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How Much Does It Cost to See a Private Consultant in the UK

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides this expert guide on private consultant costs in the UK. Understanding these fees is the first step towards deciding if private medical insurance is the right choice for you and your familys health.

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Mar 17, 2026

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TL;DR

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides this expert guide on private consultant costs in the UK. Understanding these fees is the first step towards deciding if private medical insurance is the right choice for you and your familys health.

Key takeaways

  • Speed: You can often see a specialist within days or weeks, rather than months. This accelerates the entire process, from diagnosis to treatment.
  • Choice: You have the freedom to choose your consultant based on their reputation, speciality, and experience. You can also select the hospital and a time for your appointment that fits your schedule.
  • Peace of Mind: A swift diagnosis can alleviate the stress and worry of the unknown, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
  • Comfort: Private hospitals typically offer a more comfortable environment, with private en-suite rooms, better food choices, and more flexible visiting hours.
  • GP Visit & Referral: David gets an open referral from his NHS GP.

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides this expert guide on private consultant costs in the UK. Understanding these fees is the first step towards deciding if private medical insurance is the right choice for you and your family’s health.

WeCovr's guide to private consultation fees and how PMI can cover them

Waiting for a specialist appointment on the NHS can be a stressful experience. While our National Health Service is a national treasure, lengthy waiting lists for non-urgent care are a well-documented reality. This uncertainty leads many to ask: how much would it cost to simply pay to see a specialist privately?

This guide breaks down the costs of seeing a private consultant in the UK. We’ll explore the fees for initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and the diagnostic tests that often follow. Most importantly, we'll explain how a good private medical insurance (PMI) policy can cover these expenses, giving you fast access to expert care when you need it most.

Why Consider a Private Consultation in the UK?

The primary driver for seeking private healthcare is the desire for speed and choice. While the NHS aims to see patients for non-urgent consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks, the reality is often quite different.

According to recent NHS England statistics, the waiting list for elective care stands at over 7.5 million. For many, waiting months for a diagnosis or the start of treatment isn’t just an inconvenience; it can cause prolonged anxiety and impact their quality of life, work, and family.

Going private offers several key advantages:

  • Speed: You can often see a specialist within days or weeks, rather than months. This accelerates the entire process, from diagnosis to treatment.
  • Choice: You have the freedom to choose your consultant based on their reputation, speciality, and experience. You can also select the hospital and a time for your appointment that fits your schedule.
  • Peace of Mind: A swift diagnosis can alleviate the stress and worry of the unknown, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
  • Comfort: Private hospitals typically offer a more comfortable environment, with private en-suite rooms, better food choices, and more flexible visiting hours.

What is a Private Consultant and What Do They Do?

In the UK healthcare system, a General Practitioner (GP) is your first point of contact for most health concerns. They are experts in general medicine. A consultant, on the other hand, is a senior doctor who has completed many years of advanced, specialist training in a particular field of medicine.

Think of your GP as the gatekeeper to specialised care. If you have a problem that requires expert knowledge—like a persistent heart palpitation, a worrying skin mole, or a painful knee injury—your GP will refer you to a consultant.

Common consultant specialities include:

  • Cardiology: Deals with the heart and blood vessels.
  • Dermatology: Focuses on skin conditions.
  • Orthopaedics: Manages bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles.
  • Gastroenterology: Specialises in the digestive system.
  • Oncology: Treats cancer.
  • Gynaecology: Focuses on female reproductive health.
  • Neurology: Deals with the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.

A consultant's job is to diagnose your condition, recommend and oversee diagnostic tests, and create a treatment plan. This plan might involve medication, physiotherapy, or surgery.

The Core Question: How Much Does a Private Consultation Cost?

If you decide to pay for a private consultation yourself (known as 'self-pay'), the cost can vary significantly. The final price depends on the consultant’s speciality, their experience, and, most notably, your location.

Initial and Follow-Up Consultation Fees

  • Initial Consultation: This is your first meeting with the specialist. It's usually the longest appointment, as the consultant will take a detailed medical history, perform an examination, and discuss potential next steps.

    • Typical Cost (illustrative): Expect to pay between £180 and £350 for an initial consultation. For highly sought-after specialists in London, this can exceed £400.

  • Follow-Up Consultation: If you need to see the consultant again to discuss test results or review your progress, this appointment is typically shorter and therefore costs less.

    • Typical Cost (illustrative): A follow-up consultation usually costs between £130 and £250.

To give you a clearer picture, here are some estimated self-pay costs for an initial consultation across different specialities.

SpecialityTypical Initial Consultation Fee (UK Average)Typical Initial Consultation Fee (London)
Dermatology£200 - £280£250 - £350+
Orthopaedics£220 - £300£280 - £400+
Cardiology£250 - £320£300 - £450+
Gastroenterology£230 - £300£280 - £380+
Gynaecology£200 - £280£250 - £350+
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)£200 - £270£240 - £320+

Disclaimer: These figures are estimates based on 2024/2025 market rates and can vary. Always confirm the exact fee when booking your appointment.

Beyond the Consultation: Unpacking Additional Private Healthcare Costs

The consultation fee is just the starting point. The true cost of private treatment emerges when you factor in the diagnostic tests and procedures that your consultant is likely to recommend. These costs are billed separately and can quickly add up.

Diagnostic Tests & Scans

Your consultant will almost certainly need more information to make an accurate diagnosis. This is where diagnostic tests come in.

  • Blood Tests (illustrative): A simple blood test panel might cost around £100 - £300, but more complex or extensive tests can run to £500 or more.
  • Imaging Scans: This is where costs can escalate significantly. Scans provide a detailed look inside your body.

Here's a table of typical self-pay prices for common scans:

Type of ScanWhat It's Used ForTypical Private Cost Range
MRI ScanDetailed images of soft tissues (joints, brain, spine)£350 - £1,500+
CT ScanCross-sectional images (chest, abdomen, head)£500 - £900+
Ultrasound ScanUses sound waves to see organs (abdomen, pelvis, pregnancy)£250 - £500+
X-rayImages of bones and some tissues (fractures, chest infections)£100 - £250+

Minor Procedures and Surgery

If your consultant recommends treatment, you'll face further costs:

  • Minor Procedures (illustrative): Things like a joint injection, mole removal, or a biopsy performed during the out-patient visit can add £150 - £600+ to your bill.
  • Surgery: The cost of surgery includes several components:
    • Surgeon's Fee: The consultant's fee for performing the operation.
    • Anaesthetist's Fee: A separate charge from the anaesthetist.
    • Hospital Fee: This is the largest component, covering the use of the operating theatre, nursing staff, medication, and your overnight stay in a private room.

Real-Life Example: The Cost of a Private Knee Injury Diagnosis & Treatment

Let’s imagine a patient, David, a 45-year-old from Manchester who has injured his knee while playing football. He decides to go private to avoid a long NHS wait.

  1. GP Visit & Referral: David gets an open referral from his NHS GP.
  2. Private Orthopaedic Consultation: He sees a knee specialist. Cost: £280
  3. MRI Scan: The consultant recommends an MRI to check for ligament damage. Cost: £450
  4. Follow-up Consultation (illustrative): David returns to discuss the MRI results, which show a torn meniscus. Cost: £180
  5. Knee Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery) (illustrative): The consultant recommends surgery. The all-inclusive 'package price' from the private hospital is £4,200.
  6. Post-Op Physiotherapy (illustrative): He needs a course of six physiotherapy sessions. Cost: £360 (£60 per session).

Total Self-Pay Cost: £5,470 (illustrative estimate)

This example clearly shows how an initial £280 consultation can lead to a total bill of over £5,000. This is precisely the scenario where private medical insurance becomes invaluable.

How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Covers These Costs

Private medical insurance is a policy you pay for monthly or annually. In return, the insurer covers the costs of private healthcare for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

The Most Important Rule: PMI Doesn't Cover Chronic or Pre-Existing Conditions

This is the single most critical point to understand about private medical insurance in the UK. Standard policies are designed for short-term, curable conditions, not for long-term management of incurable illnesses.

  • Acute Condition: An illness, injury, or disease that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include cataracts, hip replacements, hernia repair, and diagnosing the cause of specific symptoms.
  • Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-lasting, has no known cure, and requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease. Once a condition is diagnosed as chronic, PMI will typically cease to cover it, and its management will revert to the NHS.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, disease, or injury for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the years before taking out your policy (usually the last 5 years). These are excluded from cover, at least initially.

How the PMI Process Works for a Consultation

If you have a PMI policy, the journey to see a consultant is straightforward and you don't have to worry about the bills.

  1. Visit Your GP: You still need to see your GP first. They will assess you and provide a referral letter if they agree you need to see a specialist. This is a requirement for almost all UK insurers.
  2. Contact Your Insurer: You call your insurance provider's claims line. You'll explain your symptoms and provide your GP referral details.
  3. Get Authorisation: The insurer will check your policy and, if the condition is covered, they will authorise the claim. They will provide you with an authorisation code and often a list of approved specialists and hospitals you can use.
  4. Book Your Appointment: You book directly with the consultant's private secretary, providing your authorisation code.
  5. Billing is Handled Directly: After your consultation and any tests, the consultant and hospital bill your insurer directly. You don't have to handle any payments, apart from any excess on your policy.

Understanding Out-Patient Cover

The key part of your policy that covers consultations and diagnostic tests is 'out-patient cover'.

  • In-patient/Day-patient Care: This is treatment that requires a hospital bed, either overnight (in-patient) or for the day (day-patient, like a minor surgery). This is included as standard in all PMI policies.
  • Out-patient Care: This is for treatment where you don't need a hospital bed. This includes consultations, diagnostic tests, and physiotherapy.

Out-patient cover is often an optional extra or comes with different limits. A basic policy might not cover it at all, while a comprehensive policy will. Common out-patient limits are:

  • Illustrative estimate: £500 per year
  • Illustrative estimate: £1,000 per year
  • Illustrative estimate: £1,500 per year
  • Fully comprehensive (unlimited)

If you have a £1,000 out-patient limit, your policy would easily cover David's initial consultation (£280), MRI scan (£450), and follow-up (£180) from our example, with money to spare.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover for You

With so many providers and policy options, the market can feel confusing. Working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr can simplify the process, ensuring you get the right cover at a competitive price.

Here are the key factors that determine a strong fit for your needs and its cost:

FactorHow It Affects Your Policy and Premium
Level of CoverComprehensive: Covers everything, including full out-patient care. Highest premium. Mid-Range: May have limits on out-patient cover (e.g., £1,000) or use a 'guided' list of consultants. Basic: Mainly covers in-patient care only, often with a "6-week wait" clause (you only get private treatment if the NHS wait is longer than 6 weeks). Lowest premium.
ExcessThe amount you agree to pay towards the first claim each year (e.g., £100, £250, £500). A higher excess significantly lowers your monthly premium.
Hospital ListInsurers have different lists of hospitals you can use. A policy with a nationwide list including central London hospitals is the most expensive. A local or regional list is cheaper.
Your AgePremiums increase with age as the risk of needing treatment grows.
Your LocationYour postcode affects the price, as private healthcare costs vary across the country. London and the South East are the most expensive areas.
UnderwritingMoratorium: The insurer automatically excludes conditions you've had in the last 5 years. If you then go 2 full years without symptoms, advice, or treatment for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer then states exactly what is and isn't covered from the start.

Using an independent broker is crucial. WeCovr's expert advisors can compare policies from all the leading UK private health cover providers, explain the small print, and tailor a recommendation to your specific budget and needs—all at no cost to you.

WeCovr Member Benefits: More Than Just Insurance

We believe in proactive health management, not just reactive treatment. That's why we offer our members exclusive benefits to support a healthy lifestyle.

  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: All WeCovr members get free premium access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet is one of the best ways to reduce your long-term health risks.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: When you take out a private medical insurance or life insurance policy with us, you can unlock discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as income protection or critical illness cover, helping you protect your family's finances more affordably.

Our commitment to customer value is reflected in our consistently high satisfaction ratings on major customer review platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a GP referral to see a private consultant with PMI?

Yes, in almost all cases. UK insurance providers require a referral from your GP before they will authorise a claim to see a specialist. This ensures that the referral is medically necessary and helps them direct you to the right type of consultant for your symptoms. Some modern policies are starting to offer digital GP services that can provide referrals.

Will my private medical insurance premium go up if I make a claim?

It is likely, yes. Most private medical insurance policies in the UK operate with a No Claims Discount (NCD). Similar to car insurance, your NCD increases each year you don't make a claim, reducing your premium at renewal. If you do make a claim, you will typically see your NCD reduced, which will lead to a higher premium the following year.

Can I get private health cover for a condition I already have?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute medical conditions that arise *after* you take out the policy. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before the policy started) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses with no known cure, like diabetes or asthma).

What's the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting?

These are two ways insurers deal with pre-existing conditions. With **moratorium underwriting**, you don't declare your medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, medication, or advice for in the 5 years before your policy started. With **full medical underwriting (FMU)**, you complete a full health questionnaire. The insurer then gives you a personalised policy that clearly states any specific conditions that are permanently excluded from cover. FMU provides more certainty but can take longer to set up.

The cost of seeing a private consultant can seem daunting, but it opens the door to fast, high-quality healthcare. For many, private medical insurance is the most affordable and sensible way to access this care without facing unpredictable and potentially huge bills.

Ready to take control of your health? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our friendly, expert advisors will help you navigate the market and find the perfect private medical insurance UK policy for your needs and budget.

Sources

  • NHS England: Waiting times and referral-to-treatment statistics.
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Health, mortality, and workforce data.
  • NICE: Clinical guidance and technology appraisals.
  • Care Quality Commission (CQC): Provider quality and inspection reports.
  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Public health surveillance reports.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Health and protection market publications.

Disclaimer: This is general guidance only and does not constitute formal tax or financial advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances, policy terms, and HMRC interpretation, which cannot be guaranteed in advance. Whenever applicable, businesses and individuals should always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before arranging such policies.

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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 experienced 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 a strong fit for your needs 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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