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PMI Waiting Periods When Your Cover Starts

PMI Waiting Periods When Your Cover Starts 2025

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. A common question we hear is about waiting periods. This guide provides a clear, comprehensive breakdown of what to expect when your cover begins.

Industry standards, how to reduce waiting, and what is rarely covered early

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to give you fast access to high-quality diagnosis and treatment for acute medical conditions. However, "fast" doesn't always mean "instantaneous". Insurers implement waiting periods to ensure the system remains fair and affordable for all policyholders.

These waiting periods, also known as deferment or moratorium periods, are a standard feature of the UK PMI market. They prevent a situation where someone could buy a policy today to get treatment for a condition they already have tomorrow, which would make premiums unsustainably high for everyone.

This article will demystify these periods, covering:

  • The different types of waiting periods you'll encounter.
  • How your choice of underwriting affects them.
  • Powerful strategies to reduce or even skip waiting periods when switching insurers.
  • The treatments and conditions that are almost never covered when you first take out a policy.

What Exactly is a PMI Waiting Period?

A waiting period is a specific length of time after your private health cover starts during which you cannot claim for some or all benefits. Think of it as an initial qualifying period.

The primary purpose of a waiting period is to protect the insurer and its members from 'adverse selection'. This is the risk that people will only buy insurance when they know they need immediate, expensive treatment, and then cancel the policy afterwards. By implementing waiting periods, insurers ensure they have a stable pool of members, which helps keep annual premiums more affordable for the long term.

There are generally three types of waiting periods you'll come across in the UK market:

  1. Initial Deferment Period: A short wait at the very beginning of your policy.
  2. Moratorium Period: A longer period related to conditions you've had in the past.
  3. Benefit-Specific Waiting Periods: Waiting times attached to particular treatments, like maternity care or dental work.

Standard Waiting Periods in UK Private Health Insurance

While terms vary between insurers like Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality, the UK industry has established common standards for waiting periods. Understanding these is key to setting the right expectations for your new policy.

Type of Waiting PeriodTypical DurationWhat It Applies To
Initial Deferment Period14–30 daysMost claims, except for unforeseen accidents/emergencies.
Moratorium Period2 yearsPre-existing conditions you had symptoms or treatment for in the 5 years before your policy began.
Maternity / Pregnancy10–24 monthsClaims related to routine pregnancy and childbirth.
Dental & Optical Cover3–6 monthsRoutine check-ups, fillings, eye tests, and glasses/lenses.
Major Joint Replacement1–2 yearsSome policies may apply a waiting period for elective hip, knee, or shoulder replacement surgery.

The Moratorium Period: The Most Important "Wait" to Understand

The most significant waiting period in any PMI policy relates to pre-existing conditions. Most policies in the UK are sold on a "moratorium" basis. Here's how it works:

  • The 5-Year Lookback: When you take out the policy, the insurer will automatically exclude any medical condition for which you have sought advice, had symptoms, or received treatment in the five years before your cover started.
  • The 2-Year Waiting Period: This exclusion is not necessarily permanent. If you then complete two continuous years on the policy without having any symptoms, treatment, medication, or advice for that specific condition, the insurer may agree to cover it in the future.

Example: Imagine you had physiotherapy for shoulder pain 18 months before you bought a PMI policy.

  • For the first two years of your new policy, any treatment related to your shoulder pain will not be covered.
  • If, during those two years, you have no further shoulder issues, then after the two-year anniversary, your shoulder may become eligible for cover.
  • However, if you need to see a doctor about your shoulder 1 year into your policy, the two-year "clock" resets for that condition.

This is why it's vital to work with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr. We can help you understand precisely how a moratorium would apply to your personal medical history.

The Crucial Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

It is impossible to discuss PMI waiting periods without clarifying a fundamental principle of UK private health insurance: it is designed to cover acute conditions, not chronic conditions.

  • An Acute Condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia, cataracts, a broken bone, or appendicitis.
  • 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 requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions. While it may cover the initial diagnosis of a chronic condition or an unexpected acute flare-up, the day-to-day monitoring and treatment will be handed back to the NHS.

This rule is separate from waiting periods. A chronic condition is an outright exclusion, regardless of how long you've held the policy.

How Underwriting Choices Affect Your Waiting Periods

Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to assess your health and risk before offering you cover. Your choice of underwriting has a direct impact on waiting periods and your certainty of cover.

1. Moratorium Underwriting

This is the most common type, as described above.

  • How it works: You don't declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer automatically applies a 2-year waiting period for any condition you've had in the last 5 years.
  • Pros: The application process is very fast and simple. You can often get cover in minutes.
  • Cons: There is a "grey area." You won't know for certain if a condition is covered until you make a claim and the insurer investigates your medical history. This can lead to disappointment if a claim is declined.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

This is a more detailed, upfront approach.

  • How it works: As part of your application, you complete a comprehensive health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer's underwriting team reviews this and then offers you a policy with specific, named exclusions.
  • Pros: Complete clarity from day one. You know exactly what is and isn't covered, with no ambiguity.
  • Cons: The application process takes longer (days or even weeks). You must be thorough in your declarations, as omitting information can invalidate your policy.

Which is right for you? If you have a clean bill of health and haven't seen a doctor in years, moratorium underwriting is often a quick and easy choice. If you have a more complex medical history, Full Medical Underwriting provides valuable peace of mind. An advisor at WeCovr can discuss your personal circumstances and help you make the best decision.

Strategies to Reduce or Navigate PMI Waiting Periods

While some waiting periods are unavoidable, there are powerful strategies you can use to minimise them, especially if you already have cover.

1. Switching with Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME)

This is the single most effective way to avoid new waiting periods. If you already have a private medical insurance policy, you don't have to be stuck with it if your premiums rise. You can switch to a new insurer on a CPME basis.

  • How it works: Your new insurer agrees to carry over the underwriting terms from your old policy. Essentially, they will continue to exclude what your old insurer excluded, but they will cover what your old insurer covered.
  • The Benefit: You do not have to re-serve any moratorium or waiting periods. If you've been on your old policy for 5 years, for example, you have already passed the 2-year moratorium for any past conditions. This status transfers with you to the new provider.

This is a specialist process and a key area where a PMI broker adds huge value. At WeCovr, we help hundreds of clients switch providers every year, often to a policy with better benefits for a lower price, without losing their continuity of cover.

2. Opting for Full Medical Underwriting

While FMU doesn't technically reduce a waiting period, it eliminates the uncertainty of a moratorium. By getting clarity on what's excluded from day one, you remove the two-year "wait-and-see" period, which can provide immense peace of mind.

3. Reviewing Corporate Schemes

If you are joining a company's group private medical insurance scheme, the rules are often different. Many corporate schemes, particularly for larger businesses, have more generous terms. They may offer:

  • Medical History Disregarded (MHD): The gold standard of underwriting, where the insurer agrees to cover pre-existing conditions (excluding chronic ones). This is usually only available on large corporate schemes.
  • Waived Waiting Periods: Some company policies may waive the waiting periods for benefits like dental or maternity care.

Always check the specific terms of a company scheme when you join.

What is Almost Never Covered in the First Year of a New PMI Policy?

To set clear expectations, here is a list of treatments and conditions that you should not expect to be covered in the first year (or longer) of a brand new policy.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: As discussed, anything you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the 5 years prior to joining will be excluded under a moratorium for at least 2 years.
  • Routine Pregnancy and Childbirth: Standard PMI does not cover the costs of a normal pregnancy. Some comprehensive policies offer a maternity cash benefit (a fixed sum paid upon birth) or limited cover for complications, but this always comes with a waiting period of at least 10 months to ensure a member does not join specifically because they are already pregnant.
  • Specific Major Surgeries: Some lower-cost policies may impose a 1- or 2-year wait for major elective procedures like a hip or knee replacement to keep premiums down.
  • Management of Chronic Conditions: The ongoing care for conditions like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension will not be covered, regardless of how long you've had the policy.

Real-Life Scenarios: Understanding Waiting Periods in Action

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

Scenario 1: Aisha, the new policyholder Aisha, 32, is healthy and takes out her first PMI policy with moratorium underwriting. The policy has a 14-day initial deferment period.

  • Month 2: She develops acute tonsillitis and needs to see a specialist. As this is a new, acute condition that arose after her policy started (and after the 14-day deferment), her PMI covers the consultation and any subsequent treatment.
  • Result: Covered.

Scenario 2: Ben, with a past injury Ben, 45, had knee pain and saw a GP about it 3 years ago. He takes out a new PMI policy with moratorium underwriting.

  • Month 6: His knee pain flares up badly, and an MRI is recommended. He tries to claim on his PMI.
  • Result: The claim is declined. Because he sought medical advice for his knee in the 5 years before the policy started, it is classed as a pre-existing condition. It will be excluded for the first two years of his policy, and this new flare-up has just reset the 2-year clock.

Scenario 3: Carol, the savvy switcher Carol, 58, has been with Insurer X for 6 years and is unhappy with her renewal premium. She had a pre-existing back condition that is now covered by Insurer X as she has been symptom-free for over two years. She is worried that switching will mean her back is no longer covered.

  • She contacts WeCovr. Her advisor finds a policy with Insurer Y that is £30 cheaper per month. They arrange the switch on a CPME (Continued Personal Medical Exclusions) basis.
  • Result: Insurer Y agrees to honour the cover she built up with Insurer X. Her back condition remains covered, and she does not have to serve any new waiting periods. She saves money and maintains her peace of mind.

WeCovr's Added Value: More Than Just a Policy

Navigating waiting periods, underwriting, and policy terms is what we do every day. Choosing WeCovr as your PMI broker provides benefits far beyond just finding a policy.

  • Expert, Free Advice: Our FCA-authorised advisors compare the UK's leading insurers to find the right fit for your needs and budget. Our service is completely free to you.
  • Wellness on Us: All our PMI and Life Insurance clients receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to support your health goals.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: When you take out a health or life insurance policy with us, you become eligible for discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as home or travel insurance.
  • Trusted Service: We pride ourselves on our high customer satisfaction ratings, built on providing clear, honest, and effective advice to thousands of clients across the UK.

Do I have to wait to use my private health insurance at all?

Yes, almost all UK private medical insurance policies have at least a short initial waiting period, often called a deferment period, which is typically 14 to 30 days. During this time, you cannot make a claim. Furthermore, pre-existing conditions are subject to a longer waiting period (usually a 2-year moratorium), and specific benefits like maternity care have their own waiting periods of 10 months or more.

What happens if I get ill during a waiting period?

It depends on the nature of the illness and the type of waiting period. If you develop a new, acute medical condition after the initial 14-30 day deferment period has passed, it will generally be covered. However, if a pre-existing condition for which you are serving a 2-year moratorium period flares up, it will not be covered, and the 2-year waiting period for that specific condition will restart.

Can I get private health insurance with no waiting period for pre-existing conditions?

No, for new individual policies, this is not a standard option in the UK. Standard PMI is designed for new, acute conditions arising after your policy starts. The best way to avoid serving new waiting periods is if you already have cover and switch to a new provider on a 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME) basis, which allows your previous underwriting terms to be carried over.

Does private medical insurance UK cover pregnancy straight away?

No. Routine pregnancy and childbirth are generally excluded from standard private medical insurance policies. Some more comprehensive plans offer a maternity add-on, but this always comes with a significant waiting period, typically between 10 and 24 months. This is to prevent people from taking out cover only when they find out they are pregnant.

Ready to find a private health cover plan that gives you clarity and control? Contact WeCovr today. Our expert team will provide a free, no-obligation quote and help you compare the UK's best PMI providers to find the perfect 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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