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How to Split Family PMI Adding, Removing, Or Changing Members

How to Split Family PMI Adding, Removing, Or Changing...

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that managing family private medical insurance in the UK requires flexibility. This guide provides expert advice on adding, removing, or changing members on your policy to ensure your cover remains relevant and cost-effective as your family evolves.

Real-world advice for dynamic family needs and saving money annually

Family life is anything but static. From celebrating the arrival of a new baby to watching adult children fly the nest, our families are constantly changing. Your family's private medical insurance (PMI) policy needs to be just as dynamic.

Simply letting your policy auto-renew year after year is a common mistake that can lead to you paying for cover you no longer need, or worse, leaving a new family member uninsured. Actively managing your policy isn't just about administration; it's a powerful strategy for ensuring your loved ones have the right protection while saving hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds each year.

This article is your definitive guide to navigating changes to your family PMI policy. We’ll cover adding partners and children, removing dependants, and handling the complexities of separation or divorce. We'll provide real-world advice to help you make informed decisions that protect both your family's health and your finances.

First, a Critical Note on UK Private Health Cover

Before we dive in, it's essential to understand a fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK. Standard policies are designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health.

PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before the policy started) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure that require ongoing management). Understanding this distinction is key to managing your expectations and your policy effectively.

Understanding the Basics of Family PMI

A family health insurance policy bundles cover for multiple family members under a single plan. This is often more convenient and can be more cost-effective than buying separate individual policies.

Key Terms to Know:

  • Policyholder: The main person who owns and manages the policy.
  • Dependants: The other family members covered by the policy, typically a spouse/partner and children.
  • Underwriting: The process an insurer uses to assess risk and decide on the terms of your policy. The two main types are:
    • Moratorium (Mori): The most common type. The insurer excludes treatment for any medical condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the five years before joining. However, if you go two full, consecutive years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide a full medical history declaration when you apply. The insurer then states upfront what will and won't be covered. This provides certainty but any declared pre-existing conditions will likely be permanently excluded.

Adding a New Family Member to Your PMI Policy

Life events often mean your family grows. Here’s how to handle adding new members to your private health cover.

Adding a Spouse or Partner

When you get married or move in with a partner, adding them to your PMI is a sensible step.

  • The Process: Contact your insurer or PMI broker. You will need to provide your partner's name, date of birth, and some basic medical history information, depending on the underwriting terms.
  • Underwriting: Your partner will be underwritten as a new member. If your policy is on a moratorium basis, their pre-existing conditions from the past five years will be excluded. If it's FMU, they will need to complete a health questionnaire.
  • Cost: Adding an adult will increase your premium. The cost is based on their age and the level of cover. Interestingly, for many insurers, the premium for a couple is based on the age of the youngest adult, which can sometimes result in a smaller-than-expected increase.

Adding a Newborn Baby

Welcoming a newborn is an exciting time, and most insurers make it easy to add your baby to your policy.

  • Newborn Benefit: Many top UK PMI providers offer a 'newborn benefit'. This often means you can add your new baby to the policy without any medical underwriting, sometimes even if they are born with a health condition.
  • Time Limits are Crucial: You usually have a specific window, typically between 3 and 6 months from the date of birth, to add your baby on these special terms. Miss this deadline, and you may have to go through standard underwriting.
  • Cost: Some insurers provide free cover for the first child under one year old, while others charge a nominal fee. The cost for children is significantly lower than for adults.

Example Scenario: The Thompson Family The Thompsons have a family policy with Bupa. When their daughter, Chloe, was born, they contacted their broker. Because they added her within 90 days of birth, she was added to the policy on a 'medical history disregarded' basis, meaning even a minor congenital issue she had would be covered. Their premium increased by just £25 per month.

Adding an Adopted or Older Child

If you are expanding your family through adoption or creating a blended family, you can add children to your policy. The process is similar to adding a partner. The child will be medically underwritten based on their health history. It is vital to do this through a broker, who can ensure the process is handled smoothly and you get the best possible terms.

Member TypeTypical Process & ConsiderationsPotential Cost Impact
Spouse/PartnerNew underwriting required (Mori or FMU). Provide name, DOB.Significant premium increase based on age.
Newborn BabyUse 'Newborn Benefit'. Add within 3-6 months for no underwriting.Free for first year with some insurers, or a small monthly fee.
Older/Adopted ChildNew underwriting required. Medical history will be assessed.Moderate premium increase, much less than an adult.

Removing a Family Member from Your Policy

As children grow up or circumstances change, you may need to remove someone from your policy. This is usually a straightforward process that can lead to significant annual savings.

Common Reasons for Removing a Dependant:

  1. Child Reaches the Age Limit: Most insurers allow children to remain on a family policy until age 21, or often up to 25 if they are in full-time education. Once they exceed this limit, they must be removed.
  2. Child Becomes Financially Independent: Even if they are under the age limit, your child might get a job that offers its own private medical insurance.
  3. Divorce or Separation: We cover this complex scenario in detail below.

The Process and its Implications

  • How to Remove: Simply contact your insurer or broker and request the removal of the dependant, stating the reason. The change is usually processed at your next monthly payment date or on a pro-rata basis.
  • Financial Impact: Your premium will decrease. Removing a young adult can save you a substantial amount, as premiums begin to rise more steeply after age 20.
  • Crucial Advice for the Removed Member: This is critical. Once removed, that person is no longer insured. They lose their 'continuity of cover'. If they want to get their own private medical insurance, they will be starting from scratch. This means any health conditions they developed while on the family policy will now be considered 'pre-existing' on their new policy and will likely be excluded.
  • The Solution: The best approach is for the person leaving the policy to arrange their new cover before being removed. A broker like WeCovr can help them find an individual policy on "Continued Personal Medical Exclusions" (CPME) terms, which allows them to carry over their existing underwriting and keep cover for conditions that arose under the old family policy.

How to Split a Family Policy: Navigating Divorce and Separation

Splitting up is emotionally and logistically challenging, and dealing with finances like health insurance adds another layer of stress. Approaching this correctly is vital to ensure continuous health protection for everyone involved.

You generally have two options:

Option 1: One Partner Takes Over the Policy One person (often the original main policyholder) keeps the existing policy, removing their ex-partner but keeping any children on it. The ex-partner who was removed must then source a brand new policy for themselves.

  • Pros: Simple for the person keeping the policy. Continuity of cover is maintained for them and the children.
  • Cons: The departing partner loses all continuity. They will be subject to full new underwriting, and any conditions they developed during the marriage will now be excluded as pre-existing. This can be a major disadvantage.

Option 2: Cancel and Both Start Afresh (The 'Clean Break') The joint policy is cancelled. Both partners then work with a broker to set up new, separate policies. One or both may include the children.

  • Pros: Provides a clean financial break.
  • Cons: If not handled correctly, everyone (including the children) could lose their continuity of cover.

The Broker-Led Solution: The 'Switch'

There is a much better way. By using an expert PMI broker, you can arrange to 'split' the policy while preserving everyone's underwriting history.

  1. Contact a Broker: Before making any changes, speak to a specialist broker. WeCovr handles these sensitive situations regularly and can liaise with insurers on your behalf.
  2. Arrange New Policies on 'Switch' Terms: The broker will help both partners set up new, individual policies on CPME or 'switch' terms.
  3. Coordinate the Changeover: The broker ensures the old policy is cancelled on the exact same day the two new policies start.

This coordinated switch means that no one has a gap in cover, and crucially, the original underwriting terms are carried over to the new policies. Any conditions that were covered under the old family policy will remain covered under the new individual ones.

Cost Implications: How Changes Affect Your Annual Premium

Every change you make to your policy will affect your premium. The cost is calculated based on the collective risk of all members.

Change to PolicyLikely Impact on Annual PremiumKey Factors
Adding a Partner (35)Increase of £600 - £1,200+Age, smoker status, level of cover.
Adding a NewbornIncrease of £0 - £300Insurer's newborn benefit, level of cover.
Adding a Child (10)Increase of £250 - £450Age, level of cover.
Removing an Adult (40)Decrease of £700 - £1,400+Their age and underwriting history.
Removing a Young Adult (22)Decrease of £400 - £700Their age, as premiums rise after 21.

Note: These are illustrative estimates for 2025. Actual costs vary significantly between insurers and depend on your specific cover choices and location.

Top Tips for Saving Money on Your Family Health Insurance

Managing your members is one way to control costs. Here are several other proven strategies to reduce your annual premium without sacrificing essential cover.

  1. Increase Your Excess: The excess is the amount you pay towards a claim. Increasing it from £100 to £500 can reduce your premium by 15-25%.
  2. Choose a Six-Week Wait Option: This popular option can cut your premium by up to 30%. With it, you agree to use the NHS if they can provide the treatment you need within six weeks. If the NHS waiting list is longer, your private cover kicks in. Given that NHS England data from mid-2024 shows millions on waiting lists, this option still provides immense value.
  3. Select a Guided Hospital List: Instead of having access to every private hospital in the UK, agreeing to use a curated list of high-quality hospitals chosen by your insurer can lead to significant savings.
  4. Review Your Cover Annually: Do you still need full outpatient cover, which pays for all diagnostics and consultations? Perhaps a limit of £1,000 would suffice and save you money. Do you use the dental and optical add-ons? Don't pay for benefits you don't use.
  5. Pay Annually: Most insurers offer a discount of around 5% if you pay for the year upfront, saving you from monthly interest charges.
  6. Embrace Wellness Programmes: Providers like Vitality and Aviva reward you with premium discounts, cinema tickets, and coffee for staying active. Tracking your steps and activity can directly lower your renewal price.
  7. Use an Independent Broker: This is the single most effective tip. An independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr compares the entire market for you. They can spot where your current insurer has become uncompetitive and find a better-value policy, often with enhanced benefits, for the same or lower price. This service comes at no cost to you.

Beyond Insurance: Proactive Steps for a Healthier Family

While having the right insurance is vital for peace of mind, the best strategy is always to foster a healthy lifestyle for your family. Many insurers actively support this.

  • Nutrition and Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is the foundation of good health. Make cooking a fun family activity. To help with this, WeCovr provides clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, making healthy eating easier than ever.
  • Stay Active Together: The NHS recommends children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, and adults 150 minutes a week. Family bike rides, walks in the park, or even just a kickabout in the garden all count.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Poor sleep is linked to a host of health problems. Establish consistent bedtimes and create a restful, screen-free environment in bedrooms.
  • Manage Stress: Modern life is stressful for all ages. Open communication, mindfulness apps, and ensuring everyone has downtime are key to mental well-being. Many PMI policies now include excellent access to mental health support, including therapy sessions.

Furthermore, when you arrange your PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr, you may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect your family and your finances in a holistic way.


Can I add my elderly parents to my family private medical insurance?

Generally, no. In the UK, family PMI policies are designed to cover the main policyholder, their partner, and their dependent children. Elderly parents cannot usually be added as dependants. They would need to take out their own individual private medical insurance policy. A broker can help them find a policy suited to their age and health needs.

What happens to my No Claims Discount if I split a policy due to divorce?

This depends on the insurer, but in most cases, a good broker can negotiate for both partners to retain the same level of No Claims Discount on their new, separate policies. If you simply cancel the policy, you may lose the discount. This is another key reason to manage the split carefully with expert advice rather than just cancelling the cover.

Do I have to tell my insurer if my child moves to university in a different city?

Yes, it's good practice to update your address details. While your child can remain on the policy if they are in full-time education (up to the age limit), their location can be relevant. Some insurers have different hospital lists or pricing based on postcode. Informing them ensures there are no issues if your child needs to make a claim near their university.

Will adding a baby with a known minor health condition affect my premium?

If you add your baby within the insurer's 'newborn benefit' window (e.g., the first 3-6 months), most providers will add them without medical underwriting. This means a known minor condition would typically be covered, and it wouldn't affect the premium beyond the standard charge for adding a child. However, if you miss this window, the condition would be treated as pre-existing and likely excluded.

Take Control of Your Family's Health and Finances

Your family is unique, and your health insurance should be too. Navigating the market and managing your policy through life's changes can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone.

The expert, friendly team at WeCovr is here to help. As an FCA-authorised independent broker with high customer satisfaction, we compare policies from all leading UK providers to find the perfect fit for your family's needs and budget. Our advice is always free, impartial, and without obligation.

Get your free, personalised family PMI quote today and discover how much you could save.

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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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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