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How Long Do Claims Take to Be Paid Out

How Long Do Claims Take to Be Paid Out 2025

Considering private medical insurance in the UK? At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies of all types, a key question we hear is about claims. This guide explains the process, expected 2025 timelines, and how to ensure a smooth experience when you need it most.

Averages for 2025, how to track, and what to do if you face a delay

When you're unwell, the last thing you want to worry about is paperwork and payments. Understanding how your private medical insurance (PMI) claim will be handled is crucial for your peace of mind. The good news is that the vast majority of claims are settled smoothly and efficiently, often without you ever seeing a bill.

In this definitive guide, we’ll break down the entire UK PMI claims process. We’ll look at expected timelines for 2025, explain the difference between direct settlement and reimbursement, and give you a practical plan for what to do if you encounter any delays.

Understanding the PMI Claims Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before we talk about timelines, it's vital to understand the typical journey of a claim. While specifics can vary slightly between insurers, the core process is remarkably consistent across the UK market.

  1. The Initial GP Visit: Your journey almost always begins with your NHS GP. You feel unwell or have a symptom you want checked out. Your GP assesses you and, if they feel further investigation or specialist treatment is needed, they will provide you with an 'open referral' letter. This letter doesn't name a specific specialist but confirms that you require one.

  2. Contacting Your Insurer for Pre-authorisation: This is the most critical step. Before you book any appointments or procedures, you must contact your insurance provider. You will provide them with details from your GP referral. The insurer will then:

    • Check that your policy covers the condition and proposed treatment.
    • Confirm you are within your policy's benefit limits.
    • Provide you with a list of approved specialists and hospitals from their network.
    • Issue a pre-authorisation number. This number is your golden ticket; it's the insurer's confirmation that they agree to cover the costs.

  3. Booking Your Treatment: With your pre-authorisation number in hand, you can now book your consultation, scans, or procedure with the approved specialist or hospital. You will need to give them your policy details and pre-authorisation number.

  4. Receiving Treatment: You attend your appointment and receive the private medical care you need, bypassing potential NHS waiting lists.

  5. Billing and Payment: This is where the "payout" happens. In most cases, the hospital or specialist will send their invoice directly to your insurance provider, quoting your pre-authorisation number. The insurer then pays the bill. You are kept informed but are not usually involved in the transaction itself.

Direct Settlement vs. Member Reimbursement: How You Get Paid

How a claim is paid has the biggest impact on the "payout time". There are two primary methods used by UK private health cover providers.

FeatureDirect Settlement (Most Common)Member Reimbursement (Less Common)
Who Pays the Bill?The insurer pays the hospital/specialist directly.You pay the hospital/specialist first.
Your RoleProvide your policy and pre-authorisation details. You rarely handle invoices.Collect all receipts and invoices. Submit a claim form to your insurer.
Cashflow ImpactNone. You do not need to have funds available to cover treatment costs.Significant. You must have the funds to pay for the treatment upfront.
Typical SpeedVery Fast. Once the invoice is received, payment is an accounting matter between the insurer and hospital, often settled in 7-21 days.Slower. You must wait for the insurer to process your paperwork and transfer the funds to your bank account, which can take 14-30 days from submission.
Best ForPeace of mind and convenience. This is the standard for over 95% of claims for scheduled, in-patient, or day-patient care in the UK.Rare situations, often for outpatient therapies like physiotherapy where you might pay per session, or if you use a provider outside the insurer's network (if your policy allows it).

As an expert PMI broker, WeCovr always recommends policies from insurers who primarily use direct settlement. It removes financial stress and administration for you at a time when your focus should be on your health.

A Crucial Point: What UK Private Health Insurance Does NOT Cover

It is absolutely essential to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK. Failure to grasp this is the number one source of confusion and rejected claims.

PMI is designed to cover ACUTE conditions that arise AFTER your policy begins.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair, or treatment for a sudden infection.
  • A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Standard PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.
  • A pre-existing condition is any ailment you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, in the years leading up to taking out your policy (typically the last 5 years). Standard PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions, at least not initially. Some policies may offer to cover them again if you remain symptom-free for a set period (usually 2 years) after your policy starts.

Understanding this principle—acute, new conditions only—will help you set the right expectations and ensure you use your policy correctly.

Average PMI Claim Payout Times: What to Expect in 2025

So, how long does it actually take? Based on industry data and the operational standards set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), here are the realistic timelines you can expect for 2025.

For Direct Settlement Claims (95%+ of cases)

When we talk about "payout time" here, we mean the time from the hospital sending the invoice to the insurer paying it.

  • Standard Processing Time: 7-14 working days.
  • Why so fast? The pre-authorisation has already done the heavy lifting. The insurer has accepted liability. When the invoice arrives, it's a straightforward administrative task to check it against the authorisation and process the payment. The UK's major insurers (like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality) have highly efficient digital systems for this.

You, the patient, often experience this as instantaneous. You have your treatment, you go home, and you never hear about the bill again.

For Member Reimbursement Claims (5% of cases)

For the few instances where you pay upfront, the clock starts when you submit your completed claim form and all receipts to the insurer.

  • Standard Processing Time: 14-30 days.
  • Why is it slower? A person at the insurance company needs to manually review your receipts, check them against your policy terms and pre-authorisation, and then process a BACS payment to your personal bank account. Any missing information or unclear receipts will cause delays.

FCA Consumer Duty and Prompt Payments

In 2023, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) introduced the Consumer Duty, a set of rules requiring financial services firms, including insurers, to deliver good outcomes for retail customers. A key part of this is the requirement to handle claims promptly and fairly. This has put additional positive pressure on insurers to maintain and improve their claims processing speeds, which is excellent news for policyholders.

Key Factors That Can Speed Up or Slow Down Your Claim

While the averages are a good guide, several factors can influence the speed of your individual claim.

Factors That Speed Up Claims:

  • Getting Pre-authorisation: This is the single most important thing you can do.
  • Using a Network-Approved Provider: Specialists and hospitals in an insurer's network have established billing relationships, making the process seamless.
  • Providing Complete and Accurate Information: When you first call to make a claim, have your policy number and GP referral details ready.
  • Clear Invoicing from the Hospital: Hospitals that provide clear, itemised bills with the correct codes make it easy for insurers to process.

Factors That Can Slow Down Claims:

  • No Pre-authorisation: If you have treatment without pre-authorisation, the insurer has to investigate your claim retrospectively. This causes major delays and risks the claim being rejected entirely.
  • Complex Medical Information: If the condition is unusual or there's ambiguity about whether it's acute or chronic, the insurer's clinical team may need more information from your specialist, which takes time.
  • Information Mismatches: Simple errors like a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect policy number on an invoice can cause it to be rejected by an automated system, requiring manual intervention.
  • Exceeding Benefit Limits: If the cost of treatment exceeds a specific limit on your policy (e.g., an outpatient limit), the insurer needs to calculate the shortfall, which can add a few days to the process.
  • Shortfall Payments: If you have a policy excess (e.g., £250), the insurer pays the hospital the total amount minus your excess. The hospital will then typically invoice you separately for that amount. This isn't a delay, but it's an extra step to be aware of.

How to Track Your Health Insurance Claim

Staying informed gives you control and reduces anxiety. Here’s how you can keep track of your claim's progress.

  1. The Insurer's Online Portal: Nearly all major UK PMI providers have secure online portals or mobile apps. Once your claim is logged, you can often see its status (e.g., "Awaiting Information," "Authorised," "Awaiting Invoice," "Paid"). This is the easiest and quickest way to check.
  2. Your Pre-Authorisation Number: Keep this number safe. It is the unique identifier for your claim. Whenever you contact your insurer, quoting this number will allow them to find your file instantly.
  3. Phone or Live Chat: Don't hesitate to call your insurer's claims helpline. Their teams are there to help and can give you real-time updates on what's happening.
  4. Your Broker: If you arranged your policy through an expert broker like WeCovr, they can often act on your behalf. A good broker can chase the insurer for you, clarify any issues, and keep you updated, saving you the time and stress.

"My Claim is Delayed!" - Common Reasons and How to Solve Them

Facing a delay is frustrating, but it's usually for a solvable reason. Here’s a table of common problems and what to do.

Common Reason for DelayWhat It MeansYour Best Action
"Awaiting Further Medical Information"The insurer's clinical team needs more details from your GP or specialist to confirm the condition is covered.Contact your specialist's secretary. Let them know the insurer has requested information and ask them to expedite the report. A polite follow-up can work wonders.
"Invoice Query"The hospital's invoice may have an error, a missing code, or a charge that wasn't pre-authorised.This is usually between the insurer and the hospital. You can call your insurer for an update, but they will typically resolve it themselves.
"Claim Under Review"This may happen if the treatment is very new, expensive, or if there's a question about a potential policy exclusion.Call your insurer and ask for a clear explanation and an expected timeline for the review. Provide any information they request as quickly as possible.
"Lost Paperwork" (for Reimbursement Claims)You sent receipts, but the insurer hasn't received them or has misplaced them.Resend the documents immediately, this time using a tracked delivery method or via their secure online portal if available. Always keep copies of everything you send.

Your Step-by-Step Guide if a Claim is Delayed or Rejected

If your claim is taking longer than expected or has been rejected, don't panic. Follow this formal process.

Step 1: Contact Your Insurer Directly Your first port of call should always be the claims department.

  • Phone them and have your policy number and claim reference ready.
  • Calmly and clearly explain the situation.
  • Ask for the specific reason for the delay or rejection.
  • Ask what information they need from you or your medical provider to move forward.
  • Take a note of the date, time, and the name of the person you spoke to.

Often, a simple phone call can clear up a misunderstanding.

Step 2: Make a Formal Complaint If you are not satisfied with the initial response, you have the right to make a formal complaint.

  • Ask your insurer for their formal complaints procedure (it will be on their website).
  • Write a letter or email outlining your case in chronological order. Include all relevant details, dates, and reference numbers.
  • State clearly why you disagree with their decision or the delay.
  • Explain what you want them to do to resolve the issue (e.g., "I request that you review and pay claim number 12345 as per the pre-authorisation given on [Date]").
  • The insurer has up to eight weeks to provide you with a final response.

Step 3: Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) If you are unhappy with the insurer's final response, or if they have not responded within eight weeks, you can take your case to the FOS.

  • The FOS is a free, independent service that settles disputes between consumers and financial businesses.
  • You must contact them within six months of receiving the insurer's final response.
  • They will review the evidence from both you and the insurer and make a decision that is binding on the company.

The FOS is an impartial and powerful advocate for consumers, and their involvement often leads to a fair resolution.

The WeCovr Advantage: Proactive Health for Fewer Claims

While it's reassuring to know your insurance is there when you need it, the best-case scenario is staying healthy. Many modern private medical insurance UK providers actively encourage a healthy lifestyle by offering a range of wellness benefits.

At WeCovr, we believe in this proactive approach. That's why clients who purchase Private Medical Insurance or Life Insurance through us receive a range of benefits designed to support their wellbeing, including:

  • Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app helps you make smarter choices about your diet, a cornerstone of good health.
  • Discounts on other insurance: We value our clients and offer discounts on other policies, like travel or home insurance, helping you protect what matters for less.

By focusing on preventative health—through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep—you can reduce your risk of developing many acute conditions, leading to fewer claims and a better quality of life.

Do I have to pay the hospital myself and then claim the money back?

Generally, no. For over 95% of private medical insurance claims in the UK, the insurer pays the hospital or specialist directly. This is called 'direct settlement'. You only need to provide your pre-authorisation number. You would only pay upfront and claim it back in rare situations, for example, for some outpatient therapies or if you knowingly use a non-network hospital, and this is known as a 'reimbursement' claim.

What is pre-authorisation and why is it so important?

Pre-authorisation is the most critical step in the claims process. It's where you contact your insurer *before* you have any treatment. You give them your GP referral details, and they confirm that your policy covers the condition and proposed treatment. They then issue a unique pre-authorisation number. This number is your guarantee that the insurer has agreed to pay the claim. Without it, you risk significant delays and even claim rejection.

Does UK private medical insurance cover pre-existing or chronic conditions?

No, standard Private Medical Insurance (PMI) in the UK does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions (like diabetes or asthma) or treatment for pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy. PMI is specifically designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts and are curable.

What happens if my treatment costs more than my policy limit?

Most policies have very high overall annual limits, but some may have specific sub-limits, for example, on outpatient consultations or therapies. If your treatment costs exceed one of these limits, your insurer will pay up to the limit, and you will be responsible for the remaining amount. This is called a 'shortfall'. Your insurer will always make you aware of your limits during the pre-authorisation process.

Ready to Find the Right Private Health Cover?

Navigating the world of private medical insurance can feel complex, but it doesn't have to be. An expert, independent broker can make all the difference, helping you compare the market, understand the policy details, and find the best PMI provider for your needs and budget.

At WeCovr, our FCA-authorised specialists offer friendly, no-obligation advice. We work with the UK's leading insurers to find you cover that provides not only fast access to treatment but also peace of mind, knowing your claims will be handled efficiently.

[Get Your Free, No-Obligation Quote from WeCovr Today]

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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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