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PMI Complaints UK

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 2, 2026
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TL;DR

Navigating private medical insurance (PMI) complaints in the UK can feel daunting. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we believe you should be fully informed. This guide explains how to raise an issue with your provider or the ombudsman.

Key takeaways

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract.
  • A chronic condition is 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, requires palliative care, or is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
  • Rejected Claims: The most common issue. A claim might be rejected because the insurer believes the condition is pre-existing, chronic, or falls under a specific policy exclusion (e.g., cosmetic surgery, experimental treatments).
  • Delays in Authorisation: You need treatment, but the insurer is taking too long to approve it. This can be incredibly stressful and may impact your health outcome.
  • Poor Customer Service: Difficulty getting through on the phone, unhelpful staff, or lost paperwork can all be grounds for a complaint.

Navigating private medical insurance (PMI) complaints in the UK can feel daunting. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we believe you should be fully informed. This guide explains how to raise an issue with your provider or the ombudsman.

How to raise an issue with your insurer or the ombudsman

Feeling let down by your private medical insurance provider is frustrating, especially when you're dealing with a health concern. Whether it's a rejected claim, a delay in treatment authorisation, or poor service, you have the right to complain. The process is regulated and designed to protect you, the consumer.

This guide will walk you through every step, from preparing your case to approaching the Financial Ombudsman Service if you can't find a resolution directly with your insurer.

Before You Complain: Understand Your PMI Policy

The single biggest cause of complaints is a misunderstanding of what a policy covers. Before raising an issue, it's vital to review your policy documents and be clear on the fundamentals of UK private health cover.

Crucial Point: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract.
  • A chronic condition is 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, requires palliative care, or is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions. It may cover an acute flare-up of a chronic condition, but the long-term care will revert to the NHS.

The Rule on Pre-existing Conditions

PMI also does not cover pre-existing conditions. These are any health issues you had, sought advice for, or experienced symptoms of before you took out your policy. This is why complete honesty during your application is non-negotiable. Hiding a condition will almost certainly lead to a rejected claim later.

If your complaint is about a rejected claim for a chronic or pre-existing condition, it is unlikely to be successful unless the insurer has made a clear error.

Common Reasons for PMI Complaints in the UK

While every situation is unique, most complaints fall into a few key categories. Understanding these can help you frame your own issue more clearly.

  • Rejected Claims: The most common issue. A claim might be rejected because the insurer believes the condition is pre-existing, chronic, or falls under a specific policy exclusion (e.g., cosmetic surgery, experimental treatments).
  • Delays in Authorisation: You need treatment, but the insurer is taking too long to approve it. This can be incredibly stressful and may impact your health outcome.
  • Poor Customer Service: Difficulty getting through on the phone, unhelpful staff, or lost paperwork can all be grounds for a complaint.
  • Disputes Over Policy Terms: You and the insurer interpret a clause in your policy differently. A common example is the "reasonable and customary charges" clause, where an insurer will only pay up to a certain amount for a procedure, leaving you with a shortfall.
  • Mis-selling or Bad Advice: You feel the policy you were sold is unsuitable for your needs or that you weren't given clear information when you bought it. This is less common if you use a reputable PMI broker.
  • Issues with Hospital or Specialist Lists: Your chosen hospital or consultant is not on the insurer's approved list, limiting your options for treatment.

According to data from the UK public and industry sources (FOS), a significant number of complaints about private medical insurance relate to claims being declined based on policy exclusions and pre-existing conditions. This highlights the importance of thoroughly understanding your cover from day one.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Complaint

Follow this structured process to ensure your complaint is handled efficiently and effectively.

Step 1: Gather Your Evidence

Before you write a single word, get organised. A well-documented complaint is much stronger. Collect everything related to your issue:

  • Your Policy Documents: Including the policy schedule and terms and conditions.
  • All Correspondence: Emails, letters, or records of phone calls (with dates, times, and who you spoke to).
  • Medical Information: Letters from your GP or specialist, diagnostic reports, and any treatment plans.
  • A Timeline of Events: Write a clear, chronological account of what happened. For example:
    • 1st May: Visited GP with knee pain.
    • 5th May: GP referred me to a specialist.
    • 6th May: Called insurer to pre-authorise the consultation.
    • 15th May: Insurer declined authorisation, stating it was a pre-existing condition.

Step 2: Complain Directly to Your Insurer

You must always complain to your insurer first. They need to be given a fair chance to put things right.

  1. Find the Right Contact: Check your policy documents or the insurer's website for their official complaints procedure. They will have a dedicated complaints department or a specific process to follow.
  2. Write Your Complaint: It's best to complain in writing (email or letter) so you have a record. Be clear, concise, and professional. Avoid emotional language and stick to the facts.

What to Include in Your Complaint Letter/Email:

  • Your Details: Full name, address, and policy number.
  • A Clear Subject Line: e.g., "Formal Complaint - Policy Number [Your Number]".
  • A Summary: Start with "I am writing to make a formal complaint about..." and briefly state the problem.
  • Your Timeline: Lay out the sequence of events as you prepared in Step 1.
  • Explain the Impact: Describe how this issue has affected you (e.g., financial loss, stress, delay in treatment).
  • Refer to Your Policy: If you believe the insurer has breached the terms of your policy, quote the relevant section.
  • State Your Desired Outcome: What do you want the insurer to do? Overturn a decision? Pay a claim? Apologise and offer compensation for distress? Be specific.
  • Attach Your Evidence: Include copies of all the documents you gathered.

Step 3: The Insurer's Response

Under rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), your insurer has a set timeframe to deal with your complaint.

  • Acknowledgement: They should acknowledge your complaint promptly, usually within a few working days.
  • Final Response: They have up to eight weeks from the date they receive your complaint to send you a "final response".

The final response letter will either:

  • Uphold your complaint and explain what they will do to put things right.
  • Reject your complaint and explain their reasons.

This letter is important because it will also state that if you remain dissatisfied, you have the right to take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service within six months.

Step 4: Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)

If you are not happy with the insurer's final response, or if they have not provided one within eight weeks, you can escalate your case to the FOS.

The FOS is a free, independent, and impartial service that settles disputes between consumers and financial businesses. Their decision is binding on the insurer if you accept it.

You can start a complaint with the FOS via their website or by phone. You will need to provide them with:

  • Details of your complaint.
  • Your insurer's final response letter (if you have one).
  • The evidence you've already gathered.

An FOS case handler will review the evidence from both you and the insurer. They will decide what is fair and reasonable in the circumstances, considering both the law and good industry practice. This can take several months, so patience is key.

Complaint Process: Insurer vs. Financial Ombudsman

FeatureComplaining Directly to Your InsurerEscalating to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
Who you contactThe insurer's dedicated complaints departmentThe Financial Ombudsman Service
CostFreeFree for consumers
Typical TimescaleUp to 8 weeks for a final responseCan take several months, depending on complexity
The GoalTo give the insurer a chance to resolve the issue internallyTo get an independent, impartial, and final decision
OutcomeThe insurer's final decision on your complaintAn impartial decision that is legally binding on the insurer if you accept it

How a Good PMI Broker Can Help Prevent Complaints

Many complaints arise from a mismatch between a customer's expectations and what the policy actually delivers. This is where an expert broker plays a crucial preventative role.

Working with an independent broker like WeCovr can significantly reduce the risk of future disputes. Here’s how:

  1. Understanding Your Needs: We take the time to understand your specific health circumstances, budget, and what's important to you in a policy.
  2. Comparing the Market: We use our expertise to compare policies from a wide range of top UK providers, explaining the key differences in cover, hospital lists, and claim philosophies.
  3. Explaining the Small Print: We translate the jargon and highlight crucial exclusions, especially around pre-existing conditions, so you know exactly what you are and are not covered for before you buy.
  4. Application Support: We guide you through the application process to ensure you declare everything correctly, minimising the risk of a claim being rejected later due to non-disclosure.

Choosing the right private medical insurance UK policy from the outset is the best way to avoid disappointment. As an FCA-authorised broker, our priority is to find cover that truly fits, giving you peace of mind.

Staying Healthy: A Proactive Approach

While having robust private health cover is important, the best-case scenario is not needing to use it. A healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing many acute conditions that require treatment.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet is the cornerstone of good health. Aim for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reducing your intake of processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions.

For tailored support, WeCovr provides complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to all our PMI and life insurance clients. It's a fantastic tool to help you understand your eating habits and make healthier choices.

Regular Physical Activity

The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. This could be anything from a brisk walk or cycling to swimming or a gym class. Regular exercise boosts your immune system, strengthens your heart, and improves your mental wellbeing.

Quality Sleep

Sleep is not a luxury; it's essential for physical and mental recovery. Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a higher risk of various health problems. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.

Managing Stress

Chronic stress can take a heavy toll on your body. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as mindfulness, yoga, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.

By taking these proactive steps, you can support your long-term health and wellbeing, making your PMI policy a safety net rather than a frequently used service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most common reason a PMI claim is rejected in the UK?

The most common reasons are that the condition is either pre-existing (an issue you had before taking out the policy) or chronic (a long-term condition with no known cure). Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. Full and honest disclosure during your application is the best way to avoid this.

How long do I have to complain to the Financial Ombudsman?

You must refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) within six months of the date on your insurer's final response letter. You can also contact them if your insurer has not provided a final response within eight weeks of you first making the complaint. The service is free for consumers.

Can a PMI broker like WeCovr help me with a complaint?

While a broker's primary role is to help you find and set up the right policy, a good broker can offer guidance if a dispute arises. If you bought your policy through WeCovr, we can help you understand the policy terms and may be able to liaise with the insurer on your behalf. Our main goal, however, is to prevent complaints by ensuring you choose the most suitable private health cover from the start.

Get the Right Private Health Cover Today

The best way to avoid complaints is to have the right policy. Don't leave it to chance.

At WeCovr, our expert advisors provide no-obligation, independent advice to help you navigate the UK's private medical insurance market. We'll compare leading insurers to find a policy that matches your needs and budget, all at no cost to you.

Plus, when you purchase PMI or life insurance through us, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero app and can enjoy discounts on other insurance products.

[Get Your Free, No-Obligation PMI Quote Today]

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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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.

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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 experienced 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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