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Overseas Treatment What PMI Covers for Holidays and Expats

Overseas Treatment What PMI Covers for Holidays and Expats

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the nuances of private medical insurance in the UK. Many of our clients ask a crucial question: "Am I covered if I fall ill abroad?" This guide provides an authoritative answer, demystifying overseas treatment cover.

Details on worldwide coverage, emergency and planned overseas treatment, and exclusions

Thinking about your health cover while travelling can be confusing. Do you need travel insurance, private medical insurance (PMI), or both? The answer depends entirely on your circumstances, your destination, and the type of medical care you might need.

Standard UK PMI is designed for treatment within the United Kingdom. However, many providers offer optional extensions for overseas cover, and specialist international policies exist for those living or working abroad. This article will break down what’s covered, what’s not, and how to ensure you have the right protection, whether you're on a two-week holiday in the Algarve or moving to Australia for a new job.

PMI vs. Travel Insurance: Understanding the Fundamental Difference

Before we dive into the specifics of overseas PMI cover, it's vital to distinguish it from travel insurance. They serve different purposes and getting them mixed up can lead to costly misunderstandings.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is an annual policy designed to cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Its primary function is to give you fast access to private healthcare in your home country—in this case, the UK.

Travel Insurance, on the other hand, is a short-term policy designed to cover unforeseen events related to a specific trip. This includes medical emergencies, but also covers a host of other travel-related mishaps like trip cancellations, lost baggage, and flight delays.

The Crucial Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

A cornerstone of all UK PMI is that it covers acute conditions only. 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 a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract removal.

PMI does not cover chronic conditions. These are long-term or recurring illnesses that cannot be "cured" but can be managed, such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or arthritis. Critically, PMI also excludes pre-existing conditions—any ailment you had before your policy started. This rule applies whether you are seeking treatment in the UK or abroad.

Here’s a simple table to illustrate the differences:

FeaturePrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)Travel Insurance
Primary PurposeTo cover treatment for new acute medical conditions in your home country.To cover unforeseen events during a specific trip, including medical emergencies.
Coverage ScopeIn-patient, day-patient, and out-patient treatment for eligible conditions.Medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, delays.
Pre-existing ConditionsAlmost always excluded.Can sometimes be covered for an additional premium, but usually only for emergencies.
Chronic ConditionsNot covered. Management of long-term illness is excluded.Not covered for routine management. Emergency flare-ups may be covered if declared.
Trip DurationAn annual policy, not linked to specific trips.Covers a specific trip, or multiple trips up to a set duration (e.g., 30 days) on an annual policy.
RepatriationUsually only included in specialist overseas/international plans.A core feature, designed to get you home safely after a medical emergency.

In short: For a holiday, travel insurance is essential. An overseas PMI add-on is a supplement, not a replacement.

Emergency Overseas Cover: What If I Fall Ill on Holiday?

Imagine you're enjoying a well-earned holiday in Greece and you suffer a severe allergic reaction or slip and break your ankle. This is where an 'Emergency Overseas Cover' option on your UK PMI policy could kick in.

Most standard UK private health cover policies do not include any overseas treatment as a default feature. It is an optional benefit that you must actively choose and pay an extra premium for.

If you have this add-on, it is designed for one primary purpose: to deal with medical emergencies that cannot wait until you get back to the UK.

What Does Emergency Overseas Cover Typically Include?

Cover varies between insurers, but a typical emergency add-on will provide for:

  • Initial Emergency Medical Treatment: The costs of stabilising your condition in a local hospital.
  • Hospitalisation Costs: Paying for a hospital room and medical care up to a defined financial limit (e.g., £100,000 or £1 million) and for a limited time.
  • Medical Repatriation: The cost of transporting you back to the UK once you are medically fit to travel. The insurer’s medical team will decide when and how this happens. The goal is nearly always to get you back to the UK to continue treatment under your core PMI policy or on the NHS.

Real-Life Example: A Skiing Accident in France

  • The Scenario: Sarah, a 35-year-old marketing manager from London, has a PMI policy with an emergency European travel option. While skiing in the French Alps, she has a bad fall and fractures her leg.
  • How Cover Works:
    1. She is taken to a local clinic. She (or a companion) calls her PMI provider's 24/7 helpline.
    2. The insurer liaises with the French doctors to approve and pay for the immediate surgery needed to set the bone.
    3. Once Sarah is stable and declared fit to fly by the medical team, the insurer arranges and pays for a medical flight back to the UK.
    4. Upon landing, she can use her standard UK PMI policy for any follow-up consultations or physiotherapy needed for her recovery.

The Role of the GHIC Card

If you are travelling in Europe, you should always carry a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), the post-Brexit replacement for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare in EU countries on the same terms as a local resident.

However, the GHIC is not a substitute for insurance.

  • It only works in state hospitals, not private ones.
  • It won’t cover all costs; you may still have to pay for part of your treatment (a "co-payment"), just as a local would.
  • Crucially, it does not cover medical repatriation to the UK, which can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

Your PMI emergency add-on or travel insurance works alongside the GHIC to fill these gaps.

Planned Overseas Treatment: Can I Choose to Have Treatment Abroad?

This is where the line between standard UK PMI and more specialist cover becomes very clear. A standard UK policy, even with an emergency travel add-on, will not cover you if you decide you want to go abroad for treatment.

For example, you cannot use your UK PMI policy to:

  • Fly to Germany for a specialist hip replacement you read about.
  • Travel to a US clinic for an innovative cancer treatment.
  • Schedule cosmetic surgery in Turkey.

This type of cover is the domain of International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI). These policies are specifically designed for individuals who live, work, or travel extensively outside their home country and want comprehensive global healthcare access.

UK PMI vs. International PMI (IPMI)

If you are a UK resident who only takes occasional holidays, a standard UK PMI policy with a travel insurance policy is usually sufficient. If you are a globetrotter, a digital nomad, or an expat, you need IPMI. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you determine which is right for you, comparing options from leading providers.

Here's how they stack up:

FeatureUK PMI + Emergency Add-OnInternational PMI (IPMI)
Geographic ScopePrimarily UK, with emergency-only cover in a specified region (e.g., Europe).Global or a specified large region (e.g., Worldwide excluding USA).
Planned TreatmentNot covered abroad. All planned treatment must be in the UK.A core feature. You can often choose to have treatment in any country within your area of cover.
RepatriationA key goal is to get you back to the UK for treatment.Optional. You may be treated locally or choose to return home.
Target UserUK residents who take holidays abroad.Expatriates, high-net-worth individuals, and frequent global travellers.
CostRelatively affordable.Significantly more expensive due to wider scope and higher-cost regions.

Worldwide Coverage Options: Understanding Geographic Limits

When you choose an IPMI policy or a comprehensive travel add-on, insurers don't just offer a single "worldwide" option. They divide the globe into tiers based on the cost of healthcare. This is crucial because choosing the wrong tier can mean you are either uninsured or overpaying.

The most common geographic bands are:

  1. UK Only: The default for all standard PMI policies.
  2. Europe: Covers you for emergency (and sometimes planned, on IPMI) treatment within the countries of Europe. This is a popular and cost-effective option for UK residents.
  3. Worldwide Excluding USA: This is a very common international option. It provides cover across the globe but explicitly excludes the United States, where healthcare costs are the highest in the world.
  4. Worldwide Including USA: The most comprehensive and expensive tier. It provides cover everywhere, including the notoriously pricey US healthcare system. This is essential for anyone living in, working in, or frequently travelling to the USA.

Choosing the right area is a balancing act. If you have no plans to visit the US, a 'Worldwide excluding USA' policy could save you a significant amount on your premium.

PMI for UK Expats: Staying Covered While Living Abroad

If you are a UK citizen planning to move overseas, this is a critical point: your standard UK PMI policy will almost certainly become invalid once you are no longer a UK resident.

These policies are priced and designed for people who use the UK healthcare system. Once you move, you fall outside that model. You cannot rely on your UK policy to cover you in your new home country.

UK expats need a dedicated International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) policy.

Key Considerations for Expats:

  • Local Regulations: Does your new country of residence (e.g., the UAE, Switzerland) mandate that all residents have a specific type of local health insurance? An IPMI policy can often meet these requirements.
  • Continuity of Cover: If you move from the UK to Spain for two years, and then to Singapore, an IPMI policy can move with you, providing continuous cover without the need for new medical underwriting each time. This is vital for ensuring any conditions that develop along the way remain covered.
  • Underwriting: When you first take out an IPMI policy, you will be medically underwritten. This means the insurer will assess your health history to decide on the terms of your cover. This is another reason why it's wise to arrange cover before you develop any health conditions.
  • Family Cover: IPMI policies are well-suited to covering your entire family, wherever they are in the world.

Navigating the IPMI market can be complex. Working with an experienced broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We can compare policies from global providers like Bupa Global, Cigna Global, and AXA Global Healthcare to find a plan that fits your expat lifestyle and budget.

Critical Exclusions and Limitations: What PMI Will Not Cover Abroad

Understanding what is excluded is just as important as knowing what is covered. This helps prevent nasty surprises when you need to make a claim. Whether it's a UK policy with a travel add-on or a full IPMI plan, some exclusions are universal.

The Golden Rule: Private medical insurance is designed for new, curable (acute) conditions that arise after your policy has started.

Here is a list of common exclusions for any overseas treatment:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition, symptom, or related ailment you had or sought advice for before your policy start date will be excluded.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions like diabetes, Crohn's disease, hypertension, and asthma are not covered. PMI is not for managing ongoing illness.
  • Treatment Outside Your Chosen Area: If you have a 'Europe' policy and fall ill in Thailand, you are not covered.
  • High-Risk Activities: Injuries sustained during professional sports, mountaineering, diving, or other specified hazardous activities are usually excluded unless you have paid for a special extension.
  • Cosmetic Surgery: Any treatment that is purely for aesthetic reasons is excluded. The only exception is often reconstructive surgery required after an accident or illness covered by the policy.
  • Pregnancy and Childbirth: Standard PMI often excludes routine pregnancy and childbirth or imposes a waiting period (e.g., 10-12 months) before you can claim for it.
  • Self-inflicted Injuries: This includes harm resulting from suicide attempts or substance abuse.
  • Rehabilitation for Drug or Alcohol Addiction.
  • Undeclared Trips: You must inform your insurer of your travel plans as required by your policy.

A Practical Guide: How to Choose the Right Overseas Cover

Feeling overwhelmed? Here is a step-by-step process to find the right level of protection.

  1. Assess Your Lifestyle:

    • Holidaymaker: Do you take one or two short holidays a year, mainly in Europe? A good quality standalone travel insurance policy is essential. An emergency overseas add-on to your UK PMI could be a useful, but not essential, extra layer of protection.
    • Frequent Traveller/Digital Nomad: Do you spend several months a year abroad, in various countries? An annual multi-trip travel insurance policy is a minimum. You should seriously consider an IPMI policy, especially if you travel outside Europe.
    • Expat: Are you moving abroad to live and work? You must have a dedicated International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) policy.
  2. Review Your Existing Policies: Dig out your current UK PMI documents. Read the policy wording carefully to see if any overseas cover is included as standard (unlikely) or what the optional add-ons entail. Check the financial limits and geographical scope.

  3. Compare Your Options: Weigh up the costs and benefits. Is it cheaper and more effective to buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy than to add a travel option to your PMI? For expats, compare different IPMI plans.

  4. Speak to an Independent, Expert Broker: This is the single most effective step. An FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr works for you, not the insurer. We can:

    • Quickly assess your needs based on your travel and residency plans.
    • Compare the entire market to find the most suitable and cost-effective options.
    • Explain the complex jargon and small print in plain English.
    • Help you with the application process, ensuring everything is declared correctly.
    • All this comes at no extra cost to you.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you stay healthy on your travels, plus exclusive discounts on other insurance products like life or home insurance.

Staying Healthy and Well While Travelling

Your insurance is a safety net, but the best approach is to avoid needing it. Here are some simple wellness tips for your travels.

Before You Go

  • Check Health Advice: Visit the NHS Fit for Travel website for country-specific vaccination and health advice.
  • Pack a First-Aid Kit: Include basics like plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen), antihistamines, and any personal medication.
  • Get Enough Sleep: Don't start your journey exhausted. A good night's sleep before you fly can boost your immune system.

During Your Trip

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of bottled or purified water, especially in hot climates. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine.
  • Food Safety: Be adventurous, but sensible. Favour freshly cooked, hot food. Be wary of salads or uncooked items that may have been washed in tap water. "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it" is a good mantra.
  • Sun Protection: Use a high-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day (usually 11 am to 3 pm).
  • Beat Jet Lag: On arrival, try to adapt to the local time immediately. Get some daylight exposure in the morning and avoid long naps during the day. Melatonin can sometimes help reset your body clock, but speak to a pharmacist first.

Does my standard UK PMI policy cover me for a holiday in Spain?

Generally, no. A standard UK private medical insurance policy is designed for treatment within the UK only. To be covered for medical emergencies in Spain, you would typically need to have purchased an optional 'European travel cover' add-on. Even then, this is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance, which covers repatriation, cancellations, and lost property.

What is the difference between a GHIC card and private overseas cover?

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows you to access state-run healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as a local resident. It is not insurance. It does not cover private treatment, and most importantly, it will not pay for medical repatriation back to the UK, which can be extremely expensive. Private cover, either from travel insurance or an international PMI policy, is designed to cover these costs, offering a much higher level of financial protection and choice.

I'm moving to Dubai for work. Can I keep my UK PMI policy?

No, you cannot. UK PMI policies are for UK residents. Once you move abroad and are no longer resident in the UK, your policy will become invalid. For living and working in Dubai, you will need a dedicated International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) policy that provides cover in the UAE. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you find a suitable IPMI plan that meets local visa requirements.

Will my PMI cover a pre-existing heart condition if it flares up abroad?

No. Private medical insurance, whether it's a UK or international policy, does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. The fundamental purpose of PMI is to treat new, acute conditions that occur after the policy begins. A flare-up of a known heart condition would be considered pre-existing and therefore excluded from cover.

Ready to explore your options for private health cover, at home or abroad? The expert, FCA-authorised brokers at WeCovr are here to help. Get your free, no-obligation quote today and find the perfect protection 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?
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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!

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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.

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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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