Nuffield Private Health Insurance What People Mean and What to Check

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 14, 2026
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Nuffield Private Health Insurance What People Mean and What...

TL;DR

Searching for 'Nuffield Private Health Insurance' in the UK? You're not alone, but it's a search that uncovers a common point of confusion. At WeCovr, where our experts have helped arrange thousands of private medical insurance policies, we know that understanding the market is the first step.

Key takeaways

  • The real relationship between Nuffield Health and UK private medical insurance (PMI).
  • How to ensure the PMI policy you choose includes access to Nuffield's network of hospitals.
  • The key features of a health insurance policy you must check before you buy.
  • Common mistakes to avoid and how an expert broker can guide you.
  • Nuffield Health: The high-quality hospital where you have your surgery.

Searching for 'Nuffield Private Health Insurance' in the UK? You're not alone, but it's a search that uncovers a common point of confusion. At WeCovr, where our experts have helped arrange thousands of private medical insurance policies, we know that understanding the market is the first step. Nuffield Health is a top-tier hospital provider, not an insurer. This guide clarifies what your search really means and how to secure a policy that gives you access to their excellent facilities.

If you've been searching online for a "Nuffield private health insurance" policy, you've likely hit a wall. That's because you can't buy one directly. This article will explain the crucial difference between a healthcare provider (like Nuffield Health) and a health insurance company (like AXA, Bupa, or Vitality).

We'll break down:

  • The real relationship between Nuffield Health and UK private medical insurance (PMI).
  • How to ensure the PMI policy you choose includes access to Nuffield's network of hospitals.
  • The key features of a health insurance policy you must check before you buy.
  • Common mistakes to avoid and how an expert broker can guide you.

The goal is to move from a confusing search to a clear understanding, empowering you to find the right private health cover for your needs.

The Nuffield Health and Private Medical Insurance Connection Explained

Let's clear this up from the start: Nuffield Health is not a private medical insurance company.

Nuffield Health is one of the UK's leading not-for-profit healthcare organisations. They operate a large network of private hospitals, fitness and wellbeing centres, and medical clinics across the country. They are the provider of the treatment, not the payer.

Think of it like this:

  • Nuffield Health: The high-quality hospital where you have your surgery.
  • Your Insurer (e.g., AXA, Bupa): The company that pays the bill for your surgery.

A Bit of History: To add to the confusion, Nuffield Health did once have its own insurance division. However, this part of the business was sold to AXA Health in 2021. While this strengthens the partnership between AXA and Nuffield, it confirms that Nuffield Health no longer offers its own branded insurance policies to new customers.

The Key Takeaway: Your goal is not to find "Nuffield insurance". Your goal is to find a comprehensive private medical insurance policy from a major UK provider that includes Nuffield Health hospitals in its approved "hospital list".

How to Ensure Your PMI Policy Includes Nuffield Health Hospitals

This is the most important part of the puzzle. Access to specific hospitals isn't automatic; it's determined by the "hospital list" or "hospital network" included in your policy.

A hospital list is a directory of private hospitals and facilities that your insurer has agreed to cover treatment in. Insurers create these lists to manage costs and ensure quality standards.

Types of Hospital Lists

Insurers typically offer several tiers of hospital lists, which directly affect your premium:

  1. Restricted or Local Lists: These are the most basic and affordable options. They usually include a smaller selection of private hospitals and may exclude premium central London facilities or even some national groups like Nuffield Health to keep costs down.
  2. Standard or National Lists: This is the most common option. These lists provide excellent nationwide coverage and will almost always include the vast majority of Nuffield Health's 37 hospitals.
  3. Extended or Premium Lists: These are the most comprehensive and expensive lists. They include everything on the standard list plus elite, high-cost hospitals, particularly in Central London (e.g., The Lister, The London Clinic).

Checking Your Policy for Nuffield Access: A 3-Step Guide

  1. Scrutinise the Quote: When you receive a quote for private health cover, it must specify the hospital list it is based on. Don't just look at the price; look for names like "Expert Choice" (Bupa) or "Guided Hospital Choices" (AXA).
  2. Ask Your Broker Directly: The simplest way to get a definitive answer is to ask. A specialist PMI broker, like WeCovr, will check the network for you. You can simply say, "It's essential that my local Nuffield hospital in Cambridge is included," and we will filter the options to guarantee that.
  3. Read the Policy Documents: Before you finalise your purchase, you'll receive the policy wording and a guide that includes the full hospital list. Take a moment to check it for your preferred Nuffield Health location.

Insider Adviser Tip: A common mistake is choosing the cheapest policy available online without checking the hospital list. These "entry-level" plans often use restricted lists. You might save £10 a month, only to find out the convenient, high-quality Nuffield hospital down the road is not an option when you need it.

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Major UK Insurers and Their Relationship with Nuffield Health

All major UK private medical insurance providers have strong commercial relationships with Nuffield Health. It's a cornerstone of the private healthcare ecosystem. However, how you access them varies slightly depending on the insurer and the specific policy you choose.

Here's a simple breakdown of the main players:

InsurerTypical Nuffield AccessKey Considerations
AXA HealthExcellent. Nuffield is a core partner, especially since AXA acquired their insurance arm.Access is typically included in their standard "Guided" and "Comprehensive" hospital lists.
BupaExcellent. Nuffield Health is a key "Participating Hospital" within Bupa's networks.You must ensure you choose a list like "Extended Choice" rather than a more restricted option.
VitalityVery Good. Nuffield is widely available through Vitality's "HospitalCare" lists.Vitality uses a unique "Consultant Select" pathway which can influence hospital choice, but Nuffield is a primary partner.
The ExeterVery Good. Nuffield hospitals are included in their standard nationwide hospital list.The Exeter is known for its clear terms and straightforward access, making it a reliable choice for Nuffield coverage.
WPAVery Good. WPA's "Freedom" and "Premier" hospital lists provide broad access to Nuffield facilities.WPA has a strong reputation for customer service and claims handling.

Working with a broker like WeCovr allows you to compare quotes from all these leading insurers side-by-side, ensuring you get the best price for a policy that includes the hospital access you want.

What's the Difference? Nuffield Health Membership vs. Private Health Insurance

Another source of confusion is the difference between a Nuffield Health gym membership and private health insurance. They are completely different products serving different needs.

  • Nuffield Health Gym Membership: This is a subscription for fitness and wellbeing. It gives you access to their state-of-the-art gyms, swimming pools, fitness classes, and sometimes services like health assessments or physiotherapy at a member rate. It is not health insurance and does not pay for surgery or specialist consultations for illness.
  • Private Medical Insurance (PMI): This is an insurance policy that pays for the diagnosis and treatment of acute medical conditions. You use it when you fall ill or get injured and need specialist care, such as an MRI scan, a consultation with a cardiologist, or a hip replacement.

Here’s a clear comparison:

FeatureNuffield Health Gym MembershipPrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)
Primary PurposeProactive fitness, wellness, and prevention.Reactive treatment of acute medical conditions.
What's CoveredGyms, pools, classes, health check-ups.Specialist consultations, diagnostic scans, surgery, cancer care.
When You Use ItOn a regular basis to stay healthy.When you develop a new, treatable symptom and get a GP referral.
CostA predictable monthly membership fee.A monthly or annual insurance premium.
OutcomeImproved fitness and wellbeing.Faster access to diagnosis and private treatment.

You can have both! Many people use their Nuffield gym membership to stay fit and hold a PMI policy for peace of mind in case they need medical treatment.

Key Factors to Check When Choosing Your PMI Policy

To make an informed decision, you need to understand the core components of any UK PMI policy. Getting these right is just as important as checking the hospital list.

1. Underwriting Method

This determines how the insurer treats your previous medical history.

  • Moratorium (Most Common): You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before the policy started. However, if you go 2 full years on the policy without any issues relating to that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer reviews your history and explicitly states any conditions that will be permanently excluded from cover. This provides more certainty but can be more complex.

2. Core Cover vs. Optional Extras

PMI is built in layers.

  • Core Cover (Standard): This always covers in-patient and day-patient treatment. This means costs associated with having a hospital bed, including surgery, anaesthetists, scans, and drugs while admitted.
  • Optional Extras (At Extra Cost):
    • Out-patient Cover: This is the most important add-on. It pays for diagnostics and consultations before you are admitted to hospital (e.g., the initial MRI scan or specialist meeting that diagnoses the problem). Most comprehensive policies include this.
    • Therapies: Covers treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care.
    • Mental Health: Provides cover for consultations with psychiatrists and psychologists.
    • Dental and Optical: A less common add-on for routine check-ups and treatments.

3. The Excess

An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim each year. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your claim is for £5,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the remaining £4,750. A higher excess leads to a lower monthly premium.

4. Exclusions: What PMI Does NOT Cover

This is a critical point to understand. UK private medical insurance is designed for a specific purpose.

  • Chronic Conditions: PMI does not cover long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure).
  • Pre-existing Conditions: As explained under underwriting, conditions you had before taking out the policy are not covered, at least not initially.
  • Emergency Services: A&E is an NHS service. PMI does not cover emergency admissions.
  • Routine Pregnancy & Childbirth: Normal pregnancy is not covered, though complications may be.
  • Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Cosmetic Surgery, and Self-inflicted Injuries.

Private medical insurance is for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

A Real-Life Scenario: Sarah's Journey to Treatment at a Nuffield Hospital

Let's imagine Sarah, a 48-year-old marketing manager.

  1. The Problem: Sarah develops persistent, painful clicking in her knee. Her NHS GP suspects a cartilage tear and says the waiting list for an MRI is 18 weeks, with a further year for potential surgery.
  2. The Solution: Sarah has a private medical insurance policy with AXA Health, which she arranged through WeCovr. Her policy has a £500 out-patient limit and includes a comprehensive national hospital list.
  3. Taking Action:
    • She gets an open referral from her GP.
    • She calls AXA, explains the situation, and receives a claim authorisation number.
    • Her WeCovr adviser had already confirmed her local Nuffield Health hospital is on AXA's list.
    • She books a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon at the Nuffield for the following week.
  4. The Treatment:
    • The surgeon sees her and sends her for an MRI scan the same day in the same hospital. The scan confirms a meniscal tear.
    • Keyhole surgery is scheduled for two weeks later at the same Nuffield hospital.
    • The entire process, from GP visit to post-op recovery, takes less than a month. AXA Health pays the hospital and specialist bills directly, minus Sarah's £250 excess.

This scenario highlights the core value of PMI: speed, choice, and access to high-quality facilities like Nuffield Health.

How a PMI Broker like WeCovr Can Help

Navigating the private medical insurance market can be complex. Hospital lists, underwriting rules, and policy jargon can feel overwhelming. This is where an independent, unbiased broker like WeCovr adds significant value.

Here's how we help:

  • Market-Wide Comparison: We compare policies and prices from across the UK's leading insurers, not just one or two.
  • Expert Guidance: We listen to your needs. If access to Nuffield Health is your priority, we make that the focus of our search, ensuring any policy we recommend meets that requirement.
  • Clarifying the Fine Print: We are experts in reading policy documents. We check the hospital lists, excess options, and out-patient limits for you, explaining them in plain English.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, but this does not affect the premium you pay. You get expert advice and support without any extra fees.
  • Value-Added Benefits: As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. Furthermore, customers who take out PMI or Life Insurance with us can benefit from exclusive discounts on other types of cover.

Is Nuffield Health an insurance company?

No, Nuffield Health is not an insurance company. It is a leading UK not-for-profit organisation that operates a network of private hospitals, gyms, and wellbeing clinics. To receive treatment at a Nuffield Health hospital, you need a private medical insurance policy from an insurer like AXA, Bupa, or Vitality that includes Nuffield in its approved hospital network.

Does my Nuffield gym membership include private health insurance?

No, a Nuffield Health gym membership is for fitness and wellbeing purposes only. It gives you access to facilities like gyms and swimming pools. It does not cover the costs of private specialist consultations, diagnostic scans, or surgery for medical conditions. For that, you need a separate private medical insurance (PMI) policy.

How can I guarantee I can use a Nuffield hospital with my insurance?

To guarantee access to Nuffield Health hospitals, you must choose a private medical insurance policy with a "hospital list" that explicitly includes them. Most standard "national" lists from major UK insurers do. The best way to be certain is to work with an expert broker who can verify the network coverage for you before you buy. Avoid the cheapest, most restricted policies, as they may exclude major hospital groups.

What does private health insurance not cover?

Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover everything. Key exclusions typically include pre-existing conditions (illnesses you had before your policy started), chronic conditions that require long-term management (like diabetes or asthma), emergency treatment (A&E), routine pregnancy, and cosmetic surgery. PMI is specifically for new, acute conditions that can be resolved with treatment.

Ready to find the right private health cover that gives you access to Nuffield Health's excellent facilities? The team at WeCovr is here to help. Get a free, no-obligation quote today and let our experts compare the market for you, ensuring you get the perfect policy for your needs and budget.


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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.


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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 experienced 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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