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How PMI Works with NHS Referrals UK

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 10, 2026
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TL;DR

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex, especially when it comes to its relationship with the NHS. As experienced insurance specialists who have helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we at WeCovr know that one of the most common questions is about NHS GP referrals. This guide clarifies exactly how they work together.

Key takeaways

  • You Notice a Symptom: You develop a new, concerning health issue – for example, persistent stomach pain, a lump, or worsening joint ache. Crucially, this must be an acute condition (one that is expected to resolve with treatment) that has started after your policy began. PMI does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
  • Visit Your NHS GP: You book an appointment at your local surgery. Your GP assesses your symptoms, discusses your medical history, and performs an initial examination. They are the gatekeeper to specialist care in both the NHS and, traditionally, the private sector.
  • Receive an NHS GP Referral: If your GP believes you need to see a specialist, they will write a referral letter. For PMI purposes, you will need an open referral. This is vital. An open referral recommends a type of specialist (e.g., a gastroenterologist or a dermatologist) rather than a specific, named consultant. This gives your insurer the flexibility to help you choose from their network of approved specialists.
  • Contact Your PMI Provider: With your open referral letter in hand, you call your insurance provider's claims line. You’ll need your policy number and the details from the referral.
  • Get Your Claim Authorised: The insurer will review your case. They will check three key things:

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex, especially when it comes to its relationship with the NHS. As experienced insurance specialists who have helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we at WeCovr know that one of the most common questions is about NHS GP referrals. This guide clarifies exactly how they work together.

When you need an NHS GP referral and when you dont

Understanding the referral process is the key to unlocking the benefits of your private health cover. For decades, the standard journey to private treatment has started in an NHS GP's surgery. This remains the most common route.

However, the private medical insurance UK market has evolved. Many modern policies now offer "direct access" or "self-referral" options, allowing you to bypass the GP for certain conditions, often via a digital private GP service.

Here’s a quick overview of the two main pathways:

FeatureTraditional GP Referral PathwayDirect Access / Self-Referral Pathway
First StepAppointment with your NHS GP.Contacting your insurer's dedicated service (e.g., a digital GP app).
Who Refers You?Your NHS General Practitioner.A private GP or clinician employed by or contracted to the insurer.
Best ForComplex symptoms needing initial diagnosis; continuity of care with your regular GP.Simple, specific issues (e.g., muscle pain, mental health); speed and convenience.
AvailabilityIncluded in almost all standard PMI policies.A feature of more modern or comprehensive policies; may be an add-on.

Let's explore these pathways in more detail so you can see how your private medical insurance works in practice.

The Traditional GP Referral Pathway Explained

This is the classic route for using your PMI and the one most people are familiar with. It’s a clear, structured process designed to ensure you get the right care while working in partnership with the NHS.

Here’s how it works, step-by-step:

  1. You Notice a Symptom: You develop a new, concerning health issue – for example, persistent stomach pain, a lump, or worsening joint ache. Crucially, this must be an acute condition (one that is expected to resolve with treatment) that has started after your policy began. PMI does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

  2. Visit Your NHS GP: You book an appointment at your local surgery. Your GP assesses your symptoms, discusses your medical history, and performs an initial examination. They are the gatekeeper to specialist care in both the NHS and, traditionally, the private sector.

  3. Receive an NHS GP Referral: If your GP believes you need to see a specialist, they will write a referral letter. For PMI purposes, you will need an open referral. This is vital. An open referral recommends a type of specialist (e.g., a gastroenterologist or a dermatologist) rather than a specific, named consultant. This gives your insurer the flexibility to help you choose from their network of approved specialists.

  4. Contact Your PMI Provider: With your open referral letter in hand, you call your insurance provider's claims line. You’ll need your policy number and the details from the referral.

  5. Get Your Claim Authorised: The insurer will review your case. They will check three key things:

    • Is your policy active and are your payments up to date?
    • Is the condition you're claiming for covered under your policy terms? (i.e., is it acute and not a listed exclusion?)
    • Is it a new condition, not something you had before your policy started?

    Once confirmed, they will give you an authorisation number. This is your green light for treatment and the code used for all billing.

  6. Choose Your Specialist and Hospital: Your insurer will provide you with a list of approved specialists and private hospitals in your area that are covered by your plan. Depending on your policy type (e.g., a "guided" list), your choice may be limited to a smaller, curated network to keep costs down. You can then research these consultants and choose the one you prefer.

  7. Book Your Appointment and Begin Treatment: You contact the specialist's secretary or the private hospital, provide your authorisation number, and book your consultation. From this point on, the financial side is handled directly between the hospital, the consultant, and your insurer. You simply focus on getting better.

Real-Life Example: David's Journey with Knee Pain

David, a 45-year-old teacher in Manchester, starts experiencing sharp pain in his knee after a weekend of gardening. It doesn't get better after a week of rest.

  • Step 1: David visits his NHS GP.
  • Step 2: The GP examines his knee and suspects a possible meniscus tear. She agrees a specialist opinion is needed and writes David an open referral to see an "orthopaedic consultant specialising in knees."
  • Step 3: David calls his PMI provider, gives them his policy details, and explains he has a referral.
  • Step 4: The insurer confirms his policy covers diagnostics and treatment for musculoskeletal issues and that this is a new condition. They provide an authorisation number.
  • Step 5: They offer him a choice of three approved knee specialists in the Manchester area. David picks one with an appointment available the following week.
  • Step 6: David attends his private consultation, gets an MRI scan the same day, and is booked in for keyhole surgery two weeks later—all paid for by his insurance.

This pathway ensures that your care is clinically appropriate and leverages the diagnostic expertise of your NHS GP, who holds your full medical history.

The Rise of Direct Access and Self-Referral Options

To meet the demand for faster, more convenient healthcare, many of the best PMI providers now include direct access pathways in their policies. These services allow you to bypass the need for an initial NHS GP appointment for specific types of care.

How Does Direct Access Work?

Typically, direct access is facilitated through a Digital GP or Virtual GP service provided by the insurer. This is a private GP service, accessible via an app or phone line, often 24/7.

Instead of waiting for an NHS GP appointment, you book a video or phone consultation with a private GP. This GP can then provide a direct referral into your insurer's network of specialists if they deem it necessary.

Common Services Available Through Direct Access:

  • Musculoskeletal (MSK) Issues: For problems like back pain, joint ache, or sports injuries, some policies let you self-refer directly to a physiotherapist after a short telephone triage, without speaking to a GP at all.
  • Mental Health Support: This is a huge growth area. Most top-tier policies now allow you to directly access mental health support, such as counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), without a GP referral.
  • Dermatology: Some insurers use "teledermatology," where you can upload photos of a skin condition for a specialist to review remotely.
  • Digital GP Referrals: For other conditions, the insurer's virtual GP acts as the referrer, fast-tracking you to a specialist consultation.

Comparing the Two Pathways

FeatureTraditional GP ReferralDirect Access / Self-Referral
Starting PointYour local NHS GP surgery.Your insurer's app or helpline.
Typical Wait Time for First ConsultationVariable; can be days or weeks for a routine NHS GP appointment.Often same-day or next-day for a virtual GP.
Continuity of CareHigh. Your NHS GP knows your full medical history.Lower. The virtual GP only knows what you tell them in the consultation.
Best Suited ForUndiagnosed or complex symptoms requiring a thorough initial assessment.Specific, less complex issues where you know the type of help you need (e.g., physio).
Cost to YouThe consultation with your NHS GP is free.The direct access service is included in your PMI premium.

Choosing a policy with a robust direct access feature can be a game-changer, dramatically speeding up the time from symptom to treatment. An expert PMI broker, like WeCovr, can help you compare policies and decide if this feature is a priority for you.

Why Do Insurers Often Prefer a GP Referral?

While direct access is becoming more popular, the GP referral pathway remains the bedrock of the UK PMI market for several important reasons. Understanding these helps explain why insurers value the role of the NHS GP so highly.

  1. Clinical Gatekeeping: An NHS GP is a highly trained diagnostician. Their role is to ensure that a specialist referral is medically necessary. This prevents people from seeking specialist advice for minor ailments that could be managed at home or by the GP themselves, which helps control the overall cost of claims and keeps premiums more affordable for everyone.

  2. Ensuring Correct Specialism: Many symptoms can be misleading. What you might think is a heart problem could be a muscular issue, and stomach pain could be caused by dozens of different conditions. The GP's expertise ensures you are referred to the right type of specialist from the beginning, saving time and avoiding unnecessary tests.

  3. Maintaining Continuity of Care: Your NHS GP holds your complete medical record. They know your history, your family's history, your allergies, and any other treatments you are receiving. By involving them in the referral process, it ensures that any private treatment is delivered with a full understanding of your overall health, preventing potential conflicts with other medications or conditions.

  4. Screening for Policy Exclusions: A GP can often identify at the first consultation whether a condition is likely to be chronic (long-term) or related to a pre-existing issue. Since PMI is designed for acute conditions, this early screening saves you the disappointment of going through the referral process only to have your claim denied.

The All-Important Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance in the UK. Failure to grasp this distinction is the source of most confusion and disappointment with PMI.

Standard private health cover is designed for acute conditions that begin after your policy starts.

Type of ConditionDefinitionPMI CoverageExamples
Acute ConditionA disease, illness or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment, returning you to the state of health you were in before it started.Yes, generally covered.Hernia repair, cataract surgery, joint replacement, gallstone removal, diagnosing new symptoms.
Chronic ConditionA disease, illness or injury that has one or more of the following traits: it needs long-term monitoring, it has no known cure, it is likely to come back, it requires ongoing management.No, not covered.Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure (hypertension), arthritis, eczema, Crohn's disease.

PMI is not a replacement for the NHS. The NHS provides excellent, comprehensive care for chronic conditions, emergencies, and general health management. PMI is a complementary service designed to give you choice, speed, and comfort when dealing with new, treatable health problems.

Likewise, any condition (or related symptoms) you had in the years before taking out your policy will be classed as pre-existing and will not be covered.

Choosing the Right PMI Policy for Your Referral Preferences

When you compare private health cover, the referral process is a key feature to consider. Your choice will impact how you access care and what your premium will be.

Key Policy Features to Consider:

  • GP Referral Route: Does the policy mandate a traditional NHS GP referral for all claims, or does it offer flexible direct access or virtual GP options?
  • Hospital Network: All insurers have a list of approved hospitals. A more limited list usually means a lower premium. Check that the list includes convenient, high-quality options near you.
  • Consultant Lists (Guided vs. Unguided): Some policies offer "guided" consultant options. This means that after you get your referral, the insurer will offer you a small number of specialists from their approved list, who are known for providing high-quality, cost-effective care. This reduces premiums but limits your choice. An unguided option gives you complete freedom to choose any recognised specialist, but costs more.
  • Outpatient Cover: Your policy will have a limit on how much it will pay for outpatient services (consultations and diagnostics before you are admitted to hospital). This can range from a few hundred pounds to unlimited cover.

How a PMI Broker Can Help

This is where working with an independent expert like WeCovr adds huge value. Instead of trying to decipher the complex policy documents of dozens of providers, we do the hard work for you.

  • We listen: We take the time to understand your priorities. Do you value speed and convenience above all else, making a policy with a digital GP essential? Or are you happy with the traditional pathway in exchange for a lower premium?
  • We compare: We compare policies from across the market, explaining the differences in referral pathways, hospital lists, and outpatient limits in plain English.
  • We find the best value: Our goal is to find you the most suitable cover for your budget. Our service is completely free to you.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange a policy through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. Plus, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance often receive discounts on other types of cover.

Proactive Steps for Your Health & Wellbeing

While insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best approach to health is to be proactive. Many of the conditions that lead to specialist referrals can be influenced by lifestyle. Taking small, consistent steps can have a huge impact on your long-term health.

  • Nourish Your Body: A balanced diet is your first line of defence. The NHS 'Eatwell Guide' is a fantastic resource, recommending a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fibre, with lean proteins and healthy fats. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
  • Stay Active: The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or tennis) per week. Regular exercise is proven to boost mental health, strengthen bones and muscles, and reduce the risk of numerous chronic diseases.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is not a luxury; it's a biological necessity. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to weakened immunity, weight gain, and poor mental health, all of which can lead to needing medical care.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can manifest in physical symptoms like headaches, stomach problems, and high blood pressure. Find healthy coping mechanisms that work for you, whether it's mindfulness, yoga, spending time in nature, or a creative hobby. Many PMI policies now include excellent resources for mental wellbeing.

What happens if my NHS GP won't give me a referral?

An NHS GP will only provide a referral if they believe it is clinically necessary. You cannot compel them to provide one for your PMI. If you disagree with their decision, you have two options. You can politely request a second opinion from another GP at the same practice or a different one. Alternatively, if your private medical insurance policy includes a digital or virtual GP service, you can use that to get a private referral, bypassing the NHS route entirely for eligible conditions.

Can I pay to see a private GP for a referral instead of using my NHS one?

Yes, you can. You can pay for a one-off appointment with a private GP (which typically costs £80-£150) and they can provide you with an open referral letter, just as an NHS GP would. You would then present this letter to your insurer to start the claims process. This is a good option if you are struggling to get a timely NHS GP appointment. However, check your policy first, as many now include their own virtual GP service as part of the plan, which would be a more cost-effective option.

What is an 'open referral' and why do insurers insist on it?

An open referral is a referral to a *type* of specialist (e.g., "a cardiologist" or "a general surgeon") rather than to a *specific named person*. Insurers insist on this because it gives them and you the flexibility to choose a specialist from within their approved network. This network consists of consultants and hospitals with whom they have agreed fee structures and quality standards. A referral to a named consultant might be for someone outside this network, which could mean your treatment is not covered.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Understanding how GP referrals work is the first step to using your private medical insurance effectively. Whether you prefer the traditional, trusted NHS GP pathway or the speed and convenience of a modern direct access policy, there is a plan to suit your needs.

The UK PMI market is vast, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

Ready to find the right private medical insurance for you? Contact the friendly experts at WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and personalised advice. Let us help you find peace of mind.

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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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.

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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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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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