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Optional Extras Dental, Optical, Therapies, and More

Optional Extras Dental, Optical, Therapies, and More 2026

As FCA-authorised experts who have arranged over 900,000 policies, we at WeCovr know that choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. A core policy is your foundation, but optional extras are what truly tailor the cover to your life, family, and health priorities.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to give you peace of mind, faster access to treatment, and more choice over your healthcare. While a standard policy provides a robust safety net for significant medical events, optional extras, or "add-ons," allow you to build a comprehensive health plan that covers everyday wellness, from your teeth and eyes to your mental and physical wellbeing.

This guide will demystify the most popular PMI extras, helping you understand what they cover, their typical limits, and when they offer the most value.


Understanding Core Private Medical Insurance First

Before diving into the extras, it's crucial to understand what a standard UK private medical insurance policy typically covers and, just as importantly, what it excludes.

Core PMI is designed for acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for a hernia.

A typical core policy will usually cover:

  • In-patient treatment: When you are admitted to a hospital and need an overnight bed.
  • Day-patient treatment: When you are admitted to a hospital for a procedure but do not stay overnight.
  • Out-patient diagnostics (often with limits): Consultations and tests to find out what's wrong, but surgery or procedures are often excluded unless you have an out-patient add-on.
  • Cancer Care: Most core policies offer extensive cancer cover, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, as standard.

The Critical Exclusions: What PMI Doesn't Cover

Understanding the limitations of PMI is key to avoiding surprises. Standard policies will not cover:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition you had before your policy start date will be excluded, at least for an initial period (usually two years).
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. PMI is for curing acute conditions, not long-term management.
  • Emergencies: For a life-threatening situation like a heart attack or stroke, you should always call 999 and use the NHS A&E. PMI is for planned, non-emergency treatment.
  • Routine Care: Standard GP visits, routine pregnancy and childbirth, and cosmetic surgery that isn't medically necessary.

Optional extras are designed to fill some of these gaps, particularly for routine care like dental check-ups and physiotherapy.


A Deep Dive into Dental and Optical Cover

For many, dental and optical care are the most frequently used health services. With NHS dentistry facing unprecedented pressure and the cost of eyewear rising, these add-ons are becoming increasingly popular.

Dental Insurance Add-On

This extra helps cover the costs of looking after your teeth, from routine maintenance to unexpected problems. Cover is typically tiered.

What does a dental add-on cover?

  • Routine Care: Check-ups, scaling and polishing, and basic X-rays. This is about prevention.
  • Restorative Treatment: Fillings, root canals, crowns, and extractions. This is for fixing problems.
  • Accidental Damage: Treatment needed to repair teeth damaged in an accident. This often has a higher financial limit.
  • Dental Emergencies: Palliative treatment to relieve severe pain.

It's important to check the policy details, as cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening are almost always excluded.

Coverage TypeTypical Annual Limit (Illustrative)What It's For
Routine Care£150 – £300Check-ups, hygiene appointments
Restorative Care£400 – £1,000Fillings, crowns, root canals
Accidental Damage£5,000 – £20,000+Repairing teeth after an accident
OrthodonticsOften excluded or a % contributionBraces (more common on corporate plans)

When is Dental Cover Most Valuable?

Recent data from the British Dental Association highlights a crisis in NHS access, with reports in 2024 showing that 9 out of 10 NHS practices were not accepting new adult patients. If you struggle to find an NHS dentist or prefer the service and flexibility of a private practice, this add-on can provide significant value and make private dentistry much more affordable.

Real-Life Example: Maria has a dental add-on with a £600 limit for restorative work. She needs an urgent root canal, which is quoted at £750 privately. Her policy covers £600 of the cost, leaving her to pay just £150, making the treatment immediately accessible.

Optical Insurance Add-On

An optical add-on provides a contribution towards the costs of maintaining your eye health, covering eye tests, and helping with the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

What does an optical add-on cover?

  • Eye Tests: Covers the cost of a routine sight test at an optician.
  • Glasses & Contact Lenses: Provides a set amount per year towards the cost of new prescription eyewear.

The financial limits are typically modest, often in the range of £150 to £250 per year. It won’t cover the full cost of designer frames but acts as a helpful subsidy.

When is Optical Cover Most Valuable?

This benefit is most useful for individuals and families who all wear glasses or contact lenses. If you have a complex prescription or prefer high-end lenses and frames, the annual contribution can make a noticeable difference to your budget. However, always weigh the extra premium against the benefit, as many high-street opticians offer free eye tests or other deals.


Expanding Your Cover: Therapies and Mental Health Support

Modern health is about more than just major surgery; it's about maintaining mobility, function, and mental resilience. Therapies and mental health add-ons are designed to support your holistic wellbeing.

The Therapies Add-On: Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, and More

Musculoskeletal issues are a leading cause of sickness absence in the UK, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reporting they accounted for 22.3 million lost working days in 2022 alone. A therapies add-on gives you fast access to treatment to get you back on your feet.

What therapies are typically covered?

  1. Physiotherapy: For rehabilitation after injury, managing joint pain, and improving mobility.
  2. Osteopathy & Chiropractic: For treating and managing back, neck, and other musculoskeletal pain.
  3. Podiatry/Chiropody: For assessing and treating foot and lower limb problems.
  4. Acupuncture: Often covered when administered by a qualified medical professional.
  5. Speech and Language Therapy: For post-stroke recovery or other diagnosed conditions.

Cover is usually defined by a set number of sessions (e.g., up to 8 or 10 sessions per condition, per year) or a total financial limit. Some insurers require a GP referral, while others now offer direct self-referral to a specialist, speeding up the process.

When is Therapies Cover Most Valuable?

  • For Active People: If you play sports or have an active hobby, quick access to a physio can mean the difference between a swift recovery and a long lay-off.
  • For Office Workers: Long hours at a desk can lead to chronic back and neck pain. Fast access to an osteopath can be invaluable.
  • Avoiding NHS Waiting Lists: While the NHS provides excellent therapy services, waiting times can be long. This add-on lets you bypass the queue.

Mental Health Cover: A Vital Addition

While most core PMI policies include some level of mental health support, a dedicated add-on significantly broadens the scope of cover. With NHS mental health services seeing unprecedented demand—over 4.6 million referrals in 2023—private support offers a crucial alternative for timely care.

What does a mental health add-on cover?

  • Out-patient Therapies: Access to psychologists and psychotherapists for talking therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).
  • Psychiatric Consultations: Specialist assessment, diagnosis, and treatment management.
  • In-patient/Day-patient Care: Admission to a private psychiatric hospital for intensive treatment of acute mental health conditions.

Important Note: Like other aspects of PMI, this cover is for acute mental health conditions. Chronic, long-term conditions are typically excluded. It is vital to read the policy wording carefully to understand the limits, particularly regarding the number of therapy sessions and any caps on in-patient care.

When is Mental Health Cover Most Valuable?

This add-on is for anyone who wants to proactively manage their mental wellbeing and ensure that if they or a family member face a crisis, expert help is available without delay. It provides choice over the type of therapist and treatment approach, which can be critical for effective recovery.


With so many choices, how do you decide which extras to add to your private health cover? The key is to balance the cost of the additional premium against the real-world value it provides to you and your family.

Here’s a step-by-step approach:

  1. Assess Your Personal & Family Needs:

    • Lifestyle: Are you a keen runner who might need physiotherapy?
    • Family History: Is there a history of eye conditions in your family?
    • Dependants: Do you have children who wear glasses or may need dental work?
    • Work: Does your job involve physical strain or, conversely, long hours sitting down?
  2. Review Your Existing Benefits:

    • Does your employer offer a health cash plan or other benefits that already cover dental or optical costs? Don't pay twice for the same cover.
  3. Check Local NHS Waiting Times:

    • A quick search on the NHS website for your local trust can reveal waiting times for services like physiotherapy or talking therapies. If waits are long, an add-on may be a wise investment.
  4. Balance Cost vs. Benefit:

    • Adding extras will increase your monthly premium. Be realistic about what you can afford and which benefits you are most likely to use.

Here is an illustrative table showing how add-ons can impact a premium. These figures are for demonstration purposes only.

Policy LevelEstimated Monthly PremiumWhat's Included
Core Policy£50In-patient & day-patient care, core cancer cover.
Core + Dental & Optical£65As above, plus routine/restorative dental and optical benefit.
Core + Therapies£60As above, plus physio, osteo, chiro sessions.
Comprehensive Cover£85+All of the above, plus enhanced mental health or travel cover.
  1. Speak to an Expert Broker:
    • This is where a specialist PMI broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable. We can compare policies from all the leading UK providers—such as Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality—and explain the nuances between their optional extras. Our service is at no cost to you, and we work to find the policy that offers the best value for your specific circumstances.

The WeCovr Advantage: More Than Just Insurance

Choosing WeCovr for your private medical insurance UK needs means you get more than just a policy. As an FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, we provide a complete service.

  • Expert, Impartial Advice: We cut through the jargon to help you compare the market and build the perfect policy.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy with us, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to support your wellness goals.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: We can also offer discounts on other insurance products, helping you save money while ensuring you're fully protected.

Our goal is to be your long-term health partner, helping you get the most from your private health cover year after year.


Do I have to add optional extras when I first buy my PMI policy?

Generally, it is best to add optional extras when you initially purchase your policy. While some insurers may allow you to add them at your annual renewal, this is not always guaranteed and may be subject to fresh underwriting. It's often not possible to add them mid-term.

Are optional extras like dental or optical cover subject to underwriting?

Yes, they are. This means that if you have a pre-existing condition related to the extra, it will likely be excluded. For example, if you are already scheduled for a root canal before taking out a dental add-on, that specific treatment would not be covered. The same pre-existing and chronic condition rules apply as they do for the main policy.

Can I remove optional extras at a later date to reduce my premium?

Yes, you can almost always remove optional extras at your policy renewal date. This is a common way for policyholders to manage their premiums as their circumstances or budget change over time. You simply need to inform your insurer or broker before your renewal date.

How do coverage limits for extras work?

Coverage limits for optional extras typically work in one of two ways. The first is a financial limit per policy year (e.g., "up to £500 for dental treatment"). The second is a session limit (e.g., "up to 8 physiotherapy sessions per year"). It is vital to check your policy documents to understand which limit applies and how much cover you have available.

Ready to build a private medical insurance policy that truly fits your life?

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert team will help you navigate the options and find the perfect blend of core cover and optional extras for your peace of mind.


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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