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PMI with No Excess Lowering Out-of-Pocket Costs




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TL;DR

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance market inside and out. Navigating policy features can be daunting, but one of the most significant choices you'll make is whether to opt for a policy with or without an excess. Explaining the benefits and trade-offs of policies with zero excess provisions Choosing a private medical insurance (PMI) policy is a major decision in safeguarding your health.

Key takeaways

  • The fundamental definition of an excess.
  • The clear benefits of choosing a zero-excess policy.
  • The primary trade-off: the impact on your premiums.
  • Who stands to benefit most from this type of cover.
  • Crucial exclusions and other factors that affect your policy.

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance market inside and out. Navigating policy features can be daunting, but one of the most significant choices you'll make is whether to opt for a policy with or without an excess.

Explaining the benefits and trade-offs of policies with zero excess provisions

Choosing a private medical insurance (PMI) policy is a major decision in safeguarding your health. Among the many options to consider, the concept of an 'excess' plays a pivotal role in shaping both your monthly premium and your potential out-of-pocket costs when you need to make a claim.

A policy with a zero excess, or 'no-excess', is an attractive option for many. It promises the ultimate peace of mind: when you need eligible private treatment, your insurer covers the cost from the very first pound, leaving you with no bill to settle yourself. However, this convenience comes at a price, typically in the form of higher monthly premiums.

This comprehensive guide will unpack everything you need to know about PMI with no excess. We will explore:

  • The fundamental definition of an excess.
  • The clear benefits of choosing a zero-excess policy.
  • The primary trade-off: the impact on your premiums.
  • Who stands to benefit most from this type of cover.
  • Crucial exclusions and other factors that affect your policy.

Understanding this balance between upfront cost and cost-at-claim is essential to finding the perfect private health cover for your circumstances and budget.

What Exactly is an 'Excess' in Private Medical Insurance?

Before we can appreciate the benefits of a no-excess policy, it’s vital to understand what an excess is.

Think of it like the excess on your car or home insurance. An excess (sometimes called a deductible) is a pre-agreed amount of money that you, the policyholder, must pay towards the cost of your treatment when you make a claim. The insurance provider then pays the remaining balance, up to the limits of your policy.

For example, if you have a policy with a £250 excess and you need a private consultation and MRI scan costing £1,200, you would pay the first £250. Your insurer would then cover the remaining £950.

Excesses are typically applied in one of two ways:

  1. Per Claim: You pay the excess for each separate new claim you make.
  2. Per Policy Year: You pay the excess only once per policy year, regardless of how many claims you make. Once you have paid the total excess amount, any subsequent eligible claims in that year are covered in full by the insurer.

A zero-excess or no-excess policy simply means this amount is set to £0. You pay nothing towards the cost of your eligible treatment.

The Allure of No-Excess PMI: Key Benefits Explained

Opting for a private medical insurance policy with no excess offers several compelling advantages, centred around financial certainty and simplicity.

1. Complete Financial Predictability

With a zero-excess policy, there are no surprise bills when you need treatment. Your only financial commitment is your fixed monthly or annual premium. This makes budgeting for your healthcare incredibly straightforward. You know exactly what you're paying, and you won't face a sudden, unexpected demand for hundreds of pounds just when you're feeling unwell and vulnerable.

Real-Life Example: Imagine Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, needs knee surgery for a torn meniscus that developed after she started her policy. The total cost of the consultation, scans, surgery, and physiotherapy comes to £6,500.

  • With a £500 Excess Policy: Sarah would need to find £500 to pay the hospital or specialist directly. Her insurer would cover the remaining £6,000.
  • With a £0 Excess Policy: Sarah pays nothing. Her insurer covers the full £6,500. She can focus entirely on her recovery without the added financial stress.

2. No Barrier to Seeking Early Treatment

Sometimes, the thought of having to pay an excess can deter people from seeking medical advice early on. With a zero-excess policy, this financial barrier is removed. You are more likely to use your policy for smaller eligible issues, such as a consultation with a specialist, knowing there will be no out-of-pocket cost. This can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, potentially preventing a condition from becoming more serious.

3. Unbeatable Peace of Mind

Health worries are stressful enough. A no-excess policy provides the ultimate peace of mind that if you or a family member falls ill with an eligible acute condition, the financial side is completely taken care of. This emotional and psychological benefit is often the primary reason people choose this option.

4. Simpler Claims Process

While the claims process is generally smooth with most major insurers, a zero-excess policy makes it even simpler. There's no need to coordinate payment of your portion with the hospital or clinic. The insurer settles the entire eligible bill directly, creating a seamless experience for you.

The Inevitable Trade-Off: Higher Monthly Premiums

There's no such thing as a free lunch, and the primary trade-off for the benefits of a zero-excess policy is a higher premium. By taking on all the financial risk from the first pound of a claim, the insurer charges more for the policy.

The excess acts as a form of risk-sharing. When you agree to a higher excess, you are telling the insurer that you are willing to cover the initial costs of treatment yourself. In return for you taking on this portion of the risk, the insurer rewards you with a lower monthly premium.

Let's look at how the premium might change based on the excess level for a hypothetical 45-year-old individual in the UK.

Excess LevelEstimated Monthly PremiumAnnual PremiumYour Contribution Per Claim/Year
£0£95£1,140£0
£250£78£936£250
£500£65£780£500
£1,000£52£624£1,000

Note: These are illustrative figures. Actual premiums depend on age, location, health, and chosen cover level.

As the table clearly shows, choosing a £0 excess results in the highest premium. Conversely, accepting a £1,000 excess could nearly halve your monthly payments. The decision, therefore, becomes a calculation: are you willing to pay more each month for the certainty of not having to pay anything when you claim?

Who is a Zero-Excess PMI Policy Best For?

A no-excess policy isn't the right choice for everyone, but for certain individuals and families, it's an ideal fit.

  • Those on a Fixed or Tight Budget: This might sound counter-intuitive given the higher premium, but for people like retirees or those with very predictable incomes, a fixed higher outgoing is often easier to manage than an unexpected bill of £250 or £500.
  • Families with Young Children: Children can be prone to various minor (but claim-worthy) illnesses and injuries. A family with a no-excess policy can use their cover freely for specialist consultations without worrying about paying an excess each time.
  • Individuals Who Prioritise Peace of Mind Above All: For some, the primary purpose of insurance is to eliminate financial worry. These individuals are happy to pay a premium for the absolute certainty that they will never have to pay out-of-pocket for eligible treatment.
  • People with Limited Savings: If you don't have an emergency fund that could comfortably cover a £500 or £1,000 excess, a zero-excess policy is a much safer option.

When Might a Policy with an Excess Be a Smarter Choice?

On the other hand, deliberately choosing a policy with an excess can be a financially savvy move for others.

  • Young, Healthy Individuals: If you are in good health and statistically less likely to claim, you might prefer to pay a much lower premium and take the chance that you won't need to make a claim. You are essentially betting on your own good health.
  • Those with Substantial Savings: If you have an emergency fund and could easily cover an excess payment of, say, £500 without financial strain, you could save a significant amount on your annual premiums.
  • People Using PMI as a 'Catastrophe Cover': Some view PMI not for minor issues but as a safety net for major, expensive procedures like surgery or cancer treatment. In this scenario, paying a £500 excess on a £20,000 bill feels negligible, and the premium savings over the years add up.

How WeCovr Helps You Navigate the Excess Dilemma

The choice of excess is one of the most powerful tools for tailoring a policy to your exact needs and budget. However, with so many options, it can be overwhelming. This is where an independent, expert PMI broker like WeCovr provides immense value.

As an FCA-authorised broker, our primary duty is to you, the client. We are not tied to any single insurer. Our experienced advisors can:

  1. Discuss Your Needs: We'll talk to you about your budget, your attitude to risk, and your health priorities.
  2. Run Comprehensive Comparisons: We use our market expertise to generate quotes from a wide range of leading UK insurers, instantly showing you how premiums change with different excess levels.
  3. Explain the Fine Print: We'll clarify whether an excess is per claim or per year and how that might affect you based on your likely usage.
  4. Find the Sweet Spot: Our goal is to find the perfect balance for you – a policy that provides the cover you need at a price you're comfortable with, whether that's with a zero excess or a higher one.

This expert advice comes at no cost to you. We are paid by the insurer you choose, so you get impartial guidance without any extra fees.

Critical UK PMI Exclusions You Must Understand

Whether you choose a zero-excess policy or not, it is absolutely vital to understand what private medical insurance in the UK does not cover. This prevents disappointment at the point of claim.

Standard UK PMI is designed for acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a cataract, a hernia, a broken bone).
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires ongoing management (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis).
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, in the years before your policy began (typically the last 5 years).

PMI will not cover the routine management of chronic conditions or any pre-existing conditions. This is the fundamental principle of private health cover in the UK. A zero-excess policy does not change this; it only removes your contribution for eligible claims.

Beyond the Excess: Other Factors That Influence Your PMI Premium

The excess is a major lever for adjusting your premium, but it's not the only one. When crafting your policy, you'll make several other choices that impact the final cost.

FactorImpact on PremiumExplanation
AgeHighThe older you are, the higher the statistical likelihood of claiming, so premiums increase with age.
LocationMediumTreatment costs, particularly in Central London, are higher. Living in an expensive area for private healthcare increases your premium.
Hospital ListMedium-HighChoosing a limited list of local hospitals is cheaper than a nationwide list that includes premium London facilities.
Outpatient CoverMedium-HighA policy with full outpatient cover (for consultations and diagnostics) is more expensive than one with a limit (e.g., £1,000 per year) or no cover.
Underwriting TypeVariable'Moratorium' underwriting is simpler upfront but may involve more checks at claim time. 'Full Medical Underwriting' involves a health questionnaire.
Additional TherapiesLow-MediumAdding cover for therapies like physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic treatment will add to the cost.

An expert advisor can help you adjust these different levers to design a policy that fits your budget perfectly.

WeCovr's Value-Added Benefits: More Than Just Insurance

We believe in proactive health management, not just reactive treatment. That's why when you arrange your PMI policy through WeCovr, we provide complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. Staying on top of your diet is a cornerstone of good health, and this tool helps you do just that.

Furthermore, our clients often benefit from discounts on other types of insurance when they purchase PMI or life insurance through us. We aim to be your long-term partner in protection, providing holistic value that goes beyond a single policy. Our commitment to service is reflected in our high customer satisfaction ratings on major review platforms.

Maintaining Your Health: Tips to Complement Your PMI Cover

Your PMI policy is a powerful tool for when things go wrong, but the best strategy is always to stay as healthy as possible. Here are some simple, effective tips to support your wellbeing.

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods – fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. A Mediterranean-style diet is consistently linked to better long-term health. Use your complimentary CalorieHero app to track your intake and make informed choices.
  • Regular Physical Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or tennis) a week.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a host of health issues, including weakened immunity and poor mental health. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and avoid screens before bed.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact your physical health. Incorporate stress-management techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or simply spending time in nature into your daily routine.

By combining a healthy lifestyle with the security of a well-chosen PMI policy, you create a robust strategy for your long-term health and wellbeing.

Is a zero-excess PMI policy always more expensive?

Yes, in terms of the monthly or annual premium, a zero-excess policy will almost always be the most expensive option for a like-for-like level of cover. The lower premium on policies with an excess is your 'reward' from the insurer for agreeing to share some of the initial financial risk of a claim. However, a no-excess policy can be cheaper over the long run if you end up making multiple claims, as you avoid all out-of-pocket costs.

Can I change my excess amount after I've bought the policy?

Generally, yes. Most insurers allow you to change your excess level at your annual policy renewal. If you find your financial circumstances have changed, you can ask your insurer or broker to provide quotes for a higher or lower excess. Increasing your excess will lower your premium for the following year, while decreasing it will raise the premium. You cannot usually change your excess mid-term or once you have already started a claim.

Does every claim on my private health cover require an excess payment?

This depends on how your excess is structured. If your excess is 'per claim', you will need to pay it for each new, unrelated condition you claim for. If it is 'per policy year', you only pay it once. After you've paid the agreed amount, any further eligible claims in that same policy year are covered in full. Some policies may also waive the excess for certain treatments, like specific cancer-related claims, but this varies by provider. A zero-excess policy removes this complexity entirely.

Does UK private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions if I get a no-excess policy?

No. The level of excess has no bearing on the fundamental exclusions of a policy. Standard UK private medical insurance, regardless of whether it has a £0 or £1,000 excess, does not cover pre-existing conditions or the long-term management of chronic conditions. The cover is for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy start date.

The choice between a zero-excess policy and one with an excess is a personal one, balancing your desire for financial certainty against your monthly budget. By understanding the benefits and trade-offs, you can make an informed decision that's right for you.

Ready to find out how a no-excess policy would fit your budget? Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our friendly, expert advisors will compare the top UK providers to find your perfect private health cover.

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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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