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Moratorium vs Full Medical Underwriting Which Is Right for You

Moratorium vs Full Medical Underwriting Which Is Right for...

Choosing private medical insurance in the UK involves a key decision that shapes your entire policy: the underwriting path. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr knows this choice is crucial. This guide demystifies the two main options: Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting.

Contrast, scenarios, and real-life examples of choosing an underwriting path

Deciding between Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) is one of the most important steps when you take out a private health cover policy. It determines how the insurer assesses your medical history, what they will cover, and even how quickly your claims are processed.

Think of it like this:

  • Full Medical Underwriting is like having a detailed survey done on a house before you buy it. You know every single issue upfront.
  • Moratorium Underwriting is like buying a house with a standard clause that excludes any existing faults, but some might be fixed and covered later if they don't cause problems for a set period.

Throughout this guide, we'll explore real-life scenarios, provide clear comparisons, and give you the expert insights you need to choose the path that best protects your health and finances.

What is Underwriting in Private Medical Insurance?

Before we dive into the specifics, let's clarify what "underwriting" actually means. In simple terms, underwriting is the process an insurance company uses to evaluate risk. When you apply for private medical insurance (PMI), the insurer needs to understand your health status to work out the terms of your policy and the price of your premium.

The primary goal for the insurer is to assess the likelihood of you making a claim. This process is fundamental to how insurance works.

The Golden Rule of UK Private Medical Insurance

It is absolutely vital to understand a core principle of the UK PMI market:

Standard private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a joint replacement, cataract surgery, or hernia repair).

PMI does not typically cover pre-existing conditions (health issues you already had before taking out the policy) or chronic conditions. A chronic condition is a long-term health issue that needs ongoing management rather than a cure (e.g., diabetes, asthma, arthritis, or high blood pressure). Management for these conditions rightly remains the responsibility of our cherished NHS.

Understanding this distinction is key to having the right expectations for your private health cover.

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) Explained

Full Medical Underwriting is a process where you provide the insurer with a comprehensive overview of your medical history at the point of application. It's the more traditional and detailed of the two main underwriting methods.

How Does FMU Work?

  1. Health Questionnaire: You will be required to fill out a detailed application form. This will ask specific questions about your health, lifestyle, and medical history, as well as that of your family. You must answer every question truthfully and completely.
  2. Information Gathering: You'll need to disclose any consultations, tests, treatments, or advice you have received for any condition in the past. Be prepared to recall dates and details.
  3. GP Report (Optional): In some cases, the insurer may ask for your consent to contact your GP for more information or to see your medical records. This helps them verify the information you've provided.
  4. Personalised Exclusions: Based on this information, the insurer will give you a definitive list of what is and what isn't covered from day one. These exclusions are tailored specifically to you and are usually permanent for the life of the policy.

Pros and Cons of Full Medical Underwriting

Pros of FMUCons of FMU
✅ Total Clarity: You know exactly where you stand from the start. No nasty surprises when you need to make a claim.❌ Time-Consuming: The application process can be long and requires significant effort to complete accurately.
✅ Potentially Lower Premiums: If you are in good health with a clean medical history, FMU can often result in a cheaper policy because the insurer views you as a lower risk.❌ Intrusive: You have to disclose sensitive and personal medical information.
✅ Faster Claims: Because all the investigative work is done upfront, the claims process is generally much quicker and smoother.❌ Permanent Exclusions: Any condition the insurer decides to exclude will almost certainly be excluded for good.

Real-Life Example: When is FMU a Good Choice?

Meet Sarah, 32. Sarah is a fit and healthy marketing manager. She hasn't seen a doctor for anything other than a routine check-up in over a decade. She wants the peace of mind of knowing exactly what her policy covers and is keen to get the lowest possible premium.

Sarah chooses Full Medical Underwriting. She spends an hour filling out the health declaration, confirming she has no pre-existing conditions. The insurer approves her application quickly with no exclusions. Her claims process will be straightforward, and she benefits from a premium that is around 10% lower than an equivalent moratorium policy.

Moratorium Underwriting Explained

Moratorium underwriting is the most common type offered in the UK today. It's a much faster and less intrusive way to get private health cover, as you don't need to complete a medical questionnaire.

How Does a Moratorium Work?

Instead of asking you about your health history, a moratorium policy automatically excludes any medical conditions for which you have experienced symptoms, received treatment, or sought advice in the five years prior to your policy start date.

This exclusion isn't necessarily permanent. The "moratorium" is a waiting period. Here’s how it typically works for most insurers:

  1. The Look-Back Period: The insurer looks back 5 years from your policy start date.
  2. The Moratorium Period: You must then go for a continuous two-year period after your policy has started without having any symptoms, treatment, medication, or advice for that specific pre-existing condition.
  3. Coverage Begins: If you successfully complete this two-year clear period, that condition may become eligible for cover under the terms of your policy.

It's crucial to check the insurer's specific wording. Some policies use a "rolling moratorium," where seeking advice for a related condition can reset the two-year clock. A good PMI broker can help you understand these subtle but important differences.

Pros and Cons of Moratorium Underwriting

Pros of MoratoriumCons of Moratorium
✅ Quick and Simple: You can often get cover in place the same day without filling out lengthy forms.❌ Lack of Certainty: You won't know for sure if a condition is covered until you make a claim.
✅ Less Intrusive: You don't have to disclose your entire medical history upfront, preserving your privacy.❌ Slower Claims Process: The insurer will investigate your medical history at the point of claim, which can cause delays and added stress.
✅ Potential Future Cover: It offers a pathway for some pre-existing conditions to become covered after the two-year moratorium.❌ Potentially Higher Premiums: The insurer is taking on an unknown risk, so premiums can sometimes be slightly higher than an equivalent FMU policy for a healthy person.

Real-Life Example: When is Moratorium a Good Choice?

Meet David, 48. David is a self-employed builder. He tweaked his shoulder playing tennis about three years ago, had one physio session, and it hasn't bothered him since. He can't remember the exact dates and doesn't want the hassle of digging through his records.

David chooses a Moratorium policy. His shoulder issue is automatically excluded from day one. However, if his shoulder remains completely trouble-free for the first two years of his policy, he can then make a claim for it if a new problem arises. This gives him a quick start to his policy and a chance for future cover.

Direct Comparison: Moratorium vs Full Medical Underwriting

To help you decide, here is a head-to-head comparison of the two underwriting options.

FeatureMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Application ProcessVery fast. No medical questionnaire.Slow and detailed. Requires a full health declaration.
Upfront CertaintyLow. You only find out what's excluded when you claim.High. You receive a clear list of exclusions from day one.
PremiumsCan be slightly higher to account for unknown risk.Can be lower if you have a clean bill of health.
Claims ProcessSlower. The insurer investigates your medical history at the time of claim.Faster. Underwriting is already complete, so eligibility is clear.
Pre-existing ConditionsAutomatically excluded for a set period. May become eligible for cover after a 2-year clear period.Declared upfront and typically excluded permanently.
PrivacyHigh. No need to disclose medical history at the start.Low. Requires full disclosure of sensitive health information.
Best For...People who want a quick start, value privacy, or have minor, historic conditions they hope to cover later.People in good health who want certainty and the lowest possible premium, or those with complex histories who need clarity on exclusions.

Which Underwriting Path is Right for You? Key Scenarios

The best choice for you depends entirely on your personal circumstances, your health history, and what you value most in a policy.

Scenario 1: The Young and Healthy Professional

  • Profile: 28 years old, no significant medical history, non-smoker.
  • Priority: Lowest possible cost and absolute certainty about cover.
  • Best Choice: Full Medical Underwriting (FMU). By proving their low-risk status, they can lock in a lower premium and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with zero ambiguity.

Scenario 2: The Person with a Minor, Past Injury

  • Profile: 50 years old, sprained an ankle 4 years ago but has had no issues since.
  • Priority: Simplicity and the potential for the old injury to be covered in the future.
  • Best Choice: Moratorium. The application is hassle-free. The ankle is excluded initially, but after two years of the policy being active with no ankle-related issues, it could become eligible for cover.

Scenario 3: The Person with a More Complex Medical History

  • Profile: 55 years old, had investigations for chest pains 18 months ago (which turned out to be muscular) and has a history of acid reflux.
  • Priority: Clarity. They need to know what will happen if they have cardiac or digestive symptoms in the future.
  • Best Choice: Full Medical Underwriting (FMU). A moratorium policy would create huge uncertainty. A claim for anything remotely related to these issues would trigger a lengthy investigation and likely be declined. With FMU, the insurer will state clearly that "any condition related to the heart or oesophagus" is excluded. While disappointing, this clarity is crucial for financial planning and managing expectations.

Scenario 4: Switching Insurance Providers

  • Profile: 60 years old, has been with an insurer for 10 years on an FMU policy and now wants to find a better deal.
  • Priority: Maintaining cover for conditions that have developed while insured.
  • Best Choice: Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) underwriting. This is a third option available only when switching. It allows you to carry over your existing underwriting terms, ensuring no new exclusions are added for conditions that have arisen while you were covered by your previous policy. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr is invaluable for navigating a CPME switch, as it can be complex.

The Role of a PMI Broker in Navigating Underwriting

Choosing the right underwriting path and the best PMI provider can feel overwhelming. The definitions and rules can vary between insurers, and the long-term consequences of your choice are significant.

This is where an independent and FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr becomes your most valuable asset.

An expert broker provides:

  1. Personalised Advice: We take the time to understand your unique health history and priorities to recommend the best underwriting path for you.
  2. Market Comparison: We compare policies and prices from the UK's leading insurers, ensuring you get the best value.
  3. Application Support: We help you complete your application accurately, whether it's a detailed FMU form or navigating a switch.
  4. No Extra Cost: Our expert service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get impartial advice without any hidden fees.

With high customer satisfaction ratings, WeCovr is committed to making the process of securing private medical insurance UK clear, simple, and effective.

Beyond Underwriting: Building a Healthy Lifestyle

While insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best strategy is always to proactively manage your health. A healthy lifestyle not only improves your quality of life but can also help keep your insurance premiums more manageable over the long term.

  • Balanced Diet: Aim for at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, limit processed foods, and stay well-hydrated. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered app to help you track your nutrition effortlessly.
  • Regular Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise (like running or tennis) per week.
  • Quality Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal physical and mental health. A consistent sleep schedule is key.
  • Mental Wellbeing: Make time for activities that reduce stress, such as mindfulness, yoga, or spending time in nature. Many PMI policies now include access to mental health support services.

Furthermore, when you purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy through WeCovr, you can also benefit from discounts on other types of essential cover, helping you protect your family's entire financial future.


Do I have to declare a minor illness from years ago on a Full Medical Underwriting form?

Yes, you must be completely honest and answer all questions on an FMU application to the best of your ability. Withholding information, even if it seems minor or happened a long time ago, is known as 'non-disclosure'. This could lead to your insurer voiding your policy and refusing to pay claims, leaving you without cover when you need it most. It's always best to declare it and let the insurer decide on its relevance.

If a pre-existing condition becomes covered under my moratorium policy, will my premium increase?

Your premium is unlikely to increase simply because a condition has become eligible for cover. However, all private medical insurance premiums tend to rise each year due to your age and 'medical inflation' (the rising cost of private treatment). If you make a claim for that newly-eligible condition, it could affect your no-claims discount at renewal, which would then lead to a higher premium.

What is the difference between a pre-existing condition and a chronic condition?

A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury you had *before* your policy started. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that requires ongoing management rather than a cure (like diabetes or asthma). Standard UK private medical insurance is designed for new, acute conditions. Both pre-existing and chronic conditions are typically excluded from cover, though a pre-existing condition might become eligible under a moratorium policy after a set period. Chronic conditions are almost always excluded.

Find the Right Path for You

The choice between moratorium and full medical underwriting is personal. It’s a balance of speed versus certainty, and privacy versus potential cost savings. With NHS waiting lists for elective treatment in England remaining a concern for millions, securing the right private cover has never been more important.

Ready to explore your private medical insurance options? The expert team at WeCovr can provide a free, no-obligation comparison of the UK's leading insurers.

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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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