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How Waiting Periods Work in Private Medical Insurance

How Waiting Periods Work in Private Medical Insurance 2026

Navigating waiting periods is key to unlocking the value of private medical insurance in the UK. WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, demystifies these delays for you. This guide explains how they work and how you can get treated faster.

Standard delays, how to reduce them, and when you might be able to skip the queue

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is your passport to faster medical treatment, but it's not always an instant pass. Nearly all policies come with 'waiting periods' – a set amount of time you must hold your policy before you can claim for certain treatments.

Understanding these waiting periods is the single most important step in choosing the right policy. It determines when your cover kicks in and for what conditions. This guide will walk you through:

  • What waiting periods are and why they exist.
  • The standard waiting times for different treatments.
  • The critical difference between acute, chronic, and pre-existing conditions.
  • Expert strategies for reducing or even eliminating waiting periods.
  • How an expert PMI broker can help you get covered sooner.

Let's unravel the timelines of private health cover so you can make a truly informed decision.

What is a Waiting Period in Health Insurance?

Think of a waiting period, sometimes called a 'deferment period', like a probation period for your health insurance policy. It's a fixed timeframe, starting from the day your cover begins, during which you cannot make a claim for some or all of the benefits included in your plan.

The purpose of these waiting periods is simple: to protect the insurance provider and its members from 'adverse selection'. This is where someone signs up for insurance because they know they need imminent, expensive treatment, only to cancel the policy once the treatment is complete.

If this were common practice, the cost of premiums would skyrocket for everyone. Waiting periods ensure the insurance system remains fair and financially sustainable by encouraging people to take out cover for future, unforeseen health issues, rather than immediate, known problems.

The Most Important Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Before we go any further, it's vital to understand the fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK.

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

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair, or treatment for infections.
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Standard UK PMI policies do not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.

Similarly, pre-existing conditions – any illness or injury you had symptoms of, received advice for, or were treated for before your policy began – are typically excluded, at least for an initial period. This is where the most common type of waiting period comes into play.

Standard Waiting Periods in UK PMI: A Breakdown

Waiting periods aren't one-size-fits-all. They vary by provider, policy type, and the specific medical benefit. Here are the most common waiting periods you'll encounter.

Benefit CategoryTypical Waiting PeriodWhy it Exists
Pre-existing Conditions (Moratorium)24 months (symptom-free)Prevents claims for known, recent health issues.
Cancer CoverOften from Day 1A key selling point; insurers compete on this.
Maternity / Pregnancy Care10 to 24 monthsEnsures policy is taken for long-term health, not just for a planned pregnancy.
Dental & Optical Care3 to 6 monthsPrevents immediate claims for known dental or vision needs.
Psychiatric TreatmentVaries (0-24 months)Depends on the level of cover and underwriting.
Initial Policy Deferment14 to 30 daysSome policies have a short initial period where no new conditions can be claimed for.

The "Moratorium Period": The 2-Year Wait

The most significant waiting period in UK PMI is the moratorium. This is directly linked to pre-existing conditions.

With moratorium underwriting (the most popular type), you don't need to provide a full medical history when you apply. Instead, the insurer applies a simple rule:

Any medical condition you've had symptoms of, taken medication for, or sought advice on in the 5 years before your policy start date is excluded from cover for the first 2 years of your policy.

However, if you complete this 2-year period without experiencing any symptoms, needing any treatment, or seeking any advice for that specific condition, it will likely become eligible for cover from that point onwards.

Real-Life Example: Sarah's Knee Pain

  • Before Policy: Sarah had physiotherapy for knee pain 3 years before buying her first PMI policy.
  • Year 1 of Policy: Her knee pain returns. Because it's a pre-existing condition within the last 5 years, her PMI will not cover any consultations or treatment for it. She must use the NHS or pay for it herself.
  • Year 3 of Policy: Sarah has been entirely free of knee trouble for over 2 years straight. If the pain now returns, her policy is likely to cover the treatment as she has passed the 2-year moratorium for that condition.

Underwriting: The Engine That Sets Your Waiting Periods

The type of underwriting you choose has the biggest impact on your waiting periods. Underwriting is simply the process an insurer uses to assess your health risk before they agree to cover you.

There are two main paths in the UK:

1. Moratorium Underwriting

As explained above, this is the "wait-and-see" approach. It's quick to set up and requires no medical forms. The trade-off is the 2-year waiting period for any pre-existing conditions from the past 5 years.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer's medical team reviews it and makes a decision from day one. They might:

  • Cover you in full.
  • Apply specific exclusions for certain conditions (e.g., "no cover for your left knee, ever").
  • Charge a higher premium to cover a specific condition.

The main advantage of FMU is certainty. You know exactly what is and isn't covered from the moment your policy starts. There's no 2-year guessing game.

Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting: Which is Right for You?

FeatureMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Application ProcessFast and easy, no forms needed.Longer, requires a detailed health questionnaire.
Pre-existing ConditionsAutomatically excluded for 2 years. May be covered after that.Assessed individually. May be covered or permanently excluded.
Clarity of CoverLess certainty at the start; "wait and see".Complete clarity from Day 1.
PremiumsCan sometimes be slightly cheaper initially.Can be higher or lower depending on your health history.
Best ForPeople with few or no recent health issues who want a quick start.People who want certainty, or have old medical issues they want assessed upfront.

Deciding between these two can be tricky. An expert PMI broker, like our team at WeCovr, can talk through your medical history and help you decide which underwriting method will give you the best outcome.

How to Reduce or Skip Waiting Periods Altogether

Waiting periods are standard, but they're not always set in stone. With the right strategy, you can significantly reduce your waiting time or even get covered from day one.

1. The Golden Ticket: Switching Your Provider Correctly

This is the most effective way to avoid starting from scratch. If you already have private medical insurance, you don't have to be stuck with your current provider if you're unhappy with the price or service.

Insurers offer special terms for switchers, known as Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) or "switch" underwriting.

Under a CPME switch:

  • Your new insurer agrees to match the underwriting terms of your old policy.
  • You do not have to re-serve any waiting periods you have already completed.
  • Any conditions that were already covered by your old policy will be covered by your new one from day one.
  • Any exclusions on your old policy will be carried over to your new one.

This is a complex process where professional advice is essential. A broker can ensure the switch is seamless, with no gaps in cover, and that your new insurer honours the "no new waiting periods" agreement.

2. Opt for Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

As discussed, FMU provides clarity from the start. While it might result in a permanent exclusion for a specific past issue, it removes the 2-year moratorium waiting period for everything else. For many, this certainty is worth it.

3. Join a Company Health Insurance Scheme

Group private medical insurance policies, offered by employers, often have more generous terms than individual plans. The best type of group underwriting is called Medical History Disregarded (MHD).

On an MHD scheme, the insurer agrees to cover all eligible acute conditions, regardless of your pre-existing medical history. There are no moratoriums and no medical questionnaires. This is a huge benefit typically available to employees of larger companies. If your workplace offers a PMI scheme, it's often the best way to get comprehensive cover with no waiting periods for past issues.

4. Choose a Policy with a Low-to-No Waiting Period for Key Benefits

While you can't always avoid a moratorium, you can choose a policy that offers strong day-one cover for major risks. Most high-quality UK PMI policies now offer full cancer cover from the day your policy starts. This "Cancer Cover Promise" is a key feature to look for and provides immense peace of mind.

The NHS Safety Net and the Value of PMI

It's important to remember that PMI is designed to work alongside the fantastic care provided by our NHS. It is not a replacement for it.

  • Accidents & Emergencies: You will always be treated by the NHS for urgent care needs. A&E departments are the right place for these situations.
  • GP Services: Your NHS GP remains your first point of contact for any health concerns. They provide the initial diagnosis and referral needed to trigger a PMI claim.

Where PMI shows its true value is in bypassing the waiting lists for planned, non-emergency treatment. As of 2024/2025, NHS waiting lists in England remain a significant concern, with millions of people waiting for consultant-led elective care. For an eligible acute condition, PMI allows you to:

  1. Get a prompt referral to a private consultant.
  2. Receive diagnostic tests like MRI and CT scans within days, not weeks or months.
  3. Have your surgery or treatment scheduled at a time and private hospital of your choice.

This speed and choice are the core benefits of private health cover, allowing you to get back to work, family, and life much faster.

A Healthy Lifestyle: Your First Line of Defence

While insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best strategy is to stay healthy. A proactive approach to your wellbeing can not only reduce your risk of needing medical treatment but can also help you get better terms on your insurance.

  • Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains supports your immune system and helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing strain on your joints and heart. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you track your diet effortlessly.
  • Regular Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or cycling, per week. This has been shown to reduce the risk of many conditions that could become pre-existing issues on a PMI application.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Good quality sleep is essential for physical and mental recovery. Aim for 7-9 hours per night to help regulate hormones, repair cells, and manage stress.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to a range of health problems. Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or even just taking a walk in nature can have a powerful positive impact.

By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you increase the chances of sailing through a 2-year moratorium period without any pre-existing conditions flaring up, meaning you'll have broader cover sooner.

WeCovr's Role in Navigating Your Options

Choosing a private medical insurance policy can feel overwhelming, especially with the complexities of waiting periods and underwriting. This is where an independent, expert broker makes all the difference.

At WeCovr, our service is designed to give you clarity and confidence, at no cost to you.

  • Whole-of-Market Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies from all the leading UK providers, including Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, and Vitality, to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
  • Expert Underwriting Guidance: We'll help you navigate the crucial decision between Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting, ensuring you choose the path that benefits you most.
  • Seamless Switching: If you already have a policy, we specialise in managing CPME switches, ensuring you carry over your cover without restarting your waiting periods.
  • Value-Added Benefits: As well as finding you the best policy, we provide our clients with complimentary access to the CalorieHero nutrition app and exclusive discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection cover.
  • Trusted Service: Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing clear, friendly, and professional advice.

We handle the research and paperwork, translating the jargon so you can make a simple, informed choice.

Can I get private health insurance with no waiting period at all?

For a brand new individual policy, it's very rare to have no waiting periods. You will almost always have a 2-year moratorium period for recent pre-existing conditions. However, you can effectively skip waiting periods by switching from an existing PMI policy on a 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME) basis, or by joining a 'Medical History Disregarded' (MHD) company scheme, which covers most pre-existing conditions from day one.

Does the 2-year moratorium waiting period apply to cancer?

Generally, no. Most modern UK private health cover policies offer full cancer treatment from day one of your policy, even with moratorium underwriting. This is a key feature and a major reason people seek PMI. However, this applies to a new cancer diagnosed after your policy starts. If you had cancer symptoms or investigations before your start date, it would be treated as a pre-existing condition and likely be excluded.

What happens if a pre-existing condition comes back during the 2-year waiting period?

If a condition you had in the 5 years prior to your policy start date reoccurs during the first 2 years of your policy (the moratorium period), your private medical insurance will not cover the cost of treatment. You would need to seek treatment through the NHS or pay for it yourself. The 2-year clock for that specific condition would also reset.

If I switch insurers, do my waiting periods start all over again?

Not if you switch correctly. By using a method called 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME), your new insurer agrees to take on the underwriting from your old policy. This means any waiting periods you have already served are honoured, and you don't have to start again. It's vital to get expert advice from a broker to ensure this is done without any gaps in cover.

Ready to find a health insurance policy that fits your needs without unnecessary delays? The world of PMI waiting periods is complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our friendly, expert team will compare the market for you and provide the clear advice you need to get covered quickly and confidently.

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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 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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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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