Key takeaways
- Per claim: You pay the excess for each unrelated treatment
- Per policy year: Excess applies only to the first claim annually
- Percentage-based: Some insurers like WPA offer "shared responsibility" where you pay a percentage (e.g., 25%) up to a cap
- If NHS can provide treatment within six weeks, you use NHS care
- If NHS waiting exceeds six weeks, private treatment activates
Martin Lewis's Key Advice on Private Health Insurance — Explained and Expanded: The Ultimate UK Guide for 2026
TL;DR Summary
Martin Lewis's core PMI advice: Only buy if NHS waits would seriously impact your life/livelihood and you can afford long-term premiums. Use specialist brokers for whole-market comparison, consider six-week options and higher excesses to cut costs, never switch if you've recently claimed, and haggle at renewal.
2025 UK context: Record PMI uptake (7.6 million covered) driven by NHS waiting lists hitting 7.36 million cases. Average PMI costs: £79.59/month individual, £146/month couple, £166/month family. Private procedures range from £249 MRI scans to £22,000 major surgery. Specialist brokers like WeCovr provide impartial whole-market advice to navigate many insurers and hundreds of policy variations.
Market Context: NHS Pressures Drive PMI Growth
NHS Waiting Lists at Record Highs
The NHS faces unprecedented demand in 2025. Latest statistics show 7.36 million cases waiting for planned treatment in England as of May 2025, with just over 60% waiting 18 weeks or less. This represents a dramatic increase from pre-pandemic levels, with 197,000 patients waiting over a year for treatment.
Diagnostic waits compound the problem, with patients facing extended delays for crucial tests including MRI scans, CT scans, and specialist consultations. Emergency department performance remains under strain, with 24.4% of patients waiting longer than four hours in A&E in June 2025.
PMI Market Reaches Record Size
The UK private medical insurance market has responded to NHS pressures with explosive growth. A record 7.6 million adults in the UK hold Private Medical Insurance (PMI). The data shows that 14% of the UK adult population now hold Private Medical Insurance (PMI), a total of 7.6 million people which has increased from 6.7 million in 2020. Health insurance is most popular among those in the middle of their career with 18% (1.7 million adults) of those aged 35-44 and 19% (1.6 million adults) of those aged 45-54 holding a PMI product.
Claims Activity Surges
PMI usage has intensified alongside uptake. Claims increased 21% to 1.7 million in 2023, with workplace schemes driving a 26% rise to 1.3 million claims. Insurers paid out a record £3.57 billion - equivalent to £9.8 million daily.
Private hospital admissions reached 920,000 in 2023, with over 1.1 million private diagnostic scans and tests delivered in 2024. This surge reflects patients' determination to bypass NHS delays through private treatment.
Martin Lewis's Core PMI Philosophy
The Fundamental Question: Do You Need It?
Martin Lewis approaches private medical insurance with characteristic pragmatism. His foundational advice centres on three critical questions:
Can you afford NHS care delays? For most people, the NHS provides adequate treatment eventually. PMI's primary value is speed and choice, not necessarily superior clinical outcomes.
Could you self-insure instead? Rather than paying premiums, Lewis suggests considering setting aside equivalent amounts monthly into savings. If you don't need private care, the money remains yours - unlike insurance premiums.
Are you covered through work? Employer schemes often provide better value through bulk-buying power, but Lewis warns about portability risks - if you claim then leave your job, continuing cover for that condition may prove difficult or expensive.
The "Luxury vs Necessity" Perspective
Lewis consistently frames PMI as a "luxury" rather than essential protection. Unlike home or car insurance covering catastrophic financial risks, PMI typically covers treatments the NHS will eventually provide free. The value proposition is convenience, choice, and speed rather than financial protection from unaffordable costs.
However, Lewis acknowledges PMI's growing relevance as NHS waits extend. For those whose livelihoods depend on physical mobility or who face genuine hardship from delayed treatment, PMI transitions from luxury to practical necessity.
Martin Lewis's Key PMI Money-Saving Strategies
1. Use Specialist Brokers for Market Comparison
Lewis strongly advocates using specialist brokers rather than direct purchase. Brokers access the entire market, often securing better rates than direct approaches. They understand policy nuances that significantly impact value.
WeCovr exemplifies this approach, offering whole-market comparison across all the leading insurers with no fees to clients. As an FCA-authorised broker having arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides expertise crucial for navigating complex policy variations.
2. Strategic Use of Excesses
Lewis highlights excess selection as a primary cost-control mechanism. Examples from his research show policies costing £31/month with no excess dropping to £21/month with a £500 excess - a one-third saving. (illustrative estimate)
Excess structures vary significantly:
- Per claim: You pay the excess for each unrelated treatment
- Per policy year: Excess applies only to the first claim annually
- Percentage-based: Some insurers like WPA offer "shared responsibility" where you pay a percentage (e.g., 25%) up to a cap
Lewis suggests hybrid strategies: combine high-excess policies with dedicated savings for minor treatments, keeping premiums low while maintaining coverage for major procedures.
3. The Six-Week Option Explained
The six-week option significantly reduces premiums by using NHS treatment when available within six weeks. This particularly benefits conditions where NHS performance typically meets the six-week threshold, such as cancer and cardiac care.
How it works:
- If NHS can provide treatment within six weeks, you use NHS care
- If NHS waiting exceeds six weeks, private treatment activates
- Outpatient benefits (consultations, scans) remain unaffected
Considerations:
- May prevent access to your preferred consultant
- Could result in NHS rather than private facilities for serious conditions
- Effectiveness depends on accurate NHS waiting time predictions
4. Negotiation at Renewal
Lewis emphasises renewal haggling as essential. PMI premiums typically rise annually above inflation due to:
- Age-band progressions
- Medical cost inflation
- Claims experience adjustments
Effective negotiation strategies:
- Obtain quotes from competitors before renewal discussions
- Highlight loyalty and claims-free periods
- Consider policy adjustments (higher excess, restricted hospitals) for savings
- Use broker expertise to present alternatives effectively
5. Switching Cautions for Recent Claimants
Lewis provides crucial warnings about switching insurers after recent claims. New insurers typically exclude conditions for which you've received treatment in the preceding 2-7 years (varies by policy). This can lock you into your current provider for ongoing conditions.
Safe switching criteria:
- No claims for 2+ years on the condition in question
- Clean claims history across all conditions
- Understanding of new policy exclusions before committing
Alternative strategies for recent claimants:
- Negotiate improvements with current insurer
- Accept premium increases rather than losing condition coverage
- Consider enhanced benefits rather than cost savings
6. Guided vs Open Provider Networks
Lewis identifies consultant selection as a key cost variable. Insurers offer:
Guided/Directed options: Insurer selects specialists from approved networks, typically 20% cheaper than open choice Open consultant lists: Full choice but higher premiums and potential top-up fees for premium specialists
For most conditions, guided options provide excellent care while controlling costs.
Complete Guide to PMI Coverage and Exclusions
What PMI Covers: Acute Conditions Focus
UK private medical insurance follows a fundamental principle: coverage for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Acute conditions are defined as:
- Sudden onset (excluding emergencies requiring A&E)
- Treatable/curable with defined treatment courses
- Short-term rather than requiring lifelong management
- Responsive to intervention with clear recovery expectations
Typical covered conditions include:
- Musculoskeletal problems (joint issues, back pain)
- Digestive disorders (gallstones, hernias)
- Heart/circulatory diseases (coronary interventions)
- Cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Eye/ear conditions requiring surgical intervention
- Gynaecological conditions
- Urological problems
Standard Exclusions Across UK Policies
Pre-existing Conditions: Any condition for which you've experienced symptoms, received treatment, medication, or advice in the five years preceding policy commencement. This represents the single largest exclusion category.
Chronic Conditions: Lifelong, incurable conditions requiring ongoing management:
- Diabetes, asthma, arthritis
- Heart disease, hypertension
- Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety)
- Autoimmune disorders
- Neurological conditions
Emergency Treatment: A&E attendance, ambulance services, and immediate life-saving interventions remain NHS responsibilities.
Routine/Preventive Care:
- Health screenings, routine check-ups
- Vaccinations, health monitoring
- GP consultations (unless virtual GP included)
- Annual medical examinations
Pregnancy and Fertility:
- Normal pregnancy and childbirth
- Fertility investigations and treatments
- Routine antenatal care
- IVF and associated procedures
Mental Health Limitations: While improving, mental health coverage often includes:
- Limited counselling sessions (typically 6-12 annually)
- Exclusions for personality disorders
- Restrictions on long-term therapy
- Inpatient psychiatric care limitations
Cosmetic Surgery: Unless medically necessary following:
- Cancer treatment (reconstructive surgery)
- Accident-related trauma
- Congenital defects affecting function
Dental and Optical: Routine dental care, eye tests, glasses, and contact lenses typically excluded unless purchased as specific add-ons.
Understanding PMI Underwriting Types
Moratorium Underwriting: The Quick Start Option
Moratorium underwriting requires minimal medical disclosure at application, making it faster and simpler initially. However, it applies a rolling exclusion period for pre-existing conditions.
How it works:
- Five-year lookback: Conditions with symptoms/treatment in the five years pre-policy are excluded
- Two-year clear period: After two years symptom-free, condition coverage may commence
- Rolling basis: The two-year clock restarts if symptoms/treatment resume
Advantages:
- Quick application process
- No medical questionnaires or GP reports
- Immediate policy commencement
- Potential future coverage for past conditions
Disadvantages:
- Uncertainty about coverage until claiming
- Slower claims processing (medical history review required)
- All recent conditions automatically excluded initially
- Risk of claim rejection during moratorium period
Full Medical Underwriting: Complete Transparency
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) requires comprehensive medical disclosure before policy commencement. Insurers assess your complete health picture to determine coverage terms.
Process involves:
- Detailed medical questionnaire completion
- GP medical report provision (often required)
- Specialist reports for significant conditions
- Possible medical examinations for high-value policies
Advantages:
- Complete clarity about coverage from day one
- Faster claims processing (medical history pre-assessed)
- No uncertainty about exclusions
- Personalised policy terms based on individual risk
Disadvantages:
- Lengthy application process (potentially weeks)
- Permanent exclusions for identified conditions
- Higher premiums possible for health issues
- Detailed medical disclosure requirements
Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME)
CPME applies when switching from an FMU policy to another insurer. The new insurer attempts to match your current terms, excluding conditions already excluded rather than starting fresh underwriting.
Benefits:
- Maintains existing coverage for previously accepted conditions
- Reduced application complexity vs. full FMU
- Continuity of care for established conditions
- Simplified switching process
Limitations:
- Only available when switching from FMU policies
- New insurer's acceptance not guaranteed
- Exclusions may be interpreted differently
- Limited to conditions already under management
Medical History Disregarded (MHD)
MHD policies ignore medical history entirely, providing comprehensive coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions. However, availability is extremely limited.
Typically available only for:
- Large corporate schemes (100+ employees)
- Continuation from group to individual policies
- Specific high-value arrangements
Characteristics:
- No medical questions or exclusions
- Significantly higher premiums to offset risk
- Full coverage including pre-existing conditions
- Limited insurer appetite for individual policies
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy PMI
Step 1: Needs Assessment
Define your priorities:
- Primary concerns (specific conditions, general peace of mind)
- Family vs. individual coverage requirements
- Budget constraints and premium tolerance
- Geographic preferences (local vs. national hospital access)
Consider your health status:
- Current conditions requiring ongoing management
- Family medical history suggesting future risks
- Lifestyle factors affecting health (smoking, sports, occupational hazards)
- Age and life stage requirements
Step 2: Coverage Configuration
Core coverage decisions:
Hospital Lists:
- Local/regional networks (lower cost)
- National extended networks (higher cost, more choice)
- London inclusion (significant premium impact)
Outpatient Benefits:
- No outpatient cover (inpatient only, 50% cheaper)
- Limited outpatient (consultations only)
- Comprehensive outpatient (tests, scans, therapy included)
Excess Levels:
- £0 excess (highest premiums) (illustrative)
- £250-500 (balanced approach) (illustrative)
- £1000+ (significant savings, major procedures only) (illustrative)
Optional Extras:
- Mental health enhancement
- Dental/optical add-ons
- Alternative therapies
- Travel/overseas cover
Step 3: Market Comparison Through Specialist Brokers
Why use specialist brokers like WeCovr:
- Whole-market access: Compare all the major insurers simultaneously
- Expert interpretation: Understanding policy nuances beyond headline features
- Cost optimisation: Access to preferential rates and special offers
- Ongoing support: Claims assistance and renewal guidance
- No fees: Service funded by insurers, not clients
Information required for accurate quotes:
- Personal details (age, postcode, occupation)
- Basic health questionnaire responses
- Coverage preferences and budget parameters
- Family composition if seeking family cover
Step 4: Application and Underwriting
Underwriting selection: Choose between moratorium and full medical based on:
- Health history complexity
- Preference for certainty vs. speed
- Risk tolerance for claim rejections
- Time constraints for policy commencement
Application accuracy: Ensure complete honesty in all disclosures. Non-disclosure can void entire policies and affect future insurance availability across the market.
Documentation preparation:
- Recent GP notes summary
- Hospital discharge summaries for significant treatments
- Specialist reports for ongoing conditions
- Prescription medication lists
Step 5: Policy Activation and Claims Procedures
Pre-authorization requirements: Most insurers require advance approval for treatment. Typical process:
- GP referral (required for most claims)
- Contact insurer claims team
- Provide treatment details and proposed consultant
- Await authorization confirmation
- Proceed with approved treatment
Claims submission: Maintain detailed records including:
- Treatment invoices and receipts
- Medical reports and discharge summaries
- Correspondence with healthcare providers
- Insurance company communications
Direct billing arrangements: Many providers offer direct settlement with approved hospitals and consultants, eliminating upfront payment requirements.
Verified UK Private Healthcare Costs 2024-2026
Diagnostic Procedures
MRI Scans: £249-£2,000 (average £395) (illustrative estimate)
- Single body part: £249-£575 depending on timing (illustrative)
- Full body screening: £765-£1,345 (illustrative)
- Specialist cardiac MRI: £750+ (illustrative)
- Multi-parametric prostate MRI: £650-£795 (illustrative)
CT Scans: £445-£1,500 (average £650) (illustrative estimate)
- Standard imaging: £445-£800 (illustrative)
- Contrast-enhanced studies: Additional £125-£200 (illustrative)
- Specialist protocols: £1,000+ (illustrative)
Ultrasound Studies: £175-£600 (average £300) (illustrative estimate)
- Abdominal/pelvic scans: £175-£350 (illustrative)
- Cardiac echocardiogram: £295-£800 (illustrative)
- Specialist Doppler studies: £400-£600 (illustrative)
Other Diagnostic Tests:
- X-rays: £99-£250 (illustrative)
- DEXA bone density: £145-£300 (illustrative)
- Blood test panels: £50-£200 (illustrative)
- Endoscopy: £800-£1,500 (illustrative)
- Colonoscopy: £1,200-£2,500 (illustrative)
Surgical Procedures
Ophthalmology:
- Cataract surgery (standard lens): £1,995-£4,000 per eye (illustrative)
- Cataract surgery (premium lens): £3,195-£4,750 per eye (illustrative)
- Average costs: £2,990 standard, £3,995 premium (illustrative)
Orthopaedic Surgery:
- Hip replacement: £12,549-£18,405 (average £14,412) (illustrative)
- Knee replacement: £12,549-£17,430 (average £14,995) (illustrative)
- Practice Plus Group offers fixed pricing: £12,549 nationwide (illustrative)
General Surgery:
- Hernia repair: £3,500-£8,000 (illustrative)
- Gallbladder removal: £4,500-£12,000 (illustrative)
- Appendicectomy: £3,000-£8,000 (illustrative)
- Tonsillectomy: £2,500-£6,000 (illustrative)
Cardiac Procedures:
- Cardiac catheterisation: £8,000-£18,000 (illustrative)
- Angioplasty: £12,000-£25,000 (illustrative)
- Bypass surgery: £20,000-£40,000 (illustrative)
Oncology:
- Chemotherapy (per cycle): £800-£2,500 (illustrative)
- Radiotherapy (complete course): £5,000-£15,000 (illustrative)
- Complex cancer surgery: £15,000-£50,000 (illustrative)
Consultation and Therapy Costs
Specialist Consultations:
- Initial consultation: £150-£445 (average £225) (illustrative)
- Follow-up consultation: £75-£200 (average £125) (illustrative)
- Second opinions: £200-£400 (illustrative)
Therapy Services:
- Physiotherapy: £60-£120 per session (illustrative)
- Mental health counselling: £80-£150 per session (illustrative)
- Osteopathy/chiropractic: £50-£100 per session (illustrative)
Regional Cost Variations
London Premium: Private healthcare costs in London typically exceed national averages by:
- Diagnostics: +20-30%
- Surgery: +20-25%
- Consultations: +25%
- Specialist procedures: +30%
Regional Savings: Outside London, costs may be:
- North East: -10-15% below national average
- Scotland/Wales: -5-10% below average
- Midlands: -5% below average
- South East (excluding London): +15% above average
UK Private Hospital Landscape
London's Premier Hospitals
HCA Healthcare UK operates London's most prestigious private hospital network, with 56% of facilities rated 'Outstanding' by CQC. Key facilities include:
The London Clinic: Comprehensive services across cancer, gastroenterology, orthopaedics, and urology The Cromwell Hospital: Specialises in neurosurgery, cardiology, complex orthopaedics, and oncology London Bridge Hospital: Known for complex cancer treatment, cardiac services, and liver/renal programmes The Portland Hospital: UK's leading private maternity and children's hospital The Wellington Hospital: Europe's largest private hospital, specialising in neurology and spinal services
National Hospital Groups
Spire Healthcare: Operates 39 hospitals nationwide with strong orthopaedic and cardiac capabilities. Spire Manchester Hospital maintains 'Outstanding' CQC rating.
Nuffield Health: 100% of hospitals rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by CQC in 2022. Comprehensive network covering all major UK regions.
BMI Healthcare: Extensive network with particular strength in regional centres and specialist cancer services.
Practice Plus Group: Offers competitive fixed-pricing across multiple locations with strong NHS partnerships.
Specialist Centres of Excellence
Cardiac Care:
- Royal Brompton & Harefield: World-leading heart and lung centre
- The Heart Hospital (UCL): Advanced cardiac interventions
- Bristol Heart Institute: Renowned cardiac surgery programmes
Cancer Treatment:
- The Royal Marsden Private Care: International oncology reputation
- Genesis Care centres: Comprehensive radiotherapy networks
- Specialist cancer units within major hospital groups
Orthopaedics:
- Multiple hospitals excel in joint replacement surgery
- Leading providers for hip/knee operations achieve top health gain scores
- Regional centres often match London quality at lower costs
Quality Indicators
CQC Ratings: 94% of IHPN (Independent Healthcare Providers Network) members rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding', demonstrating sector-wide quality commitment.
Patient Satisfaction: 98% of NHS patients treated in independent providers rate care as good/very good.
Accreditation: Over half of UK's JAG-accredited diagnostic sites are independent providers, indicating high technical standards.
Employer PMI vs Individual Policies
Employer PMI: Tax and Benefits Structure
For Employers:
- PMI premiums are fully tax-deductible business expenses
- Class 1A National Insurance Contributions apply at 13.8% on the benefit value
- Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) at 12% included in premiums
- Corporation tax relief available on all associated costs
For Employees:
- PMI benefit is taxable income reported on P11D forms
- Income tax payable at marginal rate on benefit value
- No employee National Insurance on the benefit itself
- Tax collected through adjusted PAYE codes in following tax year
Example Tax Impact:
- Employee earning £40,000 with £800 PMI benefit (illustrative)
- Additional income tax: £160 (at 20% basic rate) (illustrative)
- Employer Class 1A NIC: £110.40 (13.8% of £800) (illustrative)
- Employee's effective cost: £160 vs. £960+ for equivalent individual policy (illustrative)
Employer Scheme Advantages
Cost Efficiency: Bulk purchasing power often reduces premiums by 20-40% compared to individual policies.
Simplified Underwriting: Large schemes may use Medical History Disregarded underwriting, covering all employees regardless of health status.
Enhanced Benefits: Corporate schemes often include:
- Comprehensive mental health support
- Employee Assistance Programmes
- Wellness programmes and health screenings
- Family coverage at preferential rates
Administrative Support: HR teams handle policy administration, claims guidance, and renewal processes.
Individual Policy Considerations
Portability: Individual policies continue regardless of employment changes, providing security for those with active conditions.
Customization: Full control over coverage levels, excesses, and optional benefits to match personal needs and budget.
Underwriting Choice: Selection between moratorium and full medical underwriting based on personal circumstances.
Claims Privacy: No employer awareness of claims activity or health conditions.
Transition Strategies
Leaving Employer Schemes:
- Continuation options: Some insurers allow transition from group to individual terms
- Medical underwriting: New individual policies subject to current health assessment
- CPME opportunities: Continued Personal Medical Exclusions may preserve existing condition coverage
Timing Considerations: Evaluate transition timing to minimize gaps and maintain condition coverage where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will PMI cover my pre-existing condition?
Generally no. UK PMI is designed for acute conditions arising after your policy begins. Pre-existing conditions (symptoms/treatment in the five years before policy commencement) are typically excluded.
Exceptions: Some insurers may cover pre-existing conditions after a symptom-free period under moratorium underwriting, typically two years. Employer schemes with Medical History Disregarded underwriting may cover all conditions regardless of history.
2. How does the excess work on PMI policies?
Excess types:
- Per claim: You pay the excess for each separate treatment episode
- Per policy year: Excess applies only to the first claim in any 12-month period
- Percentage-based: Some insurers charge a percentage (e.g., 25%) of claim costs up to a maximum
Typical ranges: £0-£1,000+ with higher excesses significantly reducing premiums. A £500 excess can reduce premiums by approximately one-third. (illustrative estimate)
3. What is the six-week option and should I choose it?
The six-week option reduces premiums by using NHS treatment when available within six weeks of referral. You access private treatment only when NHS waits exceed six weeks.
Best for: Conditions where NHS typically performs well (cancer, cardiac care) Consider carefully for: Elective procedures with long NHS waits (orthopaedics, routine surgery) Limitations: May prevent access to preferred consultants and private facilities even for serious conditions
4. How long are PMI waiting periods?
Standard policies: No waiting periods for new acute conditions arising after policy commencement.
Moratorium underwriting: Two-year exclusion period for pre-existing conditions, potentially reducing to coverage if symptom-free.
Specific exclusions: Some policies have 12-month waiting periods for conditions like hernias or varicose veins to prevent immediate claiming.
5. Does PMI cover cancer treatment comprehensively?
Most PMI policies provide excellent cancer coverage including:
- Diagnostic imaging and biopsies
- Surgical procedures and complex operations
- Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- Biological therapies and immunotherapy
- Follow-up care and monitoring
Limitations: Some policies cap drug costs or limit treatment locations. Enhanced cancer cover add-ons may be worth considering for comprehensive protection.
6. Can I use the NHS alongside my PMI?
Absolutely. PMI complements rather than replaces NHS care:
- GP services: Usually remain with NHS (unless virtual GP included)
- Emergencies: Always use NHS A&E and emergency services
- Chronic conditions: NHS continues managing excluded long-term conditions
- Choice flexibility: Use NHS for some treatments, PMI for others as preferred
7. What if my PMI claim is rejected?
Immediate steps:
- Request detailed explanation of rejection reasons
- Review policy terms and exclusions carefully
- Gather additional medical evidence if relevant
- Consider second opinion if clinical necessity disputed
Escalation options:
- Insurer's formal complaints procedure
- Financial Ombudsman Service for unresolved disputes
- Legal advice for complex cases
Common rejection reasons: Pre-existing condition exclusions, non-covered treatments, missing pre-authorization, or disclosure issues.
8. How do PMI renewals work and why do premiums increase?
PMI policies renew annually with premiums typically increasing due to:
- Age banding: Moving into higher-risk age categories
- Medical inflation: Rising treatment costs industry-wide
- Claims experience: Individual and pool claims affecting pricing
- Insurance Premium Tax: Currently 12% on all premiums
Renewal strategies: Compare alternatives, negotiate with current insurer, adjust coverage terms, or use specialist brokers for market evaluation.
How WeCovr Can Help You Navigate PMI
As the UK's leading specialist PMI broker, WeCovr provides comprehensive, impartial advice at no cost to you. Our FCA-authorised service has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, offering unparalleled expertise in navigating the complex private healthcare landscape.
Whole-Market Comparison: Access to all the leading insurers with hundreds of policy variations, ensuring you see all available options rather than single-company limitations.
Expert Guidance: Our specialists understand policy nuances, exclusions, and underwriting differences that significantly impact value and coverage.
Cost Optimisation: Access to preferential rates and exclusive arrangements often unavailable through direct purchase.
Ongoing Support: Assistance with claims queries, renewals, and policy amendments throughout your coverage period.
No-Fee Service: Our advice costs nothing - we're compensated by insurers, meaning you pay the same premium (or less) whether you come to us or go direct.
Additional Benefits: WeCovr clients receive exclusive access to wellness programmes, second medical opinion services, and health monitoring tools.
Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experts will assess your needs, explain all available options, and help you secure the optimal private health insurance protection for your circumstances and budget.
References
MoneySavingExpert - Private health insurance guide and cost-cutting strategies Nuffield Trust - NHS performance dashboard and waiting times statistics LaingBuisson - UK health cover market analysis 2024-25 Association of British Insurers - Private medical insurance data 2023 Clarity Health Insurance - Six-week option explanation GetScanned - Private MRI scan costs analysis Anderson Eye Care - Private cataract surgery costs UK Vista Health - Private diagnostic pricing information Independent Healthcare Providers Network - Annual report 2024-25 Practice Plus Group - Hip replacement costs explained
This guide provides general information about private medical insurance in the UK. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and professional advice should be sought before making insurance decisions. WeCovr provides free, unbiased advice to help you find the most suitable private health insurance coverage for your specific needs.
Sources
- NHS England: Waiting times and referral-to-treatment statistics.
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Health, mortality, and workforce data.
- NICE: Clinical guidance and technology appraisals.
- Care Quality Commission (CQC): Provider quality and inspection reports.
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Public health surveillance reports.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Health and protection market publications.
