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PMI Child-Only Policies When Kids Need Private Cover

PMI Child-Only Policies When Kids Need Private Cover 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that your child's health is your top priority. This guide explores child-only private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK, helping you give your children fast access to high-quality care when they need it most.

Securing private health cover for a child might seem daunting, but it's a straightforward process when you know the steps. The key to finding the best value isn't just about finding the lowest price; it's about striking the right balance between comprehensive cover, an affordable premium, and a policy that genuinely meets your child's potential needs.

The journey involves three main stages:

  1. Understanding the Cover: Knowing what is and isn't included, especially the distinction between acute and chronic conditions.
  2. The Application: Choosing an underwriting method and providing accurate medical history.
  3. Customising the Policy: Adjusting elements like the excess and hospital list to control the cost without sacrificing essential benefits.

Working with an expert PMI broker can simplify this journey, ensuring you compare the whole market and understand the fine print before committing.

Why Consider a Child-Only Private Health Insurance Policy?

While the NHS provides excellent care, parents are increasingly turning to private medical insurance for their children to gain peace of mind and overcome the challenge of long waiting lists. Recent data highlights the pressures on paediatric services. For instance, NHS England statistics consistently show hundreds of thousands of children on waiting lists for consultant-led elective care.

The core benefits of a child-only PMI policy are clear:

  • Speed of Access: This is the primary driver for most parents. PMI allows you to bypass lengthy NHS queues for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI or CT scans), and non-emergency surgery. For conditions like recurrent tonsillitis or grommet insertion for glue ear, this can mean treatment in weeks rather than many months.
  • Choice and Control: Private cover gives you more say over your child's healthcare journey. You can choose the specialist or consultant you want to see and select a hospital that is convenient for you, often from an extensive list of high-quality private facilities.
  • Comfort and Privacy: A private hospital stay often means your child gets a private room with an en-suite bathroom. This can make a stressful experience far more comfortable for both the child and the parent, who can usually stay overnight with them.
  • Access to Advanced Treatments: Some newer drugs, therapies, and surgical techniques may become available privately before they are approved for widespread use on the NHS due to funding decisions. PMI can provide access to these cutting-edge options.
  • Enhanced Mental Health Support: Many PMI policies offer excellent mental health pathways, providing faster access to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) than is often possible through the NHS, where waiting times can be particularly long.

Understanding What Child-Only PMI Covers (and What It Doesn't)

This is the most critical area to understand before you buy a policy. UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

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 infections, joint injuries, hernias, or cataracts.

Conversely, PMI does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

  • A chronic condition is an illness that is long-lasting and cannot be conventionally cured. It can be managed but not resolved. Examples include asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and cystic fibrosis.
  • A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or symptom for which your child had medication, advice, or treatment before the start date of the policy.

Here’s a breakdown of what is typically included and excluded:

Covered by Standard PMIUsually Excluded from Standard PMI
In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: Surgery, hospital accommodation, nursing care, specialist fees.Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical issue that existed before the policy started.
Out-patient Diagnostics: Consultations, MRI/CT/PET scans, blood tests to diagnose a condition.Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses like asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy.
Cancer Care: Comprehensive cover for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery is a core feature of most policies.Routine Care & Emergencies: A&E visits, GP check-ups, vaccinations, dental, and optical care.
Therapies: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, and sometimes speech therapy, often following a procedure.Developmental & Learning Issues: Conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and dyslexia.
Mental Health Support (Often an Add-on): Access to therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures not deemed medically necessary.

Important Note: The distinction between acute and chronic is fundamental. If your child develops an acute flare-up of a chronic condition, some policies might offer limited cover for getting the symptoms back under control, but they will not cover the ongoing management of the chronic illness itself.

The Application Process for Child Health Insurance Explained Step-by-Step

Applying for a child's health insurance policy is a structured process. Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Gather Your Child's Information

You will need to provide basic details for your child, including their full name, date of birth, and address. Crucially, you will need to have their medical history to hand. Be prepared to recall any consultations, treatments, or symptoms they have experienced.

Step 2: Choose an Underwriting Method

Underwriting is how an insurer assesses the risk and decides on the terms of your policy. There are two main types for personal health insurance:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting:

    • This is the most common and simplest option. You don't have to complete a detailed medical questionnaire upfront.
    • Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any pre-existing conditions your child has had in the five years before the policy start date.
    • However, if your child remains symptom-free, treatment-free, and advice-free for that condition for a continuous two-year period after the policy begins, the exclusion may be lifted for future claims.
    • Pros: Quick and easy to set up.
    • Cons: Lack of initial certainty. A claim might be investigated at a later date to see if it relates to a pre-existing condition.

  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU):

    • With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire for your child as part of the application.
    • You must declare all previous medical conditions, treatments, and consultations.
    • The insurer assesses this information and tells you from day one exactly what will be excluded from the policy.
    • Pros: Complete clarity from the start. You know precisely what is and isn't covered.
    • Cons: The application process takes longer, and any declared conditions will likely be permanently excluded.

An independent PMI broker like WeCovr can help you decide which underwriting method is best for your circumstances, ensuring there are no surprises when you need to make a claim.

Step 3: Customise Your Policy to Manage Costs

Several levers allow you to tailor your child’s policy to fit your budget:

  • Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and the treatment costs £2,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the remaining £1,750. A higher excess will lower your monthly premium.
  • Hospital List: Insurers have tiered hospital lists. A comprehensive list including prime central London hospitals will be the most expensive. Choosing a more restricted list that still covers excellent hospitals near you can significantly reduce the cost.
  • Out-patient Cover: You can choose a limit for out-patient diagnostics and consultations. A policy with full cover will be more expensive than one with a limit of, say, £1,000 per year.
  • The Six-Week Option: This is a popular cost-saving feature. If the NHS can provide the required in-patient treatment within six weeks of it being recommended, you would use the NHS. If the NHS waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private policy kicks in. This can reduce your premium by up to 20-30%.

Step 4: Finalise and Review

Once you’ve chosen your provider and customised your cover, you'll submit the application. After approval, you have a 14-day "cooling-off" period during which you can cancel the policy and receive a full refund, provided you haven't made a claim.

How Much Does Child-Only Private Medical Insurance Cost in the UK?

The cost of a standalone child-only policy in the UK can vary significantly but typically ranges from £20 to over £70 per month.

The final premium depends on several key factors:

  • Age of the Child: Premiums are generally low for young children and increase as they get older, particularly in their late teens.
  • Location: Your postcode matters. Cover is more expensive in and around major cities, especially London, due to the higher cost of private treatment.
  • Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan with full out-patient cover, mental health support, and a top-tier hospital list will cost more than a basic plan designed for in-patient care only.
  • Excess Level: A policy with a £500 excess will be cheaper than one with a £100 or £0 excess.

Here is an illustrative table of potential monthly costs for a child living outside London. These are examples only and actual quotes will vary.

Child's AgeBasic Cover (In-patient, £500 excess)Comprehensive Cover (Full out-patient, £100 excess)
5 years old£25 - £35£45 - £60
10 years old£28 - £40£50 - £65
15 years old£35 - £50£60 - £80+

Key UK Providers for Child-Only Health Insurance

The UK private medical insurance market is mature, with several excellent providers offering cover for children. However, their approaches differ. Some specialise in standalone child policies, while others require a parent to be on the policy.

ProviderStandalone Child-Only Policy?Noteworthy Feature
BupaYesA leading brand with extensive networks and strong cancer and mental health cover options.
AXA HealthYesKnown for excellent digital GP services and a clear, guided hospital selection process.
AvivaYesOften provides great value for money with its "Expert Select" model, guiding you to high-quality consultants.
VitalityNo (Usually requires an adult on the policy)Focuses on rewarding healthy behaviour with discounts and perks, which can be great for active families.
The ExeterYesA friendly society known for its straightforward policies and excellent customer service.

Navigating the subtle differences between these providers is where expert advice is invaluable. A broker can quickly identify which insurers offer standalone policies and which provide the best value for the specific cover you need.

Adding a Child to an Existing Policy vs. a Standalone Policy

If you or your partner already have private medical insurance, you face a choice: add your child to your policy or buy a separate one for them?

Adding a Child to a Parent's Policy:

  • Pros: Often more cost-effective and administratively simple. Your child typically inherits the same level of cover as you. If it's a company policy, your employer might subsidise the cost.
  • Cons: Less flexibility. You can't choose a different level of cover for your child. Some company schemes may not permit adding family members.

Buying a Standalone Child-Only Policy:

  • Pros: Complete flexibility to design a policy tailored to a child's needs. It can be purchased by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. This is the only option if the parents do not have or want their own PMI.
  • Cons: Can sometimes be more expensive than a family plan. Requires managing a separate policy.

Beyond Insurance: Promoting Your Child's Health and Wellbeing

While private medical insurance is a fantastic safety net, fostering a healthy lifestyle is the best preventative medicine.

  • A Balanced Diet: Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and snacks. Making mealtimes a positive family occasion can help build healthy eating habits for life.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Children need more sleep than adults. According to the NHS, children aged 6-12 need 9-12 hours of sleep per night, while teenagers need 8-10 hours. A consistent bedtime routine in a screen-free environment is crucial for both physical and mental recovery.
  • Stay Active: The UK Chief Medical Officers' guidelines recommend that children and young people (aged 5-18) should engage in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity for an average of at least 60 minutes per day. This could be anything from organised sports to playing in the park or cycling.
  • Nurture Mental Wellbeing: Create an environment where your child feels safe to talk about their feelings. Watch for changes in behaviour, sleep, or appetite that might signal stress or anxiety. Spending quality time together and maintaining open lines of communication is key.

As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our partner AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you and your family make healthier food choices. Furthermore, customers who purchase private medical or life insurance through us are eligible for discounts on other insurance products, helping protect your family in every way.

Can I get private health insurance for a child with a pre-existing condition like asthma?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after the policy begins. Pre-existing and chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or anything your child received treatment or advice for before taking out the cover, are typically excluded. The policy is there for unforeseen health issues, not for managing ongoing or past ones.

At what age can a child have their own health insurance policy?

A child can be covered by private medical insurance from birth. However, most insurers require a newborn to be added to a parent's policy for the first few months. Standalone "child-only" policies are typically available for children from the age of three months upwards, allowing a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian to purchase cover specifically for the child.

Does child health insurance cover mental health treatment?

Many modern PMI policies offer mental health cover, but it is often an optional add-on that increases the premium. Given the long NHS waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), many parents consider this a vital benefit. Cover can range from a set number of therapy sessions to more comprehensive psychiatric support, so it's important to check the policy details carefully.

Ready to find the right health cover for your child?

The world of private medical insurance can be complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Our friendly experts at WeCovr are here to help you compare the UK's leading providers, tailor a policy to your child's needs, and find the best possible value.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today and secure peace of mind for your family'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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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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