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PMI for People with Disabilities Coverage and Accessibility Guide

PMI for People with Disabilities Coverage and Accessibility...

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. For those with disabilities, it's vital to have clear, honest information. As an FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr has helped thousands of clients find the right cover, and this guide provides an expert look at PMI for people with disabilities.

How providers cater to accessibility needs and pre-existing disability coverage

Understanding private medical insurance (PMI) starts with one fundamental principle: it is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. This distinction is the bedrock of the UK PMI market and is especially important for individuals with pre-existing or long-term health conditions, including disabilities.

A disability is often a long-term or chronic condition. UK private health cover is not designed to cover the routine management, treatment, or care related to chronic conditions. This includes any pre-existing medical conditions you had before taking out the policy.

So, what's the difference?

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia, appendicitis, a broken bone, or cataracts.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known 'cure', requires palliative care, or is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and most conditions classified as disabilities.

The Golden Rule of PMI: Private medical insurance will not cover a pre-existing disability itself or any related treatments. However, it can provide invaluable cover for new, unrelated acute conditions that you might develop.

According to the UK government's Family Resources Survey for 2022/23, 24% of the UK population reported having a disability. This means a significant number of people could benefit from understanding exactly how PMI can work for them.

The Role of Underwriting: How Insurers Assess Your Health

When you apply for PMI, the insurer needs to understand your medical history to determine what they will and will not cover. This process is called underwriting. For a person with a disability, this is the most critical stage. There are two main types.

1. Moratorium Underwriting

This is the most common type of underwriting. It's simple and doesn't require you to fill out a detailed medical questionnaire upfront.

  • How it works: The insurer automatically excludes any medical condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the five years before your policy starts.
  • The '2-year rule': If you then go for two continuous years on the policy without needing any treatment, advice, or medication for that condition, the insurer may start covering it.
  • For a disability: A long-term disability will almost certainly be permanently excluded under a moratorium policy because it is a continuous, pre-existing condition. Any related complications would also be excluded.

Example: Sarah has cerebral palsy, a pre-existing condition. She takes out a moratorium policy. The cerebral palsy is excluded. Two years later, she develops gallstones, an entirely new and unrelated acute condition. Her PMI policy would cover her for private gallstone surgery.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

This method requires you to complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply, declaring your full medical history, including your disability.

  • How it works: The insurer's underwriting team reviews your application and makes a specific decision. They will issue policy documents that clearly list any conditions or treatments that are permanently excluded from cover.
  • For a disability: With FMU, your disability and any medically related conditions will be explicitly named as exclusions on your policy from day one.
  • The benefit: The main advantage of FMU is clarity. You know from the very beginning exactly what is and isn't covered. There are no grey areas or waiting periods.

Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting: A Comparison

FeatureMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Upfront ProcessQuick and simple. No medical forms.Requires a full health questionnaire.
ExclusionsAutomatically excludes conditions from the past 5 years.Insurer reviews your history and lists specific exclusions.
ClarityCan be ambiguous. Claims process may be slower as history is checked then.Provides complete certainty from the start.
Best For...People who want a quick start and have had few recent medical issues.People with existing conditions who want absolute clarity on their cover.

For many people with disabilities, Full Medical Underwriting is often the preferred choice. It removes any doubt and ensures you understand the value your policy provides for new, unrelated acute conditions. An expert PMI broker, such as WeCovr, can help you navigate this choice and complete the application accurately.

What PMI Can Cover for People with Disabilities

While the disability itself is excluded, the list of potential benefits for new, acute conditions is long and significant. This is the real value of private medical insurance for someone with a disability.

By having PMI, you gain access to the private healthcare system for eligible conditions, which offers:

  • Speed of Access: Bypass long NHS waiting lists for specialist consultations, diagnostic scans (MRI, CT, PET), and surgery. This can be crucial for preventing a new acute condition from impacting your overall health and quality of life.
  • Choice and Control: You can often choose the specialist consultant and the hospital where you receive your treatment. This allows you to select facilities known for their accessibility or experts in a particular field.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Treatment is often in a private, en-suite room, which can make a hospital stay more comfortable and dignified, especially if you require space for equipment or support from a carer.
  • Access to Advanced Treatments: Some policies provide cover for drugs or treatments that are not yet available on the NHS due to cost or NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approval delays.
  • Comprehensive Cancer Cover: Most PMI policies offer extensive cancer cover, providing access to the latest treatments, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical procedures.

Real-Life Scenarios: How It Works

  1. John, a wheelchair user with multiple sclerosis (MS): His MS is a chronic, pre-existing condition and is excluded from his PMI policy. He injures his shoulder playing wheelchair basketball, resulting in a torn rotator cuff (a new, acute injury). His PMI covers the MRI scan, consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, and the subsequent keyhole surgery, getting him back to his sport months earlier than might have been possible otherwise.
  2. Fatima, who is partially sighted: Her visual impairment is a pre-existing condition. She develops severe abdominal pain and is diagnosed with appendicitis (a new, acute condition). Her PMI allows her to have immediate private surgery in a comfortable hospital room, avoiding a lengthy wait in a busy A&E department.
  3. Ben, who has Down's syndrome: He lives with his family and has a PMI policy. He is diagnosed with early-stage bowel cancer (a new, acute condition). His policy gives him access to a leading oncologist and advanced surgical techniques, with his family able to support him in a private setting.

Accessibility in Private Healthcare: How Insurers and Hospitals Adapt

A key concern for anyone with a disability is whether services will be accessible. Under the Equality Act 2010, all service providers, including private hospitals, have a legal duty to make "reasonable adjustments" to ensure their services are accessible to disabled people.

Leading private hospital groups and insurers are increasingly focused on improving accessibility.

Physical Accessibility

Most modern private hospitals are designed with high standards of physical accessibility, including:

  • Step-free access, ramps, and automatic doors.
  • Accessible parking bays.
  • Lifts to all floors.
  • Accessible toilets and changing facilities (some with hoists).
  • Spacious, private rooms that can accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
  • Policies that allow for a carer or personal assistant to stay with you.

Communication and Information Accessibility

This is a vital area where providers are making significant progress. When choosing a policy or hospital, you can and should ask about:

  • Written Information: Can documents like policy details and hospital letters be provided in large print, Braille, or as an accessible PDF for screen readers?
  • Interpreter Services: Can the hospital arrange for a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter for consultations? Most major hospital groups can facilitate this.
  • Digital Accessibility: Insurer and hospital websites are increasingly being built to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards, making them easier to use with assistive technology.
  • Customer Service Support: Many insurers offer different ways to get in touch, such as live chat and email, which can be more accessible than a phone call for some individuals.

Support During Your Treatment Journey

The best private healthcare providers understand that accessibility goes beyond physical infrastructure.

  • Mental Health Support: Many PMI policies include access to mental health support lines or a set number of therapy sessions. This can be an invaluable resource when dealing with the stress of a new health diagnosis.
  • Digital GP Services: Most policies now come with a 24/7 digital GP service. This allows you to have a video consultation from the comfort of your own home, which is incredibly convenient and accessible.
  • Dedicated Case Managers: For complex claims, some insurers assign a dedicated nurse or case manager who can help coordinate your care, liaise with the hospital, and ensure your accessibility needs are met.

A good PMI broker can do the legwork for you, contacting insurers to confirm their policies on accessibility and helping you find a provider that matches your specific needs.

Added Value: Wellness Programmes and Extra Benefits

Modern private medical insurance UK providers offer more than just cover for illness; they actively promote health and wellbeing. These benefits are available to all policyholders, regardless of any pre-existing conditions.

  • Discounted Gym Memberships: Many providers, like Vitality, offer significant discounts on memberships at major gym chains, some of which have excellent accessible facilities.
  • Wellness Apps and Tools: You often get access to a suite of apps for mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness tracking. At WeCovr, we provide our PMI and Life Insurance clients with complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero.
  • Health Screenings: Some policies include cover for periodic health check-ups, helping you stay on top of your overall health.
  • Second Opinion Services: If you receive a diagnosis, many policies allow you to get a second opinion from a world-leading expert, providing peace of mind.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: When you arrange your PMI through a broker like WeCovr, you can also get discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as life insurance or travel insurance.

These benefits add tangible, everyday value to your policy, helping you manage your overall health proactively.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Define Your Goal: Be clear that you are buying PMI to cover new, acute conditions and not your pre-existing disability. This mindset is key.
  2. Decide on Underwriting: Consider if the certainty of Full Medical Underwriting is right for you, or if you prefer the simplicity of a Moratorium.
  3. Compare Core Cover: Look at the 'hospital list' options. A more comprehensive list gives you more choice but may cost more. Check the level of cancer cover, as this is a core benefit.
  4. Consider Outpatient Cover: Decide if you want cover for specialist consultations and diagnostic scans before a hospital admission is needed. You can choose a full-cover option or a set limit (e.g., £1,000 per year) to manage costs.
  5. Look at Add-ons: Do you want to add cover for mental health, dental/optical care, or therapies like physiotherapy for new conditions?
  6. Set Your Excess: An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim (e.g., £250). A higher excess will lower your monthly premium.
  7. Speak to an Expert: The easiest way to compare the market and get it right is to use an independent, FCA-authorised broker. At WeCovr, we specialise in comparing policies from all leading UK insurers. We'll take the time to understand your unique situation, explain the options in plain English, and find the best PMI provider for your needs and budget, all at no cost to you.

Major UK Provider Comparison on Key Features

ProviderKnown ForPotential Benefit for AccessibilityNoteworthy Feature
BupaExtensive network and strong brand recognition.Bupa's 'Direct Access' for some conditions can speed up diagnosis.Comprehensive cancer cover and a large choice of hospitals.
AXA HealthStrong focus on member support and digital tools.Excellent digital GP service and a very user-friendly app.Guided care pathway helps members navigate their treatment.
AvivaOne of the UK's largest insurers with a broad offering.'Expert Select' option guides you to pre-vetted specialists.Strong core product with good value for money.
VitalityFocus on wellness and rewarding healthy living.Rewards programme can make gym memberships more affordable.Shared-value model rewards you for being proactive with your health.
WPANot-for-profit ethos and high customer satisfaction.Flexible policies that can be tailored to individual needs.Known for excellent customer service and fair claims handling.

This table provides a general overview. The best provider for you depends entirely on your personal circumstances and priorities.


Do I have to declare my disability when applying for PMI?

Yes, it is essential to be completely honest. If you choose Full Medical Underwriting (FMU), you will be required to declare your full medical history on an application form. If you choose Moratorium underwriting, you don't declare it upfront, but the condition will be automatically excluded as pre-existing. Hiding a condition can lead to your policy being cancelled or claims being rejected.

Will my PMI premiums be higher because I have a disability?

Not directly for the disability itself, because the insurer will exclude it from cover. Your premium is calculated based on factors like your age, your location, the level of cover you choose, and your smoking status. The disability won't be 'rated' (which would increase the premium) because it simply won't be covered. Therefore, a person with a disability can often pay the same premium as a non-disabled person of the same age and cover level.

What's the difference between PMI and a Health Cash Plan for someone with a disability?

They are very different and can be complementary. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is for covering the high costs of treating new, acute medical conditions. A Health Cash Plan is a low-cost policy that gives you money back towards everyday healthcare expenses, such as dental check-ups, eye tests, glasses, and therapies like physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment. Crucially, cash plans often accept you regardless of your pre-existing medical conditions, so you could claim for therapies related to your disability up to the annual limit.

Can private hospitals refuse to treat me because of my disability?

Under the Equality Act 2010, a hospital cannot refuse to treat you *because* of your disability. However, they can decline to provide care if they do not have the appropriate facilities, equipment, or specialist clinical staff to manage your needs safely alongside the acute treatment you require. This is why it's important to discuss your needs with your insurer and the hospital beforehand.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Understanding how private medical insurance works with a disability is about managing expectations and recognising the immense value it can offer for new health concerns. It's about securing peace of mind and fast access to high-quality care when you need it most.

The UK PMI market is vast, and every policy has its own nuances. Let us help you make sense of it all.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will compare the UK's leading insurers to find a policy that provides genuine value and supports your long-term health and wellbeing.


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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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