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How to Use Your PMI to Book a Private Specialist

Navigating health concerns can be stressful, but your private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to make it smoother. As an insurance intermediary that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies, WeCovr knows the UK private medical insurance market inside out.

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated May 14, 2026

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TL;DR

Navigating health concerns can be stressful, but your private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to make it smoother. As an insurance intermediary that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies, WeCovr knows the UK private medical insurance market inside out. This guide demystifies the process of booking a private specialist.

Key takeaways

  • GP Referral: You visit your NHS or private GP to discuss your symptoms. They provide a medical referral if they believe you may need specialist care.
  • Insurer Pre-authorisation: You contact your PMI provider with your referral details. They check your cover and, if approved, issue an authorisation number for your consultation.
  • Booking the Specialist: You use the authorisation number to book an appointment with a specialist from your insurer's approved list.
  • Out-patient (illustrative): Treatment or consultation where you are not admitted to a hospital bed. This includes initial specialist consultations, diagnostic tests like blood tests or scans, and physiotherapy. Many policies have an annual financial limit for out-patient cover (e.g., 1,000 per year).
  • Day-patient: A planned medical procedure where you are admitted to hospital and discharged on the same day where available where available where available where available where available where available where available where available where available, such as a minor surgical procedure.

Navigating health concerns can be stressful, but your private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to make it smoother. As an insurance intermediary that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies, WeCovr knows the UK private medical insurance market inside out. This guide demystifies the process of booking a private specialist.

Booking steps, paperwork, and how to make sure your claim is approved

Using your private health cover to see a specialist is a structured process designed to help support your treatment is both appropriate and covered. While it might seem daunting at first, it typically follows three core stages:

  1. GP Referral: You visit your NHS or private GP to discuss your symptoms. They provide a medical referral if they believe you may need specialist care.
  2. Insurer Pre-authorisation: You contact your PMI provider with your referral details. They check your cover and, if approved, issue an authorisation number for your consultation.
  3. Booking the Specialist: You use the authorisation number to book an appointment with a specialist from your insurer's approved list.

Mastering these steps, understanding your policy's fine print, and knowing what information to have ready will transform your PMI from a simple policy document into a powerful tool for your health. This article will walk you through every detail, ensuring your journey to see a specialist is fast, clear, and successful.

Understanding Your PMI Policy: What's Actually Covered?

Before you even think about booking an appointment, it's vital to understand the fundamentals of your policy. Not all private medical insurance in the UK is the same, and cover can vary significantly. The most important distinction to grasp is between acute and chronic conditions.

Critical Point: Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (any illness or symptom you had before your policy started) or chronic conditions.

Condition TypeIs it Covered by Standard PMI?Description & Examples
Acute ConditionYesA condition that comes on suddenly and is expected to be resolved with treatment. Your health returns to its previous state. Examples: Appendicitis, cataracts, a broken bone, a joint injury requiring surgery.
Chronic ConditionNoA long-term condition that cannot be cured, only managed. Requires ongoing monitoring and management. Examples: Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, Crohn's disease, eczema.
Pre-existing ConditionNoAny disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment before your policy began.

In-patient, Day-patient, and Out-patient Cover

Your policy will define three types of care. Seeing a specialist for an initial consultation falls under 'out-patient' cover.

  • Out-patient (illustrative): Treatment or consultation where you are not admitted to a hospital bed. This includes initial specialist consultations, diagnostic tests like blood tests or scans, and physiotherapy. Many policies have an annual financial limit for out-patient cover (e.g., £1,000 per year).
  • Day-patient: A planned medical procedure where you are admitted to hospital and discharged on the same day where available where available where available where available where available where available where available where available where available, such as a minor surgical procedure.
  • In-patient: Treatment that requires you to be admitted to a hospital bed overnight or for a longer period, such as for major surgery.

Check your policy documents to see what your out-patient cover limit is. This will determine how much you can claim for consultations and initial tests.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Your Private Specialist

Follow these steps precisely to help support a smooth and approved claims process.

Step 1: The GP Referral - Your Essential First Port of Call

With very few exceptions, all UK private medical insurers require a GP referral before you can see a specialist. This is not just red tape; it's a crucial medical safeguard. Your GP assesses your symptoms and determines if specialist care is clinically necessary.

What kind of referral do I need?

You will likely receive one of two types of referral from your GP:

  • Named Referral: Your GP recommends a specific specialist by name. This is great if you have a preference, but you should consider whether you may need to check if that specialist is recognised and fee-more confident by your insurer.
  • Open Referral: Your GP refers you to a type of specialist (e.g., "a consultant dermatologist") without naming a specific individual. This is often the simplest and best route. It gives your insurer the flexibility to guide you to several approved, fee-more confident specialists in your area, minimising the risk of you facing any payment shortfalls.

Top Tip: When you speak to your GP, tell them you have private medical insurance and ask for an 'open referral' letter. This will make the next step much easier.

Step 2: Contacting Your Insurer - Getting Pre-Authorisation

This is the most important step. generally not book a specialist appointment before getting pre-authorisation from your insurer. If you do, your insurer is likely to reject the claim, leaving you to pay the entire bill yourself.

To get pre-authorisation, you'll need to call your insurer's claims line or use their online portal/app. Have the following information ready:

  • Your PMI policy number
  • Your full name and date of birth
  • The details from your GP referral letter (the specialty you're being referred to and the symptoms/reason for referral)
  • The date your symptoms first started

During the call, the insurer's claims handler will:

  1. Verify your identity and policy.
  2. Check that your policy is active and payments are up to date.
  3. Confirm the condition isn't a stated exclusion (e.g., a chronic or pre-existing condition).
  4. Issue a pre-authorisation number if the claim is approved.

This authorisation number is your golden ticket. It confirms that the insurer has agreed, in principle, to cover the cost of your initial consultation.

Step 3: Finding and Booking the Specialist

Once you have your authorisation number, you can find a specialist. Your insurer will provide you with a list of approved consultants. You can usually find this list via their website or by asking the claims handler on the phone.

Key Term: "Fee-more confident" Specialist typically choose a specialist who is "fee-more confident." This means they have an agreement with your insurer to charge within a set pricing structure. If you choose a consultant who is not fee-more confident, they may charge more than your insurer is willing to pay. This creates a "shortfall," which you will have to pay out of your own pocket.

When you call the specialist's private secretary to book the appointment, provide them with:

  • Your name and contact details
  • Your PMI provider's name (e.g., Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health)
  • Your policy number
  • Your pre-authorisation number

The secretary will handle the billing directly with your insurer, so you shouldn't have to pay anything upfront (unless you have an excess on your policy).

Step 4: The Consultation and Beyond

At your consultation, the specialist will assess your condition. What happens next depends on their findings.

  • If you may need diagnostic tests (e.g., MRI, CT scan, blood work): The specialist will recommend them. you should consider whether you may need to call your insurer again with these details to get a new pre-authorisation number specifically for those tests.
  • If you may need a follow-up consultation: You may need to get this pre-authorised as well, especially if it falls into a new policy year.
  • If you may need surgery or a procedure: This is a major step. The specialist will provide a "procedure code." you should consider whether you may need to contact your insurer with this code to get pre-authorisation for the in-patient or day-patient treatment. This will include the surgeon's fees, anaesthetist's fees, and hospital costs.

do not assume that authorisation for a consultation automatically covers subsequent tests or treatment. typically get separate pre-authorisation for each stage of your care.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, it's easy to make a mistake that could lead to a rejected claim or an unexpected bill. Here are the most common errors and how to steer clear of them.

PitfallWhy It's a ProblemHow to Avoid It
Booking before getting pre-authorisationYour insurer can refuse to pay, leaving you with the full bill.typically call your insurer and get an authorisation number before you book any appointment, test, or procedure.
Choosing a non-fee-more confident specialistThe specialist may charge more than the insurer's limit, creating a "shortfall" that you should consider whether you may need to pay.Use your insurer's approved list and specifically ask the claims handler for "fee-more confident" specialists.
Forgetting about your excessYou receive an unexpected bill for your policy excess after treatment.Know your excess amount. The first part of any claim in a policy year is usually paid by you. This is often paid directly to the hospital.
Not authorising diagnostic testsYou assume your initial authorisation covers scans and tests. It doesn't.If your specialist recommends a test, call your insurer immediately to get a separate authorisation number for that specific test.
Trying to claim for an excluded conditionYour claim is rejected because the condition is pre-existing, chronic, or a general exclusion (e.g., cosmetic).Be honest and upfront with your insurer from the start about your medical history. Read your policy documents to understand what is not covered.

Making the Most of Your Private Health Cover

A modern private medical insurance policy often comes with a host of extra benefits designed to support your health and provide faster access to care.

  • Digital GP Services: Most major insurers now offer a 24/7 virtual GP service via an app. This allows you to get medical advice and an open referral with potentially shorter waits for an in-person NHS appointment, significantly speeding up Step 1 of the process.
  • Mental Health Support: While comprehensive psychiatric treatment is often excluded or available on higher-tier plans, many policies now include access to a limited number of therapy or counselling sessions (e.g., CBT) without needing a GP referral.
  • Wellness Programmes: Insurers are increasingly focused on prevention. Look out for discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and health screenings.
  • WeCovr Client Benefits: When you arrange your policy through a specialist at WeCovr or one of our broker partners, you can also gain extra advantages. We provide our PMI clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to support your health goals. We also offer discounts on other insurance products, such as life or home insurance, when you hold a policy with us.

UK Private Healthcare: A Look at the Numbers

The demand for private healthcare is growing, largely driven by pressures on the NHS. Understanding the landscape helps explain why PMI is so valuable.

According to the latest data from NHS England, the challenge of waiting lists remains significant. In mid-2024, the total number of unique patients on the referral to treatment (RTT) waiting list was over 6 million, with the total number of care pathways waiting to start treatment exceeding 7.5 million. For many, waiting over 18 weeks for routine treatment has become common.

This is where PMI steps in. Industry data shows that around 12% of the UK population has some form of private health cover, using it to bypass these queues for eligible acute conditions. It provides peace of mind and, most importantly, faster access to diagnosis and treatment.

How a WeCovr Specialist or Trusted Broker Partner Can Help

Choosing the right private medical insurance UK policy is the foundation of a good claims experience. This is where a regulated broker is invaluable.

A specialist at WeCovr or one of our broker partners works for you, not the insurer. Our role is to:

  1. Understand Your Needs: We take the time to learn about your budget, your health priorities, and what you want from a policy.
  2. Compare the Market: We use our expertise to compare dozens of policies from the UK's PMI providers, explaining the differences in out-patient limits, hospital lists, and excess options.
  3. Find the good value: We find the most suitable cover for your circumstances at a competitive price, at no separate broker fee where applicable to you. Our service is paid for by the insurer.
  4. Provide Ongoing Support: We are here to offer guidance and clarity throughout the life of your policy.

By ensuring you have a strong fit for your needs from day one, we help you avoid the nasty surprise of discovering your cover is inadequate when you may need it most. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to clear, expert, and friendly advice.


What happens if my PMI claim is rejected?

If your claim is rejected, your insurer must provide a clear reason in writing. The most common reasons are that the condition is pre-existing, chronic, or a policy exclusion. You have the right to appeal this decision. The first step is to follow your insurer's internal complaints procedure. If you are still not satisfied, you can escalate the complaint to the free and regulated Financial Ombudsman Service for a final decision.

Can I use my PMI for a condition I had symptoms for before I bought the policy?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Conditions for which you have sought advice, treatment, or experienced symptoms before your policy start date are known as 'pre-existing conditions' and are not covered. It is vital to declare your medical history accurately when you apply.

Do I have to pay anything when I use my private health cover?

You may have to pay two things. First is your 'excess', which is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards the first claim you make in a policy year (e.g., £250). Second is a 'shortfall', which can occur if you use a hospital or specialist that is not on your insurer's approved list or who charges more than the insurer's agreed rates. You can avoid shortfalls by typically using your insurer's approved providers and getting pre-authorisation.

Can I go to any specialist or hospital I want?

No, your choice is determined by your policy's 'hospital list' and the insurer's network of approved specialists. Policies are priced based on different tiers of hospitals, with access to prime central London hospitals typically costing more. To help support your costs are fully covered, you should consider whether you may need to use a hospital on your list and a 'fee-more confident' specialist who has a payment agreement with your insurer.

Ready to find a private medical insurance policy that gives you peace of mind and a smooth claims process?

Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our expert advisors will compare the UK insurer panel to find an appropriate level of cover for your needs and budget.

Sources

  • NHS England: Waiting times and referral-to-treatment statistics.
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Health, mortality, and workforce data.
  • NICE: Clinical guidance and technology appraisals.
  • Care Quality Commission (CQC): Provider quality and inspection reports.
  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Public health surveillance reports.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Health and protection market publications.

Important Information and Risks

No advice: This article is for general information only. It is not financial, legal, insurance, or tax advice, and it is not a personal recommendation. WeCovr does not assess your individual circumstances or recommend a specific product through this article.

Policy exclusions and underwriting: Insurance policies, including life insurance, private medical insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection, are subject to insurer underwriting, eligibility, acceptance criteria, terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. Pre-existing medical conditions may be excluded, restricted, or accepted on special terms unless an insurer confirms otherwise in writing.

Tax treatment: References to tax treatment, HMRC rules, or business reliefs are based on current UK legislation and guidance, which can change. Tax treatment depends on your personal or business circumstances and may differ from examples in this article.

Before you buy: Always read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID), policy summary, and full policy terms before buying, renewing, changing, or keeping cover. If you are unsure whether a policy is suitable for you, speak to an insurance adviser.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of experienced 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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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 a strong fit for your needs 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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