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PMI for Employees Why Workplace Health Benefits Matter

PMI for Employees Why Workplace Health Benefits Matter 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies of various kinds issued, WeCovr offers this definitive guide to employer-sponsored private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores why providing PMI for employees is no longer a luxury, but a strategic necessity for thriving British businesses.

The world of work has changed irrevocably. In the wake of the pandemic, with NHS waiting lists reaching historic highs, both employers and employees are re-evaluating what a truly valuable benefits package looks like. Private Medical Insurance (PMI), once seen as a perk for senior executives, is now a cornerstone of competitive recruitment and employee wellbeing strategies across the UK.

For businesses, offering health insurance is a powerful statement. It says, "We value you, we invest in your health, and we want you to be at your best." For employees, it provides peace of mind and fast access to medical care when they need it most. This article delves into the trends shaping the market, the tangible benefits for your business, and how to implement a successful scheme for 2025 and beyond.

The UK's Shifting Healthcare Landscape: Why PMI is Gaining Momentum

Understanding the "why" behind the rise of workplace PMI starts with a clear-eyed look at the current UK healthcare environment. While the NHS remains a cherished national institution, it is facing unprecedented pressure.

According to NHS England data, the referral-to-treatment (RTT) waiting list stood at approximately 7.54 million cases in early 2025. This means millions of people are waiting for consultations and procedures, often in discomfort or with anxiety.

This prolonged waiting period has a direct impact on the workforce. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that in 2023, a record 2.8 million people were out of the workforce due to long-term sickness, a significant increase over pre-pandemic levels. This isn't just a statistic; it represents individuals unable to work, contribute, and live their lives to the fullest.

The Business Cost of Waiting:

  • Increased Sickness Absence: Employees waiting for diagnostics or treatment are more likely to be off work.
  • Presenteeism: Staff who come to work while unwell or in pain are less productive, more prone to errors, and can experience a decline in mental health.
  • Anxiety and Stress: The uncertainty of waiting for medical care is a significant source of stress, impacting focus and morale.

This is the gap that employer-sponsored PMI is designed to fill. It offers a parallel route to diagnosis and treatment, helping employees bypass long waits and get back to health—and work—sooner.

What is Employer-Sponsored Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?

In simple terms, PMI is an insurance policy that covers the cost of private medical care for new, eligible conditions that arise after you take out the policy. When offered by an employer, it's known as a "group scheme."

The primary purpose is to provide quick access to specialists, diagnostic tests (like MRI and CT scans), and treatment in private hospitals.

Crucial Point: What PMI Does and Does Not Cover

It is vital to understand the limitations of standard private medical insurance in the UK.

  • It Covers 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 joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.
  • It Does NOT Cover Chronic Conditions: A chronic condition is one that continues long-term and often has no known cure. It can be managed but not resolved. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. The NHS provides ongoing management for these.
  • It Does NOT Cover Pre-existing Conditions: A pre-existing condition is any illness, disease, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before your policy began. Most policies exclude these, at least for an initial period.
FeaturePrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)National Health Service (NHS)
Primary FocusAcute conditions that arise after the policy starts.All healthcare needs, including emergencies, chronic, and pre-existing conditions.
Access to SpecialistsFast access, often within days or weeks.Can involve long waiting lists, often many months.
Hospital StaysPrivate room, flexible visiting hours, en-suite facilities.Typically on a ward with other patients.
ChoiceChoice of hospital from an approved list and consultant.Generally treated at the local NHS hospital assigned to you.
CostMonthly premium paid by employer/employee. An 'excess' may apply.Free at the point of use, funded by taxation.
EmergenciesNot for emergencies. A&E services are provided by the NHS.The go-to service for all medical emergencies.

The Undeniable Business Case: Why Offering PMI is a Smart Investment

Providing health benefits is more than just a kind gesture; it's a strategic business decision with a clear return on investment. Here’s how it benefits your organisation.

1. Win the War for Talent: Recruitment and Retention

In today's competitive job market, salary alone is not enough. A comprehensive benefits package is a key differentiator. A recent survey highlighted that health and wellbeing benefits are among the most desired perks for UK employees, second only to a competitive pension.

  • Attracting Top Candidates: Including PMI in your job adverts makes your proposition instantly more attractive. It signals that you are a caring, modern employer.
  • Retaining Your Best People: When an employee or their family member uses the PMI policy and receives swift, high-quality care, it builds immense loyalty. The cost of replacing a skilled employee far outweighs the cost of a PMI premium.

2. Boost Your Bottom Line: Reducing Absence and Presenteeism

As the ONS data shows, sickness absence is a major drain on the UK economy. PMI tackles this head-on.

Real-Life Example:

An account manager, Sarah, develops severe knee pain. On the NHS, she faces a 40-week wait for an orthopaedic consultation, followed by another long wait for an MRI and potential surgery. During this time, she's in pain, taking time off for GP appointments, and can't travel to see clients. Her productivity plummets.

With company PMI, she sees a specialist within a week, has an MRI the following week, and undergoes keyhole surgery a fortnight later. She is back at her desk, pain-free and fully productive, within six weeks.

The business has not only helped Sarah but has also protected its own operational efficiency and revenue.

3. Cultivate a Thriving Workplace Culture

A healthy workforce is a happy, engaged, and productive workforce. When employees feel valued and cared for, it transforms the workplace environment.

  • Improved Morale: Knowing that a safety net is in place reduces financial and health-related anxiety.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Staff who aren't burdened by health worries or struggling with symptoms can focus better on their work.
  • Demonstrated Duty of Care: It shows a genuine commitment to the principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Employee Expectations for 2025: Beyond Basic Cover

The modern employee expects more than just cover for a broken bone. Their view of health is holistic, encompassing mental, physical, and digital wellbeing. A successful PMI scheme in 2025 must reflect this.

Key Demands from the Modern Workforce:

  1. Comprehensive Mental Health Support: This is non-negotiable. Employees expect access to therapy, counselling, and psychiatric support without long delays. Many modern PMI policies offer a set number of therapy sessions without needing a GP referral.
  2. Digital and Virtual Health Services: Convenience is king. 24/7 access to a digital GP via phone or video call is now a standard expectation. It saves time, reduces the need to take time off work for minor issues, and provides instant peace of mind.
  3. Preventative Health and Wellness: Staff want tools to stay healthy, not just get treated when they are sick. This includes:
    • Wellness Apps: Access to apps for mindfulness, fitness, and nutrition.
    • Health Screenings: Subsidised or included health checks to catch potential issues early.
    • Gym Discounts: Encouraging an active lifestyle.
  4. Flexibility and Personalisation: A one-size-fits-all approach is outdated. Employees appreciate the ability to add family members or upgrade their cover levels, even if they have to contribute to the cost themselves.

At WeCovr, we understand this shift. That's why we not only help you find the best PMI provider but also offer our policyholders complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It’s a tangible tool to help your employees proactively manage their health, aligning perfectly with modern wellness expectations.

Best Practices for Choosing and Implementing a Group PMI Scheme in 2025

Setting up a company health insurance scheme can seem daunting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting it right.

1. Understand Your Underwriting Options

This is the most critical decision and determines how pre-existing conditions are handled.

Underwriting TypeHow it WorksProsCons
Moratorium (Most Common)The insurer does not ask for your medical history upfront. Instead, they will automatically exclude treatment for any condition you've had symptoms of, or treatment for, in the 5 years before joining. If you then go 2 full years on the policy without any symptoms, advice, or treatment for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.Simple and quick to set up. No medical forms needed.Can be a 'grey area'. Claims can be delayed while the insurer investigates your medical history.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)You complete a detailed medical questionnaire for every employee. The insurer assesses this and states upfront exactly what will be excluded from cover from day one.Provides certainty. You know exactly what is and isn't covered from the start.Slower to set up. Requires intrusive medical declarations from staff.

For most small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), moratorium underwriting is the simplest and most popular choice.

2. Define Your Budget and Who You Want to Cover

  • Who is covered? Will the policy be for directors only, all managers, or the entire workforce? The more people on the scheme, the lower the average cost per person.
  • Tax Implications: PMI is considered a 'benefit in kind'. This means the value of the premium is subject to tax and National Insurance for the employee, and the business must report it on a P11D form. The business, however, can typically claim the cost of the premiums as a business expense.
  • Setting an Excess: An excess is the amount an employee pays towards their first claim in a policy year. A higher excess (£250 or £500) can significantly reduce the overall premium for the business.

3. Select the Right Level of Cover

PMI policies are not all the same. You need to decide on the core components.

Typical Cover Levels:

LevelIn-Patient & Day-PatientOut-Patient CoverTherapies (Physio, Osteo)Mental Health CoverCancer Cover
BasicCovered in fullNot covered or very limited (e.g., £500 limit)Often excludedLimited or excludedCore cover included
ComprehensiveCovered in fullCovered in fullCovered up to a limitIncluded, often with direct accessComprehensive cover, including new drugs

For a truly valuable benefit, a comprehensive plan with a reasonable out-patient limit is recommended. The out-patient cover is what enables fast diagnostics and consultations.

4. Partner with an Expert PMI Broker

The UK private health cover market is complex, with dozens of providers and hundreds of policy variations. Trying to navigate this alone is time-consuming and risky. A specialist broker is your expert guide.

An independent broker like WeCovr:

  • Saves You Time: We do the market research and comparison for you.
  • Saves You Money: We leverage our expertise and relationships with insurers to find the most competitive terms for your business's specific needs.
  • Provides Expert Advice: We explain the jargon, help you understand the different underwriting and cover options, and ensure there are no nasty surprises at the claims stage.
  • Offers Ongoing Support: We are there to help with renewals, claims queries, and adapting the policy as your business grows.

Crucially, using a broker like WeCovr costs your business nothing. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get impartial, expert advice for free.

5. Communicate the Benefit Clearly to Your Team

Once the policy is in place, its value is only realised if your employees understand it and know how to use it.

  • Launch Presentation: Hold a meeting (in-person or virtual) to explain the benefits.
  • Clear Documentation: Provide easy-to-understand guides on what’s covered and how to make a claim.
  • Reminders: Mention the health benefits in company newsletters and during onboarding for new starters.

When you invest in your team's health, make sure they know about it. It’s a key part of maximising the return on your investment in morale and loyalty. WeCovr can often assist with providing materials to help you communicate these benefits effectively.

Final Thoughts: A Strategic Imperative for 2025

The conversation around workplace health has fundamentally changed. Providing Private Medical Insurance is no longer a fringe benefit but a central pillar of a modern, resilient, and competitive business strategy.

It addresses the direct commercial challenges of absenteeism and productivity loss caused by NHS waiting times. It answers the demands of the modern workforce for employers who genuinely invest in their holistic wellbeing. And it builds a workplace culture of loyalty, engagement, and mutual respect.

For a modest monthly investment per employee, you can provide a benefit that delivers peace of mind, rapid access to care, and a tangible return for your business. In the competitive landscape of 2025, can you afford not to?

Is private medical insurance for employees a taxable benefit?

Yes, in the UK, when an employer pays for a Private Medical Insurance policy for an employee, it is treated as a 'benefit in kind'. The cost of the premium is considered part of the employee's income. The employer must report this to HMRC on a P11D form, and the employee will pay income tax on the value of the benefit. The business, however, can usually deduct the cost of the policy as a business expense.

Does company health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK PMI policies are designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after the policy begins. Pre-existing conditions (any illness or injury you had symptoms of or treatment for before joining) are typically excluded. This is managed either through 'moratorium' underwriting, where exclusions are automatic for a set period, or 'full medical underwriting', where you declare your history upfront and receive a list of specific exclusions.

Can I add my family to my company's PMI scheme?

This depends entirely on the scheme your employer has set up. Many companies offer 'employee-only' cover as standard but provide the option for employees to add their partner and/or children at their own expense. This is often cheaper than taking out a separate family policy because you benefit from the group rate negotiated by your employer. You should check the specifics of your company's policy.

What happens to my health cover if I leave my job?

When you leave a company, your cover under their group PMI scheme will cease. However, most insurers offer a 'group leaver' option. This allows you to continue your private medical insurance on a personal policy without having to go through medical underwriting again. This is a significant benefit as it means any conditions that were covered under the company scheme will continue to be covered on your new personal plan. You must arrange this within a specific timeframe after leaving your job.

Ready to explore the best private medical insurance options for your team?

Let WeCovr do the hard work for you. Our expert advisors provide free, impartial advice to help you compare the market and design the perfect health insurance scheme for your business. Get your free, no-obligation quote today and invest in your most valuable asset: your people.

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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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