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Moratorium vs Full Medical Underwriting

Moratorium vs Full Medical Underwriting 2026

WeCovr explains the two main underwriting types and which may suit your health cover needs

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex, but understanding one key choice—how your policy is underwritten—is the most crucial step. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr is here to demystify the two main options: Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting. This choice will define what your policy covers, how you make a claim, and the peace of mind you get from your health cover.

At its heart, private health insurance is designed to cover the costs of treatment for new, acute medical conditions that arise after your policy begins. It’s your safety net for prompt diagnosis and private treatment, helping you bypass long NHS waiting lists. But before an insurer can offer you this cover, they need to understand your health background. This assessment process is called underwriting.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting, helping you make an informed decision for you and your family.

What Exactly is Underwriting in Private Medical Insurance?

Think of underwriting as the foundation upon which your health insurance policy is built. It's the method an insurer uses to assess the level of risk they are taking on by insuring you. They look at your medical history to determine the likelihood of you needing to make a claim.

The primary goal of underwriting is to identify any pre-existing medical conditions. These are ailments, injuries, or symptoms you have experienced before the start date of your policy.

Why is this so important?

Standard private medical insurance in the UK is not designed to cover pre-existing conditions. It’s for unforeseen, acute (short-term and curable) health issues. By excluding conditions you already have, insurers can keep premiums affordable for everyone and operate a sustainable business model.

The type of underwriting you choose dictates how these pre-existing conditions are identified and handled. Let's explore the two main paths you can take.

Understanding Moratorium Underwriting: The 'Wait and See' Approach

Moratorium underwriting is the most common type for individual private medical insurance policies in the UK, mainly because it’s quick and simple to set up.

How does it work?

With a moratorium policy, you don’t need to complete a detailed medical questionnaire upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a blanket exclusion for any medical condition for which you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment in a set period before your policy started (typically the last five years).

This exclusion isn't necessarily permanent. The condition may become eligible for cover later, subject to two key rules, often called the "2-year rule":

  1. You must have had the policy for a continuous period of two years.
  2. During those two years, you must have remained completely free of any symptoms, treatment, medication, or medical advice for that specific pre-existing condition.

If you meet both these criteria, the condition will no longer be considered pre-existing and could be covered in the future.

Real-Life Example: Sarah's Knee Pain

Sarah, a 32-year-old graphic designer, wants to take out a PMI policy. Three years ago, she saw her GP for some knee pain after a long run, who advised her to rest it. She hasn't had any trouble since.

She chooses a moratorium policy.

  • Initially: Her knee is not covered, as she sought advice for it within the last five years.
  • The "Wait and See" Period: Sarah holds the policy. For the next two years, she has no further knee pain, doesn't see a doctor about it, and requires no treatment.
  • After Two Years: Because she has passed the two-year trouble-free period, her knee condition is now potentially eligible for cover under her policy, should a new, acute issue arise with it.

Pros and Cons of Moratorium Underwriting

Advantages of MoratoriumDisadvantages of Moratorium
Fast & Simple Setup: No long medical forms to fill in, so you can get cover in place very quickly.Lack of Initial Certainty: You don't know for sure what's excluded until you make a claim.
Less Intrusive: You don't have to recall and disclose every detail of your medical past.Slower Claims Process: When you claim, the insurer will need to investigate your medical history to check if the issue is pre-existing. This can add delays and stress.
Potential to Cover Past Conditions: Old conditions can become eligible for cover over time, which isn't usually possible with the alternative.Risk of Claim Rejection: A claim might be rejected if the insurer finds it relates to a recent pre-existing condition, which can be upsetting.

Who is Moratorium Underwriting Best For?

Moratorium underwriting is often a good fit for:

  • Younger individuals with a limited or clean medical history.
  • People who want fast and hassle-free access to private health cover.
  • Those who haven't had any significant medical issues in the last five years and value simplicity over initial certainty.

Understanding Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): The 'Cards on the Table' Approach

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) is the opposite of a moratorium. It's a more detailed and transparent process that provides complete clarity from the very beginning.

How does it work?

With FMU, you are required to complete a comprehensive medical history questionnaire as part of your application. You must disclose all your past medical conditions, treatments, and any symptoms you've experienced.

The insurer’s underwriting team will then review your application. They may:

  • Request further information from you.
  • Ask for your permission to contact your GP for a medical report.

Based on this full disclosure, the insurer will offer you a policy with a list of specific, named exclusions. These are conditions that will not be covered by the policy. Unlike a moratorium, these exclusions are typically permanent.

Real-Life Example: David's Health History

David, a 58-year-old accountant, has a more complex medical history. He had a heart palpitation scare six years ago (which turned out to be benign) and suffers from occasional gout in his big toe.

He opts for Full Medical Underwriting because he wants to know exactly where he stands.

  • Application: David declares both his historic heart investigation and his gout on the application form.
  • Insurer's Decision: The insurer reviews his history. They decide the heart issue was a one-off event over five years ago and agree to cover it. However, because gout is a recurring (chronic) condition, they place a permanent exclusion on it.
  • The Outcome: David receives his policy documents which clearly state: "Gout and related conditions are excluded from cover." He now has complete certainty. If he needs to claim for anything else, like a hip replacement or cataract surgery, he knows the process will be straightforward as the underwriting is already done.

Pros and Cons of Full Medical Underwriting

Advantages of FMUDisadvantages of FMU
Total Clarity: You know precisely what is and isn't covered from day one. No nasty surprises at the point of a claim.Slower Application: The process takes longer due to the detailed questionnaire and potential need for GP reports.
Faster Claims Process: As the underwriting work is done upfront, claims are generally processed much more quickly and smoothly.More Intrusive: You must provide detailed personal medical information, which some people find uncomfortable.
No Ambiguity: You have a clear, written contract that specifies all exclusions, giving you complete peace of mind.Exclusions are Usually Permanent: Unlike a moratorium, a named exclusion on an FMU policy is unlikely to be removed later.

Who is Full Medical Underwriting Best For?

Full Medical Underwriting is often the preferred choice for:

  • Individuals who value certainty and transparency above all else.
  • People with a complex or extensive medical history who want to know what will be covered before they commit.
  • Those who want the smoothest and fastest possible claims experience.

Comparison Table: Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting at a Glance

To help you decide, here is a direct comparison of the key features of each underwriting type.

FeatureMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Application ProcessQuick and simple. No initial medical questionnaire.Detailed medical questionnaire required. Can be slow.
Clarity of CoverAmbiguous at the start. You only discover what's excluded when you make a claim.Crystal clear from day one. You receive a list of named exclusions with your policy.
Claims ProcessCan be slow. The insurer investigates your medical history at the time of the claim.Fast and straightforward. Underwriting is already complete.
Pre-existing ConditionsConditions from the last 5 years are automatically excluded. They may become eligible for cover after a 2-year trouble-free period.You declare all conditions. The insurer decides what to exclude, and these exclusions are usually permanent.
Speed of SetupVery fast. Cover can often be arranged the same day.Slower. Can take several days or even weeks to get the policy finalised.
Best Suited ForPeople wanting quick cover with a clean medical history.People wanting absolute certainty, especially those with a known medical history.

The Critical Rule: PMI is for Acute, Not Chronic or Pre-existing Conditions

It is vital to understand this fundamental principle of UK private medical insurance, regardless of which underwriting you choose.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair, or treatment for a new cancer diagnosis. This is what PMI is designed for.
  • Chronic Condition: An illness or disease that is long-lasting or recurring. It cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis, and eczema. Standard PMI does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.

Both Moratorium and FMU underwriting are designed to exclude pre-existing and chronic conditions from cover. The only difference is how they do it. An FMU policy will name the chronic condition as a specific exclusion. A moratorium policy will exclude it by default if you've had symptoms or treatment for it in the last five years.

The UK Private Health Insurance Market in 2025: Key Statistics

The demand for private medical insurance continues to grow as people seek to avoid long waits for NHS treatment.

  • NHS Waiting Lists: According to the latest NHS England data from late 2024, the number of people waiting for routine consultant-led hospital treatment stood at over 7.5 million. This unprecedented pressure on the NHS is a primary driver for the uptake of PMI.
  • PMI Uptake: The Association of British Insurers (ABI) notes that the number of people covered by health insurance policies has been steadily increasing. In 2023, pay-outs for private medical insurance hit a record high, demonstrating the value these policies provide to millions of UK residents.
  • Common Claims: The most common claims on PMI policies are for musculoskeletal issues (like joint replacements), cancer treatment, and diagnostic procedures (such as MRI and CT scans), allowing for rapid diagnosis and treatment planning.

These figures highlight the growing role of private health cover in the UK's healthcare landscape, making it more important than ever to choose the right policy and underwriting for your needs.

Making the Right Choice: How a Specialist Broker Like WeCovr Can Help

Choosing between Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting is a significant decision. You don't have to make it alone. A specialist, independent PMI broker like WeCovr provides impartial, expert guidance at no cost to you.

Our role is to:

  1. Understand Your Needs: We take the time to listen to your personal circumstances, health history, and what you want from a policy.
  2. Explain Your Options: We'll clearly explain the pros and cons of Moratorium and FMU as they apply to you.
  3. Compare the Market: We have access to policies from the UK's leading private health insurance providers and can find the most suitable and competitively priced options.
  4. Manage the Application: We help you through the application process, ensuring it's as smooth and stress-free as possible.

With high customer satisfaction ratings, our team is dedicated to finding you a policy that offers genuine peace of mind.

Proactive Health: Wellness Benefits and Healthy Living

While insurance is a crucial safety net, the best policy is always to stay as healthy as possible. Many modern PMI providers actively encourage this by including a range of wellness benefits with their policies, such as:

  • Discounted gym memberships
  • Access to digital GP services
  • Mental health support and therapy sessions
  • Health and wellness tracking apps
  • Annual health screenings

As a WeCovr client, you get more than just an insurance policy. We provide complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you stay on top of your health goals. Furthermore, customers who purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us are often eligible for discounts on other types of cover we arrange.

A few simple lifestyle habits can make a huge difference:

  • Balanced Diet: Aim for a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as recommended by the NHS Eatwell Guide.
  • Regular Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be a brisk walk, cycling, or swimming.
  • Quality Sleep: Prioritise 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support your physical and mental health.
  • Mind Your Mind: Don't neglect your mental wellbeing. Practices like mindfulness, talking to friends, or seeking professional support are signs of strength.

Do I need to declare mental health conditions on a private medical insurance application?

Yes, absolutely. If you are applying for a Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) policy, you must declare all past and present conditions, including mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or stress. Failing to do so is called non-disclosure and could invalidate your policy. On a moratorium policy, any mental health condition for which you've had symptoms or sought advice in the last 5 years would be automatically excluded for the initial 2-year waiting period.

What happens if I forget to declare a condition on a Full Medical Underwriting policy?

This is known as non-disclosure. If the insurer discovers you innocently forgot to declare a minor condition, they may simply add a new exclusion to your policy. However, if it's a significant condition and they believe you deliberately withheld the information, they have the right to cancel your policy from the start and refuse any claims. It is always best to be as thorough and honest as possible on your application.

Is one type of underwriting cheaper than the other?

Initially, a moratorium policy might appear slightly cheaper because the insurer has less administrative work to do upfront. However, the price difference is often minimal. For a policy with Full Medical Underwriting, you might find that having certain conditions excluded can sometimes result in a lower premium than a moratorium policy where the risk is less defined for the insurer. The best way to compare costs is to get like-for-like quotes for both underwriting types from a broker like WeCovr.

Can I switch from one underwriting type to another?

It's not usually possible to switch underwriting types on the same policy. However, when your policy is due for renewal, you could choose to switch to a new provider and select a different underwriting method. For example, if you've been on a moratorium policy for several years without issue, you might switch to a new FMU policy to gain clarity. Conversely, if you want a simpler renewal, you could switch to a new moratorium policy. A broker can advise on the best course of action at renewal time.

Your Next Step to a Healthier Future

Choosing between moratorium and full medical underwriting is the cornerstone of building a private medical insurance policy that works for you. One offers speed and simplicity; the other provides absolute clarity and peace of mind. Neither is inherently better—the right choice depends entirely on your personal health history and preferences.

Ready to find the right private health cover for your needs? Speak to the friendly experts at WeCovr today. We'll compare the UK market for you and find a policy that fits your life and budget—all at no cost to you.

[Get Your Free, No-Obligation PMI Quote Now]

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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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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.

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