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PMI vs Travel Insurance Which Do You Need Abroad

PMI vs Travel Insurance Which Do You Need Abroad 2025

Planning a trip abroad? As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr knows that understanding your insurance is vital. Many people wonder if their UK private medical insurance (PMI) will cover them. The short answer is almost always no; you need dedicated travel insurance.

The key differences between the two types of cover

It's a common point of confusion, but Private Medical Insurance and Travel Insurance are fundamentally different products, designed for entirely different circumstances. Think of it this way: PMI is for your planned and unplanned healthcare at home in the UK, while travel insurance is for emergencies and mishaps away from home.

Understanding this distinction is the first step to ensuring you're properly protected, whether you're on holiday in Spain or seeking specialist treatment in London.

Here is a simple breakdown of the core differences:

FeaturePrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)Travel Insurance
Geographical ScopeTypically UK only.Specific overseas country or region for a set period.
Primary PurposeTo cover the costs of private medical treatment for acute conditions in the UK.To cover unforeseen emergencies and mishaps while travelling.
Medical Cover FocusDiagnosis and treatment of eligible acute conditions (e.g., surgery, consultations).Emergency medical treatment to stabilise you, and repatriation if needed.
Non-Medical CoverNone. It is purely a health product.Yes. Covers trip cancellation, lost baggage, delays, personal liability, etc.
Duration of CoverOngoing annual policy.Per-trip or an annual multi-trip policy for a set number of days.

Let's explore these differences in much greater detail so you can make an informed choice.

What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)? A Deep Dive for UK Residents

Private Medical Insurance, often called private health cover, is an annual insurance policy that covers the cost of private healthcare in the UK. Its primary benefit is to help you bypass NHS waiting lists for eligible treatments, giving you more control over when and where you are treated.

According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was 14.6 weeks in April 2024. PMI is designed to significantly reduce this wait for eligible conditions.

The Critical Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance in the UK:

  • PMI covers 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. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for appendicitis.
  • PMI does NOT cover chronic conditions. A chronic condition is one that continues indefinitely and has no known cure. It can be managed but not resolved. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

Crucially, standard UK PMI also does not cover pre-existing conditions—illnesses or injuries you had before your policy began. It is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after you take out the cover.

What Does a Typical UK PMI Policy Cover?

While policies vary between the best PMI providers, most comprehensive plans will include:

Included (Core Benefits)Often Excluded
In-patient and day-patient treatment (when you need a hospital bed).Pre-existing conditions.
Out-patient consultations, tests, and therapies (up to a set limit).Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes).
Cancer cover (often a comprehensive benefit).Routine pregnancy and childbirth.
Mental health support (can vary significantly).Cosmetic surgery (unless medically necessary).
A private room in a partner hospital.Emergency services (A&E is handled by the NHS).
Choice of specialist and hospital from an approved list.Alcohol or substance abuse treatment.

The main takeaway is that PMI is your key to accessing private healthcare within the UK. It has no function once you step on a plane for a holiday.

What is Travel Insurance? Your Essential Companion for Overseas Trips

Travel insurance is a short-term policy designed to protect you from a range of unforeseen problems that can occur while you are travelling abroad. While its most critical component is medical, it covers much more than just your health.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reported that travel insurers paid out £352 million in claims in 2022, with the average medical claim being £1,470. This highlights its importance.

The Pillars of Travel Insurance Cover

A good travel insurance policy is built on several key protections:

  1. Emergency Medical & Repatriation Expenses: This is the most vital part. It covers the cost of emergency medical treatment if you fall ill or have an accident abroad. This can range from a visit to a local doctor for food poisoning to major surgery after a car accident. Crucially, it also covers repatriation—the cost of getting you back to the UK in a medically safe way, which could involve an air ambulance and can run into tens of thousands of pounds.

  2. Cancellation, Curtailment & Interruption: This covers you if you have to cancel your trip before you go, or cut it short while you're away, due to a valid reason (like illness, bereavement, or jury service).

  3. Baggage & Personal Belongings: This reimburses you if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip.

  4. Travel Delay & Missed Departure: Provides compensation for long delays and may cover costs to help you catch up with your itinerary if you miss your flight for a reason outside your control.

  5. Personal Liability: This covers you if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while on holiday.

Real-Life Example: Imagine you're skiing in the Alps and you break your leg.

  • Your travel insurance would cover the mountain rescue, ambulance, surgery in the local hospital, and a flight home with your leg in a cast.
  • Your UK PMI would be irrelevant until you are back in the UK, at which point you might use it for follow-up physiotherapy, subject to your policy terms.

Comparing PMI and Travel Insurance Head-to-Head

Let's put the two side-by-side to make the distinction crystal clear.

H3: Geographical Coverage: Home vs. Away

This is the simplest difference.

  • PMI: Covers you within the United Kingdom. Some policies may have different hospital lists for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is domestic cover.
  • Travel Insurance: Covers you outside the UK. You must specify your destination (e.g., Europe, Worldwide, Worldwide excluding USA/Canada/Caribbean) as the risks and medical costs vary dramatically. A policy for Spain will not cover you in the USA.

H3: Medical Coverage Scope: Acute Treatment vs. Emergency Stabilisation

This is a more nuanced but equally important distinction.

  • PMI: Is designed for the full treatment pathway of an acute condition. This includes the initial consultation, diagnostic scans (like MRI or CT), the surgery or procedure itself, and post-operative care like physiotherapy. It's about getting you diagnosed, treated, and recovered.
  • Travel Insurance: Is designed for emergency stabilisation. Its goal is to handle the immediate medical crisis, get you well enough to travel, and then repatriate you to the UK for any further, non-emergency treatment. It will not cover elective consultations or ongoing management of a condition abroad.

H3: Pre-existing Conditions: The Critical Distinction

How these policies handle conditions you already have is vastly different and a common pitfall for travellers.

Policy TypeHandling of Pre-existing Conditions
PMIGenerally excludes them. When you buy PMI, you either go through 'Full Medical Underwriting' (where you declare your history) or 'Moratorium Underwriting' (where anything from the last 5 years is automatically excluded for an initial period). The goal is to cover new conditions only.
Travel InsuranceYou must declare them. The insurer will then assess the risk. They may: 1. Cover the conditions as standard. 2. Cover them for an additional premium. 3. Exclude claims related to those specific conditions. Failure to declare can void your entire policy, leaving you with a huge bill.

This is non-negotiable. Always be completely honest on your travel insurance application.

Do I Need Both? Real-Life Scenarios

Yes, if you want comprehensive health protection both at home and away, you need both. They serve different purposes and do not overlap.

Scenario 1: The Holidaymaker in Portugal

  • Situation: Susan from Leeds is on a two-week holiday in the Algarve and develops a severe kidney infection. She needs urgent hospitalisation and IV antibiotics.
  • Which policy helps? Her Travel Insurance. It will cover the cost of her treatment at a private clinic in Portugal and any associated expenses. Her UK PMI is not applicable.

Scenario 2: The Business Traveller with a Post-Trip Concern

  • Situation: Mark, a consultant from Bristol, returns from a business trip to Singapore with a nagging shoulder pain that started while he was away. It's not an emergency.
  • Which policy helps? His Private Medical Insurance. He can use his PMI to see a private orthopaedic specialist in the UK quickly, get an MRI scan, and arrange physiotherapy, avoiding a potentially long NHS wait. His travel insurance cover ended when he returned to the UK.

Scenario 3: The Expat Living Abroad

  • Situation: Chloe moves from London to Australia for a two-year work contract.
  • Which policy helps? Neither. Her UK PMI won't cover her as she is no longer a UK resident. Standard travel insurance is only for short trips, not for living abroad. Chloe needs a specialist International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) policy, which is designed for expatriates and provides comprehensive global health cover. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can also provide guidance on these more complex international plans.

The Myth of "International Cover" on UK PMI Policies

Some high-end UK PMI plans offer a feature called "overseas emergency medical cover." This can cause dangerous confusion.

This is NOT a substitute for proper travel insurance. It is typically:

  • Limited in scope: It usually only covers emergency in-patient treatment.
  • Limited in value: The financial cap (£100,000, for example) may sound high, but it can be quickly exhausted by a serious medical event in a country like the USA, where a single day in hospital can cost thousands of dollars.
  • Devoid of other benefits: It offers no cover for cancellation, baggage, or repatriation.

Think of it as a very basic safety net, but never rely on it as your sole source of protection abroad.

What About the GHIC Card? Is It Enough?

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows UK residents to access state-provided healthcare in EU countries (and a few others, like Switzerland) on the same terms as a local citizen. This might mean treatment is free or available at a reduced cost.

However, the GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance.

FeatureGHICComprehensive Travel Insurance
Type of HealthcareState-run hospitals and clinics only.Covers private facilities (often faster and better-equipped).
RepatriationNo cover. Will not pay to bring you back to the UK.Yes. A core benefit, covering costs up to millions of pounds.
Mountain RescueNo cover. Not included in state healthcare schemes.Yes. Essential for skiing or hiking holidays.
Cancellation/BaggageNo cover. It is purely for medical access.Yes. Covers a wide range of travel mishaps.
Geographical ScopeMost EU countries + a few others.Worldwide, depending on the policy you buy.

The official advice from GOV.UK is clear: You should have both a valid GHIC and comprehensive travel insurance for trips to Europe.

Choosing the Right Cover with WeCovr

Navigating the complexities of the private medical insurance UK market can be daunting. Policies are filled with jargon, and comparing providers like-for-like is a challenge. This is where an expert, independent PMI broker can be invaluable.

At WeCovr, we provide a no-cost service to help you find the right private health cover for your needs and budget. Our team of specialists will:

  • Listen to your requirements: We take the time to understand what's important to you, whether it's comprehensive cancer care, mental health support, or access to a specific hospital network.
  • Compare the market for you: We have access to policies from leading UK insurers and can explain the key differences in plain English.
  • Help you understand the small print: We ensure you are fully aware of what is and isn't covered, especially regarding underwriting and exclusions.

As a WeCovr client, you also gain complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you stay on top of your health goals. Furthermore, customers who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us are often eligible for discounts on other types of cover. With consistently high customer satisfaction ratings, our focus is on providing clear, authoritative advice to give you peace of mind.

Final Checklist: Are You Ready for Your Trip?

Before you travel, run through this simple checklist:

  • Review your PMI: Confirm that it is UK-only cover.
  • Buy Travel Insurance: Purchase a comprehensive policy that covers your destination, planned activities (e.g., winter sports), and is long enough for your entire trip.
  • Declare Everything: Be 100% honest about your pre-existing medical conditions to your travel insurer.
  • Check your GHIC: If travelling in Europe, ensure your card is in date.
  • Pack Your Documents: Keep digital and physical copies of your travel insurance policy, including the 24/7 emergency assistance phone number.

Can I use my UK private health cover for medical treatment in another country?

Generally, no. Standard UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed specifically for treatment within the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to cover the costs of private healthcare at home, helping you bypass NHS waiting lists for eligible acute conditions. It is not a substitute for travel insurance and will not cover medical emergencies or treatment while you are on holiday or working abroad.

Do I need to declare my pre-existing conditions for both PMI and travel insurance?

Yes, but they are treated very differently. For UK PMI, pre-existing conditions (those you've had in the 5 years before your policy starts) are typically excluded from cover. For travel insurance, you absolutely must declare all pre-existing conditions. The insurer will then decide whether to cover them, possibly for an extra premium, or to exclude them. Failing to declare them on your travel insurance can invalidate your entire policy.

What's more important for a holiday: PMI or travel insurance?

For the holiday itself, travel insurance is essential and non-negotiable. It is the only product that will cover you for medical emergencies, repatriation, cancellations, and lost baggage while you are overseas. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is for your long-term healthcare needs within the UK and provides no cover for your holiday. The two policies serve completely different purposes and are both important for comprehensive protection.

Ready to secure your peace of mind with the right private health cover for your life in the UK? The experts at WeCovr are here to help. Get a free, no-obligation quote today and let us simplify the world of private medical insurance 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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