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Is International Health Insurance Right for You

Is International Health Insurance Right for You 2025

WeCovr's guide to when global cover makes more sense than UK-only PMI

Deciding on private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we know the choice isn't just about which provider to pick. It’s about choosing the right type of cover for your unique life, now and in the future.

For most UK residents, a domestic private medical insurance (PMI) policy is the standard choice, offering a fantastic way to bypass NHS waiting lists for eligible treatments. But what if your life isn't confined to the UK? What if you travel frequently, work abroad, or plan to retire to sunnier climes? This is where International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) steps in.

This comprehensive guide will break down the crucial differences between UK PMI and IPMI, helping you understand which path is right for you, your family, and your future plans.

Understanding the Basics: What is UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?

UK Private Medical Insurance is a policy designed to cover the costs of private healthcare for acute conditions within the United Kingdom. Its primary purpose is to offer you choice, speed, and comfort when you need medical treatment.

What is an acute condition? An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of conditions like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.

The Critical Exclusion: Chronic and Pre-existing Conditions It is vital to understand a fundamental principle of standard UK PMI: it does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

  • Chronic Conditions: These are long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: These are any medical issues you had before your policy's start date. Most policies exclude these for a set period (a moratorium) or entirely.

The role of UK PMI is to get you back to the state of health you were in before your new, acute condition arose. It is not a replacement for the NHS, which provides comprehensive care for all, including chronic conditions. Instead, it's a complementary service for those seeking faster access to treatment for new health problems.

Key Benefits of UK PMI:

  • Bypass Waiting Lists: With NHS waiting lists reaching record highs (projections from NHS England 2025 suggest over 8 million treatment pathways by late 2025), PMI offers a way to get treated sooner.
  • Choice of Specialist and Hospital: You can often choose the consultant who treats you and the private hospital where you receive care.
  • Private, Comfortable Facilities: Private hospitals typically offer private rooms with en-suite facilities, more flexible visiting hours, and better food menus.
  • Access to Specialist Drugs and Treatments: Some policies provide cover for cancer drugs or treatments that may not be available on the NHS due to cost.

What is International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)?

International Private Medical Insurance, often called global health cover, is a far more comprehensive type of insurance. It is designed for individuals and families who live, work, or travel outside their home country for extended periods.

Unlike UK-only PMI, an IPMI policy provides medical cover across a wide geographical area, which could be a specific region (e.g., Europe) or worldwide. Its primary function is to ensure you have access to high-quality healthcare, no matter where you are.

Think of it as a portable healthcare system. Whether you're in London, Lisbon, or Lima, your policy is designed to provide seamless access to medical care, from routine GP visits to complex emergency surgery. This is a level of flexibility and security that a domestic UK policy simply cannot offer.

Key Differences at a Glance: UK PMI vs. IPMI

To make the distinction clearer, let's compare the core features of each type of cover in a simple table.

FeatureUK Private Medical Insurance (PMI)International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)
Geographical AreaUnited Kingdom only.Worldwide, or a specified large region (e.g., Europe, Worldwide excluding USA).
Primary PurposeTo supplement the NHS for acute conditions, bypassing waiting lists in the UK.To act as your primary source of healthcare when living or working abroad.
Typical CoverIn-patient & day-patient treatment for acute conditions. Out-patient cover is often optional.Comprehensive cover, including in-patient, out-patient, wellness, dental, and vision.
Emergency CoverUK-based emergencies. Some policies offer limited overseas cover for emergencies only.Full cover for emergencies and planned treatment within your area of coverage.
Evacuation & RepatriationNot typically included.A core feature. Covers medical evacuation to the nearest centre of excellence or repatriation home.
Pre-existing ConditionsAlmost always excluded.Can sometimes be covered, often subject to a premium loading or specific underwriting terms.
Chronic ConditionsExcluded. These are managed by the NHS.Often covered, especially on more comprehensive plans. Designed to manage long-term health.
CostRelatively affordable, with premiums based on UK healthcare costs.Significantly more expensive due to global price variations, currency risks, and broader cover.

Who Needs International Health Insurance? The 6 Key Personas

So, when does it make sense to choose a more expensive and comprehensive IPMI policy over a standard UK PMI plan? It all comes down to your lifestyle and future intentions. Here are six common profiles for whom global cover is not just a luxury, but a necessity.

1. The Expat Family

  • Scenario: David, an engineer, has been offered a three-year contract in Dubai. He's moving with his wife, Sarah, and their two young children.
  • Why IPMI is Essential: The family will no longer be entitled to routine NHS care. Their UK PMI policy would be useless in the UAE. They need a plan that covers everything from their children's vaccinations and GP visits to any unforeseen accidents or illnesses. An IPMI policy with worldwide cover ensures they have access to the excellent private healthcare network in Dubai without facing astronomical out-of-pocket costs.

2. The Digital Nomad

  • Scenario: Chloe is a 28-year-old freelance copywriter. She spends three months working from Portugal, two from Thailand, and four from Colombia each year, returning to the UK in between.
  • Why IPMI is Essential: Standard travel insurance is designed for short holidays and typically only covers emergencies. It won't cover routine check-ups, ongoing physiotherapy for a sprained ankle, or seeing a specialist for a persistent skin condition. Chloe's nomadic lifestyle means she is outside the UK for more than the 90-180 days most residents are allowed to be before their NHS eligibility is questioned. A comprehensive IPMI plan gives her the freedom to seek quality care wherever her laptop takes her.

3. The Global Business Executive

  • Scenario: Mark is a senior executive for a multinational corporation. His role requires frequent, often last-minute, travel between the company's offices in London, New York, Singapore, and Frankfurt.
  • Why IPMI is Essential: While his company's travel insurance might cover a medical emergency, Mark needs more. What if he needs to see a dentist for a broken tooth in Singapore or consult a physiotherapist for back pain after a long-haul flight? IPMI provides seamless, high-level cover that reflects his seniority and global mobility. Features like medical evacuation are critical, ensuring that if something serious happens in a location with substandard care, he can be moved to a centre of medical excellence.

4. The Student Studying Abroad

  • Scenario: Emily is off to study for a four-year degree at a university in Canada.
  • Why IPMI is Essential: While some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, these are often limited and don't cover everything. For a long-term stay like a university degree, Emily will not be considered an ordinary UK resident. An IPMI policy is often a mandatory requirement for a student visa. It ensures she is covered for everything from campus clinic visits to more serious medical needs, protecting her and her parents from potentially life-altering medical bills in a country with very high healthcare costs like Canada or the USA.

5. The Retiree in the Sun

  • Scenario: John and Mary, both in their late 60s, have sold their UK home and are retiring to the Costa del Sol in Spain.
  • Why IPMI is Essential: Once they become permanent residents of Spain, their routine access to the NHS ends. While the S1 scheme can provide state healthcare access for UK pensioners in some EU countries, many retirees prefer the choice and speed of the private system. As we age, the likelihood of needing medical care increases. A robust IPMI plan that covers chronic condition management and offers a choice of top-tier private hospitals in Spain gives them peace of mind for their golden years.

6. The High-Net-Worth Individual with Multiple Homes

  • Scenario: A family owns a primary residence in London, a ski chalet in Switzerland, and a summer villa in the South of France. They split their time between these properties throughout the year.
  • Why IPMI is Essential: This family lives a transnational life. They are never truly away from a "home," but their healthcare needs cross borders. A single, unified IPMI policy is far simpler and more effective than trying to manage separate insurance plans in three different countries. It ensures a consistent and high level of cover, with a single point of contact and direct billing arrangements with elite hospital networks in each location.

Digging Deeper: Core Features of an International Health Insurance Policy

If you identify with one of the personas above, it's worth understanding what a good IPMI policy should include. These plans are modular, allowing you to build the cover you need.

Core Components:

  • In-patient and Day-patient Care: This is the foundation of any policy. It covers the costs associated with a hospital stay, including surgery, accommodation, nursing care, and specialist fees.
  • Out-patient Care: This covers consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI scans and blood tests), and treatments that don't require a hospital admission. While often an add-on for UK PMI, it's a standard and essential part of most IPMI plans.
  • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: This is a non-negotiable feature for anyone living or travelling in areas with limited medical facilities.
    • Evacuation: Transports you to the nearest suitable medical facility if local care is inadequate.
    • Repatriation: Transports you back to your home country for treatment if medically necessary and you are fit to fly.
  • Geographical Area of Cover: Policies are priced based on the region you select. Common options include:
    • Europe
    • Worldwide excluding USA
    • Worldwide
    • Policies including the USA are always the most expensive due to the exceptionally high cost of healthcare in the United States.

Common Optional Add-ons:

  • Dental and Vision Care: Covers routine check-ups, fillings, and new glasses or contact lenses.
  • Wellness and Preventative Care: Includes health screenings, vaccinations, and sometimes even gym memberships.
  • Maternity Cover: For those planning to start or grow their family abroad. Note that there is usually a waiting period of 10-12 months before you can claim maternity benefits.

The Cost Factor: Why is International Cover More Expensive?

There is no escaping the fact that IPMI comes with a significantly higher price tag than UK PMI. Several factors contribute to this:

  1. Scope of Cover: IPMI is simply a more comprehensive product. It covers chronic conditions, out-patient care, and evacuation services that are not standard in UK plans.
  2. Global Healthcare Costs: The cost of a medical procedure can vary dramatically from one country to another. An MRI scan in Spain might cost €300, while the same scan in the USA could be over $3,000. Insurers must price their policies to account for these vast differences.
  3. Currency Fluctuations: Insurers have to manage the risk of paying claims in multiple currencies (Euros, US Dollars, Thai Baht, etc.) while collecting premiums in a single currency (e.g., Sterling). This financial risk is factored into the premium.
  4. Administrative Complexity: Managing a global network of hospitals, coordinating direct billing, and providing 24/7 multilingual assistance is a complex and costly operation.

Illustrative Monthly Premiums (for a healthy 40-year-old)

Type of CoverRegionIllustrative Monthly PremiumKey Features
UK PMIUK Only£70 - £120Acute conditions, in-patient focus, choice of UK hospitals.
IPMI (Europe)Europe£250 - £400Comprehensive cover, in/out-patient, evacuation, for life in Europe.
IPMI (Worldwide ex. USA)Global (exc. USA)£400 - £600Comprehensive global cover, ideal for nomads and expats outside the US.
IPMI (Worldwide)Global (inc. USA)£700 - £1,200+The ultimate cover, including the world's most expensive healthcare market.

Note: These are purely illustrative figures. Your actual premium will depend on your age, medical history, chosen level of cover, and deductible/excess.

Promoting a Healthier Lifestyle, Wherever You Are

Regardless of which insurance you choose, the best way to manage your health and premiums is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Top insurers are increasingly rewarding proactive health management with wellness benefits and support.

Simple Steps to Better Health:

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. A balanced diet is the cornerstone of good health, helping to prevent chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
  • Consistent Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. According to the Sleep Foundation (2025), consistent sleep is critical for immune function, mental clarity, and metabolic health.
  • Regular Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing. Find something you enjoy to stay consistent.
  • Stress Management: Chronic stress can have a significant physical impact. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature can help manage stress levels.

At WeCovr, we believe in supporting our clients' holistic wellbeing. That's why when you take out a private medical or life insurance policy with us, we provide complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you stay on top of your health goals. Furthermore, our clients enjoy exclusive discounts on other insurance products, from travel to home cover, rewarding your loyalty.

How WeCovr Helps You Navigate the Choice

Choosing between a domestic or international plan is a significant financial decision. The market is complex, and the policy wording can be dense. This is where an expert, independent PMI broker like WeCovr becomes an invaluable partner.

As an FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, our role is to work for you, not the insurance company.

Here’s how we help:

  1. Understanding Your Needs: We take the time to understand your personal circumstances, travel habits, future plans, and health requirements.
  2. Market Comparison: We use our expertise and technology to compare policies from a wide range of leading UK and international insurers, saving you hours of research.
  3. Clear, Unbiased Advice: We explain the pros and cons of each option in plain English, ensuring you understand the differences in cover, especially concerning underwriting, chronic conditions, and geographical limits.
  4. No Cost to You: Our service is provided at no cost. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, but our advice remains completely impartial and focused on finding the best value for your specific needs.

Whether you're a lifelong UK resident seeking faster treatment or a global citizen needing worldwide protection, WeCovr has the expertise to guide you to the right solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions we receive about UK and international health insurance.

1. Can I use my UK Private Medical Insurance for a holiday abroad? Most standard UK PMI policies do not cover planned medical treatment abroad. Some may include a very limited benefit for emergency medical treatment while on a short holiday, but this should never be seen as a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. International health insurance (IPMI) is required for comprehensive cover outside the UK.

2. I'm moving abroad for a year. Can I keep my UK PMI policy? It is highly unlikely. UK PMI policies are designed for UK residents who are eligible for NHS care. If you move abroad for 6-12 months or more, you typically cease to be considered an 'ordinary resident' and your policy may be invalidated. You would need to purchase an international health insurance plan designed for expats.

3. Is international health insurance worth the high cost? For those who live, work, or travel extensively outside the UK, it is not just worth it—it is essential. The cost of a serious medical event in a foreign country can easily run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds. IPMI provides financial protection and peace of mind, ensuring access to quality care without the risk of catastrophic debt.

4. How does underwriting for pre-existing conditions differ between UK and international plans? Standard UK PMI almost always excludes pre-existing conditions, either permanently or through a moratorium (e.g., if you remain symptom-free for two years, the condition might be covered thereafter). International plans are often more flexible. While they may also use moratoriums, some offer "full medical underwriting" where you declare your conditions upfront. The insurer may then agree to cover them, sometimes in exchange for a higher premium (a 'premium loading').

The Right Cover for Your World

The choice between UK PMI and IPMI hinges entirely on the scope of your life. If your home, work, and future are firmly rooted in the UK, a domestic PMI plan is an excellent and cost-effective tool for managing your health.

However, if your horizons are broader—if you are an expat, a digital nomad, a global executive, or someone planning a cross-border retirement—then international health insurance is the only choice that provides true security and peace of mind. It’s an investment in your health for a life without borders.

Ready to explore your options? Let our experts do the hard work for you.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and find the perfect private health cover for your unique 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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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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