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Health Insurance for Rare Conditions Whats Possible




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TL;DR

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex, especially with a rare condition in the picture. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised expert broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, we provide the clarity you need to make informed decisions about your health cover. Specialist advice and what to do if family history or diagnosis complicates your application A family history of a rare condition or a pre-existing diagnosis can feel like a significant barrier when applying for private health insurance.

Key takeaways

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia, cataracts, joint pain requiring a replacement, or appendicitis.
  • A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, it has no known cure, it is likely to recur, or it requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and the vast majority of rare genetic disorders.
  • Prevalence: It is estimated that 1 in 17 people in the UK will be affected by a rare disease at some point in their lives. That's over 3.5 million people, according to data from organisations like Genetic Alliance UK.
  • Diversity: There are over 7,000 known rare diseases, with more being discovered each year. Around 80% of these are genetic in origin.
  • Your policy being cancelled: The insurer can void the policy from the start, leaving you with no cover.

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex, especially with a rare condition in the picture. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised expert broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, we provide the clarity you need to make informed decisions about your health cover.

Specialist advice and what to do if family history or diagnosis complicates your application

A family history of a rare condition or a pre-existing diagnosis can feel like a significant barrier when applying for private health insurance. Many people worry it means an automatic rejection or unaffordable premiums. The reality is more nuanced. While it does complicate the application, it doesn't necessarily close the door on valuable private health cover.

The key is to approach the process with open eyes, complete honesty, and the support of a specialist broker. Insurers will need to carefully assess the risk, and your application will be scrutinised more closely. This guide will walk you through exactly what insurers look for, what you must declare, and what cover is realistically possible.

Understanding Private Medical Insurance (PMI) in the UK

Before diving into the specifics of rare conditions, it's vital to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia, cataracts, joint pain requiring a replacement, or appendicitis.
  • A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, it has no known cure, it is likely to recur, or it requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and the vast majority of rare genetic disorders.

This distinction is the single most important concept in UK private health insurance.

Crucially, standard private health insurance policies do not cover chronic conditions or pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury you had symptoms of, received advice for, or sought treatment for before your policy started.

Why Are Chronic and Pre-existing Conditions Excluded?

Insurers base their premiums on the statistical risk of a person needing treatment for unforeseen, acute medical issues in the future. Covering known, ongoing conditions would be like insuring a house that is already on fire. The costs would be astronomical and unsustainable, making insurance unaffordable for everyone. The NHS exists to provide comprehensive care for all, including the long-term management of chronic conditions, regardless of your ability to pay.

PMI works alongside the NHS, offering a route to faster diagnosis and treatment for new, acute problems.

What is a 'Rare Condition' and How Do Insurers View It?

In the UK and Europe, a condition is defined as 'rare' if it affects fewer than 1 in 2,000 people. While individual conditions are rare, collectively they are common.

  • Prevalence: It is estimated that 1 in 17 people in the UK will be affected by a rare disease at some point in their lives. That's over 3.5 million people, according to data from organisations like Genetic Alliance UK.
  • Diversity: There are over 7,000 known rare diseases, with more being discovered each year. Around 80% of these are genetic in origin.

For an insurer, a rare condition presents a significant underwriting challenge. The lack of extensive data makes it difficult to predict the condition's progression, potential complications, and associated treatment costs. This uncertainty means underwriters must be cautious. They will view a diagnosed rare condition as a pre-existing and chronic condition, which means it will be excluded from cover.

When you apply for PMI, the insurer needs to understand your medical history to assess your risk. This is done through a process called underwriting. There are two main types.

Types of Medical Underwriting

Underwriting TypeHow It WorksBest For...
Moratorium (MOR)You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms of, or sought advice/treatment for, in the 5 years before the policy start date.People with a clean bill of health or minor past issues who want a quick application process.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history, including any family history of serious illness. The insurer then decides what they will and will not cover from the outset.People with pre-existing conditions or a complex family history. It provides absolute clarity on what's covered from day one.

For anyone with a diagnosed rare condition or a significant family history of one, Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) is almost always the recommended path. It forces a clear and transparent conversation with the insurer, resulting in a policy where you know exactly where you stand. There are no grey areas or future disputes about what was or wasn't a pre-existing condition.

The Golden Rule: Always Be Honest

It can be tempting to omit details about your health or family history, fearing it will lead to a rejection or higher price. This is a mistake. Non-disclosure can lead to:

  1. Your policy being cancelled: The insurer can void the policy from the start, leaving you with no cover.
  2. A claim being rejected: You could undergo private treatment believing you are covered, only to have the claim denied, leaving you with a bill for tens of thousands of pounds.
  3. Difficulty getting insurance in the future: Having a policy cancelled for non-disclosure is a major red flag for all other insurers.

Insurers have access to shared industry databases and can request your medical records (with your consent) when you make a claim. Any inconsistencies will be found. Honesty is not just the best policy; it's the only policy.

Will My Rare Condition Be Covered by Private Health Insurance?

This is the core question, and the answer depends entirely on your situation. Let's break it down into three common scenarios.

Scenario 1: You Have a Diagnosed Rare Condition

If you have already been diagnosed with a rare condition, it will be treated as a pre-existing condition.

  • Outcome: The condition itself, and any related symptoms or complications, will be permanently excluded from your policy.

For example, if you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a group of inherited disorders that affect connective tissues, your policy would have an exclusion for EDS. This means it would not cover consultations with a rheumatologist for joint hypermobility, physiotherapy for related pain, or treatment for any direct complications of the condition.

However, you would still be covered for new, unrelated acute conditions, like developing gallstones or needing a hernia repair.

Scenario 2: You Have a Family History of a Rare Genetic Condition

This is more complex. Under Full Medical Underwriting, you must declare if a close blood relative (parent, sibling) has a serious hereditary condition, such as Huntington's Disease, a BRCA gene mutation, or certain types of muscular dystrophy.

The insurer's decision will depend on several factors:

  • The specific condition and its inheritance pattern.
  • The likelihood of you developing the condition.
  • Whether you have undergone genetic testing yourself.

Possible Outcomes:

  1. A Specific Exclusion: The most likely outcome. The insurer will place an exclusion on your policy for the specific rare condition and any related treatments. For example, if your mother has Huntington's Disease, your policy will likely exclude all investigations and treatment for Huntington's.
  2. A Premium Loading: In some rare instances, if the risk is deemed manageable but increased, the insurer might offer cover with a higher premium. This is uncommon for serious genetic conditions.
  3. No Impact: If the risk is considered very low, it might not affect your application, but this is also rare for significant hereditary diseases.

Working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr is invaluable here. We can discreetly approach different insurers on your behalf to understand how they would likely treat your specific family history, helping you find the provider with the most favourable terms.

Scenario 3: You Develop a Rare Condition After Your Policy Starts

This scenario is where private medical insurance can be incredibly valuable. If you are healthy when you take out your policy and later develop symptoms of a new, unknown condition, PMI is there to help.

The Patient Pathway with PMI

StageWhat Happens with PMIWhat Happens with NHS
1. Initial SymptomsYou use the Digital GP service for an instant consultation. You get an open referral to see a specialist.You wait for a GP appointment, then get referred to a specialist, which can take many weeks or months.
2. Specialist ConsultationYour PMI policy covers a prompt consultation with a private consultant specialist (e.g., a neurologist, geneticist).You are placed on an NHS waiting list for a first consultant appointment.
3. DiagnosticsYour policy covers the cost of advanced diagnostic tests like MRI scans, CT scans, and genetic tests to get a quick, definitive diagnosis.You are placed on NHS waiting lists for these diagnostic tests, which can add further delays.
4. Diagnosis ConfirmedThe specialist confirms a diagnosis of a rare, chronic condition.The diagnosis is confirmed, often after a much longer wait.
5. Handover to NHSOnce the condition is diagnosed as chronic, your private cover for it ends. Your ongoing care, management, and treatment are handed over to the NHS.The NHS manages your ongoing care from the point of diagnosis.

The key benefit of PMI in this scenario is speed. It can dramatically shorten the "diagnostic odyssey" that many people with rare diseases face. Getting a diagnosis quickly can be critical for accessing the right NHS care pathway, connecting with support groups, and gaining peace of mind. While PMI won't cover the long-term chronic care, its role in getting you to that point faster can be life-changing.

What Can PMI Offer If the Rare Condition Itself Isn't Covered?

Even with a full exclusion for a pre-existing rare condition, a private health insurance policy can still offer tremendous value. You are not just your condition. You can still suffer from all the common acute ailments that affect everyone else.

Here’s what a good PMI policy provides:

  1. Fast-Track Treatment for Unrelated Acute Conditions: This is the main benefit. If you need a hip replacement, cataract surgery, or cancer treatment (for a new cancer, not related to a pre-existing genetic condition), PMI lets you bypass NHS waiting lists and receive treatment in a private hospital of your choice. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for elective treatment can be many months, a wait you can avoid with PMI.
  2. Comprehensive Cancer Cover: Most top-tier policies offer extensive cancer cover, including access to drugs and treatments that may not be available on the NHS due to funding decisions.
  3. Value-Added Services: Modern PMI policies are packed with benefits you can use every day, even when you're not ill:
    • 24/7 Digital GP: Speak to a GP via phone or video call, often within minutes. This is incredibly convenient and reduces the burden on your local surgery.
    • Mental Health Support: Access to therapy sessions, counselling hotlines, and mental wellbeing apps. Living with a rare condition can take a toll on mental health, and this support can be a lifeline.
    • Second Medical Opinion Services: If you have concerns about an NHS diagnosis or treatment plan (even for your excluded condition), some policies allow you to get a second opinion from a world-leading expert.
    • Wellness and Lifestyle Benefits: Many insurers offer discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and health screenings to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

At WeCovr, we go a step further. Our clients not only get expert advice on the best PMI provider for their needs but also receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. Plus, holding a PMI or life insurance policy with us can unlock discounts on other types of cover you might need.

The Role of a Specialist PMI Broker

When your application is complicated by a rare condition or family history, trying to navigate the market alone is a daunting task. A specialist broker is not a salesperson; they are your advocate and guide.

Here's why using a broker like WeCovr is essential:

  • Market Knowledge: We know the underwriting appetites of all the major UK insurers (like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality). We know which ones are more likely to offer favourable terms for complex cases.
  • Anonymised Enquiries: We can approach insurers with your de-identified medical details to get an initial indication of their likely decision before you even submit a formal application. This saves you time and prevents you from accumulating declines on your record.
  • Application Support: We help you complete the application forms accurately, ensuring you declare everything correctly to avoid any future problems.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert, impartial advice without any extra cost. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right solution for every client.

Practical Steps and Wellness Tips

Living with the uncertainty of a rare condition or a family history can be stressful. Taking proactive steps can empower you.

Managing Your Health Application

  1. Gather Your Information: Before speaking to a broker, collate all relevant medical details: names of conditions, dates of diagnosis, specialists seen, treatments received, and any genetic test results.
  2. Contact a Specialist Broker: Don't go direct to an insurer. An expert will save you time, stress, and potentially money by finding the right policy for your unique circumstances.
  3. Be Transparent: Commit to full honesty on your application.
  4. Review Exclusions Carefully: When you receive your policy documents, read the exclusions page carefully. Make sure you understand exactly what is and isn't covered.

Thriving with a Rare Condition: Wellness & Lifestyle

Whether your condition is covered by insurance or not, focusing on your overall wellbeing is paramount.

  • Diet: A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is your foundation. While there's no magic diet for most rare conditions, focusing on whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support your immune system and energy levels. Using an app like CalorieHero, which WeCovr provides to clients, can help you track your nutrition and ensure you're meeting your body's needs.
  • Activity: Consult your specialist or a physiotherapist about safe and beneficial forms of exercise. Gentle activities like swimming, yoga, or walking can improve mobility, reduce pain, and boost mental health.
  • Sleep: Prioritise a consistent sleep schedule. Quality sleep is essential for cellular repair, hormone regulation, and managing chronic pain and fatigue.
  • Mental Resilience: Connect with support organisations like Rare Disease UK. Sharing experiences with others who understand can be incredibly powerful. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or journaling to manage stress.
  • Travel: If you have a rare condition, plan travel carefully. Ensure you have enough medication, a letter from your doctor, and comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers your pre-existing condition (this is different from PMI).

Private medical insurance is not a magic bullet for rare conditions, but it is a powerful tool. By understanding its purpose and its limitations, you can secure valuable cover that provides peace of mind, rapid access to care for a host of other health issues, and a wealth of benefits to support your overall wellbeing.

Do I need to declare a family history of a rare disease on my PMI application?

Yes, absolutely. If you are applying with Full Medical Underwriting (FMU), you must declare any serious hereditary conditions affecting close blood relatives like parents or siblings. Insurers use this information to assess your future risk. Failing to declare it can invalidate your policy. With Moratorium underwriting, you don't need to declare it, but the condition would be automatically excluded if you start showing symptoms.

If I develop a rare condition after my policy starts, am I covered?

You are covered for the acute phase of diagnosis. This means your private medical insurance will pay for the specialist consultations and diagnostic tests (like MRI or genetic scans) needed to find out what is wrong. This can be significantly faster than the NHS. However, once the condition is diagnosed as chronic (which most rare diseases are), the policy will no longer cover its management or treatment, and your care will be handed over to the NHS.

Can I get private health insurance if I already have a diagnosed rare condition?

Generally, yes, you can still get a policy. However, the diagnosed rare condition, and any medical issues related to it, will be specifically excluded from cover. Your policy will provide cover for new, unrelated acute conditions, as well as giving you access to valuable benefits like Digital GP services and mental health support.

Ready to explore your options? Don't let a complex medical history stop you from securing the peace of mind that private health cover can bring. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will provide the specialist guidance you need to find the right policy for you.

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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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