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Moratorium Underwriting in PMI Explained

Moratorium Underwriting in PMI Explained 2025

Choosing private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex, but at WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we believe in making it simple. This guide demystifies one of the most crucial choices you'll make: the type of underwriting for your policy.

A plain-English guide to moratorium versus full medical underwriting in current UK policies

When you apply for private health cover, the insurer needs to understand your health history to calculate the risk and decide what they can cover. This process is called underwriting.

The two main ways they do this in the UK are Moratorium Underwriting and Full Medical Underwriting (FMU). Your choice between them affects what’s covered, how quickly you get your policy, and what happens when you need to make a claim. Understanding this difference is the key to finding the best private medical insurance policy for you and your family.

What is Underwriting in Private Medical Insurance?

Think of underwriting as the insurer's health check on you before they offer you a policy. Its main purpose is to identify any pre-existing medical conditions you've had in the past.

Why is this so important? Because standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you join. It does not cover long-term, ongoing (chronic) conditions or medical issues you already had before taking out the policy.

Underwriting allows the insurer to set the terms of your contract, making it clear from the outset what will and won't be covered. This prevents surprises later and helps keep premiums fair and affordable for everyone in the insurance pool.

Moratorium Underwriting Explained

Moratorium underwriting is the most common type offered in the UK. It’s popular because it’s quick, simple, and doesn’t require you to fill out a long medical questionnaire.

Instead of asking about your entire medical history upfront, a moratorium policy applies a simple rule: it automatically excludes treatment for any medical condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in a set period before your policy starts (usually the last five years).

How Does a Moratorium Work? The '2-Year Rolling' Rule

The "moratorium" is a waiting period. Here’s the typical rule, broken down:

  1. The Look-Back Period (5 Years): The insurer will not cover any condition you’ve experienced in the 5 years before your policy began.
  2. The Qualifying Period (2 Years): If you then go for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts without having any symptoms, treatment, medication, or advice for that specific pre-existing condition, it may become eligible for cover.
  3. The 'Rolling' Nature: This 2-year clock resets every time you seek advice or treatment for that condition.

Let's look at a simple table to illustrate.

TimelineEventIs Treatment for Old Knee Pain Covered?
2023You saw a GP for knee pain.N/A (Before policy starts)
Jan 2025You take out a PMI policy with moratorium underwriting.No. Your knee pain is a pre-existing condition from the last 5 years.
Jan 2027You have remained symptom-free and had no advice for your knee for 2 full years.Yes. The condition may now be eligible for cover as you've passed the 2-year moratorium.
June 2026Alternative Scenario: You see a physio for a knee twinge.No. The 2-year clock resets. You'd need to go another 2 years from June 2026 without issues for it to become eligible.

A Real-Life Moratorium Example

Meet David. David is 45 and generally healthy. He wants private health cover quickly to bypass potential NHS queues for any future problems. He had some shoulder pain after a sports injury three years ago, which was resolved with a few physiotherapy sessions.

David chooses a policy with moratorium underwriting.

  • Application: The process is fast. He answers a few simple questions but doesn't need to list his old shoulder injury. His policy is active within days.
  • The Catch: For the first two years of his policy, any recurrence of that shoulder pain will not be covered.
  • The Future: If David remains free of any shoulder trouble for two continuous years, his policy may then cover new issues with that shoulder from that point onwards. If, a year into his policy, he develops a new problem like back pain, it will be covered (subject to his policy terms) because it's not a pre-existing condition.

The Pros and Cons of Moratorium Underwriting

Advantages (Pros) 👍Disadvantages (Cons) 👎
Speed & Simplicity: No lengthy medical forms to complete. You can often get cover in place very quickly.Lack of Certainty: You don't know for sure what's excluded until you make a claim.
Privacy: You don't need to disclose your full medical history at the start.Claims Can Be Slower: When you claim, the insurer will investigate your medical history to see if the condition is pre-existing. This can add delays.
Potential for Future Cover: Pre-existing conditions can become eligible for cover over time if you remain symptom-free.The 'Reset' Rule: The 2-year symptom-free period can be difficult to achieve for recurring issues, meaning they may never be covered.
Most Common Option: It's the standard offering from most major UK PMI providers."Grey Areas": It can be hard to define if a new symptom relates to an old condition, leading to potential disputes.

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) Explained

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) is the opposite of a moratorium. It’s a more detailed process where you provide your complete medical history to the insurer upfront by filling out a comprehensive health questionnaire.

The insurer’s medical underwriters then review your application and decide precisely what they will and will not cover. Any specific conditions they decide to exclude are written explicitly into your policy documents. These are called exclusions.

How Does Full Medical Underwriting Work?

  1. The Application: You complete a detailed form asking about past illnesses, treatments, surgeries, and consultations. It's crucial to be completely honest and thorough.
  2. The Assessment: The insurer may also request access to your medical records from your GP (with your permission) to verify the information.
  3. The Decision: The insurer comes back with a decision. They might:
    • Offer cover with no special exclusions.
    • Offer cover but with specific, named exclusions for certain conditions (e.g., "no cover for treatment related to the spine").
    • Offer cover for a condition but with a higher premium.
    • In rare cases, decline to offer cover altogether.

A Real-Life FMU Example

Meet Chloe. Chloe is 52 and had a minor back issue five years ago that required an MRI scan. She also has a history of occasional migraines. She wants absolute clarity on what her private health insurance will cover from day one.

Chloe chooses a policy with Full Medical Underwriting.

  • Application: She spends an hour filling out the health questionnaire, carefully detailing her back history and migraines. She gives the insurer permission to contact her GP.
  • The Offer: The insurer reviews her file. They come back with a policy that explicitly states: "Cover is provided for all new, acute conditions, with the exception of any investigation or treatment related to degenerative spinal conditions." They decide her migraines are low-risk and agree to cover them.
  • The Result: Chloe's premium might be slightly higher or lower than a moratorium policy, but she has complete certainty. She knows her back is excluded, but if she develops a new condition like gallstones, she is 100% confident it will be covered.

The Pros and Cons of Full Medical Underwriting

Advantages (Pros) 👍Disadvantages (Cons) 👎
Total Certainty: You know exactly what is and isn't covered from the very beginning. No surprises at the point of claim.Slower Application: The process takes longer due to the detailed questionnaire and potential need for medical reports.
Faster Claims: Because underwriting is done upfront, claims are often processed more quickly as there's no need to investigate your past history.Requires Full Disclosure: You must be prepared to share your entire medical history. Forgetting something can invalidate your policy.
Potential for Lower Premiums: If you're in good health with a clean medical history, an FMU policy can sometimes be cheaper than a moratorium equivalent.Permanent Exclusions: Exclusions applied at the start are usually permanent and won't become eligible for cover later on.
Negotiable Terms: In some cases, you or your broker may be able to discuss the terms of an exclusion with the insurer.More Intrusive: Some people find the process of sharing detailed personal health information uncomfortable.

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

Choosing between these two underwriting methods is a personal decision based on your priorities. Here’s a direct comparison to help you decide.

FeatureMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Application SpeedFast. Often minutes or hours.Slow. Can take days or weeks.
ConvenienceHigh. No long forms.Low. Requires detailed health questionnaire.
Upfront CertaintyLow. You only find out what's excluded when you claim.High. All exclusions are clearly stated in your policy documents.
Claim SpeedSlower. Insurer investigates your history at the time of claim.Faster. Underwriting is already complete.
PrivacyHigh. No need to disclose medical history at the start.Low. You must provide a full medical history.
Cover for Pre-existing ConditionsPossible after a 2-year symptom-free period.Unlikely. Conditions are typically excluded permanently.
Best For...People who want cover quickly, have a clean or simple medical history, and value privacy.People who want absolute clarity, have a complex medical history, or want to ensure faster claims.

The Critical Point: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to grasp about private medical insurance in the UK.

Standard UK PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that begin after your policy starts. It is not designed to cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., appendicitis, a broken bone, cataracts, a hernia).
  • Chronic Condition: An illness that is long-lasting or recurring and cannot be fully cured (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, eczema, arthritis).

Insurers exclude chronic conditions because managing them is long-term and costly. Covering them would make premiums unaffordable for the majority of people. PMI acts as a complement to the NHS, which provides excellent care for chronic conditions, allowing you to get fast access to treatment for new, curable health problems.

Regardless of whether you choose moratorium or FMU underwriting, long-term chronic conditions will not be covered.

Which Type of Underwriting is Right for Me?

Your personal circumstances and preferences will guide your choice. As expert PMI brokers, the team at WeCovr can provide personalised advice, but here are some general guidelines.

You might favour Moratorium Underwriting if:

  • You are in good health and haven't seen a doctor for anything significant in the last five years.
  • Your priority is getting covered as quickly and easily as possible.
  • You prefer not to disclose your entire medical history.
  • You have minor pre-existing conditions that you expect to remain symptom-free, hoping they will become covered in the future.

You might favour Full Medical Underwriting if:

  • You want absolute certainty about what your policy covers from day one.
  • You have a more complex medical history and want to know precisely where you stand.
  • You believe you are in excellent health and want to see if you can get a cheaper premium by proving it.
  • The idea of a claim being delayed or rejected due to a pre-existing condition worries you more than the upfront paperwork.

How WeCovr Can Help You Choose the Best PMI Policy

With NHS waiting lists in England remaining a significant concern for millions, according to official NHS data, taking control of your health with PMI is a sensible step. But navigating the market alone can be daunting.

That’s where an independent broker like WeCovr comes in.

  1. Expert, No-Cost Advice: Our specialists understand the nuances of every major UK insurer's underwriting rules. We can explain your options in plain English and help you decide between moratorium and FMU based on your specific needs. Our advice is free to you.
  2. Market Comparison: We compare policies from leading providers like Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, and Vitality to find the right cover at the right price.
  3. Hassle-Free Process: We handle the paperwork and liaise with the insurer on your behalf, making the application process smooth and simple.
  4. High Customer Satisfaction: We pride ourselves on our service, which is reflected in the positive feedback we receive on independent customer rating websites.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you stay on top of your health goals. Plus, clients who take out a private medical or life insurance policy with us are eligible for discounts on other types of cover, like home or car insurance.

A Note on Your Health and Wellbeing

While private medical insurance is an excellent tool for when things go wrong, the best strategy is always proactive health management. Insurers increasingly recognise this, often including wellness benefits and rewards in their policies.

  • Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is fundamental to good health. Using an app like CalorieHero can help you understand your nutritional intake and make healthier choices.
  • Exercise: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Regular activity reduces the risk of many conditions that PMI is designed to treat.
  • Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a range of health issues, including a weakened immune system and high blood pressure.

By combining a healthy lifestyle with the security of a well-chosen PMI policy, you put yourself in the strongest possible position to manage your health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about PMI Underwriting

Can I get private health cover for my asthma?

Generally, no. Asthma is considered a chronic condition, and standard UK private medical insurance policies do not cover the routine management, check-ups, or medication for chronic conditions. The NHS will continue to provide your asthma care. However, a PMI policy would cover you for new, unrelated acute conditions that arise after you join, such as the need for a hernia operation or joint replacement.

What happens if I forget to declare a condition on a Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) form?

This is very important. Intentionally or unintentionally failing to disclose a material fact on an FMU application is called 'non-disclosure'. If the insurer discovers this when you make a claim, they could refuse to pay the claim or even void your entire policy from the start. This is why it is crucial to be as thorough and honest as possible. If you are unsure whether something is relevant, it is always best to declare it.

Can I switch from a moratorium policy to a fully medically underwritten one?

Yes, you can. You can apply for a new policy with full medical underwriting at any time. This can be a good idea if you have been on a moratorium policy for several years and want the certainty of an FMU policy. However, you will have to go through the full application process, and any conditions you've developed since starting your original moratorium policy will now be considered pre-existing and may be excluded. An expert broker can advise if this is the right move for you.

Is moratorium underwriting always cheaper than full medical underwriting?

Not necessarily. While moratorium underwriting can seem like a standard or 'default' price, an FMU policy can sometimes be cheaper. If you have a very clean bill of health and can prove it through the questionnaire, the insurer may see you as a lower risk and offer you a more competitive premium. Conversely, if you have a number of minor health issues, an FMU policy might be more expensive due to the known risk. The best way to find out is to get quotes for both.

Ready to take the next step?

Choosing the right underwriting method is the foundation of a good private medical insurance policy. Let our friendly, expert team at WeCovr help you build a plan that gives you peace of mind and fast access to the best care.

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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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