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Huntingtons Disease Diagnosis and Care

Huntingtons Disease Diagnosis and Care 2026

WeCovr explains Huntingtons disease and how families can access support through private healthcare

At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we understand the profound impact of a Huntington's disease diagnosis. This comprehensive guide explains the condition and clarifies how private medical insurance in the UK can provide vital support for families navigating this challenging journey.

Facing a future with Huntington's disease, whether as a patient, a carer, or an at-risk family member, raises countless questions. While the NHS provides a foundation of care, the private healthcare sector offers pathways to faster assessments, crucial mental health support, and prompt treatment for other health issues that may arise. Understanding how these two systems work together is key to building the strongest possible support network for you and your loved ones.

What is Huntington's Disease? A Clear and Simple Explanation

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare, inherited condition that stops parts of the brain from working properly over time. It's a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, meaning it gradually worsens, affecting movement, cognition (thinking), and mental health.

The condition is caused by a single faulty gene, known as the huntingtin (HTT) gene. If a parent carries this faulty gene, each of their children has a 50% chance of inheriting it. It affects both men and women equally. In the UK, it's estimated that around 12 people in every 100,000 are living with Huntington's disease.

Symptoms typically begin to show between the ages of 30 and 50, but they can start much earlier (Juvenile Huntington's Disease) or later. The symptoms are unique to each person but generally fall into three main categories.

Symptom CategoryCommon ExamplesHow it Manifests in Daily Life
Movement (Motor) DisordersInvoluntary jerking or fidgety movements (chorea), clumsiness, balance problems, muscle rigidity, difficulty speaking or swallowing.Spilling drinks, stumbling or falling, slurred speech, challenges with tasks like buttoning a shirt or writing.
Cognitive (Thinking) ProblemsDifficulty concentrating or multitasking, memory lapses, trouble planning or making decisions, slow thought processes.Forgetting appointments, struggling to follow conversations, finding it hard to learn new things or adapt to changes.
Mental Health (Psychiatric) IssuesDepression, anxiety, apathy (lack of interest), irritability, personality changes, obsessive behaviours, psychosis (rare).Social withdrawal, sudden mood swings, loss of motivation, feeling overwhelmed by everyday situations.

It's important to remember that Huntington's progresses differently for everyone. Some people may experience more significant movement challenges, while for others, the cognitive or psychiatric symptoms are more prominent, especially in the early stages.

The Journey of Diagnosis: From First Symptoms to Confirmation

The path to a Huntington's diagnosis can be a long and emotional one, often starting when an individual or their family notices subtle changes.

The Diagnostic Process typically involves:

  1. Initial GP Visit: The first step is usually a visit to the GP to discuss the symptoms. The GP will likely ask about family medical history, as a known case of HD in the family is a major indicator.
  2. Referral to a Neurologist: If HD is suspected, the GP will refer the individual to a neurologist, a specialist in brain and nerve conditions.
  3. Clinical Assessment: The neurologist will perform a detailed physical examination, checking reflexes, balance, movement, and mental state. They may also use brain imaging scans, like an MRI or CT scan, primarily to rule out other conditions such as a stroke or brain tumour.
  4. Genetic Testing: The only way to definitively confirm Huntington's disease is with a blood test that analyses your DNA for the faulty HTT gene.

Predictive Testing: A Major Decision

For individuals who have a family history of Huntington's but are not yet showing symptoms, a predictive genetic test is available. This is a deeply personal choice with significant lifelong implications. Deciding whether to take the test involves careful consideration and is always accompanied by specialist genetic counselling to help the person understand the potential outcomes and prepare for the result, whatever it may be.

NHS Care for Huntington's Disease: The Multidisciplinary Approach

The NHS provides dedicated care for individuals with Huntington's disease through Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs). These teams are based in specialist clinics and bring together a range of experts to manage the complex symptoms of the condition.

A typical NHS Huntington's Disease team may include:

  • Consultant Neurologist: Oversees the medical management of the condition.
  • Specialist Nurse: A key point of contact for patients and families, providing advice, support, and coordination of care.
  • Psychiatrist/Psychologist: Helps manage mental health symptoms like depression and anxiety.
  • Physiotherapist: Assists with movement, balance, and mobility to reduce the risk of falls.
  • Occupational Therapist (OT): Helps individuals maintain independence by adapting their daily activities and home environment.
  • Speech and Language Therapist (SLT): Supports communication and helps manage swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
  • Dietitian: Provides guidance on nutrition, especially as swallowing becomes more difficult and calorie needs increase.

While the care offered by the NHS is comprehensive, the reality is that long waiting lists for appointments with specialists and therapists can cause delays, which can be frustrating and worrying for families. According to NHS England data, millions of people are waiting for consultant-led elective care, and accessing services like physiotherapy or mental health therapy can often involve a wait of several months.

This is where private medical insurance can offer a powerful and complementary layer of support.

The Role of Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Understanding the Reality

It is absolutely vital to understand how private medical insurance UK policies work in relation to long-term conditions like Huntington's disease. This knowledge will help you set realistic expectations and use your cover effectively.

The Golden Rule: PMI and Chronic vs. Acute Conditions

UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery, such as a joint injury, cataracts, or a hernia.

Huntington's disease is a chronic condition. A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured but can be managed through ongoing treatment and support.

This means:

  • Standard private health cover does not pay for the ongoing management of chronic conditions like Huntington's disease.
  • If you are diagnosed with Huntington's before you take out a PMI policy, it will be classed as a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover.
  • If you develop symptoms and are diagnosed with Huntington's after your policy starts, it will be diagnosed as a chronic condition, and your insurer will not cover the long-term management.

So, how can a PMI policy possibly help a family affected by Huntington's? The answer lies in using the policy strategically to access speed, choice, and support for related and unrelated health issues.

5 Powerful Ways PMI Can Support Families Affected by Huntington's

Even with the exclusion of chronic care, a good PMI policy can be an invaluable tool for maintaining quality of life and accessing timely support.

1. Faster Diagnosis and Initial Specialist Access If you or a family member develop new, unexplained neurological symptoms after your policy has started, PMI can be used to speed up the diagnostic process.

  • Fast-track GP and Specialist Referrals: Many policies offer a digital GP service, allowing you to get a referral to a specialist in days, not weeks or months.
  • Prompt Diagnostic Scans: Your policy will cover the cost of private MRI or CT scans to investigate your symptoms and rule out other conditions. Bypassing NHS waiting lists for diagnostics can reduce anxiety and lead to a quicker definitive answer, even if that answer is a chronic diagnosis like HD.

2. Treatment for Unrelated Acute Conditions A person with Huntington's is just as likely as anyone else to develop new, unrelated acute health problems. Having PMI means they can get these issues treated quickly, in a private hospital of their choice, without a long wait.

  • Example: A person with early-stage HD might need a hernia operation or a knee replacement. Using PMI allows them to have the surgery promptly, minimising disruption to their life and preventing a decline in their overall health and mobility while they wait for NHS treatment. This is crucial for maintaining independence for as long as possible.

3. Invaluable Mental Health Support This is one of the most significant benefits. The emotional toll of a Huntington's diagnosis, both for the individual and their family, is immense.

  • Most leading private medical insurance UK policies now include comprehensive mental health cover. This provides fast access to therapy, counselling, or psychiatric support without needing a GP referral.
  • This support is often available to all family members on the policy, not just the person with the diagnosis. It can be a lifeline for partners, spouses, and children struggling to cope with the family's new reality.

4. Access to Therapies for Symptom Management While PMI won't cover long-term physiotherapy for HD itself, it can often cover a course of treatment for an acute issue that affects an HD patient's wellbeing.

  • Example: If a person with HD has a fall and injures their back, a PMI policy could cover a course of private physiotherapy to aid their recovery from that specific injury. This helps them regain mobility and confidence much faster than waiting for NHS services.

5. Added-Value Services and Wellness Support Modern PMI plans come with a host of benefits designed to support your overall health and wellbeing.

  • 24/7 Health Support Lines: Access to trained nurses for medical advice at any time.
  • Virtual GP Services: Convenient access to a GP via phone or video call.
  • Wellness Apps and Discounts: Many insurers offer rewards for healthy living. At WeCovr, we provide our health and life insurance clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. This can be particularly useful for managing the complex dietary needs associated with Huntington's.

Comparing Care Pathways: NHS vs. Private Support

This table illustrates the key differences in accessing care through the NHS versus using a private medical insurance policy for support.

FeatureNHS PathwayPrivate Healthcare (via PMI)
Initial Specialist ConsultationReferral from GP; waiting times can be several weeks or months.Fast-track referral, often within days. Choice of consultant.
Diagnostic Scans (e.g., MRI)Can involve significant waiting times, adding to anxiety.Arranged within days at a private facility.
Mental Health SupportLong waiting lists for talking therapies (IAPT/NHS Talking Therapies).Fast access to a network of private counsellors and therapists.
Treatment of New Acute ConditionsAdded to the standard NHS waiting list for surgery or treatment.Prompt treatment in a private hospital at a time that suits you.
Choice of Hospital/SpecialistGenerally treated at your local NHS hospital with an assigned consultant.Choice of a nationwide network of private hospitals and specialists.
Therapies (Physio, OT)Access is often limited, with waiting lists and a set number of sessions.Fast access for acute conditions; helps with quicker recovery from injuries.

How WeCovr Provides Clarity and Finds the Right Cover

Navigating the insurance market when your family is affected by Huntington's can feel daunting. As an expert PMI broker, WeCovr's role is to provide clear, compassionate, and independent advice.

  • We Explain the Nuances: Our advisors take the time to explain exactly what is and isn't covered, ensuring you have no false expectations.
  • We Compare the Market: We search for policies from the best PMI providers, focusing on those with the strongest mental health benefits, best added-value services, or most flexible diagnostic cover to suit your family's specific needs.
  • We Support the Whole Family: We can help at-risk family members who have not been tested secure their own robust private health cover, advising on the implications of declaring a family history of HD. We can also help you explore other vital protections, such as life insurance and critical illness cover.
  • We Offer More: When you arrange a policy through us, we offer discounts on other types of insurance, helping you build a complete financial safety net for your family.

Living Well: Practical Advice for Managing Huntington's

Beyond medical care, proactive lifestyle management can significantly improve quality of life.

Diet and Nutrition

  • Calorie Needs: The involuntary movements (chorea) can burn a huge number of calories. A high-calorie, nutrient-dense diet is essential to prevent weight loss.
  • Swallowing Difficulties: As the disease progresses, food textures may need to be modified. A speech and language therapist can advise on softer foods and thickened fluids.
  • Tracking Intake: Using an app like CalorieHero can help you and your family monitor calorie and nutrient intake to ensure nutritional needs are being met.

Exercise and Activity

  • Stay Active: Regular, gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or seated yoga can help with balance, muscle strength, and mood.
  • Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can design a safe exercise programme tailored to your ability.

Home Environment

  • Safety First: An occupational therapist can recommend home adaptations to improve safety and maintain independence, such as grab rails, non-slip flooring, and accessible furniture.

It is wise for any family affected by HD to plan for the future.

  • Power of Attorney: Set up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for both health and welfare, and property and financial affairs, while the individual still has the capacity to make these decisions.
  • Life and Critical Illness Cover: For at-risk individuals who have not been tested, it is crucial to consider applying for life insurance and critical illness cover before a predictive test. A positive test result can make it very difficult or impossible to get cover.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get private medical insurance if I have been diagnosed with Huntington's disease?

Generally, you cannot get private medical insurance to cover the treatment of Huntington's disease itself, as it is a pre-existing and chronic condition. However, you can still get a policy to cover new, unrelated acute conditions that arise after you join, such as the need for joint replacement surgery, cataract removal, or hernia repair. This ensures you can get prompt treatment for other health issues.

My parent has Huntington's, but I haven't had a predictive test. Can I get private health cover?

Yes, you can. You must declare your family history of Huntington's disease when you apply. The insurer will likely place a specific exclusion on your policy for Huntington's disease and related symptoms. However, you will be fully covered for all other new acute medical conditions according to the terms of your policy. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you find the most suitable insurer.

Does private medical insurance pay for predictive genetic testing for Huntington's?

No, private medical insurance in the UK does not typically cover predictive genetic screening. PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of symptoms of unforeseen conditions that arise after your policy starts, not proactive screening for inherited conditions you are at risk of but do not yet have. Genetic testing for HD is usually done through the NHS, accompanied by specialist counselling.

What is the single biggest benefit of PMI for a family navigating Huntington's disease?

While there are several benefits, the most powerful is often the rapid access to mental health support. The emotional and psychological impact on the entire family is immense. PMI can provide fast access to counselling and therapy for the patient, their partner, and their children (if on a family policy), offering a crucial support system to help everyone cope without the long waits often found in the public system.

Navigating the future with a Huntington's diagnosis in the family can feel overwhelming. At WeCovr, our expert advisors provide clear, compassionate guidance to help you understand your options and find a plan that delivers genuine support.

Get a free, no-obligation quote today and discover how the right private medical insurance can provide peace of mind for your family's future.


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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!

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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.

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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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