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PMI Portability UK

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 2, 2026
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TL;DR

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies issued, WeCovr understands that life changes. This guide explores how your UK private medical insurance can move with you, ensuring continuous protection. We'll demystify PMI portability, helping you navigate job moves and insurer switches with confidence.

Key takeaways

  • Leaving a Company Group Scheme: You're leaving a job where your employer provided PMI as a benefit.
  • Switching Your Personal PMI Provider: You have a personal policy and want to move to a different insurer for better value or service.
  • Without portability: You would have to apply for a new personal policy. Your joint problem would now be a "pre-existing condition," and the new insurer would almost certainly exclude it from cover.
  • With portability: You can take out a "Group Leaver" policy, carrying over your cover history. Because the joint problem was covered on the group scheme, it will continue to be covered on your new personal policy.
  • Rising Premiums: Your renewal price may have increased significantly.

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies issued, WeCovr understands that life changes. This guide explores how your UK private medical insurance can move with you, ensuring continuous protection. We'll demystify PMI portability, helping you navigate job moves and insurer switches with confidence.

What happens to your cover if you move jobs or insurers

Changing jobs or simply seeking a better deal on your private health cover are common life events. But what happens to the valuable protection you rely on? This is where "portability" comes in.

In the UK private medical insurance (PMI) market, portability is the ability to take your health insurance policy with you when your circumstances change. It’s designed to prevent a situation where you lose cover for medical conditions that have developed while you were insured.

There are two main scenarios where portability is crucial:

  1. Leaving a Company Group Scheme: You're leaving a job where your employer provided PMI as a benefit.
  2. Switching Your Personal PMI Provider: You have a personal policy and want to move to a different insurer for better value or service.

Understanding how to manage this transition is vital. A misstep could mean losing cover for important health issues or having to start a new policy with fresh exclusions. Fortunately, the process is well-established, and with the right guidance, it can be seamless.

Understanding PMI Portability: Your Right to Continue Cover

Think of PMI portability as a "protected move" for your health insurance. Instead of starting from scratch with a new insurer and potentially facing new exclusions for conditions you've recently developed, portability allows you to carry over your existing level of cover and underwriting terms.

This is arguably one of the most important features of modern private medical insurance in the UK. Without it, individuals could feel "trapped" in a job or with an insurer for fear of losing cover for a health condition that has arisen since they first took out the policy.

Why is Portability So Important?

The fundamental purpose of private medical insurance is to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It's crucial to remember that standard UK PMI does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

Let's imagine you join a company scheme, and a year later, you develop a treatable joint problem that requires ongoing specialist consultations. Your group PMI covers it. Two years later, you decide to leave for a new job.

  • Without portability: You would have to apply for a new personal policy. Your joint problem would now be a "pre-existing condition," and the new insurer would almost certainly exclude it from cover.
  • With portability: You can take out a "Group Leaver" policy, carrying over your cover history. Because the joint problem was covered on the group scheme, it will continue to be covered on your new personal policy.

This principle protects you from being medically or financially disadvantaged simply for changing your employment.

Leaving a Company Group Scheme: Your Options Explained

Losing your company health benefits is a common reason people explore personal PMI. The good news is that most group schemes have a "group leaver" option. This allows you to seamlessly transfer your cover from the company plan to an individual policy with the same insurer.

When you notify your employer that you're leaving, their HR department or benefits administrator should provide you with information on how to continue your cover. You typically have a limited window, often 30-60 days, to take up this option.

Your Underwriting Choices as a Group Leaver

When you move to a personal policy, the insurer will offer you different ways to underwrite it. This is the most critical decision you'll make.

Underwriting TypeHow It WorksBest For...Key Consideration
Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME)You keep the same underwriting terms you had on the group scheme. No new medical declaration is needed. Your medical history is "ported" over.Someone who has developed conditions or claimed on the group policy and wants to ensure continued cover.You will also carry over any special exclusions that were on the group policy. It’s a direct continuation.
Moratorium UnderwritingNo initial medical questionnaire. The policy automatically excludes treatment for any condition you've had symptoms of, or received advice/treatment for, in the 5 years before starting.Younger, healthier individuals with no recent medical history who want a quick and simple application.There's a 2-year waiting period. If you remain symptom-free from a pre-existing condition for 2 continuous years after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your full medical history. The insurer then custom-builds your policy, stating upfront what is and isn't covered.People who want absolute clarity on their cover from day one and have a clean or straightforward medical history.Any conditions you declare will likely be permanently excluded. However, it can sometimes be cheaper than a moratorium policy if you are in good health.

For most people leaving a group scheme, CPME is the safest and most popular option. It guarantees continuity of cover, which is the primary benefit of portability.

Switching Your Personal PMI Provider: The 'Switch' Process

Just as you might switch your car or home insurance provider to get a better deal, you can do the same with your private health cover. Insurers know that customers value continuity, so most leading providers offer a "switch" facility.

This works on the same principle as the group leaver option, using Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) underwriting.

Why Switch Your PMI Provider?

  • Rising Premiums: Your renewal price may have increased significantly.
  • Better Benefits: A different insurer might offer superior cancer cover, better mental health support, or a wider choice of hospitals.
  • Improved Service: You may be unhappy with your current provider's customer service or claims process.
  • New Wellness Programmes: Another provider may have a more engaging wellness programme with better rewards.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can be invaluable here. We can compare the entire market to see if you can get equivalent (or better) cover for a lower price, all while ensuring your underwriting is seamlessly switched to protect your claims history.

The Golden Rule of Switching

When switching, the aim is to move to a new policy on a CPME basis. This means:

  1. Your new insurer agrees to take you on without applying new medical exclusions.
  2. They will cover the same conditions that your previous insurer would have covered.
  3. They will also apply any exclusions that were on your old policy.

This ensures you don't lose cover. For example, if you had a policy with Bupa and claimed for physiotherapy for a shoulder injury, then switched to a new policy with Aviva on a CPME basis, Aviva would continue to cover future eligible treatment for that shoulder. If you started afresh on a moratorium basis, that shoulder injury would be excluded for at least two years.

Key Terminology Explained: CPME, Moratorium, and FMU in Plain English

Understanding these terms is the key to making a smart decision. Let's break them down with simple analogies.

1. Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME)

  • What it is: A direct transfer of your medical underwriting from your old policy (or group scheme) to your new one.
  • Simple Analogy: It's like changing mobile phone networks but keeping your phone number. Everything associated with that number—your contacts, your history—moves with you. You don't have to start from scratch.
  • The Critical Point: You keep cover for conditions that have arisen and were covered under your old policy. This is the essence of portability.

2. Moratorium Underwriting (Mori)

  • What it is: The insurer doesn't ask about your health history upfront. Instead, they apply a blanket clause: for the first two years of the policy, you cannot claim for any condition for which you have experienced symptoms, or sought advice or treatment, in the five years before your policy started.
  • Simple Analogy: It’s like a probationary period at a new job. You prove yourself over time. If you go two full years on the policy without any trouble from an old medical issue, the "probation" ends, and that condition may become eligible for cover.
  • The Risk: If you need treatment for a pre-existing condition during the two-year moratorium period, not only will the claim be rejected, but the clock on that two-year period will restart.

3. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

  • What it is: You provide your complete medical history on an application form. The insurer's medical team reviews it and offers a policy with specific, named exclusions based on your past health.
  • Simple Analogy: It’s like having a detailed survey done before buying a house. You know every single crack and issue upfront, and the price and terms are set accordingly. There are no surprises later.
  • The Benefit: Total clarity. You know from day one exactly what is and isn't covered. For healthy applicants, it can sometimes result in a lower premium.

Remember: Regardless of the underwriting type, standard PMI is designed for new, acute conditions. It does not cover long-term, chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that require ongoing management rather than a cure.

How a PMI Broker Like WeCovr Makes Portability Seamless

Navigating the nuances of CPME, group leaver schemes, and insurer-specific switch rules can be complex and time-consuming. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker provides immense value.

Working with WeCovr means you have an expert on your side, at no extra cost to you. Our role is to:

  1. Understand Your Needs: We listen to your situation—are you leaving a job, or are you unhappy with your current provider? What are your health needs and budget?
  2. Analyse Your Current Cover: We review your existing policy to understand your current benefits, limits, and, most importantly, your underwriting.
  3. Survey the Market: We use our expertise and access to the UK's leading insurers to find the best alternatives. We compare policies not just on price, but on the quality of cover, hospital lists, and service ratings.
  4. Manage the Switch: We handle the paperwork for a CPME transfer, ensuring there are no gaps in your cover and that your medical history is ported correctly. We liaise with both your old and new provider to ensure a smooth transition.
  5. Provide Ongoing Support: Our service doesn't stop once the policy is in place. We are here to help with renewals and any future queries you might have.

Using a broker removes the guesswork and the risk of making a costly mistake. Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to the peace of mind we provide.

Real-Life Scenarios: When Portability Matters Most

Let's look at two common examples to see how this works in practice.

Scenario 1: The Marketing Director Leaving a Corporate Scheme

  • Person: Aisha, 45, is a Marketing Director leaving a large corporation in London to start her own consultancy.
  • Situation: She has been on her company's comprehensive group PMI scheme with AXA for six years. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with endometriosis and had a successful private laparoscopic surgery covered by the policy. Her symptoms are now managed, but she may need future consultations.
  • The Challenge: If Aisha applies for a new policy on the open market, endometriosis will be a pre-existing condition and will be excluded.
  • The Portability Solution:
    1. Aisha's HR department gives her a "Group Leaver Pack" from AXA.
    2. She contacts WeCovr for advice. We explain that her best option is to take up the group leaver policy on a CPME basis.
    3. WeCovr helps her complete the application to continue her cover with AXA on a personal basis.
    4. Result: Her new personal policy continues to provide cover for any future eligible, acute flare-ups of her endometriosis, just as her group scheme did. She has successfully "ported" her cover.

Scenario 2: The Retiree Seeking Better Value

  • Person: David, 68, is a retired teacher from Manchester.
  • Situation: He has had a personal PMI policy with Vitality for over a decade. He's in good health but had a knee replacement covered by the policy five years ago. His renewal premium has increased by 18%, and he wants to see if he can find a more affordable option.
  • The Challenge: He's worried that a new insurer won't cover his other knee if it develops problems, given his history.
  • The Portability Solution:
    1. David calls WeCovr and explains his situation and budget.
    2. WeCovr confirms that several other top-tier insurers, including Bupa and Aviva, offer a "switch" facility with CPME underwriting.
    3. We gather quotes for like-for-like cover and find a Bupa policy that is 12% cheaper and offers a similar hospital network.
    4. We manage the switch application, ensuring Bupa agrees to continue his cover on the same terms as his Vitality policy.
    5. Result: David moves to Bupa, saves money on his premium, and retains his continuous cover history. His new policy will not exclude his knees, as he has been continuously covered for them.

Beyond the Policy: Added Value and Wellness Benefits

When considering a switch, it's not just about the core medical cover. Insurers are increasingly competing on the value-added benefits they provide. A new policy could give you access to:

  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to counselling or therapy sessions without needing a GP referral.
  • Wellness Programmes: Rewards and discounts for healthy living, such as gym memberships or smartwatches.
  • Exclusive Member Offers: Discounts on travel, cinema tickets, and other lifestyle products.

At WeCovr, we believe in proactive health. That's why when you arrange your PMI or Life Insurance with us, we also provide:

  • Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you stay on top of your health goals.
  • Multi-policy discounts: Significant savings on other insurance products like life, critical illness, or income protection cover.

These extra perks can significantly enhance the overall value of your private health cover package.

Step-by-Step Guide to Porting Your PMI Policy

Feeling ready to explore your options? Follow these simple steps for a smooth transition.

  1. Find Your Documents: Locate your current policy schedule or your company's benefits handbook. Note down your insurer, policy number, and level of cover.
  2. Initiate the Process:
    • If leaving a job: Inform your HR department as soon as possible that you wish to explore the "group leaver" option. They will provide the necessary forms and deadlines.
    • If switching a personal policy: Don't cancel your current policy yet! The new policy must be in place first to ensure continuous cover.
  3. Speak to an Expert Broker: This is the most important step. Contact an independent broker like WeCovr. A short phone call can save you hours of research and prevent costly errors.
  4. Compare Your Options: Your broker will present you with tailored quotes. Review the benefits, hospital lists, and underwriting terms (ensuring it's CPME/switch) side-by-side.
  5. Apply for the New Policy: Once you've chosen, your broker will help you complete the application form for the new insurer. This will include authorising them to get your certificate of insurance from your previous provider to confirm your cover history.
  6. Confirm and Cancel: Only once you have written confirmation that your new policy is active on a CPME basis should you cancel your old policy or let your company scheme lapse. This guarantees you are never without cover.

With NHS waiting lists in England remaining stubbornly high, with around 7.5 million treatment pathways on the waiting list in mid-2024, ensuring your private medical cover is continuous has never been more important. Portability is the key to unlocking long-term value and security from your PMI policy.


Do I need to declare new medical conditions when switching my PMI policy on a CPME basis?

Generally, no. When you switch your private medical insurance using Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME), you are not required to complete a new medical questionnaire. The new insurer agrees to take on your original underwriting terms. This means they will continue to cover conditions that arose and were covered under your old policy, without you needing to declare them again. The new insurer will simply request a certificate of insurance from your old provider to confirm your cover history.

Can an insurer refuse to let me switch or port my policy?

Yes, an insurer can decline an application, although it is less common for CPME or group leaver applications. Insurers are not obligated to offer you a policy. However, the 'switch' facilities and 'group leaver' options are specifically designed to make continuing cover possible. A refusal might happen if there has been a very high claims history or other specific circumstances. This is why working with a broker is so helpful; they can pre-empt these issues and find an insurer who is likely to accept your application.

What is the difference between a pre-existing condition and a chronic condition in PMI?

This is a crucial distinction. A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury, or symptom you had before your policy started. Unless you are on a CPME basis where it was already covered, this will typically be excluded. A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, it has no known cure, it is likely to recur, or it needs palliative care. Standard UK PMI is designed to cover acute conditions (those that are curable with treatment) and does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.

What happens if there's a gap between my old and new health insurance policies?

Having a gap in cover is highly risky and should be avoided. If there is a break, even for a day, you lose the right to a "continuous" switch on a CPME basis. You would have to apply for a new policy as a brand-new customer, most likely on a moratorium or full medical underwriting basis. Any medical conditions that developed or were treated under your old policy would now be classed as pre-existing and would be excluded by your new insurer. Always ensure your new policy starts the day your old one ends.

Take control of your health cover today. Speak to a WeCovr expert for a free, no-obligation review of your PMI policy. We'll compare the market's leading insurers to ensure you have the best protection at the right price, with a seamless transition guaranteed.

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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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.

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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 experienced 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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