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Maternity and Pregnancy What PMI Excludes

Maternity and Pregnancy What PMI Excludes 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert with experience in over 900,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr is committed to providing clear, honest advice on private medical insurance in the UK. This guide demystifies what PMI does, and more importantly, does not cover when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth.

MyTribe and other blogs make clear that most PMI policies do not cover routine pregnancy or childbirth. Dont expect PMI to pay for having a baby—NHS remains the route. — MyTribeInsurance

This statement cuts to the heart of a common misconception about private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK. Many people assume that if they have private health cover, it will pay for them to have a baby in a private hospital. However, for the vast majority of standard UK policies, this is simply not the case.

The UK's healthcare system is built around the principle that the National Health Service (NHS) provides comprehensive care for all, free at the point of use. This is especially true for maternity services. Private medical insurance is designed to complement the NHS, not replace it, by covering specific types of medical needs.

Let's break down why this is, what is excluded, what might be covered, and how you can best prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

Why Doesn't Standard UK PMI Cover Routine Pregnancy?

Understanding why routine maternity is excluded helps clarify the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance. It boils down to a few key insurance principles.

  1. PMI is for Unforeseen, Acute Conditions: The core function of private health cover is to pay for the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. A broken leg, a cataract removal, or a hernia repair are classic examples. Pregnancy, in contrast, is a natural life event and, in most cases, a planned one. It is not an unexpected illness or injury.

  2. The Cost Would Be Prohibitive: If insurers were to cover the significant costs of routine private maternity care (which can range from £7,000 to over £20,000), the price of premiums would have to rise dramatically for all policyholders. To keep premiums affordable and accessible, insurers exclude predictable, high-cost life events like childbirth.

  3. The NHS Provides Excellent Maternity Care: The UK is fortunate to have a world-class, comprehensive maternity service provided by the NHS. From the first booking-in appointment to postnatal care, the NHS offers a complete pathway for expectant mothers. In 2022-23, there were over 577,000 deliveries in NHS hospitals in England alone. The system is designed to handle this volume and provide safe, effective care. PMI providers operate on the basis that this robust system is the default route for having a baby.

Critical Point: Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you already have) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma that require ongoing management).

A Detailed Breakdown: What Is Typically Excluded from a PMI Policy?

When we say "routine pregnancy and childbirth," what does that actually mean? Insurers are very specific in their policy documents. Here is a list of services related to a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy that you should not expect your PMI to pay for:

  • Antenatal Consultations: All your regular appointments with a midwife or obstetrician.
  • Routine Scans: This includes the standard 12-week dating scan and the 20-week anomaly scan.
  • Antenatal Screenings and Tests: Standard blood tests, urine tests, and screenings for conditions like Down's syndrome.
  • Childbirth Itself: The costs of labour and delivery, whether it's a vaginal birth or a planned (elective) Caesarean section. This includes the hospital room, midwife and doctor fees, and anaesthetist costs.
  • Postnatal Care: Routine check-ups for both mother and baby after the birth, including midwife home visits.
  • Pain Relief During Labour: Costs for things like an epidural during a routine delivery are not covered.

Essentially, any part of the standard journey from confirming your pregnancy to the six-week check-up after birth is handled by the NHS.

The Crucial Difference: Complications vs. Routine Care

This is where things can get more nuanced and is a source of confusion for many. While PMI excludes routine maternity, many policies will provide cover for certain medical complications that can arise during pregnancy or childbirth.

These are treated as any other acute medical condition. The insurer's involvement is not to manage the pregnancy, but to treat the specific, unexpected medical problem.

The table below illustrates the difference. Please note that cover for complications is not guaranteed and depends entirely on the terms of your specific policy.

Routine Care (Generally Excluded)Medical Complication (Potentially Covered)
Regular midwife appointmentsTreatment for severe pre-eclampsia
Standard 12 and 20-week scansDiagnosis and treatment of an ectopic pregnancy
Planned Caesarean sectionEmergency Caesarean section due to foetal distress
Normal vaginal deliveryTreatment for a post-partum haemorrhage
Routine postnatal check-upsSurgical procedure for a retained placenta
Management of morning sicknessTreatment for gestational diabetes (the condition itself)
Antenatal classesTreatment for a miscarriage

Let's look at a real-life example:

Sarah's Story: Sarah has a private medical insurance policy. She becomes pregnant and goes through all her routine antenatal care with her local NHS midwife. At 32 weeks, she develops severe pre-eclampsia, a serious condition characterised by high blood pressure. Her NHS team recommends immediate hospitalisation. Sarah's PMI policy includes cover for pregnancy complications. She is able to use her policy to be treated by a consultant in a private hospital room, where they manage her condition until it is safe to deliver the baby. The PMI policy covers the cost of treating the pre-eclampsia, but not the routine delivery of the baby itself.

This example highlights how PMI can provide valuable support when unexpected problems occur, offering faster access to specialist care or the comfort of a private room.

Does Any UK PMI Policy Offer Full Maternity Cover?

For those set on a private birth, the options within the standard UK private medical insurance market are virtually non-existent. However, some providers offer limited 'add-ons' or 'cash benefits', and more comprehensive cover can be found in a different type of insurance.

  • Maternity Cash Benefit: A small number of policies may offer a fixed cash payment upon the birth of a child (e.g., £100-£250). This is not designed to cover costs but is simply a small bonus.
  • High-End & International Policies: The main exception is found in very premium, often international, private medical insurance plans. These are specialist policies designed for expatriates or high-net-worth individuals. They can offer comprehensive maternity cover, but they come with significant limitations:
    • High Cost: Premiums are substantially more expensive than standard PMI.
    • Waiting Period: Crucially, these policies almost always have a "maternity waiting period" or "moratorium" of between 10 to 24 months. This means you must have held and paid for the policy for this length of time before becoming pregnant to be eligible for cover. This prevents people from buying a policy just to cover an imminent birth.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you explore these niche options if it's something you are considering well in advance of planning a family. For most UK residents, however, the NHS remains the most practical and effective route.

Your Family's Health: How PMI Provides Value Beyond Childbirth

Just because PMI doesn't cover having a baby, it doesn't mean it isn't a valuable asset for a growing family. In fact, its benefits become clear in many other areas.

1. Adding Your Newborn to Your Policy

Most UK PMI providers allow you to add your newborn baby to your policy, often from birth. This can be one of the most valuable aspects of family health cover. While babies are generally healthy, they can develop acute conditions that benefit from rapid specialist assessment.

Common childhood conditions that PMI could cover (depending on your policy) include:

  • Tongue-tie requiring division
  • Severe reflux needing specialist paediatric care
  • Hernia repairs
  • Grommet insertion for recurrent ear infections
  • Allergy testing and diagnosis

Adding a baby to a policy, especially from birth, often means they can be covered without any specific medical underwriting for conditions they have not yet developed, providing peace of mind.

2. Mental Health Support for New Parents

The perinatal period can be challenging. Postnatal depression and anxiety are serious conditions affecting a significant number of new mothers and fathers. According to NHS data, around 1 in 5 women experience perinatal mental health problems.

This is an area where modern PMI policies excel. Most top-tier providers offer excellent, fast-track access to mental health support, including:

  • Counselling sessions
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Access to psychiatrists and psychologists

Being able to access this support quickly, without a long NHS waiting list, can be a lifeline for new parents.

3. Value-Added Services

Modern private health cover is about more than just hospital treatment. Insurers now offer a suite of benefits designed to keep you healthy.

ProviderKey Wellness & Digital Features (Illustrative)
AXA Health24/7 online GP service (Doctor@Hand), extensive mental health support, dedicated muscle, bone, and joint support.
BupaDigital GP, direct access to therapies without a GP referral, extensive network of hospitals and clinics.
VitalityRewards-based programme encouraging healthy habits (exercise, nutrition) with discounts on gym memberships, smartwatches, and healthy food.
The ExeterUK-based member services, strong focus on customer support, and health & wellbeing services included as standard.

These services, like a digital GP, can be incredibly useful for new parents who might struggle to get to a physical surgery with a newborn.

Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy: A Holistic Approach

While your PMI policy focuses on illness, you can focus on wellness. Preparing your body and mind for pregnancy is the best investment you can make.

Nutrition and Diet

A balanced diet is crucial. The NHS recommends:

  • Folic Acid: Take a 400 microgram supplement daily before you get pregnant and until you are 12 weeks pregnant to help prevent neural tube defects.
  • Vitamin D: A 10 microgram supplement is recommended throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
  • Balanced Meals: Eat a variety of fruit and vegetables, starchy foods like pasta and rice, protein-rich foods, and dairy or dairy alternatives.
  • Foods to Avoid: Certain cheeses, raw or undercooked meat, liver pâté, and some types of fish due to risks of listeria or high mercury levels.

To help manage your nutrition, WeCovr provides all its customers with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our advanced AI-powered calorie and nutrient tracking app, helping you stay on top of your health goals.

Lifestyle Adjustments

  • Stop Smoking: Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of complications, including miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.
  • Avoid Alcohol: There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The safest approach is to not drink at all.
  • Stay Active: Gentle exercise like walking, swimming, and pregnancy yoga can help you stay fit, improve your mood, and prepare your body for labour. Always consult your midwife or GP before starting a new exercise regime.

Financial Planning

While the NHS covers the medical costs, having a baby comes with many other expenses. Planning your finances, understanding your employer's maternity/paternity leave policies, and creating a budget can reduce stress significantly. For WeCovr customers, purchasing PMI or Life Insurance can unlock discounts on other types of cover, helping you build a comprehensive financial safety net for your growing family.

Working with an Expert PMI Broker

Navigating the complexities of the private medical insurance UK market can be daunting. Policy documents are filled with jargon, and comparing providers like-for-like is a challenge. This is where an independent, expert broker like WeCovr adds immense value.

  • Expert, Unbiased Advice: We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our primary duty is to you, the client. We listen to your needs and find the policy that fits your life and budget.
  • Market-Wide Comparison: We work with a wide range of the best PMI providers in the UK, saving you the time and hassle of getting multiple quotes yourself.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium, so you don't pay a penny more than going direct.
  • Clarity on Exclusions: We help you understand exactly what is and isn't covered, so there are no nasty surprises when you need to make a claim. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to transparency.

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

Yes, you can absolutely purchase a private medical insurance policy while you are pregnant. However, the policy will not cover the routine costs of your current pregnancy or childbirth. It will also exclude any complications that arise from it. The policy will, however, cover you for any new, unrelated acute medical conditions that occur after your policy starts, making it a valuable safety net.

Does private medical insurance in the UK cover IVF or other fertility treatments?

Generally, no. The investigation and treatment of infertility, including procedures like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), are standard exclusions on almost all UK PMI policies. These treatments are seen as a planned choice rather than a response to an acute medical condition. Some corporate policies may offer a benefit, but it is very rare in the individual market.

How soon can I add my newborn baby to my PMI policy?

Most insurers allow you to add your newborn to your policy from their date of birth, provided you inform them within a specific timeframe (usually 30 to 90 days). Doing this often means the baby is accepted without medical underwriting, which is a significant benefit. This allows them to be covered for new acute conditions they may develop, ensuring they can access private specialist care quickly if needed.

What is the difference between an elective and an emergency C-section for PMI?

An elective (planned) Caesarean section is one that is scheduled in advance for non-medical reasons or for a pre-existing medical reason known before labour. This is considered part of a routine birth and is not covered by standard PMI. An emergency Caesarean section is one that becomes medically necessary during labour due to an unforeseen complication, such as foetal distress or a failure to progress. Because it is a response to an acute medical emergency, the costs of an emergency C-section may be covered by a PMI policy that includes cover for pregnancy complications.

Your Next Step

Understanding the relationship between PMI and maternity is key to making an informed decision about your healthcare. While your policy won't pay for the birth of your baby, it serves as a powerful tool for protecting the health of you and your growing family against a wide range of other medical issues.

Let us help you find the right protection. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and speak to one of our friendly experts to build a plan that gives you and your family true peace of mind.


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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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