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How PMI Claims Interact With NHS Records and Data Sharing




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TL;DR

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can raise questions. One of the most common concerns we hear is about privacy: what happens to my confidential NHS data when I make a PMI claim? This guide demystifies the process, explaining exactly how your information is handled, what is shared, and what remains private.

Key takeaways

  • Speed of Access: Bypassing long NHS waiting lists for eligible treatments. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was 14.5 weeks in July 2024, but many patients wait much longer. PMI can often reduce this to a matter of days or weeks.
  • Choice and Comfort: You get more choice over the specialist who treats you and the hospital where you are treated. You'll typically have a private, en-suite room for a more comfortable recovery.
  • Access to Specialist Care: Some policies provide access to drugs and treatments that may not be available on the NHS due to funding constraints.
  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repair. *PMI is designed exclusively to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.*
  • Chronic Condition: 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, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can raise questions. One of the most common concerns we hear is about privacy: what happens to my confidential NHS data when I make a PMI claim? This guide demystifies the process, explaining exactly how your information is handled, what is shared, and what remains private.

Explaining the flow of information and what's confidential in 2025

The relationship between your private health cover and your NHS records is built on a foundation of strict data protection laws and medical ethics. Your insurer cannot simply access your entire medical history. Instead, a carefully controlled flow of specific information occurs only when you make a claim, and always with your explicit consent.

Think of it not as an open door, but as a series of secure checkpoints. At each stage, only the necessary information required to assess your claim is requested. As we move further into 2025, with the increasing digitisation of health records through platforms like the NHS App, you have more transparency and control than ever before. This article will walk you through that entire journey.

What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and How Does it Work?

Before diving into data sharing, it's essential to understand what PMI is designed for. It's a key part of the UK's health landscape, working alongside, not against, the NHS.

A Quick Refresher on PMI

Private Medical Insurance is an insurance policy that covers the cost of private healthcare for specific conditions. Its primary benefits include:

  • Speed of Access: Bypassing long NHS waiting lists for eligible treatments. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was 14.5 weeks in July 2024, but many patients wait much longer. PMI can often reduce this to a matter of days or weeks.
  • Choice and Comfort: You get more choice over the specialist who treats you and the hospital where you are treated. You'll typically have a private, en-suite room for a more comfortable recovery.
  • Access to Specialist Care: Some policies provide access to drugs and treatments that may not be available on the NHS due to funding constraints.

PMI is not a replacement for the NHS. You will still use the NHS for accidents and emergencies, GP visits, and the management of long-term chronic conditions.

The Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the most important concept to grasp about private medical insurance in the UK.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repair. PMI is designed exclusively to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
  • Chronic Condition: 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, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any condition for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the years leading up to your policy start date (typically the last 5 years).

Standard UK private health cover does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. This rule is fundamental to how insurers manage risk and keep premiums affordable. The data sharing process we are about to explore is primarily in place to help insurers verify that your claim is for a new, acute condition covered by your policy.

The PMI Claims Process: A Step-by-Step Information Flow

Let's trace the journey of your information from the moment you feel unwell to the completion of your private treatment.

Scenario: You have a persistent, painful knee that is affecting your quality of life. You have a PMI policy and want to use it.

Step 1: You Visit Your NHS GP Your journey almost always begins with the NHS. You visit your GP, who examines your knee. They agree you need to see a specialist but mention the local NHS waiting list for an orthopaedic consultant is several months long.

  • Information Shared: None at this stage. Your visit is recorded in your NHS record as normal.

Step 2: You Get an 'Open Referral' You mention you have private medical insurance. Your GP provides you with an 'open referral' letter. This is a crucial document. It doesn't name a specific specialist; it simply confirms your symptoms and recommends you see a certain type of specialist (e.g., an orthopaedic consultant).

  • Information Shared: The physical or digital referral letter is given to you. No data has been shared with your insurer yet.

Step 3: You Contact Your PMI Provider You call your insurer's claims line (or use their app). You explain your symptoms and tell them your GP has recommended seeing a specialist.

  • Information Shared: You provide your name, policy number, and details about your condition.

Step 4: The Insurer Begins the Authorisation Process The insurer needs to check three things:

  1. Are you covered for this type of condition (e.g., musculoskeletal)?
  2. Is this a new, acute condition?
  3. Is it not related to a pre-existing condition you had before the policy started?

To do this, they need more medical information. They will ask for your consent to obtain it.

Step 5: How Your Insurer Gets Your Medical Records (With Your Consent) This is the key data-sharing step. You will be asked to sign a consent form (usually digitally) that allows your insurer to request specific information from your GP. This is governed by the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 and GDPR.

  • What happens next? Your insurer sends a request to your GP surgery. The request is not for your entire life's medical history. It is a targeted request for information relevant only to the current claim.
  • For your knee, they will ask for records relating to any consultations, treatments, or symptoms you've had concerning your joints, specifically your knees, over a defined period (e.g., the last 5 years).
  • Your GP or their administrative team will then prepare a report based on these specific notes.
Information Typically Requested by InsurerInformation NOT Requested or Shared
Notes on symptoms related to the current claim.Unrelated mental health consultations.
Dates of any previous consultations for the same body part.Full history of childhood illnesses.
Any medication or advice given for this issue.Sexual health records (unless relevant to the claim).
Referral letters and diagnostic test results.Details of family members' health.

Step 6: Authorisation and Treatment The insurer reviews the GP report. If it confirms your knee problem is a new issue that started after your policy began, they will authorise the claim. They will provide you with a list of approved specialists and hospitals from their network. You book your appointment, and the insurer settles the bills directly.

  • Information Shared: The insurer sends an authorisation number to you, the specialist, and the hospital.

Step 7: Information Flow During and After Treatment The private specialist will keep their own records. They will need to share information with your insurer for billing purposes, including treatment codes and consultation dates. After your treatment (e.g., a knee arthroscopy), the specialist will write a discharge summary. A copy of this is sent to your NHS GP to ensure your NHS record is complete and up-to-date.

  • Why is this important? This "closing of the loop" is vital for continuity of care. It ensures your GP knows what treatment you've had, what medications you're on, and what follow-up care might be needed, preventing information from being siloed.

The entire process is underpinned by robust UK law. You are in control.

These laws set out the principles for handling personal data. For health information, the rules are even stricter because it is classed as 'special category data'. Key principles include:

  • Lawfulness, Fairness, and Transparency: You must be told what data is being collected and why.
  • Purpose Limitation: Data can only be used for the specific purpose it was collected for (i.e., assessing your claim).
  • Data Minimisation: Only the absolute minimum amount of data necessary should be collected.
  • Storage Limitation: Data should not be kept for longer than necessary.

Your insurer is legally bound by these principles. Breaches can result in massive fines from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Nothing happens without your permission. When you apply for PMI or make a claim, you give consent. However, this is not a blanket permission.

  1. Application Stage: You consent to the insurer processing the health information you provide on your application form.
  2. Claims Stage: You give new, specific consent for the insurer to request a report from your GP for that particular claim.

You have the right to refuse consent. However, if you do, the insurer will likely be unable to assess your claim and will have to decline it, as they cannot verify if the condition is eligible for cover.

The Role of the NHS: Your GP's Part in the Process

Your GP acts as a trusted, independent gatekeeper of your medical history.

Why Your GP is the Gatekeeper

Your GP's role is to provide an objective, factual report based on your records. They are not acting for the insurance company; they are acting as the custodian of your medical file. Their duty of care is to you, the patient.

Can My GP Refuse to Share Information?

A GP can refuse if they believe sharing the information would cause serious harm to your physical or mental health. This is rare. More commonly, you, the patient, have the right to see the report before it is sent to the insurer. If you spot a factual inaccuracy, you can ask for it to be corrected. If you disagree with a medical opinion, you can ask for your own statement to be attached to the report.

Fees for GP Reports

Completing insurance reports is not part of a GP's core NHS work. Therefore, they are entitled to charge a fee for the time it takes to review your records and write the report. Your insurer will almost always cover this fee directly, so you shouldn't be out of pocket.

Real-Life Scenarios: How Data Sharing Works in Practice

Let's look at a few examples to see how this plays out.

Scenario 1: Claim for Gallbladder Surgery

  • Symptoms: You develop sudden, severe abdominal pain.
  • Process: Your GP suspects gallstones and gives you an open referral. You contact your insurer, give consent, and they request a report. Your GP's report shows no history of abdominal issues.
  • Outcome: The claim is authorised instantly. Your insurer knows it's a new, acute condition. Your GP is updated after your successful surgery.

Scenario 2: Claim for Back Pain is Queried

  • Symptoms: You have debilitating lower back pain.
  • Process: You make a claim. The insurer requests a GP report. The report shows you visited a physiotherapist for a minor back twinge three years ago, before your policy started.
  • Outcome: The insurer's medical team reviews the notes. They determine the previous issue was minor, temporary, and in a different part of your back. They conclude the current condition is new and unrelated. The claim is authorised. This shows the detail matters.

Scenario 3: Claim for Mental Health Support

  • Symptoms: You are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and wish to use the mental health pathway on your policy.
  • Process: Many modern policies provide a set number of therapy sessions (e.g., 8-10) without needing a GP referral. You can often self-refer by calling a dedicated mental health helpline.
  • Outcome: For initial therapy, no GP information may be needed, maximising privacy. If you need to see a psychiatrist or require more extensive treatment, the standard GP report process would then apply, with your consent, to ensure it isn't a pre-existing condition that was excluded at the outset.

Common Misconceptions and Myths Debunked

There's a lot of misinformation out there. Let's clear it up.

Myth 1: "My insurer can see my entire NHS history whenever they want." Fact: False. Insurers can only request specific information relevant to a claim, and only with your explicit consent for each claim. They do not have continuous, open access.

Myth 2: "Using PMI will negatively affect my future NHS care." Fact: False. The NHS principle of providing care based on clinical need is sacrosanct. The fact that you have used private insurance in the past has no bearing on your right to access NHS care in the future. In fact, by using PMI, you are helping to reduce the waiting list for others, which indirectly supports the NHS.

Myth 3: "My employer will see my sensitive medical details if I have a company PMI policy." Fact: Absolutely false. All claims and medical information are strictly confidential between you, your healthcare providers, and the insurer. Your employer only receives anonymised, aggregated data for scheme renewal purposes (e.g., "the scheme had 5 orthopaedic claims and 3 dermatology claims last year"). They will never know who claimed for what.

How to Choose the Right Private Medical Insurance UK Policy

Understanding how data is shared helps you choose a policy with confidence. A specialist PMI broker can be invaluable here.

Understanding Underwriting Options

When you first apply, your policy will be "underwritten". This determines how the insurer treats pre-existing conditions.

  • Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the 5 years before your policy starts. They will then investigate your history at the point of a claim.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire upfront. The insurer assesses your history and tells you from day one what is and isn't covered. This provides more certainty but is more intrusive at the start.

An expert broker, like WeCovr, can explain the pros and cons of each and help you decide which is best for your circumstances.

The Value of an Expert Broker like WeCovr

Trying to compare the best PMI providers, their policies, and their claims philosophies can be overwhelming. A broker does the hard work for you.

  • Expertise: We live and breathe the private medical insurance UK market. We know the nuances of different policies and which insurers have the best reputation for fair and efficient claims handling.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert, impartial advice without any extra fees.
  • Comparison: We can get quotes from across the market, including major providers like Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality, ensuring you find the best cover for your budget. We have a track record of high customer satisfaction based on independent review sites.

WeCovr's Added Value

We believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle. When you arrange a policy through us, you get more than just insurance.

  • CalorieHero App: All our clients receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you manage your diet and wellness goals.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: If you take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy with us, we can offer you exclusive discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance.

The right policy gives you peace of mind, not just for your health but for your privacy too. By understanding the secure and regulated flow of information, you can use your private medical insurance with confidence, knowing your data is safe.

Do I need to tell my PMI provider about every single NHS GP visit?

No, you do not. You only need to interact with your PMI provider when you want to make a claim. Your routine NHS appointments, check-ups, and management of any chronic conditions are completely separate and do not need to be reported to your insurer. The connection is only made when you initiate a claim for a new, acute condition.

What happens if my GP's report and my application details don't match?

This can happen due to simple memory errors. If you have a 'moratorium' policy, the insurer will rely on the GP report to establish your medical history. If you had 'full medical underwriting' and failed to disclose a relevant condition, the insurer may investigate. In cases of genuine error, they will likely just apply an exclusion for that condition going forward. However, deliberate non-disclosure could lead to your claim being denied or your policy being voided. Honesty is always the best policy.

Will my private treatment information be added to my NHS record?

Yes, and this is a good thing. It is standard practice for your private specialist to send a discharge summary or letter back to your NHS GP after your treatment is complete. This ensures your NHS record is kept fully up-to-date, which is vital for good continuity of care. It means your GP is aware of all treatments you've received, whether private or on the NHS.

Can my insurer access my records via the NHS App?

No. The NHS App is for you, the patient, to view your records, order prescriptions, and book appointments. It does not provide any third-party, including insurers, with a 'back door' to your data. The only way for an insurer to get information remains the official, consent-based process of requesting a specific report from your GP surgery.

Ready to explore your private medical insurance options with confidence? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts find the perfect policy for your needs and budget.

Sources

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
  • HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
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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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