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How to Switch Health Insurance Providers in the UK

How to Switch Health Insurance Providers in the UK 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert insurance broker that has arranged over 800,000 policies, WeCovr specialises in helping UK consumers navigate the private medical insurance market. This guide explains how you can switch providers to get a better deal, often without losing the cover you've carefully built up over time.

WeCovr shows you how to change providers without losing valuable cover

Feeling trapped by your current health insurance provider? Perhaps your renewal premium has shot up unexpectedly, or you’ve found that the cover you thought you had doesn’t quite meet your family’s needs anymore. You’re not alone. Many people in the UK stick with their existing private medical insurance (PMI) provider for fear of a complex switching process and, crucially, the risk of losing cover for medical conditions.

The good news is that switching your private health cover can be straightforward and highly beneficial, provided you do it correctly. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding the jargon to a step-by-step process for making the move seamlessly.

Why Switch Your Private Health Insurance Provider?

Before we dive into the "how," let's look at the "why." Your health and financial circumstances change over time, and your insurance should adapt too. Sticking with the same insurer year after year without reviewing the market is rarely the most cost-effective strategy.

Here are the most common reasons people look to switch:

  • Soaring Renewal Premiums: This is the number one reason. Insurers often increase premiums each year due to your age and medical inflation (the rising cost of private treatment). Sometimes, these increases can feel disproportionate, and a competitor may offer the same cover for less.
  • Finding a Better Price: The UK private medical insurance market is competitive. Other insurers may be keen to win your business and offer a more attractive price for a comparable level of cover.
  • Changes in Your Circumstances: Life events can change your insurance needs. You might be starting a family, your children might have left home, or you may wish to add your partner to the policy.
  • Needing Different Benefits: Your priorities might shift. You may now want a policy with comprehensive mental health support, better cancer care, or access to a wider range of hospitals.
  • Poor Customer Service: A slow claims process or unhelpful customer service can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you need support the most.
  • Enhanced Wellness Programmes: Many modern PMI policies come with added perks like gym discounts, free digital GP appointments, and mental wellness apps. If your current policy is lacking, you could be missing out.

The Core Challenge: Understanding Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

This is the most critical part of switching private health insurance in the UK. To switch safely, you must understand what PMI does and doesn't cover.

Private Medical Insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed with treatment and support. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover chronic conditions. It also excludes pre-existing conditions – any illness or injury you had before the policy began. This is the fundamental reason people worry about switching. If you switch improperly, you risk creating a situation where a condition that was previously covered under your old policy becomes an excluded pre-existing condition on your new one.

Let's clarify with a table:

Condition TypeDescriptionIs it Covered by PMI?Examples
AcuteShort-term, curable, and starts after your policy begins.YesBroken bones, appendicitis, gallstones, most cancers.
Pre-existingAn ailment you had symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment for before your policy started.No (on a new policy)Back pain you saw a GP for last year, a knee injury from three years ago.
ChronicLong-term, manageable, but not curable.NoDiabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, Crohn's disease.

The fear is valid: if you simply cancel one policy and take out another, any health issues you've claimed for or developed in recent years will be excluded by the new insurer. But there is a solution.

The Solution: How to Switch Safely with a "Protected" Transfer

To move from one insurer to another without losing cover for conditions you've already developed, you need to switch on special terms. An expert PMI broker can manage this for you. The key is choosing the right type of underwriting.

Underwriting Explained: The Insurer's Assessment

Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to assess your health and medical history to decide what they will and won't cover. For switchers, there are three main types.

1. Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) Underwriting

This is the gold standard for anyone looking to switch their private health cover. It’s specifically designed to provide continuous cover.

  • How it works: With CPME, you don't fill out a new medical questionnaire. Instead, your new insurer agrees to take you on with the exact same medical exclusions you had on your old policy. They effectively copy and paste your underwriting terms.
  • The major benefit: Any condition that was covered by your old insurer will be covered by your new one. You don't lose any protection. The only new exclusions would be for conditions not covered by the new policy's general terms and conditions (e.g., if the new policy doesn't offer a specific benefit).
  • Who it's for: Anyone who has had a PMI policy for a while, especially if they have developed medical conditions during that time.

Example: Sarah has been with Insurer A for five years. Three years ago, she had private treatment for a torn ligament. With Insurer A, her knee is now fully covered for any new, unrelated issues. If she switches to Insurer B on a CPME basis, Insurer B will also cover her knee, just as Insurer A did.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

This is like starting from scratch.

  • How it works: You complete a detailed health questionnaire, disclosing your entire medical history. The insurer's underwriters review it and may apply specific exclusions to your policy for any conditions you've had in the past (usually the last 5 years).
  • When it might be useful: If you are in perfect health and have never claimed, or if your previous policy had an exclusion for a minor issue that has since fully resolved, FMU could potentially give you a "cleaner" policy. However, it's a riskier option for most.
  • The risk: You will lose cover for any condition you declare.

Example (continued): If Sarah switched to Insurer B using Full Medical Underwriting, she would have to declare the torn ligament treatment. Insurer B would almost certainly place an exclusion on her knee, meaning she would have no private cover for it in the future.

3. Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting

This is the "wait and see" approach, common for people buying PMI for the first time, but often unsuitable for switchers.

  • How it works: No health questions are asked upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition for which you have sought advice, had symptoms, or received treatment in the 5 years before the policy started. An exclusion can be lifted if you then go for 2 continuous years on the policy without any issues relating to that condition.
  • The risk for switchers: This method will re-set your medical history. The knee problem Sarah had three years ago would become a pre-existing condition again and be excluded for at least the first two years of the new policy.

Comparison of Underwriting for Switchers

Underwriting TypeHow it WorksBest For...Key AdvantageMajor Risk
CPMENew insurer accepts the same exclusions as your old policy.Almost all switchers.Seamless transfer of cover. No loss of protection for existing conditions.Very few, unless the new policy's base terms are less generous.
Full Medical (FMU)You declare your full medical history on a questionnaire.People in perfect health with no claims history.Potentially a "clean" policy with no inherited baggage.You will lose cover for any declared pre-existing conditions.
Moratorium (Mori)No initial questions, but a rolling 5-year exclusion applies.Rarely recommended for switchers. Best for first-time buyers.Quick to set up.Resets the clock on all your medical history, re-introducing exclusions.

The clear winner for most people is CPME underwriting. This is a specialist process that a good broker, like WeCovr, can manage on your behalf, ensuring your valuable cover is protected.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Switching Your PMI Policy

Ready to explore your options? Follow this simple, safe process.

Step 1: Review Your Current Policy & Renewal Offer Around 4-6 weeks before your renewal date, your insurer will send you a renewal pack. Don't just look at the price. Scrutinise the documents:

  • What is the new premium? How much has it increased?
  • What is your level of cover (e.g., comprehensive, intermediate)?
  • What is your excess level?
  • What are your current medical exclusions?
  • Which hospital list are you on?

Step 2: Define Your Ideal Policy Think about what you need now. Has anything changed?

  • Do you need to add or remove a family member?
  • Do you want better mental health cover or outpatient benefits?
  • Are you happy with your current hospital list? Could you save money by choosing a more local network?

Step 3: Do NOT Cancel Your Existing Policy! This is a golden rule. Never cancel your current health insurance until your new policy is fully active and you have the documents in your hand. This prevents any accidental gaps in cover where you would be uninsured.

Step 4: Contact an Independent PMI Broker This is the most crucial step for a successful switch. An expert broker will:

  • Understand your needs: They’ll discuss your requirements and budget.
  • Access the whole market: They can get quotes from all the leading UK providers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, and The Exeter.
  • Request CPME terms: They will specifically ask insurers to quote on a "Continued Personal Medical Exclusions" basis to protect your cover.
  • Do the legwork: They handle all the applications and administration for you.
  • Provide free advice: A broker's service is free to you; they are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.

At WeCovr, our team are experts in managing CPME switches and can guide you through the entire process at no cost.

Step 5: Compare Your Options Like-for-Like Your broker will present you with a comparison of quotes. Look beyond the headline price:

  • Price: Is it a significant saving?
  • Cover: Is the level of cover identical, better, or worse? Check things like outpatient limits, cancer care, and therapies.
  • Excess: Is the excess the same? A higher excess will lower the premium but means you pay more towards a claim.
  • Hospital List: Does the new policy include the hospitals you would want to use?

Step 6: Apply and Go Through Underwriting Once you've chosen a new provider, your broker will manage the application. For a CPME switch, you'll need to provide a copy of your current policy certificate. The new insurer will then confirm they are happy to take you on with the same terms.

Step 7: Confirmation and Cancellation Once your new policy is live and you've received the policy documents confirming the CPME transfer, you can safely contact your old insurer to cancel your policy and the direct debit.

Key Factors That Influence Your New Premium

Understanding what affects the cost of private medical insurance can help you tailor a policy to your budget.

FactorHow it Affects Your PremiumHow to Manage It
AgeThe single biggest factor. Premiums increase as you get older.This is unavoidable, but switching ensures your age-related increase is based on a competitive market rate.
LocationPrivate treatment costs more in major cities, especially London.If you don't need access to central London hospitals, choosing a regional or local hospital list can save you money.
Level of CoverComprehensive plans covering all diagnostics and therapies cost more than basic plans for inpatient treatment only.Review your outpatient needs. Do you need unlimited cover, or would a limit of £1,000 per year suffice?
ExcessThe amount you agree to pay towards the first claim each year. A higher excess lowers the premium.Choosing an excess of £250 or £500 instead of £0 can lead to significant savings.
No Claims Discount (NCD)Many insurers offer a discount for not claiming, which can be up to 70-80%.A good broker can often negotiate a transfer or match of your NCD level with the new insurer.
Hospital ListA comprehensive list including premium London hospitals is the most expensive.Opting for a list that excludes the most expensive private hospitals is a simple way to reduce your premium.

Example UK Private Health Insurance Costs (2025 Estimates)

These are illustrative monthly premiums for a mid-tier comprehensive policy with a £250 excess.

ProfileLocationEstimated Monthly Premium
35-year-old individualManchester£55 - £75
45-year-old coupleBristol£140 - £180
Family of 4 (Parents 40, kids 8 & 10)Edinburgh£190 - £250
60-year-old individualCentral London£160 - £220

Disclaimer: These are estimates only. Your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances and chosen level of cover.

The WeCovr Advantage: More Than Just a Price Comparison

Choosing the right partner to help you switch is vital. WeCovr is an FCA-authorised broker with a strong track record of high customer satisfaction. We don't just find you a cheaper price; we provide a complete service.

  • Expert Guidance: Our advisors are specialists in the nuances of the UK PMI market, particularly CPME switching.
  • Hassle-Free Process: We handle the paperwork and liaise with insurers so you don't have to.
  • Added Value: When you arrange your health insurance through WeCovr, you get more. You'll receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to support your health goals.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: Our clients also benefit from discounts on other types of cover, such as life insurance or income protection, when they take out a PMI policy with us.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Switching Health Insurance

  • Don't focus only on price. The cheapest policy might have significant gaps in cover, a restrictive hospital list, or a high excess.
  • Don't leave a gap between policies. Always wait for confirmation of your new cover before cancelling the old one.
  • Don't forget to check the details. Compare the outpatient limits, cancer cover, and mental health support between the old and new policies.
  • Don't assume "comprehensive" means the same thing everywhere. Each insurer has a different definition. An expert can help you compare them accurately.
  • Don't try to switch on your own if you have a complex medical history. This is where a broker is essential to ensure your cover is protected via a CPME transfer.

A Note on Wellness, Prevention, and Healthy Living

The best way to manage your health and long-term insurance costs is to stay healthy. Modern insurers recognise this and increasingly build wellness benefits into their policies to reward healthy behaviour. This can include:

  • Discounted gym memberships and fitness trackers.
  • Access to digital GP services 24/7.
  • Mental health support through apps like Headspace or SilverCloud.
  • Points-based rewards for hitting activity targets.

Taking proactive steps to manage your health is always a wise investment. The NHS recommends adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, such as brisk walking or cycling, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, like running or swimming.

Coupling this with a balanced diet, sufficient sleep (7-9 hours for most adults), and stress management techniques can have a powerful impact on your overall wellbeing. Tools like WeCovr's complimentary CalorieHero app can make tracking your nutrition simple and effective, helping you stay on course.


Can I switch health insurance if I'm currently having treatment?

Generally, it is not advisable to switch providers while you are in the middle of an active claim or course of treatment. Insurers will not typically accept a switch on a CPME basis if there is an ongoing claim. It's best to complete your treatment with your current insurer and then look to switch at your next renewal. An expert broker can advise you on the best timing.

Will my premiums always go up every year?

In most cases, yes. Premiums tend to rise for two main reasons: your age (as the risk of claiming increases) and medical inflation (the rising cost of private healthcare, technology, and drugs). However, by reviewing the market each year, you can ensure these increases are competitive and switch to a new provider if your current one implements an excessive price hike.

What happens to my No Claims Discount (NCD) when I switch?

This depends on the new insurer's policy. Many leading UK insurers will allow you to transfer your existing NCD level or will match it to ensure you don't lose your hard-earned discount. A specialist PMI broker can negotiate this on your behalf as part of the switching process to ensure you get the best possible terms.

Do I have to declare every minor illness I've ever had when switching?

This depends on the underwriting method. If you switch using Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME), you don't have to declare anything, as the new insurer simply adopts your previous policy's terms. If you opt for Full Medical Underwriting (FMU), you must declare your medical history, usually for the last five years. Minor, one-off illnesses like colds or flu do not need to be declared.

Ready to Find a Better Deal on Your Health Insurance?

Switching your private medical insurance doesn't have to be complicated or risky. With the right advice and the correct process, you can secure better value and more suitable cover without losing protection.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation comparison quote. Our expert advisors will help you navigate the market and manage a seamless switch, completely free of charge.

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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