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PMI for Expats Living in Spain

PMI for Expats Living in Spain 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised UK broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr specialises in finding the right private medical insurance for your needs. This guide explains everything British citizens need to know about securing health cover when relocating to the sunnier climes of Spain.

A guide for Brits relocating to Spain and needing health cover

Making the move to Spain is an exciting prospect. The promise of over 300 days of sunshine a year, a relaxed lifestyle, and a rich culture is a powerful draw for thousands of Brits every year. In fact, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Spain remains one of the most popular countries for UK citizens choosing to live abroad.

But amidst the excitement of house-hunting and learning Spanish, there's a critical piece of planning that can't be overlooked: your healthcare.

Once you become a resident of Spain, you are no longer covered by the NHS for most treatments. Your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is only for temporary stays, not for residents. This means you need a robust plan to cover your medical needs.

This is where Private Medical Insurance (PMI) specifically designed for expats comes in. This guide will walk you through Spain's healthcare system, why you need private cover, what to look for in a policy, and how to navigate the process with ease.

Understanding Spain's Healthcare System: Public vs. Private

Spain has an excellent healthcare system, but it's important to understand how it works and who is eligible for state cover. The system is divided into two main parts: the public system and the private sector.

The Public System: Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS)

The SNS is Spain's state-run healthcare service. It's funded by social security contributions and is highly regarded, offering a good standard of care.

Who is eligible for the SNS?

  • Employees and the Self-Employed: If you are legally working in Spain and paying social security contributions (seguridad social), you and your registered dependents are entitled to state healthcare.
  • State Pensioners: British citizens receiving a UK state pension can access the SNS. You'll need to apply for an S1 form from the NHS Business Services Authority before you leave the UK. This form proves your entitlement to healthcare funded by the UK.
  • Long-term Residents: After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency, which may also grant access to the SNS.

This leaves a significant gap for many early retirees, non-working individuals, and students who are not yet eligible for state cover. For many, private health insurance isn't just an option; it's a necessity.

The Private Healthcare Sector

Alongside the public system, Spain has a thriving private healthcare sector. Many Spaniards and expats alike choose to use private facilities, even if they have access to the SNS.

Why choose private healthcare?

  • Shorter Waiting Times: Waiting lists for specialist appointments and non-urgent surgery can be long in the public system. Private healthcare offers much faster access.
  • Choice of Doctor and Hospital: You can choose your own specialist and hospital from the insurer's network.
  • English-Speaking Staff: Most private hospitals and clinics in areas popular with expats have English-speaking doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, which is a huge comfort when you're feeling unwell.
  • Private Rooms: You are almost always guaranteed a private room with an en-suite bathroom for hospital stays.

Why UK Expats in Spain Need Private Medical Insurance

For many Brits moving to Spain, private health insurance is essential for several key reasons.

  1. Visa and Residency Requirements: This is often the most pressing reason. To secure a residency visa, such as the popular Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), Spanish authorities require you to have comprehensive private health insurance. The policy must be with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain and provide cover equivalent to the SNS, with no co-payments or deductibles.

  2. Bridging the Healthcare Gap: If you are moving to Spain before retirement age and are not planning to work (e.g., an early retiree), you won't be paying into the social security system and therefore won't be entitled to state healthcare. A private policy is the only way to ensure you are medically covered.

  3. Supplementing the Public System: Even if you are entitled to state care via an S1 form or by working, you may still want the benefits of private cover. Many expats use a private policy to skip long waiting lists for diagnostics or to see a specialist quickly, while still using the public system for emergencies or major treatments.

  4. Peace of Mind and Convenience: Knowing you can quickly access high-quality medical care in a language you understand provides invaluable peace of mind. It removes the stress of navigating a new and complex public system, especially during a medical emergency.

What is International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)?

It's crucial to understand that a standard private medical insurance UK policy will not cover you once you become a resident abroad. These domestic policies are designed for UK residents using UK hospitals.

For expats, you need a specific type of policy: International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI).

IPMI policies are designed from the ground up for people living and working outside of their home country.

Key Features of IPMI:

  • Global or Regional Cover: Policies can cover you just in Spain, across Europe, or even worldwide.
  • Designed for Expats: They understand the needs of an international community, often offering multilingual support and direct billing with hospitals.
  • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: Many plans include cover to transport you to a centre of medical excellence or even back to the UK for treatment if necessary.
  • Annual, Renewable Contracts: You pay a premium for 12 months of cover, which you can then renew each year.

A key point to remember, which is true for both UK PMI and IPMI, is that these policies are 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.

Crucially, standard private health cover does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and needs ongoing management, like diabetes or asthma. A pre-existing condition is any ailment you had before your policy's start date. Always be completely honest about your medical history during the application process.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Expat Health Insurance Policy

Choosing the right policy can feel daunting, but it's simpler when you break it down. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can guide you through these options to find a policy that fits your budget and needs perfectly.

Here are the main things to consider:

1. Level of Cover

  • In-patient Only: This is the most basic level. It covers costs associated with a hospital stay, such as surgery, accommodation, and specialist fees.
  • In-patient and Out-patient: A more comprehensive option that also covers treatments that don't require a hospital stay. This includes things like specialist consultations, diagnostic scans (MRI, CT), and therapies.
  • Fully Comprehensive: The highest level of cover. It often includes everything above, plus benefits like dental treatment, optical care, and wellness checks.

2. Area of Cover

  • Spain Only: The most affordable option, providing cover only within Spain.
  • Europe: Covers you in Spain and across the rest of Europe, ideal if you plan to travel frequently.
  • Worldwide excluding USA: A popular choice that provides global cover but excludes the USA, where medical costs are exceptionally high. This keeps premiums more manageable.
  • Worldwide including USA: The most expensive option, providing cover everywhere.

3. Deductibles and Excess

An excess (or deductible) is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £2,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the remaining £1,750. Choosing a higher excess will lower your monthly or annual premium.

Important Note for Visa Applicants: For many Spanish visas, you must have a policy with zero excess and no co-payments (sin copagos). WeCovr can help you identify policies that meet this specific requirement.

4. Underwriting Options

This is how the insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will cover.

  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide your complete medical history on the application form. The insurer then decides if they will exclude any pre-existing conditions from your cover. It provides clarity from day one about what is and isn't covered.
  • Moratorium Underwriting: You don't declare your medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms of, or received treatment for, in the last 5 years. These exclusions can be lifted if you go for a set period (usually 2 years) without any symptoms or treatment for that condition after your policy starts.

How WeCovr Can Help You Find the Best PMI for Spain

Navigating the world of international health insurance can be complex. Using an independent, specialist broker like WeCovr simplifies the entire process and ensures you get the right cover at a competitive price.

  • Expert, Impartial Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our goal is to find the best policy for you. As an FCA-authorised firm, we adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct.
  • Market-Wide Comparison: We have access to policies from a wide range of leading international insurers, including those best suited for the Spanish market. We do the shopping around so you don't have to.
  • Tailored to Your Needs: Whether you need a simple policy to satisfy visa requirements or a comprehensive family plan, we listen to your needs and find matching options.
  • No Cost to You: Our expert advice and support come at no cost to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which does not affect the price you pay.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: We pride ourselves on our service, and our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to helping our clients.

Furthermore, when you arrange your private medical insurance through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to support your wellness journey. Plus, you can benefit from discounts on other insurance products, such as life or travel cover.

Comparing Top International Health Insurance Providers for Spain

Many excellent insurers offer plans for expats in Spain. Below is an illustrative table of some well-known providers. The "best PMI provider" is always the one that best matches your personal circumstances.

ProviderKey StrengthsTypical Coverage AreaGood For...
Bupa GlobalExtensive global network, premium brand, high cover limits.Regional & WorldwideThose seeking top-tier comprehensive cover and service.
AXA Global HealthcareStrong reputation, flexible plans, good digital tools.Regional & WorldwideIndividuals and families wanting customisable plans.
Cigna GlobalHighly flexible modular plans, large medical network.Regional & WorldwidePeople who want to build their own plan and control costs.
SanitasA leading Spanish insurer, deep network within Spain.Primarily SpainExpats needing a visa-compliant policy with excellent local access.

Disclaimer: This table is for illustrative purposes only. Features and benefits vary widely between specific plans. A personalised quote from a broker like WeCovr is essential to find the right policy for you.

Understanding the Costs of Expat Health Insurance

The cost of your private health cover will depend on several factors:

  • Age: This is the single biggest factor. Premiums increase with age.
  • Level of Cover: An in-patient only plan will be cheaper than a comprehensive plan with dental and out-patient cover.
  • Area of Cover: A 'Spain only' policy is more affordable than a 'Worldwide' one.
  • Excess: A higher excess will lower your premium.
  • Your Health: Your medical history can influence the final price.

To give you a general idea, here are some illustrative premium ranges.

ProfileIllustrative Monthly Premium RangeNotes
Single Person, age 35£70 - £150Mid-level cover for Europe.
Couple, age 55£250 - £500Comprehensive cover for Europe, zero excess.
Family of 4 (Parents 40, Children 8 & 10)£300 - £650Good out-patient and in-patient cover for Europe.

Important: These are estimates only and not a quote. Prices vary significantly between insurers and are based on individual circumstances. Contact WeCovr for an accurate, personalised quote.

For many Brits, particularly those applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) or Golden Visa, having the correct health insurance is non-negotiable. The Spanish consulate will reject applications that do not meet their strict criteria.

Key Insurance Requirements for a Spanish Visa:

  1. Full Coverage: The policy must cover all preventative, diagnostic, and treatment services, providing a level of care equivalent to the Spanish National Health System.
  2. Authorised Insurer: The policy must be from an insurance company authorised to operate in Spain.
  3. No Co-payments (sin copagos): The policy cannot require you to pay a portion of the cost for each treatment or consultation. It must cover 100% of the costs.
  4. No Deductibles/Excess (sin franquicias): The policy must not have any excess that you need to pay before the insurance kicks in.
  5. No Waiting Periods (sin carencias): The policy must be active immediately for all types of care, without waiting periods for certain treatments.
  6. Fully Paid Upfront: You must pay for the full year of insurance in advance and provide proof of payment with your visa application.

Finding a policy that ticks all these boxes can be tricky, but this is an area where WeCovr excels. We work with insurers who provide visa-compliant certificates, ensuring your application process is as smooth as possible.

Wellness and Healthy Living in Spain: Making the Most of Your New Life

Moving to Spain is also an opportunity to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Your private medical insurance is there for when you're unwell, but the Spanish way of life can help you stay well for longer.

  • The Mediterranean Diet: Embrace a diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetables, salads, lean protein like fish, and healthy fats from olive oil and nuts. This diet is consistently linked to better heart health and longevity.
  • An Active Lifestyle: The wonderful climate encourages an outdoor life. Join the locals for the daily paseo (a leisurely evening walk), take up hiking in the beautiful national parks, or enjoy swimming and water sports on the coast.
  • Sunshine and Vitamin D: Sunshine is great for boosting mood and is the best source of Vitamin D, essential for bone and immune health. Remember to be sun-safe: use high-factor sunscreen, wear a hat, and avoid the intense midday sun.
  • A Slower Pace of Life: Spanish culture values social connections and taking time to relax. Embracing a lower-stress lifestyle, including the traditional siesta or afternoon break, can have profound benefits for your mental and physical wellbeing.

Do I need private health insurance in Spain if I have an S1 form?

Generally, if you are a UK state pensioner, an S1 form gives you access to Spain's state healthcare (SNS) on the same basis as a Spanish citizen. However, many expats with an S1 still choose to take out private medical insurance. The main reasons are to get faster access to specialists and diagnostic tests, to have a choice of doctors and hospitals, and to ensure access to English-speaking medical staff and the comfort of a private room.

Can I use my UK NHS entitlement in Spain after moving?

No. Once you become an official resident in another country like Spain, you are no longer entitled to routine medical treatment on the NHS. Your access to healthcare is governed by the system in your new country of residence. You can still use a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) for emergency treatment if you are temporarily visiting the UK, but it is not a substitute for comprehensive health cover in Spain.

What happens if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Standard international private medical insurance policies are designed for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. They will almost always exclude pre-existing and chronic conditions. When you apply, you will either need to declare your full medical history (Full Medical Underwriting) or opt for a policy with a moratorium. It is vital to be honest, as non-disclosure can invalidate your policy. Some specialist insurers may offer cover for certain pre-existing conditions, often for a higher premium, which a broker can help you explore.

Does my Spanish health insurance cover me when I visit the UK?

It depends entirely on your policy's 'area of cover'. If you choose a plan that covers 'Europe' or 'Worldwide', it will typically provide cover for medical emergencies and eligible treatment during temporary visits back to the UK. If you buy a 'Spain only' policy to keep costs down, you will not be covered for trips outside of Spain.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Planning your move to Spain is a big undertaking, but arranging your health insurance doesn't have to be complicated. Let WeCovr do the hard work for you. Our expert advisors can provide a free, no-obligation comparison of the best private medical insurance policies for your new life in Spain.

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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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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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