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Health Insurance Knowledge Centre Common Conditions and Treatment Pathways

Health Insurance Knowledge Centre Common Conditions and...

As an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 800,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr offers this expert guide to UK private medical insurance. We'll demystify common treatment journeys, helping you understand how private health cover provides fast access to diagnosis and care for new, acute conditions.

Educational resource covering common health conditions, typical treatment journeys, specialist requirements, and what to expect when making claims

Navigating the world of health can be daunting, especially when faced with new symptoms. Understanding how private medical insurance (PMI) works in practice can provide immense peace of mind. This comprehensive guide breaks down the typical journey from symptom to treatment for several common health conditions, explaining what you can expect from your private health cover in the UK.

We’ll explore the roles of GPs and specialists, the claims process, and how a policy can give you more control and choice over your healthcare.

Understanding Private Medical Insurance: The Crucial Foundations

Before we delve into specific conditions, it’s vital to grasp the core principles of PMI in the UK. Misunderstanding these can lead to frustration later on.

The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand. Standard private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment, returning you to the state of health you were in before it started. Examples include a hernia, cataracts, a broken bone, or a joint requiring replacement.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, it has no known cure, it is likely to recur, or it requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions. It also does not cover pre-existing conditions—any ailment you had symptoms of or received advice or treatment for in the years before your policy began (typically the last 5 years).

The GP Referral: Your Gateway to Private Care

With almost all PMI policies, your journey to private treatment starts with your NHS GP. You cannot simply decide you want to see a heart specialist and book an appointment through your insurance.

  1. You experience symptoms.
  2. You see your NHS GP for an initial assessment.
  3. If your GP believes you need specialist investigation, they will write you a referral letter. For PMI purposes, you will need an open referral, which doesn't name a specific consultant. This gives your insurer the flexibility to help you find a suitable, fee-assured specialist from their approved network.

The PMI Claims Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide

While specifics vary between insurers, the claims process for a new, acute condition generally follows a clear path.

  1. Symptoms & GP Visit: You notice a new health issue and book an appointment with your NHS GP.
  2. Open Referral: Your GP recommends specialist investigation and provides you with an open referral letter.
  3. Contact Your Insurer: You call your insurer’s claims line. You’ll need your policy number and the details from your GP referral. They will confirm if the investigation is covered under your policy.
  4. Authorisation & Specialist Selection: The insurer authorises the initial consultation and provides you with a list of approved specialists (consultants) in your area. You can then book your appointment.
  5. Initial Consultation: You see the private consultant. They will assess you and likely recommend diagnostic tests (like an MRI or blood tests) to get a clear picture.
  6. Authorise Diagnostics & Treatment: You must call your insurer again to get authorisation for any recommended tests or subsequent treatment. Never proceed with a test or treatment without prior authorisation, as you may not be covered.
  7. Diagnosis & Treatment: Once a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan for an acute condition is agreed upon and authorised, you can proceed with the treatment, whether it's surgery, a course of physiotherapy, or another intervention.
  8. Invoicing: The hospital and consultant will usually bill your insurer directly. You are only responsible for paying any excess on your policy.

Spotlight on Common Conditions and Their PMI Pathways

Let's apply this process to some of the most common reasons people use their private medical insurance in the UK.

1. Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conditions: Back Pain, Knee & Hip Issues

MSK problems, affecting muscles, bones, and joints, are a leading cause of sickness absence in the UK. According to the latest ONS data, they accounted for millions of lost working days last year. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting lists for diagnostics and treatment can be long.

A Real-Life Example: Torn Knee Cartilage

  • Symptoms: You twist your knee playing football and experience pain, swelling, and a 'clicking' sensation.
  • NHS Pathway: You see your GP, who suspects a cartilage tear. You are referred for an NHS MRI scan, with a potential waiting time of several weeks or months. After the scan, there is another wait to see an orthopaedic consultant, followed by a further, often lengthy, wait for surgery (arthroscopy) if needed.
  • PMI Pathway:
    1. GP Visit: You get an open referral to an orthopaedic specialist.
    2. Insurer Call: You call your insurer, get authorisation, and are given a choice of three local, approved consultants. You book an appointment for the following week.
    3. Consultation: The consultant examines you and recommends an urgent MRI.
    4. Authorisation: You call your insurer again to authorise the MRI scan.
    5. Diagnostics: You have the MRI scan within a few days at a private hospital.
    6. Follow-up & Treatment: You see the consultant again with the results, which confirm a meniscal tear requiring surgery. The surgery is authorised and scheduled for a date that suits you, often within a couple of weeks.
    7. Rehabilitation: Your policy likely includes a set number of post-operative physiotherapy sessions to help you recover quickly.
FeatureTypical NHS PathwayTypical PMI Pathway
GP ReferralReferral to NHS OrthopaedicsOpen referral for private care
Wait for MRI ScanWeeks to monthsDays
Wait for SpecialistMonthsDays to 1-2 weeks
Wait for SurgeryMonths to over a year2-4 weeks
Hospital ChoiceAssigned by NHS TrustChoice from insurer's list
Post-op PhysioOften group sessions or limitedPrivate one-to-one sessions

Wellness & Prevention: Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and focusing on good posture and lifting techniques can significantly reduce your risk of MSK issues.

2. Cancer Care

A cancer diagnosis is one of life’s most challenging experiences. While the NHS has dedicated cancer pathways, private medical insurance can offer additional choices, faster access, and access to treatments that may not yet be available on the NHS.

According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 375,000 new cancer cases in the UK every year. PMI can provide significant support on this journey.

The PMI Pathway for Cancer

Most comprehensive PMI policies offer extensive cancer cover, which often sits outside your main policy limits.

  1. Urgent Referral: Your GP finds a suspicious symptom (e.g., a lump, persistent cough) and makes an urgent referral under the two-week wait pathway. You can use your PMI from this point.
  2. Rapid Diagnostics: Your insurer will authorise rapid access to diagnostic tests like biopsies, CT, PET, or MRI scans to get a definitive diagnosis quickly.
  3. Oncologist Consultation: You will be able to see a specialist oncologist quickly to discuss the results and formulate a treatment plan.
  4. Treatment: Your cover will typically fund the core cancer treatments:
    • Surgery: To remove tumours.
    • Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.
    • Radiotherapy: Using high-energy rays to target cancer cells.
  5. Advanced Options: A key benefit of PMI is potential access to treatments not yet routinely funded by the NHS, such as specific targeted therapies, immunotherapies, or drugs that have been approved by NICE but aren't available in your local NHS trust yet.

Understanding Your Cancer Cover

It's crucial to check the level of cancer cover when choosing a policy. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you compare these complex options.

Level of CoverWhat It Typically Includes
Basic (NHS Cancer Cover Plus)Covers diagnostics and gives you access to some drugs the NHS may not fund, but your main treatment (surgery, radiotherapy) is on the NHS.
ComprehensiveCovers all diagnostics and treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in private facilities.
AdvancedIncludes all comprehensive benefits plus potential access to experimental trials and more extensive options for targeted therapies.

Wellbeing Support: Many insurers also provide holistic support, such as funding for wigs, prostheses, and access to specialist mental health counsellors to support you and your family through treatment.

3. Cardiology (Heart Conditions)

Heart and circulatory diseases cause more than a quarter of all deaths in the UK. PMI is designed to address acute cardiac events and symptoms that require investigation and treatment. It is not for the day-to-day management of chronic conditions like high blood pressure.

A Real-Life Example: Investigating Chest Pains

  • Symptoms: You experience intermittent chest pain and shortness of breath during exercise. It's not a 999 emergency, but it's worrying.
  • PMI Pathway:
    1. GP Visit: Your GP assesses you and agrees you need to see a cardiologist. They provide an open referral.
    2. Authorisation: You call your insurer, who authorises a consultation with a cardiologist.
    3. Consultation & Diagnostics: The private cardiologist sees you within a week. They recommend an ECG, an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart), and a stress test. These are authorised by your insurer and performed promptly.
    4. Diagnosis & Treatment: The tests reveal a partially blocked coronary artery. The consultant recommends an angioplasty with a stent to open the artery.
    5. Procedure: The procedure is authorised and carried out in a private hospital at a time convenient for you, resolving the issue and preventing a more serious cardiac event.

Lifestyle & Prevention: Managing heart health is paramount. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking are the best preventative measures. As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI-powered app, helping you track your nutrition and make healthier choices to support your cardiovascular health.

4. Mental Health Conditions

Awareness of mental health is rightly growing, but NHS services are under immense strain. According to NHS Digital, around 1 in 6 adults in England experience a common mental health problem in any given week. PMI can offer a valuable route to faster support, but it's essential to understand the limitations.

The PMI Pathway for Mental Health

  • Coverage: Policies typically cover short-term, therapeutic interventions for acute mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or stress. They do not cover chronic or severe, long-term psychiatric conditions.
  • The Journey:
    1. GP Visit: You discuss your feelings with your GP, who agrees that therapy could help.
    2. Authorisation: You contact your insurer. They may have a dedicated mental health support line.
    3. Assessment: You may be assessed by a psychiatrist first to confirm the diagnosis and recommend the right course of therapy.
    4. Treatment: Your policy will typically authorise a set number of sessions (e.g., 8-10) with a psychologist, counsellor, or therapist for treatments like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Important Considerations for Mental Health Cover:

  • Limits: Cover is almost always limited, either by the number of sessions or a total monetary value per policy year.
  • Outpatient vs. Inpatient: Most standard policies focus on outpatient therapy. More comprehensive plans may include inpatient treatment if required for an acute episode.
  • Exclusions: Addiction, learning difficulties, and dementia are typically excluded.

A specialist PMI broker can help you find a policy with a level of mental health cover that meets your potential needs.

Choosing Your Specialist and Hospital

One of the primary benefits of private medical insurance in the UK is choice.

  • Consultants: Your insurer will provide a list of fee-assured, recognised specialists. This ensures the consultant will not charge you more than the insurer is prepared to pay. You can research their credentials and choose who you want to see.
  • Hospitals: Policies come with a "hospital list," which dictates where you can be treated. These are usually tiered:
    • Local/Trust: A curated list of local private hospitals and NHS private patient units.
    • National: A comprehensive list of most private hospitals across the UK.
    • Premium/London: Includes the high-end private hospitals in Central London, which are significantly more expensive.

Choosing a more restricted hospital list is a common way to reduce your premium.

Why Use an Expert PMI Broker Like WeCovr?

The UK private health cover market is complex. Policies from different providers are not like-for-like. They have different definitions, hospital lists, and benefit limits. Trying to compare them yourself can be overwhelming.

This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr provides invaluable help.

  • Expert Guidance: We are specialists in the PMI market. We understand the nuances of each policy and can explain them to you in plain English.
  • Market Comparison: We compare policies from a wide range of the UK's leading insurers to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium. You don't pay more for our expert advice.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: Our clients consistently rate our service highly for its clarity and helpfulness.
  • Added Value: When you arrange PMI or Life Insurance with us, we offer discounts on other types of cover and provide complimentary access to our CalorieHero nutrition tracking app.

Do I need to declare pre-existing medical conditions when I apply for PMI?

Yes, you absolutely must. Private medical insurance is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. Insurers will not cover pre-existing conditions. When you apply, you will be asked to either provide a full medical history (Full Medical Underwriting) or your policy will automatically exclude conditions you've had in the last 5 years (Moratorium Underwriting). Being honest is crucial to ensure any future claims are valid.

Can I choose my own specialist and hospital with private health cover?

Generally, yes, but within the framework of your policy. Your insurer will provide a list of approved, fee-assured consultants for you to choose from for your initial consultation. For treatment, you can choose any hospital that is on your policy's specific 'hospital list'. More comprehensive lists that include premium central London hospitals will result in a higher premium.

What happens if my acute condition turns out to be chronic?

This is a common scenario. Your private medical insurance will typically cover the initial diagnosis and investigations to determine the nature of your condition. However, once it is diagnosed as chronic (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis), your PMI cover for that condition will cease. You will then be referred back to your NHS GP for ongoing management and long-term care through the NHS.

Is private medical insurance worth it if the NHS is free?

This is a personal choice. While the NHS provides excellent emergency and critical care, private medical insurance offers different benefits. The main advantages are speed of access for non-urgent diagnostics and treatment, choice over your specialist and hospital, and a private room for inpatient stays. For many, this control and convenience, especially for conditions affecting quality of life or ability to work, makes PMI a worthwhile investment.

Ready to explore your options for private medical insurance? Let our friendly experts do the hard work 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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