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Maternity and Pregnancy Benefits in Private Health Insurance

Maternity and Pregnancy Benefits in Private Health Insurance

At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we know that planning a family is one of life’s most exciting chapters. Understanding how private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK supports this journey is crucial. This guide demystifies maternity benefits, offering clarity and expert insight.

How family planning, fertility, and postnatal support are covered in modern PMI policies

Navigating the world of private health insurance can feel complex, especially when it comes to starting or growing your family. While the National Health Service (NHS) provides excellent, comprehensive maternity care for everyone in the UK, private medical insurance plays a different but vital role.

Modern PMI policies are not designed to replace the NHS for routine pregnancy and childbirth. Instead, they act as a powerful supplement, offering peace of mind and faster access to specialist care in three key areas:

  1. Complications during pregnancy and birth: Covering the unexpected, acute medical issues that can arise.
  2. Fertility investigations: Helping you understand and diagnose the underlying causes of infertility before you conceive.
  3. Postnatal support: Providing crucial physical and mental health support for new mothers in the "fourth trimester."

Understanding this distinction is the key to unlocking the true value of private health cover for your family's future.

The NHS Maternity Pathway: Your Foundation of Care

Before exploring what PMI covers, it's essential to recognise the high standard of care provided by the NHS. For the vast majority of the 605,479 live births recorded in England and Wales in 2022 (according to the Office for National Statistics), the NHS was the sole provider of care.

The standard NHS maternity journey typically includes:

  • Midwife-led care: Your primary point of contact throughout your pregnancy.
  • Antenatal appointments: Regular check-ups to monitor your health and your baby's development.
  • Screening tests and scans: Including the 12-week dating scan and the 20-week anomaly scan.
  • Labour and delivery: Care provided in a hospital, birthing centre, or at home.
  • Postnatal care: Home visits from a midwife and ongoing support from health visitors in the weeks following birth.

This pathway is robust, safe, and free at the point of use. Private health insurance is therefore about choice, speed, and enhanced support for specific circumstances, not about replacing this fundamental service.

What Standard Private Health Insurance Typically Excludes

This is the most important principle to understand: standard UK private health insurance does not cover routine, uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth.

PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are unexpected, curable, and arise after your policy has started. A planned pregnancy is a natural life event, not an unforeseen medical condition.

Therefore, you should expect the following to be excluded from a standard policy:

  • Routine antenatal check-ups and blood tests.
  • Standard ultrasound scans.
  • Elective (planned) caesarean sections.
  • An uncomplicated vaginal birth.
  • The costs of a private obstetrician for routine management.
  • Routine postnatal check-ups for you and your baby.

Crucial Point: Private health insurance does not cover chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like asthma or diabetes) or pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy. If you are already pregnant when you buy a policy, the pregnancy will be considered pre-existing and will not be covered.

Where PMI Can Help: Complications of Pregnancy and Childbirth

While routine care is excluded, PMI truly shows its value when the unexpected happens. Many policies provide cover for acute medical complications that can occur during pregnancy or childbirth, offering faster access to specialist care and the comfort of private facilities.

These are not routine events; they are medical conditions requiring intervention. Examples of complications that may be covered include:

  • Ectopic pregnancy: A medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
  • Gestational diabetes: While the NHS manages this well, PMI might offer faster access to an endocrinologist or a dietician.
  • Pre-eclampsia: If it becomes severe and requires hospitalisation and specialist treatment.
  • Retained placenta: Requiring surgical removal after birth.
  • Post-partum haemorrhage: A serious complication requiring urgent medical care.
  • Perineal tears (3rd or 4th degree): Requiring surgical repair by a specialist.
  • Medically necessary emergency caesarean section: If deemed an acute medical necessity to save the life of the mother or baby.

The level of cover varies significantly between insurers. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare the specifics of each policy to ensure you have the protection you need.

ComplicationHow a Mid-Range PMI Policy Might Cover ItTypical Limitations
Ectopic PregnancyFull cost of diagnosis and surgical treatment in a private hospital.Usually covered in full as a medical emergency.
Gestational DiabetesAccess to private consultations with an endocrinologist or dietician.May not cover the cost of monitoring equipment or medication.
Emergency C-SectionMay cover the surgical costs and hospital stay if it's an unforeseen medical emergency.Will not cover elective C-sections. Cover limits may apply.
Severe Post-partum InfectionInpatient treatment with antibiotics and specialist consultations.Subject to overall policy limits.

The Rise of Enhanced Maternity Benefits and Add-on Packages

Recognising the desire for more choice, several leading UK PMI providers now offer enhanced maternity benefits, either as part of their premium policies or as an optional add-on.

These packages bridge the gap between standard PMI and full private delivery. Key features often include:

  • Maternity Cash Benefit: A fixed lump sum paid upon the birth of your baby (e.g., £100 to £500 per child). This can help with the initial costs of a newborn, from nappies to a new car seat.
  • Private Room in an NHS Hospital: Some policies offer to pay for a private amenity room in an NHS hospital after you give birth, offering more peace, quiet, and privacy (subject to availability).
  • Limited Specialist Consultations: Some top-tier plans may allow a small number of private obstetrician or specialist consultations even for a routine pregnancy.
  • Home Birth Support: A cash benefit may be offered if you opt for a planned home birth.

Important: These benefits almost always come with a waiting period, typically 10 to 12 months from the policy start date. This means you must have the policy in place well before you conceive to be eligible.

Fertility and Family Planning Support in PMI

For many, the journey to parenthood begins with family planning and, sometimes, challenges with fertility. This is another area where private medical insurance can be incredibly helpful, but again, the distinction between investigation and treatment is key.

What's Often Covered: Fertility Investigations

Most standard private health insurance policies will not cover fertility treatments like In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

However, many policies will cover the crucial first step: investigating the cause of infertility. Infertility is often the result of an underlying, treatable medical condition. PMI can give you fast-track access to:

  • Consultations with private gynaecologists, urologists, or reproductive endocrinologists.
  • Diagnostic tests to pinpoint the problem, such as:
    • Hormone-level blood tests.
    • Pelvic ultrasounds to check for conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or fibroids.
    • Semen analysis for male partners.
    • Procedures like a laparoscopy to investigate for endometriosis.

By covering these diagnostic stages, PMI can save you months of waiting and provide a clear diagnosis, empowering you to make informed decisions about your next steps, whether through the NHS or private treatment.

Postnatal Support: A Growing Area of Focus

The weeks and months after birth—the "fourth trimester"—can be physically and emotionally demanding. This is where modern PMI policies are increasingly shining, offering support that goes far beyond traditional medical care.

Postnatal benefits available through private health cover can be a lifeline for new parents:

  1. Mental Health Support: Postnatal depression and anxiety affect a significant number of new mothers. According to the NHS, more than 1 in 10 women experience postnatal depression within a year of giving birth. Many PMI policies offer fast access to mental health support, including:

    • Counselling or therapy sessions (face-to-face or virtual).
    • Access to psychiatrists for diagnosis and treatment plans.
    • 24/7 mental health helplines.

  2. Physiotherapy: Pregnancy and childbirth take a huge toll on the body. PMI can provide access to private physiotherapy to help with recovery from conditions like:

    • Pelvic floor weakness.
    • Diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles).
    • Back pain from pregnancy or caring for a newborn.

  3. Digital GP & Health Helplines: Having a baby brings a million new questions and worries, often in the middle of the night. Access to a 24/7 digital GP service or a nurse helpline can provide invaluable reassurance without having to wait for a surgery to open.

  4. Wellness and Lifestyle Support: Many insurers now include apps and programmes to support your overall wellbeing. When you arrange a policy with WeCovr, for instance, you can gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, which can be a great tool for managing your health post-pregnancy.

Adding Your Newborn to Your Policy

This is one of the most valuable yet often overlooked benefits of having private health insurance when you start a family.

Most insurers allow you to add your newborn baby to your policy without any medical underwriting, provided you do so within a certain timeframe (usually 90-120 days of birth). This is often called a 'newborn benefit' or 'adding a dependant'.

Why is this so important?

  • It bypasses underwriting: If your baby is born with a congenital condition or develops an issue shortly after birth, these would be considered pre-existing conditions if you tried to get them a new policy later. By adding them to your existing policy, they can be covered from day one.
  • Immediate access to paediatricians: If your newborn has a health concern (e.g., severe reflux, allergies, or a heart murmur), you can get a rapid referral to a private paediatric specialist, avoiding long waiting lists.
  • Peace of mind: It provides a safety net, ensuring your child has access to the best possible care should they need it for any new, acute conditions that develop as they grow up.

How to Choose the Right Private Health Cover for Your Family Plans

Choosing a policy that aligns with your family's future requires careful thought and planning.

  1. Assess Your Priorities: Are you mainly concerned with potential complications? Is fertility investigation a priority? Or is comprehensive postnatal mental health support the most important feature for you? Knowing your priorities helps narrow the search.
  2. Check the Waiting Periods: This is non-negotiable. For any maternity-related benefits, there will be a waiting period of around 10-12 months. You must plan ahead and have your cover in place long before you start trying to conceive.
  3. Read the Policy Wording: Don't just rely on marketing brochures. Look at the policy documents for specific lists of covered complications, financial limits on cash benefits, and precise definitions.
  4. Speak to an Independent Broker: This is the simplest way to navigate the market. An expert broker like WeCovr works for you, not the insurer. We can compare policies from all the best PMI providers in the UK, explain the subtle differences in their maternity cover, and find the right fit for your budget and needs—all at no cost to you. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through us often receive discounts on other types of cover.

Comparing Insurer Approaches to Maternity Care

To illustrate the differences, here is a simplified table showing how various levels of cover might approach maternity benefits.

FeatureBasic PolicyMid-Range PolicyPremium Policy / Add-on
Routine Pregnancy & BirthExcludedExcludedExcluded, but may offer a cash benefit (£100-£500)
Pregnancy ComplicationsLimited cover for a very small list of emergenciesGood cover for a defined list of acute complications (e.g., ectopic pregnancy, pre-eclampsia)Comprehensive cover for a wide range of complications, often with higher financial limits
Fertility InvestigationUsually excludedOften covered (diagnostic tests and consultations)Covered
Fertility Treatment (IVF)ExcludedExcludedExcluded (except in some high-end corporate schemes)
Postnatal Mental HealthAccess via 24/7 helplineAccess to a set number of counselling sessionsComprehensive access to therapy and psychiatric support
Adding a NewbornMay require underwritingCan be added underwriting-free within ~90 daysCan be added underwriting-free within ~120 days

Wellness & Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

While insurance provides a safety net, a healthy lifestyle is your first line of defence. Always consult your GP or midwife for personalised advice.

  • Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The NHS recommends taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before you're pregnant and for the first 12 weeks. Vitamin D supplements are also recommended throughout pregnancy.
  • Exercise: Staying active is beneficial for both you and your baby. Gentle activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are excellent choices. Avoid contact sports or activities with a risk of falling.
  • Sleep: As your pregnancy progresses, sleep can become more challenging. Try sleeping on your side (particularly your left) with pillows for support. A consistent bedtime routine can also help.
  • Travel: Most airlines allow travel up to around 36 weeks for single pregnancies (earlier for multiples), but you may need a 'fit to fly' letter from your doctor. Always check your travel insurance policy for its specific rules on pregnancy-related claims.
  • Mental Wellbeing: Pregnancy is a time of immense change. Make time for relaxation through mindfulness, gentle stretching, or talking to your partner, friends, or a professional. Don't hesitate to seek help if you're feeling anxious or low.

Does private health insurance cover IVF treatment in the UK?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance policies in the UK do not cover the cost of fertility treatments like IVF or IUI. However, most policies are very useful for covering the diagnostic phase, such as consultations with specialists and tests to determine the underlying cause of infertility. This can significantly speed up the process of getting a diagnosis compared to NHS waiting times.

Can I get private health insurance if I'm already pregnant?

Yes, you can still purchase a policy, but the pregnancy itself and the subsequent birth will be considered a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover. You would not be able to claim for any routine care, complications, or delivery costs related to that pregnancy. However, the policy would cover you for any new, unrelated acute medical conditions that might arise.

Is it worth adding my newborn baby to my PMI policy?

Absolutely. This is one of the most valuable benefits. Most insurers allow you to add your baby to your policy within a set period (e.g., 90 days) without medical underwriting. This means they are covered immediately, even for congenital conditions that might otherwise be excluded. It provides peace of mind and fast access to private paediatric specialists should your child need it for any new, acute conditions in the future.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Planning for a family involves making many important decisions. Ensuring you have the right support network, including the right private medical insurance, can provide invaluable peace of mind. While it won't replace the NHS for routine care, a well-chosen PMI policy is a powerful tool for managing complications, investigating fertility, and supporting your wellbeing after birth.

Ready to explore your options? Speak to one of our friendly, FCA-authorised experts at WeCovr today. We will compare the market for you, explain the options in simple terms, and help you find a policy that fits your family's future—all completely free of charge.

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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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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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