Login

Mental Health Support in Private Medical Insurance

Mental Health Support in Private Medical Insurance 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the UK's evolving health needs. This guide explores the vital enhancements in mental health support within private medical insurance for 2025, helping you find the right cover for your peace of mind.

New policy inclusions for psychiatric care, counselling, and therapy in 2025

The landscape of UK private medical insurance (PMI) is undergoing a significant and welcome transformation. For years, mental health was often treated as a peripheral benefit, with limited cover and numerous exclusions. However, as we move into 2025, leading insurers are responding to a national conversation and overwhelming demand, making comprehensive mental health support a cornerstone of their offerings.

This shift isn't happening in a vacuum. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), rates of depression and anxiety remain a significant public health concern. Meanwhile, NHS data consistently shows millions of people in contact with mental health services, with many facing long waits for assessment and treatment. Private health cover is stepping in to bridge this gap, offering faster access to a broader range of therapies and psychiatric services than ever before.

Understanding Mental Health Cover in UK Private Health Insurance

Before exploring the new benefits, it's crucial to grasp the fundamentals of how PMI works, especially regarding mental health. The single most important principle to understand is the distinction between acute and chronic conditions.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a bout of depression triggered by a specific event or an acute anxiety disorder that can be managed with a course of therapy. PMI is designed to cover these.
  • Chronic Condition: An illness that is long-lasting, has no known cure, and requires ongoing management. This includes conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or long-term, treatment-resistant depression.

Crucial Point: Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover chronic conditions. It is designed for short-term treatment of acute issues that arise after your policy begins.

Similarly, PMI policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. These are any health issues, including mental health conditions, for which you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment before taking out your policy. Insurers handle this through two main types of underwriting:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: You don't declare your medical history upfront. The insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last five years. However, if you remain symptom-free and treatment-free for that condition for two continuous years after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide a detailed medical history when you apply. The insurer then states precisely what is and isn't covered from the outset. This provides clarity but may result in permanent exclusions for past conditions.

Typical Mental Health Cover: What's In and What's Out?

Usually Covered (for Acute Conditions)Usually Excluded
Initial psychiatric consultationsChronic mental health conditions
A limited number of therapy/counselling sessions (e.g., CBT)Pre-existing mental health conditions
Inpatient/day-patient care for an acute crisisDementia and other organic brain disorders
Access to digital mental health apps and support linesTreatment for addiction (alcohol, drugs)
NHS cash benefit if you use NHS mental health servicesLearning difficulties (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia)

What's Changing in 2025? A Deeper Dive into New Mental Health Benefits

The evolution of PMI in 2025 is marked by a move from basic, reactive cover to a more holistic, proactive, and comprehensive mental health framework. Here’s what you can expect to see.

Expanded Therapy and Counselling Sessions

Previously, a standard policy might offer 6-8 sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). In 2025, the market is seeing a significant expansion:

  • Increased Session Limits: Many mid-tier and premium policies now offer 10, 12, or even unlimited therapy sessions, recognising that meaningful recovery often takes time.
  • Broader Range of Therapies: Insurers are funding more than just CBT. Cover is increasingly available for other evidence-based talking therapies, such as:
    • Psychodynamic Therapy: Exploring how past experiences affect present behaviour.
    • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): A specialised therapy for trauma and PTSD.
    • Person-Centred Counselling: A non-directive approach focusing on your own capacity for growth.
  • Self-Referral: A growing number of providers are removing the requirement for a GP referral. This allows you to contact their mental health support team directly, speeding up access to care when you need it most.

Digital Mental Health Platforms and Apps

Insurers have embraced technology to provide immediate, accessible support. Almost all major providers now include a digital mental health component as standard.

  • 24/7 Support Lines: Confidential helplines staffed by trained counsellors are now a common feature, offering in-the-moment support for stress, anxiety, or emotional distress.
  • Integrated Apps: Policies often come with subscriptions to leading wellness apps like Headspace or Calm, or bespoke platforms developed by the insurer. These provide guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, self-help courses for anxiety and low mood, and mood-tracking tools.
  • Virtual Consultations: Accessing a therapist or counsellor via video call is now the norm, offering convenience and privacy.

As part of a commitment to overall wellbeing, clients who purchase a policy through WeCovr also gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you manage the crucial link between diet and mental health.

Enhanced Psychiatric Care and Inpatient Treatment

For more severe, acute mental health episodes, the depth of cover is also improving.

  • Psychiatric Assessments: Policies are more generous with cover for initial consultations and follow-ups with a consultant psychiatrist, essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Inpatient and Day-Patient Limits: Financial limits for hospital stays for mental health treatment are increasing. While previously capped at around 30 days per year, some comprehensive plans now offer more extensive cover to ensure a full treatment course can be completed for an acute flare-up.

Real-Life Example: Sarah, a 35-year-old graphic designer, began experiencing severe panic attacks and anxiety after a stressful project. Her NHS GP had a six-week waiting list for a referral. Through her private medical insurance, she used the self-referral service, had a video call with a counsellor within 48 hours, and was approved for a 10-session course of CBT. This early intervention helped her manage her symptoms and avoid taking long-term sick leave.

Comparing Mental Health Cover from Top UK PMI Providers

Choosing the right provider can be daunting, as the specifics of mental health cover vary significantly. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can provide a detailed market comparison at no cost to you. Below is a general overview of what to look for from major UK providers in 2025.

ProviderKey Mental Health Benefits (Typical for 2025)Access MethodKey Consideration
AXA HealthStrong focus on digital tools (Doctor@Hand), self-referral for therapy, and proactive wellbeing support. Often includes a set number of therapy sessions as standard.GP or Self-ReferralCover levels vary significantly between policies. The "Mind Health" option is a key feature to look for.
AvivaKnown for a comprehensive mental health pathway. Often includes good cover for psychiatric treatment and therapy, with options to extend limits.GP or Self-ReferralCheck the specific policy as standard mental health benefits can be more basic than their add-ons.
BupaExtensive network of therapists and hospitals. Strong emphasis on family mental health support and direct access to mental health services without a GP referral.Self-ReferralBupa offers different tiers of mental health cover; ensure you select the one that meets your needs.
VitalityUnique approach linking rewards to healthy living. Offers cover for talking therapies and access to mental health support, with rewards for engaging in mindfulness apps.GP or Self-ReferralThe amount of cover can be linked to your Vitality status. Excellent for those motivated by incentives.

Note: This table is for illustrative purposes. Policy details change frequently. An independent broker can give you the most current and personalised comparison.

The Financial Side: How Mental Health Cover Affects Your Premiums

Adding or enhancing mental health cover will naturally impact the cost of your premium. Insurers typically structure this in one of two ways:

  1. Included as Standard: A basic level of mental health support (e.g., a support line and 4-6 therapy sessions) is often included in the core policy.
  2. Optional Add-On: To get comprehensive cover (e.g., unlimited therapy, extensive psychiatric benefits), you usually need to select a "mental health upgrade" or add-on, which increases your monthly premium.

Example Cost Breakdown

Below is a hypothetical example for a 40-year-old non-smoker in a mid-cost UK region.

Policy TypeCore BenefitsMental Health CoverEstimated Monthly Premium
Standard PolicyInpatient & Day-Patient Care, Basic OutpatientDigital support line, NHS Cash Benefit£65
Mid-Tier PolicyStandard + Full Outpatient CoverStandard + up to 8 therapy sessions£85
Comprehensive PolicyMid-Tier + TherapiesFull Mental Health Cover: Unlimited therapy, psychiatric care£110

The extra £25-£45 per month for comprehensive cover can provide peace of mind and access to treatment worth thousands of pounds, demonstrating its significant value.

The Crucial Role of a PMI Broker like WeCovr

The PMI market is complex, and the small print matters immensely, especially for something as personal as mental health. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr becomes an invaluable partner.

  • Whole-of-Market Expertise: We aren't tied to any single insurer. We compare policies from across the market to find the one that truly fits your needs and budget.
  • Decoding the Jargon: We translate confusing policy documents into plain English, ensuring you understand exactly what is and isn't covered. Are there caps on therapy? Is a specific condition excluded? We find the answers.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, so you get expert, unbiased advice without paying a penny extra. In fact, we can often find better prices than if you go direct.
  • Personalised Service: We take the time to understand your personal circumstances and priorities. With high customer satisfaction ratings, our focus is on finding the right solution for you.
  • Added Value: When you purchase PMI or life insurance with us, you may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance.

Beyond Insurance: Holistic Approaches to Mental Wellbeing in 2025

While insurance provides a crucial safety net, a proactive approach to mental wellbeing can prevent issues from escalating. Leading a healthy lifestyle is proven to build mental resilience.

The Power of Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can have a profound impact on your mood. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish) and B vitamins are particularly important for brain health. Limiting processed foods, sugar, and caffeine can help stabilise energy levels and reduce anxiety.

The Importance of Sleep

Poor sleep is a major contributor to and symptom of mental health problems. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time, creating a restful environment, and avoiding screens an hour before bed.

Physical Activity as a Mood Booster

The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or even gardening release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Exercise is a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Mindfulness and Digital Detox

Practising mindfulness through meditation or simple breathing exercises can help ground you in the present and reduce overwhelming thoughts. Consider scheduling regular "digital detox" periods where you switch off your phone and notifications to give your mind a break from constant stimulation.

If you need to use your mental health cover, the process is usually straightforward.

  1. Recognise the Need: The first step is acknowledging that you could benefit from support.
  2. Check Your Policy: Review your policy documents or call your insurer (or broker) to confirm the extent of your mental health cover and the correct pathway to access it.
  3. Contact the Right Person:
    • GP Referral Pathway: Visit your GP, discuss your concerns, and get a referral to a specialist.
    • Self-Referral Pathway: If your policy allows it, you can call your insurer's dedicated mental health line directly. They will assess your needs and guide you to an appropriate therapist or specialist in their network.
  4. Get Pre-Authorisation: Before starting any treatment, you must get it pre-authorised by your insurer. They will provide an authorisation number to give to your chosen therapist or clinic. This confirms they will cover the costs.
  5. Attend Your Treatment: Focus on your recovery. The clinic or therapist will usually bill the insurer directly, so you don't have to handle invoices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PMI and Mental Health

Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing mental health conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions, which are any mental or physical health issues you have had symptoms or treatment for in the years before taking out the policy, are typically excluded from cover.

Is therapy covered by private health insurance in the UK?

Yes, most private health insurance policies in 2025 offer some level of cover for therapy and counselling. However, the extent of this cover varies widely. Basic policies may only cover a few sessions, while comprehensive policies or those with a mental health add-on can offer extensive or even unlimited sessions for a range of talking therapies, such as CBT, psychotherapy, and EMDR.

Do I need a GP referral to see a therapist with my insurance?

It depends on your provider and policy. Increasingly, major UK insurers are offering a 'self-referral' pathway for mental health. This allows you to contact a dedicated support team directly to be assessed and guided to a therapist, speeding up the process. However, some policies or specific treatments may still require an initial referral from your NHS or private GP.

The evolution of mental health cover is one of the most positive developments in the private medical insurance UK market. With faster access to a wider range of effective treatments, PMI is providing a vital lifeline for individuals and families navigating mental health challenges.

However, the differences between policies are vast. To ensure you have the right protection for your mental and physical wellbeing, expert advice is essential.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will compare the market for you, explain your options in simple terms, and help you find the best private health cover for your peace of mind.


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.