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How to Read Your PMI Renewal Letter Key Red Flags

How to Read Your PMI Renewal Letter Key Red Flags 2025

That envelope from your insurer has arrived. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we know that understanding your private medical insurance renewal is vital for your health and your finances. This guide will help you decode your letter and decide what to do next.

What to look for at renewal and when to switch instead of renewing

The annual renewal of your private medical insurance (PMI) is a critical moment. It's your opportunity to ensure your policy still meets your needs and offers good value for money. Simply letting it auto-renew could mean paying more for less cover, a phenomenon known as the "loyalty penalty."

The key decision is whether to renew with your current provider or switch to a new one. This choice depends on three main factors:

  1. Price: Has your premium increased significantly?
  2. Cover: Have the benefits been reduced or restricted?
  3. Your Health: Have your personal health circumstances changed over the past year?

This article will walk you through the renewal process, highlight the major red flags to watch out for, and explain how to make the best decision for you and your family.

Deconstructing Your PMI Renewal Letter: Section by Section

Your renewal pack might seem bulky, but it contains crucial information. It’s usually made up of a covering letter, a policy schedule or certificate, and a summary of your cover. Let's break down what to look for in each part.

The Renewal Premium

This is the figure that grabs your attention first—the total cost for another year of cover. It will show the annual premium and, if you pay monthly, the new monthly instalment amount. The headline figure is important, but it's the reason for any increase that truly matters. We'll explore this in detail later.

Certificate of Insurance

This document confirms the core details of your policy. Double-check that everything is correct:

  • Policyholder(s): Are all named individuals on the policy correctly listed?
  • Policy Number: Your unique identifier with the insurer.
  • Period of Insurance: The start and end date for the renewed policy term.

Policy Schedule & Summary of Cover

This is the heart of your renewal document. It outlines exactly what you are paying for. Scrutinise it carefully and compare it to last year's schedule.

Key Area of CoverWhat to Check at Renewal
Overall Benefit LimitIs there a cap on the total value of claims per year? Is it still "unlimited"?
Out-patient CoverCheck the limit. Has it been reduced from, say, £1,500 to £1,000? Does it include diagnostics, consultations, and therapies?
Hospital ListHas your chosen hospital list changed? Your local private hospital might have been moved to a more expensive tier or removed entirely.
ExcessIs the excess amount correct? This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess lowers your premium.
Cancer CoverThis is vital. Check for any new limits on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or access to new, advanced drugs.
Mental Health CoverHas the limit for psychiatric treatment or therapy sessions been altered?
Added BenefitsCheck the status of extras like digital GP access, wellness apps, or health screenings.

Endorsements and Policy Changes

Insurers must inform you of any changes to the policy's terms and conditions. This information might be in a separate section labelled "Endorsements," "Important Changes," or woven into the main policy booklet. This is a common place to find hidden reductions in cover. Read this section twice.

Red Flag #1: The Steep Premium Increase

It's the number one reason people feel frustrated at renewal. While some increase is normal, an unexpectedly large jump is a major red flag. Here’s why your premium goes up.

The Three Drivers of Premium Rises

  1. Age: As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases. Most insurers use age bands, and moving into a new band (e.g., turning 40, 50, or 65) can trigger a significant price hike.
  2. Medical Inflation: The cost of private healthcare consistently outpaces general inflation. Advances in medical technology, new expensive drugs, and rising hospital running costs all contribute. According to industry analysis, medical inflation in the UK typically runs between 7% and 10% per year.
  3. Your Claims History: If you made a claim in the previous year, you will likely see an impact on your No Claims Discount (NCD). Most insurers reduce your NCD level for each claim, which directly increases your base premium.

Example of an Age-Related Premium Increase (Illustrative Only)

Age BandIndicative Monthly PremiumPercentage Increase
35-39£60-
40-44£7220%
45-49£8518%
50-54£10524%

What is an "unreasonable" increase?

A total increase of over 20%—especially if you haven't claimed—should be a trigger to investigate. This suggests your insurer may be applying a "loyalty tax" on top of the standard age and inflation increases. This is the perfect time to ask an expert PMI broker like WeCovr to run a market comparison.

Red Flag #2: Your Cover Has Been Reduced or Restricted

A cheaper renewal premium isn't always a victory. Some insurers reduce costs by quietly chipping away at your benefits. This is a critical red flag because it means you're paying for a policy that may not deliver when you need it most.

Look for these subtle but significant downgrades:

  • A Smaller Hospital List: Your insurer may have re-categorised hospitals. The convenient private hospital near you might now be excluded from your list, meaning you'd have to travel further for treatment or pay extra to use it.
  • Reduced Out-patient Limits: A common tactic is to lower the financial limit for consultations and diagnostic tests (like MRI or CT scans) that don't require a hospital stay. A policy that once offered "unlimited" or a £2,000 limit might now only offer £1,000.
  • New Limits on Therapies: The number of sessions for physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic treatment might be capped at a lower number than before.
  • Changes to Cancer Care: This is the most important area to check. Insurers may change their cancer drug formularies or introduce new restrictions on experimental treatments.
  • "Fair and Reasonable" Clauses: Look for new wording that states the insurer will only pay "fair and reasonable" charges. This can create ambiguity and potential shortfalls if your chosen consultant's fees are higher than the insurer's set rate.

If you spot any of these changes, you need to ask yourself if the policy still provides the security you originally bought it for.

Red Flag #3: The "Loyalty Penalty" – Are New Customers Getting a Better Deal?

Insurers often compete for new business by offering attractive introductory discounts. Unfortunately, these discounts disappear after the first year, and the price is then ramped up at renewal. This means a new customer could be paying significantly less than you for the exact same policy.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has cracked down on this "price walking" in the home and motor insurance markets, but it can still be a factor in private health cover.

How to Check for a Loyalty Penalty:

The simplest way is to get a quote from your current provider as if you were a new customer. However, a far more effective method is to use a PMI broker. They can instantly compare the price of your renewal against what a new customer would pay, not just with your insurer but across the entire market. This gives you powerful leverage for negotiation or a clear reason to switch.

When to Switch vs. When to Renew: A Decision Framework

Making the right choice requires a clear-headed assessment of your situation.

Strong Reasons to RENEW

It's not always best to switch, especially in these circumstances:

  • You are currently undergoing treatment: If you are in the middle of a course of treatment for an acute condition (e.g., chemotherapy, post-surgery physiotherapy), you must renew your policy. Switching insurers would make this condition "pre-existing," and your new policy would not cover the ongoing costs.
  • You have developed a new chronic condition: Standard UK PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma. However, if you developed a chronic condition while insured, your policy will often cover acute flare-ups. Switching could risk losing this benefit.
  • Your renewal offer is genuinely competitive: If the price increase is modest (e.g., under 10-15%) and your cover remains unchanged, staying put can be the simplest option.
  • You value your provider's service: If you've had a positive claims experience and are happy with the customer service, this has real value.

Strong Reasons to SWITCH

You should seriously consider switching if:

  • Your premium has increased by over 20% without a claim: This is a clear sign you should shop around.
  • Your cover has been significantly reduced: You are no longer getting the level of protection you paid for.
  • You are in good health and haven't claimed for several years: You are a "clean slate" and highly attractive to a new insurer. You will likely be able to find a better deal.
  • Your needs have changed: Perhaps you want to add your partner, need better mental health support, or want access to a different hospital network.
  • You've had a poor service experience: A difficult claims process or poor communication is a valid reason to move your business elsewhere.

The Switching Process: Understanding Underwriting Options

If you decide to switch, it's vital to understand how your medical history will be treated by the new insurer. This is where underwriting comes in.

Remember the Golden Rule: Private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions (illnesses that are short-term and curable) that arise after you take out the policy. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or the day-to-day management of chronic conditions.

There are three main ways to be underwritten when you switch:

  1. Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common method. You don't fill out a medical questionnaire. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition for which you have had symptoms, treatment, or advice in the 5 years before your policy starts. If you then go 2 continuous years on the new policy without any treatment, symptoms, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.

    • Pro: Quick and simple to set up.
    • Con: Creates uncertainty. You only find out if a condition is covered when you try to make a claim.

  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire about your medical history. The insurer assesses it and provides a policy with a clear list of any specific conditions that will be permanently excluded.

    • Pro: Total clarity from day one. You know exactly what isn't covered.
    • Con: More initial paperwork.

  3. Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) / "Switch" Underwriting: This is the best option for most people switching from an existing PMI policy. CPME allows you to move to a new insurer while keeping the same underwriting terms you had on your old policy.

    • How it works: Your new insurer agrees to take you on with the same exclusions you had before. Crucially, any new medical conditions that developed while you were covered by your old policy will be covered by your new policy.
    • Benefit: You can switch to a cheaper or better policy without losing cover for conditions that have arisen since you first took out PMI.
    • Requirement: You must be switching from another UK PMI policy without any break in cover.

Navigating these underwriting options can be complex. An expert broker is essential to ensure you choose the right path and don't inadvertently lose valuable cover.

How to Lower Your Renewal Premium Without Switching

If you'd prefer to stay with your current provider but want a better price, you have several options. Call your insurer and ask them to requote based on these adjustments:

Option to Lower PremiumHow It WorksThe Trade-Off
Increase Your ExcessYou agree to pay a larger amount towards the cost of any claim (e.g., increase from £250 to £500).You will have to pay more out-of-pocket if you need to claim.
Reduce Out-patient CoverLower the financial limit for consultations and tests, or remove it entirely and pay for these yourself.You lose cover for potentially expensive diagnostic procedures.
Change Your Hospital ListMove from a "nationwide" list to a more restricted local or regional network.You have fewer hospitals to choose from and may have to travel for treatment.
Add a 6-Week Wait OptionIf the NHS waiting list for an eligible in-patient procedure is less than 6 weeks, you use the NHS. If it's longer, your PMI kicks in.This can significantly cut your premium, but means you may use the NHS instead of going private for some treatments.

The Role of a PMI Broker at Renewal

Trying to navigate the renewal maze alone can be time-consuming and confusing. An independent PMI broker acts as your expert guide and advocate.

Here’s what an expert broker like WeCovr does for you, at no cost:

  • Analyses Your Renewal: We'll break down your renewal offer, explain the changes, and identify any red flags or hidden downgrades.
  • Conducts a Full Market Review: We use our technology to compare your renewal against policies from all the leading UK insurers, including Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality.
  • Compares Like-for-Like (and Better): We don't just compare on price. We compare the crucial details: hospital lists, cancer cover definitions, mental health support, and more.
  • Advises on Underwriting: We'll explain the pros and cons of Moratorium, FMU, and CPME underwriting to ensure you make a seamless switch with no loss of cover.
  • Handles the Admin: If you decide to switch, we handle all the application forms and paperwork for you.

Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr receive complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, and can benefit from discounts on other types of insurance cover.

Beyond the Policy: Wellness and Prevention

Leading PMI providers are increasingly focused on helping you stay healthy. When reviewing your policy, look for the added-value wellness benefits, which can include:

  • Discounted gym memberships
  • Free access to digital GP apps for 24/7 consultations
  • Mental health support lines and apps
  • Rewards for healthy activity, such as walking or cycling
  • Discounts on health screenings

Embracing a healthy lifestyle is the best insurance of all. The NHS recommends adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This, combined with a balanced diet, 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, and stress management techniques, can have a profound impact on your long-term health and reduce your need to claim.

Can I switch my PMI policy if I am currently receiving treatment?

Generally, no. It is almost always best to renew your existing policy to ensure your ongoing treatment continues to be funded without interruption. If you switch, the condition being treated will be classed as pre-existing by the new insurer and will not be covered. You should complete your course of treatment before considering a switch.

Will my PMI premium always go up every year?

Yes, you should expect some level of premium increase each year. This is driven by two main factors: your age (as you get older, the risk of claiming increases) and medical inflation (the rising cost of private treatment, drugs, and technology). However, an unusually steep increase, especially if you haven't claimed, is a red flag and a good reason to compare the market.

What is the difference between a chronic and an acute condition?

This is a core principle of UK private medical insurance. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a cataract, joint replacement, hernia). PMI is designed to cover these. A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. Standard PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.

Does using my policy guarantee a big premium increase?

Making a claim will likely lead to an increase in your premium at renewal. Most insurers operate a No Claims Discount (NCD) scale. When you don't claim, you move up the scale and get a larger discount. When you do claim, you typically move down two or three steps, reducing your discount and increasing the price you pay. However, the purpose of insurance is to be used when you need it, so you shouldn't avoid necessary treatment for fear of a premium increase.

Your Next Step

Your PMI renewal letter is more than just a bill—it's a prompt to review your health protection. Don't let it sit on the side. A steep price, reduced cover, or a change in your needs are all clear signs that it's time to act.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation review of your renewal offer. Our experts will compare the entire market to ensure you have the best possible cover at the most competitive price.

Get A Free Quote

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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3. Enjoy your protection!
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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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