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Is Private Medical Insurance Tax Deductible For Business Owners

Is Private Medical Insurance Tax Deductible For Business...

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr is an expert in the UK private medical insurance market. This guide demystifies the complex tax rules for business owners, helping you make an informed decision for yourself and your company.

Complete guide to PMI tax relief options, P11D rules, and allowable expenses for companies and self-employed

For any business owner, from a solo entrepreneur to the director of a growing limited company, managing costs and optimising tax is paramount. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is a highly valued benefit, offering a fast-track to diagnosis and treatment. But a crucial question always arises: can I claim it as a business expense and reduce my tax bill?

The answer is nuanced and depends entirely on your business structure. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about PMI tax relief, P11D obligations, and the rules for both limited companies and the self-employed in the UK.

The Core Question: Is Private Medical Insurance Tax Deductible?

Let's get straight to the point.

  • For a Limited Company: Yes, the cost of a private medical insurance policy is generally considered an allowable business expense. This means the company can deduct the premium from its profits, thereby reducing its Corporation Tax bill.
  • For the Employee/Director receiving the benefit: It's not quite a free lunch. The PMI premium is treated as a 'Benefit in Kind' (BIK), which means the individual will have to pay income tax on the value of the premium.
  • For a Sole Trader or Partnership: Generally, no. For the self-employed, HMRC considers PMI a personal expense, not a business one. It fails the 'wholly and exclusively' test for business expenditure. There are very rare exceptions, but for 99% of sole traders, it is not tax-deductible.

Now, let's dive into the specifics for each business type.

PMI for Limited Companies: A Detailed Breakdown

For directors and employees of a limited company, offering private health cover is a popular and tax-efficient strategy, despite the personal tax implications. Here’s how it works step-by-step.

1. PMI as an Allowable Business Expense

When a limited company pays for a health insurance policy for its employees or directors, HMRC views this as a legitimate business cost, similar to salaries or pensions.

  • What this means: The company can list the full cost of the PMI premiums in its annual accounts as a business expense.
  • The financial benefit: This expense is deducted from the company's total revenue before calculating its profit. The company then pays Corporation Tax on this lower profit figure.

As of 2025, the main rate of Corporation Tax is 25%. So, for every £1,000 the company spends on PMI, it saves £250 in Corporation Tax.

Example: Your company, 'Healthy Widgets Ltd', makes a profit of £100,000. Your Corporation Tax bill would be £25,000. If you introduce a PMI scheme for your directors costing £5,000, your taxable profit becomes £95,000. Your new Corporation Tax bill is £23,750, a saving of £1,250 for the company.

2. The P11D Form and 'Benefit in Kind' (BIK) Tax

While the company gets a tax break, HMRC needs to account for the fact that the employee or director has received a valuable non-cash benefit. This is where the P11D form and Benefit in Kind (BIK) tax come in.

  • What is a P11D? It's a form that a company must submit to HMRC each year for every employee or director who has received benefits or expenses on top of their salary.
  • What is a Benefit in Kind? It’s a perk that isn't included in your salary. A company car, a gym membership, or private medical insurance are all common examples.

The cost of the PMI premium is treated as extra, non-cash income for the individual. Therefore, they must pay income tax on this amount at their personal tax rate.

3. How BIK Tax on PMI is Calculated

The calculation is straightforward. The value of the benefit is simply the total cost of the premium paid by the company for that individual during the tax year.

Employee's Income Tax BandTax Rate on the BenefitExample: £1,200 Annual Premium
Basic Rate20%£240 per year (£20 per month)
Higher Rate40%£480 per year (£40 per month)
Additional Rate45%£540 per year (£45 per month)

How is the tax collected? HMRC will usually adjust the employee's tax code to collect the extra tax due. This means a little more tax is taken from their salary each month. They won't typically receive a separate bill for it.

4. Employer's National Insurance Contributions (Class 1A NICs)

There is one more piece to the puzzle for the company. In addition to the premium itself, the company must also pay Employer's National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on the value of the benefit.

This is known as Class 1A National Insurance. The rate for 2025-26 is 13.8%.

Worked Example: A Limited Company Director

Let's put it all together. Sarah is the director of her own limited company.

  • The company pays for her private medical insurance policy, which costs £1,500 for the year.
  • Sarah is a higher-rate taxpayer (40%).

Impact on the Company:

  1. Corporation Tax Saving: The company deducts the £1,500 premium from its profits. The saving is £1,500 x 25% = £375.
  2. Employer's NI Cost: The company must pay Class 1A NICs on the benefit. The cost is £1,500 x 13.8% = £207.
  3. Net Cost to the Company: £1,500 (premium) + £207 (NI) - £375 (tax saving) = £1,332.

Impact on Sarah (the Director):

  1. Benefit in Kind: The £1,500 premium is added to her taxable income for the year.
  2. Income Tax Cost: She pays income tax on this benefit at her marginal rate. The cost is £1,500 x 40% = £600.

Total Cost Summary:

  • Total cash paid out by the company: £1,500 (premium) + £207 (NI) = £1,707
  • Total tax paid by Sarah: £600
  • Effective total cost of the £1,500 policy: £1,332 (company) + £600 (Sarah) = £1,932

While the final cost is higher than the premium, it has been paid using a combination of pre-tax company funds (reducing a Corporation Tax bill) and personal post-tax income. Many directors find this a highly efficient way to fund their health cover.


PMI for the Self-Employed: Sole Traders & Partnerships

The rules for the self-employed are much stricter and, for most, far less advantageous. If you operate as a sole trader or in a partnership, the tax situation is very different.

The 'Wholly and Exclusively' Rule

HMRC allows sole traders to claim expenses that are incurred 'wholly and exclusively' for the purposes of the trade. This is a very stringent test.

For private medical insurance, HMRC's position is that the policy provides a personal benefit. It covers you whether you are at work or at home, on a weekday or a weekend. Because it isn't exclusively for your business, it fails the test. The primary purpose is to keep the individual healthy, which is a private matter, even if being healthy helps the business.

In almost all cases, a sole trader cannot claim PMI as a tax-deductible expense. You must pay for it personally out of your post-tax income.

Are There Any Exceptions?

The exceptions are extremely narrow and rarely apply to UK-based sole traders. An exception might be made if:

  1. Your work is inherently dangerous and standard PMI won't cover you. For example, you are a journalist being sent to a war zone and your contract requires you to have specialist medical and evacuation cover. In this specific case, the insurance is a direct condition of doing the work.
  2. You work exclusively overseas in a location without a public health system, and having health insurance is essential to be able to perform your work there.

For a typical UK-based consultant, tradesperson, freelancer, or professional, these exceptions will not apply. Attempting to claim PMI as a business expense is highly likely to be rejected by HMRC and could trigger a wider tax investigation.

Comparing Tax Treatment: Limited Company vs. Sole Trader

This table summarises the key differences in how PMI is treated for tax purposes.

FeatureLimited CompanySole Trader / Partnership
Is the premium a business expense?Yes, it's an allowable expense.No, it's considered a personal cost.
Corporation Tax Reduction?Yes, the company's bill is reduced.Not applicable.
Is it a Benefit in Kind (BIK)?Yes, for the director/employee receiving it.Not applicable.
Personal Income Tax Payable?Yes, the individual pays income tax on the premium's value.Not applicable (as it's paid from post-tax income anyway).
Employer's NI Payable?Yes, the company pays 13.8% Class 1A NICs.Not applicable.
Overall VerdictTax-efficient way to fund PMI using company money.Not tax-deductible; must be funded personally.

Strategic Considerations for Business Owners

Understanding the tax rules is only the first step. You also need to consider if PMI is the right strategic choice for your business and health.

Is It Still Worth It? The Non-Tax Benefits

Even with the BIK tax implications for directors, company-funded PMI remains incredibly popular. The reasons go far beyond tax savings.

  • Speed of Access: This is the number one driver for PMI. NHS waiting lists in England remain a major concern. According to NHS England data from mid-2024, the list stood at over 7.5 million treatment pathways. Projections suggest this will remain a significant challenge throughout 2025. PMI allows you to bypass these queues for eligible acute conditions.
  • Business Continuity: For a small business, a key person's long-term absence can be devastating. PMI helps get your most valuable assets—your people—diagnosed and treated faster, minimising disruption and lost productivity.
  • Employee Attraction & Retention: In a competitive job market, a strong benefits package helps you stand out. Offering private health cover shows you value your employees' wellbeing, which can be a deciding factor for top talent.
  • Choice and Comfort: PMI offers more choice over the specialist you see and the hospital you're treated in. It typically includes a private room, more flexible visiting hours, and other comforts that can make a stressful time more bearable.

Group PMI vs. Individual Policies

If you have more than one employee (or just you and your spouse as directors), you can set up a Group PMI scheme. These often come with significant advantages:

  • Lower Premiums: Insurers offer better rates for groups than for individuals.
  • Simpler Underwriting: For larger groups, insurers may offer 'Medical History Disregarded' underwriting, meaning they will cover pre-existing conditions (though this is rare for small groups). For smaller groups, options like 'CPME' (Continued Personal Medical Exclusions) are more common.
  • Easier Administration: One group policy is easier to manage than multiple individual ones.

Navigating the options for group schemes can be complex. Using an independent PMI broker like WeCovr ensures you compare the best PMI providers and find a plan that fits your company's budget and needs, at no extra cost to you.

Health and Wellness Programmes: A Tax-Efficient Alternative

Beyond PMI, companies can invest in other health-related benefits that are often more tax-efficient. An annual health screening or medical check-up, for example, is generally not a taxable benefit in kind, provided it's offered to all employees. This can be a great, low-cost way to promote preventative health within your team.


A Critical Note: What UK PMI Covers (and Doesn't)

It's vital to have realistic expectations about private medical insurance in the UK. Many people misunderstand its purpose.

PMI is designed for ACUTE conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., joint replacement, cataract surgery, hernia repair, cancer treatment).

Standard UK PMI does NOT cover:

  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis). You may get an initial diagnosis under PMI, but the ongoing management will revert to the NHS.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or sought advice for, before the policy start date. Most policies exclude these for a set period (usually two years) or entirely.
  • Emergency Services: If you have a heart attack or are in a serious accident, you will go to an NHS A&E. PMI does not replace emergency services.
  • Routine Maternity, cosmetic surgery, and self-inflicted injuries.

Understanding these limitations is key to avoiding disappointment later. An expert broker can help you understand the small print of any policy.

Setting Up Business PMI with WeCovr

Deciding to get private health cover is a positive step. The next is to ensure you get the right policy at the best price.

  1. Expert, Free Advice: As an independent and FCA-authorised PMI broker, our service is provided at no cost to you. We earn a commission from the insurer you choose, but our advice is always impartial and focused on your needs.
  2. Market Comparison: We work with the UK's leading health insurers, including Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, and Vitality. We do the shopping around for you, comparing policies on price, benefits, and service.
  3. Tailored to You: We help you understand the jargon and customise your plan. You can choose your level of outpatient cover, cancer care, and hospital list to create a policy that fits your budget.
  4. Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange a policy through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. Plus, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance can often access discounts on other types of cover, like home or travel insurance.

Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to clear, friendly, and professional service.

A Nod to Wellbeing: Prevention is the Best Policy

While PMI is a fantastic safety net, the best way to manage your health is to stay healthy. Business owners often face high stress and long hours, which can take a toll.

  • Balanced Diet: Prioritise whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. Good nutrition fuels your brain and body, improving focus and energy. Using an app like CalorieHero can help you stay on track.
  • Regular Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, as recommended by the NHS. Even a brisk 30-minute walk at lunchtime can clear your head and boost productivity.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Lack of sleep impairs decision-making and weakens your immune system. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
  • Manage Stress: Find healthy outlets for stress, whether it's exercise, mindfulness, or simply taking a proper break away from your screen.

Investing in your own wellbeing is the single most important investment you can make in your business.

Do I need to declare my company-paid PMI on my personal tax return?

Generally, you do not need to declare it on your self-assessment tax return if you are employed by the company (even as a director) and pay tax via PAYE. Your company is responsible for reporting the benefit to HMRC on a P11D form, and HMRC will adjust your tax code to collect the income tax due. If you have other complex tax affairs, it's always wise to check with an accountant.

Can a limited company claim tax relief on PMI for an owner's family members?

Yes. If the company pays for the private medical insurance of an employee's or director's family (e.g., a spouse or children), the premium is still an allowable business expense for the company. However, the full premium for the entire family will be treated as a Benefit in Kind for that single employee/director, and they will be liable for income tax on the total amount. The company will also need to pay Class 1A National Insurance on the total premium.

What happens if I pay for my PMI personally and my limited company reimburses me?

The tax treatment is exactly the same as if the company had paid the insurer directly. The reimbursed amount is still a tax-deductible expense for the company and a taxable Benefit in Kind for you. The company must still report it on the P11D and pay the associated Class 1A National Insurance contributions. The key is that the company has borne the cost, regardless of the payment method.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Navigating the world of business health insurance doesn't have to be complicated. Our expert team can provide a free, no-obligation comparison of the best PMI providers in the UK, helping you find the perfect cover for your business and your budget.

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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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