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Most Popular Private Procedures in 2026

Most Popular Private Procedures in 2026 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we at WeCovr have a unique insight into the UK's private medical insurance (PMI) market. This article explores the most common treatments people are claiming for, giving you a clear picture of how PMI is being used in 2026.

Top treatments funded by insurance this year

The landscape of UK healthcare is continually evolving. While the NHS remains a cherished national institution, record-breaking waiting lists for diagnostics and elective surgery have led more people than ever to turn to private medical insurance. In 2026, we're seeing this trend accelerate, with policyholders using their cover for swift access to consultations, scans, and treatments that get them back to their lives sooner.

The procedures topping the charts this year fall into several clear categories:

  • Musculoskeletal (MSK) interventions to fix joint and back pain.
  • Rapid diagnostics to get quick and accurate answers.
  • Comprehensive cancer care, a core pillar of most PMI policies.
  • Mental health support, reflecting a growing national focus on wellbeing.
  • Specialised surgeries like cataract removal and heart procedures.

A crucial point to understand from the outset is that private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Standard PMI policies do not cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before taking out the policy) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma that require ongoing management rather than a cure).

Let's dive into the specific treatments that are defining private healthcare in 2026.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conditions: The Reigning Champions of Claims

It should come as no surprise that treatments for bones, joints, and muscles are the most common reason for a PMI claim. Our modern lifestyles, whether sedentary at a desk or highly active in sports, place significant strain on our bodies.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around one-third of the UK adult population is affected by an MSK condition like back pain or arthritis each year. When pain becomes debilitating, waiting for treatment isn't just an inconvenience; it can impact your ability to work, care for family, and enjoy life.

Why are MSK treatments so common on PMI?

  1. NHS Waiting Times: The wait for orthopaedic surgery on the NHS can be extensive. Latest NHS England data from 2025 showed that hundreds of thousands of patients were waiting over a year for routine elective surgery, with orthopaedics being one of the most pressured specialities.
  2. Desire for Choice: PMI offers the choice of a leading consultant and a hospital that is convenient for you.
  3. Impact on Quality of Life: Chronic pain from a hip, knee, or back issue severely affects daily living, making a swift private solution highly desirable.

Here are the top three MSK interventions we see funded through private health cover:

  1. Hip and Knee Replacements (Arthroplasty)

    • What it is: A surgical procedure to replace a damaged joint, usually due to osteoarthritis, with a high-tech artificial one.
    • Why go private? Speed is the primary driver. A patient in their 60s facing an 18-month NHS wait can often be seen, diagnosed, and operated on within 6-8 weeks privately. This prevents muscle wastage and a decline in overall health while waiting.
  2. Spinal Surgery (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy)

    • What it is: Procedures to relieve pressure on nerves in the spine, often caused by a slipped disc or spinal stenosis. This pressure can cause severe back pain and sciatica.
    • Why go private? Access to specialist neurosurgeons and advanced spinal units without a long delay is a major benefit. Getting this type of pain resolved quickly can be life-changing.
  3. Knee Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)

    • What it is: A minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon uses a tiny camera to look inside the knee joint. It's used to diagnose and treat issues like torn cartilage (meniscus) or ligament damage.
    • Why go private? The recovery time is much faster than traditional open surgery, and going private means you can get it done swiftly after an injury, which is crucial for athletes or physically active individuals.
ProcedureTypical NHS Wait (Referral to Treatment)Average Private Wait Time
Hip Replacement40 - 78 weeks6 - 8 weeks
Knee Replacement42 - 80 weeks6 - 8 weeks
Spinal Decompression35 - 70 weeks4 - 6 weeks

Note: NHS wait times based on 2025 data and can vary significantly by region. Private wait times are typical estimates.

Cancer Care: The Cornerstone of Comprehensive PMI

While nobody wants to think about it, a cancer diagnosis is one of life's most challenging moments. This is where private medical insurance truly demonstrates its value. All major UK PMI providers offer extensive cancer cover as a core component of their comprehensive policies.

The Private Cancer Care Advantage

The NHS provides excellent cancer care. However, PMI offers additional benefits that provide peace of mind and control during a difficult time:

  • Access to Specialist Drugs: PMI policies may fund new or experimental drugs and targeted therapies that are not yet approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) or available on the NHS.
  • Choice of Oncologist: You can choose a leading cancer specialist or get a second opinion.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Treatment is often delivered in a private hospital room, offering a more comfortable and less stressful environment.
  • Reduced Waiting: While cancer is an urgent priority for the NHS, PMI can still speed up access to initial consultations, scans, and the start of treatment.

Common Cancer Treatments Funded by PMI

  • Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy: The foundational treatments for many cancers, fully covered by comprehensive policies.
  • Surgical Oncology: The surgical removal of tumours.
  • Targeted Therapies & Immunotherapy: Advanced treatments that target specific cancer cells or use the body's own immune system to fight the disease.
  • Ancillary Care: This includes costs for consultations, diagnostic tests (like PET scans), and sometimes even wigs, prostheses, and counselling.

A Critical Note on Cancer Cover: It's vital to understand that PMI covers a cancer diagnosis that occurs after you have taken out the policy. It will not cover pre-existing cancers or any related symptoms you had before your cover began. This is why getting a policy in place when you are healthy is so important.

Diagnostic Scans and Tests: Getting Answers Quickly

One of the most frustrating aspects of healthcare can be the "waiting game" – waiting for a test or scan that will tell you what's wrong. This is perhaps the single most-used benefit of private medical insurance.

Why Speed Matters in Diagnostics

Lengthy waits for diagnostic tests are a major issue in the UK. According to 2025 NHS data, hundreds of thousands of people were waiting more than the six-week target for key diagnostic tests. Delays can lead to:

  • Increased Anxiety: The uncertainty of not knowing is a huge source of stress.
  • Worsening Conditions: A delay in diagnosis can mean a delay in treatment, potentially leading to poorer outcomes.
  • Delayed Pain Relief: You can't treat a problem until you know what it is.

PMI allows you to bypass these queues. If your GP refers you for a scan, you can often get it done at a private hospital or clinic within a few days.

The Most Funded Diagnostic Procedures

  1. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scans: The gold standard for detailed images of soft tissues. Hugely popular for investigating joint pain (knees, shoulders), spinal problems (slipped discs), and neurological symptoms.
  2. CT (Computed Tomography) Scans: Uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body. Often used for investigating abdominal pain, chest problems, or after an injury.
  3. Ultrasound Scans: Uses sound waves to see inside the body. Commonly used for gynaecological issues, abdominal problems, and assessing lumps.
  4. Endoscopy / Colonoscopy: A camera on a thin tube is used to look inside the digestive tract. It's the key investigation for issues like persistent acid reflux, stomach pain, changes in bowel habits, and screening for bowel cancer.
Diagnostic TestTypical Private Cost (2026 Estimate)Typical Private Wait Time
MRI Scan£400 - £8002 - 5 days
CT Scan£500 - £9002 - 5 days
Endoscopy£1,500 - £2,5001 - 2 weeks
Colonoscopy£2,000 - £3,0001 - 2 weeks

A Rise in Mental Health Support

The UK has made huge strides in de-stigmatising mental health, and insurance providers have responded. Previously a limited benefit, mental health cover is now a significant and popular component of many mid-range and comprehensive PMI policies.

Shifting Attitudes and Growing Need

Recent ONS data shows that rates of depression and anxiety remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. People are more willing to seek help, but access to NHS talking therapies (like CBT) can involve long waits.

PMI can provide a crucial lifeline, offering fast access to professional support.

What Mental Health Cover Typically Includes

Cover varies significantly between providers and policy levels, but often includes:

  • Initial Psychiatric Assessment: A consultation with a psychiatrist to diagnose a condition and recommend a treatment plan.
  • Talking Therapies: A set number of sessions (e.g., 8-10) with a psychologist or counsellor for treatments like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
  • In-Patient or Day-Patient Care: For more severe conditions requiring intensive treatment in a hospital setting.

It's important to check the specifics of your policy, as some have limits on the total value of mental health treatment or the number of therapy sessions covered per year. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you compare these nuanced benefits to find a policy that meets your needs.

Other Notable Procedures Gaining Traction in 2026

Beyond the "big four," several other procedures are frequently funded by private medical insurance UK policies.

Ophthalmology: Cataract Surgery

  • What it is: A simple, quick procedure to replace the eye's cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial one, restoring vision.
  • Why go private? While effective, NHS waits for cataract surgery can be long. Privately, you can have the procedure done in weeks. Crucially, private providers also offer a choice of advanced multifocal or toric lenses, which can correct astigmatism or give you good vision at multiple distances, potentially reducing your reliance on glasses. These premium lenses are not typically available on the NHS.

Cardiology: Investigations and Interventions

  • What it is: Procedures to diagnose and treat heart conditions. This includes angiograms (to look at blood vessels) and angioplasty (to open a blocked artery with a stent).
  • Why go private? For non-emergency cardiac symptoms, PMI offers rapid access to a cardiologist and the necessary investigations, providing quick reassurance or a speedy treatment plan.

Gastroenterology: Managing Flare-Ups

  • What it is: Treatment for digestive system disorders. While PMI doesn't cover the day-to-day management of chronic conditions like Crohn's disease, it will cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute flare-ups, often including a hospital stay to get the condition back under control.

A Crucial Reminder: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

It is essential to understand this distinction.

  • Acute Condition: Your policy will cover this. It's a condition that comes on suddenly, has a limited duration, and is expected to be resolved with treatment. Examples: a broken bone, appendicitis, a joint requiring replacement, a new cancer diagnosis.
  • Chronic Condition: Your policy will not cover this for long-term management. It's a condition that is long-lasting and cannot be cured, only managed. Examples: diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, established Crohn's disease.

PMI may cover the initial diagnosis of a chronic condition, but once it is diagnosed and a long-term management plan is in place, the care typically reverts to the NHS.


How to Ensure Your Policy Covers These Procedures

Having private health insurance is one thing; having the right policy is another. Here’s what to look for to ensure you’re covered for the treatments that matter most.

1. Understanding Your Policy Level

Insurers typically offer three tiers:

  • Basic: Covers in-patient and day-patient treatment only. Diagnostics and consultations may not be included.
  • Mid-Range: The most popular choice. Covers everything in 'Basic' plus a set limit for outpatient services (like scans and specialist consultations).
  • Comprehensive: Covers everything above with much higher (or unlimited) outpatient limits, and often includes more extensive mental health and dental/optical benefits.

2. Check Your Outpatient Limits

This is critical for getting a speedy diagnosis. A policy with no or a very low outpatient limit (e.g., £500) may not be sufficient to cover a consultation (£250) and an MRI scan (£400-£800). A limit of £1,000-£1,500 is often a good balance.

3. Choose the Right Hospital List

Providers offer different lists of hospitals where you can have your treatment. A cheaper policy might use a more restricted list. Ensure the list includes hospitals that are reputable and convenient for you.

4. Use an Expert PMI Broker

The UK PMI market is complex, with dozens of policies from providers like Aviva, AXA Health, Bupa, and Vitality. Each has different strengths, weaknesses, and policy wording.

This is where a broker like WeCovr is invaluable. Our job is to understand your needs, budget, and health priorities. We then compare the entire market for you, explaining the key differences in plain English. We help you find the best PMI provider and the most suitable policy, ensuring you're not paying for cover you don't need or missing a benefit that's crucial to you. This service comes at no cost to you.

Beyond Treatment: The Value-Added Benefits of Modern PMI

In 2026, the best private health cover is about more than just paying for hospital stays. It's about proactive health and wellbeing.

  • Digital GP Services: Most policies now include 24/7 access to a virtual GP via phone or video call. This is incredibly convenient for getting quick advice, prescriptions, and referrals.
  • Wellness Programmes: Many providers offer discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and health screenings. Some even reward you for staying active.
  • Exclusive WeCovr Perks: When you arrange your PMI policy through us, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you manage your diet and health goals. Furthermore, our clients often receive discounts on other insurance products, such as life or income protection cover.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Pre-existing conditions (any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, in the five years before joining) are typically excluded, at least initially. Some policies may cover them again after you have been treatment-free and symptom-free for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts.

Is it worth getting private health insurance if I have the NHS?

This is a personal choice that depends on your priorities and financial situation. The NHS provides excellent emergency and critical care. Private health insurance is a complementary service that offers speed, choice, and comfort for non-emergency (elective) treatments. If you value bypassing long waiting lists for things like hip replacements, cataract surgery, or diagnostic scans, and want more control over your choice of specialist and hospital, then PMI can be extremely worthwhile.

Can I choose my own surgeon with private health insurance?

Yes, in most cases. One of the primary benefits of private health insurance is the ability to choose your specialist or consultant, provided they work within your insurer's network of recognised professionals. Your policy will also have a specific hospital list, giving you a choice of facilities for your treatment. A broker can help you select a policy with a hospital list and consultant network that suits your needs.

How much does private medical insurance cost in the UK?

The cost of private medical insurance varies widely based on several factors: your age, your location, your medical history, the level of cover you choose (e.g., outpatient limits), and the excess you agree to pay. A policy for a young, healthy individual might start from as little as £30-£40 per month, while comprehensive cover for an older person could be over £150 per month. The best way to get an accurate figure is to get a personalised quote.

Ready to explore your options and see how private medical insurance can give you peace of mind?

Our expert team at WeCovr is here to help. We provide free, impartial advice and personalised quotes to help you navigate the market and find the perfect cover for your needs and budget.

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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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