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PMI and Out-of-Hours GP Services Access to 247 Care

PMI and Out-of-Hours GP Services Access to 247 Care 2025

Struggling to get a timely GP appointment? You're not alone. As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies of various kinds issued, WeCovr understands the growing need for accessible healthcare. This guide explores how private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK offers a powerful solution: 24/7 access to GP services.

Providers offering round-the-clock consultations and digital doctor access

In today's fast-paced world, waiting weeks for a GP appointment can be more than just an inconvenience; it can be a source of significant anxiety. The strain on the NHS is well-documented, with many people finding it increasingly difficult to see a doctor when they need one most. This is where the private medical insurance UK market has stepped up, revolutionising access to primary care.

A key feature now included in most modern PMI policies is access to a digital or virtual GP service. These services provide policyholders with round-the-clock access to a qualified GP via phone or video call, often through a simple smartphone app. This means you can get medical advice, a diagnosis for common ailments, or even a private prescription, day or night, from the comfort of your own home.

Why is 24/7 GP Access a Game-Changer in UK Healthcare?

The demand for GP appointments in the UK is at an all-time high. Recent NHS data highlights the pressure:

  • Waiting Times: Millions of patients wait more than two weeks for a GP appointment, with a significant number waiting over a month. According to NHS Digital figures, in a typical month, over 10 million appointments involved a wait of more than a week.
  • Convenience: For busy professionals, parents with young children, or those with mobility issues, travelling to a surgery during working hours is often impractical.
  • Peace of Mind: Health worries don't stick to a 9-to-5 schedule. Having access to a doctor at 3 am when your child has a fever or you develop a sudden, worrying symptom provides invaluable reassurance.

Private health cover with a 24/7 GP service bridges this gap, offering an immediate and convenient first line of medical support. It’s about taking back control of your health and getting help on your terms.

Understanding Digital GP Services: How Do They Work?

If you're new to the idea of a 'digital doctor', the process is remarkably straightforward and designed for ease of use.

  1. Download the App: Once your PMI policy is active, your insurer will direct you to download their partner GP service app (e.g., Doctor at Hand, Babylon, HealthWise).
  2. Register Your Details: You'll create an account using your policy information. This is a one-time setup.
  3. Book a Consultation: When you need to speak to a doctor, you simply open the app. You can usually choose between a video or phone consultation and see a list of available appointment slots – often within the next couple of hours, or even immediately.
  4. Have Your Consultation: A UK-based, GMC-registered GP will call you at the scheduled time. You can discuss your symptoms, show them any visible issues via video, and ask questions, just as you would in a face-to-face meeting.
  5. Receive Your Outcome: Following the consultation, the GP can:
    • Issue a private prescription, sent directly to a local pharmacy for collection.
    • Provide a diagnosis and medical advice.
    • Write a fit note for work if necessary.
    • Make an open referral for specialist treatment if your PMI policy covers it.

This seamless process removes many of the traditional barriers to accessing primary care.

A Deep Dive into What UK PMI Providers Offer for 24/7 GP Access

Nearly all major UK health insurers now offer a virtual GP service as a standard or optional benefit. While the core offering is similar, there are subtle differences in the platforms they use, the number of consultations allowed, and how the service is integrated.

Here's a breakdown of the services offered by the leading PMI providers:

ProviderDigital GP Service NamePlatform PartnerKey Features
BupaDigital GPBabylon Health24/7 access, video/phone consultations, prescription service, open referrals.
AXA HealthDoctor at HandDoctor at Hand (a brand of AXA)24/7 access, video consultations, up to 5 appointments per person per year on some plans.
AvivaAviva Digital GPSquare Health24/7 access, unlimited consultations, prescription delivery, choice of GP by gender.
VitalityVitality GPVitality's own platform24/7 access, video consultations, direct referrals into Vitality's network, prescription service.
The ExeterHealthWiseSquare Health24/7 access, also includes mental health support and physiotherapy access through the same app.

Let's explore these in more detail.

Bupa's Digital GP (powered by Babylon)

Bupa's offering gives customers access to the well-known Babylon Health platform.

  • Availability: Accessible 24/7, 365 days a year.
  • Consultations: You can book a video consultation, often with an appointment available within two hours.
  • Integration: A key benefit is the integration with Bupa's wider services. If the GP feels you need to see a specialist, they can issue an open referral, which you can then use to start a claim through your Bupa policy.
  • User Experience: The Babylon app is known for its user-friendly interface, which includes an AI-powered symptom checker to help guide you before you even speak to a doctor.

AXA Health's Doctor at Hand

AXA Health uses its own proprietary service, Doctor at Hand, giving them full control over the user experience.

  • Availability: Provides 24/7 GP access.
  • Consultations: Focuses on video consultations with experienced GPs. Some corporate or high-tier plans may have limits on the number of consultations per year, so it's important to check your policy documents.
  • Advanced Features: Doctor at Hand can connect you with specialists like counsellors and psychologists, offering a more holistic approach to health through a single platform.

Aviva's Digital GP (powered by Square Health)

Aviva's service is noted for its generous usage limits and patient-centric features.

  • Availability: True 24/7 access.
  • Consultations: A standout feature is the offer of unlimited consultations for all named members on the policy. This is a huge benefit for families.
  • Choice and Convenience: You can choose your GP by gender, which can be an important factor for many patients. Their prescription service also offers delivery to your home or work address.

Vitality's Virtual GP

Vitality's approach is deeply integrated with its core philosophy of rewarding healthy living.

  • Availability: 24/7 video GP consultations.
  • Integration: The Vitality GP service is a cornerstone of their healthcare pathway. A GP can provide a direct referral into the Vitality network of specialists, streamlining the claims process significantly.
  • Rewards: Using the Vitality GP can even contribute towards your Vitality status, helping you unlock more rewards and benefits. This encourages proactive health management.

The Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the most important concept to understand when considering private medical insurance in the UK. PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of new, unexpected, acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint pain needing a replacement, cataracts, or hernias.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

Standard UK PMI policies do not cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before the policy started) or the long-term management of chronic conditions.

While a virtual GP can offer advice on managing a flare-up of a chronic condition like asthma, the ongoing treatment, prescriptions, and monitoring for that condition would fall to your NHS GP. However, if you develop a new acute condition, the virtual GP can provide a referral to a specialist, and your PMI policy would then cover the subsequent private treatment.

Beyond the Consultation: What Else Can Digital GP Services Do?

The value of these services extends beyond just talking to a doctor.

  • Private Prescriptions: If a GP determines you need medication, they can issue a private prescription instantly. You will have to pay for the cost of the medication itself, but the prescription can be sent electronically to a pharmacy near you for immediate collection. This avoids the wait for a paper prescription from your NHS surgery.
  • Open Referrals: This is a major benefit. If the digital GP believes you need specialist care (e.g., to see a dermatologist for a new skin lesion or an orthopaedic surgeon for joint pain), they can write an open referral letter. You can then use this letter to start a claim with your insurer, bypassing the NHS waiting list for a specialist appointment.
  • Fit Notes (Sick Notes): If you are unwell and unable to work, the digital GP can assess you and issue a legitimate fit note, which you can provide to your employer.

Integrating Wellness: A Holistic Approach to Your Health

The best PMI providers understand that health is about more than just treating illness; it's about promoting wellness. Their digital offerings often reflect this, becoming a hub for your overall health.

Many PMI policies now include a suite of wellness benefits alongside their 24/7 GP service:

  1. Mental Health Support: Access to counsellors, therapists, and digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) courses.
  2. Physiotherapy: Initial assessment and guided exercises for musculoskeletal issues via an app.
  3. Nutritional Advice: Consultations with registered dietitians to help with weight management, dietary planning, and healthy eating.
  4. Fitness Programmes: Discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and online workout programmes.

This is where WeCovr adds unique value. When you arrange your private health cover through us, we provide complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. This tool can help you make informed decisions about your diet, complementing the wellness advice you receive through your PMI provider.

Proactive Health Tips for a Better Life

  • Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. A consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, regulates your body's internal clock.
  • Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods. The Mediterranean diet, for example, is consistently linked to better cardiovascular health. Using an app like CalorieHero can help you stay on track.
  • Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week.
  • Stress Management: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, or simple breathing exercises into your day to manage stress levels. Even five minutes can make a difference.

Choosing the Right Private Medical Insurance UK Policy for You

With so many options, selecting the best PMI provider can feel overwhelming. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can be an invaluable partner in this process. We are independent, meaning we are not tied to any single insurer. Our role is to understand your specific needs, budget, and priorities, and then search the market to find the policy that offers the best fit and value.

Working with us costs you nothing; we are paid by the insurer you choose. We handle the paperwork, explain the jargon, and ensure you understand exactly what is and isn't covered. With high customer satisfaction ratings, our clients trust us to guide them through these important decisions.

Furthermore, when you purchase a PMI or life insurance policy through WeCovr, we can offer you exclusive discounts on other types of insurance, such as home or travel cover, providing even greater value.

Real-Life Scenarios: When 24/7 GP Access Shines

Let's look at some practical examples:

  • The Worried Parent: It's 2 am, and your toddler has a high fever and a rash. Instead of a stressful trip to A&E or waiting for NHS 111 to call back, you book an immediate video call. A GP assesses your child, reassures you it's a common viral infection, and tells you what signs to watch for. Peace of mind is achieved in minutes.
  • The Busy Executive: You have a persistent cough but are in back-to-back meetings all week. During your lunch break, you have a 15-minute phone consultation. The GP suspects a chest infection and sends a prescription for antibiotics to the pharmacy next to your office. You pick it up on your way home, avoiding any disruption to your work schedule.
  • The Frequent Traveller: You're on a business trip in another UK city and develop a painful earache. You use your provider's app to speak to a GP who diagnoses an ear infection and sends a prescription to a local chemist, allowing you to get treatment quickly without having to find and register with a temporary NHS doctor.

In all these cases, the 24/7 GP service provides a fast, effective, and reassuring solution.


Can a digital GP prescribe any medication?

Generally, virtual GPs can issue private prescriptions for a wide range of common medications. However, they cannot prescribe controlled drugs or certain medications that require close physical monitoring. The prescription is private, meaning you must pay the pharmacy for the cost of the drug itself. The service is ideal for acute needs like antibiotics, creams, or short-term pain relief.

Is a 24/7 GP service a full replacement for my NHS GP?

No, it is designed to be a complementary service. You must remain registered with an NHS GP. The virtual GP service is perfect for immediate advice, acute conditions, and convenience. Your NHS GP remains responsible for your long-term care, managing chronic conditions, routine vaccinations, and screenings. The two services work best alongside each other.

Will my NHS GP know I've used a private digital GP service?

Not automatically. The consultation is private and confidential. However, for continuity of care, it is good practice to share the details of your consultation with your NHS GP, especially if you received a new diagnosis or prescription. Most digital GP services allow you to easily download and share your consultation notes for this purpose.

What happens if the digital GP says I need a physical examination?

A virtual GP can handle a surprisingly large number of issues, but they will always prioritise your safety. If they determine that your symptoms require a physical examination (for example, to listen to your chest or feel your abdomen), they will advise you to see your NHS GP, visit an urgent treatment centre, or, in an emergency, go to A&E.

Ready to take control of your healthcare with the convenience of 24/7 GP access? The world of private medical insurance offers more than just fast access to specialists; it provides a comprehensive toolkit for managing your day-to-day health.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will help you compare the market and find the perfect private health cover to give you and your family peace of mind.


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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