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International PMI vs Travel Insurance Whats the Difference

International PMI vs Travel Insurance Whats the Difference

As an FCA-authorised UK broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of insurance can be daunting. When planning a trip or a move abroad, one of the most common points of confusion is the difference between International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) and travel insurance. This guide explains everything you need to know.

WeCovr explains which is right for you abroad

Choosing the right cover isn't just about ticking a box; it's about securing your health and financial wellbeing when you're away from the UK. The protection you need for a two-week holiday in Spain is vastly different from the comprehensive healthcare required for a two-year work contract in Singapore.

Let's break down these two essential, but very different, types of insurance.

What is Travel Insurance? A Short-Term Safety Net

Think of travel insurance as your trip's emergency toolkit. Its primary job is to protect you from financial losses related to unforeseen events that can happen before or during a short-term trip, such as a holiday or a brief business visit. It is designed for travel, not for residence.

The core of a travel insurance policy is emergency medical cover. If you have an accident or fall suddenly ill while abroad, it covers the cost of your emergency treatment and, crucially, repatriation back to the UK if medically necessary.

Key features typically included in travel insurance:

  • Emergency Medical Expenses: Covers costs for accidents and sudden illnesses needing immediate attention. This is not for routine check-ups or planned treatments.
  • Repatriation: The cost of getting you back home to the UK via air ambulance or with a medical escort if you're too unwell to travel commercially. This can cost tens of thousands of pounds without insurance.
  • Trip Cancellation or Curtailment: Reimburses you for pre-paid flights and accommodation if you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to specific reasons like illness, bereavement, or jury service.
  • Lost or Stolen Baggage and Belongings: Covers the cost of replacing your possessions if they are lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • Personal Liability: Protects you if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while abroad.
  • Travel Delays and Missed Departures: Provides a small amount of compensation for long delays.

Real-Life Example: Sarah's Skiing Mishap

Sarah, a 32-year-old from Manchester, went on a one-week skiing holiday to the French Alps. She had a standard annual travel insurance policy. On the third day, she had a bad fall and broke her leg.

  • Her travel insurance covered the mountain rescue team.
  • It paid for her ambulance transport and hospital stay in France.
  • It covered the cost of her surgery and pain relief.
  • Because she couldn't fly on her original budget flight, the policy paid for a new flight home with extra legroom, as advised by the doctor.

Without travel insurance, Sarah's medical and transport bills could have easily exceeded £15,000. However, her policy would not have covered a routine GP visit for a cold or a pre-planned dental check-up. It was purely for the emergency.

What is International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)? Comprehensive Global Healthcare

International Private Medical Insurance, often called IPMI or international health insurance, is entirely different. It's not for a holiday; it's for your health while you are living or working abroad for an extended period (typically one year or more).

IPMI is essentially the global equivalent of UK private medical insurance. It's designed to give you comprehensive access to private healthcare in your new country of residence, from routine GP visits to major surgery and cancer treatment. It replaces the day-to-day healthcare access you would have had with the NHS and a UK PMI policy.

Key features typically included in IPMI:

  • In-patient and Day-patient Care: Covers hospital stays, surgeries, and treatments where a hospital bed is required.
  • Out-patient Care: Covers GP appointments, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans without a hospital stay.
  • Cancer Treatment: Comprehensive cover for oncology, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to therapies and psychiatric care.
  • Chronic Condition Management: Some plans can be underwritten to cover the ongoing management of long-term conditions like diabetes or asthma. This is a critical distinction from both travel insurance and standard UK PMI.
  • Wellness and Preventative Care: Many policies include benefits for health screenings and vaccinations.
  • Optional Add-ons: You can often add comprehensive dental, vision, and maternity cover.

Real-Life Example: David's Dubai Relocation

David, a 45-year-old engineer from London, accepted a three-year job in Dubai with his family. As they would no longer be UK residents, they would lose their automatic access to free NHS care.

His employer provided a family IPMI plan. Six months into their stay, David's son developed a persistent ear infection.

  • Their IPMI policy covered multiple visits to a private paediatrician.
  • It paid for the prescribed specialist antibiotics.
  • When the issue didn't resolve, it covered a consultation with an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist and a minor surgical procedure to insert grommets.

Later that year, David’s wife used the policy for routine health screenings. Travel insurance would not have covered any of this. The IPMI provided them with the same, if not better, level of healthcare access they were used to in the UK.

The Core Differences at a Glance: IPMI vs Travel Insurance

To make it simple, here is a direct comparison of the two types of cover.

FeatureTravel InsuranceInternational PMI (IPMI)
Primary PurposeTo cover unforeseen emergencies and travel mishaps on short trips.To provide comprehensive healthcare for those living or working abroad long-term.
Duration of CoverShort-term: single trip (days/weeks) or annual multi-trip (max 30-90 days per trip).Long-term: annual policies that are designed to be renewed each year.
Medical CoverageEmergency treatment only. For sudden illness or accidents. No routine or elective care.Comprehensive care. Covers emergency, routine (GP visits), elective surgery, and chronic condition management.
Geographical ScopeSpecific to your holiday destination(s).Regional (e.g., Europe) or Worldwide. Can include or exclude expensive countries like the USA.
Pre-existing ConditionsGenerally excluded or require specialist declaration and a higher premium. Cover is for emergency flare-ups only.Can often be covered, subject to underwriting (Moratorium or Full Medical Underwriting).
Non-Medical CoverYes. A key feature. Covers lost luggage, cancellations, delays, personal liability.No. Purely a health insurance product. Does not cover travel-related problems.
CostRelatively low. From under £20 for a single trip to a few hundred for an annual policy.Significantly higher. From £100 per month to many hundreds, depending on age, location, and cover level.
Ideal ForHolidaymakers, backpackers, short-term business travellers.Expats, digital nomads, retirees abroad, international students.

Who Needs Travel Insurance? The Holidaymaker and Short-Term Traveller

You need travel insurance if you are a UK resident taking a trip abroad for a limited time and plan to return home.

This includes:

  • Holidaymakers: Whether it's a week on the Costa del Sol or a fortnight in Florida.
  • Backpackers: For multi-country trips lasting a few months.
  • Short-term Business Travellers: For meetings, conferences, or short assignments.
  • City Breakers: For a weekend trip to Paris or Rome.

Don't Forget Your GHIC for Europe!

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is essential for trips to the EU. It gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare on the same terms as a local resident. However, the FCDO and all insurance experts are clear: a GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance.

  • It doesn't cover private healthcare.
  • It won't pay for you to be repatriated to the UK.
  • It offers no protection for cancellations, lost luggage, or theft.

Always have both a valid GHIC and a comprehensive travel insurance policy for any European travel.

Who Needs International PMI? The Expat, Digital Nomad, and Long-Stay Resident

You need International Private Medical Insurance if you are leaving the UK to live, work, or study in another country for an extended period, typically more than six months to a year. Once you are no longer considered "ordinarily resident" in the UK, your entitlement to free, comprehensive NHS treatment ends. You will typically only be able to access emergency A&E care.

This includes:

  • Expats: Individuals and families relocating for work.
  • Digital Nomads: People who work remotely while travelling the world long-term.
  • Retirees: Those choosing to spend their retirement years in another country.
  • International Students: For university courses or study programmes lasting a full academic year or more.

Living abroad without comprehensive health insurance is a significant financial risk. A serious illness or accident could lead to devastating medical bills, especially in countries with expensive healthcare systems like the USA. A reliable IPMI policy from a top provider ensures you can access high-quality care without the financial worry. Finding the right private medical insurance in the UK before you go is simple, but selecting a global plan requires specialist help. This is where an expert PMI broker like WeCovr can be indispensable.

The Critical Issue of Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

This is one of the most important and misunderstood areas of insurance. How your existing health issues are treated differs enormously between policy types.

A Critical Point on UK Private Medical Insurance It's vital to understand that standard private medical insurance UK policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy has started. An acute condition is one that is curable with treatment and is not long-term. Standard UK PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease that require ongoing management).

Travel Insurance and Pre-existing Conditions With travel insurance, you must declare all pre-existing medical conditions.

  • The insurer might cover you as standard.
  • They might charge an additional premium to cover the condition.
  • They might offer you a policy but specifically exclude any claims related to that condition.
  • They might decline to offer cover at all.

Failing to declare a condition can invalidate your entire policy. Even when covered, it's typically only for an unexpected emergency flare-up, not for routine management or medication.

International PMI and Pre-existing/Chronic Conditions IPMI offers more sophisticated and flexible options for handling your medical history, as it's designed for long-term health management. You will typically encounter two types of underwriting:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: This is a simpler application process where you don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the policy excludes treatment for any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in a set period (usually the last 5 years). These exclusions are reviewed after a continuous 2-year period on the policy. If you remain completely symptom and treatment-free for that condition during those 2 years, it may become eligible for cover.

  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide a detailed medical history questionnaire. The insurer's medical team assesses your health status and decides on the terms. They may:

    • Accept you on standard terms.
    • Add a "loading" (a percentage increase) to your premium to cover the higher risk.
    • Place a permanent exclusion on the specific condition and any related ones.

For those with ongoing health needs, FMU can provide clarity from day one about what is and isn't covered. Some high-level IPMI plans are specifically designed to help manage chronic conditions, providing a level of care that travel insurance simply cannot offer.

How Much Does Each Type of Cover Cost?

The cost varies dramatically based on the type of cover and your personal circumstances.

FactorTravel InsuranceInternational PMI
Typical Price£15-£50 for a single trip. £40-£300 for an annual multi-trip policy.£100-£1,000+ per month.
AgePremiums rise sharply for those over 65.A major factor; costs increase significantly with age.
DestinationWorldwide policies, especially those including the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean, are most expensive.The country of residence is key. The USA can make a policy 2-3 times more expensive than one for Europe.
Level of CoverBasic policies have lower limits and higher excesses. Comprehensive policies cost more.Huge variation. In-patient only plans are cheaper. Comprehensive plans with out-patient, dental, and vision are much more expensive.
Health StatusDeclared pre-existing conditions will increase the premium.Will affect terms under FMU, potentially increasing premiums or adding exclusions.

Making the Right Choice: A Checklist for Your Trip Abroad

Still unsure? Answer these four simple questions to find out which cover you likely need.

  1. How long will you be out of the UK?

    • Less than 3-6 months: You most likely need Travel Insurance.
    • More than 6 months, or moving indefinitely: You need International PMI.
  2. What is the main purpose of your time abroad?

    • Holiday, visiting family, short business trip: You need Travel Insurance.
    • Working, living, studying, or retiring: You need International PMI.
  3. Do you need cover for routine healthcare like GP visits or health check-ups?

    • No, just for emergencies: You need Travel Insurance.
    • Yes, I want comprehensive access to day-to-day healthcare: You need International PMI.
  4. Is cover for non-medical issues like lost baggage and flight cancellations important?

    • Yes, I want that protection: You need Travel Insurance. (You may need IPMI as well if you're living abroad but still travelling).
    • No, my only concern is my health: Your focus should be on International PMI.

The WeCovr Advantage: Expert Guidance at No Extra Cost

The world of international health insurance is complex, with dozens of providers offering hundreds of policy variations. Trying to compare them yourself can be overwhelming. This is where WeCovr can help.

As an independent, FCA-authorised broker, our job is to work for you. We are not tied to any single insurer. Our experts take the time to understand your unique needs—your destination, your health, your family, and your budget—and then search the market to find the best PMI provider and policy for you.

  • Expert, Unbiased Advice: We simplify the jargon and explain the differences between policies.
  • Market Comparison: We get quotes from leading global insurers to ensure you get the right cover at a competitive price.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is completely free for you. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium.
  • Added Value: When you arrange your health or life insurance through WeCovr, we provide complimentary access to our AI-powered diet and calorie tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your wellness journey. You can also benefit from discounts on other types of insurance you may need.

With high customer satisfaction ratings, WeCovr is a trusted partner for thousands of UK residents planning their lives abroad.

Can I use my UK private medical insurance abroad?

Generally, no. A standard UK private health cover policy is designed for treatment within the UK only. Some policies may include a very limited "overseas emergency treatment" benefit, but this is not a substitute for proper travel insurance or International PMI. If you are moving abroad, you will need a dedicated International PMI policy for comprehensive cover.

What happens if I don't declare a pre-existing condition on my travel insurance?

Failing to declare a pre-existing medical condition is a serious breach of your policy terms. If you need to make a claim, even for something unrelated, your insurer can investigate your medical history. If they find an undeclared condition, they have the right to void your entire policy and refuse to pay your claim. This could leave you liable for tens of thousands of pounds in medical bills. Always be honest and thorough during your application.

Is International PMI worth it if my new country has a public healthcare system?

Yes, for many people it is highly recommended. While the local state system may be available, it might have long waiting lists, language barriers, or a different standard of care than you're used to. International PMI gives you fast-track access to private hospitals and doctors, the freedom to choose your specialist, and ensures you can be treated in a facility where your language is spoken. It provides peace of mind and control over your healthcare.

Can I have both types of insurance?

Yes, and in some situations, it's advisable. An expat living in Spain with an IPMI policy would still need a separate travel insurance policy for a holiday to Thailand. Their IPMI covers their health in Spain (and potentially worldwide), but it won't cover the flight cancellation or lost luggage for their holiday. The two policies serve different purposes and do not overlap.

Ready to find the right protection for your life abroad?

Don't leave your health to chance. Contact a WeCovr expert today for a free, no-obligation quote and get personalised advice on the best insurance for your needs.


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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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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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