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Hip Pain and Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip Pain and Hip Replacement Surgery 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr is a trusted expert in the UK private medical insurance market. This guide explores the common causes of hip pain, the journey to treatment, and how having the right private health cover can provide peace of mind and faster access to care.

WeCovr explains hip conditions and how PMI supports treatment access

Hip pain is one of the most common complaints we see among adults in the UK. It can range from a minor annoyance to a debilitating condition that severely impacts your quality of life, affecting your ability to walk, work, and enjoy your favourite activities.

When hip pain becomes severe, surgery, such as a hip replacement, might be the best solution. However, navigating the path to treatment can be daunting, especially with long NHS waiting lists. This is where private medical insurance (PMI) can be a lifeline, offering a faster, more comfortable route to diagnosis and treatment.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know:

  • The common causes of hip pain.
  • The differences between seeking treatment on the NHS versus going private.
  • How a hip replacement works.
  • The crucial role PMI plays in covering the costs and speeding up the process.

Understanding Hip Pain: Common Causes and Symptoms

Your hip is a large and complex ball-and-socket joint. Because it’s involved in almost every move you make, it’s susceptible to a variety of problems, particularly from wear and tear over time.

Here are some of the most frequent culprits behind hip pain:

  • Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause of hip pain in older adults. It's a "wear and tear" condition where the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease where your body's immune system mistakenly attacks your joints, including the hips. It causes inflammation, pain, and can lead to joint damage.
  • Hip Fractures: These are serious injuries, especially common in older people with osteoporosis (a condition that weakens bones). A fracture requires immediate medical attention.
  • Bursitis: The bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. When they become inflamed, it's called bursitis, leading to a sharp, localised pain.
  • Tendonitis: This is the inflammation or irritation of tendons (the thick cords that attach muscle to bone) around the hip, often caused by repetitive stress from overuse.
  • Avascular Necrosis: A less common condition where the blood supply to the head of the femur (the "ball" part of the joint) is disrupted, causing the bone tissue to die and the bone to collapse.

Here’s a simple breakdown of these common conditions:

ConditionPrimary SymptomsTypically Affects
OsteoarthritisDeep, aching pain in the groin or thigh; stiffness, especially in the morning; reduced range of motion.Adults over 50; those who are overweight; people with a history of hip injury.
Rheumatoid ArthritisPain and stiffness in multiple joints (often symmetrical); fatigue; warmth and swelling in the joint.Can affect people of any age, but most common between 30 and 60.
BursitisSharp pain on the outside of the hip, worse when lying on the affected side or getting up from a chair.Runners, cyclists, and older adults.
TendonitisDull, deep ache in the groin or buttock area, often related to a specific activity.Athletes and individuals who perform repetitive movements.

It's vital to understand that private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions—those which are curable and arise unexpectedly after your policy has started. It does not cover chronic conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis) or pre-existing conditions (any health issue you had symptoms of or received treatment for before taking out cover).

The Journey to a Diagnosis: Navigating the NHS and Private Routes

Whether your hip pain is a dull ache or a sharp twinge, the first step is always to see your GP. They will assess your symptoms, examine your hip, and may recommend some initial treatments like painkillers or rest.

If your pain persists, the next step is a referral for further investigation. This is where the paths of the NHS and private healthcare begin to diverge significantly.

The NHS Pathway

  1. GP Referral: Your GP refers you to an NHS orthopaedic specialist.
  2. Waiting List (Consultation): You will be placed on a waiting list to see the specialist. According to NHS England data, the target is for 92% of patients to be seen within 18 weeks of referral, but in reality, many wait much longer.
  3. Consultation & Diagnostics: The specialist will assess you and may order diagnostic tests like an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. There can be another wait for these scans.
  4. Waiting List (Treatment): If surgery is recommended, you are placed on another, often much longer, waiting list for the operation.

Recent NHS statistics from 2024 highlight the scale of the challenge. The median waiting time for trauma and orthopaedic treatment, which includes hip replacements, was over 14 weeks. Worryingly, tens of thousands of patients were waiting over a year for their procedure.

The Private Pathway (with PMI)

  1. GP Referral: You still visit your GP, but you ask for a private referral.
  2. Fast-Track Consultation: With PMI, you can typically see a specialist of your choice from your insurer's approved list within days or weeks, not months.
  3. Rapid Diagnostics: Any necessary MRI or CT scans are usually arranged within a few days at a private hospital or clinic.
  4. Swift Treatment: If surgery is needed, it can be scheduled at your convenience, often within a few weeks, at a private hospital.

The difference is clear: PMI bypasses the lengthy queues, getting you from diagnosis to treatment in a fraction of the time.

When is Hip Replacement Surgery Necessary?

A hip replacement, or total hip arthroplasty, is a major operation and is only recommended when other, less invasive treatments have failed to provide relief.

Your specialist will likely recommend surgery if:

  • Your hip pain is severe and limits your everyday activities (walking, bending, sleeping).
  • Non-surgical treatments are no longer effective.
  • Stiffness in your hip significantly restricts your ability to move or lift your leg.
  • X-rays show advanced arthritis or significant joint damage.

Non-Surgical Treatments Tried First:

  • Painkillers and Anti-inflammatories: Over-the-counter or prescription medications.
  • Physiotherapy: A targeted exercise programme to strengthen muscles around the hip and improve flexibility.
  • Steroid Injections: An injection directly into the hip joint to reduce inflammation and pain temporarily.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss to reduce stress on the joint and using a walking aid.

If these measures don't work, a hip replacement offers an excellent chance of relieving pain and restoring mobility. The procedure involves removing the damaged sections of your hip joint and replacing them with artificial parts (a prosthesis) typically made of metal, ceramic, or durable plastic.

The Role of Private Medical Insurance (PMI) for Hip Conditions

This is where private health cover truly proves its worth. A PMI policy is designed to cover the costs of private treatment for acute conditions that develop after you join.

The Golden Rule: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

It is absolutely essential to understand this point: standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. A condition is usually considered "pre-existing" if you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment for it in the five years before your policy start date.

Furthermore, PMI is for acute conditions (e.g., a hip injury requiring surgery, or osteoarthritis that newly develops and requires a replacement) and not for managing long-term chronic conditions.

This is why it's wise to consider taking out cover when you are healthy, before problems arise.

How PMI Underwriting Affects Cover for Hip Pain

When you apply for PMI, the insurer will underwrite your application to determine what they will and won't cover.

Underwriting TypeHow It Works for Hip PainBest For...
Moratorium (Most Common)Your policy automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last 5 years. However, if you go 2 full years without symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.People who want a quick and simple application process without a full medical questionnaire.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer assesses your medical history and may permanently exclude specific conditions (e.g., "any issues with the right hip").People who want complete clarity from day one about what is and isn't covered.

At WeCovr, our expert advisors can explain these options in detail, helping you choose the underwriting method that best suits your personal circumstances.

What Does a PMI Policy Typically Cover for a Hip Replacement?

A comprehensive PMI policy can cover the entire private treatment journey:

  • Specialist Consultations: The initial and follow-up appointments with your orthopaedic surgeon.
  • Diagnostic Tests: The full cost of MRI scans, CT scans, and X-rays.
  • Hospital Fees: The cost of the hospital room (usually a private, en-suite room), operating theatre, and nursing care.
  • Surgeon and Anaesthetist Fees: The fees charged by the medical team performing your surgery.
  • Post-Operative Physiotherapy: A course of physiotherapy to aid your recovery and rehabilitation, which is crucial for a successful outcome.

Comparing NHS vs. Private Hip Replacement Surgery

To see the benefits of PMI clearly, let's compare the two pathways side-by-side.

FeatureNHS PathwayPrivate Pathway (with PMI)
Waiting TimeCan be 18 weeks to over a year from GP referral to surgery.A few weeks from GP referral to surgery.
Choice of SurgeonYou will be treated by the available surgeon and team on the day.You can choose your consultant surgeon from your insurer's approved list.
Choice of HospitalYou will be treated at an NHS hospital assigned to you.You can choose from a list of high-quality private hospitals.
Hospital RoomTypically a shared ward with several other patients.A private, en-suite room with a TV, WiFi, and flexible visiting hours.
Surgery SchedulingYour surgery date is fixed by the hospital and can be cancelled at short notice.Your surgery is scheduled at a time that is convenient for you.
Post-Op CarePhysiotherapy may be provided in group sessions with limited availability.One-to-one physiotherapy sessions are usually included in your cover.
CostFree at the point of use, funded by taxation.Can cost £12,000 - £15,000+ if self-funding. Covered by your PMI policy (subject to your excess).

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover for Orthopaedic Needs

Not all PMI policies are the same. When considering cover, especially with potential orthopaedic needs in mind, you need to look at a few key features:

  • Outpatient Cover: This pays for your initial consultations and diagnostic scans. Some policies have a limit (e.g., £1,000 per year), while others offer full cover. A higher limit is better for ensuring all pre-op investigations are paid for.
  • Hospital List: Insurers have different tiers of hospitals they work with. Ensure the hospitals near you, and those with leading orthopaedic departments, are on your chosen list.
  • Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will lower your monthly premium, but you'll have to pay that amount if you need treatment.
  • Therapies Cover: Check that the policy includes a good level of cover for post-operative physiotherapy, as this is vital for your recovery.

Navigating these options can be complex. As an independent PMI broker, WeCovr compares policies from across the market to find the one that offers the best value and the most appropriate level of cover for you, all at no cost for our advice.

Beyond Surgery: Wellness and Recovery Tips for Healthy Hips

Maintaining good hip health isn't just about surgery. A proactive approach to wellness can help prevent problems, aid recovery, and improve your overall quality of life.

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Every extra pound you carry puts several extra pounds of pressure on your hip joints. Keeping your weight in a healthy range is the single best thing you can do for your joints. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you achieve your weight management goals.
  • Eat for Your Joints: A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for strong bones. Anti-inflammatory foods, such as oily fish, nuts, and leafy greens, can also help manage symptoms of arthritis.
  • Stay Active with Low-Impact Exercise: High-impact activities like running can stress the hips. Opt for joint-friendly exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking. Strengthening the muscles in your glutes, quads, and core provides better support for your hip joints.
  • Listen to Your Body: Don't push through pain. If an activity hurts, stop. Rest is a crucial part of recovery and prevention.

Remember, if you purchase private medical or life insurance through WeCovr, you may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect your health and finances in one place.

Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing hip pain?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Any hip pain or related condition for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the 5 years before taking out cover will be excluded as a pre-existing condition. Some policies with moratorium underwriting may cover it later if you remain symptom-free for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts.

How much does a private hip replacement cost in the UK without insurance?

If you are paying for yourself (self-funding), the cost of a private hip replacement in the UK typically ranges from £12,000 to £15,000, and can sometimes be more. This price usually includes the surgeon's fees, hospital stay, the prosthesis, and some initial post-operative physiotherapy. A private medical insurance policy can cover these costs, making private treatment much more accessible.

What's the waiting time for a hip replacement on the NHS vs. privately?

On the NHS, the target is to treat patients within 18 weeks of a GP referral, but recent data from 2024 shows median waits for orthopaedics are often around 14 weeks, with many people waiting much longer, sometimes over a year. Privately, with PMI, you can often see a specialist within a week or two and have the surgery scheduled within a few weeks after that, dramatically reducing the time spent in pain.

Can I choose my surgeon and hospital with private health cover?

Yes, one of the main benefits of private health cover is choice. Your insurer will provide you with a list of approved specialists and private hospitals. This allows you to research and select a leading surgeon and a hospital that is convenient for you and has excellent facilities, giving you greater control over your care.

Does WeCovr charge a fee for helping me find a policy?

No, our expert advice and comparison service is completely free for you. WeCovr is an independent broker, and we receive a commission from the insurance provider if you decide to purchase a policy through us. Our priority is to provide you with impartial, expert guidance to help you find the best possible cover for your needs and budget.

Ready to explore your options for private health cover? The expert advisors at WeCovr are here to help. We compare policies from leading UK insurers to find the right fit for you.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today and take the first step towards faster access to the care you deserve.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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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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