Login

Optimising Your Health Insurance Renewal Tips to Cut Premiums

Optimising Your Health Insurance Renewal Tips to Cut...

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies arranged, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance market inside out. This guide provides actionable tips to review your policy and control rising costs, ensuring you get the best value from your private health cover without overpaying.

Annual review checklist and negotiation strategies to stop inflation hikes

The dreaded renewal letter arrives, and your premium has jumped again. It’s a frustratingly common experience for the millions of Britons with private medical insurance (PMI). But you don't have to passively accept every price hike. With a structured annual review and smart negotiation strategies, you can take control of your renewal and potentially slash hundreds of pounds from your premium.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly why your premiums rise and provide a step-by-step checklist to challenge those increases and optimise your cover for the year ahead.

Understanding Why Your Health Insurance Premium Increases Annually

Before you can tackle a price rise, it helps to understand what's driving it. Insurers aren't just picking numbers out of a hat; several factors combine to push your premium upwards each year.

  • Medical Inflation: This is the biggest driver. The cost of new drugs, advanced diagnostic equipment (like MRI scanners), and pioneering surgical techniques rises much faster than general inflation (CPI). While general inflation might be 2-3%, medical inflation in the UK typically runs between 8% and 12% annually. Your insurer passes this increased cost of treatment on to you.
  • Your Age: It's a simple actuarial fact: as we get older, our risk of needing medical treatment increases. Insurers adjust your premium each year to reflect this. The increases are usually modest in your 30s and 40s but can become more significant in your 50s, 60s, and beyond.
  • Your Claims History: If you've made a claim in the previous year, your insurer may see you as a higher risk, leading to a "claims-rated loading" on your premium. Conversely, if you haven't claimed, you may see your No Claims Discount increase, which can help offset other rises.
  • Insurance Premium Tax (IPT): This is a tax levied by the UK government on all general insurance policies, including PMI. The standard rate is currently 12%. Any increase in your base premium also means you pay more tax.

Your Annual Health Insurance Renewal Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Don't just file your renewal notice away. Treat it as an annual financial health check-up. Set aside an hour to go through these steps at least three to four weeks before your renewal date.

Step 1: Scrutinise Your Renewal Documents

Your renewal pack is more than just a bill. It contains vital information about your cover for the next 12 months. Look closely for:

  • The New Premium: Compare it to last year's. What is the percentage increase?
  • Schedule of Cover: Have any benefits changed? Insurers sometimes tweak policies, reducing cover for certain treatments or changing limits.
  • New Endorsements: An endorsement is a clause that alters the standard policy terms. Check for any new ones that might restrict your cover.
  • No Claims Discount (NCD) Level: Has it been applied correctly? Did it go up (if you didn't claim) or down/reset (if you did)?

Step 2: Review Your Personal Circumstances

Has your life changed in the last year? Certain lifestyle changes can lead to a lower premium if you declare them.

  • Have you stopped smoking? Smokers pay significantly more for health insurance. If you've quit for more than 12 months, inform your insurer or broker.
  • Have you moved home? Your postcode affects your premium, as it's linked to the cost of private hospitals in your area. Moving away from a major city, particularly London, can sometimes reduce your premium.
  • Has your job changed? If you've moved to a less physically demanding role, it might (in rare cases) affect your risk profile.

Step 3: Assess Your Level of Cover

The policy that was perfect for you five years ago might not be right for you today. Are you paying for benefits you no longer need?

  • Outpatient Cover: Do you have a full refund, or a limit (e.g., £1,000)? Could you reduce this limit to save money?
  • Therapies: Do you need extensive cover for physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic treatment?
  • Optional Extras: Are you paying for add-ons like dental, optical, or travel cover that you could get cheaper elsewhere or don't use?
  • Mental Health: This is an increasingly valuable benefit, but it adds to the cost. Review your level of cover and decide if it's still appropriate for your needs.

Step 4: Compare the Market with an Independent Broker

This is the single most effective action you can take. Never automatically accept your renewal quote without seeing what other providers can offer. An independent broker, like WeCovr, can do this for you quickly and efficiently.

  • Whole-of-Market Access: A broker has access to policies and prices from across the UK market, including major players like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality.
  • Expert Advice: Switching isn't always straightforward, especially concerning pre-existing conditions. A broker can advise on the best way to switch (e.g., using 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' underwriting) to maintain cover.
  • No Cost to You: Reputable brokers earn their commission from the insurer you choose, so their expert advice and market comparison service is free for you.

8 Proven Strategies to Cut Your Private Medical Insurance Premium

Once you've completed your review, it's time to take action. Here are the most effective levers you can pull to reduce your premium.

1. Increase Your Policy Excess

The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim each year. By agreeing to a higher excess, you share more of the initial risk with the insurer, who will reward you with a lower premium.

Excess LevelTypical Annual Premium Saving
£0Baseline Premium
£100~5-10% Saving
£250~15-20% Saving
£500~25-30% Saving
£1,000~35-45% Saving

Example: If your renewal quote is £1,500 with a £100 excess, increasing your excess to £500 could reduce your premium to around £1,125 – a saving of £375.

2. Tailor Your Hospital List

Insurers group UK private hospitals into tiers. A comprehensive list that includes expensive central London hospitals (like The London Clinic or Cromwell Hospital) costs the most. You can make significant savings by opting for a more restricted list.

Hospital List OptionDescriptionImpact on Premium
Full National List + LondonAccess to all UK hospitals, including prime central London facilities.Highest Premium
Full National ListAccess to a wide network of hospitals across the UK, excluding the most expensive London ones.Medium-High Premium
Regional / Local NetworkAccess to a curated list of hospitals in your local area or a specific network (e.g., Spire, Nuffield Health).Medium-Low Premium
Trust NetworkAccess only to private patient units within NHS Trust hospitals.Lowest Premium

Consider where you would realistically want to be treated. If you live in Manchester, do you really need to pay for access to a hospital in Chelsea?

3. Introduce a 'Six-Week Option'

This is one of the most popular ways to reduce your private medical insurance UK costs. With a six-week option, if the NHS waiting list for the inpatient treatment you need is less than six weeks, you agree to be treated by the NHS. If the wait is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in immediately.

Given that the median NHS waiting time for consultant-led treatment was 14.7 weeks in August 2024 (according to NHS England data), this option often provides a "best of both worlds" safety net. It can reduce your premium by 20-30% while still protecting you from the longest waits.

4. Re-evaluate Your Outpatient Cover

Outpatient cover pays for consultations and diagnostics that don't require a hospital bed. This is often where a large portion of the premium cost lies.

  • Full Cover: Covers all specialist consultations and diagnostic tests (e.g., MRI, CT scans) in full. This is the most expensive.
  • Capped Cover: You choose a limit, for example £500, £1,000, or £1,500 per year. This provides a good balance between cost and cover.
  • No Cover: You would self-fund all outpatient consultations and tests, only using your PMI for actual inpatient treatment. This offers the biggest saving but carries more personal financial risk.

5. Pay Annually Instead of Monthly

If you can afford to, paying your premium in one annual lump sum can save you money. Most insurers add an interest charge or administrative fee for spreading the cost over 12 monthly direct debits, which can add 5-10% to the total price.

6. Review Your Underwriting

This is a more complex area where broker advice is invaluable. If you are in good health and haven't had any new medical issues, you might consider switching insurers. A new insurer will assess your risk from scratch.

  • Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common type for new policies. It automatically excludes treatment for any pre-existing conditions you've had symptoms, medication, or advice for in the last 5 years. 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 may place specific, permanent exclusions on your policy for any conditions you declare.

Switching can reset the clock on your underwriting, which is why it's crucial to get expert advice from a firm like WeCovr to ensure you don't inadvertently lose cover.

7. Stay Healthy and Use Wellness Benefits

Many of the best PMI providers now actively reward you for living a healthy lifestyle.

  • Vitality is famous for its programme, which offers Apple Watches, cinema tickets, and coffee for tracking your activity.
  • Aviva and Bupa have similar schemes with gym discounts and health tracking apps.

Engaging with these programmes can not only earn you rewards that offset your premium but also potentially lead to better renewal terms in the long run. As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you on your wellness journey.

8. Negotiate with Your Current Insurer

Armed with a cheaper quote from a competitor, you are in a much stronger position. Call your current insurer's renewal department (or ask your broker to do it for you).

  • State that you are considering leaving due to the price increase.
  • Present the competitor's quote (for a like-for-like policy).
  • Ask them if they can match it or offer a discount to retain your business.
  • Often, they have a "retention team" with the authority to offer discounts to stop loyal customers from leaving.

The Critical Role of a Health Insurance Broker

Navigating the renewal process can feel overwhelming. This is where an independent PMI broker becomes your most valuable asset. A specialist broker works for you, not the insurance company.

Benefits of Using a Broker like WeCovr:

  1. Market-Wide Comparison: We compare policies from all leading UK insurers to find the best terms and price for your specific needs.
  2. Expert Negotiation: We handle the negotiations with your current and potential new insurers, using our industry knowledge to secure the best possible deal. We know the 'wiggle room' each insurer has.
  3. Complex Switch Management: If switching is the right move, we manage the application process and advise on the right underwriting to protect your continuity of cover as much as possible.
  4. No Cost & Impartial: Our service is completely free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so our advice is always focused on your best interests. We enjoy very high customer satisfaction ratings because we put our clients first.

Beyond Premiums: Maximising the Value of Your PMI

While cutting your premium is important, don't lose sight of the incredible value your policy provides. Make sure you're using all the benefits you're paying for.

  • Digital GP: 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, or referrals without waiting for a local GP appointment.
  • Mental Health Support: Check for access to telephone counselling lines or digital mental health support platforms (like CBT courses). These are often available to use without needing to make a formal claim.
  • Health and Wellness Information: Insurers' websites and apps are packed with resources, health advice, and symptom checkers.
  • WeCovr Client Perks: When you arrange your private health cover through us, we offer exclusive benefits, such as discounts on other essential policies like life insurance or income protection.

A Crucial Note on Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

It is vital to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK.

Important: Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. It does not cover the treatment of chronic conditions (like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension) or pre-existing conditions you had before your policy began.

  • An acute condition is a disease or injury that is short-lived and likely to respond quickly to treatment, leading to a full recovery (e.g., appendicitis, a broken leg, cataracts).
  • A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management or has no known cure (e.g., arthritis, Crohn's disease, most cancers once they reach a certain stage).

This is the single most important concept to grasp when buying or switching PMI. Attempting to switch insurers to get cover for a condition you've already been diagnosed with will not work. A broker can help you navigate these rules to avoid any nasty surprises.


Will making a claim on my health insurance definitely increase my renewal premium?

Making a claim will likely lead to an increase in your premium. This is because it affects your No Claims Discount (NCD), which may be reduced or reset to zero. Furthermore, the insurer may add a "claims-rated loading" if the claim was particularly high value. However, the increase should be weighed against the significant financial and health benefits of having received prompt private treatment, which is the very purpose of the insurance.

Can I switch my health insurance policy if I have developed a new medical condition?

You can switch, but it requires careful consideration. The new condition would be classed as 'pre-existing' by the new insurer and would almost certainly be excluded from cover. In this scenario, it is often better to stay with your current insurer, as you are covered for that condition under your existing policy terms. An alternative is a 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME) switch, which a broker can arrange. This maintains your existing underwriting, but it's not available from all insurers or to all customers.

Is it better to negotiate with my current insurer or just switch to a cheaper one?

It depends on your personal health and policy history. If you are in good health and haven't claimed, switching to a new insurer can often yield the biggest savings. However, if you have developed medical conditions while with your current provider, it is usually safer to negotiate with them to protect your continuity of cover. The best first step is always to get a comparative quote from the market via a broker, which gives you the leverage to either switch or negotiate effectively.

Take Control of Your Health Insurance Renewal Today

Don't let your private medical insurance premium spiral out of control. By following this annual review checklist and using these proven strategies, you can ensure your policy remains affordable, relevant, and provides the best possible value.

Ready to stop overpaying? Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our FCA-authorised experts will compare the market for you, handle the negotiations, and find the right cover at the best price, all at no cost to you.


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 800,000+ 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.