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Hospital Lists and Guided Consultant Options Explained

Hospital Lists and Guided Consultant Options Explained 2026

WeCovr clarifies how hospital networks and guided consultant plans affect your PMI cover

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that terms like 'hospital lists' and 'guided consultants' can be confusing. This guide breaks down exactly what they mean, how they impact your cover and your premiums, and how you can make the smartest choice for your health and your budget.

Your choice of hospital network and consultant access are two of the most significant factors that determine the cost of your private health cover. Understanding them is the key to unlocking a policy that provides the right level of care without unnecessary expense.

The Foundation of Your Policy: What Are Hospital Lists?

At its simplest, a hospital list is the network of private hospitals, clinics, and treatment centres where you can receive care funded by your insurance policy. Insurers don't just partner with every private hospital in the country. Instead, they carefully curate lists based on several factors:

  • Cost Negotiation: Insurers negotiate preferential rates for treatments and accommodation with specific hospital groups. This cost control is a primary reason hospital lists exist, and these savings are often passed on to you through lower premiums.
  • Quality Assurance: Insurers vet the hospitals in their networks to ensure they meet high standards of clinical excellence, safety, and patient care.
  • Geographical Coverage: They aim to provide a reasonable spread of facilities across the UK, ensuring members can access care without excessive travel.

When you buy a PMI policy, you are effectively buying access to one of these lists. If you choose to have treatment at a hospital not on your chosen list, your insurer will likely not cover the costs, leaving you with a significant bill.

Crucial Point: It's vital to remember that standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses or injuries that are short-term and likely to respond quickly to treatment. It does not cover pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy, nor does it cover chronic conditions, which are long-term and require ongoing management (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure).

Decoding the Tiers: From Local Essentials to Premium London Access

Insurers typically offer several tiers of hospital lists, allowing you to tailor your cover to your location and budget. While the names vary between providers (e.g., 'Key', 'Signature', 'Extended'), they generally fall into three main categories.

Hospital List TierTypical InclusionsWho Is It Good For?Impact on Premium
Local / Entry-LevelA curated list of private hospitals and clinics within a specific region or from a single hospital group (e.g., Nuffield Health, Spire Healthcare). Excludes premium central London hospitals.Individuals on a tighter budget who are happy with excellent local facilities and don't need access to top-tier London hospitals.Lowest Cost
National / StandardA comprehensive list of several hundred private hospitals across the UK, including those from major groups like Circle Health, Ramsay, and Nuffield. May have limited or no access to the most expensive London facilities.The majority of UK residents. It offers a fantastic balance of choice, nationwide coverage, and affordability.Mid-Range Cost
Premium / LondonAn extensive list that includes everything in the National tier, plus the most prestigious and expensive private hospitals in central London (e.g., The London Clinic, The Lister Hospital, Cromwell Hospital).Those who live or work in London, or who want the peace of mind of having access to leading specialists and cutting-edge facilities, regardless of cost.Highest Cost

Real-Life Example:

  • Jane in York: Jane wants PMI for peace of mind but is budget-conscious. She reviews the local hospitals and finds several highly-rated Spire and Nuffield hospitals nearby. A 'Local' list that includes these facilities is a perfect, cost-effective fit. She would be paying a premium for a 'London' list she would likely never use.
  • David in London: David works in the City and wants the option to see a top specialist in Harley Street without delay. For him, paying extra for a 'Premium' list is a worthwhile investment for the convenience and access it provides.

How to Choose the Right Hospital List for You

Selecting the right hospital list is a personal decision. Don't just default to the cheapest or most expensive option. Here’s a checklist to guide your thinking:

  1. Where do you live and work? Check which hospitals on each list are realistically within a reasonable travel distance from your home and workplace. An insurer's online portal will usually have a hospital finder tool.
  2. What's your budget? Be honest about what you can comfortably afford. Opting for a more restricted list can reduce your premium by 20-30% or more compared to a comprehensive one.
  3. Do you have a specific hospital in mind? If you know you would only ever want to be treated at a particular local hospital, check if it's included on the more basic lists. If it is, there's no need to pay for a more expensive tier.
  4. How important is London access? For most of the UK population, a national list provides more than enough choice. Only consider a premium London list if you live nearby or feel strongly about having that option available for complex conditions.

Comparing these options across different providers can be time-consuming. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can quickly analyse your needs and present you with quotes that match the right hospital list to your circumstances and budget, at no cost to you.

A New Way to Save: Understanding Guided Consultant Options

Alongside hospital lists, the other major choice affecting your premium is how you access a specialist, or consultant. Traditionally, if your GP referred you for private treatment, you could choose any consultant recognised by your insurer.

A Guided Consultant option (sometimes called 'Open Referral' or 'Guided Option') changes this.

Instead of having a free choice from hundreds of recognised consultants, your insurer provides you with a shortlist of 3-5 specialists they have selected and approved for your specific condition. You then choose who you want to see from that smaller, curated list.

Why do insurers offer this? The simple answer is cost. Insurers build networks of consultants who are proven to provide high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective care. By guiding you to these specialists, they can manage costs better and pass those significant savings directly on to you in the form of a lower premium.

Weighing Your Options: The Pros and Cons of Guided Plans

A guided option is a fantastic way to make private health cover more affordable, but it's not for everyone. It's essential to understand the trade-offs.

AspectPros of a Guided Consultant Plan 👍Cons of a Guided Consultant Plan 👎
CostSignificant Premium Reduction. This is the main benefit. Choosing a guided option can reduce your monthly premium by a further 15-25%.You are paying for the flexibility of choice, which is reflected in a higher premium.
ChoiceThe insurer's list is vetted for quality and clinical outcomes. You are still given a choice, just from a smaller, pre-approved pool.Reduced Choice. You cannot choose a specific consultant recommended by your GP or a friend if they are not on the insurer's list.
ConvenienceThe process is often simpler and faster. The insurer does the research for you, presenting you with a list of available, appropriate specialists.You may need to research consultants yourself to make a choice, which can take time.
ExpertiseYou are guided to specialists who have a proven track record with your insurer and are often leaders in their field.The "best" consultant is subjective. Your preferred choice might be based on personal recommendation or specific research interests.

In a nutshell: If your priority is getting fast access to high-quality care at the lowest possible price, a Guided Consultant option is an excellent choice. If you value having complete freedom to choose your own specialist, you should opt for a traditional 'Full Consultant Choice' policy and accept the higher premium.

The Financial Impact: A Clear Comparison

Let's see how these choices affect the bottom line. The table below shows estimated monthly premiums for a healthy, non-smoking 40-year-old living in Bristol. These are illustrative figures to demonstrate the impact of your choices.

Policy ConfigurationEstimated Monthly PremiumKey Feature
Option 1: Maximum Flexibility£120Premium/National Hospital List + Full Consultant Choice
Option 2: Balanced Choice£95National Hospital List + Guided Consultant Option
Option 3: Budget Focused£70Local Hospital List + Guided Consultant Option

As you can see, simply by opting for a local hospital list and a guided consultant plan, you could potentially halve your premium while still securing fast access to high-quality private treatment.

Your Health, Your Choices, Your Partner

At WeCovr, we believe that everyone deserves to understand their health insurance options clearly. Our job is to demystify the jargon and help you build a policy that fits your life perfectly. When you get a quote with us, we don't just give you prices; we explain why those prices are what they are, breaking down the impact of the hospital list and consultant options.

Furthermore, we're committed to your long-term wellbeing. All our health and life insurance clients receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you stay on top of your health goals. Plus, holding a policy with us can unlock discounts on other insurance products you might need, from travel to home cover. Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing clear, expert, and supportive service.

Private Healthcare's Role Alongside the NHS

Private medical insurance is not a replacement for the National Health Service. The NHS provides excellent emergency care and manages chronic conditions for the entire population. PMI works alongside it, primarily offering a solution to one of the NHS's biggest challenges: waiting lists for planned treatments.

According to the latest NHS England data from mid-2024, the referral-to-treatment (RTT) waiting list remains a significant concern, with millions of people waiting for routine procedures. The median waiting time can be several months for certain specialities.

PMI offers a parallel path. For an acute condition like a hernia requiring surgery, debilitating joint pain needing a hip replacement, or diagnostic tests for worrying symptoms, PMI allows you to bypass the NHS queue and be seen and treated in a matter of weeks, not months or years.

Real-Life Scenarios: Making the Right Choice

Let's look at how these choices play out for different people.

  • Scenario 1: The Young Professional in Birmingham

    • Chloe, 28, is a graphic designer. She's healthy but wants to avoid long waits if she needs treatment. Her budget is tight.
    • WeCovr's Advice: We'd recommend a policy with a Local Hospital List and a Guided Consultant Option. This gives her access to great local hospitals like the Priory and Edgbaston, and the guided option keeps her premium extremely competitive. For her, affordability and speed are key, not an exhaustive choice of specialists.
  • Scenario 2: The Family in a Rural Area

    • The Harris Family in Northumberland want cover for themselves and their two children. Access to London is not a priority, but they want a good choice of hospitals across the North East and Scotland.
    • WeCovr's Advice: A National Hospital List is perfect. It provides comprehensive coverage without the unnecessary cost of premium London hospitals. They might opt for Full Consultant Choice to give them more flexibility, especially for paediatric care, creating a balanced mid-range policy.
  • Scenario 3: The Retiree Concerned About a Specific Condition

    • Arthur, 68, lives in Kent and has a family history of heart problems. He wants the peace of mind of knowing he can access a leading cardiac surgeon in London if needed.
    • WeCovr's Advice: For Arthur, the higher cost of a Premium Hospital List is a worthwhile investment. We'd also suggest Full Consultant Choice so that if his GP recommends a specific, renowned surgeon, his policy will cover it. The peace of mind this provides outweighs the extra cost.

Proactive Wellness: The Best Insurance Policy

While private medical insurance is an invaluable tool for when things go wrong, the best strategy is always proactive health management. Making small, consistent lifestyle improvements can have a huge impact on your long-term health and reduce your chances of needing treatment in the first place.

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Use an app like our complimentary CalorieHero to understand your nutritional intake.
  • Regular Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or cycling, per week. Find an activity you enjoy to make it a sustainable habit.
  • Quality Sleep: Prioritise 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's crucial for physical and mental recovery, immune function, and cognitive health.
  • Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your day, whether it's mindfulness, yoga, reading, or spending time in nature. Chronic stress has a significant negative impact on health.

Taking control of your wellness puts you in the driver's seat. Your PMI policy is your safety net, there to catch you when you need it.


Can I change my hospital list during my policy term?

Generally, you cannot change your hospital list mid-way through your annual policy term. You can, however, request to upgrade or downgrade your list at your yearly renewal. Upgrading to a more comprehensive list may require fresh medical underwriting, whereas downgrading to save money is usually straightforward. It's best to discuss this with your broker before your renewal date.

What happens if the consultant I want isn't on my insurer's 'Guided' list?

If you have a 'Guided Consultant' or 'Open Referral' policy, you must choose a specialist from the shortlist your insurer provides. If you decide to see a consultant who is not on that list, your insurer will not cover the costs, and you would be responsible for paying their fees yourself. This is the fundamental trade-off for the significant premium discount that guided plans offer.

What is the difference between an acute and a chronic condition?

This is a critical distinction for private medical insurance UK. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., joint replacement, cataract surgery, hernia repair). Standard PMI is designed to cover these. A chronic condition is one that has no known cure and requires long-term monitoring and management (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, Crohn's disease). PMI does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.

Does my postcode affect the price and options for my private health cover?

Yes, your postcode has a significant impact on your premium. Insurers use your address to determine the cost of private healthcare in your area. For example, premiums are typically highest in Central London and the South East due to the higher operational costs of hospitals there. Your location also determines which 'Local' hospital list options are available to you.

Ready to Find the Perfect PMI Policy?

Making the right choice on hospital lists and consultant access is the key to getting the best value from your private medical insurance. You don't have to navigate these options alone.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will help you compare plans from leading UK providers, explaining all your options in plain English, ensuring you get the right cover at the best possible price.


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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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