we use our expertise and technology to compare policies from a wide panel of the UK's leading providers. This ensures you see the whole market, not just one or two options.

2. Expert, Unbiased Advice: Our specialists understand the nuances of each policy. We can explain the real-world difference between a 6-week wait option from Aviva and one from Bupa, or how AXA Health's guided consultant lists compare to Vitality's. Our advice is tailored to your specific needs and budget. Based on customer satisfaction ratings, our clients consistently praise the clarity and support we provide.

3. No Cost to You: Our service is completely free for you to use. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium. This means you get expert advice and market comparison without it costing you a penny extra.

4. More Than Just Health Insurance: At WeCovr, we believe in a holistic approach to your protection needs. That's why clients who purchase Private Medical Insurance or Life Insurance through us often receive discounts on other types of cover, such as home or income protection insurance, helping you save money across the board.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will my premiums for health insurance go up as I get older?

Yes, premiums for private medical insurance do increase with age. This is because, statistically, the likelihood of needing to claim for medical treatment increases as we get older. Insurers factor this increased risk into their pricing. However, other factors like your claims history and general medical inflation also affect your premium at renewal. This is why it's wise to review your cover annually with a broker to ensure it still offers the best value.

Do I need to have a medical examination to get health insurance over 60?

No, it is very rare for UK insurers to require a medical examination to take out a private health insurance policy. The underwriting process is based on your declaration of your medical history. If you choose 'Full Medical Underwriting', you will fill out a detailed health questionnaire. If you choose 'Moratorium' underwriting, you won't need to provide this detail upfront, but the insurer will investigate your history if you make a claim.

Can I get cover for a health condition I already have?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you already have or have had symptoms for) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or arthritis) that require ongoing management. The NHS remains the provider of care for these conditions.

Is cancer covered by private medical insurance for over 60s?

Yes, comprehensive cancer cover is a central and extremely valuable feature of most modern private health insurance policies in the UK. This typically includes the costs of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, and often extends to advanced biological therapies and drugs that may not be available on the NHS. The extent of cancer cover can be a key differentiator between policies, so it's important to compare this aspect carefully.

Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind

Planning for your health in retirement is one of the most important investments you can make. While the options may seem complex, finding affordable and effective cover is entirely achievable with the right guidance.

Let WeCovr help you find the perfect policy. Our friendly, expert team is ready to provide a free, no-obligation market comparison tailored to your needs and budget.

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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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