Login

How Fast Can Rugby Players Get Treatment with Private Medical Insurance

How Fast Can Rugby Players Get Treatment with Private...

As an FCA-authorised UK insurance broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the critical need for speed when injury strikes. For rugby players, private medical insurance isn't a luxury; it's a vital tool for rapid recovery, bypassing lengthy waiting lists and getting back on the pitch.

WeCovr explains typical NHS vs PMI waiting times for sports injuries and how PMI accelerates recovery

Rugby is a sport of passion, power, and unfortunately, a high risk of injury. From a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a tackle to a dislocated shoulder in a ruck, the physical toll is immense. While the immediate emergency care provided by the NHS is world-class, the subsequent journey for diagnosis, specialist consultation, and non-urgent surgery can be frustratingly long. This is where private medical insurance (PMI) fundamentally changes the game for amateur and semi-professional players.

This guide will break down the typical treatment pathways, compare NHS and private waiting times, and explain how having the right private health cover can be the difference between a season on the sidelines and a swift, confident return to the sport you love.

The Brutal Reality of Rugby Injuries: Why Speed is Everything

The high-impact, full-contact nature of rugby union and league leads to a predictable yet painful list of common injuries. Understanding these is the first step to appreciating why fast access to treatment is so crucial.

Common Rugby Injuries Include:

  • Knee Ligament Tears: Particularly the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL).
  • Shoulder Injuries: Dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and Acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprains.
  • Ankle Sprains and Fractures: A constant risk from tackles and awkward landings.
  • Muscle Strains and Tears: Hamstrings, calves, and quadriceps are frequently affected.
  • Concussion: A serious head injury requiring careful management and a graduated return to play.
  • Fractures: Collarbones, wrists, and fingers are common sites.

For any athlete, a delay in treatment isn't just an inconvenience; it's a significant threat to their physical and mental well-being.

Consequences of Delayed Treatment:

  1. Longer Recovery Time: An injury left untreated can worsen. Muscle atrophy (wasting) begins quickly, and joints can stiffen, making rehabilitation harder and longer.
  2. Risk of Chronic Conditions: An improperly healed joint or ligament can lead to long-term instability, pain, and an increased risk of osteoarthritis later in life.
  3. Impact on Career and Life: For those who play at a high amateur level or rely on physical fitness for their job, a long layoff can have financial and professional consequences.
  4. Mental Health Toll: Being unable to play, train, and socialise with teammates can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and depression.

The National Health Service is a national treasure, providing exceptional care to millions. However, it is currently facing unprecedented demand, which has resulted in significant waiting times for elective (non-emergency) care.

Here’s the typical journey for a rugby player with a serious, but not life-threatening, injury like a suspected ACL tear:

  1. Initial GP Appointment: The first step is to see your GP. Depending on your surgery, securing a non-urgent appointment can take days or even weeks.
  2. GP Referral: The GP will assess your injury and, if necessary, refer you to an NHS specialist, such as an orthopaedic consultant or a musculoskeletal (MSK) service.
  3. The Referral to Treatment (RTT) Wait: This is where the most significant delays occur. You are now on the NHS waiting list. The official NHS target is for 92% of patients to wait no more than 18 weeks from their GP referral to receiving treatment.

Unfortunately, this target is not being met. According to the latest NHS England statistics, the reality is starkly different.

NHS Waiting Times at a Glance (Data as of early 2025)

MetricLatest NHS England FigureWhat This Means for You
Total Waiting ListOver 7.5 millionYou are joining a very long queue for planned treatment.
Median Wait TimeApprox. 14-15 weeksThis is the average time people wait—half wait longer.
Waiting over 18 WeeksOver 3 million peopleA significant portion of patients wait longer than the official target.
Waiting over 52 WeeksOver 300,000 peopleHundreds of thousands have been waiting for a year or more for treatment.

Source: NHS England, Referral to Treatment (RTT) Waiting Times Data.

Let's apply this to a real-world scenario.

Typical NHS Timeline for an ACL Rupture

StageActionEstimated Time
1Injury OccursDay 1
2GP Appointment1-2 weeks
3Wait for Specialist Consultation6-10 weeks
4Wait for Diagnostic Scan (MRI)4-8 weeks
5Follow-up with Specialist4-6 weeks
6Wait for Surgery12-24+ weeks
Total Time (Injury to Surgery)Approx. 27 - 52+ weeks (6 to 12+ months)

This timeline means a player could easily miss an entire rugby season, if not more, just waiting for surgery.

The Private Medical Insurance Fast-Track: How PMI Changes the Game

Private medical insurance provides a parallel system designed for speed and choice. It allows you to bypass the NHS queues for eligible, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

Here's the PMI pathway for the same ACL injury:

  1. Get a Referral: You still need a referral. This can come from your NHS GP, or even faster, via a Private Virtual GP service, which is included with most modern PMI policies. You can often get a same-day video consultation.
  2. See a Specialist: With the referral, you can book an appointment with a private consultant of your choice, often within a few days.
  3. Rapid Diagnostics: The consultant will refer you for an MRI scan. In the private sector, this can usually be arranged within 24-72 hours.
  4. Swift Treatment: Once the diagnosis is confirmed, surgery can be scheduled at a private hospital at a time that suits you, typically within one to two weeks.

Let's see how this transforms the recovery timeline.

Comparison Table: NHS vs. Private Treatment Timeline for an ACL Rupture

StageTypical NHS TimelineTypical PMI Timeline
GP/GP Referral1-2 weeks0-2 days (using Virtual GP)
Specialist Consultation6-10 weeks3-7 days
MRI Scan4-8 weeks1-3 days
Surgery12-24+ weeks1-2 weeks
Total Time to Surgery6 - 12+ months2 - 4 weeks

The difference is staggering. With private health cover, a rugby player can be operated on and starting their formal rehabilitation programme before they might have even had their first specialist appointment on the NHS.

Crucial Clarification: Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions (illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment) that begin after you take out the policy. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like asthma or diabetes).

What Does a Typical UK Private Health Insurance Policy Cover for Rugby Players?

While policies vary, most are built around a core offering with optional extras. For a rugby player, a comprehensive policy is key.

Core and Optional Benefits

  • In-patient & Day-patient Treatment (Core): This is the foundation of all PMI policies. It covers costs for surgery, hospital accommodation, nursing care, and consultant fees when you are admitted to a hospital bed.
  • Out-patient Cover (Crucial Add-on): This is arguably the most important component for accelerating diagnosis. It covers:
    • Specialist Consultations: Seeing the orthopaedic surgeon in the first place.
    • Diagnostic Tests and Scans: Paying for that vital MRI, CT, or X-ray without the wait.
    • Some policies offer a set monetary limit (e.g., £1,000), while others offer full cover. For sports injuries, full cover is recommended.
  • Therapies Cover: This covers post-operative rehabilitation like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care. Policies will specify a number of sessions. This is essential for a structured and effective recovery.
  • Mental Health Support: Recognising the psychological impact of injury, many of the best PMI providers now include cover for consultations with psychologists or psychiatrists and access to mental health helplines.

What is Typically Not Covered?

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any injury or illness you had before the policy started.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed.
  • A&E / Emergency Treatment: If you have a serious, life-threatening injury on the pitch, you will always be taken to an NHS A&E department. PMI kicks in for the subsequent elective treatment.
  • Professional Sports: Standard policies explicitly exclude injuries sustained while playing sport professionally (i.e., being paid a salary). Amateur players are usually covered, but it's vital to check the policy wording. Semi-professionals may need a specialist policy.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover: A Guide for Players and Clubs

Selecting the right policy involves balancing cost and coverage. Working with an experienced PMI broker like WeCovr can demystify the process, as we compare the market for you at no cost.

Here are the key factors that determine your policy and premium:

  1. Level of Underwriting:

    • Moratorium (Most Common): You don't declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last 5 years. This exclusion can be lifted if you go 2 full years on the policy without any issues relating to that condition.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide your full medical history. The insurer assesses it and states upfront exactly what is and isn't covered. This provides certainty but may result in permanent exclusions.
  2. Policy Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. Choosing a higher excess (e.g., £250 or £500) will significantly lower your monthly premium.

  3. Hospital List: Insurers have tiered hospital lists. A policy covering a nationwide list of premium hospitals (e.g., in Central London) will cost more than one with a more restricted local network.

  4. The "Six Week Option": This is a popular way to reduce costs. If the NHS waiting list for your required in-patient procedure is less than six weeks, you agree to use the NHS. If it's longer, your private cover kicks in. Given the current waiting times, this option almost always results in the patient being treated privately.

Beyond Treatment: How PMI Supports a Holistic Recovery

Modern private health cover is about more than just surgery. The best PMI providers offer a suite of benefits designed to keep you healthy and support your recovery in every way possible.

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Speak to a doctor via video call anytime, anywhere, often with same-day appointments. Perfect for getting a quick diagnosis or a referral.
  • Wellness and Fitness Rewards: Many insurers offer discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and even reward you for staying active.
  • Nutrition Support: A balanced diet is critical for healing and performance. As a WeCovr client, for example, you gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered nutrition app, to help you manage your diet effectively during recovery and training.
  • Mental Health Helplines: Confidential access to trained counsellors to help you cope with the stress and frustration of being injured.
  • Second Medical Opinions: If you have doubts about a diagnosis or proposed treatment plan, the insurer can arrange for another leading specialist to review your case.

Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr can often benefit from discounts on other types of insurance, providing even greater value.

Real-Life Scenarios: Amateur vs. Professional Rugby Players

How PMI applies depends heavily on your playing status.

Scenario 1: The Amateur Club Player

Alex plays for his local club. During a match, he tears his MCL.

  • NHS Route: He faces a 2-week wait for a GP, a 10-week wait to see a specialist, and a 6-week wait for an MRI. Total time to diagnosis: 4-5 months. He misses the rest of the season.
  • PMI Route: He uses his policy's virtual GP that evening. He sees a private orthopaedic consultant four days later, who arranges an MRI for the next day. A definitive diagnosis is made within one week. He begins a structured physiotherapy programme immediately, paid for by his insurance. He is back playing in 8-10 weeks.

Scenario 2: The Professional Player

Ben plays for a Premiership club and is a salaried employee.

  • Standard PMI: His policy would not cover an injury sustained during a match or training, as this is considered professional sport.
  • Club-Provided PMI: His club will have a specialist group private medical insurance scheme designed specifically for professional athletes. This is a non-negotiable part of a pro club's duty of care. The cover is comprehensive and instantly accessible, managed by the club's medical team.

For rugby players at every level below the top professional tier, having a personal private medical insurance UK policy is the single most effective way to protect yourself from the career- and life-disrupting impact of long NHS waiting lists.

Does standard private medical insurance cover injuries from playing amateur rugby?

Generally, yes. Most standard UK PMI policies will cover injuries sustained during amateur sports, including rugby. However, it is absolutely essential to read the policy's terms and conditions or speak to an adviser. Some policies may have specific exclusions for sports deemed "hazardous." They will not cover injuries from professional or semi-professional sport where you are paid a wage.

Can I get PMI if I have a pre-existing injury, like a bad knee?

You can still get PMI, but the policy will not cover the pre-existing condition itself or any related issues. For example, if you have a history of knee trouble, a new policy will exclude that knee from cover. However, it would still cover you for any new, unrelated acute injuries, such as a shoulder dislocation or a broken wrist that occurs after the policy starts.

Is physiotherapy covered by private health insurance?

Yes, physiotherapy is a key benefit and is included in most comprehensive private health insurance plans, especially those with out-patient cover. The policy will usually specify a set number of sessions per condition or a monetary limit. This is vital for ensuring a full and safe recovery after a rugby injury.

How much does PMI cost for a healthy 30-year-old rugby player?

The cost of private health cover varies widely based on your age, location, the level of cover you choose, the excess you select, and the hospital list. A basic plan could start from £40-£50 per month, while a fully comprehensive plan with zero excess and full out-patient cover could be £80-£100+ per month. The best way to find out is to get personalised quotes from an expert broker like WeCovr, who can compare leading providers for you.

Take Control of Your Recovery Today

For a rugby player, your body is your most important asset. While the NHS is there for emergencies, you cannot afford to leave your recovery from serious injury to chance and long waiting lists. Private medical insurance gives you control, providing a direct route to the UK's leading specialists and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring you get the treatment you need, when you need it.

Ready to protect yourself? The team of experts at WeCovr can help you navigate the market. We compare policies from all the leading UK insurers to find the perfect cover for your needs and budget, all at no cost to you.

Get Your Free, No-Obligation PMI Quote from WeCovr Today


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.