
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the unique pressures facing the UK's gig economy workers. This guide explores how private medical insurance (PMI) provides a vital safety net for Uber drivers, Deliveroo riders, and freelancers, ensuring you can get back on your feet—and back to earning—without delay.
The freedom of being your own boss is one of the great attractions of the gig economy. You set your hours, you choose your work, and your earning potential is in your hands. But this independence comes with a trade-off: you are the business. If you're too ill or injured to work, your income stops. Unlike traditional employees, there's no statutory sick pay, no company health scheme, and no one to cover your shift.
This is where private health insurance becomes not just a perk, but a crucial tool for financial survival. With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant challenge, can you afford to wait months for treatment while your bills pile up?
For the UK's growing army of self-employed professionals—numbering around 4.3 million in early 2025 according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS)—health is wealth. Your ability to drive, ride, code, or consult is directly linked to your physical and mental wellbeing.
The reality of relying solely on the NHS can be daunting. While we are incredibly fortunate to have it, the system is under immense pressure.
Let's look at a simple, real-world example:
Scenario: A self-employed courier needs a hernia repair.
With private medical insurance, the timeline changes dramatically. You could see a specialist within days and have the surgery scheduled within a couple of weeks, minimising your time off work and protecting your income.
| Financial Impact of a 4-Month Wait for NHS Treatment | With Private Medical Insurance |
|---|---|
| Potential Lost Earnings (at £500/week): £8,000 | Typical PMI Monthly Premium: £40 - £80 |
| Time to Treatment: 4-6 months+ | Time to Treatment: 2-4 weeks |
| Financial Stress: High | Financial Stress: Low |
| Outcome: Significant income loss, savings depleted. | Outcome: Minimal income loss, quick return to work. |
Think of PMI as your personal health service, ready to act when you need it. It's an insurance policy you pay for each month or year that covers the cost of private healthcare for eligible conditions. The core purpose of private medical insurance in the UK is to diagnose and treat acute conditions quickly.
It is absolutely vital to understand what PMI does—and does not—cover.
Acute vs. Chronic Conditions: The Golden Rule of PMI
This is the most important distinction in the world of UK health insurance.
Pre-existing Conditions
Similarly, PMI is designed to cover new, unforeseen medical problems that arise after you take out your policy. Any condition for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the years leading up to your policy start date is considered "pre-existing" and will usually be excluded from cover.
When you apply, you'll choose an underwriting method that determines how these pre-existing conditions are handled.
| Underwriting Method | How it Works | Best For... |
|---|---|---|
| Moratorium | You don't declare your full medical history upfront. The policy automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last 5 years. However, if you go 2 continuous years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. | People with a clean bill of health or minor past issues who want a quick and simple application process. |
| Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) | You complete a detailed health questionnaire, disclosing your entire medical history. The insurer assesses this and lists any specific conditions that will be permanently excluded from your policy. | People who want complete clarity on what is and isn't covered from day one, or those with a more complex medical history. |
A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can talk you through these options to help you decide which is right for your circumstances.
A good PMI policy is flexible. You start with a core foundation and then add optional extras to build a plan that suits your job, lifestyle, and budget.
Almost all policies include in-patient and day-patient cover as standard. This is for treatment that requires a hospital bed, either overnight (in-patient) or for the day (day-patient).
Core cover typically includes:
This is where you can customise your policy to protect against the specific risks you face as a gig worker.
The biggest myth about private health cover is that it's unaffordable. For a healthy person in their 30s or 40s, a comprehensive policy can be surprisingly cheap—often less than a daily coffee or a monthly phone contract.
Here are the key levers you can pull to design a policy that fits your freelance budget:
Choose Your Excess
Select a Hospital List
Add the '6-Week Option'
Limit Your Out-patient Cover
By using a combination of these options, an expert adviser at WeCovr can build a high-quality, affordable plan that gives you peace of mind without breaking the bank.
The UK private health insurance market is competitive, with several excellent providers offering plans well-suited to the self-employed. Here's a look at some of the leading names we work with:
| Provider | Key Features for Gig Workers | Wellness Benefits | Cost-Saving Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXA Health | Strong core cover, excellent cancer care pathways, and a reputation for fast claims processing. Their 'Personal Health' plan is highly customisable. | Access to a 24/7 online GP service (Doctor@Hand), and a strong focus on mental health support. | Guided options (where AXA helps choose the specialist) can reduce premiums. Good range of excess and hospital list choices. |
| Aviva | Known for their 'Expert Select' option which offers a 'treatment guarantee'. They are also highly rated for their straightforward digital experience and claims process. | Access to the Aviva DigiCare+ app, which includes services like an annual health check, mental health support, and nutrition advice. | The 6-week option is available, along with a wide range of excess levels. 'Expert Select' is a lower-cost alternative to full hospital choice. |
| Bupa | The UK's best-known health insurer. Offers extensive hospital lists and comprehensive mental and physical health cover. Their 'Bupa By You' plan is very flexible. | Access to digital GP consultations, helplines for any health query, and rewards for healthy living through their Bupa Touch app. | Bupa Fundamental is their budget-friendly option. A full range of excesses and hospital network options is available. |
| Vitality | Unique in its approach, Vitality actively rewards you for being healthy. Great for active individuals like couriers or those who enjoy fitness. | The Vitality Programme tracks your activity (steps, gym visits) and rewards you with cinema tickets, coffee, and even lower premiums. | The more you engage with the wellness programme, the lower your renewal premium can be. Also offers standard excess and hospital options. |
| The Exeter | A mutual society known for its excellent service and flexible underwriting, often being a great choice for those in manual trades or with some prior health issues. | Offers Healthwise, a member benefits app with remote GP appointments, physiotherapy, and mental health support included as standard. | Excellent range of cost-containment options, including a £2,000 excess for maximum savings. |
Comparing these providers and their countless policy variations can be overwhelming. This is where using an independent PMI broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We do the hard work for you, comparing the entire market to find the best private health cover for your specific needs and budget, all at no cost to you.
As a freelancer, your wellbeing strategy needs to go beyond just fixing problems as they arise. It's about proactive protection for both your health and your income.
While PMI pays for your private medical bills, it doesn't pay your rent. That's the job of Income Protection Insurance. If you're signed off work by a doctor due to illness or injury, an income protection policy will pay you a tax-free monthly income (usually 50-60% of your typical earnings) until you're well enough to return to work.
For a gig worker, having both PMI and Income Protection creates the ultimate safety net:
At WeCovr, we believe in a holistic approach to protection. That's why we offer our clients discounts on other types of cover, such as Income Protection or Life Insurance, when they purchase a PMI policy with us.
Staying healthy on the job can be tough. Here are some simple, practical tips:
For Drivers (Uber, Private Hire):
For Riders (Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats):
To support your health journey, all WeCovr clients get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a simple, effective tool to help you manage your diet and energy levels, which is crucial when your job is so physically demanding.
You've worked hard to build your freelance career. Taking the step to protect it is easier than you think. With WeCovr, there are no confusing forms or endless call centres.
Here’s how our simple, expert-led process works:
As an FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings and a track record of arranging over 800,000 policies, our advice is impartial, expert, and completely free for you to use.
Don't let an unexpected health issue derail your freelance career. Protect your health and your income with the right private medical insurance. Contact WeCovr today for your free, no-obligation quote and discover how affordable peace of mind can be.






