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PMI Add-Ons Mental Health, Dental, Optical, and More

PMI Add-Ons Mental Health, Dental, Optical, and More 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. A core policy provides a fantastic safety net, but optional add-ons are what truly tailor your cover to your specific health and lifestyle needs.

This guide will demystify the world of PMI add-ons, from mental health and dental to therapies and travel cover. We'll explore what each offers, the pros and cons, and the typical costs involved, so you can build a policy that gives you complete peace of mind.

Add-on cover types, pros and cons, and typical extra costs

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) isn't a one-size-fits-all product. While a basic policy offers a solid foundation, add-ons allow you to enhance your cover in areas that matter most to you. Think of it like building a car: you start with the standard model and then add the features you want, like a better sound system or satellite navigation.

These optional extras typically increase your monthly premium, but in return, they provide access to a wider range of treatments and services, often much faster than you might get them otherwise. In the following sections, we’ll break down the most common add-ons, helping you weigh the benefits against the cost.

Understanding Core Private Medical Insurance First

Before we explore the extras, it's vital to understand what a standard private medical insurance UK policy covers—and, crucially, what it doesn't.

The Golden Rule: PMI is for Acute Conditions

The fundamental purpose of PMI is to cover the diagnosis and treatment of 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 (e.g., hip, knee)
  • Cataract surgery
  • Hernia repair
  • Diagnosis and treatment for new symptoms (e.g., sudden back pain)
  • Cancer treatment (though the level of cover can vary significantly)

What Core PMI Almost Never Covers

It is critical to understand that standard UK private health cover is not designed for:

  1. Chronic Conditions: These are long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. While PMI will cover the initial diagnosis of such a condition, the ongoing, long-term management will typically revert to the NHS.
  2. Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition, symptom, or related ailment you had before your policy started will not be covered. This includes anything you've had symptoms of, sought advice for, or received treatment for, typically in the five years before taking out the policy.

Understanding this distinction is the single most important step in having the right expectations for your private health cover.

The Big Three: Mental Health, Dental, and Optical Cover

These three areas represent the most popular and, for many people, the most valuable add-ons to a PMI policy. They address common health needs that can involve long NHS waits or significant out-of-pocket costs.

Mental Health Cover: An Increasingly Vital Add-On

In recent years, awareness of mental health has grown, and so has the demand for timely support. With NHS waiting lists for psychological therapies sometimes stretching for months, private mental health cover has become a crucial lifeline for many.

Why Consider It?

According to NHS data, over 1.8 million people were in contact with mental health services at the end of 2023, with demand consistently rising. A mental health add-on provides a pathway to bypass long waits and get professional help quickly.

What Does It Typically Cover?

  • Initial Consultations: Access to a private psychiatrist or psychologist for diagnosis.
  • Therapy Sessions: A set number of sessions with a therapist, counsellor, or psychologist. This could be for talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
  • In-patient/Day-patient Treatment: For more serious conditions, it may cover stays in a private psychiatric hospital, although this is usually part of a higher-tier add-on.

What's Often Excluded?

  • Chronic mental health conditions (e.g., long-term management of bipolar disorder).
  • Addiction and substance abuse treatment (though some specialist policies cover this).
  • Learning difficulties, such as ADHD or dyslexia.
  • Any mental health condition that existed before the policy started.

Pros and Cons of Mental Health Cover

ProsCons
Fast Access: Get help in days or weeks, not months.Increased Premium: A significant addition to your monthly cost.
Choice of Specialist: You often have more choice over who you see.Session Limits: Cover is usually for a fixed number of sessions per year.
Privacy and Comfort: Treatment in a private, comfortable setting.Exclusions Apply: Doesn't cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

Typical Extra Cost: Adding comprehensive mental health cover to a PMI policy typically increases the monthly premium by £20 to £60, depending on the insurer and the level of benefits.

Dental and Optical Cover: For Routine and Unexpected Costs

While not life-threatening, dental and optical problems can be painful, inconvenient, and expensive. This add-on is designed to help you manage the costs of routine check-ups and unexpected treatments. It's often sold as a combined package.

1. Dental Cover

The state of NHS dentistry in the UK is a well-documented challenge. A 2023 survey by the British Dental Association found that 9 in 10 NHS practices were not accepting new adult patients. This has pushed many people to pay for private treatment or go without care.

What Does It Typically Cover?

  • Routine Care: Check-ups, scaling, and polishing.
  • Minor Restorative Work: Fillings, root canals, and emergency treatment for pain relief.
  • Major Restorative Work: Crowns, bridges, and dentures.
  • Accidental Injury: Treatment for damage to teeth caused by an accident.

What's Often Excluded?

  • Cosmetic dentistry (e.g., teeth whitening, veneers).
  • Orthodontics (braces), unless specifically included in a high-tier plan.
  • Pre-existing dental issues.

2. Optical Cover

This part of the add-on helps with the costs associated with maintaining eye health.

What Does It Typically Cover?

  • Eye Tests: A contribution towards, or the full cost of, your regular sight tests.
  • Glasses and Contact Lenses: A set amount per year (e.g., £150 - £250) towards the cost of new prescription eyewear.

What's Often Excluded?

  • Laser eye surgery (this is usually a separate, high-cost benefit if offered at all).
  • Designer frames or premium lens coatings might exceed the benefit limit.

Pros and Cons of Dental & Optical Cover

ProsCons
Encourages Routine Checks: Knowing you're covered makes you more likely to attend regular appointments.May Not Be Cost-Effective: If you have healthy teeth and stable vision, you might pay more in premiums than you claim back.
Spreads the Cost: Avoids large, unexpected bills for things like root canals or new glasses.Annual Limits: Cover is capped, so you may still have to pay towards expensive treatments like crowns.
Access to Private Care: Easily access private dentists without worrying about NHS availability.Waiting Periods: You often can't claim for certain treatments (e.g., major dental work) in the first few months of the policy.

Typical Extra Cost: Adding a combined dental and optical package typically increases your monthly premium by £15 to £35.

Beyond the Basics: Other Valuable PMI Add-Ons

While mental health, dental, and optical are the most common, insurers offer a range of other add-ons to further customise your private health cover.

Therapies Cover

This is one of the most widely used benefits in private medical insurance. While some core policies include a limited number of sessions, a therapies add-on expands this cover significantly.

What Does It Include?

It covers treatment from recognised practitioners for musculoskeletal issues. The main types are:

  • Physiotherapy: For rehabilitation after injury, surgery, or for mobility issues.
  • Osteopathy: Focuses on the health of the entire body by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework.
  • Chiropractic: For the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.

Why Is It Useful?

Back pain and sports injuries are incredibly common. NHS waiting lists for physiotherapy can be long, and early intervention is often key to a swift recovery. This add-on provides rapid access to treatment, helping you get back on your feet faster.

Typical Extra Cost: Often bundled with core policies, but an enhanced add-on might cost an extra £5 to £15 a month.

Worldwide Travel Cover

Many PMI providers offer a travel insurance add-on that integrates with your health policy.

What Does It Cover?

  • Emergency Medical Treatment Abroad: This is the core feature. If you fall ill or have an accident on holiday, it covers your hospital bills.
  • Standard Travel Benefits: It often includes cover for cancellations, lost baggage, and delays, just like a standalone policy.

Pros and Cons of a Travel Add-On

ProsCons
Convenience: One policy and one number to call for both your UK health and overseas emergencies.May Lack Specialist Cover: Might not be as comprehensive as a standalone policy for adventurous activities or pre-existing conditions (which are often insurable on specialist travel policies).
Seamless Cover: The insurer already knows your medical history (from your PMI application).Less Flexibility: You can't shop around for a cheaper travel deal each time you go away.

Typical Extra Cost: This varies widely but can add £10 to £30 a month, depending on your age and travel destinations.

Wellness and Wellbeing Programmes

A modern and proactive addition to PMI, these programmes shift the focus from simply treating illness to actively promoting good health.

What Do They Include?

These are often points-based systems or digital platforms that reward you for healthy living. Benefits can include:

  • Gym Membership Discounts.
  • Wearable Tech Deals (e.g., discounted Apple Watch or Fitbit).
  • Online GP Access: 24/7 virtual GP appointments.
  • Health Screenings: Subsidised or free preventative health checks.
  • Nutrition and Wellness Apps: Access to tools for diet tracking, mindfulness, and exercise.

For example, at WeCovr, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping them stay on top of their health goals.

Why Consider It?

These programmes incentivise you to take control of your health. By engaging with them, you can often earn rewards, including reductions in your PMI premium for the following year. It's a win-win: the insurer has a healthier (and therefore less costly) client, and you stay healthier while saving money.

Typical Extra Cost: Often included in mid- to high-tier policies, or available as an add-on for £5 to £10 a month.

How to Decide Which Add-Ons Are Right for You

With so many options, how do you choose? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the right decision.

1. Assess Your Personal and Family Needs Think about your lifestyle, your family's health history, and your priorities.

  • Do you have a family history of mental health issues? A mental health add-on could be a priority.
  • Do you play sports? Enhanced therapies cover might be essential.
  • Do you have children? They may need glasses or dental work, making an optical and dental plan a smart choice.
  • Do you struggle to find an NHS dentist? A dental add-on provides an immediate solution.

2. Compare the Cost vs. Paying Out-of-Pocket Sometimes, it's cheaper to self-fund than to pay for an add-on. Do a quick cost-benefit analysis.

Example: Dental Cover Analysis

Cost ItemPay-As-You-Go (Private)Annual Cost of Add-On
2 x Check-ups & Hygiene£180 (£90 each)£300 (£25 x 12)
1 x Filling£150-
Total Annual Cost£330£300

In this simple example, the add-on is slightly cheaper and provides cover for more extensive work if needed. However, if you only needed the check-ups, paying-as-you-go would be more cost-effective.

3. Check for Overlapping Cover Do you have any health benefits through your employer? Some companies provide dental insurance or access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with counselling services. Make sure you’re not paying twice for the same thing.

4. Get Expert, Impartial Advice This is where a specialist PMI broker like WeCovr provides immense value. We can:

  • Assess your unique needs and recommend the most suitable add-ons.
  • Compare policies from across the market to find the best provider for your chosen level of cover.
  • Explain the fine print and ensure you understand all the exclusions and limits.
  • Do all of this at no cost to you, as we are paid by the insurer.

The Financials: How Much Do PMI Add-Ons Really Cost?

To help you budget, here is a summary table of typical monthly cost increases for a healthy 40-year-old. These are estimates and your actual quote will depend on your age, location, lifestyle, and chosen insurer.

Add-On TypeTypical Monthly Cost IncreaseKey BenefitsBest For...
Mental Health£20 - £60Fast access to therapy & psychiatric consultations.Individuals prioritising mental wellbeing and wanting to bypass NHS waits.
Dental & Optical£15 - £35Covers routine checks, treatments, and eyewear costs.Families, and anyone struggling to access or afford private dental care.
Therapies£5 - £15More sessions for physiotherapy, osteopathy, etc.Active people, sports players, or those with chronic back/joint pain.
Travel Cover£10 - £30Worldwide emergency medical cover.Frequent travellers who value the convenience of an integrated policy.
Wellness£5 - £10Gym discounts, health screenings, app access.Proactive individuals who want rewards for staying healthy.

WeCovr's Added Value: More Than Just a Policy

When you arrange your private medical insurance through WeCovr, you get more than just a policy. We believe in providing ongoing value to help you lead a healthier life. Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our client-first approach.

  • Complimentary CalorieHero App: All our PMI and Life Insurance clients get free premium access to CalorieHero, our cutting-edge AI calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a powerful tool to help you manage your diet, achieve your fitness goals, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: We value your loyalty. When you take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy with us, we can offer you exclusive discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as home or contents insurance.
  • Expert, Unbiased Advice: Our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the process. We don't work for one insurer; we work for you. Our goal is to find you the best possible private health cover for your budget and needs.

Do I have to declare my mental health history for a mental health add-on?

Yes, absolutely. When applying for private medical insurance, you must declare all pre-existing medical conditions, including any mental health conditions you have sought advice or treatment for. Insurers will typically exclude cover for these pre-existing conditions, so the add-on would be for new mental health issues that arise after your policy starts. Non-disclosure can invalidate your policy.

Is it cheaper to buy dental insurance separately from my PMI?

It can be, but not always. Bundling a dental add-on with your PMI is convenient and can sometimes be good value. However, standalone dental insurance plans (often called 'dental capitation plans') might offer different levels of cover or be more cost-effective depending on your needs. It's wise to compare the benefits and costs of both an integrated PMI add-on and a separate policy. A broker can help you with this comparison.

Can I add or remove PMI add-ons mid-term?

Generally, you can only make changes to your policy, such as adding or removing add-ons, at your annual renewal date. Adding cover mid-term is usually not permitted as it could lead to 'anti-selection' (where someone adds cover only because they know they need to use it). You can typically request to downgrade or remove cover at any time, but the change and premium reduction would only take effect from your next renewal.

What is the difference between an 'add-on' and a 'policy upgrade'?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there can be a subtle difference. An 'add-on' usually refers to adding a distinct block of cover, like 'Dental Cover'. A 'policy upgrade' might refer to enhancing the limits of your core policy, for example, moving from a basic cancer cover plan to a comprehensive one, or increasing your overall annual benefit limit. Both will increase your premium.

Ready to build the perfect private medical insurance policy with the right add-ons for you? The expert team at WeCovr is here to help. Get a free, no-obligation quote today and let us compare the UK's leading insurers to find cover that protects your health and your budget.


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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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Any questions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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