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International PMI for UK Expats

International PMI for UK Expats 2026 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised expert that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the complexities of private medical insurance for UK citizens. This guide explains what you need to know about international private medical insurance (IPMI) when you decide to live and work abroad.

What Brits abroad need to know about international private medical insurance

Moving abroad is an exhilarating adventure. Whether you're relocating for a career opportunity in Dubai, retiring to the Spanish sunshine, or embracing a digital nomad lifestyle in Southeast Asia, it’s a life-changing step. But amidst the excitement of packing boxes and planning your new life, there's a crucial question every Brit needs to answer: what happens to my healthcare?

The simple truth is that once you are no longer 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, your access to the NHS is significantly restricted, and often ends completely. This is where International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) becomes not just a safety net, but an essential part of your expatriate toolkit.

IPMI is a specialist type of health insurance designed specifically for people living and working outside of their home country for an extended period. It provides comprehensive cover for medical treatment, from routine GP visits to major surgery, giving you peace of mind and access to high-quality healthcare wherever you are in the world.

Why Your NHS Entitlement Changes When You Move Abroad

A common misconception among British expats is that their UK passport guarantees them free NHS treatment. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. The NHS is a residency-based system, not a nationality-based one.

The key term is 'ordinarily resident'. If you move abroad on a permanent or semi-permanent basis, you are no longer considered ordinarily resident in the UK. This means:

  • You lose access to routine NHS treatment. This includes GP appointments, hospital treatment, and prescriptions.
  • You may be charged for any NHS hospital treatment you receive during visits back to the UK, typically at 150% of the standard NHS cost.
  • Your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or older European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is for temporary stays (like holidays), not for those who are resident in an EU country. It doesn't provide cover if you've moved there permanently.

According to the latest government guidance, your entitlement to NHS care depends entirely on your legal residency status. For the millions of Brits living abroad, this creates a significant healthcare gap that IPMI is designed to fill.

FeatureNHS in the UK (for residents)International PMI (for expats)
EligibilityBased on being 'ordinarily resident' in the UK.Available to anyone living outside their home country.
CostFree at the point of use, funded by UK taxes.Paid for via monthly or annual premiums.
Geographic CoverUK only.Your chosen region (e.g., Europe, Worldwide).
Choice of DoctorLimited to your local NHS trust and GPs.Freedom to choose your own doctors and hospitals.
Waiting TimesSubject to NHS waiting lists (can be lengthy).Swift access to specialists and treatment.
Cover TypeComprehensive, including chronic conditions.Primarily for acute conditions; chronic care is limited.

IPMI vs. Travel Insurance vs. Local Health Insurance: What's the Difference?

Understanding the difference between these three types of cover is vital to ensure you're not left dangerously underinsured.

Insurance TypeBest For...What It CoversWhat It Doesn't Cover
International PMILong-term residency abroad (6+ months).Comprehensive in-patient and out-patient medical care, cancer treatment, emergencies, mental health, wellness.Generally excludes pre-existing and chronic conditions unless specifically underwritten.
Travel InsuranceShort-term trips and holidays (days or weeks).Medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost baggage, repatriation.Routine check-ups, planned treatment, anything outside of an unforeseen emergency.
Local Health InsuranceResidents of a single country who do not travel.Medical care within that specific country's network. Complies with local regulations.Treatment outside of that one country. May not be portable if you move again.

In simple terms:

  • Travel Insurance is for your suitcase and unexpected holiday mishaps.
  • Local Insurance ties you to one country's system.
  • International PMI is your global health passport, designed for an expat lifestyle.

The Core Components of an International PMI Policy

An IPMI policy is built from several layers of cover. Understanding these helps you tailor a plan that fits your needs and budget perfectly.

1. In-patient and Day-patient Treatment (Core Cover)

This is the foundation of every IPMI policy. It covers you for treatment that requires a hospital bed.

  • Hospital stays: Semi-private or private room costs.
  • Surgery: Surgeons' and anaesthetists' fees.
  • Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other advanced treatments.
  • Intensive care: Life support and critical care monitoring.
  • Diagnostic tests: MRI, CT, and PET scans performed in a hospital.

2. Out-patient Treatment

This covers medical care that doesn't require a hospital bed. It's often available as a standard benefit or a crucial add-on.

  • GP and Specialist consultations: Seeing a doctor or a specialist like a cardiologist or dermatologist.
  • Prescription drugs: Medications prescribed by your doctor.
  • Physiotherapy: Rehabilitation after an injury or surgery.
  • Diagnostic tests: Blood tests and X-rays done outside of a hospital setting.

3. Optional Add-ons for Comprehensive Cover

These allow you to build a policy that reflects your life and priorities. Common extras include:

  • Dental and Optical: Cover for routine check-ups, fillings, new glasses, and more complex dental work.
  • Maternity Cover: For pre-natal care, delivery costs, and post-natal check-ups. Note: there is usually a waiting period of 10-12 months before you can claim.
  • Wellness Programmes: Proactive health benefits like health screenings, gym membership discounts, and nutrition advice.
  • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: This is a vital benefit, especially if you live in a country with limited medical facilities. It covers the cost of transporting you to the nearest centre of medical excellence or back to the UK for treatment.

The Critical Point: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance in the UK and internationally.

Standard IPMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy has started.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a broken bone, appendicitis, a chest infection).
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, hypertension, arthritis).
  • A pre-existing condition is any ailment for which you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment before you took out the policy.

Standard policies do not cover the routine management of chronic conditions or treatment for pre-existing conditions. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate the underwriting process to find the most suitable solution for your circumstances, but it's crucial to be aware of this fundamental principle.

How to Choose the Right International Health Insurance Policy

With so many options, choosing the right plan can feel overwhelming. Following a structured approach makes it much simpler.

Step 1: Assess Your Healthcare Needs and Lifestyle

Consider your personal situation:

  • Who needs cover? Just you, your partner, or your whole family?
  • Your age and health: Are you generally fit and well, or do you have a medical history to consider?
  • Your lifestyle: Are you an active person who might need sports injury cover? Do you plan on starting a family?

Step 2: Understand Your Destination's Healthcare System

  • Is private insurance mandatory? Some countries, like Dubai and Switzerland, require all residents to have private health insurance.
  • What is the quality of local care? In some countries, public facilities are excellent, while in others, the private sector is the only viable option for high-quality care.
  • What are the costs? Healthcare costs vary dramatically around the world. Treatment in the USA is notoriously expensive, which is why it often requires a specific level of cover.

Step 3: Define Your Area of Cover

Insurers typically offer tiered geographical options. The wider the area of cover, the higher the premium.

  • Worldwide: The most comprehensive and expensive option, covering you anywhere.
  • Worldwide excluding USA: A very popular and more affordable choice, as it removes the highest-cost country.
  • Europe: Covers you across the European continent.
  • Specific Regions: Some insurers offer cover for regions like Asia or the Middle East.

Choose an area that reflects where you will live and travel. Remember to include your home country (the UK) if you want the option to return for treatment.

Step 4: Compare Underwriting Options

This determines how the insurer will treat your pre-existing medical conditions.

Underwriting TypeHow It WorksProsCons
Moratorium (Mori)You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Any condition you've had in the past 5 years is automatically excluded for a set period (usually 24 months). If you remain symptom-free and treatment-free for that condition during the 24-month waiting period, it may become eligible for cover.Quicker and simpler application process.Lack of certainty. You may not know if a condition is covered until you make a claim. The "stop-start" nature of some conditions can mean they are never covered.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring all past and present medical conditions. The insurer assesses your application and states clearly from day one what is covered and what is excluded.Complete clarity and certainty from the start. You know exactly where you stand.The application process is longer and more intrusive. Pre-existing conditions will likely be permanently excluded or have a surcharge applied.

For most people seeking clarity, Full Medical Underwriting is the preferred route.

Key Factors That Influence the Cost of Your IPMI Premium

Your premium is calculated based on a range of risk factors. Understanding them helps you see where you can make savings.

  1. Age: The primary factor. Premiums increase as you get older.
  2. Location: Your country of residence significantly impacts cost due to varying local healthcare prices.
  3. Area of Cover: As mentioned, 'Worldwide including USA' is the most expensive tier.
  4. Level of Cover: A basic in-patient plan is cheaper than a comprehensive plan with out-patient, dental, and maternity benefits.
  5. Excess (or Deductible): This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer steps in. Choosing a higher excess will lower your premium.
  6. Add-ons: Each optional extra (dental, optical, etc.) will increase the price.

An experienced IPMI broker can model different scenarios for you, balancing the level of cover with your budget to find the sweet spot.

The Role of an Expert PMI Broker like WeCovr

Navigating the global health insurance market alone can be a minefield of complex jargon, hidden clauses, and varying regulations. This is where an independent broker provides immense value.

Using a specialist broker like WeCovr offers several advantages:

  • Expert Guidance at No Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which does not affect the price you pay.
  • Whole-of-Market Comparison: We compare policies from the world's leading IPMI providers—like Bupa Global, AXA, Cigna, and Allianz—to find the best fit for your specific needs, saving you hours of research.
  • Help with Complex Applications: We assist you with the paperwork, especially for Full Medical Underwriting, ensuring your application is presented clearly to the insurer.
  • Ongoing Support: Our relationship doesn't end once the policy is sold. We are here to help with queries or provide assistance if you need to make a claim.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange your PMI through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. Furthermore, our clients often receive discounts on other insurance products like life or income protection cover.

With high customer satisfaction ratings and deep market knowledge, WeCovr acts as your advocate, ensuring you get the right protection at a competitive price.

Wellness and Staying Healthy Abroad: Tips for UK Expats

Your health insurance is your safety net, but the best strategy is to stay healthy in the first place. Living abroad presents new challenges and opportunities for your wellbeing.

  • Adapt Your Diet Sensibly: Exploring local cuisine is one of the joys of expat life. Embrace new foods, but be mindful of portion sizes and ingredients. Try to replicate healthy home-cooked meals using fresh local produce.
  • Prioritise Mental Health: Culture shock and homesickness are real. Schedule regular video calls with family and friends. Join local expat groups or clubs to build a new support network. Don't be afraid to use the mental health support services often included in modern IPMI plans.
  • Stay Active: Your UK gym routine might not be possible, so adapt. Explore local parks for running, find a nearby yoga studio, or take up a new sport popular in your host country, like paddleboarding in Spain or cycling in the Netherlands.
  • Manage Sleep: Jet lag and new daily rhythms can disrupt your sleep. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and make your bedroom a dark, quiet sanctuary.
  • Schedule Health Screenings: Don't neglect preventative care. Many IPMI policies include benefits for routine health checks. Use them to stay on top of your health and catch any potential issues early.

Real-Life Scenarios: When International PMI is a Lifesaver

Scenario 1: The Retiree in Portugal David, 68, retired to the Algarve. He developed severe chest pains and was diagnosed with an acute coronary blockage. His IPMI policy allowed him to bypass the local waiting list and be treated by a leading private cardiac surgeon within days. His policy covered the €30,000 cost of the surgery and hospital stay.

Scenario 2: The Young Family in the UAE The Smith family moved to Dubai for work. Their four-year-old daughter developed a severe respiratory infection. Their IPMI plan gave them immediate access to a paediatric specialist at a top private hospital, ensuring she received prompt and effective treatment without them having to worry about the substantial out-of-pocket cost.

Scenario 3: The Digital Nomad in Mexico Chloe, 29, was working remotely from Playa del Carmen when she fell and sustained a complex wrist fracture. Her 'Worldwide excluding USA' policy covered her emergency treatment, surgery with a specialist orthopaedic surgeon, and subsequent physiotherapy sessions, allowing her to make a full recovery.

Do I still need IPMI if my new country has a free public healthcare system?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Even in countries with good public healthcare (like Spain or France), IPMI offers significant advantages. These include skipping long waiting lists for specialist appointments and surgery, gaining access to a wider choice of doctors and hospitals (including private facilities), and ensuring you are covered for treatments that may not be available on the public system. It also provides cover for medical evacuation if the best care is located elsewhere.

What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting?

These are two ways insurers assess your health history. With **Moratorium underwriting**, you don't declare your medical history upfront, but any condition you've had in the last 5 years is automatically excluded for an initial period (usually 2 years). With **Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)**, you declare your full history on an application form, and the insurer tells you from the start precisely what is and isn't covered. FMU provides much greater certainty and is often recommended for peace of mind.

Does international PMI cover me when I visit the UK?

Most IPMI policies offer cover for trips back home as a standard feature or an optional add-on. This is an important benefit, as you will likely no longer be entitled to free NHS treatment as a non-resident. It allows you to receive private medical care in the UK should you fall ill or have an accident while visiting friends and family. Always check the terms of your specific policy for details on home country cover.

How can WeCovr help me find the best international private medical insurance?

As an expert, independent private medical insurance broker, WeCovr simplifies the entire process. We use our market knowledge to compare leading global insurers and find the policy that best matches your needs, destination, and budget. We explain the options in plain English, help with the application, and provide support for the life of your policy—all at no cost to you.

Ready to secure your health and peace of mind for your new life abroad? The expert team at WeCovr is here to help. We'll compare the best international private medical insurance UK providers to find a plan that's right for you.

[Get Your Free, No-Obligation International PMI Quote 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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