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Is There a Best Time of Year to Buy PMI or Renew

Is There a Best Time of Year to Buy PMI or Renew 2026

When considering private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK, timing can feel like everything. As an FCA-authorised expert broker, WeCovr has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, and a common question we hear is whether there’s a "best" time to buy or renew. Let's explore.

Timing your purchase or renewal of private health cover is a hot topic. While the best time is always when you need cover, understanding the market's rhythm can certainly work in your favour. We'll delve into whether seasonal discounts are a myth, what really drives pricing, and how to make savvy decisions, whether you're a first-time buyer or facing a renewal.

The short answer is nuanced. Unlike the car industry with its new registration plates in March and September, the UK PMI market doesn't have a single, universally "best" month to buy. However, certain periods can present opportunities for those who know where to look.

Ultimately, the most critical factor is your personal health needs and circumstances. But being aware of market trends, insurer promotions, and renewal cycles empowers you to secure the right policy at the best possible price.

Debunking the Myth: Is There Really a "Best Month" to Buy PMI?

Many people hope for a secret formula—a "PMI season" where prices plummet. The truth is more complex. The price of your premium is primarily determined by personal factors, not the calendar month.

Key factors that actually determine your premium:

  • Age: Premiums increase as you get older.
  • Location: The cost of private medical treatment varies across the UK, so your postcode matters. London and the South East are typically more expensive.
  • Level of Cover: Comprehensive plans cost more than basic ones.
  • Excess: A higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) will lower your premium.
  • Underwriting: The method used to assess your medical history (e.g., Moratorium or Full Medical Underwriting).
  • Lifestyle: Some insurers ask about smoking status, which significantly impacts price.

While these personal factors are the main drivers, seasonal trends and commercial pressures on insurers can create windows of opportunity.

Let's break down the year to see where you might find an edge. These are general trends, not guarantees, but they can help you plan your search.

Quarter 1: January – March (The "New Year, New You" Effect)

The start of the year is a popular time for self-improvement. People join gyms, start diets, and review their finances, including their health protection.

  • Consumer Mindset: Health is top-of-mind. NHS winter pressures often dominate the news, with reports on long waiting lists making people consider private alternatives. According to NHS England data, waiting lists often peak during winter months, driving interest in PMI.
  • Insurer Activity: Insurers know this and may launch promotions to capture the "New Year resolution" market. This could include offers like "one month free" or waived joining fees.
  • Financial Year End: Many UK insurers have a financial year ending on 31st March. This can create a push to meet sales targets, potentially leading to more competitive quotes and flexible underwriting from sales teams.

Quarter 2: April – June (The Post-Tax-Year Review)

As the new tax year begins, individuals and businesses often reassess their budgets and financial planning.

  • Consumer Mindset: With tax returns filed and new budgets set, it's a logical time to evaluate major purchases like health insurance.
  • Insurer Activity: This can be a slightly quieter period after the Q1 rush. However, some insurers with different financial year-ends might launch promotions here. It’s a good time for a considered, unhurried search.

Quarter 3: July – September (The Summer Lull)

Traditionally, summer can be a slower period for new business as people are on holiday.

  • Consumer Mindset: Health insurance might not be the first thing on your mind when you're packing for a holiday.
  • Insurer Activity: To stimulate the market during this lull, some providers may introduce attractive summer deals or partnerships. Think gift card incentives or entry into prize draws. Fewer new customers can mean that sales advisers have more time to spend with you, offering a more detailed consultation.

Quarter 4: October – December (The End-of-Year Push)

The run-up to Christmas sees another spike in commercial activity.

  • Consumer Mindset: Similar to Q1, NHS winter pressures begin to build again. People also start thinking about the year ahead and protecting their family's health.
  • Insurer Activity: Many insurers have a calendar year-end (31st December). This is a crucial time for them to hit annual targets. This pressure can result in some of the most competitive offers of the year. You might see "2 months free" deals or enhanced benefits rolled out to attract last-minute buyers.
QuarterPotential Consumer FocusPotential Insurer ActivityOpportunity Level
Q1 (Jan-Mar)New Year resolutions, NHS winter pressuresPromotions, sales push for March year-endHigh
Q2 (Apr-Jun)Post-tax-year financial planningSteady, fewer major promotionsMedium
Q3 (Jul-Sep)Holiday season, less focus on insuranceSummer deals to stimulate a quiet marketMedium
Q4 (Oct-Dec)Pre-winter health planning, budgetingStrong promotions for December year-endHigh

The Golden Rule: Your Renewal Date is the Most Important Date

For existing PMI policyholders, there is one time of year that is more important than any other: your renewal date.

This is your annual opportunity to reassess your cover and, crucially, your premium. Insurers often increase premiums at renewal due to:

  1. Age-related increases: You are a year older, so your risk profile has changed.
  2. Medical Inflation: The cost of private treatment, new drugs, and advanced technology rises faster than general inflation.
  3. Your Claims History: If you've made a claim, your premium may increase.
  4. The "Loyalty Penalty": Unfortunately, some insurers rely on customer inertia, offering their best deals to new customers while increasing prices for loyal ones. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has introduced rules to ensure renewal prices are not higher than the equivalent new business price, but shopping around is still vital.

Never simply auto-renew your policy without reviewing it. Your renewal notice is a call to action. It’s the perfect time to speak to an expert broker like WeCovr. We can compare your renewal offer against the entire market in minutes, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds or finding you better cover for the same price.

A Critical Note: What UK PMI Does and Does Not Cover

Before going further, it's vital to be crystal clear on the purpose of private medical insurance in the UK.

PMI is designed for acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think cataracts, joint replacements, or hernia repairs.
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.
  • Pre-existing conditions are any illnesses or injuries you had before the policy start date.

Standard UK PMI does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. This is a fundamental principle of the market. Its role is to complement the NHS by providing faster access to treatment for new, eligible medical issues.

The Real "Best Time" to Buy: Your Personal Life Events

While seasonal trends are interesting, the most compelling reason to buy PMI is almost always tied to a personal life event. These are the moments when the need for health security becomes most apparent.

Life Event Triggers for Buying PMI:

  1. Starting a Family: The desire to protect your children and ensure fast access to paediatric specialists is a powerful motivator. Many policies offer family discounts.
  2. Changing Jobs: If you're leaving a role with a company health plan, you'll need to arrange your own cover. It's crucial to do this promptly to ensure continuous protection.
  3. Becoming Self-Employed: When you are your own boss, any time taken off for illness is time you're not earning. PMI can get you back to work faster, protecting your livelihood.
  4. Reaching a Milestone Age (e.g., 40, 50, 60): As we get older, health concerns naturally increase. This often prompts a review of health protection.
  5. A Negative Experience with NHS Waiting Times: A long wait for a diagnosis or treatment, either for yourself or a loved one, is often the catalyst that makes people seek a private alternative. With NHS waiting lists in England involving several million people, this is an increasingly common trigger.

In these scenarios, the "best time to buy" is now. Waiting for a potential seasonal offer in a few months could leave you unprotected when you need it most.

How to Get the Best PMI Price, Any Time of Year

Regardless of the season, you can take control of your premium cost. Here are the most effective strategies for securing an affordable policy without compromising on quality.

1. Work with an Independent Broker

This is the single most effective tip. A broker like WeCovr has a whole-of-market view. We do the shopping for you, comparing policies from all the leading UK providers. Our service is free to you, as we are paid a commission by the insurer you choose. We use our expertise and technology to find the best-value policy for your specific needs.

2. Tailor Your Level of Cover

Don't pay for benefits you don't need. Consider these options:

  • Outpatient Cover: You can choose a full-cover option, a limited monetary amount (e.g., £1,000), or even no outpatient cover to significantly reduce your premium.
  • Therapies: Do you need cover for physiotherapy or osteopathy? Limiting this can save money.
  • Mental Health Cover: While increasingly important, the level of mental health cover can be adjusted.

3. Adjust Your Excess

The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of any claim. A higher excess tells the insurer you will only claim for significant issues, which reduces their risk and, therefore, your premium.

Excess LevelImpact on PremiumBest For...
£0 - £100Highest PremiumThose who want maximum peace of mind and minimal upfront cost at claim time.
£250 - £500Medium PremiumA good balance for most people, keeping premiums manageable while the excess is not prohibitive.
£1,000+Lowest PremiumThose with significant savings who want cover mainly for major, high-cost procedures.

4. Choose Your Hospital List

Insurers group private hospitals into tiers or lists. A policy that gives you access to every hospital in the UK, including expensive ones in Central London, will cost the most. By choosing a more restricted list that includes excellent hospitals near your home, you can achieve substantial savings.

5. Consider the "6-Week Wait" Option

This is a clever way to reduce your premium. With this option, if the NHS can provide the inpatient treatment you need within six weeks, you agree to use the NHS. If the NHS waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in. This effectively makes your PMI a safety net against long waits, and it comes with a significant discount.

The WeCovr Advantage: More Than Just a Price Comparison

Choosing to find your policy through WeCovr provides benefits that go beyond just finding the cheapest price on a given day. Our goal is to be your long-term health partner.

  • Expert, Unbiased Advice: We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our advisers are trained professionals who understand the intricate details of every policy.
  • Renewal Support: We don't just find your first policy; we're here for you every year. At renewal, we'll proactively re-broke the market to ensure you're still on the best deal.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: Our focus on transparent, helpful service has earned us high satisfaction ratings from our clients.
  • Complimentary Health Tools: When you arrange a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to support your health goals.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: We believe in holistic protection. Clients who take out PMI or Life Insurance with us are often eligible for discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance.

Nurturing Your Health Year-Round

While PMI is a fantastic tool for when things go wrong, the best strategy is always to stay healthy. Many of the best PMI providers now actively support this, offering a range of wellness benefits.

  • Diet and Nutrition: A balanced diet is fundamental. Aim for plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Using an app like CalorieHero can help you understand your intake and make healthier choices.
  • Sleep: Quality sleep is non-negotiable for physical and mental health. Most adults need 7-9 hours per night. Establish a regular routine and create a restful, screen-free environment in your bedroom.
  • Physical Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Many PMI providers now offer discounts on gym memberships and fitness trackers to encourage you to stay active.
  • Mental Wellbeing: Stress management is key. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, or simply spending time in nature can have a profound impact. Most top-tier PMI policies now include access to mental health support lines and therapy sessions.

Taking proactive steps to manage your health not only improves your quality of life but can also help keep your insurance premiums down in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it cheaper to get private health insurance when you are younger?

Yes, absolutely. Private medical insurance premiums are calculated based on risk, and younger people are statistically less likely to claim. The price of a policy increases with age, so the cheapest time to buy is always when you are as young and healthy as possible. Locking in cover early protects you against future conditions that may develop.

Will my PMI premium go up if I claim?

It is very likely that your premium will increase at renewal if you have made a claim during the policy year. However, the increase will also be affected by your age and general medical inflation. Some insurers offer a no-claims discount, which you would lose after a claim, leading to a higher price. This is a key reason why it is so important to review the market with a broker at renewal, as another insurer may still offer you a better price even with your claims history.

Can I switch my PMI provider at any time?

You can switch providers at your annual renewal date without any penalty. It is generally not advisable to switch mid-term as you will have already paid for the full year's cover and won't typically receive a refund. When switching, it's crucial to get expert advice on how to handle any pre-existing conditions to ensure you maintain continuous cover. A broker can help you switch on a "Continued Medical Exclusions" basis, protecting your underwriting terms.

Does UK private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

No, standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. A pre-existing condition is any illness, disease, or injury for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice before your policy started. PMI is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you join.

Your Next Step

So, is there a best time of year to buy or renew your PMI? The answer is a blend of market timing and personal necessity. While promotional periods in Q1 and Q4 can offer an advantage, the most important time to act is when your personal circumstances demand it, or when your annual renewal notice arrives.

The key to navigating the market successfully, at any time of year, is expert guidance. Don't leave your health or your finances to chance.

Take control of your healthcare today. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr and let our experts compare the UK's leading private medical insurance providers for you.


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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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