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PMI Market Trends UK Digital Health & Virtual GP Growth

PMI Market Trends UK Digital Health & Virtual GP Growth

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped over 800,000 customers find the right cover, WeCovr offers expert insight into the UK private medical insurance market. This article explores how digital health innovations are revolutionising private healthcare, giving you faster, more convenient access to the care you need.

How technology is reshaping private healthcare

The way we access healthcare in the UK is undergoing a seismic shift. Spurred on by record NHS waiting lists and a post-pandemic hunger for convenience, technology is no longer just a helpful add-on; it's becoming the new front door to medical treatment. For the UK’s private medical insurance (PMI) market, this digital revolution is reshaping everything from initial consultations to ongoing wellness management.

Gone are the days when private healthcare simply meant bypassing a queue for a hospital bed. Today, it’s about having a doctor in your pocket, a wellness coach on your wrist, and mental health support on-demand through your smartphone.

This transformation is driven by several key factors:

  • Consumer Demand: We expect the same seamless, on-demand experience from our healthcare as we do from banking, shopping, or entertainment.
  • NHS Pressures: With millions waiting for routine appointments and treatments, many are seeking faster alternatives for initial diagnosis and advice. According to recent NHS England data, the number of people on waiting lists for consultant-led elective care remains in the millions, a figure that continues to fuel interest in private options.
  • Technological Maturity: Virtual consultation platforms, wearable health trackers, and AI-driven diagnostic tools have become reliable, secure, and user-friendly.

For private medical insurance providers, embracing this technology isn’t just about staying modern. It’s a strategic move to create a more efficient, preventative, and customer-centric healthcare journey.

The Rise of the Virtual GP: Your Doctor in Your Pocket

Perhaps the most significant change in day-to-day healthcare is the explosive growth of Virtual GP services. Almost every major private health cover policy in the UK now includes access to a remote doctor as a standard feature.

What Exactly is a Virtual GP Service?

A Virtual GP service allows you to have a medical consultation with a qualified, UK-based GP via video call, telephone, or a secure messaging app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It’s a private consultation, just like visiting a surgery, but without the travel or the waiting room.

The Overwhelming Benefits of Going Virtual

The popularity of these services boils down to three core advantages:

  1. Unmatched Convenience: You can speak to a doctor from your home, your office, or even while travelling. This eliminates travel time, parking costs, and the need to take significant time off work for a 10-minute appointment.
  2. Remarkable Speed: While getting a routine NHS GP appointment can sometimes take weeks, most Virtual GP services offer appointments on the same day, often within a couple of hours. This rapid access is a primary driver for people choosing private cover.
  3. 24/7 Availability: Many leading PMI providers offer round-the-clock access to their Virtual GP services. A health worry at 10 pm on a Sunday can be addressed immediately, offering incredible peace of mind.

These services can handle a vast range of common issues, issue private prescriptions (which can be sent to a local pharmacy or delivered to your door), and provide open referrals for specialist treatment if required under your PMI policy.

Traditional GP vs. Virtual GP: A Quick Comparison

FeatureTraditional NHS GP VisitPMI-Linked Virtual GP
Appointment BookingTypically via phone or online portal; waits can be days or weeks.In-app or online booking; appointments often available in hours.
Consultation TimeFixed surgery hours, usually Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.Often 24/7, 365 days a year.
LocationRequires travel to a physical GP surgery.Anywhere with an internet connection.
Prescription ProcessNHS prescription issued, collected from a pharmacy.Private prescription issued; collect, or have it delivered.
ReferralsReferral to an NHS specialist, subject to waiting lists.Open referral for a private specialist, enabling fast treatment.

It's important to remember that Virtual GPs are designed for non-emergency situations. For any life-threatening condition, you should always call 999 or visit A&E.

Digital Health and Wellness Apps: Beyond Treatment to Prevention

The new generation of private medical insurance isn't just about what happens when you get sick. It's increasingly focused on keeping you well in the first place. Insurers are actively investing in digital tools that empower you to take control of your health.

This proactive approach is a win-win: customers feel more engaged and supported in their health goals, while insurers benefit from a healthier customer base, which can help manage the long-term cost of claims.

What Kind of Digital Tools are Included?

PMI policies are now frequently bundled with a suite of apps and services designed to support your physical and mental wellbeing. These often include:

  • Mental Health Support: Access to apps like Headspace or Calm for mindfulness and meditation, as well as direct links to virtual therapy or counselling sessions.
  • Fitness and Activity Programmes: Integration with wearable devices (like an Apple Watch or Fitbit) to track activity. Insurers like Vitality famously reward customers for hitting step goals, working out, and making healthy choices.
  • Nutritional Guidance: Tools to help you track your diet, access healthy recipes, and get advice from nutritionists. As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you achieve your diet-related goals.
  • Symptom Checkers: AI-driven tools that help you understand your symptoms and guide you to the most appropriate form of care, whether that's a virtual GP, a pharmacist, or self-care.
  • Physiotherapy Apps: Guided exercises and virtual consultations with physiotherapists to help you manage musculoskeletal issues from home.

A Real-World Example

Imagine David, a 42-year-old accountant with a family history of heart disease. His private medical insurance UK policy includes a wellness programme.

  1. He links his smartwatch to the insurer's app.
  2. The app sets him a personalised daily step goal and encourages him to do two workouts a week.
  3. When he hits his targets, he earns points that he can exchange for free cinema tickets or a discount on his weekly food shop.
  4. Through the app, he also accesses a discounted health screening, which flags slightly elevated cholesterol.
  5. His virtual GP discusses the results, provides dietary advice, and schedules a follow-up, all within a week.

This integrated journey—from prevention and rewards to diagnosis and advice—is the new benchmark for modern private health cover.

The Impact on the UK Private Medical Insurance Market

The integration of digital health is not just a cosmetic change; it's fundamentally altering the structure and value proposition of PMI.

The "Digital Front Door"

Many insurers now position their Virtual GP service as the 'digital front door' to all other healthcare services. Instead of trying to navigate the system yourself, your first port of call is a quick, convenient virtual consultation. From there, the GP can triage your needs and direct you seamlessly into the private healthcare pathway:

  • Need to see a specialist? The GP provides an open referral.
  • Struggling with anxiety? The GP can refer you to the policy's mental health support service.
  • Have a bad back? You can be directed to the digital physiotherapy programme.

This streamlined process saves time, reduces stress, and ensures you get to the right care faster.

Value Over Cost Reduction

While it might seem that preventing claims would lead to dramatically lower premiums, the reality is more nuanced. The cost of private medical treatment continues to rise. However, by investing in digital and preventative tools, insurers aim to provide far greater value for your money. You get more than just access to hospital care; you get a day-to-day health partner. This focus on value helps keep premium increases more stable over the long term than they might otherwise be.

Meeting Modern Expectations

Today's customers are accustomed to managing their lives through their phones. The PMI market has had to adapt to this expectation. A clunky, paper-based claims process and long call-centre queues are no longer acceptable. The best PMI providers now offer slick, intuitive apps where you can book appointments, view policy documents, and start a claim with a few taps.

Key PMI Providers and Their Digital Offerings (2025)

The UK's leading insurers have each developed a unique digital ecosystem. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right policy. While a PMI broker like WeCovr can provide a personalised comparison, here is a general overview of the market leaders.

ProviderKey Digital Health Feature(s)How it Works
BupaDigital GP (powered by Babylon), Bupa Touch app, range of mental health and wellness support services.The Digital GP offers 24/7 access to video consultations. The Bupa Touch app is a central hub for managing your policy, making claims, and accessing health information.
AXA HealthDoctor at Hand (powered by Teladoc Health), AXA Health app, dedicated mental health and physio support lines.Doctor at Hand provides 24/7 GP appointments via phone or video. The app offers access to specialists and a streamlined claims process. Strong focus on muscle, bone, and joint support.
AvivaAviva Digital GP (powered by Square Health), Aviva Wellbeing app, partnership with Headspace for mental wellness.Offers 24/7 access to GP video consultations with the ability to choose your GP. The Wellbeing app provides health tracking and personalised challenges.
VitalityVitality GP, The Vitality Programme, partnerships with a wide range of wellness brands.A market leader in incentivised wellness. Members earn points for being active, which unlock rewards like coffees, cinema tickets, and discounts on Apple Watches and travel. The whole model is built around digital engagement.

Navigating these options can be complex. Do you prioritise 24/7 access, a rewards programme, or specific mental health tools? This is where an expert broker adds immense value. At WeCovr, we help you cut through the noise, comparing not just the price but the digital features that matter most to your lifestyle.

Critical Information: What UK PMI Does Not Cover

It is absolutely vital to understand the limitations of standard UK private medical insurance. PMI is not a replacement for the NHS; it is a complementary service designed to cover specific types of conditions.

The Rule of Thumb: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

PMI is designed to treat acute conditions.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia, cataracts, joint replacement, or treating an infection.

PMI does not cover chronic conditions.

  • A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured, only managed. It requires long-term monitoring and care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and most types of arthritis.

You will always need the NHS to manage any chronic conditions you have.

The Other Big Rule: Pre-existing Conditions

Standard PMI policies also exclude pre-existing conditions. This refers to any illness, injury, or symptom you had before your policy start date. This applies whether you had a formal diagnosis or not. For example, if you had intermittent knee pain before taking out a policy, any treatment related to that knee would likely be excluded.

There are two main ways insurers handle this:

  1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You declare your entire medical history when you apply. The insurer then explicitly lists what is excluded from your policy from day one.
  2. Moratorium Underwriting (MORI): You do not declare your medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the past five years. However, if you go for a set period (usually two years) without any symptoms or treatment for that condition after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.

An expert broker can explain these options in detail to help you choose the right path.

How WeCovr Helps You Navigate the Digital Healthcare Maze

Choosing the right private medical insurance in today's tech-driven market can feel overwhelming. At WeCovr, our job is to make it simple.

  • Independent, Expert Advice: As an FCA-authorised broker, we are not tied to any single insurer. Our loyalty is to you. Our experts understand the subtle differences between each provider's digital offerings and can match you with the policy that best fits your needs.
  • No Cost To You: Our service is completely free for you to use. We receive a commission from the insurer if you decide to purchase a policy, but this does not affect the premium you pay. You get expert advice without any extra cost.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange your PMI or life insurance through us, we offer extra value, including discounts on other types of cover and complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI nutrition app. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the best outcomes for our clients.
  • We Do the Hard Work: Instead of you spending hours researching and getting quotes from multiple insurers, we do it for you. We present you with clear, easy-to-understand options, saving you time and hassle.

The Future of PMI and Digital Health in the UK

The pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing. Looking ahead to the next few years, we can expect even deeper integration of technology in private healthcare:

  • Hyper-Personalisation: AI will analyse health data (with your consent) to create truly personalised wellness plans and even predict potential health risks before they arise.
  • Advanced Wearable Integration: Your smartwatch won't just track steps; it may monitor ECG, blood oxygen, and sleep patterns to provide real-time health alerts to you and your virtual clinical team.
  • AI-Powered Diagnostics: Sophisticated AI will assist doctors in diagnosing conditions from images (like scans or skin lesions) and patient-reported symptoms, improving speed and accuracy.
  • Seamless "Phygital" Journeys: The line between physical and digital will blur. You might start with a virtual GP, be sent for a diagnostic scan at a local centre, review the results with a specialist via video, and then receive physiotherapy through a guided app.

This tech-enabled future promises a healthcare system that is more responsive, preventative, and tailored to the individual than ever before.

Is a virtual GP as good as seeing a GP in person?

For a wide range of common health concerns, consultations, and medical advice, a virtual GP is an excellent and highly convenient alternative. They can diagnose conditions, issue private prescriptions, and provide referrals for specialist care. However, for issues requiring a physical examination (like checking a lump or listening to your chest), or for medical emergencies, an in-person visit to a GP or A&E remains essential.

Can I get private medical insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Generally, standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. However, under 'moratorium' underwriting, a pre-existing condition might become eligible for cover if you remain completely free of symptoms, treatment, medication, or advice for it for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts.

How does a PMI broker like WeCovr get paid?

An independent PMI broker like WeCovr provides expert advice and market comparison at no cost to you. If you choose to buy a policy through us, we are paid a commission by the insurance provider. This does not affect the price of your premium; you pay the same amount as you would if you went directly to the insurer, but with the added benefit of our impartial, expert guidance.

Ready to explore how a modern private medical insurance policy can give you fast, convenient access to the best of UK healthcare?

Get your free, no-obligation quote from the friendly experts at WeCovr today and discover the right digital health plan for you.


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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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