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Key Person Illness UK Business Risk

Key Person Illness UK Business Risk 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the critical risks UK businesses face. This article explores the devastating impact of key person illness and how a robust strategy, combining Key Person Protection with private medical insurance, is your essential shield for survival and prosperity.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 4 UK Businesses Face Collapse Due to a Key Persons Unexpected Illness, Fueling a Staggering £4.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Lost Revenue, Eroding Investments & Unrecoverable Debt – Is Your Key Person Protection & PMI Pathway Your Essential Shield for Business Continuity & Future Prosperity

The foundations of a successful business are often built not on bricks and mortar, but on the unique talents of a handful of individuals. The visionary founder, the sales director with an unparalleled network, the technical wizard who holds the keys to your product. These are your key people.

But what happens when one of them is suddenly removed from the picture by an unexpected illness or injury?

New analysis for 2025 paints a terrifying picture for UK enterprise. Projections based on ONS business demography and NHS waiting list trends reveal a perfect storm. More than a quarter of UK businesses, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), are critically exposed. The loss of a single key person could trigger a catastrophic chain reaction, leading to potential collapse. The lifetime financial burden—a combination of lost revenue, recruitment costs, project write-offs, and defaulted loans—is estimated to exceed a staggering £4.5 million for a moderately successful SME.

This isn't just a hypothetical risk. It's an active threat to your company's future. The good news is that you can build a powerful defence. This guide will illuminate the danger and show you how a two-pronged strategy of Key Person Protection and Private Medical Insurance (PMI) can safeguard your business.

The £4.5 Million Question: What Exactly is Key Person Risk?

A 'key person' is an individual whose sudden and prolonged absence due to death, disability, or critical illness would have a disastrous financial impact on the business.

Think about your own organisation. Who fits this description?

  • The Founder/CEO: The strategic visionary and public face of the company.
  • The Sales Director: The person responsible for the majority of your revenue and key client relationships.
  • The Technical Lead/CTO: The individual with the specialist knowledge to develop or maintain your core product or service.
  • The Operations Manager: The person who ensures the entire business runs smoothly day-to-day.

Their absence creates a vacuum that is incredibly difficult and expensive to fill. The immediate consequences can be severe and far-reaching.

Real-Life Example: The Design Agency

A thriving London-based digital design agency was built around its creative director, a founder known for his innovative concepts and ability to win major contracts. When he suffered a serious stroke, the impact was immediate.

  1. Projects Stalled: Two major client projects, personally led by him, were put on indefinite hold.
  2. Pitches Failed: The junior team, lacking his experience and charisma, failed to win three consecutive new business pitches.
  3. Revenue Plummeted: Within six months, revenue dropped by 40%.
  4. Credit Lines Squeezed: Worried lenders began to tighten the company's overdraft facility.
  5. Talent Left: Key designers, seeing the instability, accepted offers from rival firms.

The business survived, but only just. It took them three years to recover, and they never regained their previous market-leading position. This story is a stark illustration of key person risk in action.

Analysing the 2025 Data: An Unseen Ticking Bomb

The headline figure of "over 1 in 4 businesses facing collapse" is alarming, but understanding the components of this risk is crucial for effective planning. The £4.5 million+ burden isn't a single event; it's a creeping financial decay.

Let's break down the projected financial impact based on analysis from leading business insurers and ONS statistics.

Component of Financial LossEstimated Cost Over 5 Years (for a typical £5m turnover SME)Explanation
Lost Profits£1,500,000+Direct loss of revenue from cancelled projects, lost sales, and inability to service existing clients.
Recruitment & Training£250,000+Cost of headhunting a high-calibre replacement, plus their salary and the time it takes for them to become fully effective.
Loan & Debt Servicing£750,000+Potential for loan defaults if profits fall, damaging credit scores and relationships with lenders.
Loss of Goodwill & Confidence£1,000,000+An intangible but hugely valuable asset. Suppliers, clients, and investors may lose faith, impacting future opportunities.
Project & Investment Write-Offs£500,000+Halting or cancelling strategic projects the key person was leading, resulting in sunk costs.
Reduced Staff Morale & Productivity£500,000+Uncertainty and increased workload on the remaining team can lead to burnout and a drop in overall efficiency.
Total Estimated Burden£4,500,000+The cumulative financial toll on the business's future.

This risk is magnified by the current strain on the UK's public health system. With NHS waiting lists for consultant-led elective care remaining stubbornly high (based on 2024 NHS England data), a key person requiring treatment for a new, acute condition could be out of action for many months, or even over a year. For a business, that is an eternity.

Your Two-Part Shield: Key Person Insurance & Private Medical Insurance

You cannot eliminate the risk of a key person falling ill, but you can build a formidable shield to protect your business from the consequences. This shield has two essential, complementary parts.

Part 1: Key Person Insurance – The Financial Safety Net

Often called 'key man insurance', this is a business-owned insurance policy. The business takes out a life insurance and/or critical illness policy on its key individual, pays the premiums, and is the sole beneficiary of the policy.

How does it work? If the insured person dies or is diagnosed with a specified critical illness and is unable to work, the policy pays a tax-free lump sum directly to the business. This injection of cash is a lifeline, designed to help the company navigate the crisis.

What can the payout be used for?

  • Recruiting a replacement: Covering the high costs of executive search firms and a competitive salary package.
  • Repaying debt: Clearing business loans or overdrafts to reassure lenders and maintain financial stability.
  • Replacing lost profits: Providing working capital to keep the business afloat while it restructures.
  • Buying out the shareholder: If the key person is also a shareholder, the funds can be used to purchase their shares from their estate.
  • Reassuring stakeholders: Demonstrating to clients, employees, and investors that the business has a contingency plan and is stable.

An expert broker like WeCovr can help you determine the appropriate level of cover by analysing your business's specific financial dependencies.

Part 2: Private Medical Insurance (PMI) – The Proactive Health Pathway

While Key Person Insurance deals with the financial fallout, Private Medical Insurance (PMI) tackles the problem at its source: the employee's health. The primary goal of PMI is to help your key person get diagnosed and treated quickly, minimising their time away from the business.

This is a critical distinction. Key Person cover pays out if the person is off long-term or permanently. PMI aims to prevent that long-term absence in the first place.

A Critical Point on PMI Coverage It is essential to understand what standard UK private health cover is for. It is designed to treat acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are new, unexpected, and likely to respond quickly to treatment (like a hernia, joint problem, or cancer). Standard PMI policies do not cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before the policy started) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, like diabetes or asthma).

The Business Case for PMI: Speed of Recovery

The value of private medical insurance UK for a business lies in bypassing lengthy public health queues. Getting your top salesperson back to work in 6 weeks instead of 12 months could be the difference between a record quarter and insolvency.

Procedure / DiagnosisTypical NHS Waiting Time (2025 Projections)Typical Private Treatment Timeline with PMIBusiness Impact of Faster Treatment
Initial Consultant Appointment4-12 weeks1-2 weeksQuicker diagnosis and clear action plan.
MRI / Diagnostic Scans6-10 weeks3-7 daysReduces uncertainty and allows treatment to begin sooner.
Hip or Knee Replacement40-60 weeks4-6 weeksKey person returns to mobility and work far sooner.
Cancer Diagnosis to TreatmentUp to 62 days (target)1-2 weeksAccess to cutting-edge drugs/treatments not always available on the NHS, significantly improving outcomes.

Sources: Projections based on 2024 NHS England data and typical claims data from major UK insurers.

By providing PMI for your essential staff, you are not just offering a perk; you are making a strategic investment in business continuity.

The WeCovr Pathway: A Synergistic Approach to Business Resilience

Viewing Key Person Insurance and PMI as an "either/or" choice is a common but dangerous mistake. The most resilient businesses deploy them together as part of a cohesive strategy.

  • PMI acts as your first line of defence: It minimises the duration of absence by accelerating treatment for acute conditions.
  • Key Person Insurance is your ultimate safety net: It protects the business from the financial catastrophe if the absence becomes long-term or permanent.

As an independent, FCA-authorised PMI broker, WeCovr specialises in creating these integrated protection strategies for UK businesses. We don't just sell policies; we analyse your specific risks and search the market—including the best PMI providers like Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, and Vitality—to find the most suitable and cost-effective solutions. And our advice and comparison service comes at no extra cost to you.

Furthermore, when you secure your business's future with PMI or Life Insurance through us, you can often benefit from discounts on other essential business and personal insurance products.

Beyond Insurance: Cultivating a Culture of Wellbeing

The smartest form of protection is prevention. While insurance is vital, fostering a workplace culture that prioritises health and wellbeing can reduce the likelihood of needing to make a claim in the first place. This starts from the top down.

Leadership-Led Wellness Initiatives

Key executives are often the most susceptible to burnout and stress-related illness. Leading by example is crucial.

  • Championing Work-Life Balance: Actively discourage a culture of excessively long hours and "presenteeism".
  • Mental Health Support: Invest in an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and train Mental Health First Aiders within the business.
  • Flexible Working: Where possible, offer flexible hours or hybrid working models to reduce commute stress and improve autonomy.

Practical Health Tips for Busy Executives

Small, consistent habits can have a huge impact on long-term health and resilience.

  1. Nutrition for Performance:

    • Avoid skipping meals. Prioritise a balanced breakfast and lunch.
    • Stay hydrated with water, not just caffeine.
    • Keep healthy snacks (nuts, fruit) on hand to avoid sugar crashes from vending machine options.
    • To help with this, WeCovr provides complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to all our clients, helping you make smarter food choices effortlessly.
  2. The Power of Sleep:

    • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
    • Establish a "wind-down" routine—avoid screens for an hour before bed.
    • Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
  3. Integrate Activity:

    • Take "walking meetings" instead of sitting in a conference room.
    • Use a standing desk for part of the day.
    • Block time in your diary for physical activity as you would for an important meeting.
  4. Healthy Business Travel:

    • Choose hotels with gym facilities.
    • Pack your own healthy snacks for the journey.
    • Adjust to the new time zone as quickly as possible to minimise jet lag.

Choosing the Right Protection: What Your Business Needs to Consider

Implementing a protection strategy requires careful thought. Here are the key considerations.

Assessing Your Key Person's Value

Before you can insure them, you need to calculate their financial worth to the business. Common methods include:

  • Multiple of Profit: How much profit is directly attributable to them? A common calculation is 5x this amount.
  • Multiple of Salary: A simpler method, often calculated as 10x their annual salary.
  • Cost of Replacement: What would it realistically cost to recruit and train a replacement to the same level of competence?

The PMI market can seem complex, which is why working with a specialist broker is so valuable. Here are some core concepts you'll encounter.

PMI TermPlain English ExplanationWhy it Matters to Your Business
UnderwritingHow the insurer assesses risk. The two main types are Moratorium (automatically excludes recent pre-existing conditions) and Full Medical Underwriting (requires a full health questionnaire).The choice affects what is covered and the application process. Moratorium is faster; FMU provides more certainty from day one.
Policy ExcessThe amount the insured person pays towards a claim each year before the insurer starts paying.A higher excess will lower your monthly premium, but means the employee pays more upfront. It's a balancing act.
Outpatient LimitsThe maximum value of diagnostic tests, consultations, and therapies that are covered without an overnight hospital stay.A lower limit reduces the premium, but you risk having to pay for multiple scans or consultations out-of-pocket.
Cancer CoverThe level of cover for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This is a core feature of PMI.Check if the policy covers the latest drugs and therapies, some of which may not be available on the NHS. This is a key benefit.

This is where WeCovr's expertise becomes invaluable. We translate the jargon and compare the intricate details of policies from across the market to ensure you get the cover that truly protects your business and your people, without paying for features you don't need.

Is the payout from a Key Person Insurance policy taxable?

Generally, if the policy is set up correctly to cover a loss of profits and meets HMRC's 'wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the trade' test, the premiums can be a deductible business expense. Consequently, any payout received would then be treated as trading income and subject to corporation tax. However, if the policy is to cover the loss of a key person who is also a major shareholder (e.g., to repay a loan), the rules can differ. It is vital to get professional advice from an expert broker and an accountant to ensure the policy is structured correctly for your specific needs.

Does standard UK private medical insurance cover pre-existing or chronic conditions?

No, this is a critical point to understand. Standard Private Medical Insurance (PMI) in the UK is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise *after* you take out the policy. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (any illness, disease, or injury for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the years before your policy started). It also does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure, as these require ongoing care rather than a curative treatment.

How does a broker like WeCovr help my business find the right cover?

An expert, independent broker like WeCovr provides several key advantages at no extra cost to you. Firstly, we conduct a thorough analysis of your business's unique risks. Secondly, we use our specialist knowledge to scan the entire UK market, comparing policies from all the top insurers to find the best fit. We explain the complex terms in plain English, handle the paperwork, and can often find more competitive pricing than if you went direct. Our goal is to save you time and money while ensuring your business is robustly protected.

Don't let your business become another statistic. The risk posed by key person illness is real, significant, and growing. But with foresight and expert guidance, you can transform this vulnerability into a source of strength and resilience.

Protect your business's most valuable assets. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation review of your Key Person Protection and PMI needs. Let our experts build your shield.


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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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