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PMI for Families With a History of Hereditary Disease

PMI for Families With a History of Hereditary Disease 2025

Navigating private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex, especially for families with a history of hereditary disease. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies of various kinds, we believe in providing clear, authoritative guidance to help you make informed decisions for your family's health.

How family history is assessed, what gets covered, and genetic testing rules

When you apply for private health cover, insurers need to understand the level of risk they are taking on. A significant family history of a medical condition is a key part of this assessment. Insurers will look at conditions affecting your first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) to build a picture of your potential future health risks. This information, alongside your personal medical history, determines the terms of your policy, including what is and isn't covered. Critically, insurers operate under strict rules regarding genetic test results, ensuring your genetic privacy is protected.

Understanding Hereditary Conditions and PMI: The Crucial Distinction

A hereditary disease is a condition caused by a change or mutation in your DNA that can be passed down through a family. These can range from a predisposition to certain cancers (like those linked to BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations) to specific conditions like Huntington's disease, cystic fibrosis, or certain hereditary heart conditions.

It's vital to understand the fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK:

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

An acute condition is one that is curable and likely to respond quickly to treatment (like a hernia or a joint injury). PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses or injuries you already had before your policy started) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses that require ongoing management, like diabetes or asthma).

Having a family history of a disease is not the same as having a pre-existing condition. You are not ill. However, it is a risk factor that insurers must consider during the application process.

The Underwriting Process: How Insurers Assess Your Family's Health History

Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to evaluate your application. For families, especially those with known genetic risks, the type of underwriting you choose is a critical decision. There are two main types in the UK.

1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. You must declare your personal medical history and answer specific questions about your family's history.

  • What they ask: Insurers typically ask about serious conditions (e.g., cancer, heart disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, diabetes) affecting your parents and siblings. They will often ask for the age at which your relative was diagnosed. An early age of onset (e.g., under 60) is generally seen as a higher risk factor.
  • The outcome: Based on your answers, the insurer gives you a clear decision upfront. They will either offer cover on standard terms, apply specific exclusions to your policy, or in very rare cases, decline cover. The main benefit of FMU is certainty—you know exactly what is and isn't covered from day one.

2. Moratorium Underwriting

A moratorium policy is simpler to set up as there is no initial medical questionnaire. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any medical condition you have had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the five years before the policy began.

  • How it works: These exclusions can be lifted if you remain completely symptom-free, treatment-free, and advice-free for that condition for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts.
  • Family history relevance: A moratorium doesn't directly ask about family history. However, if you develop symptoms of a condition that runs in your family, the insurer will investigate whether it could be considered pre-existing. For example, if you had a precautionary check-up related to a family heart condition before taking out the policy, any subsequent heart-related treatment might be excluded.

Comparing Underwriting for Families with Hereditary Risk

FeatureFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)Moratorium Underwriting
Application ProcessDetailed health questionnaire upfront.No initial medical questions.
Clarity on CoverTotal clarity from day one. You receive a policy document detailing any exclusions.Less certainty. Cover is determined at the point of a claim.
Family HistoryDirectly asked about and assessed. An exclusion may be applied.Not directly asked about, but can become relevant if a related condition arises.
Best For...Families who want upfront certainty and to know exactly where they stand regarding a known hereditary risk.Those with a clean recent medical history who prefer a quicker application.

For families with a clear history of a serious hereditary disease, Full Medical Underwriting is often the recommended path. It allows for an open conversation and a clear, binding decision from the insurer, avoiding nasty surprises when you need to make a claim. An expert PMI broker can help you navigate this process effectively.

What Happens If You Declare a Family History of a Hereditary Disease?

Being honest about your family history is non-negotiable. The principle of 'utmost good faith' means you must provide accurate information, otherwise your insurer could refuse a claim or even void your policy.

When you declare a family history, there are a few possible outcomes:

  1. Accepted on Standard Terms: If the insurer deems the risk to be low (e.g., the condition affected a relative at an older age or it has a complex inheritance pattern), they may offer you a policy with no special conditions.
  2. An Exclusion is Applied: This is the most common outcome. The insurer will state that they will not cover the specific condition or group of conditions that runs in your family. For example:
    • If there's a strong family history of bowel cancer, they might apply an exclusion for "cancer".
    • If multiple relatives have had heart attacks at a young age, they might apply an exclusion for "heart and circulatory conditions". This exclusion means you cannot claim for diagnosis or treatment of that specific condition, but you remain fully covered for all other new, acute conditions.
  3. An Increased Premium (a 'Loading'): This is less common in the UK PMI market for family history alone but is not impossible. It means you pay a higher monthly premium to reflect the increased risk.
  4. Cover is Declined: This is very rare and typically only happens if the risk profile is extremely high, for instance, if you have a known genetic condition combined with other significant health issues.

Real-Life Example: The Sharma Family and Hereditary Heart Disease

Mr. and Mrs. Sharma are in their early 40s and want PMI for themselves and their two children. Mr. Sharma's father and brother both had heart attacks in their 50s. On his Full Medical Underwriting application, he declares this.

The insurer assesses the information and offers the family a policy with a specific exclusion on Mr. Sharma's cover for "all heart and circulatory conditions". The rest of the family is covered on standard terms.

A year later, Mr. Sharma tears his knee cartilage playing football. His PMI policy covers the MRI scan, consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, and the keyhole surgery, allowing him to get back on his feet in weeks. The heart-related exclusion did not affect his cover for this new, unrelated acute condition.

Genetic Testing and Your Private Health Insurance Policy

This is an area of great concern for many, but the rules in the UK are designed to protect you. The guiding framework is the Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance, an agreement between the Government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

The core principle is simple: for most types of insurance, including standard private medical insurance policies, insurers cannot ask you to take a genetic test, nor can they ask for or use the result of a predictive genetic test.

Let's break this down:

  • Predictive Genetic Test: This is a test taken by a healthy person to see if they carry a gene mutation that increases their risk of developing a condition in the future (e.g., testing for the BRCA gene). Insurers cannot use the result of this test.
  • Diagnostic Genetic Test: This is a test done when you already have symptoms of a condition, and the test is used to confirm a diagnosis. If this leads to a diagnosis, the condition itself would be subject to the policy's terms (e.g., it may be considered pre-existing if symptoms were present before you bought the policy).

Will PMI Pay for a Genetic Test?

This is a common question, and the answer is usually no, but with some nuance.

Type of Genetic TestIs it Covered by PMI?Explanation
Predictive ScreeningNoPMI is for treating illness, not for screening healthy individuals to predict future risk. This is considered preventative, not curative.
Diagnostic TestingPotentiallyIf you develop symptoms of a new, acute condition and your consultant believes a genetic test is a necessary part of the diagnostic pathway, it may be covered under your policy's outpatient benefits.
Family Cascade ScreeningNoIf a family member is diagnosed with a genetic condition and the NHS recommends other family members get tested, PMI will not typically cover this screening for healthy relatives.

The key takeaway is that your genetic information is protected. You should not fear getting a predictive genetic test for fear of it affecting your ability to get private health cover.

What PMI Can Cover for Families with Genetic Risks

Even with an exclusion for a specific hereditary condition, a private medical insurance policy provides immense value and peace of mind.

  • Fast-Track Diagnosis and Treatment for Everything Else: An exclusion for cancer doesn't stop you from getting rapid access to an MRI for back pain, cataract surgery, or a hernia repair. Life's unexpected health niggles and injuries are all still covered.
  • Prompt Consultations: Skip long waiting lists to see a specialist for any new, eligible condition. This can provide quick reassurance or a speedy diagnosis for hundreds of health concerns unrelated to your family history.
  • Enhanced Mental Health Support: The emotional strain of knowing your family is at risk of a hereditary disease can be significant. Most leading PMI providers now offer excellent mental health support, including access to counselling and therapy, often without needing a GP referral.
  • Valuable Wellness Programmes: Many policies come with benefits designed to keep you healthy. This might include:
    • Discounted gym memberships.
    • Rewards for healthy behaviour (e.g., Vitality's programme).
    • Access to digital GP services 24/7.
    • Nutritional advice and support.

At WeCovr, we provide all our health and life insurance clients with complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you take proactive control of your diet and well-being.

Choosing the Right PMI Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather Your Family's Medical Details: Before you start, be clear on the facts. Which condition? Which first-degree relative(s)? What age were they diagnosed? Having accurate information is crucial.
  2. Define Your Coverage Priorities: Do you just want inpatient cover for major surgery, or do you also want outpatient cover for diagnostics and consultations? Deciding on your ideal level of cover will help narrow down the options.
  3. Consider Underwriting Carefully: As discussed, Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) is often the best choice for clarity and peace of mind when a known hereditary risk exists.
  4. Speak to an Independent PMI Broker: This is the single most effective step you can take. A specialist broker like WeCovr works for you, not the insurer. We can:
    • Understand your family's unique situation.
    • Anonymously approach underwriters at different insurers to gauge how they would treat your application.
    • Compare the entire market to find the provider offering the best terms for your circumstances.
    • Help you complete the application accurately.
    • All this is provided at no cost to you; our commission is paid by the insurer you choose.
  5. Be Completely Honest: Never be tempted to omit information. It could invalidate your entire policy when you need it most, which would be a far worse outcome than having an exclusion from the start.

Proactive Health Management for At-Risk Families

While insurance provides a safety net, proactive health management is key.

  • Engage with the NHS: Utilise the free NHS Health Check offered to adults in England aged 40-74. If you have a strong family history of a condition, speak to your GP about any specific screening programmes you may be eligible for, such as the NHS breast screening or bowel cancer screening programmes.
  • Lifestyle is Medicine: Many gene-environment interactions exist. A healthy lifestyle can significantly mitigate certain genetic risks.
    • Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is foundational. For heart health, a Mediterranean-style diet is often recommended.
    • Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity a week, as recommended by the NHS.
    • Sleep: Prioritise 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep can impact everything from your immune system to your cardiovascular health.
    • Stress Management: Chronic stress can be a trigger for many health issues. Incorporate mindfulness, yoga, or simple breathing exercises into your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to declare a family history of cancer on my PMI application?

Yes, absolutely. If an insurer asks about family history of cancer on an application form (which they will on a Full Medical Underwriting policy), you must declare it. You should specify the type of cancer, which first-degree relative was affected (parent, sibling), and their age at diagnosis. Failing to disclose this could invalidate your policy.

Will my children be covered if I have a history of a genetic condition?

Generally, yes. Your children can be included on a family private medical insurance policy. Insurers assess each person individually. A family history risk on your side will typically lead to an exclusion on your cover alone. Your children would usually be covered on standard terms unless they themselves have developed symptoms or been diagnosed with a condition.

Can a PMI provider cancel my policy if I develop a hereditary disease?

No, an insurer cannot cancel your policy if you develop a new condition after your cover has started, provided you were honest during your application. If you develop the hereditary disease that was excluded, you simply cannot claim for its treatment through your PMI. Your policy remains active to cover you for any other new, acute conditions.

What happens if I don't declare my family history and later make a claim?

This is known as 'non-disclosure' and is a serious issue. At the point of a claim, insurers often review your medical history. If they discover you withheld relevant information about your family history, they have the right to decline the claim and, in serious cases, to void your policy from the start, meaning you would have no cover at all. It is always best to be transparent.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Protecting your family's health is one of the most important decisions you'll make. When a hereditary disease is part of your family's story, navigating the world of private medical insurance UK requires specialist knowledge and a careful approach.

The expert, FCA-authorised advisors at WeCovr are here to help. We'll guide you through the process, compare policies from leading providers, and find the right cover for your family's unique needs—all at no cost to you. As a WeCovr client, you also get discounts on other insurance policies and complimentary access to our CalorieHero wellness app.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation chat and a personalised PMI quote.

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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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