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PMI and Genetic Testing Will It Impact My Insurance

PMI and Genetic Testing Will It Impact My Insurance 2025

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the nuances of private medical insurance in the UK. The rise of genetic testing has brought new questions for those considering private health cover. This guide clarifies the rules, your rights, and how your genetic information interacts with your PMI policy.

Rules on disclosures, impact on cover, and the latest on genetic risk assessments

The world of genetics is advancing at lightning speed. From home DNA kits revealing your ancestry to clinical tests assessing your risk for serious illness, we can now access more information about our genetic makeup than ever before. But with this knowledge comes a pressing question for many in the UK: will a genetic test result affect my ability to get private medical insurance (PMI)?

The short answer, for the vast majority of people, is a reassuring no.

The UK has a robust framework in place designed specifically to prevent "genetic discrimination" by insurers. However, the details matter. Understanding the rules around disclosures, the type of test you've had, and the nature of your insurance application is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about PMI and genetic testing, ensuring you can make informed decisions about your health and your cover with confidence.

Understanding Genetic Testing: A Simple Breakdown

Before we dive into the insurance rules, let's clarify what we mean by "genetic testing". It's not one single thing; it's a broad term for various medical tests that identify changes in your genes, chromosomes, or proteins.

People undertake genetic testing for many reasons:

  • Curiosity: Exploring ancestry or wellness traits with a direct-to-consumer (DTC) kit.
  • Family Planning: Checking if they are a "carrier" for a genetic condition they could pass to their children.
  • Symptom Diagnosis: Helping doctors confirm a diagnosis when a genetic condition is suspected.
  • Risk Assessment: Understanding their future risk of developing a condition that runs in their family, like certain cancers or Huntington's disease.

Here are the main types of genetic tests and what they do:

Type of Genetic TestPurposeExample
Predictive & Pre-symptomaticTo find gene mutations that increase your risk of developing a condition in the future. You have no symptoms at the time of the test.Testing for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, which increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
DiagnosticTo confirm or rule out a specific genetic condition when you are already showing symptoms.Testing to confirm a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in a child with respiratory issues.
CarrierTo see if you and your partner carry a gene for a condition you could pass on to your children. You typically have no symptoms.Testing to see if you are a carrier for sickle cell anaemia or Tay-Sachs disease.
PharmacogenomicTo determine how your body will respond to certain medicines, helping doctors choose the most effective drug and dose.Testing to see if a specific chemotherapy drug will be effective for your type of cancer.
Direct-to-Consumer (DTC)Sold online directly to the public, offering ancestry, wellness (e.g., caffeine sensitivity), and sometimes health risk information.A 23andMe or AncestryDNA kit.

The most important distinction for insurance purposes is between predictive tests (taken when you're healthy) and diagnostic tests (taken when you have symptoms). This difference is central to the UK's rules.

The Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance: Your Shield Against Discrimination

The cornerstone of consumer protection in this area is the Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance. This is a voluntary agreement between the UK government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI), which virtually all UK insurers, including every major PMI provider, adhere to.

First established in 2001 and last updated to run until 2025 (with reviews planned), the Code sets out clear rules on how insurers can (and, more importantly, cannot) use genetic test information.

For Private Medical Insurance (PMI), the rule is simple and absolute:

Insurers will NOT ask for or use the result of a predictive or pre-symptomatic genetic test when you apply for PMI, regardless of the level of cover.

This is a powerful protection. It means you can take a predictive test to understand your future health risks without fearing that it will prevent you from getting private health cover or lead to higher premiums.

What You Must Declare vs. What You Are Protected From Declaring

Confusion often arises between a genetic test result and a diagnosed condition. The Code protects you from having to declare the former, but you must always be honest about the latter.

Let's make this crystal clear:

ItemDo I Need to Declare This for PMI?Why?
A predictive genetic test result (e.g., you have the BRCA gene)NOThe Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance explicitly forbids PMI insurers from asking for or using this information.
A diagnosed medical condition (e.g., a doctor has diagnosed you with breast cancer)YESThis is part of your medical history. Insurers need to know about diagnosed conditions to assess your application. It doesn't matter if a genetic test helped confirm the diagnosis; the diagnosis itself is what must be declared.
Family medical history (e.g., your mother had early-onset bowel cancer)YESInsurers have always asked about family history for certain conditions. This is separate from your personal genetic test results.
A direct-to-consumer (DTC) test (e.g., from 23andMe)NOThese are considered predictive or wellness-related tests and are fully covered by the Code's protections for PMI.

Critical Point: Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions (illnesses that are curable and short-term) that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before taking out the policy) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses that require ongoing management, like diabetes or asthma).

Does a Predictive Genetic Test Result Count as a Pre-Existing Condition?

This is a common and understandable fear, but the answer is a firm no.

A pre-existing condition is a disease, illness, or injury for which you have already received medication, advice, or treatment, or have experienced symptoms.

A predictive genetic test result that shows an increased risk of a future illness is not a condition. It's a risk factor, just like having high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease. You are still healthy.

Let's look at an example:

  1. Sarah's Situation: Sarah is 35 and healthy. Her mother had breast cancer at 45, so her GP recommends a predictive genetic test. The result shows she has the BRCA1 gene mutation, giving her a high lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
  2. Applying for PMI: A month later, Sarah decides to get private medical insurance. When filling out the application, she is asked about her medical history. She does not need to mention the BRCA1 test result. The insurer is not allowed to ask.
  3. The Outcome: Sarah is approved for PMI at a standard rate. Her premium is based on her age, location, and the level of cover she chose—not her genetic risk.
  4. Future Scenario: Five years later, a routine scan finds early-stage breast cancer. Because the cancer is a new, acute condition that developed after her policy started, her private medical insurance UK policy will cover her diagnosis and treatment in a private hospital.

The key takeaway is that PMI is there for the "what ifs." The fact that you know you have a higher "what if" chance does not disqualify you from getting cover for it, as long as the condition itself has not yet materialised.

How Your Underwriting Choice Interacts with Genetic Information

When you apply for PMI, the insurer "underwrites" your policy, meaning they assess the risk and decide on the terms of your cover. There are two main ways this is done in the UK.

1. Moratorium Underwriting

This is the most common and simplest route.

  • How it works: You don't complete a detailed medical questionnaire. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any medical conditions you have had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the five years before your policy starts.
  • The "rolling" part: If, after your policy begins, you go for a continuous two-year period without needing any treatment, advice, or having symptoms for that condition, the insurer may then cover it in the future.
  • Genetic Angle: This method doesn't involve any deep dive into your medical history, so your genetic test results are completely irrelevant. The focus is purely on conditions that have been present in the last five years.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

This is a more detailed, upfront approach.

  • How it works: You complete a comprehensive health questionnaire, declaring your full medical history. The insurer assesses this and tells you from day one exactly what is and isn't covered. Any pre-existing conditions you declare will be permanently excluded.
  • Genetic Angle: Even with FMU, the insurer cannot ask you about predictive genetic tests. However, you must declare any actual diagnosed conditions. If a genetic test led to a doctor diagnosing you with a condition (e.g., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), you must declare that diagnosis. The condition would then be excluded, but your policy would be accepted for all other future, unrelated acute conditions.

For most people, choosing between these underwriting types depends on their medical history and preference for clarity. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can explain the pros and cons for your specific situation, helping you make the right choice at no extra cost to you.

The Wellness Revolution: A Positive Spin on Health Data

While the focus is often on the risks, it's worth noting how genetic information and health data are being used positively by insurers. Many leading UK PMI providers now offer sophisticated wellness programmes that reward you for living a healthy lifestyle.

These programmes encourage activities like:

  • Hitting daily step counts
  • Regular gym visits
  • Mindfulness and meditation
  • Healthy eating
  • Annual health checks

By engaging with these platforms, you can earn rewards like free coffee, cinema tickets, and even discounts on your renewal premium.

This is where some of the "wellness" reports from direct-to-consumer genetic tests can be personally useful. Knowing you have a genetic predisposition to slow caffeine metabolism might encourage you to cut back on coffee. Finding you have a gene associated with endurance muscle performance might motivate you to take up running.

This information is for you—it helps you tailor your lifestyle. It is not used by your insurer to penalise you. In fact, by acting on it and improving your health, you could end up lowering your future premiums through a wellness-linked policy.

Furthermore, as a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you on your wellness journey. We also offer discounts on other types of insurance, such as life or home cover, when you take out a PMI policy with us, rewarding you for taking a holistic approach to your protection.

Case Studies: Genetic Testing and PMI in the Real World

Let's walk through a few more scenarios to see how the rules apply in practice.

Scenario 1: Mark and a Family History of Heart Disease

  • The Situation: Mark, 42, has a strong family history of heart disease. He uses a direct-to-consumer test which reports he has several genetic markers associated with a higher risk of high cholesterol. He is otherwise healthy with no symptoms.
  • His Action: Concerned, Mark visits his GP. His GP notes the test but tells him the evidence for these markers is weak. However, as a precaution, they do a blood test, which reveals Mark does have borderline high cholesterol. The GP advises dietary changes.
  • Applying for PMI: When Mark applies for PMI, he does not have to declare the genetic test. However, on a Full Medical Underwriting application, he would need to declare that he has been diagnosed with "borderline high cholesterol" and has received "medical advice" (dietary changes) for it. This may lead to a specific exclusion for cholesterol-related heart conditions or a small premium loading, depending on the insurer. The genetic test itself played no role in the underwriting decision.

Scenario 2: Chloe and Pharmacogenomics

  • The Situation: Chloe, 50, is diagnosed with an acute condition covered by her PMI policy. Her specialist recommends a course of treatment with a powerful new drug.
  • Her Action: Before prescribing, the specialist runs a pharmacogenomic test. The test shows Chloe's genetic makeup means the standard drug would be ineffective and cause severe side effects. The test identifies an alternative, more expensive drug that will work well for her.
  • The PMI Outcome: This is a huge benefit. The insurer covers the cost of the pharmacogenomic test as part of the diagnostic process. They also cover the cost of the more effective, personalised drug. Here, genetic testing has led to a better, safer, and more efficient health outcome, all funded by her PMI.

Scenario 3: Tom and Huntington's Disease

  • The Situation: Tom's father was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease, a degenerative neurological condition. At 25, a pre-symptomatic Tom takes a test and discovers he carries the Huntington's gene. He has no symptoms.
  • Applying for PMI: Tom can get PMI and does not have to declare the test result. His cover is approved at standard rates.
  • A Note on Chronic Conditions: Years later, if Tom begins to develop symptoms, the initial diagnosis and investigations would be covered by his PMI as a new condition. However, Huntington's is a chronic, long-term disease with no cure. PMI does not cover the long-term management of chronic conditions. So, after the initial acute phase, Tom's ongoing care would transition to the NHS. This highlights the fundamental purpose of PMI: to diagnose and treat acute conditions quickly, complementing the NHS's role in chronic care.

What Does the Future Hold?

The landscape of genetics and insurance is constantly evolving. The Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance is a "living document," periodically reviewed to keep pace with science and public policy. The current agreement is widely expected to be renewed beyond 2025, as it has served both consumers and the industry well.

We are likely to see a greater use of pharmacogenomics, leading to more personalised and effective medicine. This is a positive development that private medical insurance is well-placed to support, funding tests that guide doctors to the best treatment pathway from the outset.

The high level of customer satisfaction reported by clients of brokers like WeCovr often stems from the peace of mind that comes from having an expert demystify these complex topics. The UK's framework is one of the most robust in the world, and it is designed with a single goal: to allow you to explore your genetic health information without jeopardising your access to insurance.

Do I need to declare a 23andMe or AncestryDNA test to my PMI provider?

No. For private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK, you never need to declare the results of a predictive, wellness, or direct-to-consumer genetic test like those from 23andMe or Ancestry. This is protected by the Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance.

Will a genetic test result increase my private medical insurance premium?

No. Under the industry-wide Code, UK insurers have agreed not to use predictive genetic test results to assess risk or set premiums for private medical insurance. Your premium is based on factors like your age, chosen cover level, and your declared medical history of diagnosed conditions, not on genetic risk factors.

What if a genetic test leads to a diagnosis? Do I have to declare that?

Yes. This is a critical distinction. While you do not declare the test result itself, you must always declare any actual medical condition that a doctor has diagnosed. If you have symptoms and a genetic test is used to confirm a diagnosis, it is the diagnosed condition that becomes part of your medical history and must be declared. This condition would then likely be excluded from cover as a pre-existing condition.

Can an insurer ask my GP for my genetic test results?

Insurers need your explicit consent under the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 to view your medical records. More importantly, even if a predictive test result is in your file, the Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance means the PMI provider has formally agreed not to use that information in their assessment of your application.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Feeling clearer about genetic testing and PMI? The rules can seem complex, but protecting your future health shouldn't be. The UK's framework is designed to give you peace of mind.

At WeCovr, our expert advisors offer free, no-obligation advice to help you compare the best PMI providers in the UK. We'll find a policy that fits your needs and budget, ensuring you understand every aspect of your cover.

Get your free, personalised quote from WeCovr today and secure your health's future.

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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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