WeCovr.

Login

Medical History Checks What Do Providers Really Ask

Medical History Checks What Do Providers Really Ask 2025

Navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex, especially when it comes to your medical history. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr understands that the application process is often the biggest hurdle for our clients.

Real-life forms, application tips, and how to avoid mistakes

This comprehensive guide demystifies the medical history check. We'll break down exactly what insurers ask, why they ask it, and how you can complete your application with confidence. We’ll look at real-life form questions, provide expert tips, and highlight common mistakes to ensure you secure the right cover without any nasty surprises down the line.

Why Do Insurers Need Your Medical History?

Insurers ask about your health to understand the level of risk they are taking on. This process is called "underwriting." It helps them determine what they can and cannot cover, ensuring the price you pay is fair for the cover you receive.

The most crucial thing to understand about standard private medical insurance UK policies is that they are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.

Critical Point: Private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

Let's define these key terms in plain English:

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and result in a full recovery. Think of conditions like appendicitis, a broken arm, or the removal of a cataract.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any ailment, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice or treatment in the years immediately before your policy begins (typically the last 5 years).
  • Chronic Condition: A long-term condition that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes illnesses like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. The NHS provides excellent care for chronic conditions, while PMI focuses on getting you treated quickly for new, curable issues.

By assessing your medical history, the insurer can apply the correct exclusions, so both you and they are clear on what your policy will pay for.

The Two Main Types of Underwriting Explained

When you apply for private health cover, the insurer will use one of two main methods to assess your medical history. The one you choose has a significant impact on your application process and future claims.

1. Moratorium Underwriting

This is the most common and straightforward method offered by UK insurers.

  • How it works: You do not complete a detailed medical questionnaire when you apply. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any pre-existing conditions you've had in the last five years.
  • The "Rolling" Rule: Here's the clever part. If, after your policy starts, you go for a continuous two-year period without experiencing any symptoms, needing treatment, or seeking advice for a previously excluded condition, that condition may then become eligible for cover under your policy. The exclusion is "rolled" away.
  • Pros: The application is very fast and non-intrusive.
  • Cons: There is a degree of uncertainty. The insurer will only investigate your medical history at the point you make a claim. This can sometimes lead to delays or disappointment if a condition is deemed pre-existing.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

This method is more detailed but offers complete clarity from the outset.

  • How it works: You complete a comprehensive health questionnaire as part of your application. You must declare your medical history, including any conditions, treatments, and consultations.
  • The Outcome: The insurer's underwriting team reviews your answers and provides you with a policy certificate that explicitly lists any conditions that are permanently excluded from cover.
  • Pros: You have complete certainty from day one. You know precisely what is and isn't covered, with no ambiguity at the point of a claim.
  • Cons: The application process takes longer and requires you to gather information about your health history, which can feel more intrusive.

Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting: A Head-to-Head Comparison

FeatureMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Upfront ProcessNo medical questionnaireDetailed health questionnaire
Application SpeedVery fast (often instant)Slower (days or weeks)
Clarity on ExclusionsDetermined when you make a claimClear from the policy start date
Cover for Pre-existing ConditionsPotentially, after a 2-year symptom-free periodUsually excluded permanently
Best For...Individuals with a clean bill of health or those who prefer a quick start.Individuals with a past medical history who want absolute clarity on their cover.

An expert PMI broker, like the team at WeCovr, can discuss your personal circumstances and advise on which underwriting method is the most suitable for you.

What Questions Do Insurers Really Ask on Full Medical Underwriting Forms?

The thought of a medical questionnaire can be daunting, but the questions are usually quite structured and logical. They are designed to build a clear picture of your health over the past several years. While forms vary between the best PMI providers, they typically cover the following areas.

Section 1: Your Details & GP Information

This is the standard administrative part of the form:

  • Your full name, date of birth, and address.
  • The name and address of your current NHS GP surgery. (Insurers need this in case they require more information during a claim, with your permission).

Section 2: General Health & Lifestyle

These questions give a broad overview of your current health status:

  • Your height and weight (used to calculate your Body Mass Index, or BMI).
  • Do you smoke or use nicotine products? If so, how many per day?
  • How many units of alcohol do you consume in a typical week?
  • Are you currently taking any prescribed medication? (If yes, you'll need to state what for).
  • Are you currently waiting for any medical tests, results, or a hospital referral/admission?

Section 3: The Detailed Medical History (Usually a 5-Year Window)

This is the core of the questionnaire. Insurers are primarily interested in conditions for which you have sought advice or treatment in the last 5 years. You will typically be asked "Yes" or "No" questions, with space to provide details if you answer "Yes".

Expect questions covering:

  1. Cardiovascular (Heart & Blood Vessels)

    • Have you had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chest pains, palpitations, or any other heart or circulatory condition?

  2. Musculoskeletal (Bones, Joints & Muscles)

    • Have you suffered from back pain, neck pain, sciatica, arthritis, gout, joint pain (e.g., knee, shoulder, hip), or any sports-related injuries?

  3. Respiratory (Lungs & Breathing)

    • Have you had asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, or any other breathing difficulties?

  4. Gastrointestinal (Digestive System)

    • Have you been diagnosed with or had symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), acid reflux, hernias, gallstones, or any other stomach or bowel disorder?

  5. Neurological (Brain & Nerves)

    • Have you experienced migraines, persistent headaches, dizziness, fainting, epilepsy, numbness, or tingling sensations?

  6. Mental Health

    • Have you sought advice or treatment for stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or any other psychological or psychiatric condition?

  7. Cancer & Growths

    • Have you ever been diagnosed with any type of cancer, tumour, cyst, or abnormal growth (benign or malignant)?

  8. ENT (Ears, Nose & Throat)

    • Have you had hearing loss, tinnitus, sinusitis, tonsillitis, or any nasal or sinus problems?

If you answer "Yes" to any of these, you will be asked to provide more information, such as:

  • The name of the condition.
  • The date you first had symptoms.
  • The date of your last consultation or treatment.
  • Details of any medication or therapy received.

Application Tips: How to Complete Your Medical Declaration with Confidence

Completing the form accurately is vital. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth process.

  1. Be Honest and Thorough The legal principle of uberrima fides, or 'utmost good faith', applies to insurance contracts. This means you have a duty to disclose all relevant information. Hiding a condition is considered non-disclosure and can lead to your policy being cancelled or a claim being rejected just when you need it most. It is never worth the risk.

  2. Don't Guess, Check! If you're unsure about the date of a diagnosis or the name of a medication, don't guess. Take a moment to check. Most GP surgeries can provide you with a summary of your medical record upon request, which can be invaluable for completing an FMU form.

  3. Understand the Wording Pay close attention to the specific phrases used. "Sought advice for" is broader than "been diagnosed with". A one-off visit to a physiotherapist for back pain three years ago counts as seeking advice and should be declared. Similarly, "had symptoms of" means you should declare persistent headaches, even if you never went to the GP about them.

  4. Distinguish Minor Ailments from Conditions You don't need to declare every cough, cold, or minor ailment. Insurers are interested in conditions that required medical intervention, were persistent, or could indicate an underlying problem. As a rule of thumb: if it was serious enough for you to see a doctor, pharmacist, or therapist about, it should probably be declared.

  5. Use an Expert Broker This is where a specialist PMI broker becomes your greatest asset. An experienced adviser from WeCovr can walk you through the application form question by question. They can help you understand what information is relevant, ensure your answers are accurate and complete, and liaise with the insurer on your behalf. This service comes at no extra cost to you and provides immense peace of mind.

Common Mistakes to Avoid and Their Consequences

A simple mistake or omission on your application can have serious consequences. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

MistakeExamplePotential Consequence
Forgetting a Condition (Innocent Non-Disclosure)You had physio for knee pain 4 years ago but forgot to mention it. You later need knee surgery.The insurer investigates and finds the previous treatment. They reject the surgery claim, classing it as a pre-existing condition.
Downplaying a Condition (Misrepresentation)You describe your recurring anxiety as "a bit of work stress" on the form.A future claim for therapy or psychiatric support could be denied as the insurer argues the severity of the pre-existing condition was misrepresented.
Assuming It Isn't RelevantYou take a daily pill for high blood pressure, which is perfectly controlled, so you don't declare it.This is a chronic condition that must be declared. The policy will exclude it, but failing to mention it is non-disclosure. The insurer could void the policy.
Choosing the Wrong UnderwritingSomeone with several past health issues opts for a "quick and easy" moratorium policy to avoid paperwork.They make a claim and face a lengthy investigation, only to find their condition is excluded. An FMU policy would have provided this clarity from the start.

Beyond the Form: Other Ways Insurers Check Your History

An insurer's checks don't always end with the application form.

  • At the Point of Claim: With a moratorium policy, this is when the investigation begins. When you call to authorise a claim, the claims handler will ask: "When did you first notice symptoms?" and "When did you first see a doctor about this?" If your answers suggest the condition existed before the policy started, they will investigate further.
  • Access to Medical Records: An insurer cannot access your medical records without your explicit, written consent. Under the Access to Medical Records Act 1988, you have the right to see the report from your GP before it is sent to the insurer. They will typically only request this for large claims or where there is ambiguity about a condition's origin.

A Note on Health, Wellness, and Prevention

While private medical insurance UK focuses on treating new conditions, many of the best PMI providers are increasingly focused on helping you stay healthy in the first place. A healthier client is less likely to claim, which is a win-win.

Many insurers now offer fantastic wellness benefits, including:

  • Discounted gym memberships.
  • Discounts on fitness trackers like Apple Watch or Fitbit.
  • Online health assessments and virtual GP services.
  • Rewards for hitting activity goals.

Taking proactive steps to manage your health is always a good idea. UK public health guidance provides a great framework:

  • Diet: Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, adhering to the principles of the NHS Eatwell Guide.
  • Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running) per week.
  • Sleep: Prioritising 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night is fundamental for both physical and mental resilience.

To support our clients' health goals, WeCovr provides complimentary access to our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through us can enjoy valuable discounts on other policies, such as travel or home insurance.

Do I need to declare mental health conditions like anxiety or depression?

Yes, absolutely. On a private medical insurance application, mental and psychological health conditions are treated exactly the same as physical health conditions. You must declare any instance where you have sought advice, counselling, or medication for conditions like stress, anxiety, or depression within the period specified by the insurer (usually the last 5 years). Failure to do so can result in future claims for mental health support being rejected.

What happens if I make an honest mistake on my medical history form?

Generally, if you make an innocent mistake or genuinely forget something (innocent non-disclosure), the insurer will not cancel your policy. When the error comes to light (usually during a claim), they will most likely treat the undisclosed condition as if it had been declared correctly from the start. This means they will add a new exclusion to your policy for that condition and any related ones, and your claim would be denied. However, if the non-disclosure is deemed deliberate or fraudulent, the insurer has the right to void your policy from its start date.

Will declaring medical conditions make my private health cover more expensive?

Not necessarily. The premium for a private health cover policy is calculated based on the cover you are being offered, not the conditions you have excluded. When you declare conditions on a Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) application, the insurer simply applies exclusions for them. Your premium is then based on your age, location, and the level of cover for all the other new, acute conditions you are eligible for. Your premium isn't "loaded" or increased because of your history; rather, your cover is tailored to it.

Ready to Find the Right Cover?

Feeling clearer about medical history checks but still want an expert in your corner? The friendly, FCA-authorised team at WeCovr is here to help. We compare policies from across the market to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.

Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let us simplify your journey to the right private health cover.

Get A Free Quote

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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

Learn more

...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.

Insurance Products

Resources

Legal

© 2025 WeCovr. Made with in London