Login

NHS General Practice Sees Patient Satisfaction Improvements

NHS General Practice Sees Patient Satisfaction Improvements

As an FCA-authorised expert insurance broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr keeps a close eye on the UK health landscape. While many people explore private medical insurance for peace of mind, recent data shows promising improvements in NHS General Practice, a vital component of the nation's health.

ONS and survey data show improved access and experience, just as NHS digital transformation and neighbourhood health implementation gathers pace

Positive news has emerged from the front line of the UK's healthcare system. The latest GP Patient Survey, cross-referenced with data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), indicates a significant uptick in patient satisfaction with their local GP services. This welcome development suggests that recent NHS initiatives are beginning to bear fruit, making it easier for patients to access primary care.

According to the 2025 data, key areas of improvement include:

  • Overall Experience: 73.5% of patients reported a 'good' or 'very good' overall experience with their GP practice, an increase from 71.3% in the previous year.
  • Ease of Contact: The percentage of patients finding it 'easy' to get through to their practice by phone has risen to 55.1%, up from a low of 50.2%.
  • Satisfaction with Appointment: 85% of patients were satisfied with the appointment they were offered, whether it was face-to-face, by telephone, or online.

These figures paint a picture of a primary care system that is adapting and responding to public pressure and government investment. But what exactly is driving this change?

Metric2024 Survey Data2025 Survey DataChange
Overall 'Good' Experience71.3%73.5%▲ +2.2%
Ease of Getting Through by Phone50.2%55.1%▲ +4.9%
Helpfulness of Receptionists85.9%87.2%▲ +1.3%
Satisfaction with Appointment Type82.6%85.0%▲ +2.4%

What's Driving the Positive Change in NHS General Practice?

The recent improvements aren't happening by accident. They are the result of a concerted effort to modernise and streamline how GP services are delivered across the country. Three key initiatives are at the heart of this transformation.

1. The Rise of NHS Digital Transformation

The most visible change for many patients has been the digital-first approach. The NHS App has become a central hub for managing health, allowing patients to:

  • Book and manage appointments
  • Order repeat prescriptions
  • View their medical records
  • Submit online consultations (e-consults)

This digital front door has been a game-changer. By handling routine requests online, it frees up practice phone lines for more complex or urgent cases, directly addressing one of the biggest historical pain points for patients. E-consults allow patients to submit their symptoms and queries online, which are then reviewed by the practice team to determine the most appropriate next step, which may not always be a GP appointment.

2. The 'Modern General Practice Access' Model

Behind the scenes, the structure of general practice itself is evolving. The 'Modern General Practice Access' model aims to ensure patients see the right healthcare professional for their needs, at the right time. This means you might not always see a GP, and that's by design.

Your GP practice is now a multi-disciplinary team, including:

  • Clinical Pharmacists: who can manage long-term medication reviews and complex prescriptions.
  • First-Contact Physiotherapists: who you can see directly for musculoskeletal issues like back or joint pain, without needing a GP referral first.
  • Social Prescribing Link Workers: who can connect you with local services to help with non-medical issues affecting your health, such as loneliness, debt, or housing.
  • Advanced Nurse Practitioners: who can diagnose, treat, and prescribe for a wide range of conditions.

This team-based approach ensures GP appointments are reserved for those who truly need a doctor's expertise, while providing faster access to other specialists within the practice.

3. Neighbourhood Health and Integrated Care Systems (ICSs)

The NHS is also reorganising on a larger scale. Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) are partnerships that bring together NHS organisations, local authorities, and other community partners in a specific geographical area. The goal is to create a more joined-up health and care system.

By focusing on "neighbourhood health," ICSs aim to:

  • Improve population health and reduce health inequalities.
  • Provide better, more integrated care in the community.
  • Enhance productivity and value for money.

For patients, this means a greater focus on preventative care and managing long-term conditions closer to home, reducing the reliance on hospital services and easing the pressure on GPs.

Despite Improvements, Why Are People Still Turning to Private Medical Insurance?

While the improvements in GP access are fantastic news, they only address one part of the healthcare journey. General Practice is the 'front door' of the NHS. The challenge for many remains what happens after you've seen a GP – the long waits for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and planned surgery.

This is where the distinction between primary care (your GP) and secondary care (hospitals and specialists) becomes crucial. The positive statistics relate to primary care. However, NHS waiting lists for secondary care remain a significant concern.

As of mid-2025, NHS England data shows that the elective care waiting list still stands at over 6.5 million treatment pathways. While this is down from its peak, it still represents millions of people waiting for procedures.

ProcedureAverage NHS Waiting Time (2025)Typical Private Sector Wait Time
Hip or Knee Replacement40-52 weeks4-6 weeks
Cataract Surgery20-30 weeks2-4 weeks
Hernia Repair25-35 weeks3-5 weeks
Gynaecology Consultation18-24 weeks1-2 weeks
MRI/CT Scan6-10 weeks1-3 days

Note: NHS wait times can vary significantly by region and hospital trust.

It is this gap—the lengthy wait between a GP referral and receiving specialist treatment—that leads many to consider UK private medical insurance. They value the excellent care of their NHS GP but want the option to bypass secondary care queues if they develop a new, acute condition.

How Private Medical Insurance Complements the NHS

It's a common misconception that private health cover replaces the NHS. In reality, the two systems work together. Private medical insurance is designed to complement the free services provided by the NHS, not substitute them.

Here's how a typical patient journey works with PMI:

  1. Your NHS GP is your First Port of Call: You feel unwell and book an appointment at your local NHS practice, which is now easier to do.
  2. Diagnosis and Referral: Your GP diagnoses your issue. If it's an acute condition (a condition that is new, short-term, and curable) and requires specialist attention, they will write you a referral letter.
  3. Activate Your PMI Policy: You contact your private health insurer with your GP's referral.
  4. Fast-Track Specialist Care: Your insurer provides you with a choice of approved specialists and hospitals. You can often get an appointment within days or weeks, not months.
  5. Treatment and Recovery: You receive your consultation, diagnostics (like an MRI or CT scan), and any necessary treatment in a private facility, often with the comfort of a private room.
  6. Return to NHS Care: For any follow-up or ongoing management, you return to the care of your trusted NHS GP.

Crucial Information: What PMI Does and Doesn't Cover

Standard UK private medical insurance is designed for acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. It gives you fast access to diagnosis and treatment to get you back to your previous state of health.

It does not cover:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, in the years before your policy began.
  • Chronic conditions: Long-term illnesses that require ongoing management rather than a cure, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. These will always be managed by the NHS.
  • Emergency services (A&E) and routine maternity.

Understanding the Core Benefits of a UK Private Health Insurance Policy

So why do people choose to pay for a service that is free at the point of use? The benefits of a good private health cover plan centre on speed, choice, and comfort.

  • Speed of Access: This is the number one reason. Bypassing NHS waiting lists for eligible conditions means quicker diagnosis, faster treatment, and a swifter return to work and daily life.
  • Choice and Control: PMI gives you more control over your healthcare. You can often choose your consultant, select the hospital where you'll be treated, and schedule appointments at times that suit you.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Treatment in a private hospital typically means a private, en-suite room with a TV, better food choices, and more flexible visiting hours for your family.
  • Access to Specialist Drugs & Treatments: Some newer, more advanced drugs or treatments may not yet be approved for widespread NHS use due to cost-benefit analyses by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). A comprehensive PMI policy may provide cover for them.
  • Enhanced Mental Health Support: Many modern policies include extensive cover for mental health, offering faster access to therapies like CBT and counselling than is often available on the NHS.
  • Digital GP Services: Most insurers now offer their own 24/7 virtual GP service. These can provide instant access to a doctor for advice and prescriptions, often proving even quicker than the improved NHS digital offerings.
Patient Journey with Knee PainNHS PathwayPrivate Medical Insurance Pathway
Step 1: Initial ConsultationAppointment with NHS GP.Appointment with NHS GP (or insurer's Digital GP).
Step 2: ReferralGP refers to NHS orthopaedics.GP provides an open referral letter.
Step 3: Specialist WaitWait 20-30 weeks for an NHS consultant appointment.You call your insurer, who authorises an immediate private referral. See a consultant in 1-2 weeks.
Step 4: DiagnosticsConsultant orders an MRI. Wait 6-10 weeks for the scan.Consultant orders an MRI. Scan is done in 1-3 days.
Step 5: Treatment PlanFollow-up appointment to discuss results. If surgery is needed, you join the surgical waiting list. Wait 40-52 weeks.Follow-up appointment within a week of the scan. Surgery is scheduled for 3-5 weeks' time.
Total Time to TreatmentApprox. 66 - 92 weeksApprox. 4 - 8 weeks

The private medical insurance UK market can be confusing. With numerous providers, different levels of cover, and complex terminology, choosing the right policy can feel overwhelming. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr provides invaluable help.

Our role is to simplify the process for you. We:

  • Compare the Market: We have access to policies from all the leading UK providers, including Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, and Vitality.
  • Explain the Jargon: We'll help you understand the key decisions, such as the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting.
  • Tailor to Your Needs: We listen to your requirements and budget to find a policy that provides the right level of cover for you and your family.
  • Offer Our Service at No Cost: Our advice and support are completely free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer if you decide to proceed with a policy.

WeCovr has built a strong reputation for customer satisfaction by providing clear, unbiased advice to help clients make informed decisions.

Understanding Underwriting

One of the most important choices you'll make is the type of underwriting for your policy.

Underwriting TypeHow it WorksProsCons
Moratorium (Most Common)You don't declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer automatically excludes conditions you've had in the 5 years before joining. Cover for these may be added later if you remain symptom- and treatment-free for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts.Quick and easy to set up. Less intrusive paperwork.Can be uncertainty about what is covered until you make a claim.
Full Medical UnderwritingYou complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer assesses your history and states clearly from the start what is and isn't covered.Complete clarity on exclusions from day one. No ambiguity at the point of a claim.Application process is longer. Exclusions are often permanent.

An expert PMI broker can help you decide which option is best for your personal circumstances.

Wellness, Prevention, and Making the Most of Your Health Cover

Modern private health cover is about more than just treating you when you're ill. Increasingly, providers are focusing on wellness and prevention, rewarding members for staying healthy.

This proactive approach makes sense for everyone. By taking small steps to manage your health, you can reduce your risk of developing serious conditions in the future, which is good for you and helps keep insurance costs manageable.

Here are some simple wellness tips:

  • Nourish Your Body: Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Staying hydrated is also key. WeCovr clients get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to make this easier.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's vital for physical repair, mental health, and immune function.
  • Stay Active: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running) a week.
  • Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to unwind, whether it's through mindfulness, hobbies, or spending time in nature. Many PMI policies now include access to apps like Headspace or Calm.

When you purchase private medical insurance or life insurance through WeCovr, you may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect your family's finances in a more affordable way.


Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance policies are designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Conditions for which you have experienced symptoms, or received advice or treatment for, in the 5 years prior to taking out cover are typically excluded. With moratorium underwriting, these exclusions may be lifted if you remain symptom-free for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts.

Do I still need my NHS GP if I have private health insurance?

Yes, absolutely. Your NHS GP remains the cornerstone of your healthcare. You will need to see your GP for an initial diagnosis and to get a referral letter to see a private specialist. Your GP also manages any long-term chronic conditions and provides emergency care access, none of which are covered by private medical insurance. PMI works in partnership with the NHS, not as a replacement.

What is the difference between an acute and a chronic condition?

This is a critical distinction for health insurance. An **acute condition** is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery, such as a joint injury requiring surgery or a cataract. Private medical insurance is designed to cover these. A **chronic condition** is an illness that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management rather than a cure, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. Chronic conditions are managed by the NHS.

How much does private medical insurance cost in the UK?

The cost of a policy varies significantly based on several factors. These include your age, your location (premiums are often higher in London), the level of cover you choose (e.g., outpatient limits, cancer cover), and the excess you agree to pay. Basic policies can start from as little as £30-£40 per month for a young, healthy individual, while comprehensive plans for older individuals or families can be several hundred pounds per month. A broker can find the best value for your specific needs.

The improvements in NHS GP services are a positive step for everyone in the UK. However, the long waits for specialist care mean that private medical insurance remains a valuable and relevant option for individuals and families seeking faster treatment and greater peace of mind.

To explore your options and see how affordable private health cover can be, contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote from our team of friendly experts.


Related guides


Get A Free Quote

Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 900,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.


Learn more


...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.