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PMI Claims Statistics UK




TL;DR

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies of various kinds arranged, WeCovr offers a unique insight into the UK's private medical insurance landscape. This guide demystifies the most common claims, helping you understand the immense value that a private health cover policy provides for you and your family. What's most commonly claimed on private health insurance in 2025?

Key takeaways

  • Rapid Diagnostics: Fast access to scans and consultations to confirm a diagnosis and stage the cancer.
  • Choice of Specialist: You can choose your oncologist and hospital from the insurer's approved list.
  • Comprehensive Treatment: Cover typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
  • Access to New Drugs: Many comprehensive policies cover breakthrough drugs and treatments that haven't been approved for widespread NHS use due to cost.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Treatment is often provided in a private room, offering a more comfortable and less stressful environment.

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies of various kinds arranged, WeCovr offers a unique insight into the UK's private medical insurance landscape. This guide demystifies the most common claims, helping you understand the immense value that a private health cover policy provides for you and your family.

What's most commonly claimed on private health insurance in 2025?

Private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK is primarily used for the diagnosis and treatment of new, unexpected medical conditions. Based on the latest industry data and trends heading into 2025, the most common claims consistently fall into a few key categories.

Topping the list are musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, such as back pain and joint problems, which account for the largest volume of claims. This is closely followed by cancer care, which, while less frequent, represents the highest value claims and is a primary reason many people invest in PMI. Other significant areas include diagnostics like MRI scans, mental health support, and digestive system (gastroenterology) issues.

These trends are driven by a combination of factors: our modern, often sedentary lifestyles, an ageing population, and a growing public awareness of both physical and mental health. Understanding these core claim areas is the first step to appreciating how a PMI policy can provide peace of mind and swift access to care when you need it most.

A Deep Dive into the Top PMI Claims Categories

Let's explore the conditions that most frequently lead to a claim on a private medical insurance policy in the UK. This gives you a clear picture of how your policy is most likely to be used.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conditions: The Undisputed Number One

Musculoskeletal conditions, affecting your bones, joints, and muscles, are by far the most common reason for a PMI claim. The NHS estimates that around 20 million people in the UK live with an MSK condition, making it a pervasive health issue.

These problems can arise from sports injuries, wear and tear over time, or even poor posture while working from home. They range from minor aches to debilitating pain that requires significant intervention. Private health cover offers a fast track to diagnosis and treatment, helping you get back on your feet sooner.

Common MSK Claims on Private Health Insurance

Condition / TreatmentDescriptionWhy It's Commonly Claimed
PhysiotherapyA course of physical therapy to restore movement and function.The first line of treatment for back pain, sprains, and sports injuries.
Knee ArthroscopyKeyhole surgery to diagnose and treat problems like torn cartilage.A very common procedure for knee pain and injuries.
Hip ReplacementSurgical procedure to replace a damaged hip joint with an artificial one.Often necessary for severe arthritis, significantly improving quality of life.
Spinal InjectionsCorticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain in the back.A common, effective treatment for sciatica and slipped discs.
Cataract SurgeryA procedure to remove the cloudy lens of your eye and replace it with a clear artificial one.While an eye condition, it's often grouped with high-volume surgical procedures like MSK. PMI bypasses long waits.

Top Tip for MSK Health: Regular, gentle exercise is your best defence. Activities like swimming, yoga, and pilates strengthen your core muscles, support your joints, and improve flexibility. If you work at a desk, ensure your setup is ergonomic: your screen at eye level, your chair supporting your lower back, and your feet flat on the floor. Take a short break to stand and stretch every 30 minutes.

Cancer Care: The Most Valuable Benefit

While not the most frequent claim by volume, cancer cover is arguably the most valuable and life-changing benefit of private medical insurance. A cancer diagnosis is a deeply stressful experience, and PMI provides control, comfort, and access to cutting-edge treatments that might not yet be available on the NHS.

According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 375,000 new cancer cases in the UK every year. Private health cover ensures that from the moment of diagnosis, you have a dedicated care path.

How PMI Supports Cancer Treatment:

  1. Rapid Diagnostics: Fast access to scans and consultations to confirm a diagnosis and stage the cancer.
  2. Choice of Specialist: You can choose your oncologist and hospital from the insurer's approved list.
  3. Comprehensive Treatment: Cover typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
  4. Access to New Drugs: Many comprehensive policies cover breakthrough drugs and treatments that haven't been approved for widespread NHS use due to cost.
  5. Comfort and Privacy: Treatment is often provided in a private room, offering a more comfortable and less stressful environment.

Common Cancer Types Covered by PMI

Cancer TypeUK Incidence (Approx. Annual Cases)PMI Support
Breast Cancer55,900Surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy.
Prostate Cancer52,300Surgery (prostatectomy), radiotherapy, advanced drug therapies.
Lung Cancer48,500Diagnostics, surgery, targeted therapies.
Bowel Cancer42,900Colonoscopy, surgery, chemotherapy.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand the different levels of cancer cover available, from basic care to fully comprehensive options that include experimental treatments.

Mental Health Support: A Growing Area of Need

In recent years, insurers have significantly enhanced their mental health offerings in response to growing demand. The NHS reports that 1 in 4 adults in the UK experience a mental health problem each year. PMI can provide faster access to therapy and specialist consultations than is often possible through public services.

Modern policies no longer just cover traditional inpatient care. They now embrace a wide range of support options, including:

  • Talking Therapies: Access to a set number of sessions with a psychologist or counsellor for treatments like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
  • Psychiatric Consultations: Faster access to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment plans for conditions like depression, anxiety, and OCD.
  • Digital Mental Health Platforms: Many providers now include access to apps and online portals offering 24/7 support, self-help courses, and virtual therapy sessions.

This shift reflects an understanding that early and accessible intervention is key to managing mental wellbeing.

Diagnostics and Consultations: The Gateway to Treatment

Often, the first step in any health journey is figuring out what's wrong. Long waiting lists for diagnostic tests on the NHS are a major driver for people seeking private health cover. A PMI policy can reduce the wait for a crucial scan from months to just a few days.

A GP referral is almost always required to initiate this process. Once you have a referral, your insurer can authorise and arrange the necessary tests and specialist appointments.

Most Common Diagnostic Claims:

  • MRI Scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Essential for detailed images of soft tissues, joints, the brain, and spine.
  • CT Scans (Computed Tomography): Used for detailed cross-sectional images of the body, often for chest or abdominal issues.
  • Ultrasound: Used to view internal organs and, famously, in pregnancy.
  • X-rays: The primary method for diagnosing fractures and some chest conditions.
  • Specialist Consultations: Appointments with experts like cardiologists, dermatologists, or gastroenterologists.

By speeding up this initial phase, PMI not only provides peace of mind but also enables treatment to begin much sooner, often leading to better outcomes.

The Crucial Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance UK. Standard policies are designed to cover acute conditions, not chronic conditions.

  • An Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is short-term and likely to respond quickly to treatment, leading to a full or near-full recovery.

    • Examples: A broken arm, appendicitis, a hernia, a cataract, or a treatable infection.
  • A Chronic Condition: A long-term condition that has no known cure and requires ongoing management.

    • Examples: Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, Crohn's disease, or eczema.

Private medical insurance will pay for the initial diagnosis of a chronic condition. For instance, if you have symptoms, your PMI could cover the consultations and tests that lead to a diagnosis of diabetes. However, the day-to-day management of the diabetes (e.g., insulin, regular check-ups) would then be passed back to the NHS.

Similarly, pre-existing conditions – any health issue you knew about before taking out the policy – are typically excluded for a set period or permanently. This is why it's vital to be honest during your application and to discuss your medical history with an adviser.

How Do Demographics Influence PMI Claims?

Your age, gender, and lifestyle all have a significant impact on the type of health issues you're likely to face, and therefore, what you might claim for. Insurers use this data to calculate premiums.

Age GroupCommon Claims & Health ConcernsPreventative Health Tips
20s-30s- Sports injuries (e.g., torn ACL, sprained ankles)
- Mental health support (anxiety, depression)
- Maternity cash benefits (on some policies)
- Proper warm-ups and cool-downs for exercise.
- Build a strong social support network.
- Establish healthy sleep habits (7-9 hours).
40s-50s- Back and neck pain from posture
- Investigative diagnostics (e.g., for digestive issues)
- Early signs of arthritis
- Hernia repair
- Focus on strength training to protect joints.
- Eat a balanced, fibre-rich diet.
- Attend regular health screenings.
60s+- Joint replacements (hip, knee)
- Cataract surgery
- Cancer treatment (prostate, breast, bowel)
- Heart conditions (cardiology consultations)
- Stay active with low-impact exercise like walking or swimming.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on joints.
- Keep your mind active with puzzles or learning a new skill.

Understanding these trends helps you anticipate your future health needs and choose a policy that provides the right level of cover for your stage in life.

The Financial Side: Understanding Claim Costs

One of the biggest benefits of PMI is protection against the high and often unpredictable costs of private healthcare. Medical inflation—the rising cost of new drugs, technology, and specialist fees—consistently outpaces general inflation.

Here is an illustrative table of typical costs for common private procedures in the UK. These are estimates and can vary significantly based on the hospital, specialist, and location.

Estimated Costs for Private Treatment in the UK (2025)

Procedure / TreatmentEstimated Private CostWhy It Costs This Much
MRI Scan£400 - £1,500Cost of the machine, radiographer's time, and reporting by a consultant radiologist.
Hip Replacement Surgery£12,000 - £15,000Includes surgeon & anaesthetist fees, hospital stay, the prosthesis, and initial physiotherapy.
Knee Arthroscopy£4,000 - £6,000Surgeon & anaesthetist fees, theatre time, and a day-case hospital stay.
Cataract Surgery (per eye)£2,500 - £4,000Surgeon's fee, cost of the artificial lens, and use of the operating theatre.
Chemotherapy (per cycle)£2,000 - £20,000+Highly variable depending on the specific drugs used; newer drugs are extremely expensive.

Your policy excess is a key part of managing your premium. This is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and the treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and your insurer pays the remaining £2,750. Choosing a higher excess will lower your monthly premium. An adviser at WeCovr can model these options for you to find the perfect balance.

Making a claim on your private health insurance is designed to be a straightforward process. The golden rule is to always contact your insurer for authorisation before you arrange any treatment.

Here’s the typical journey:

  1. Visit Your GP: Your journey almost always starts with your NHS GP. You'll discuss your symptoms, and if they feel you need to see a specialist, they will provide you with an 'open referral' letter. This confirms you need further investigation but doesn't name a specific specialist.

  2. Contact Your Insurer: Call your PMI provider's dedicated claims line. Have your policy number and the details of your GP referral ready.

  3. Get Authorisation: The claims handler will check your policy to ensure the condition and proposed treatment are covered. They will give you an authorisation number for the consultation or tests.

  4. Book Your Appointment: Your insurer will provide you with a list of approved specialists and hospitals in your area. You can then call and book your appointment, providing your policy number and authorisation code.

  5. Treatment and Invoicing: After your consultation or treatment, the hospital or specialist will usually send the bill directly to your insurer. You only need to pay your excess (if applicable). The process is designed to be as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Beyond the Core Claims: The Rise of Value-Added Benefits

The best PMI providers now offer far more than just cover for when you are ill. Modern policies have evolved into holistic health and wellness packages, designed to help you stay healthy in the first place.

These value-added benefits often come as standard and can include:

  • 24/7 Digital GP: Speak to a GP via video call or phone, often within a few hours. This is perfect for getting quick advice, prescriptions, or a referral without waiting for an NHS appointment.
  • Fitness Discounts: Significant savings on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and workout apps to encourage an active lifestyle.
  • Mental Health Helplines: Confidential phone lines staffed by trained counsellors, available day or night.
  • Nutrition Consultations: Access to registered dietitians for personalised advice on healthy eating.
  • Second Medical Opinions: The ability to have your diagnosis and treatment plan reviewed by a world-leading expert.

At WeCovr, we go a step further. All our PMI and Life Insurance clients receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you manage your diet effectively. Furthermore, when you take out a policy with us, you can access discounts on other types of cover, like home or travel insurance, saving you even more money.

Choosing the Right Policy with WeCovr

The UK private medical insurance market is complex, with dozens of providers and hundreds of policy variations. Trying to compare them all yourself can be overwhelming. This is where an independent, expert broker like WeCovr becomes your most valuable asset.

As an FCA-authorised firm with deep knowledge of the market, our job is to work for you, not the insurer. We take the time to understand your personal needs, health history, and budget. Then, we compare policies from the UK's leading insurers to find the one that offers the best possible value and protection.

Our service is provided at no cost to you. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, which doesn't affect the price you pay. With high customer satisfaction ratings, our focus is entirely on providing clear, impartial advice to help you make a confident decision.


Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Pre-existing conditions (any medical issue you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before starting the policy) are usually excluded. Some policies may cover them after a set period (typically two years) provided you have remained symptom-free, a process known as moratorium underwriting.

How much does private medical insurance cost in the UK?

The cost of private medical insurance varies widely. For a young, healthy individual, it could be as little as £30-£40 per month. For a comprehensive policy for someone in their 60s, it could be over £150 per month. Key factors that influence your premium include your age, your location, the level of cover you choose (e.g., cancer care options, hospital list), and your chosen excess. An expert broker can help find a policy that fits your budget.

Do I need a GP referral to make a PMI claim?

In almost all cases, yes. Your GP acts as the first point of contact to assess your condition. An insurer requires a GP referral to confirm that specialist investigation or treatment is medically necessary. This ensures the claims process is appropriate and helps manage costs. Some modern policies offer direct access to certain services like physiotherapy without a GP referral.

What is an excess on a health insurance policy?

An excess is the fixed amount you agree to contribute towards the cost of a claim. For example, if your policy has a £200 excess and your treatment costs £5,000, you would pay the first £200, and your insurer would pay the remaining £4,800. Choosing a higher excess is a common way to reduce your monthly or annual premium.

Ready to secure fast access to the best medical care? Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our friendly experts will compare the market for you and find the perfect private health cover to protect you and your loved ones.

Sources

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
  • HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
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Related guides

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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