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How to Find Out Which Hospitals and Specialists Are Covered By Your Policy

How to Find Out Which Hospitals and Specialists Are Covered...

Navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex, but WeCovr is here to simplify it. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we provide expert guidance to ensure you find the right cover, with the right access to care.

A practical how-to for searching and confirming coverage

You’ve made the smart decision to invest in private health cover. You're ready to bypass long waiting lists and get access to prompt, high-quality medical care. But then comes the crucial question: how do you actually know which hospitals you can use and which specialists will see you?

It’s a question that can cause real anxiety. Choosing the wrong hospital or specialist by mistake could leave you with an unexpected and hefty bill.

This comprehensive guide will demystify the process. We’ll walk you through, step-by-step, how to search, confirm, and confidently use your private medical insurance policy. We will arm you with the knowledge to ensure you’re always treated in the right place, by the right person, at the right time.

Why Hospital and Specialist Lists Are the Bedrock of Your Policy

Think of your private medical insurance policy not as a blank cheque, but as a key to a specific set of doors. These "doors" are the hospitals and specialists your insurer has partnered with. This network is commonly referred to as a hospital list.

Insurers create these lists for one simple reason: to manage costs and ensure quality. They negotiate rates and service level agreements with a select group of private hospitals and medical professionals. By directing their members to this network, they can control their expenses, which in turn helps keep your premiums more affordable.

According to recent data from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN), there are over 500 private hospitals and clinics in the UK. No single insurer covers all of them. Your policy's value is directly tied to the breadth and quality of its specific hospital list. Getting this wrong means you might not be able to use the highly-rated clinic down the road, or you might have to travel further than you’d like for treatment.

Understanding your list is not just a detail; it's fundamental to using your policy effectively.

Understanding the Jargon: Key Terms You Need to Know

The private health insurance market has its own language. Let's translate the most important terms so you can speak it fluently.

  • Hospital List/Network: The official list of private hospitals, clinics, and treatment centres your insurer will pay for you to be treated in. This is the most critical element of your policy's practical use.
  • Hospital Tier: Insurers often segment their hospital lists into different levels or "tiers". A basic tier might cover a good range of national hospitals, while a premium tier might add access to exclusive, high-cost hospitals, particularly in Central London.
  • Specialist/Consultant: A senior doctor who has completed advanced training in a specific area of medicine (e.g., a Cardiologist, an Orthopaedic Surgeon, a Dermatologist). Your GP will refer you to one for diagnosis or treatment.
  • Fee-Assured Specialist: This is a specialist who agrees to charge within the fee guidelines set by your insurer. If you see a fee-assured specialist, your insurer will cover their costs in full. If the specialist is not fee-assured, they may charge more than the insurer's limit, leaving you to pay the shortfall.
  • Open Referral: This is where your GP refers you to a type of specialist (e.g., "a dermatologist") rather than a named individual. Your insurer then provides you with a list of approved, fee-assured specialists in your area to choose from. This is the most common route.
  • Guided Option (or Guided Care): A more restrictive, but often cheaper, version of referral. With a guided option, your insurer will typically give you a shortlist of 2-3 specialists to choose from, rather than a wider list. This reduces your choice but can significantly lower your premium.
  • Pre-authorisation: The process of getting your treatment approved by your insurer before you receive it. This is a mandatory step. During pre-authorisation, the insurer confirms that the condition is covered, the treatment is necessary, and your chosen hospital and specialist are on their approved list.

How UK Insurers Structure Their Hospital Lists

Not all hospital lists are created equal. The choice you make when you buy your policy will determine your access to care for years to come. Most major UK PMI providers, such as Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality, use a tiered system.

This allows you to tailor your policy to your location and budget. If you live in rural Scotland, paying extra for premium Central London hospitals probably doesn't make sense. Conversely, if you live or work in the capital, ensuring those facilities are included is vital.

Here’s a typical breakdown of how these tiers work:

Hospital Tier LevelTypical CoverageWho It's Best ForImpact on Premium
Standard / CoreA broad network of quality private hospitals across the UK, including groups like Nuffield Health, Spire, and Circle Health. Usually excludes the most expensive Central London hospitals.The majority of UK residents living outside Central London. Provides excellent national coverage at a competitive price.Base Premium
Extended / PlusIncludes everything in the standard list, plus an additional range of hospitals, often including some more specialised centres or some hospitals inside the M25.Those who want a wider choice, live in major cities, or want access to specific hospitals not on the standard list.+10-20% on Base Premium
Premium / LondonIncludes all hospitals from the other tiers, plus the most prestigious and expensive private hospitals in Central London (e.g., The London Clinic, The Lister Hospital, King Edward VII's Hospital).People who live or work in Central London and want unrestricted access to the top facilities there.+25-40% on Base Premium

When choosing a policy, it’s essential to think about:

  • Where you live and work: Check for good hospital coverage near both locations.
  • Your willingness to travel: Would you be happy to travel 30 miles for treatment, or do you need a hospital within a 5-mile radius?
  • Your budget: A premium list costs more every single month. Is the extra access worth the higher premium for you?

An expert PMI broker, like WeCovr, can be invaluable here. We can instantly compare the hospital lists from different insurers against your postcode, helping you find the policy that offers the best local coverage for your budget.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find Your Covered Hospitals

Okay, you have your policy. Now, let's find out exactly where you can go. Here is the practical, step-by-step process.

Step 1: Start with Your Policy Documents

Your first port of call should always be the official paperwork. When you took out the policy, you would have received a policy schedule, a policy handbook, and often a separate hospital list document.

  • Look for: A section titled "Hospital List," "Hospital Network," or "Directory of Hospitals."
  • Check the name: Your documents will state the exact name of your chosen hospital list (e.g., "Key Hospital List," "Expert's Choice Hospitals," "Countrywide Plus"). This name is vital for all future searches.
  • Keep it safe: Store these documents, either physically or digitally, where you can find them easily.

Step 2: Use Your Insurer's Online Portal and Hospital Finder

Every major insurer has a digital toolkit for its members. These online portals or apps are the quickest and most up-to-date way to check coverage.

  1. Log in: Go to your insurer’s website and log in to your member portal.
  2. Find the Tool: Look for a menu item called "Hospital Finder," "Hospital Search," or something similar.
  3. Enter Your Details: The tool will usually ask for your postcode, the type of treatment you need (if you know it), and sometimes the name of your specific hospital list from your documents.
  4. Search and Filter: The results will show a map and a list of covered hospitals near you. You can often filter by distance, hospital group, or specialism.

Pro Tip: Always use the insurer’s official online tool. Hospital lists can and do change. A hospital that was covered last year might not be this year. The online finder is always the most current source of truth.

Step 3: Pick Up the Phone and Call Your Insurer

Sometimes, you just need to speak to a human. If you're unsure about anything, or if you're planning a specific procedure, calling your insurer’s helpline is a brilliant way to get clear confirmation.

  • Have your policy number ready.
  • Be specific: Tell them, "I need an MRI scan. I live in Bristol. Can you tell me which hospitals on my list near me offer this service?"
  • Get pre-authorisation: If your GP has already referred you for treatment, this is the perfect time to start the pre-authorisation process. The call handler will confirm your cover, the hospital, the specialist, and give you an authorisation code.

Step 4: Ask the Professionals: Your GP and Specialist

Your GP and your chosen specialist are experienced in dealing with private medical insurance.

  • Your GP: When your GP refers you, they may know which local private hospitals are generally covered by major insurers. However, they won't know the specifics of your policy, so don't rely on their advice alone.
  • Your Specialist's Secretary: Once you have a specialist in mind, their private secretary is an incredibly valuable resource. When you call to book a consultation, ask them: "Do you know if Dr. Smith is recognised by [Your Insurer's Name] and does he have practicing privileges at [Your Chosen Hospital]?" They deal with this all day, every day.

How to Find and Confirm a Covered Specialist

Finding a hospital is only half the battle. You also need to ensure the specialist treating you is approved by your insurer. The goal is to find a fee-assured specialist to avoid any payment shortfalls.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Start with an Open Referral: Ask your GP to write a referral letter addressed to a "Consultant Cardiologist," for example, rather than "Dr. Jane Evans." This gives you and your insurer maximum flexibility.
  2. Use the Insurer's Specialist Finder: Just like the hospital finder, most insurers have an online tool to find recognised specialists. You can log in to your portal and search by specialism (e.g., Orthopaedics) and location. The list provided will consist of specialists who are registered with the insurer.
  3. Check for "Fee-Assured" Status: The online search results will often indicate whether a specialist is fee-assured. Some insurers even have a "fee-assured" filter you can apply. This is the gold standard.
  4. Call the Insurer for a List: If you have an open referral, you can call your insurer and say, "My GP has referred me to a dermatologist in the Leeds area. Could you please provide me with a list of fee-assured specialists I can choose from?" They will then send you a list to contact.
  5. Confirm with the Specialist's Secretary: When you call to book your first appointment, confirm two things:
    • "Is the consultant recognised by [Your Insurer]?"
    • "Will you be billing within [Your Insurer's] fee guidelines?" (This is a polite way of asking if they are fee-assured for the proposed treatment).

What If My Preferred Specialist Isn't Fee-Assured?

This can happen. A highly sought-after specialist may decide to charge more than insurers are willing to pay. If you are set on seeing them, you have two options:

  1. Negotiate: Sometimes, the specialist may be willing to accept the insurer's fee if you ask.
  2. Pay the Shortfall: You will have to pay the difference between the specialist's total bill and what your insurer pays out. Your insurer will tell you the maximum they will contribute for a given procedure. For example:
    • Specialist's Fee: £400
    • Insurer's Guideline Fee: £250
    • Your Shortfall to Pay: £150

You must be pre-authorised for this and agree to the shortfall in writing with your insurer.

Real-Life Scenarios: Putting Your Knowledge to the Test

Let's see how this works in practice.

Scenario 1: Sarah in Manchester

  • Problem: Sarah has developed persistent knee pain and her GP suspects a torn meniscus. She has a standard private health cover policy with Aviva.
  • Action Plan:
    1. Sarah's GP writes an open referral to an "Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in knees."
    2. Sarah logs into her MyAviva portal and uses the hospital finder. She confirms her policy is on the "Key" hospital list. She sees that the Spire Manchester Hospital and The Alexandra Hospital are both covered and close by.
    3. She then uses the specialist finder for fee-assured orthopaedic surgeons who practice at Spire Manchester. She finds three options.
    4. She calls Aviva to get pre-authorisation. They confirm her condition is covered and give her an authorisation code.
    5. She calls the secretary of her chosen specialist, gives the authorisation code, and books her initial consultation, confident that everything is covered.

Scenario 2: David in London

  • Problem: David needs to see a dermatologist for a worrying mole. He has a premium policy with Bupa that includes the "London Hospitals" upgrade. He wants to see a specific, highly recommended doctor at The Lister Hospital.
  • Action Plan:
    1. David checks his Bupa documents and confirms The Lister is on his hospital list.
    2. He gets a referral from his GP, but it's a named referral to the specific doctor he wants to see.
    3. He calls Bupa for pre-authorisation. The Bupa agent informs him that while the hospital is covered, the specific doctor he has chosen is not fee-assured and his consultation fees are £100 higher than Bupa's guidelines.
    4. David has a choice:
      • Option A: Ask Bupa for a list of fee-assured dermatologists who practice at The Lister.
      • Option B: Proceed with his chosen doctor and agree to pay the £100 shortfall himself.
    5. Deciding the peace of mind is worth it, David chooses Option B and confirms this with Bupa. He is now fully informed and avoids any surprise bills.

A Critical Reminder: What Standard PMI Does Not Cover

It is vital to remember the core purpose of private medical insurance in the UK. It is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

Standard UK PMI policies DO NOT cover:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Any illness, injury, or symptom you had before your policy started.
  • Chronic conditions: Long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. PMI may cover the initial diagnosis of a chronic condition, but it will not cover the day-to-day monitoring or ongoing management.

This is a fundamental principle of the UK market. Always be transparent about your medical history when applying for cover.

The WeCovr Advantage: Making Sense of It All

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? That's completely normal. This is precisely why working with an expert, independent broker is so beneficial.

At WeCovr, we don't just sell you a policy; we partner with you for the long term.

  • Comparing Apples with Apples: We have access to the detailed hospital lists from all the UK's leading insurers. Before you even sign up, we can compare them based on your postcode and personal preferences, ensuring you get the best possible access for your money.
  • No Jargon, Just Clear Advice: Our friendly, expert advisors speak your language. We explain the difference between guided options and open referrals, and help you decide which is right for you. We take the time to understand your needs.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange your PMI policy through WeCovr, you get more than just insurance. You also receive:
    • Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you stay on top of your health goals.
    • Exclusive discounts: On other insurance products like life or home insurance, saving you more money.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: Our commitment to clear, honest advice and ongoing support is reflected in our consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.

Choosing an insurer is a big decision. Let us do the heavy lifting for you, at no cost to you.

What happens if I use a hospital or specialist that isn't on my insurer's list?

Generally, if you use a non-approved hospital or specialist without prior agreement from your insurer, they will not cover the costs. You would be responsible for paying the entire bill yourself. This is why getting pre-authorisation before any consultation or treatment is absolutely essential. In very rare circumstances (for example, a medical emergency where there are no approved facilities nearby), an insurer might make an exception, but you cannot rely on this.

Can my insurer change the hospital list during my policy year?

Yes, insurers reserve the right to change their hospital networks. This usually happens at your annual renewal, but changes can technically happen at any time as commercial agreements between insurers and hospital groups evolve. A hospital might be added or removed from a list. This is why you should always use the insurer's live online hospital finder tool before starting any new course of treatment, rather than relying on a printed list from a year ago.

Do I need to check the list every single time I use my policy?

Yes, you do, as part of the pre-authorisation process. For each new claim or course of treatment, you must contact your insurer to get it approved. During this call or online process, they will confirm that your chosen hospital and specialist are covered for that specific treatment. This simple step protects you from unexpected costs and ensures your claim is handled smoothly.

Does the hospital list affect the cost of my private medical insurance?

Absolutely. The hospital list you choose is one of the biggest factors affecting your premium. A policy with a limited, "core" list of hospitals will be significantly cheaper than a policy with a comprehensive list that includes premium private hospitals in Central London. Tailoring your hospital list to your likely needs and location is one of the best ways to control the cost of your cover.

Your health is your most valuable asset. Your private medical insurance is the key to protecting it. By understanding how to check your hospital and specialist cover, you empower yourself to use your policy with confidence and get the maximum value from your investment.

Ready to find the perfect private medical insurance UK policy with the right hospital access for you? Speak to one of our friendly, expert advisors today. Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr and experience the peace of mind that comes with being properly covered.

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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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