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Hybrid Policies The Future of PMI

Hybrid Policies The Future of PMI 2026

At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of all types, we see a clear trend shaping the UK private medical insurance market. A new, smarter way of thinking about health cover is emerging: hybrid policies that offer flexible, affordable, and comprehensive protection for you and your family.

Blending cash plans and PMI for flexible cover

For too long, UK consumers have faced a binary choice: a comprehensive but potentially costly Private Medical Insurance (PMI) policy, or a more affordable but limited Health Cash Plan. The future, however, lies not in choosing one over the other, but in intelligently blending them.

A hybrid approach combines the strengths of both. It uses a core PMI policy to cover the big, unexpected health events—like surgery or cancer treatment—while a health cash plan handles the routine, everyday costs such as dental check-ups, new glasses, and physiotherapy sessions.

This combination creates a powerful, flexible, and often more cost-effective solution that puts you in control of your healthcare journey, from minor check-ups to major medical procedures.

Understanding the Building Blocks: PMI vs. Health Cash Plans

To appreciate the power of a hybrid policy, it's essential to understand its two core components. They are designed for very different purposes, and knowing the difference is the first step to building the right cover for your needs.

What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?

Think of Private Medical Insurance as your shield against serious, unexpected health problems. Its main purpose is to cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health.

What PMI typically covers:

  • In-patient and day-patient treatment: This includes hospital stays, surgery, and procedures where you don't need to stay overnight.
  • Specialist consultations: Access to consultants for diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Advanced diagnostics: Scans like MRI, CT, and PET scans to get to the bottom of a problem quickly.
  • Cancer care: Comprehensive cover for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery is a cornerstone of most PMI policies.
  • Mental health support: Increasing numbers of policies offer access to therapy and psychiatric care.

A Critical Point on PMI: Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. It does not cover chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure) or pre-existing conditions (any illness or injury you had before your policy started).

What is a Health Cash Plan?

A health cash plan is more like a health savings account you pay into monthly. It's not designed for major medical emergencies but for helping you budget for routine healthcare. You pay for a treatment or service, and then claim a percentage of the cost back from the provider, up to an annual limit for each category.

What a Health Cash Plan typically covers:

  • Dental check-ups and treatment: Includes fillings, hygiene appointments, and sometimes crowns or bridges.
  • Optical costs: Eye tests, glasses, and contact lenses.
  • Therapies: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment, and sometimes acupuncture.
  • Prescription charges: In England, you can claim back the cost of NHS prescriptions.
  • Health screenings: Contributions towards preventative health checks.

PMI vs. Health Cash Plan: A Side-by-Side Comparison

To make it crystal clear, here’s a simple breakdown of how they differ.

FeaturePrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)Health Cash Plan
Main PurposeCovers major, acute medical eventsHelps budget for routine healthcare
How it WorksInsurer pays the hospital/specialist directlyYou pay upfront, then claim the cash back
Typical CoverSurgery, cancer care, hospital staysDental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions
Best ForUnexpected, high-cost treatmentsPredictable, everyday health expenses
Key LimitationDoesn't cover routine costs or chronic/pre-existing conditionsAnnual limits on claims; no cover for major surgery

Understanding this distinction is key. PMI is for the "what if," while a cash plan is for the "when."

The Hybrid Advantage: Why Two is Better Than One

Combining PMI and a health cash plan creates a seamless healthcare strategy that covers you from head to toe, for both the minor and the major. This synergistic approach plugs the gaps left by each individual product, resulting in more comprehensive and often more affordable cover.

Here’s how it works in a real-life scenario:

Imagine you injure your knee playing football.

  1. The Diagnosis (PMI): Your GP refers you to a specialist. Your PMI policy kicks in, covering the consultation and an MRI scan to diagnose a torn ligament.
  2. The Treatment (PMI): The specialist recommends keyhole surgery. Your PMI policy covers the entire cost of the operation and your hospital stay, allowing you to bypass a lengthy NHS wait.
  3. The Recovery (Health Cash Plan): After the surgery, you need a course of six physiotherapy sessions to regain strength and mobility. Instead of paying out of pocket, you use your health cash plan. If each session costs £50, and your plan covers 100% up to a £300 annual limit, your entire rehabilitation is covered.

Without the hybrid approach, you would have either paid for the physiotherapy yourself or added it as an expensive option to your PMI policy.

Cost-Effectiveness: The Smart Way to Save

One of the most compelling reasons to adopt a hybrid model is its cost-efficiency. Comprehensive PMI with low excess and full outpatient cover can be expensive. A hybrid strategy allows you to be smarter with your money.

You can select a core PMI policy with a higher excess (the amount you agree to pay towards a claim). This can significantly lower your monthly premium. You then use your affordable health cash plan to cover smaller, routine costs, effectively keeping your PMI for the major events it’s designed for.

Let’s look at an example for a 40-year-old non-smoker:

Policy ApproachExample Monthly CostHow it WorksPros & Cons
Comprehensive PMI£85Full outpatient cover, £100 excess. Covers physio sessions.Pro: All-in-one simplicity. Con: Highest monthly cost.
Basic PMI + Cash Plan£55 (PMI) + £20 (Cash Plan) = £75PMI has a £500 excess and limited outpatient cover. Cash plan covers dental, optical, and physio up to annual limits.Pro: Lower total cost, covers routine care. Con: Need to manage two policies.
Health Cash Plan Only£20No PMI. Only covers routine costs up to set limits.Pro: Very affordable. Con: No cover for surgery or major illness.

As you can see, the hybrid approach provides broad coverage for a lower total premium than a top-tier PMI policy. An expert broker like WeCovr can run these numbers for you, finding the perfect balance of cover and cost from leading UK providers.

Is a Hybrid Health Insurance Policy Right for You?

A blended policy isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but its flexibility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of people across the UK.

For Young Professionals and the Self-Employed

For those starting their careers or running their own business, time is money. A long wait for an NHS appointment can impact your earnings and productivity.

  • Benefit: A hybrid policy offers a safety net. The PMI component ensures you can get fast access to treatment for serious issues, minimising downtime. The cash plan helps you stay on top of your health proactively, covering dental check-ups and eye tests without a big financial hit. This is particularly valuable for self-employed individuals who don't get sick pay.

For Growing Families

Managing the health of a family brings a host of predictable and unpredictable costs. Children often need dental work, glasses, or may suffer minor injuries.

  • Benefit: A family hybrid plan is incredibly practical. The cash plan can absorb the costs of braces, new glasses for the kids, and check-ups for everyone. Meanwhile, the core PMI policy provides peace of mind, knowing that if a more serious condition affects any family member, you have access to the best possible private care without delay.

For Those Nearing Retirement

As we get older, the likelihood of needing medical treatment increases. While you may have more savings, you also want to protect your retirement fund from being eroded by unexpected healthcare costs.

  • Benefit: A hybrid policy allows for comprehensive cover without an excessive premium. You can secure a robust PMI policy for major procedures like joint replacements or cataract surgery, which have some of the longest waiting lists on the NHS. The cash plan helps manage the ongoing costs of prescriptions, dental care, and therapies like podiatry, which become more common with age.

The appeal of private healthcare solutions is growing for a clear reason. The NHS, while a cherished institution, is facing unprecedented pressure.

According to the latest NHS England data, the referral-to-treatment (RTT) waiting list remains historically high. As of late 2024, millions of treatments were on the waiting list, with a significant number of patients waiting over 18 weeks, and many thousands waiting over a year for planned procedures. For context, the NHS Constitution for England sets a target that 92% of patients should wait no more than 18 weeks.

This isn't a criticism of the hardworking NHS staff; it's a statement of fact about the immense demand on the system. For many, the uncertainty and potential for long waits for diagnosis and treatment are a major source of anxiety.

A hybrid private medical insurance UK policy is a pragmatic and measured response to this reality. It doesn't replace the NHS—which remains essential for accidents, emergencies, and managing chronic conditions—but works alongside it, giving you timely options when you need them most.

How to Build Your Perfect Hybrid Policy with WeCovr

Creating a blended policy might sound complicated, but it’s a logical process. As independent and FCA-authorised PMI brokers, we at WeCovr specialise in tailoring these packages for our clients at no cost to them.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Assess Your Core PMI Needs

This is the foundation of your protection. Think about what matters most to you.

  • Hospital List: Do you need access to prime central London hospitals, or is a regional network sufficient? A more limited list can reduce your premium.
  • Outpatient Cover: Are you happy to use the NHS for initial diagnostics, or do you want full private cover from day one? A policy with limited outpatient cover is cheaper and pairs perfectly with a cash plan.
  • Excess: How much could you comfortably contribute to a claim? A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will dramatically lower your monthly cost.
  • Underwriting: Decide between 'Moratorium' (simpler, but with a waiting period for pre-existing conditions) or 'Full Medical Underwriting' (more complex upfront, but clearer on what's covered).

Step 2: Choose Your Health Cash Plan Levels

Next, consider your routine expenses. Look at the annual limits for the benefits you'll use most.

  • Dental & Optical: Do you wear glasses or have ongoing dental needs? Choose a plan with higher limits for these.
  • Therapies: If you have an active lifestyle or a physically demanding job, generous cover for physiotherapy is a wise choice.
  • Extras: Some plans offer benefits for prescriptions, health screenings, and even cashback for having a baby.

Step 3: Let an Expert Broker Bring It All Together

This is the most important step. The UK private health cover market is vast, with dozens of providers and hundreds of policy combinations. Trying to compare them all yourself is overwhelming and time-consuming.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr does the hard work for you. We have access to policies from all the leading UK insurers and cash plan providers. We listen to your needs and budget, then search the market to find the most suitable and cost-effective blend. Our service is free to you, as we are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.

Plus, when you purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr, you receive complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you manage your diet and wellness goals. We also offer discounts on other insurance products, providing even greater value.

Beyond Insurance: Embracing a Proactive Approach to Wellness

The best health insurance policy is one you never have to use. Modern hybrid policies increasingly support this by including benefits that encourage a healthy lifestyle.

  • Mental Wellbeing: Access to digital CBT, mindfulness apps, and confidential counselling helplines are now common features, helping you manage stress before it becomes a crisis.
  • Physical Activity: Many insurers partner with gym chains to offer discounted memberships or provide activity trackers that reward you for staying active.
  • Nutrition and Diet: Small, consistent changes to your diet can have a huge impact on your long-term health. Prioritise whole foods, reduce processed sugars, and ensure you're getting a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Using an app like CalorieHero can make tracking your intake simple and effective.
  • Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It is as crucial for your health as diet and exercise, affecting everything from your immune system to your mental clarity.

A hybrid policy supports this proactive mindset. The cash plan encourages regular check-ups, helping you catch issues early, while the PMI provides the ultimate backstop for your peace of mind.


What is the main difference between an acute and a chronic condition?

An **acute condition** is an illness or injury that is short-term, unexpected, and likely to be cured with treatment, returning you to your previous state of health. Examples include a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover these. A **chronic condition** is a long-term illness that cannot be fully cured and needs ongoing management, such as diabetes, asthma, or Crohn's disease. PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.

Is a hybrid policy more expensive than standard PMI?

Not necessarily. In fact, a hybrid policy can often be cheaper than a comprehensive, all-inclusive PMI policy. By choosing a core PMI policy with a higher excess and more limited outpatient cover, you can lower your premium significantly. You then add an affordable health cash plan to cover routine costs like dental and physio. This blended approach often results in a lower total monthly cost while providing broader overall coverage.

Can I cover my family on a hybrid plan?

Yes, absolutely. Both private medical insurance policies and health cash plans can be set up to cover your partner and your children. Creating a family hybrid plan is a very practical and cost-effective way to manage the healthcare needs of your entire household, from your child's dental check-ups to private surgery for a parent if needed.

Do I still need the NHS if I have a hybrid policy?

Yes. Private health insurance is not a replacement for the National Health Service. The NHS remains vital for accident and emergency services, for managing chronic conditions, and for any treatments not covered by your private policy. A hybrid policy is designed to work in partnership with the NHS, giving you more choice, control, and faster access for specific treatments.

Take Control of Your Health Today

The world of health insurance is evolving, and hybrid policies represent the smartest, most flexible way to protect yourself and your loved ones. By blending the security of private medical insurance with the practicality of a health cash plan, you can build a solution that is perfectly tailored to your life and budget.

Don't navigate this complex market alone. Let our expert advisors at WeCovr build a personalised hybrid quote for you, comparing the UK's best PMI providers to find you the right cover at the right price.

[Get Your Free, No-Obligation Hybrid Quote from WeCovr Today]


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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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Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.


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