Login

How Are Premiums Calculated for Private Health Insurance

How Are Premiums Calculated for Private Health Insurance

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we at WeCovr know that understanding the cost of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. This guide breaks down exactly how insurers calculate your premiums, giving you the expert knowledge to make an informed choice.

Private health insurance is a personal contract between you and an insurer. The price you pay, known as the premium, reflects the insurer's assessment of the likelihood you will need to claim for private medical treatment. This isn't a random figure; it's a carefully calculated sum based on a combination of personal details, policy choices, and wider market forces.

Let's demystify these factors one by one.

The 6 Core Factors That Determine Your PMI Premium

Your final premium is a blend of several key ingredients. While some you can't change (like your age), others you can adjust to find a price that fits your budget.

1. Your Age: The Most Significant Factor

It's a simple fact of life: as we get older, we are more likely to require medical care. Insurers view age as the primary indicator of risk.

  • Why does age matter so much? From a statistical standpoint, the incidence of many health conditions, from joint problems to heart disease and cancer, increases with age. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) consistently shows a higher prevalence of long-term health conditions in older age groups.
  • How it impacts your premium: Premiums rise in line with age. The increases are typically modest in your 20s and 30s but can become more significant from your 50s onwards. Insurers have detailed actuarial tables that map out the statistical risk for every year of age.

Example: Illustrative Monthly Premium by Age

This table shows how a premium for the same level of cover can change purely based on age. These are illustrative figures for a non-smoker in a mid-cost UK region.

Age BracketIllustrative Monthly PremiumWhy the Change?
30-39£45Lower statistical risk of needing major medical treatment.
40-49£65Risk begins to increase for various conditions.
50-59£90Significant increase in risk for age-related illnesses.
60-69£140Higher likelihood of claims for joint replacements, cardiac care, etc.

2. Your Postcode: Location, Location, Location

Where you live in the UK has a direct and surprisingly large impact on your private health insurance costs. This is because the cost of private medical treatment varies dramatically across the country.

  • The "London Effect": Central London hospitals, with their world-renowned specialists and high operating costs, are the most expensive in the UK. A policy that includes access to these facilities will carry a much higher premium.
  • Hospital Lists: Insurers manage this by creating "hospital lists." A basic policy might give you access to a national network of good-quality private hospitals but exclude the premium-priced ones in Central London. A comprehensive policy will offer a wider choice, including those top-tier London hospitals, but at a higher cost.

Example: Illustrative Monthly Premium by Postcode

Here's how the same policy for a 45-year-old might vary by location.

LocationIllustrative Monthly PremiumReason for Difference
Rural Scotland£55Lower private hospital and consultant fees.
Manchester£70Major city with higher costs than rural areas.
Central London£110Access to the most expensive private hospitals in the country.

An expert broker like WeCovr can help you understand the hospital list options and select one that provides excellent care in your area without you paying for access to hospitals you're unlikely to use.

3. Your Underwriting Type: How Your Medical History is Assessed

Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to assess your medical history and decide what they will and won't cover. This is a crucial choice that affects both your price and your cover.

Crucial Point: Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment. It does not cover chronic conditions (like diabetes or asthma) or pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy.

There are two main types of underwriting for new policies:

  1. Moratorium (MORI) Underwriting: This is the most common and straightforward option. You don't have to declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a blanket exclusion for any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the last five years.
    • The "2-5-2 Rule": A pre-existing condition might become eligible for cover after you've held the policy for two continuous years, provided you have had no symptoms, treatment, medication, or advice for that condition (or a related one) during that two-year period.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire, disclosing your entire medical history. The insurer's underwriting team then assesses this information and tells you from day one exactly what will be excluded from your policy.

Which Underwriting Type is Right for You?

FeatureMoratorium (MORI)Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Upfront ProcessQuick and simple. No medical questionnaire.Longer process. Requires a detailed health questionnaire.
Clarity on CoverSome initial uncertainty. Claims can be delayed while history is checked.Complete certainty from day one. You know exactly what is excluded.
Cover for Pre-existingConditions may become eligible for cover after a 2-year symptom-free period.Exclusions are usually permanent and written into the policy for life.
Best ForPeople with a clean bill of health or those who prefer a faster application.People with a complex medical history who want absolute clarity upfront.

For those switching providers, there is also Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) underwriting, which allows you to carry your existing exclusions over to a new insurer, ensuring continuous cover without new moratorium periods.

4. Your Level of Cover: Tailoring Your Benefits

This is where you have the most control. A "bare-bones" policy is much cheaper than an all-inclusive one. You can mix and match options to build a plan that suits your priorities and budget.

Key choices include:

  • Inpatient vs. Outpatient Cover:
    • Inpatient: Covers treatment when you are admitted to a hospital bed overnight. This is the core of any PMI policy.
    • Outpatient: Covers consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI scans), and procedures that don't require a hospital stay. Limiting or removing outpatient cover is a popular way to reduce premiums.
  • Cancer Cover: All standard PMI policies offer a good level of cancer care. However, "comprehensive" cancer cover provides access to a wider range of specialist drugs and therapies that may not be available on the NHS.
  • Mental Health Cover: Basic policies may offer limited cover, while more comprehensive plans provide extensive support for both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment.
  • Therapies: Cover for physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment can often be added or have its limits adjusted.
  • Add-ons: Options like dental, optical, and travel cover can be added for an extra cost.

Example: Basic vs. Comprehensive Cover

BenefitBasic Plan Example (£50/month)Comprehensive Plan Example (£95/month)
Inpatient/Day-patientFull CoverFull Cover
Outpatient Cover£500 limit per yearFull Cover
Cancer CoverStandard NHS-approved drugsComprehensive, including experimental drugs
Mental HealthLimited to outpatientFull inpatient and outpatient cover
TherapiesNot includedIncluded up to £1,000 per year

5. Your Excess: Sharing a Small Part of the Cost

An excess is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards a claim. It works just like the excess on your car or home insurance. For example, if you have a £250 excess and make a claim for a £3,000 procedure, you would pay the first £250 and the insurer would pay the remaining £2,750.

  • How it affects your premium: The higher the excess you choose, the lower your monthly or annual premium will be.
  • Common options: Excesses typically range from £0 to £1,000. Choosing a £250 or £500 excess can offer a good balance between premium savings and out-of-pocket cost if you do need to claim.

6. The "6-Week Option": A Smart Way to Save

This is a popular feature that can significantly lower your premium. If you choose the 6-week option, your private treatment will only be covered if the waiting time for that same treatment on the NHS is longer than six weeks. If the NHS can treat you within six weeks, you would use the NHS.

This is a fantastic compromise for many, ensuring you're never left waiting long for treatment while keeping your policy affordable. It’s private cover that works in partnership with the NHS.

Beyond your personal circumstances, wider economic and social trends are pushing private health cover prices up. Understanding these helps explain why your renewal premium might increase.

  • Soaring NHS Waiting Lists: The single biggest driver of demand for PMI. As of mid-2025, NHS England's waiting list for routine consultant-led treatment remains stubbornly high, with millions of people waiting. This long wait for diagnostics and surgery pushes more people towards the private sector, increasing demand and therefore claim costs for insurers.
  • Medical Inflation: The cost of healthcare consistently rises faster than general inflation (the Consumer Price Index). In 2025, medical inflation is running at an estimated 8-10%. This is driven by:
    • The cost of new, more effective drugs and treatments.
    • Advances in complex diagnostic and surgical technology.
    • Increased wages for highly skilled medical staff.
  • Insurance Premium Tax (IPT): This is a government tax on all general insurance policies, including PMI. It currently stands at 12% and is automatically added to your premium. Any future rise in IPT would directly increase your cost.
  • Increased Use of Mental Health Services: The post-pandemic era has seen a necessary and welcome increase in people seeking support for mental health. This increases the volume of claims for psychiatric and therapy services, which insurers must factor into their pricing.

How WeCovr Helps You Find the Best Value

Navigating these variables can be daunting. As an independent and FCA-authorised PMI broker, WeCovr does the hard work for you.

  • We Compare the Whole Market: We have access to policies from all the leading UK providers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, and Aviva. We compare their prices, benefits, and hospital lists side-by-side.
  • Expert, Personalised Advice: Our experts take the time to understand your needs, budget, and health priorities. We can explain the pros and cons of a moratorium vs. full medical underwriting, or help you decide if a £1,000 outpatient limit is right for you. Our advice comes at no cost to you.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange a policy through us, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. We also offer discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection, if you hold a PMI policy with us. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding you the right cover.

A Note on Wellness: Taking Control of Your Health

While healthy habits don't directly give you a discount on a new PMI policy, they are the best long-term investment you can make. Many insurers, like Vitality, now actively reward healthy behaviour with perks and even premium reductions at renewal.

  • Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.
  • Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. Even a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week makes a huge difference.
  • Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's vital for mental resilience, immune function, and physical recovery.

By taking proactive steps to manage your health, you not only improve your quality of life but also reduce your long-term reliance on medical services, whether public or private.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are my pre-existing medical conditions covered by private health insurance?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Pre-existing conditions and chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma) are typically excluded. However, if you choose 'Moratorium' underwriting, a pre-existing condition may become eligible for cover after you have been on the policy for two years, provided you have been completely free of symptoms, treatment, and advice for it during that time.

Can I lower my PMI premium once my policy has started?

Yes, you absolutely can. The best time to review your cover is at your annual renewal. You can speak to your broker to explore options like increasing your excess, adding the 6-week option, reducing your outpatient cover limit, or changing your hospital list to a more local network. These adjustments can make a significant difference to your renewal price without compromising on core inpatient cover.

Why does a policy that includes London hospitals cost so much more?

The cost is higher simply because the cost of providing private medical treatment in Central London is significantly more expensive than anywhere else in the UK. This is due to higher property costs, staff wages, and the concentration of highly specialised consultants and cutting-edge facilities. Insurers pass this cost on through higher premiums for policies that grant access to these top-tier hospitals.

Does being a smoker or vaper affect my private health insurance premium?

Yes, it often does. Many insurers will ask about your smoking or vaping status in their application. As smoking is a major risk factor for a wide range of health issues, including cancer and heart disease, insurers may charge a higher premium for smokers. The exact increase varies by insurer, but it reflects the higher statistical likelihood of future claims.

Ready to Find the Right Cover at the Right Price?

Understanding how premiums are calculated puts you in control. The next step is to see what this means for you.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert team will compare the market and help you build a private medical insurance policy that protects your health and your budget.


Related guides


Get A Free Quote

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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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.


Learn more


...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.