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PMI Excess Pay More, Save More

PMI Excess Pay More, Save More 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped UK residents arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance can be complex. This guide demystifies one of the most powerful cost-saving tools available: the policy excess, helping you make a truly savvy choice.

When opting for a higher excess makes sense for savvy policyholders

Choosing the right private medical insurance (PMI) policy is a balancing act. You want comprehensive cover for peace of mind, but you also need a monthly premium that fits your budget. One of the most effective ways to lower your premiums is by opting for a higher policy excess. While it might seem counterintuitive to agree to pay more when you claim, for many people, it's a financially astute decision.

This guide will explore precisely what a PMI excess is, how it works, and who stands to benefit most from choosing a higher level. We'll break down the numbers, explore real-life scenarios, and give you the expert insights you need to tailor a policy that’s perfect for your health needs and your wallet.

What Exactly is a PMI Excess?

In simple terms, an excess (also known as a deductible) is a fixed amount of money you agree to pay towards the cost of your treatment when you make a claim. The insurer then pays the remaining costs, up to your policy limits.

Think of it like the excess on your car insurance. If you have a minor prang and the repair bill is £1,000, and your excess is £250, you pay the first £250 and your insurer covers the remaining £750.

The same principle applies to private health cover. If you need a procedure that costs £5,000 and your PMI policy has a £500 excess, you would contribute £500, and your insurer would pay £4,500.

Insurers offer a range of excess levels, typically starting from £0 and going up to £1,000 or even higher. The key relationship to understand is:

A higher excess = A lower monthly premium.

By agreeing to share a small, predictable portion of the cost, you are taking on a little more risk yourself. In return, the insurer reduces your regular premium payments, often significantly.

The Core Trade-Off: Higher Excess vs. Lower Premiums

The fundamental choice with a PMI excess is whether you prefer lower, predictable monthly costs in exchange for a potentially higher one-off payment if you need to claim.

Let's illustrate this with a simple example. The figures below are for illustrative purposes, but they demonstrate the typical relationship between excess and premium cost for a healthy 40-year-old in the UK.

Excess LevelExample Monthly PremiumExample Annual PremiumPotential Annual Saving (vs. £0 Excess)
£0£85£1,020£0
£250£72£864£156
£500£63£756£264
£1,000£50£600£420

As you can see, by opting for a £1,000 excess instead of a zero excess, the policyholder could save £420 per year. If they don't make a claim for three years, they will have saved £1,260 in premiums. This saving is more than enough to cover their £1,000 excess if they do need to make a claim in the fourth year.

This is the core calculation savvy policyholders make. They bet on their good health, knowing that the long-term premium savings can often outweigh the one-off cost of the excess.

Who Should Consider a Higher Excess? Real-Life Scenarios

A higher excess isn't right for everyone, but it’s an excellent strategy for certain individuals and families. Here are a few profiles of people who could benefit.

1. The Healthy, Budget-Conscious Young Professional

  • Scenario: Alex, a 32-year-old marketing manager, is in good health and rarely visits a doctor. He wants private medical insurance primarily as a safety net for serious, unexpected issues, like needing surgery that has a long NHS waiting list. He's comfortable paying for minor consultations or a few physiotherapy sessions out-of-pocket.
  • Why a higher excess makes sense: By choosing a £1,000 excess, Alex significantly lowers his monthly premium, making the policy very affordable. He sees PMI as protection against major medical events, not for everyday health niggles. He has enough savings to cover the £1,000 if needed, but in the meantime, he enjoys substantial annual savings.

2. The Self-Employed Individual or Small Business Owner

  • Scenario: Sarah runs her own graphic design business. Managing cash flow is critical. A lengthy illness or waiting for an NHS procedure could be devastating for her business income. She needs a PMI policy to ensure she can get back to work quickly.
  • Why a higher excess makes sense: Sarah needs to keep her fixed monthly overheads as low as possible. A higher excess reduces her monthly insurance premium, which is a predictable business expense. She budgets for the possibility of paying the excess as a one-off business cost, which is more manageable for her than a permanently higher monthly premium.

3. The Retiree with Substantial Savings

  • Scenario: David and Mary, both 68, have retired with a healthy pension and savings. They want to protect their quality of life and avoid long waits for procedures like hip replacements or cataract surgery. However, they are also mindful of their fixed income.
  • Why a higher excess makes sense: Their priority is keeping regular outgoings low. They can easily afford a one-off payment of £500 or £1,000 from their savings if a medical need arises. Choosing a higher excess allows them to secure top-tier private health cover while keeping their monthly premiums manageable within their retirement budget.

4. The Family on a Tight Budget

  • Scenario: The Patel family have two young children. They want the peace of mind that comes with private cover, especially for their kids, but the family budget is tight.
  • Why a higher excess makes sense: A family policy can be expensive. Opting for a £500 excess can be the difference that makes the policy affordable. They decide that the premium savings of several hundred pounds a year are worth the risk of having to find £500 for a claim. It allows them to access the benefits of PMI, such as prompt access to specialists and private hospital rooms, which they otherwise couldn't afford.

The Crucial Distinction: Per Claim vs. Per Policy Year Excess

This is one of the most important details to understand when choosing your policy. The excess you pay can be applied in two different ways, and it dramatically affects how much you might pay.

  1. Per Claim Excess: You must pay the excess for each separate medical condition you claim for within a single policy year.
  2. Per Policy Year Excess: You only pay the excess once during your policy year, regardless of how many separate claims you make for different conditions.

Let's see how this plays out in practice.

Scenario: In one policy year, you need an operation on your knee (Claim 1) and later require treatment for a separate shoulder injury (Claim 2). Your excess is £250.

Excess TypeCost for Knee Claim (Claim 1)Cost for Shoulder Claim (Claim 2)Total Excess Paid in the Year
Per Claim£250£250£500
Per Policy Year£250£0£250

Our Expert Advice: For most people, a 'Per Policy Year' excess is far more favourable. It provides certainty about your maximum out-of-pocket costs in any given year. While a 'Per Claim' policy might have a slightly cheaper premium, the risk of multiple, unrelated health issues in one year could leave you paying much more than you anticipated. Always clarify this with your insurer or broker.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you quickly identify which leading providers offer the more advantageous 'Per Policy Year' excess option.

The Golden Rule of UK Private Medical Insurance: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

It is absolutely vital to understand what private medical insurance in the UK is designed for. This knowledge prevents disappointment at the point of a claim.

Standard UK PMI is designed to cover ACUTE conditions that arise AFTER your policy begins.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair, appendicitis, and treatment for most infections.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease.

Crucially, private medical insurance does not typically cover:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before your policy started.
  • Chronic conditions: The long-term management of conditions like diabetes or asthma is handled by the NHS. A PMI policy may cover an acute flare-up of a chronic condition, but not the day-to-day management.

Understanding this principle is key to having the right expectations for your private health cover.

Beyond the Excess: Other Ways to Tailor Your PMI Policy

The excess is a powerful tool, but it's not the only way to manage the cost of your private medical insurance UK policy. A good policy is a tailored one. Here are other levers you can pull:

  1. The Six-Week Wait Option: This is a popular cost-saving measure. You agree that if the NHS can provide the inpatient treatment you need within six weeks of it being recommended, you will use the NHS. If the NHS wait is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in. This can reduce premiums by 20-30% as it removes the cost of many common, less urgent procedures.
  2. Hospital Lists: Insurers have tiered hospital lists. A comprehensive list includes a wide range of hospitals, including expensive ones in Central London. By choosing a more restricted list that still covers excellent hospitals near your home and work, you can achieve significant savings.
  3. Outpatient Cover Limits: Outpatient cover pays for initial consultations with specialists and diagnostic tests (like MRI and CT scans) that don't require a hospital bed. You can choose to limit this cover (e.g., to £500 or £1,000 per year) or even remove it entirely, which dramatically reduces the premium. Many people choose to self-fund initial consultations and use their PMI for the expensive inpatient treatment that follows.
  4. Reduced Therapies Cover: You can often choose to limit or exclude cover for treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care to lower your premium.

Navigating these options can feel overwhelming. This is where an independent PMI broker adds immense value, helping you mix and match these elements to build the perfect plan without any extra cost to you.

Wellness Benefits: A Modern Perk of Private Health Cover

Modern private health insurance is no longer just about reacting to illness; it's about proactively supporting your health and wellbeing. Many of the UK's best PMI providers now include fantastic wellness benefits and reward programmes designed to help you stay healthy.

These can include:

  • Discounted gym memberships and fitness trackers.
  • Free online GP consultations, often available 24/7.
  • Mental health support, including access to counselling sessions.
  • Rewards and discounts with popular brands for achieving health goals.
  • Health screenings and assessments.

At WeCovr, we believe in this proactive approach. That’s why clients who purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy with us receive complimentary access to our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. We also provide exclusive discounts on other insurance products, helping you protect your health and finances in one place.

Taking care of your health through good nutrition, regular activity, and sufficient sleep not only improves your quality of life but can also help keep your future insurance premiums down.

How an Expert PMI Broker Like WeCovr Can Help

With so many variables—excess levels, hospital lists, outpatient limits, and provider-specific benefits—trying to compare the market on your own can be a daunting task. An independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr acts as your expert guide.

Our service is provided at no cost to you. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, but our primary duty is to you, the client.

Here’s how we help:

  • Market Analysis: We compare policies from the UK's leading and most trusted health insurers to find the most suitable and competitive options for you.
  • Personalised Advice: We take the time to understand your unique needs, budget, and health priorities. We can then recommend the optimal excess level and policy structure for your circumstances.
  • Clarity and Simplicity: We explain the jargon and cut through the complexity, ensuring you understand exactly what is and isn't covered. We make sure you know if an excess is 'per claim' or 'per year'.
  • Lifetime Support: Our relationship doesn't end once you've bought the policy. We are here to help with renewals, claims queries, and any adjustments you need to make in the future.

Based on consistently high customer satisfaction ratings, our clients value the clarity and savings we bring to their private medical insurance journey.

What is the most common PMI excess amount in the UK?

While it varies by individual preference and budget, the most commonly chosen excess levels for private medical insurance in the UK are typically £250 and £500. These amounts offer a good balance between meaningful premium savings and a manageable out-of-pocket expense if a claim is needed. A £0 excess is popular for company-paid schemes, while higher excesses of £1,000 are increasingly chosen by savvy individuals looking to minimise their monthly costs.

Can I change my PMI excess amount after my policy has started?

Generally, you cannot change your excess amount midway through a policy year. However, you can almost always adjust your excess at your annual renewal. Increasing your excess at renewal is a very effective way to counteract age-related premium increases and keep your private health cover affordable for the long term. Conversely, you can also choose to decrease it if your financial situation changes.

Does a higher excess affect the quality of care I receive?

No, absolutely not. The excess is purely a financial arrangement between you and your insurer. It has no bearing whatsoever on the quality of medical treatment you receive. Once your excess is paid, you have access to the same consultants, hospitals, and treatments as someone on a policy with zero excess, subject to the overall terms and limits of your plan.

Is a 'per claim' or 'per policy year' excess better?

For the vast majority of policyholders, a 'per policy year' excess is significantly better. It provides financial certainty by capping your total excess liability at a fixed amount for the year, even if you are unlucky enough to need treatment for multiple, unrelated conditions. A 'per claim' excess may come with a slightly lower premium, but it carries the risk of your costs multiplying if you have to make several claims.

Does UK private medical insurance cover pre-existing or chronic conditions?

No, standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you had before joining) or the long-term, routine management of chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or asthma. The NHS remains the primary provider for managing these long-term health needs.

Ready to find out how choosing the right excess could unlock significant savings on your private health cover?

Contact the friendly, FCA-authorised experts at WeCovr today. We'll provide a free, no-obligation market comparison and help you build a policy that gives you peace of mind at a price you'll love.

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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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