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PMI Glossary 50 Key Terms Explained Simply

PMI Glossary 50 Key Terms Explained Simply 2026

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel like learning a new language. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised expert that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we believe everyone deserves to understand their health cover clearly. This guide cuts through the confusion.

WeCovr's A–Z guide to demystify private health insurance

Private health insurance is designed to give you peace of mind and faster access to high-quality medical care when you need it most. However, policy documents are often filled with terminology that can be puzzling.

This glossary explains 50 of the most common PMI terms in simple, plain English, helping you make informed decisions about your health and wellbeing.

Understanding Your Policy Basics

Let's start with the fundamental building blocks of any private medical insurance UK policy.

  1. Private Medical Insurance (PMI): An insurance policy that covers the cost of private medical treatment for eligible conditions. It works alongside the NHS, offering you more choice and speed for diagnosis and treatment.

  2. Policyholder: The person who owns the insurance policy. This could be you, your partner, or your employer if it's a company scheme.

  3. Premium: The regular amount you pay to the insurer (usually monthly or annually) to keep your policy active. Your premium is calculated based on factors like your age, lifestyle, location, and the level of cover you choose.

  4. Excess (or Deductible): A fixed amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. For example, if your excess is £250 and your eligible treatment costs £2,000, you pay the first £250 and your insurer pays the remaining £1,750. Choosing a higher excess can often lower your premium.

  5. Annual Limit: The maximum amount of money your insurer will pay out for all your claims combined within a single policy year. Some basic policies might have a limit of £10,000, while comprehensive plans often offer £1 million or even unlimited cover.

  6. Benefit Limit: Similar to an annual limit, but it applies to a specific benefit. For instance, your policy might have an overall annual limit of £1 million but a separate, lower limit for out-patient consultations, such as £1,000 per year.

  7. Quote: An estimate of your premium from an insurer or broker, based on the information you provide about your needs and circumstances. A quote from an expert PMI broker like WeCovr compares multiple leading providers to find the best value for you.

  8. Renewal: The process of continuing your policy for another year when your current term ends. Your insurer will send you a renewal notice with the premium for the upcoming year, which may have changed.

  9. Cooling-off Period: A statutory period (usually 14 days) after you purchase your policy during which you can cancel it and receive a full refund, provided you haven't made a claim.

The Underwriting Process: How Insurers Assess Your Health

Underwriting is how insurers decide whether to offer you cover and on what terms. It's a crucial part of the process, especially regarding past medical issues.

A Critical Point: Standard private health insurance in the UK is designed for acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. It does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

  1. Underwriting: The process an insurer uses to assess the risk of insuring you. They look at your age, health, and medical history to set your premium and any specific exclusions.

  2. Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, injury, or symptom you have had (or sought advice for) before the start date of your policy. This includes conditions you were diagnosed with, treated for, or even just experienced symptoms of, regardless of whether you saw a doctor. These are typically excluded from cover.

  3. Chronic Condition: A long-term health condition that cannot be fully cured but can be managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions, though it may cover acute flare-ups in some cases.

  4. Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for infections. This is what PMI is designed for.

  5. Moratorium Underwriting (Mori): The most common type of underwriting. You don't need to declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the five years before your policy starts. However, if you go two full, consecutive years without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after your policy begins, it may become eligible for cover.

  6. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): This requires you to complete a detailed health questionnaire, disclosing your entire medical history. The insurer then assesses this information and tells you from the start exactly what is and isn't covered. Any specific exclusions are listed on your policy documents and are usually permanent.

FeatureMoratorium Underwriting (Mori)Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Initial ProcessQuick and simple. No medical forms.Slower. Requires a detailed health questionnaire.
Clarity on CoverLess certainty at the start. Exclusions are decided at the point of a claim.Full clarity from day one. Exclusions are listed in your policy documents.
Pre-existing ConditionsAutomatically excluded if present in the 5 years before the policy start.Assessed individually. May be covered, excluded, or require a higher premium.
Best ForPeople with a clean bill of health who want a fast application process.People with a complex medical history who want certainty about what's covered.

  1. Medical History: The complete record of your past and present health, including all illnesses, treatments, and consultations. With FMU, you must disclose this fully.

  2. Exclusions: Specific conditions, treatments, or circumstances that are not covered by your policy. Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, chronic condition management, cosmetic surgery, A&E visits, and normal pregnancy. Always read your policy's exclusion list carefully.

Types of Medical Care Explained

Your policy will define what kind of treatment settings are covered. Understanding these terms is key to knowing what you can claim for.

  1. In-patient: Treatment that requires you to be admitted to a hospital bed overnight or longer. Core PMI policies almost always cover in-patient care.

  2. Day-patient: Treatment that requires a hospital bed for the day but does not require an overnight stay. This includes many minor surgical procedures. This is also a core benefit on most policies.

  3. Out-patient: Consultations, diagnostic tests (like X-rays or MRI scans), or treatment where you are not admitted to a hospital bed. This is often sold as an add-on to a core policy. Limiting your out-patient cover is a common way to reduce your premium.

Core vs. Comprehensive: What's Included in Your Cover?

Policies range from basic 'core' cover to 'comprehensive' plans with extensive benefits.

  1. Core Cover: The essential benefits included in every PMI policy, primarily covering in-patient and day-patient treatment costs, including surgery, hospital stays, and specialist fees.

  2. Comprehensive Cover: A policy that includes core cover plus a range of add-ons, such as out-patient consultations, therapies, mental health support, and dental/optical benefits.

  3. Cancer Cover: A cornerstone of most PMI policies. It provides funding for diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and sometimes newer biological therapies. The level of cancer cover can vary significantly between providers, so it's a crucial area to compare.

  4. Mental Health Cover: An increasingly important benefit that can be added to your policy. It may cover specialist consultations, therapy sessions (like CBT), and in-patient psychiatric treatment.

  5. Therapies Cover: Covers treatment from specialists like physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors. This is usually an optional add-on.

  6. Dental & Optical Cover: An add-on that provides cover for routine dental check-ups, treatments, and the cost of glasses or contact lenses. It's less common but available from some insurers.

  7. Complimentary Medicine (or Alternative Therapies): Treatments like acupuncture, homeopathy, or podiatry. Cover is usually available as an optional extra and is often limited.

  8. Health Screening: Proactive health checks to detect early signs of serious illness, such as cancer or heart disease. Some comprehensive policies include a contribution towards health screenings.

Understanding the claims process helps you use your policy effectively.

  1. GP (General Practitioner): Your NHS or private family doctor. In most cases, your journey to private treatment starts with a visit to your GP.

  2. GP Referral: A letter from your GP recommending that you see a private specialist for your condition. This is usually the first step in making a claim.

  3. Open Referral: When your GP refers you to a type of specialist (e.g., a cardiologist) rather than a specific named consultant. This gives your insurer more flexibility to direct you to a cost-effective specialist within their network.

  4. Hospital List: A list of hospitals and treatment centres approved by your insurer. Policies with a limited hospital list (e.g., excluding central London hospitals) are often cheaper. Check the list carefully to ensure it includes convenient, high-quality facilities near you.

  5. Guided Option (or Consultant List): A feature where the insurer provides a shortlist of 3-5 approved specialists for your condition. Choosing from this list often results in a lower premium because the insurer has pre-agreed rates with these consultants.

  6. Claim: The formal request you make to your insurer to pay for your eligible medical treatment. You typically need to get the claim authorised before you receive treatment.

  7. Expert Review (or Second Opinion Service): A service offered by some insurers that allows you to have your diagnosis and proposed treatment plan reviewed by a world-leading medical expert, giving you extra confidence in your care pathway.

Financials and Fine Print

These terms relate to the costs and rules governing your policy.

  1. Insurance Premium Tax (IPT): A tax charged on all general insurance premiums in the UK, including PMI. The current rate is 12% and is included in the premium you are quoted.

  2. No Claims Discount (NCD): A discount applied to your renewal premium if you don't make a claim during the policy year. The discount level typically increases each year you go without claiming, up to a maximum percentage (e.g., 60-70%). Making a claim will usually reduce or remove your NCD.

  3. Six-week Option: A cost-saving option where, if the NHS can provide the required in-patient treatment within six weeks of it being recommended, you agree to use the NHS. If the NHS waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in. This can significantly reduce your premium.

    • Context: With NHS England waiting lists at around 7.54 million in Spring 2024 (according to official NHS data), the six-week wait is often exceeded for many procedures, making this option a calculated risk.

  4. Joint Policy: A single policy that covers two or more people, typically partners or a family. This can sometimes be more convenient and slightly cheaper than individual policies.

  5. Level of Cover: The scope and monetary limits of the benefits included in your policy. You can often tailor this by adding or removing options like out-patient or therapies cover.

Beyond Treatment: Wellness and Extra Benefits

Modern PMI is about more than just paying for treatment; it's about helping you stay healthy.

  1. Wellness Programme: A feature offered by some insurers to reward healthy living. You might get discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, or even your premium for demonstrating healthy habits like regular exercise.

  2. Virtual GP (or Digital GP): A service that provides 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call. This is a hugely popular benefit, offering convenience and speed for initial consultations.

  3. NHS Cash Benefit: If you choose to have your eligible treatment on the NHS instead of using your private cover, your policy may pay you a fixed cash amount for each night you spend in an NHS hospital. This acknowledges that you are saving the insurer money.

  4. Provider (or Insurer): The company that underwrites your policy and pays for your claims. Major UK providers include Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, and Vitality.

  5. Broker (or Intermediary): An independent expert who helps you compare policies from different providers to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. A good PMI broker, like WeCovr, is authorised by the FCA and provides impartial advice at no extra cost to you.

  6. FCA (Financial Conduct Authority): The UK's financial services regulator. Any firm selling or advising on insurance, including brokers and providers, must be authorised and regulated by the FCA, ensuring they treat customers fairly.

  7. Upgrade/Downgrade: The ability to change your level of cover at renewal, for example, by adding mental health cover (an upgrade) or increasing your excess (a downgrade to save money).

  8. Self-insurance: The alternative to PMI, where you choose to pay for any private medical treatment out of your own pocket. This can be risky, as major procedures like cancer treatment or heart surgery can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

  9. Independent Sector: The collective term for all private healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and specialists, that operate outside of the NHS.

  10. Added Value Benefits: Extra perks included with your policy. As a WeCovr client, for example, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. We also offer discounts on other insurance products, like life or home insurance, when you purchase a PMI policy with us.

Frequently Asked Questions about UK Private Health Insurance

Can I get private health insurance for a condition I already have?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Pre-existing conditions, which are any illnesses or symptoms you have experienced before taking out the policy, are almost always excluded from cover. The same applies to long-term chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma.

Do I need to declare my full medical history to get a quote?

It depends on the type of underwriting you choose. With 'Moratorium' underwriting, you don't need to fill out a health questionnaire initially, as any condition from the last five years is automatically excluded. With 'Full Medical Underwriting' (FMU), you must provide a detailed medical history upfront, which allows the insurer to give you complete clarity on what is and isn't covered from day one.

Is private health insurance worth it with the NHS available for free?

This is a personal choice. While the NHS provides excellent care, it is currently facing significant pressure, with long waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment. Private medical insurance offers a way to bypass these queues, giving you faster access to specialists, a choice of hospitals, and a private room for treatment. For many, this speed, choice, and comfort provides invaluable peace of mind.

Take the Next Step with WeCovr

Feeling more confident about the language of private health insurance? The right policy can be a powerful tool for protecting your health and wellbeing.

At WeCovr, our expert advisors are here to help you navigate your options. We compare leading UK providers to find a policy that fits your needs and your budget, all at no cost to you.

Ready to find your perfect private health cover? Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today.

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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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