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How Small Firms Can Negotiate Better PMI for Staff

How Small Firms Can Negotiate Better PMI for Staff 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the UK private medical insurance market can be a minefield for small businesses. This guide offers expert advice on selecting and bargaining for group cover that delivers genuine value for both your company and your team.

Employer advice for selecting and bargaining for top value PMI group cover

In today's competitive job market, offering a robust benefits package is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant concern, private medical insurance (PMI) has become one of the most sought-after employee perks. For a small firm, it signals a deep commitment to staff wellbeing, helping you attract and retain the very best talent.

But how can a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with a limited budget secure a policy that is both affordable and comprehensive? The key lies in understanding the market, knowing what levers to pull, and leveraging expert guidance. This article will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Understanding Group PMI: The Basics for Small Businesses

Before you can negotiate, you need to understand the product. Group private medical insurance is a single policy that covers a group of people, typically the employees of a company. It's usually cheaper and often offers more generous terms than individual policies.

One of the most critical things to understand is what PMI is for.

A Crucial Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.

Standard PMI policies do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before your policy started.
  • Chronic Conditions: Illnesses that are long-lasting and cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. While the initial diagnosis of a chronic condition might be covered, the long-term management will typically revert to the NHS.

Understanding this distinction is vital for managing your employees' expectations.

Key Terms You'll Encounter

The world of insurance is full of jargon. Here are the main terms you need to know for group PMI:

  • Underwriting: This is how an insurer assesses the risk of insuring your team. For small groups, there are two main types:
    1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): Each employee completes a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer uses this information to decide what to cover, often adding specific exclusions for pre-existing conditions. It can lead to lower initial premiums but involves more admin.
    2. Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type for small groups. No medical questionnaire is required upfront. Instead, the insurer will generally exclude treatment for any condition that existed in the few years (usually five) before the policy start date. These exclusions may be lifted if the employee remains symptom and treatment-free for a continuous period (usually two years) after joining.
  • Medical History Disregarded (MHD): Typically available only to larger groups (often 20+ employees), this is the most comprehensive type of underwriting. It ignores everyone's pre-existing conditions, offering cover for eligible acute flare-ups. While attractive, it is the most expensive option and rarely available to very small firms.
  • Group Leaver: An employee who leaves your group scheme has the option to continue their cover on an individual policy without any new medical underwriting. This is a valuable benefit for staff continuity of care.

Why Offer PMI? The Tangible Benefits for Your Small Firm

Investing in your team's health is a direct investment in your business's productivity and resilience. The business case for PMI is compelling, especially in the current climate.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 185.6 million working days were lost because of sickness or injury in 2022, the highest level in over a decade. Meanwhile, NHS England data shows the waiting list for routine treatments stands at around 7.5 million.

PMI directly addresses these challenges.

Benefit for the EmployerBenefit for the Employee
Reduced Sickness Absence: Staff get diagnosed and treated faster, returning to work sooner.Fast-Track Medical Care: Bypass long NHS waiting lists for consultations, diagnostics, and treatment.
Improved Talent Attraction & Retention: A top-tier benefit that makes you a more attractive employer.Peace of Mind: Knowing they have access to private care reduces health-related anxiety.
Enhanced Productivity & Morale: A healthy, supported workforce is a happy and productive one.Choice and Convenience: Choice of specialist, hospital, and appointment times that fit around their life.
Demonstrates a Caring Culture: Shows you value your employees as people, not just workers.Access to Advanced Treatments: Some policies cover drugs or treatments not yet available on the NHS.

By helping an employee get a knee operation in six weeks instead of 18 months, you not only help them get back on their feet but you also get a valuable team member back to full capacity far quicker.

Step 1: Laying the Groundwork – Defining Your Needs and Budget

Before you approach insurers or a broker, you need to do some internal homework. A clear plan will make the entire process smoother and ensure you get the right cover.

  1. Decide Who to Cover: Will the policy be for senior management only, or for all employees? Offering it to everyone is more inclusive, but a tiered system can help manage costs. You can also decide whether you'll allow employees to add their partners or children at their own expense.
  2. Set a Realistic Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend per employee, per month. A budget of £30-£60 per person is a realistic starting point for a good quality small group scheme, but this can vary widely. Be clear on whether the company will pay the full premium or ask for an employee contribution.
  3. Define Your Priorities: What is most important to your team?
    • Fast access to diagnostics and consultations?
    • Comprehensive cancer care?
    • Mental health support?
    • Physiotherapy and complementary therapies?

Having a "must-have" vs. "nice-to-have" list will be invaluable during negotiations. An expert PMI broker, such as WeCovr, can help you analyse these needs and benchmark them against market offerings at no cost.

Step 2: Understanding the Levers of Negotiation – What Affects Your Premium?

The price of your group PMI policy isn't fixed. It's determined by a range of factors, many of which you can adjust to meet your budget. Understanding these "levers" is the secret to effective negotiation.

Cost FactorHow It Affects Your PremiumHow to Negotiate It
Level of CoverComprehensive plans (e.g., full outpatient, mental health) cost more than basic plans (e.g., inpatient only).Start with a basic plan and add only the specific options your team values most.
Excess LevelThis is the amount an employee pays towards their claim. A higher excess (£250, £500, £1000) significantly lowers the premium.Introducing a mandatory excess of £100 or £250 is one of the easiest ways to cut costs.
Hospital ListInsurers have tiered hospital lists. A list that includes prime central London hospitals is far more expensive.Unless your staff are based in central London, choose a national hospital list that excludes the most expensive facilities.
6-Week Wait OptionThis popular option means the policy will only pay for inpatient treatment if the NHS wait time is longer than six weeks.This can reduce premiums by up to 25-30% and is a fantastic way to secure value, as the policy still provides a safety net.
Outpatient CoverCover for consultations and diagnostics that don't require a hospital bed. This is a major cost driver.You can limit outpatient cover to a set monetary value (e.g., £500 or £1,000 per year) instead of paying for full cover.
DemographicsThe average age, location, and industry of your workforce all impact risk and therefore price.You can't change your team's age, but providing accurate data to a broker helps them find the insurer who best favours your demographic.

Working with a broker allows you to model different combinations of these levers to find the sweet spot between comprehensive cover and an affordable premium.

Step 3: The Art of the Bargain – Practical Negotiation Tactics for SMEs

Armed with your budget, priorities, and an understanding of the cost levers, you're ready to secure the best deal.

1. Don't Go It Alone: The Power of an Expert Broker

This is the single most effective tactic for any small business. Trying to negotiate directly with giant insurers is an uneven fight. You don't have the market knowledge, data, or relationships.

An independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr levels the playing field. Here’s why:

  • Market Access: We have access to the whole market, including deals and products not available to the public.
  • Bargaining Power: We place a high volume of business with insurers, giving us leverage to negotiate better rates and terms on your behalf.
  • Expertise: We do this every day. We know which insurers favour which industries and demographics, and we know how to structure a policy to maximise value.
  • It's Free: Our service is paid for by the insurer through commission. You get our expert advice, negotiation, and administrative support at no cost to your business.

2. Be Flexible with Your Cover Options

Rigidity is the enemy of a good deal. Show insurers you're willing to be flexible. For example, instead of demanding full, unlimited outpatient cover, ask your broker to price options with a £1,000 limit. Instead of a zero excess, see how much you could save with a £250 excess. Small compromises can lead to significant savings.

3. Introduce Wellness and Prevention

Insurers favour proactive companies. Highlighting any existing wellness initiatives you run—or plan to run—can help your case. Modern PMI is increasingly focused on prevention.

Many policies now come bundled with fantastic value-added benefits at no extra cost, such as:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Instant access to a doctor via phone or video call.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to counselling sessions or digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
  • Gym Discounts and Health Incentives: Programmes that reward healthy living.
  • Health and Wellness Apps: Tools for managing diet, fitness, and wellbeing.

As a WeCovr client, your team also gets complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping them build healthy habits.

4. Review Your Policy Annually

Never let your policy auto-renew without a market review. Insurers often offer a competitive rate in year one, only for the premium to jump significantly in year two. This is known as "premium creep."

A good broker will proactively manage your renewal. Months before your policy is due to end, they will:

  1. Review your claims experience.
  2. Re-assess your business needs.
  3. Take your revised details back to the entire market to see if your current insurer is still the best value.

This process keeps insurers honest and ensures you're always on the most competitive plan for your needs.

Adding Further Value to Your Employee Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package extends beyond health. When you work with a full-service broker, you can often find savings by bundling different types of cover. For instance, at WeCovr, clients who take out private medical insurance or life insurance can often secure discounts on other policies, such as income protection or critical illness cover. This allows you to build a holistic and cost-effective benefits programme that truly looks after your staff.

Putting It All Together: A Real-Life Example

Let's imagine a small graphic design agency in Manchester with 12 employees, average age 34. Their initial quote for a comprehensive PMI plan comes in at £75 per person, per month (£10,800 per year). This is over their budget.

Working with their broker, they decide to:

  1. Introduce a £250 excess. (Saving: ~15%)
  2. Add a 6-week wait option. (Saving: ~25%)
  3. Switch from a 'Premium' hospital list to a 'National' list, as no employees need regular access to central London hospitals. (Saving: ~10%)

The revised premium drops to around £42 per person, per month (£6,048 per year). They have saved nearly 45% on their initial quote while still retaining excellent core cover for cancer care, diagnostics, and surgery. They have successfully negotiated a top-value policy that fits their budget.

Does group PMI cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance, including group schemes, is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you join. Pre-existing conditions (illnesses you had before the policy start date) and chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma) are typically excluded from cover. Your treatment for these would remain with the NHS.

Is private medical insurance a taxable benefit for employees?

Yes. When an employer pays for an employee's private medical insurance, it is considered a 'benefit-in-kind' by HMRC. This means the employee will have to pay income tax on the value of the premium, and the employer will have to pay National Insurance contributions on it. The cost is reported to HMRC on a P11D form each year.

What is the minimum number of employees for a group PMI scheme?

Most UK insurers will offer a group PMI scheme for businesses with as few as two employees. However, some of the more favourable underwriting terms, like Medical History Disregarded (MHD), are usually only available to larger groups, often starting at 20 or more employees. A broker can advise on the best options for your specific company size.

How does using a broker like WeCovr affect the cost?

Using an expert, independent broker like WeCovr does not cost your business anything. Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurance provider you choose. Because of our market knowledge and negotiating power, we can almost always find you a better deal than you could by going direct, saving you both time and money while ensuring you get the right cover.

Ready to explore how private medical insurance can benefit your small firm? Get a free, no-obligation quote from our team of specialists today and discover the value of expert advice.

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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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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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