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PMI Premiums Rise Due to Delayed NHS Care

PMI Premiums Rise Due to Delayed NHS Care 2026

Record NHS waiting lists are prompting more UK residents to use private medical insurance, driving up claims and premiums. As an FCA-authorised UK broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr explains this trend and how you can manage your health cover costs.

Insurers report higher claims as patients bypass NHS delays

The UK's private medical insurance (PMI) market is experiencing a significant shift. For years, PMI served as a complementary service to the National Health Service (NHS). Now, it's increasingly becoming a primary route to treatment for those who can't afford to wait.

Leading health insurers have reported a sharp increase in the number of claims. This isn't because the nation has suddenly become less healthy. Instead, it's a direct consequence of the unprecedented pressure on the NHS. With NHS England data from late 2024 showing waiting lists for routine treatments involving millions of patient pathways, individuals and employers with PMI are turning to their policies for faster access to care.

This surge in claims has a direct, unavoidable impact on the cost of insurance for everyone. Insurers are paying out more for treatments that, in previous years, might have been handled within the NHS. This increased cost is now being passed on to policyholders in the form of higher premiums at renewal.

The Vicious Cycle: How NHS Delays Fuel PMI Claim Inflation

It's a classic case of supply and demand, but with a critical healthcare twist. The strain on the NHS has created a surge in demand for private healthcare, leading to a phenomenon known as 'medical inflation'.

What is Medical Inflation?

Medical inflation is the rate at which the cost of healthcare—including doctors' fees, hospital charges, and new medical technology—increases. It almost always outpaces general inflation (the Consumer Price Index, or CPI).

There are several reasons for this:

  • Advancements in Technology: New, more effective treatments and diagnostic tools are often more expensive.
  • An Ageing Population: An older population naturally requires more medical care.
  • Increased Demand: As we're seeing now, when an entire population shifts its demand from a public system to a private one, private providers can and do increase their prices.

The current situation creates a feedback loop:

  1. NHS Waiting Lists Grow: Patients face long, often painful, waits for diagnosis and treatment.
  2. Patients Turn to PMI: Those with insurance use it to get seen quickly.
  3. Claims Volume Rises: Insurers see a huge increase in claims for common procedures like hip replacements, cataract surgery, and hernia repairs.
  4. Insurers' Costs Increase: They pay out more in claims than they had projected.
  5. Premiums Are Raised: To remain financially stable, insurers increase the price of PMI policies for all customers at renewal.
  6. The Value of PMI Grows: Despite the cost, the ability to bypass NHS queues makes PMI more valuable, encouraging more people to buy or keep their cover.

Think of it like car insurance. If there were suddenly a huge increase in accidents and repair costs across the country, all drivers would see their premiums go up at renewal, regardless of whether they had made a claim themselves. The same principle applies to private health cover.

What Does This Mean for Your PMI Premiums in 2025?

If you have a private medical insurance UK policy, you have likely noticed your renewal premium is higher than last year. This increase is typically due to two main factors:

  1. Age-Related Increases: All PMI premiums are priced based on age. As you get older, the statistical likelihood of you needing medical treatment increases, so your base premium rises each year. This is a standard feature of every policy.
  2. Medical Inflation: This is the market-wide factor driven by the increased claims we've discussed. Insurers adjust their prices to reflect the rising cost and volume of treatments.

According to industry analysis, many policyholders are seeing renewal increases of between 15% and 25% or even higher in 2024 and into 2025, a combination of these factors.

Here is a hypothetical example of how premiums could change for an individual with a comprehensive policy.

Age2024 Monthly Premium2025 Renewal Premium (Example 20% Increase)
35£55£66
45£70£84
55£95£114
65£150£180

Disclaimer: These figures are for illustrative purposes only. Your actual premium will depend on your specific circumstances, insurer, and level of cover.

The Crucial Role of Private Medical Insurance in the Modern UK

Despite rising costs, the case for having private health cover has arguably never been stronger. The core benefits of PMI directly address the challenges currently facing the NHS.

  • Speed of Access: This is the number one reason people buy PMI. Bypassing lengthy waiting lists for consultations, diagnostics (like MRI scans), and surgery can mean the difference between months of pain and a swift return to normal life.
  • Choice and Control: PMI gives you more control over your healthcare journey. You can often choose the specialist who treats you and the hospital where you receive care.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Treatment in a private hospital typically means a private, en-suite room, more flexible visiting hours, and a quieter, more comfortable environment in which to recover.
  • Access to Latest Treatments: Some policies provide cover for new drugs or treatments that may not yet be available on the NHS due to funding decisions.

For employers, offering PMI as a benefit is a powerful tool for attracting and retaining talent. It demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing and helps minimise productivity losses caused by staff being on long-term sickness absence while waiting for NHS treatment.

Understanding What Your PMI Policy Covers (and What It Doesn't)

This is the most important section of this article. A misunderstanding of what PMI is for can lead to disappointment and frustration.

UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of a cataract, a hernia, or a joint that needs replacing.
  • 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 comes back or is likely to come back.
  • A pre-existing condition is any health issue you had, sought advice for, or experienced symptoms of before the start date of your policy.

Standard PMI policies DO NOT cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

This is a fundamental principle of the UK insurance market. PMI is not a replacement for the NHS; it is a system designed to run alongside it, providing prompt treatment for new, curable conditions. The NHS remains the primary provider for accident and emergency services, GP appointments, and the management of chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.

Condition TypeCovered by Standard PMI?Examples
Acute Condition (arising after policy start)YesBroken bones, appendicitis, gallstones, most cancers, need for joint replacement surgery.
Chronic ConditionNoDiabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, Crohn's disease, epilepsy. The NHS manages these.
Pre-existing ConditionNoA knee injury you suffered five years ago; back pain you saw a GP about before buying the policy.

For more detailed information, you can read our in-depth guide to PMI underwriting.

Strategies to Manage and Reduce Your PMI Costs

While market-wide premium rises are hard to avoid, you are not powerless. There are several effective strategies you can use to ensure your private health cover remains affordable and provides excellent value.

1. Choose a Higher Excess

An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and your insurer pays the remaining £2,750.

Opting for a higher excess (e.g., £500 or £1,000) will significantly reduce your monthly or annual premium. It's a trade-off: you pay less for your cover but agree to contribute more if you need to claim.

2. Opt for a Guided Consultant List

Most insurers offer different hospital lists. A comprehensive list allows you to use almost any private hospital in the UK, but it comes at a higher price.

Many insurers now offer "guided consultant" or "guided option" lists. With this option, the insurer will give you a shortlist of 3-4 approved specialists for your condition, all of whom are vetted for quality and outcomes. Because the insurer has pre-negotiated rates with these consultants, choosing this option can reduce your premium by around 15-20%.

3. Consider a "Six-Week Wait" Option

This is a clever way to blend the best of the NHS and private healthcare. With a six-week wait option, your policy will only pay for treatment if the NHS waiting list for that specific procedure is longer than six weeks.

  • If the NHS can treat you within six weeks, you use the NHS.
  • If the NHS wait is longer than six weeks, your PMI policy kicks in, and you go private.

Because this reduces the likelihood of a claim, it can dramatically lower your premium. It's an excellent way to protect yourself against the very long waits that are currently common, while still saving money.

4. Review Your Policy Annually with an Expert Broker

This is the single most effective action you can take. Never simply accept your renewal quote from your current insurer without checking the market. The best PMI provider for you last year may not be the most competitive this year.

An independent PMI broker can compare policies from all the leading insurers to find you the best cover at the best price. This service is provided at no cost to you.

5. Embrace Wellness Programmes and Benefits

Insurers want you to stay healthy. A healthy customer is less likely to claim. That's why most major providers (like Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality) offer extensive wellness programmes. These can include:

  • Discounted gym memberships
  • Wearable fitness trackers (like an Apple Watch or Fitbit)
  • Points and rewards for healthy activities
  • Free coffee or cinema tickets for hitting activity goals

Engaging with these programmes can often lead to direct discounts on your renewal premium. Furthermore, at WeCovr, we support our clients' health journeys by providing complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, when they purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us. We also offer discounts on other types of insurance for our valued health and life clients.

How a Specialist PMI Broker Like WeCovr Can Help

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market, especially when premiums are rising, can be complex and time-consuming. This is where an expert, independent broker provides invaluable assistance.

WeCovr is an FCA-authorised broker with years of experience and a high level of customer satisfaction. We have helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds for individuals, families, and businesses across the UK.

Here’s how we help:

  • Whole-of-Market Comparison: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies and prices from all the leading UK providers to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
  • Expert, Jargon-Free Advice: We explain the differences between policies, what the small print means, and help you understand underwriting options like moratorium vs. full medical underwriting.
  • Saving You Money: Our primary goal is to find you the right cover at the most competitive price. We know which insurers are offering the best rates and can negotiate on your behalf.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium. You pay the same price (or often less) than if you went directly to the insurer.
  • Hassle-Free Switching: If you decide to switch providers for a better deal, we handle all the paperwork for you, ensuring your cover remains continuous.

In a volatile market, having an expert on your side is more important than ever. You can learn more in our complete guide to private medical insurance.

Wellness Corner: Proactive Steps for Better Health

While insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best strategy is to invest in your health to prevent illness in the first place. Taking proactive steps not only improves your quality of life but can also help keep long-term health costs down.

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. A Mediterranean-style diet has been extensively shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Using a tool like CalorieHero can help you understand your nutritional intake and make healthier choices.
  • Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or HIIT) a week, as recommended by the NHS.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a range of health problems, including a weakened immune system, weight gain, and mental health issues. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have a significant physical impact on your body. Incorporate stress-management techniques into your day, such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature.
  • Stay Socially Connected: Strong social ties are linked to a longer, healthier life. Make time for friends and family, and engage in community activities.

Taking control of your wellness is the most powerful form of health insurance you can have.

Frequently Asked Questions about PMI Premiums and Cover

Why has my PMI premium increased so much if I haven't made a claim?

Your premium increases for two main reasons. Firstly, all policies are priced by age, so there is a small, predictable increase each year. Secondly, and more significantly at present, premiums are affected by market-wide "medical inflation." With NHS waiting lists at record highs, more people are using their PMI, which increases the total number of claims insurers have to pay. This higher cost is spread across all policyholders, leading to higher renewal premiums for everyone, regardless of their personal claims history.

Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

No, standard UK private medical insurance policies do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. PMI is specifically designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of new, acute conditions that arise after your policy has started. The NHS remains the provider for managing long-term chronic illnesses (like diabetes or asthma) and treating conditions you already had before taking out cover.

What is the easiest way to reduce my private health cover premium?

The easiest and most effective ways to lower your premium are to increase your excess (the amount you pay towards a claim), choose a "guided" hospital list, or add a "six-week wait" option. However, the best overall strategy is to use a specialist PMI broker, like WeCovr, to compare the entire market for you each year. They can find a policy that balances your cover needs with your budget, often saving you hundreds of pounds.

The landscape of UK healthcare is changing, and private medical insurance is playing a more vital role than ever. While rising premiums present a challenge, understanding the reasons behind them and knowing the strategies to manage your costs can ensure you retain access to fast, high-quality healthcare when you need it most.

Take control of your health cover today. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr and let our experts compare the market to find the best policy 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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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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