PMI for Families Is It Worth It

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

As a leading FCA-authorised UK insurance broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that your family's health is your top priority. Deciding whether to invest in private medical insurance (PMI) is a significant choice, especially with household budgets under pressure. This guide provides an expert, in-depth look at family PMI to help you make an informed decision.

Key takeaways

  • PMI Covers: New, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.
  • PMI Does Not Cover: Chronic conditions. These are illnesses that are long-lasting and often have no cure, such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or Crohn's disease. Management for these conditions will almost always remain with the NHS.
  • PMI Does Not Cover: Pre-existing conditions. This refers to any illness or injury you (or your family members) had before taking out the policy. Some policies may cover them after a set period (usually two years) if you've had no symptoms, treatment, or advice for them.
  • See Your GP: If a family member feels unwell, the first port of call is usually your NHS GP. PMI doesn't replace the need for a GP.
  • Get a Referral: If your GP recommends seeing a specialist, you ask for an 'open referral' letter.

As a leading FCA-authorised UK insurance broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that your family's health is your top priority. Deciding whether to invest in private medical insurance (PMI) is a significant choice, especially with household budgets under pressure. This guide provides an expert, in-depth look at family PMI to help you make an informed decision.

Experts say family PMI can be useful for quick access to specialists—at an average cost of £130mo for a family of four in 2025. Health insurance gives peace of mind when NHS times are uncertain. — MoneyPeopleOnline

This statement captures the core dilemma for many UK families. The NHS is a national treasure, but it is facing unprecedented strain. As of mid-2024, NHS England's waiting list for routine consultant-led treatment stood at over 7.5 million cases. While this is a slight decrease from its peak, the median waiting time for treatment remains stubbornly high, at around 15 weeks. For some specialities and regions, waits can be significantly longer.

This is where private medical insurance finds its purpose. It isn't a replacement for the NHS—it works alongside it. For an average cost of around £130 per month for a family of four, PMI offers a parallel path to quicker diagnosis and treatment for specific conditions. This can mean the difference between a child missing weeks of school while waiting for a minor operation, or a parent being unable to work due to a painful joint. The "peace of mind" comes from knowing you have a choice and can act quickly when a health concern arises.

What Exactly is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?

Think of Private Medical Insurance as a health plan you pay for, either monthly or annually, that gives you access to private healthcare for specific types of medical conditions. It’s designed to cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment for 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 pain requiring a replacement, hernias, cataracts, or tonsillitis.

The Critical Point: Acute vs. Chronic and Pre-existing Conditions

This is the most important concept to understand about private health cover in the UK.

  • PMI Covers: New, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.
  • PMI Does Not Cover: Chronic conditions. These are illnesses that are long-lasting and often have no cure, such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or Crohn's disease. Management for these conditions will almost always remain with the NHS.
  • PMI Does Not Cover: Pre-existing conditions. This refers to any illness or injury you (or your family members) had before taking out the policy. Some policies may cover them after a set period (usually two years) if you've had no symptoms, treatment, or advice for them.

Essentially, PMI is for the 'fixable' health problems that pop up unexpectedly, not for managing long-term health issues you already have.

How Does Family PMI Work in the UK?

A family policy is a single plan that covers you, your partner, and your dependent children. It's often more cost-effective and simpler to manage than buying individual policies for everyone.

The process is straightforward:

  1. See Your GP: If a family member feels unwell, the first port of call is usually your NHS GP. PMI doesn't replace the need for a GP.
  2. Get a Referral: If your GP recommends seeing a specialist, you ask for an 'open referral' letter.
  3. Contact Your Insurer: You call your PMI provider's claims line, explain the situation, and provide the referral details.
  4. Get Authorisation: The insurer checks that your policy covers the condition and authorises the consultation or tests. They may give you a list of approved specialists or hospitals.
  5. Book Your Appointment: You can then book an appointment with the private specialist at a time and location that suits you.
  6. Receive Treatment: The insurer settles the bills directly with the hospital and specialists, minus any excess you've agreed to pay.

The Core Benefits of Family Health Insurance

So, what are the tangible benefits you get for your monthly premium?

  • Speed of Access: This is the primary driver for most families. Instead of waiting months for an NHS appointment for a scan or procedure, you could be seen in a matter of days or weeks. This is particularly crucial for children, where swift treatment can minimise disruption to their education and development.
  • Choice and Control: PMI gives you more say over your healthcare. You can often choose the specialist who treats you and the hospital you're treated in. Appointments can be scheduled around work and family commitments, rather than the other way around.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Private hospitals typically offer private en-suite rooms, more flexible visiting hours, and a wider food menu. This can make a stressful experience much more comfortable, especially for a child staying in hospital.
  • Access to Specialist Drugs and Treatments: Some newer drugs or treatments may not be available on the NHS due to cost or pending approval from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). PMI policies can sometimes provide access to these, particularly in cancer care.
  • Valuable Extra Benefits: Modern policies come packed with perks that help your family stay healthy, including:
    • 24/7 Digital GP: Speak to a GP by phone or video call anytime, often with same-day appointments available. This is a lifeline for parents with a sick child in the middle of the night.
    • Mental Health Support: Most policies now offer excellent support for mental health, from counselling sessions to access to psychiatric care, bypassing long NHS waits for services like CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
    • Physiotherapy and Complementary Therapies: Get quick access to physio for sports injuries or back pain without a long wait.

What Does a Typical Family PMI Policy Cover (and Not Cover)?

Understanding the small print is vital. While policies vary, here’s a general overview.

What's Usually CoveredWhat's Usually Excluded
In-patient & Day-patient Treatment: Costs for surgery and hospital stays where a bed is required.Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, etc.
Out-patient Cover: Consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans (MRI, CT, PET). This may have an annual limit.Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical issue you had before the policy started.
Cancer Care: Comprehensive cover for diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery is often a core feature or a key add-on.Accident & Emergency (A&E): Emergencies are handled by the NHS.
Mental Health Support: Access to counsellors, therapists, and psychiatrists.Routine Maternity & Childbirth: Standard PMI doesn't cover planned pregnancies, though complications may be covered.
Therapies: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, and sometimes other complementary therapies.Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures for aesthetic reasons are not covered.
Digital GP Services: 24/7 remote access to a general practitioner.Organ Transplants, Dialysis, Fertility Treatment.

How Much Does Family PMI Cost in 2025?

The £130 per month average for a family of four is a helpful starting point, but your actual premium will depend on several factors. (illustrative estimate)

Key Factors Influencing Your Premium:

  • Age: The older you are, the higher the premium.
  • Location: Living in London and the South East generally costs more due to higher hospital charges.
  • Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan with full out-patient cover and extra benefits will cost more than a basic plan that only covers in-patient treatment.
  • Excess (illustrative): This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess (e.g., £500) will lower your monthly premium.
  • Hospital List: Choosing a policy with a limited list of local hospitals is cheaper than one giving you access to every private hospital in the UK.
  • Underwriting: The method the insurer uses to assess your pre-existing conditions affects the price.

Here is an illustrative table of potential monthly costs in 2025. These are not quotes but examples to show how costs can vary.

Family ProfileBasic Cover (High Excess, Limited Hospitals)Comprehensive Cover (Low Excess, Full Hospital Access)
2 Adults (35) + 2 Children (5, 8)£95 - £120£160 - £220
2 Adults (45) + 2 Children (12, 15)£140 - £170£250 - £340
Single Parent (40) + 1 Child (10)£60 - £85£110 - £150

An expert PMI broker, like WeCovr, can help you navigate these options to find a policy that fits both your needs and your budget, completely free of charge.

Strategies to Make Family Health Insurance More Affordable

Concerned about the cost? There are several smart ways to reduce your premiums without sacrificing essential cover.

  1. Increase Your Excess: Agreeing to pay the first £250, £500, or even £1,000 of any claim can dramatically reduce your monthly payments. You only pay the excess once per person, per policy year, regardless of how many claims you make.
  2. Opt for the '6-Week Wait' Option: This is one of the best ways to save money. With this option, if the NHS can provide the treatment you need within six weeks of your referral date, you agree to use the NHS. If the wait is longer, your private cover kicks in. As many urgent procedures are done quickly on the NHS, this can be a very effective cost-saving measure.
  3. Choose a 'Guided' or Limited Hospital List: Instead of a policy that lets you use any hospital, choose one with a pre-approved list of quality local hospitals. 'Guided Consultant' options, where the insurer helps you choose a specialist from a select panel, also offer significant savings.
  4. Review Your Cover Annually: Don't just let your policy auto-renew. Your family's needs change, and new, more competitive products enter the market. A quick review with a broker each year can save you hundreds of pounds.
  5. Look for Family Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for adding more than one child, and some even cover younger children for free.

Is Family PMI Worth It? A Balanced View

The decision ultimately comes down to your family's priorities, finances, and attitude to risk.

Pros of Family PMICons of Family PMI
Peace of Mind: Knowing you have fast access to care when you need it most.Cost: It's an additional monthly expense for the family budget.
Bypass NHS Waiting Lists: Get diagnosed and treated in weeks, not months or years.Exclusions: It doesn't cover everything, notably chronic and pre-existing conditions.
Choice & Flexibility: Choose your doctor, hospital, and appointment times.You Still Need the NHS: For emergencies, chronic care, and GP services.
Comfort & Privacy: A more comfortable experience with private facilities.Premiums Can Increase: Costs will rise as your family gets older and with medical inflation.
Access to Added Benefits: Digital GPs, mental health support, and wellness rewards.Potential for Complacency: It's not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

Real-Life Example: Imagine your 10-year-old son needs his tonsils out due to recurrent infections. The NHS waiting list in your area is 9 months. This means more time off school for him, more time off work for you, and continued discomfort for him. With family PMI, you could have the procedure done in a private hospital within 3-4 weeks, getting everyone's life back to normal quickly. For many parents, this outcome alone makes the premium worthwhile.

Choosing the Best PMI Provider for Your Family

The UK private medical insurance market is competitive, with major providers like AXA Health, Bupa, Aviva, and Vitality all offering excellent family policies. However, they all have different strengths, hospital lists, and approaches to cover.

Comparing them all can be overwhelming. This is where an independent PMI broker is invaluable.

An expert broker like WeCovr works for you, not the insurance companies. Our role is to:

  • Understand Your Needs: We take the time to learn about your family, your budget, and what's important to you.
  • Compare the Market: We use our expertise to compare policies from a wide range of top UK insurers.
  • Provide Impartial Advice: We'll explain the pros and cons of each option in plain English, ensuring there are no hidden surprises.
  • Save You Money: We have access to deals and can structure your policy in the most cost-effective way.
  • Offer Ongoing Support: We can help you at renewal time or if you ever need to make a claim.

Best of all, our service is completely free for you to use.

Wellness, Health Tips, and Added Value

Good health is about more than just insurance. It’s about building positive daily habits as a family. Many modern PMI policies actively encourage this with rewards for staying active.

Here are some tips for a healthier family lifestyle:

  • Eat the Rainbow: Aim for at least five portions of varied fruit and veg a day. Involve children in cooking to make healthy eating fun.
  • Move Together: Go for family bike rides, weekend walks, or try a local parkrun. The goal is to make activity a normal, enjoyable part of family life.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Establish consistent sleep routines for everyone. Good sleep is fundamental to physical and mental resilience.
  • Digital Detox: Set clear boundaries around screen time to encourage more active play and face-to-face interaction.

To support your family's health journey, WeCovr provides customers who purchase PMI or life insurance with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a fantastic tool to help you and your family make more informed choices about your diet. Furthermore, clients often benefit from discounts on other types of insurance when they arrange their PMI with us.


Do I need to declare pre-existing conditions for family PMI?

Yes, you must be honest about your medical history. Insurers use two main methods. With 'Moratorium' underwriting, you don't declare conditions upfront, but any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last 5 years is automatically excluded for the first 2 years of the policy. With 'Full Medical Underwriting', you complete a detailed health questionnaire, and the insurer tells you from the start what is and isn't covered.

Can I add a newborn baby to my family health insurance policy?

Generally, yes. Most insurers allow you to add a newborn to your policy, often without any extra medical underwriting, as long as you do so within a set timeframe (usually 3-4 months after birth). Some insurers may even include the first or subsequent children for free, so it's always worth asking.

Is dental and optical cover included in standard family PMI?

No, routine dental check-ups, fillings, eye tests, and glasses are not typically included in standard UK private medical insurance. They are usually offered as an optional add-on for an extra premium. However, some surgical procedures relating to teeth or eyes (like cataract removal) would be covered by the core policy.

What happens to my children's cover when they become adults?

Children can typically remain on a family policy until they are around 21, or sometimes up to 25 if they are still in full-time education. After this, they will need their own individual policy. Most insurers make it easy to switch a dependent to their own plan without losing the continuity of cover, which is important for avoiding new pre-existing condition exclusions.

Ready to Secure Your Family's Health and Peace of Mind?

Deciding on private medical insurance is a big step, but you don't have to do it alone. The expert, friendly team at WeCovr is here to help you understand your options and find the perfect cover for your family's unique needs and budget.

Get your free, no-obligation family PMI quote from WeCovr today and discover how affordable peace of mind can be.

Sources

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
  • HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of experienced advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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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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