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Inpatient vs Outpatient Health Insurance Cover

Inpatient vs Outpatient Health Insurance Cover 2025

WeCovr's simple guide to understanding different types of private healthcare cover

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that demystifying the jargon is the first step towards finding the right protection for you and your family. The most fundamental choice you’ll make is between inpatient and outpatient cover.

Understanding this single distinction is the key to tailoring a policy that fits your needs and your budget. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from basic definitions and real-world examples to how your choices impact your monthly premiums.

What Exactly is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?

At its heart, private medical insurance is a policy you pay for that covers the cost of private healthcare for specific medical conditions. Its primary purpose is to help you bypass potential NHS waiting lists and gain faster access to specialists, diagnostic tests, and treatment in a comfortable, private setting.

The latest figures from NHS England show that the waiting list for consultant-led elective care stands at several million, with many patients waiting over 18 weeks for treatment. PMI is designed to provide a reassuring alternative for treatable, short-term conditions.

The Golden Rule of UK PMI: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Before we dive deeper, it's vital to understand one non-negotiable principle of standard UK private health cover:

  • PMI is for acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to your return to normal health. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.
  • PMI does NOT cover chronic conditions. A chronic condition is an illness that requires long-term monitoring and management, often for life. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease. The management of these conditions remains the responsibility of our excellent National Health Service (NHS).
  • PMI also does NOT cover pre-existing conditions. This refers to any ailment for which you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment before your policy began.

The Foundation of Your Policy: Understanding Inpatient and Day-Patient Cover

Nearly every private medical insurance policy in the UK starts with inpatient cover as its foundation. It's the core component of any plan.

What is Inpatient Treatment?

In simple terms, an inpatient is a person who is admitted to a hospital and requires a bed for at least one night. This is typically for more serious procedures, surgeries, or medical monitoring.

What's generally included in standard inpatient cover:

  • Hospital Accommodation & Nursing Care: The cost of your private room and the care you receive from hospital staff.
  • Surgeon and Anaesthetist Fees: The fees charged by the specialists performing your procedure.
  • Specialist Consultations: Consultations that take place while you are admitted to hospital.
  • Diagnostic Tests: Any tests like MRI scans, CT scans, or blood tests that are required during your hospital stay.
  • Operating Theatre Costs: The charges for using the surgical facilities.
  • Medications and Dressings: Drugs and supplies administered during your inpatient stay.

Real-Life Example: David's Hip Replacement

David, 65, has been suffering from severe arthritis in his hip. His GP refers him to an NHS specialist, but he faces a potential 12-month wait for surgery. David has a PMI policy with standard inpatient cover.

  1. He uses his policy to see a private consultant (this may require outpatient cover, which we'll discuss next).
  2. The consultant confirms he needs a total hip replacement.
  3. His insurer authorises the procedure.
  4. David is admitted to a private hospital, has the surgery, and stays for three nights to recover.
  5. His PMI policy covers the entire cost of the surgery, the hospital stay, the surgeon's fees, and the post-operative care he receives in the hospital, totalling over £13,000.

What is Day-Patient Treatment?

A day-patient (or day-case) is someone who is admitted to a hospital or clinic for a planned medical procedure but does not need to stay overnight. You'll have your own bed for the day whilst you recover before being discharged.

This type of care is almost always included as standard alongside inpatient cover.

Common examples of day-patient procedures:

  • Cataract surgery
  • Endoscopies or colonoscopies
  • Minor orthopaedic surgery (e.g., arthroscopy)
  • Some chemotherapy sessions
  • Removal of skin lesions

Think of day-patient cover as a vital part of the core policy, covering planned procedures that are significant enough for a hospital admission, but not an overnight stay.

Expanding Your Shield: The Role of Outpatient Cover

This is where you begin to customise your policy. Outpatient cover is usually offered as an optional add-on, and it significantly enhances your level of protection by covering the diagnostic journey before you are admitted to hospital.

What is Outpatient Treatment?

An outpatient is a person who receives medical care at a hospital or clinic but is not admitted and does not require a bed. This covers the crucial early stages of diagnosis.

What's typically included in outpatient cover:

  • Specialist Consultations: The initial meetings with a consultant after a GP referral to diagnose your condition.
  • Diagnostic Tests and Scans: Scans like MRI, CT, PET, and X-rays, as well as blood tests, that are performed to find out what's wrong.
  • Minor Procedures: Small procedures that can be carried out in a consultant’s consulting room.
  • Therapies: In some comprehensive plans, this can include post-diagnostic physiotherapy or other therapies.

Real-Life Example: Sarah's Knee Pain

Sarah, 42, a keen runner, develops persistent knee pain. Her GP suspects a cartilage tear but isn't sure.

  • Without Outpatient Cover: Sarah would join the NHS waiting list to see an orthopaedic specialist and then another list for an MRI scan. This could take many months.
  • With Outpatient Cover: Sarah gets an open referral from her GP. She calls her insurer, who approves a consultation with a private orthopaedic specialist within a week. The specialist recommends an MRI scan, which Sarah has two days later. Her outpatient cover pays for the initial £250 consultation and the £600 MRI scan. The results confirm a torn meniscus requiring surgery. Her day-patient cover then kicks in to pay for the keyhole surgery.

Without outpatient cover, Sarah's access to the private surgery would have been delayed by the NHS diagnostic bottleneck.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Cover: A Head-to-Head Comparison

To make it crystal clear, let's compare the two types of cover side-by-side.

FeatureInpatient & Day-Patient CoverOutpatient Cover
DefinitionCovers treatment when you are admitted to a hospital and occupy a bed, either overnight (inpatient) or for the day (day-patient).Covers diagnostic tests and consultations that do not require a hospital bed. It's the "finding out what's wrong" stage.
When is it used?For planned surgeries, major medical treatments, and post-operative recovery that requires a hospital stay.For initial consultations with specialists and diagnostic scans/tests following a GP referral.
Common ExamplesHip/knee replacements, heart surgery, cancer surgery, gallbladder removal, arthroscopy, cataract surgery.Specialist consultations, MRI/CT/X-ray scans, blood tests, pre-operative assessments.
Is it Standard?Yes, this is the core component of virtually all UK PMI policies. You cannot have a policy without it.No, this is typically an optional add-on that you choose to include, often with varying levels of financial cover.
Cost ImpactForms the base cost of your premium.Adding this cover will increase your monthly premium. The higher the level of outpatient cover, the higher the cost.

How Your Choice Affects Your Private Health Insurance Premiums

The level of cover you choose is the biggest factor, after your age and medical history, in determining the cost of your policy.

  1. Core Cover (Inpatient & Day-Patient Only): This is the most basic and affordable type of PMI. It provides a crucial safety net for significant medical events that require hospitalisation. It ensures that if you need major surgery, you can have it done privately without a long wait. However, you would rely on the NHS for the initial diagnosis.

  2. Mid-Level Cover (Limited Outpatient): This is a popular and balanced option. It includes full inpatient and day-patient cover, plus a set financial limit for outpatient services each year. This limit could be £500, £1,000, or £1,500. It's enough to cover a few consultations and key diagnostic scans, giving you the best of both worlds: speedy diagnosis and comprehensive treatment cover, all at a manageable cost.

  3. Comprehensive Cover (Full Outpatient): This is the most extensive and expensive option. It provides unlimited (or very high limits for) outpatient consultations and diagnostics, in addition to full inpatient and day-patient cover. This is for individuals who want complete peace of mind, knowing that their entire private healthcare journey, from the first symptom to full recovery, is covered.

Here's a simplified look at how these levels can impact cost:

Policy LevelKey InclusionsTypical Customer ProfileEstimated Monthly Premium Impact
Basic / CoreFull Inpatient & Day-PatientSomeone on a budget, happy to use the NHS for diagnostics but wants private treatment for major issues.£
Mid-RangeCore Cover + Limited Outpatient (e.g., £1,000)The most common choice. Wants fast diagnosis and full treatment cover, balancing cost and benefits.££
ComprehensiveCore Cover + Full Outpatient CoverSomeone wanting maximum peace of mind, with every stage of private care covered without financial limits.£££

As expert PMI brokers, the team at WeCovr can provide detailed quotes across all these levels from the UK's leading insurers, helping you find the perfect balance for your personal circumstances and budget.

Other Important Options to Tailor Your Cover

Beyond the inpatient/outpatient choice, you can further customise your policy with other add-ons.

  • Therapies Cover: This covers treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care. It's often bundled with outpatient cover or available as a separate add-on. Given the long waits for NHS physio, this is a highly valued benefit.
  • Mental Health Cover: Standard policies may offer limited mental health support, but a dedicated add-on provides more extensive cover. This can include access to psychiatrists and psychologists, and cover for inpatient psychiatric treatment.
  • Dental & Optical Cover: This helps with the costs of routine check-ups, dental treatments, and prescription eyewear. It's less common but useful for those wanting to consolidate all their health-related insurance.
  • Hospital Lists: Insurers use 'hospital lists' to manage costs. A basic policy might give you access to a limited list of local private hospitals, whilst a more comprehensive policy will offer a nationwide or even a central London list (which is the most expensive).

WeCovr's Added Value: More Than Just a Policy

We believe in providing holistic value to our clients. When you arrange your private medical insurance through WeCovr, you get more than just a policy document.

  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: All our PMI and life insurance clients receive free access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. Proactively managing your health is the best way to prevent future medical issues.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: We value your loyalty. Clients who take out PMI or life insurance with us are eligible for discounts on other insurance products we offer, helping you protect all aspects of your life for less.
  • Unbiased Expert Advice: With high customer satisfaction ratings, our mission is to provide clear, impartial advice. We compare the market for you, explaining the pros and cons of each provider, ensuring you make an informed decision at no extra cost to you.

Proactive Health: Tips to Keep You Out of the Hospital

Whilst insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best strategy is to maintain good health. A healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing many acute conditions that require surgery.

  • A Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. The NHS "Eatwell Guide" is an excellent resource for visualising a balanced plate. Reducing processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can lower your risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
  • Consistent Exercise: The UK Chief Medical Officers' guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or tennis) a week. Strength-building exercises are also crucial for bone and muscle health.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a host of health problems, including a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have a physical impact on your body. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature can significantly improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

By investing in your health today, you reduce the likelihood of needing to make an inpatient or outpatient claim tomorrow.

Do I always need a GP referral for private medical insurance?

Generally, yes. Most UK private medical insurance providers require a referral from your NHS or private GP before you can see a specialist. This ensures your treatment path is medically appropriate. Some modern policies or integrated health apps from insurers are starting to offer "digital GP" services which can provide a faster referral, but the principle of a GP-led pathway remains the standard.

What is an 'excess' and how does it affect my inpatient and outpatient cover?

An excess is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer pays the rest. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your outpatient claim is £800, you would pay the first £250 and your insurer would pay the remaining £550. You typically pay the excess only once per policy year, per person. Choosing a higher excess is a common way to lower your monthly premium, as you are agreeing to share more of the initial cost. It applies to both inpatient and outpatient claims.

Can I choose any hospital for my inpatient treatment?

This depends on your policy's 'hospital list'. Insurers create different tiers of hospital lists to manage costs. A standard policy will include a broad national network of private hospitals. A more comprehensive (and expensive) policy might include premium hospitals in Central London, such as The London Clinic or The Cromwell. When getting a quote, it's important to check that the hospitals convenient for you are on the list included with your chosen plan. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you compare these lists.

Why doesn't private medical insurance in the UK cover chronic conditions like diabetes?

Private medical insurance is designed and priced to cover the risk of unforeseen, short-term (acute) conditions that can be treated and cured. Chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma are long-term, often lifelong, and require continuous management rather than a one-off cure. Covering these conditions would make premiums prohibitively expensive for everyone. The UK's healthcare system is structured so that the NHS provides excellent, comprehensive care for the ongoing management of all chronic conditions, free at the point of use.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Level of Cover?

Choosing between inpatient and outpatient cover is the most important step in building a private medical insurance policy that works for you. Whether you need a basic safety net for major surgery or a comprehensive plan for rapid diagnosis and treatment, the choice is yours.

The UK's private health cover market offers a wealth of options, and navigating them alone can be daunting. At WeCovr, our expert advisors are here to help. We'll listen to your needs, explain your options in plain English, and compare policies from the UK's leading insurers to find you the best cover at the right price.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and take the first step towards health peace of mind.


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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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