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PMI for Veterans UK




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TL;DR

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr helps you navigate the UK private medical insurance market. This guide offers specialist insight for ex-service personnel, explaining your options for accessing private healthcare and how to find the right cover for your needs after leaving the military. Private health insurance options for ex-service personnel Transitioning from military to civilian life involves many changes, including how you access healthcare.

Key takeaways

  • The specialist or consultant who treats you.
  • The hospital where you receive care (from a list provided by your insurer).
  • The timing of your appointments and surgery, allowing you to fit treatment around your work and family life.
  • Priority Treatment: You may be entitled to priority access to NHS secondary care (hospital treatment) for conditions that are genuinely a result of your military service. This is always subject to the clinical needs of all patients. A referral from your GP is required.
  • Specialist Veteran Services: The NHS provides dedicated mental and physical health services for veterans across the UK. These include Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service and the Veterans Trauma Network (VTN) for service-related physical injuries.

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr helps you navigate the UK private medical insurance market. This guide offers specialist insight for ex-service personnel, explaining your options for accessing private healthcare and how to find the right cover for your needs after leaving the military.

Private health insurance options for ex-service personnel

Transitioning from military to civilian life involves many changes, including how you access healthcare. While serving, medical and dental care is provided automatically. As a veteran, you are entitled to the same NHS care as any other UK citizen, with priority treatment for service-related conditions, subject to the clinical needs of all patients.

However, with NHS waiting lists at historically high levels, many veterans are now exploring private medical insurance (PMI) for faster access to treatment for new, eligible conditions. PMI, also known as private health cover, is an insurance policy that pays for private healthcare if you develop an acute medical condition after your policy begins.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about PMI for veterans in the UK, from how it works with NHS services to navigating service-related injuries and finding a policy that fits your budget and needs.

Why Veterans Might Consider Private Medical Insurance

The decision to take out private health cover is a personal one. For ex-service personnel, there are several compelling reasons to consider it.

1. Bypassing NHS Waiting Times This is the single biggest reason people in the UK opt for private healthcare. According to the latest NHS England data, the waiting list for routine consultant-led hospital treatment stands at over 7.5 million. For veterans accustomed to the prompt medical attention provided by the Defence Medical Services, these delays can be frustrating and concerning. PMI allows you to bypass these queues for eligible conditions, getting you diagnosed and treated significantly faster.

2. Choice and Control Over Your Care Private medical insurance offers a level of choice not always available on the NHS. You can often choose:

  • The specialist or consultant who treats you.
  • The hospital where you receive care (from a list provided by your insurer).
  • The timing of your appointments and surgery, allowing you to fit treatment around your work and family life.

3. Comfort and Privacy Private hospitals typically offer a more comfortable environment. This often includes a private, en-suite room with amenities like a personal TV and a more flexible visitor policy. For those recovering from surgery, this privacy and quiet can be invaluable for rest and recovery.

4. Access to Specialist Treatments and Drugs While the NHS provides excellent care, there can be limitations on certain new or expensive drugs and treatments due to funding decisions by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Some comprehensive PMI policies may provide cover for treatments that are not yet routinely available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advancements.

5. Peace of Mind For many, the ultimate benefit of PMI is peace of mind. Knowing you have a plan in place to get fast, high-quality care should you fall ill can reduce anxiety for you and your family. After years of service, having this security in civilian life is a significant comfort.

Understanding the UK Healthcare Landscape for Veterans

As a veteran, you have a unique healthcare position. It's crucial to understand how the different systems work together before deciding if PMI is right for you.

Your Entitlement on the NHS

Upon leaving the armed forces, your healthcare transitions to the NHS. You should register with a GP and inform them that you are a veteran. This is important because it ensures your veteran status is recorded in your health records.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect. In healthcare, this means:

  • Priority Treatment: You may be entitled to priority access to NHS secondary care (hospital treatment) for conditions that are genuinely a result of your military service. This is always subject to the clinical needs of all patients. A referral from your GP is required.
  • Specialist Veteran Services: The NHS provides dedicated mental and physical health services for veterans across the UK. These include Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service and the Veterans Trauma Network (VTN) for service-related physical injuries.

PMI does not replace these services; it works alongside them.

Where Does PMI Fit In?

Private medical insurance acts as a complementary layer to the NHS. It is designed to cover acute conditions – diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health.

Here’s how it typically works:

  1. You develop a symptom. (e.g., persistent knee pain, a new skin lesion).
  2. You visit your NHS GP. The GP remains your first port of call. They assess you and may refer you for further investigation.
  3. You use your PMI. Instead of joining the NHS waiting list for a specialist, you contact your insurer. They will authorise a private consultation, tests, and any subsequent treatment that is covered by your policy.
  4. Emergencies and Chronic Care remain with the NHS. PMI does not cover A&E visits, GP services, or the ongoing management of long-term, incurable conditions.
ServiceProvided by NHSProvided by Private Medical Insurance
GP VisitsYesNo (usually)
Emergency (A&E) CareYesNo
Treatment for Acute ConditionsYes (with waiting lists)Yes (for eligible conditions, access is fast)
Management of Chronic ConditionsYesNo
Management of Pre-existing ConditionsYesNo
Specialist Veteran ServicesYesNo

What Does Private Medical Insurance Actually Cover?

This is the most critical area to understand. Misconceptions about cover can lead to disappointment later on.

PMI is for ACUTE conditions that begin AFTER your policy starts.

An acute condition is something curable, like a hernia, cataracts, or joint pain that requires a replacement.

A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting, has no known cure, and needs ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Standard UK private medical insurance DOES NOT cover the management of chronic conditions.

If a chronic condition is diagnosed privately through your PMI, the initial diagnosis and tests may be covered. However, once diagnosed, its day-to-day management will revert to the NHS.

The Golden Rule: Pre-existing Conditions Are Excluded

This is a fundamental principle of PMI in the UK. Insurers will not cover any medical condition you had, or had symptoms of, before you took out the policy.

For veterans, this is especially important. Any injury, illness, or mental health condition that was diagnosed, treated, or for which you sought advice during your service (or at any time before your policy starts) will be considered a pre-existing condition. This includes:

  • Shrapnel wounds
  • Musculoskeletal injuries from training or operations
  • Hearing loss or tinnitus
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

These conditions will be excluded from your PMI policy. You will continue to receive NHS care for them, including priority treatment where applicable.

Your PMI policy is there to cover new and unforeseen health issues that arise in your civilian life.

Key PMI Concepts Explained for Veterans

When you start looking at policies, you'll encounter a lot of jargon. Here’s a simple breakdown of the most common terms.

TermWhat It Means for You
UnderwritingThis is how the insurer assesses your health history to decide what they will and won't cover. The two main types are Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting.
Moratorium UnderwritingThe most common type. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the 5 years before the policy started. Cover for that condition may be added later if you remain symptom-free and need no treatment or advice for it for a continuous 2-year period after your policy begins.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)You provide your full medical history at the start. The insurer reviews it and tells you exactly what is excluded from day one. This provides certainty but can be more complex, especially if you have an extensive service medical history.
ExcessThe amount you agree to pay towards any claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250, and the insurer pays the rest. A higher excess leads to a lower monthly premium.
Out-patient CoverThis covers diagnostic tests and consultations that don't require a hospital bed. You can choose a policy with full out-patient cover, a limited annual amount (e.g., £1,000), or no out-patient cover to reduce costs.
Hospital ListInsurers have lists of approved hospitals. A more comprehensive (and expensive) policy will include prime central London hospitals. A cheaper policy might use a more restricted regional network.

For many veterans, Moratorium underwriting is often the simplest path, as it avoids the need to collate and submit detailed medical records from your time in service.

Let's be crystal clear about this, as it's the biggest source of confusion.

Imagine you injured your right knee during a training exercise in 2018. You received treatment for it and it was noted in your medical records.

You take out a PMI policy in 2025.

  • Your right knee injury is a pre-existing condition.
  • Your PMI policy will not cover any investigation or treatment related to your right knee. You must continue to use the NHS for this.
  • However, if you develop a completely new and unrelated problem, such as gallstones or a hernia, your PMI policy would cover your treatment for that new acute condition.

The "Two-Year Rule" with Moratorium Underwriting

Moratorium underwriting has a feature that can be beneficial. If you have a pre-existing condition, but you go for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts without needing any treatment, medication, or advice for it, your insurer may start covering it.

Example:

  • You had mild shoulder pain in 2024 and saw a physio. You take out a moratorium policy in January 2025.
  • The shoulder pain is initially excluded.
  • The pain goes away completely. You require no medication, check-ups, or advice for your shoulder for all of 2025 and 2026.
  • In 2027, the pain returns. Because you have been trouble-free for two full years while on the policy, your insurer may now cover the investigation and treatment.

This rule applies to each condition separately. It's a key reason why getting advice from an expert PMI broker like WeCovr is so valuable; they can help you understand how your specific history might be treated by different insurers.

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

Finding the best PMI provider and policy requires a structured approach.

Step 1: Assess Your Needs Think about what's important to you.

  • Speed: Is your main goal just to skip waiting lists for surgery?
  • Choice: Do you want to be able to choose your consultant and hospital?
  • Diagnostics: Do you want cover for scans and tests to get a fast diagnosis?
  • Therapies: Is cover for physiotherapy or mental health support important for new conditions?

Step 2: Set Your Budget PMI premiums can range from £30 a month for a basic policy to over £200 for a fully comprehensive one. Decide what you can comfortably afford. Remember, you can adjust your cover to meet your budget by:

  • Increasing your excess.
  • Limiting your out-patient cover.
  • Choosing a more restricted hospital list.
  • Opting for a "guided" option where the insurer helps choose your specialist.

Step 3: Compare the Market Don't just go with the first provider you see. The UK private medical insurance market is competitive, with several major players. Their policies, prices, and underwriting philosophies can differ significantly. This is where using a broker becomes essential.

Step 4: Get Expert Advice An independent PMI broker works for you, not the insurance company. They will:

  • Discuss your needs and budget.
  • Explain the pros and cons of different policies.
  • Compare quotes from across the market to find the best value.
  • Help you with the application process and answer any tricky questions about your medical history.

Organisations like WeCovr provide this expert service at no cost to you. Their fee is paid by the insurer you choose, so you get impartial advice without paying a penny extra.

How Much Does PMI for a Veteran Cost in the UK?

The cost of private health cover depends on several factors:

  • Age: Premiums increase as you get older.
  • Location: Treatment costs are higher in some areas, like London and the South East, so premiums are too.
  • Level of Cover: A comprehensive policy with full out-patient cover and access to all hospitals will cost more than a basic plan that only covers in-patient surgery.
  • Excess: A higher excess lowers your premium.
  • Smoker Status: Smokers pay more than non-smokers.

Below are some illustrative monthly premium examples for a non-smoking veteran living outside London. These are for guidance only and your actual quote will vary.

Illustrative Monthly PMI Premiums (2025)

AgeBasic Cover (In-patient only, £500 excess)Mid-Range Cover (£1k out-patient, £250 excess)Comprehensive Cover (Full out-patient, £100 excess)
40£45 - £60£70 - £95£110 - £140
50£65 - £85£100 - £130£160 - £200
60£90 - £120£150 - £190£230 - £280

To get an accurate price, you need a personalised quote based on your specific circumstances.

Top UK Private Health Insurance Providers

The UK market is dominated by a few key providers, each with its own strengths.

  • Bupa: One of the oldest and most recognised names in UK health insurance.
  • AXA Health: A global insurance giant offering a wide range of flexible policies.
  • Vitality: Known for its innovative approach, rewarding healthy living with discounts and perks.
  • Aviva: A major UK insurer offering solid, dependable PMI policies.
  • WPA: A not-for-profit insurer often praised for its customer service.

An expert broker can help you compare these providers impartially to see which one offers the best fit for a veteran's needs.

The WeCovr Advantage: More Than Just a Policy

Choosing a broker like WeCovr to arrange your private medical insurance UK policy offers several distinct advantages for veterans.

  1. Independent, Expert Advice: As an FCA-authorised broker, our duty is to you. We provide unbiased advice and search the market to find cover that truly matches your needs and budget.
  2. No Cost to You: Our service is completely free for you to use. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium price. You don't pay more; you just get expert help.
  3. Hassle-Free Comparison: We do the legwork for you, comparing policies from leading UK providers and presenting you with clear, easy-to-understand options.
  4. Veteran-Specific Understanding: We understand the nuances of transitioning from military to civilian healthcare and can help you navigate questions about service-related conditions and underwriting.
  5. Added Value: When you arrange a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to support your health goals. We also offer discounts on other insurance products, like home or travel insurance, for our valued clients. WeCovr is proud of its high customer satisfaction ratings, reflecting our commitment to excellent service.

Beyond Insurance: Holistic Wellbeing for Veterans

Maintaining your health is about more than just insurance. Drawing on the discipline and focus from your service career can help you build a robust and healthy civilian life.

Diet and Nutrition A balanced diet is the foundation of good health. Focus on whole foods: lean proteins, complex carbohydrates (oats, brown rice), fruits, and vegetables. Proper nutrition can improve energy levels, aid recovery, and support mental clarity. Using a tool like CalorieHero can help you stay on track with your nutritional goals.

Physical Activity Physical fitness is second nature to service personnel. It’s vital to maintain this in civilian life.

  • Find a new tribe: Join a local running club, weightlifting gym, or a veteran-focused sports organisation like Team BRIT or the British Legion's cycling club.
  • Adapt your routine: Your body may have wear and tear. Focus on low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or rowing if high-impact exercise causes pain.
  • Set new goals: Whether it’s a 10k run, a charity bike ride, or a strength target, having a goal provides motivation.

Sleep Years of irregular sleep patterns and hypervigilance in the service can disrupt your natural sleep cycle. Prioritise sleep hygiene:

  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
  • Create a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment.
  • Avoid caffeine and heavy meals late at night.
  • Limit screen time before bed.

Mental Fitness The transition to civilian life can be mentally challenging. Proactively managing your mental health is as important as physical fitness.

  • Stay connected: Maintain contact with your service friends and build a new civilian support network.
  • Seek support early: If you are struggling, don't wait. Op COURAGE is a fantastic, free NHS service providing specialist care and support for veterans.
  • Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help manage stress and anxiety.

Private medical insurance is a tool for when things go wrong. These lifestyle habits are your first and best line of defence for staying healthy.


Yes, you must be honest about your medical history. If you choose 'Full Medical Underwriting', you will declare all conditions upfront. If you choose 'Moratorium' underwriting, you don't need to declare them, but any condition you've had in the last 5 years will be automatically excluded. Service-related injuries will be considered pre-existing conditions and will not be covered by a new PMI policy.

Will PMI cover mental health conditions like PTSD for veterans?

Generally, no. If PTSD or another mental health condition was diagnosed or treated as a result of your service, it is a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover. However, many comprehensive PMI policies do offer cover for mental health treatment for new conditions that develop *after* the policy has started. For service-related mental health support, you should access the specialist NHS service, Op COURAGE.

Can I use PMI instead of being registered with an NHS GP?

No, you must be registered with an NHS GP. Private medical insurance does not cover GP services or emergency care. Your GP is your first point of contact for any health concern and provides the referral you need to use your private health cover. PMI is designed to work alongside the NHS, not replace it.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Making the right choice about private health cover can give you invaluable peace of mind. As a veteran, you deserve clarity, choice, and control over your healthcare.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation chat. Our expert advisors will help you compare leading UK private medical insurance policies and find the one that’s right for you and your family.

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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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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