WeCovr.

Login

How to Switch Private Health Insurance Without Losing Cover

How to Switch Private Health Insurance Without Losing Cover

Shopping around for a better deal on your private medical insurance is smart, but many people in the UK worry about losing valuable cover for conditions they’ve developed. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we specialise in making this process safe and simple. This guide explains how.

WeCovr's step-by-step guide to changing insurers safely

Switching your Private Medical Insurance (PMI) provider can feel daunting. Will your new policy cover everything your old one did? Could you be left exposed if a health issue arises? These are valid concerns, especially with premiums often rising year on year.

The good news is that it's entirely possible to change your insurer without creating dangerous gaps in your cover. The secret lies in a specific type of underwriting designed for switchers. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding your options to making the final move, ensuring your health and peace of mind are always protected.

Why Consider Switching Your Private Health Insurance?

While loyalty can be rewarding, it doesn’t always pay when it comes to insurance. The private health cover market is competitive, and your renewal price isn't always the best deal available. Here are the most common reasons people look to switch:

  • Rising Premiums at Renewal: This is the number one motivator. Premiums increase due to your age, general medical inflation (the rising cost of treatments and technology), and your claims history. According to industry analysis, medical inflation in the UK often outpaces the general Consumer Price Index (CPI), meaning healthcare costs rise faster than everyday goods.
  • Better Benefits Elsewhere: The market evolves. A new provider might offer superior benefits that have become important to you, such as enhanced mental health support, more comprehensive cancer care, advanced diagnostic tests, or a wider choice of hospitals.
  • A Change in Your Circumstances: Life events can change what you need from your policy. You might get married, have children, move to a new area with different hospitals, or simply decide you want a different level of cover.
  • Poor Customer Service or Claims Experience: A difficult or slow claims process with your current insurer is a powerful reason to seek a provider known for better service.
Reason for SwitchingWhat to Look For in a New Policy
High PremiumsA competitively priced policy with a similar or better level of cover.
Need for Better CoverA policy with specific benefits, e.g., full outpatient cover or better mental health support.
Change in LifestyleA flexible policy that can be adapted, e.g., adding a partner or changing the hospital list.
Bad ServiceAn insurer with high customer satisfaction ratings and a streamlined claims process.

The Golden Rule: Understanding Pre-Existing and Chronic Conditions

Before we explore how to switch, it’s crucial to understand a fundamental principle of all standard UK private medical insurance.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

  • 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 an illness that is long-lasting and cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. PMI does not typically cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.
  • A pre-existing condition is any disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment before the start of your policy.

This is the biggest risk when switching insurers. If you start a brand-new policy from scratch, any health conditions you have developed while covered by your old insurer will now be classed as "pre-existing" by the new one and will not be covered.

Example: Imagine you took out a policy with Insurer A in 2022. In 2024, you developed knee pain and were diagnosed with a torn meniscus, which your policy would cover. At your 2025 renewal, you decide to switch to Insurer B by simply buying a new standard policy online. Insurer B would now consider your knee problem a pre-existing condition and would exclude it from cover.

This is the trap you must avoid. Fortunately, there is a safe way to switch.

The Key to a Safe Switch: Understanding Underwriting Options

"Underwriting" is the process an insurer uses to assess your health and decide what they will and will not cover. There are three main types, and knowing the difference is essential.

1. Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting

This is the most common type for people buying PMI for the first time.

  • How it works: You don't fill out a medical questionnaire. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before the policy started. This exclusion is usually for the first 2 years of the policy. If you remain completely free of symptoms, treatment, and advice for that specific condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
  • Best for: Healthy individuals new to PMI who want a quick and simple application.
  • Risk for switchers: It will treat any conditions developed under your old policy as pre-existing, meaning you lose cover for them.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

  • How it works: You complete a detailed health declaration form, answering questions about your medical history. The insurer assesses your answers and provides a policy with a clear list of personalised exclusions from day one.
  • Best for: Anyone who wants absolute certainty about what is and isn’t covered from the start.
  • Risk for switchers: Just like a moratorium policy, this method will lead to new exclusions for any conditions that have arisen while you were with your previous insurer.

3. Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) Underwriting

This is the gold standard for anyone looking to switch their PMI policy safely.

  • How it works: CPME is specifically designed for switching. Your new insurer agrees to take on the same underwriting terms you had with your old provider. This means any personal exclusions on your old policy will remain, but crucially, any new conditions that have developed while you were covered by your old policy will continue to be covered by your new one.
  • Best for: Almost everyone with an existing PMI policy. It’s the only method that ensures continuity of cover.
  • How to get it: CPME switching is not always available directly from insurers. It is best managed through an expert PMI broker like WeCovr, who can approach the right insurers on your behalf and ensure the terms are transferred correctly. The new insurer will need to see your current policy certificate and will assess your recent claims history.
Underwriting TypeHow It WorksBest ForThe Bottom Line for Switchers
Moratorium (Mori)No initial health questions. A 2-year waiting period for conditions from the last 5 years.People new to PMI with no recent health issues.Unsafe. You will lose cover for conditions developed on your old policy.
Full Medical (FMU)Detailed health questionnaire. Exclusions are clearly stated upfront.People who want total clarity on cover from day one.Unsafe. New conditions will become permanent exclusions.
CPME SwitchingTransfers your existing underwriting terms to a new insurer.Anyone switching an existing PMI policy.The only safe way to switch insurers without losing cover.

The WeCovr Step-by-Step Switching Process

Navigating a CPME switch is straightforward when you have an expert on your side. Here’s how we manage the process to ensure it’s seamless and secure.

Step 1: Review Your Renewal Invitation

About a month before your policy renews, your insurer will send you a renewal pack. Don't just look at the new premium. Carefully check for any changes to your:

  • Level of cover (e.g., outpatient limits, cancer care)
  • Policy excess
  • Hospital list
  • Any new general exclusions added to the policy

Step 2: Define What You Need

Think about your priorities for the year ahead.

  • Is your current cover level still right for you?
  • Do you need access to a specific hospital or specialist?
  • Has your budget changed?
  • Are new benefits like virtual GP appointments or mental health support important?

Step 3: Contact an Expert Broker

This is the most important step. An independent broker works for you, not the insurer.

  • Market Access: WeCovr works with a wide panel of the UK's leading health insurers.
  • Expert Knowledge: We are specialists in CPME switching and know which insurers offer the most competitive terms.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.
  • We Do the Hard Work: We handle the applications, chase the insurers, and present you with clear, easy-to-understand options.

Step 4: The CPME Application

We will ask for a copy of your current policy certificate. This document contains all the information a new insurer needs to offer a quote on a CPME basis. We then formally approach the market on your behalf, ensuring each insurer understands this is a continuation switch, not a new application.

Step 5: Compare Your Options

We will present you with the quotes we receive. We'll provide a detailed comparison, showing you not just the price but also the key differences in cover between your current policy and the new options. We will clearly highlight the pros and cons of each, empowering you to make an informed decision.

Step 6: Finalise the Switch & Cancel Your Old Policy

Once you have chosen your new policy, we will help you complete the final paperwork. The new policy will be set up to start on the exact day your old one expires.

Crucial Point: You should never cancel your old policy until you have written confirmation that your new policy is fully active ("on risk"). This ensures there is absolutely no gap in your cover, not even for a single day. We will guide you on when and how to contact your old provider to cancel the renewal.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Switching Health Insurance

Making a mistake during the switching process can be costly. Here are the most common errors we help our clients avoid:

  • ❌ DIY Switching on a New Underwriting Basis: The biggest mistake is buying a new policy online without using CPME. As explained, this will treat all your recent medical issues as pre-existing conditions, leaving you uninsured for them.
  • ❌ Creating a Gap in Cover: Letting your old policy lapse even a day before the new one starts creates a gap. Any medical conditions that arise during this gap will not be covered.
  • ❌ Assuming 'Like-for-Like' is Identical: The devil is in the detail. One insurer’s "full outpatient cover" might have a £1,000 limit, while another's is unlimited. A broker will scrutinise the policy wording for you.
  • ❌ Focusing Only on the Headline Price: The cheapest policy is rarely the best. It might have a very high excess, a very limited hospital list, or poor cancer cover. Value for money is about getting the right cover at a fair price.
  • ❌ Not Declaring Something: When applying on a CPME basis, you still have a duty to be truthful. If the insurer asks about claims or treatment in the last 12 months, you must answer honestly.

Enhancing Your Wellbeing: A Proactive Approach to Health

Modern private medical insurance is about more than just paying for treatment when you're unwell. The best PMI providers now include a host of benefits designed to keep you healthy and support your wellbeing. These can include:

  • Discounted gym memberships
  • Access to mental health support lines and therapy sessions
  • Rewards for healthy behaviour (e.g., hitting step counts)
  • 24/7 virtual GP services
  • Nutritional advice and support

At WeCovr, we believe in a holistic approach to your health. That's why clients who purchase private medical or life insurance through us receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. We also offer discounts on other insurance products, helping you protect your health and your finances in one place.

A healthy lifestyle is your first line of defence. Simple, consistent habits make a huge difference:

  • Balanced Diet: Follow the principles of the NHS Eatwell Guide, focusing on fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Regular Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (like running) per week.
  • Quality Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal physical and mental health.
  • Stress Management: Make time for relaxing activities, whether it's mindfulness, reading, or spending time in nature.

The UK Private Healthcare Landscape in 2025

The demand for private healthcare is growing, driven largely by ongoing pressures within the National Health Service.

According to the latest NHS England data, the waiting list for routine hospital treatment remains a significant challenge. As of mid-2025, the number of individual treatment pathways on the waiting list stands at over 7.5 million. For many, this translates into long, anxious waits for diagnosis and treatment.

This has fuelled a surge in the uptake of private medical insurance. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reports that the number of people covered by health insurance policies has been steadily increasing, as individuals and employers seek faster access to care. This growing market means more choice and innovation for consumers, but also makes expert, independent advice more valuable than ever.

Can I switch private health insurance if I have an ongoing claim?

It is very difficult, and generally not advisable, to switch insurers while you have an active or ongoing claim. New insurers are highly unlikely to take on the costs of treatment that has already begun. The best course of action is to complete your treatment with your current insurer and then explore switching options at your next renewal.

Will my premiums definitely go down if I switch?

Not always. The goal of switching is to find the best overall value, which means the right cover at the most competitive price. While you may find a cheaper premium, it's also common to find a policy with significantly better benefits for a similar price. Your age, location, and claims history will always be key factors in the premium you are offered. An expert broker helps find the optimal balance of cost and cover.

What happens to my no claims discount (NCD) when I switch?

Many modern UK PMI providers have moved away from a traditional 'No Claims Discount' model to a more dynamic 'claims-based pricing' system. When you switch on a Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) basis, the new insurer will take your claims history into account when calculating your new premium. If you have not claimed, you will typically be offered a more favourable premium, effectively carrying over the benefit of your claim-free status.

Do I need to have another medical examination to switch insurers?

No, you do not need a medical examination. If you switch using CPME underwriting, the new insurer relies on the medical information you provided to your original insurer. You will not need to complete a new, detailed health questionnaire. You simply need to provide your current policy certificate and answer some basic questions.

Take Control of Your Health Cover Today

Don't let rising premiums or fear of the unknown stop you from getting the best private medical insurance for your needs. A safe, seamless switch is possible with the right expert guidance.

The FCA-authorised team at WeCovr is ready to provide a free, no-obligation review of your current policy. We'll compare the leading UK providers for you, manage the entire CPME switching process, and ensure you never lose a day of cover.

[Get Your Free, Personalised PMI Quote Today and Switch with Confidence]

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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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.

Learn more

...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.

Insurance Products

Resources

Legal

© 2025 WeCovr. Made with in London