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International Cover Do You Need It

International Cover Do You Need It 2025

Planning your health cover can feel complex, but understanding your options is key. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr is here to clarify whether your UK private medical insurance is suitable for your international needs, ensuring you're never caught unprotected.

NimbleFins and Bupa blogs add that most UK-only PMI isnt valid abroad—expats need special policies. Dont rely on UK PMI for international travel. — Blogger and insurer advice

It's a common and potentially very costly mistake: assuming your UK private medical insurance (PMI) will cover you while you're abroad. As leading insurers like Bupa and respected financial blogs like NimbleFins consistently point out, this is rarely the case. Standard UK PMI is specifically designed for treatment within the United Kingdom's healthcare system.

Think of it this way: your UK policy is built to work alongside the NHS. It gives you access to a network of private hospitals, specialists, and diagnostic facilities located here in the UK. The pricing, terms, and entire structure of the policy are based on the UK healthcare landscape.

When you step outside the UK, whether for a two-week holiday or a two-year work assignment, you enter a different healthcare environment with entirely different costs and systems. Relying on your domestic PMI in this scenario is like trying to use a London Underground ticket on the New York subway – it simply won't work. For anyone living, working, or spending significant time abroad, a specialised international health insurance policy is not just a recommendation; it's a necessity.

What is UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI)? A Quick Refresher

Before we dive deeper into international cover, let's quickly recap what standard UK private medical insurance is and what it's for.

At its core, UK PMI is a type of insurance policy that pays for private medical treatment for 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.

Crucially, standard UK PMI does not cover:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Any medical condition you had before your policy started.
  • Chronic conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured but can be managed, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.

The primary benefit of PMI is to bypass NHS waiting lists, giving you faster access to healthcare. According to the latest NHS England statistics, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was around 15 weeks in mid-2024, with hundreds of thousands of patients waiting over a year. PMI offers a way to get seen and treated much more quickly.

Key benefits of UK PMI include:

  • Prompt access to specialists and consultants.
  • Choice of leading private hospitals.
  • A private, en-suite room for hospital stays.
  • Access to drugs and treatments not yet available on the NHS.

Finding the right plan from providers like Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality can be a maze of options. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these choices at no extra cost, ensuring you get a policy that fits your needs and budget.

The Critical Distinction: UK PMI vs. International Health Insurance

Understanding the fundamental difference between a domestic policy and an international one is the most important step in protecting your health and finances abroad. They are two distinct products designed for very different circumstances.

Here is a simple table to illustrate the key differences:

FeatureUK Private Medical Insurance (PMI)International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)
Primary GoalTo supplement the NHS for acute care in the UK.To act as your primary health cover when living abroad.
Geographical AreaUnited Kingdom only.Global or specified regions (e.g., "Worldwide excluding USA").
Designed ForUK residents.Expatriates, global nomads, long-term travellers.
Typical CoverIn-patient and out-patient treatment for new, acute conditions.Comprehensive cover, often including routine check-ups, chronic condition management, dental, and maternity.
Residency RuleRequires you to be a permanent UK resident.Designed for non-residents of their home country.
CostGenerally more affordable.Significantly more expensive due to wider scope and higher-cost healthcare systems.

As you can see, they are not interchangeable. Your private health cover purchased for life in the UK is tied to your UK residency. If you move abroad, your policy will almost certainly become invalid.

When Might a Standard UK PMI Policy Offer Some Travel Cover?

While standard UK PMI is not a substitute for travel or international insurance, some of the more comprehensive policies do offer a limited travel 'add-on'. However, it's vital to understand the strict limitations of this feature.

This 'travel option' is designed to cover medical emergencies only while you are on a short-term trip outside the UK.

Here's what it typically includes and its limits:

  1. Emergency Treatment Only: It will only cover unforeseen emergencies that require immediate medical attention, such as a sudden illness or accident. It will not cover planned treatment, routine check-ups, or management of a pre-existing condition.
  2. Financial Cap: There is usually a monetary limit on the cover, for example, £100,000 or £1 million. While this sounds high, costs can escalate rapidly, especially in countries like the USA.
  3. Time Limit: Cover is often restricted to a certain number of days per trip (e.g., 45 days) and a total number of days per year (e.g., 90 or 120 days).
  4. Repatriation Focus: The main goal of this cover is often to get you stable enough to be repatriated back to the UK, where your main PMI policy can take over your treatment within the UK system.

Real-Life Example:

Imagine you have a comprehensive UK PMI policy with an emergency travel option. You go on a three-week holiday to Thailand and suffer a serious scooter accident, resulting in a broken leg that requires surgery. Your travel option would likely cover the emergency surgery and hospital stay to stabilise your condition. However, it would not cover physiotherapy sessions back in Thailand a month later. The insurer's goal would be to fly you back to the UK for any follow-up care.

This feature is a safety net for holiday emergencies, not a healthcare solution for living abroad.

Why Your UK PMI is Not Enough for Living or Working Abroad

If you are planning to become an expat, even for just a year, relying on your UK PMI policy is not a viable option. Here’s a breakdown of why it falls short:

  • Residency Clauses: Almost all UK PMI policies contain a residency clause. This means the policy is only valid as long as you are a permanent resident in the UK and eligible for NHS treatment. Once you move abroad, you typically break this condition, and your insurer can cancel your policy.
  • Geographical Limitations: The policy is priced and designed for the UK. The network of hospitals and specialists your insurer has agreements with are all in the UK. They have no framework to pay for treatment at a hospital in Dubai, Sydney, or Madrid.
  • Purpose-Built for the NHS: UK PMI is designed to work in parallel with the National Health Service. International policies are designed to replace it entirely in countries that don't have a similar state-funded system.
  • Inadequate Scope of Cover: As an expat, you need cover for everything, from a GP visit for a sore throat to long-term management of a chronic condition. UK PMI is built only for new, curable conditions, which is far too restrictive for someone whose entire healthcare depends on their insurance.

Understanding International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)

For those making the move abroad, International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) is the correct and necessary solution. These policies are specifically created to provide comprehensive health cover to people living outside their home country.

Who Needs IPMI?

  • Expatriates: Individuals and families relocating for work.
  • Digital Nomads: People who work remotely while travelling the world.
  • Retirees: Those choosing to spend their retirement years in another country.
  • Long-Term Students: Students studying abroad for a year or more.
  • Global Citizens: Anyone who splits their time between multiple countries.

What Does IPMI Typically Cover?

IPMI policies are far more extensive than UK PMI. They are designed to be your all-in-one healthcare plan.

Coverage TypeDetails
In-patient & Day-patientCovers all hospital stays, surgeries, and treatments requiring a hospital bed.
Out-patientCovers specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scans), and therapies that don't require hospital admission.
Chronic Condition ManagementUnlike UK PMI, many IPMI plans offer cover for the ongoing management of chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart conditions (subject to underwriting).
Cancer CareComprehensive cover for cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.
Medical EvacuationCovers the cost of transporting you to the nearest centre of medical excellence if local facilities are inadequate.
RepatriationCovers the cost of returning you to your home country for treatment if necessary.
Wellness & Routine CareMany plans include benefits for routine health checks, vaccinations, and screenings.
Optional Add-onsYou can often add comprehensive dental and vision cover.

Major providers in this space include Bupa Global, Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and AXA Global Healthcare. These policies are more expensive than UK PMI because they provide a much broader safety net in healthcare systems that can be incredibly costly without insurance.

What About Travel Insurance? How Does It Differ?

This is another point of frequent confusion. People often ask, "Can't I just get an annual travel insurance policy?" The answer is a firm no if you are living abroad.

Travel insurance and international health insurance serve completely different purposes.

AspectTravel InsuranceInternational Health Insurance (IPMI)
PurposeProtects against risks during short-term trips.Provides comprehensive medical care for those living long-term abroad.
DurationPer-trip or annual policies with a cap on trip length (e.g., 30-90 days).Annual, renewable policies designed for residency.
Medical ScopeEmergency medical care only. Goal is to stabilise you and get you home.Comprehensive care. Covers emergencies, routine visits, planned surgery, and chronic conditions.
Non-Medical CoverYes. Includes trip cancellation, lost baggage, flight delays, etc.No. Purely a health insurance product.

The simplest rule of thumb:

  • If you're going on holiday, you need Travel Insurance.
  • If you're living in the UK, you need UK Private Medical Insurance.
  • If you're moving to live abroad, you need International Health Insurance.

The world of health insurance is complex, with different products for different life stages and locations. Trying to figure out whether you need a UK policy, a travel add-on, or a full international plan can be overwhelming. This is where an independent, expert broker like WeCovr provides immense value.

As an FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, our job is to understand your unique situation and find the right cover for you.

  • Personalised Assessment: We take the time to learn about your lifestyle, travel plans, residency status, and health needs.
  • Market Comparison: We compare policies from a wide range of the best PMI providers in the UK and internationally, explaining the pros and cons of each.
  • Clarity on the Fine Print: We demystify the jargon and make sure you understand exactly what is and isn't covered, especially concerning geographical limits and emergency provisions.
  • No Cost to You: Our expert advice and comparison services are completely free for you as the client. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.

Furthermore, when you arrange a policy through WeCovr, you gain access to exclusive benefits, including complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. We also offer discounts on other insurance products, such as life or critical illness cover, helping you protect your family's future in a more affordable way.

Health & Wellness Tips for Travellers and Expats

No matter where you are in the world, staying healthy is your top priority. Here are some practical tips for looking after yourself while travelling or living abroad.

Before You Depart:

  1. Research Healthcare: Understand the healthcare system in your destination country. Know the emergency contact numbers and the location of reputable clinics or hospitals.
  2. Consult Your GP: Discuss your travel plans with your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. Get prescriptions for enough medication to last your trip, along with a doctor's letter.
  3. Get Vaccinated: Check the recommended and required vaccinations for your destination well in advance.
  4. Pack a Health Kit: Include basics like plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen), antihistamines, and any personal medication.

While You're Away:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of bottled or purified water, especially in hot climates. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and more serious issues.
  • Eat Safely: Be adventurous with local cuisine, but stick to reputable, busy restaurants where food is freshly cooked. Be cautious with raw salads and unpeeled fruit that may have been washed in tap water.
  • Protect Your Skin: Use a high-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Jet lag and new environments can disrupt your sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours per night to keep your immune system strong and your mind sharp.
  • Stay Active: Exploring a new place on foot is a great way to stay active. It boosts your mood, improves circulation, and helps you adjust to new time zones.

By taking proactive steps to manage your health and securing the right insurance, you can enjoy your time abroad with true peace of mind.

Can I use my UK private health cover for a holiday in Europe?

Generally, no. A standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) policy is designed for treatment within the UK. While some comprehensive policies may offer an 'emergency travel add-on', this is strictly for unforeseen medical emergencies and is not a substitute for proper travel insurance. You should always purchase a dedicated travel insurance policy for holidays and check the specific terms of your PMI policy.

I'm moving abroad for a year. Can I keep my UK PMI policy?

It is extremely unlikely. Most UK PMI policies have a residency clause that requires you to be a permanent resident in the UK. Once you move abroad, your policy will typically be invalidated. For living abroad, you need a specialised International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) policy, which provides comprehensive cover in your new country of residence.

What's the difference between travel insurance and international health insurance?

Travel insurance is for short-term trips and covers unforeseen events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Its primary medical purpose is to stabilise you and get you home. International health insurance (IPMI) is a long-term, comprehensive health plan for people living abroad. It acts as their primary health cover for everything from routine GP visits to major surgery.

Does UK private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

No, standard private medical insurance in the UK is specifically designed to cover acute conditions that arise *after* your policy begins. It does not provide cover for pre-existing conditions (illnesses you had before joining) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses requiring ongoing management, like diabetes or asthma).

Ready to find the right health cover for your life, whether at home or abroad? The expert team at WeCovr is here to provide clear, independent advice.

Get a free, no-obligation quote today and let us help you compare the UK's best private medical insurance options with confidence.


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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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