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PMI with Trusts UK

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 14, 2026
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TL;DR

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK is a critical decision for any organisation. For larger businesses and associations, moving beyond traditional insurance to a healthcare trust can unlock significant savings and flexibility. How businesses and associations can manage group PMI in trusts For decades, UK businesses have relied on traditional group private medical insurance (PMI) to support their employees' health.

Key takeaways

  • Traditional PMI: You pay a fixed fee to join a large health club you might not fully use. The club owner keeps any profit.
  • Healthcare Trust: You create your own private gym for your community. You control the equipment, the rules, and you keep any money left over at the end of the year.
  • Funding: The company makes regular contributions into the trust fund. The amount is carefully calculated based on the expected level of claims for the year.
  • Administration: When an employee needs treatment, they make a claim. This is not handled by the company's HR department, but by a professional Third-Party Administrator (TPA) who manages the process just like an insurer would.
  • Payment: The TPA approves the eligible claim and pays the hospital or specialist directly from the trust fund.

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK is a critical decision for any organisation. For larger businesses and associations, moving beyond traditional insurance to a healthcare trust can unlock significant savings and flexibility.

How businesses and associations can manage group PMI in trusts

For decades, UK businesses have relied on traditional group private medical insurance (PMI) to support their employees' health. You pay a premium to an insurer, and they take on the risk, paying out for eligible claims. It's a simple, predictable model.

However, for larger organisations—typically those with 100 or more employees—there is a powerful alternative: a Healthcare Trust.

A healthcare trust is a self-funding mechanism where, instead of paying premiums to an insurer, a company puts money into a dedicated legal trust. This fund is then used to pay for the private medical treatment of its members (employees and often their families).

Think of it this way:

  • Traditional PMI: You pay a fixed fee to join a large health club you might not fully use. The club owner keeps any profit.
  • Healthcare Trust: You create your own private gym for your community. You control the equipment, the rules, and you keep any money left over at the end of the year.

This approach offers a level of control, flexibility, and potential cost-saving that is simply unattainable with standard insured policies. It allows a business to become the master of its own health benefits destiny.

What is a Healthcare Trust? A Plain English Guide

At its core, a healthcare trust is a form of self-insurance. It's a legal entity, separate from the business, established with the sole purpose of holding and disbursing funds for the healthcare needs of a defined group of beneficiaries (your employees).

Here’s the process in a nutshell:

  1. Funding: The company makes regular contributions into the trust fund. The amount is carefully calculated based on the expected level of claims for the year.
  2. Administration: When an employee needs treatment, they make a claim. This is not handled by the company's HR department, but by a professional Third-Party Administrator (TPA) who manages the process just like an insurer would.
  3. Payment: The TPA approves the eligible claim and pays the hospital or specialist directly from the trust fund.
  4. Protection: To guard against a year of unexpectedly high claims, the trust is protected by a special "stop-loss" insurance policy.
  5. Surplus: If claims are lower than expected at the end of the year, the leftover money (surplus) remains in the trust. It belongs to the company and can be used to reduce future contributions or enhance benefits.

This model shifts the financial risk from an external insurer to the company itself, but in a managed and capped way. In return, the company gains transparency, control, and the financial rewards of a healthy workforce.

Traditional Insured PMI vs. Healthcare Trusts: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Understanding the fundamental differences between these two models is key to deciding which path is right for your organisation. While both aim to provide access to private healthcare, they operate in vastly different ways.

FeatureTraditional Insured Group PMIHealthcare Trust
Funding ModelFixed annual premiums paid to an insurer.Contributions made to a company-owned trust fund.
Financial RiskThe insurer bears all the risk of claims.The company bears the risk, capped by stop-loss insurance.
Cost ControlLimited control; premiums are set by the insurer based on market rates and claims history.Direct control over funding. Potential for significant savings if claims are low.
Surplus FundsThe insurer retains all underwriting profit if claims are lower than premiums.The company retains 100% of any surplus funds within the trust.
FlexibilityBenefits are chosen from pre-set menus and policy tiers.Fully bespoke. Benefits can be designed from the ground up to suit the workforce.
TaxationPremiums are subject to Insurance Premium Tax (IPT), currently 12%.Contributions are not subject to IPT, offering an immediate 12% saving.
Data & InsightsLimited, high-level claims data provided by the insurer.Full, anonymised visibility of claims data, enabling targeted wellness initiatives.
Ideal ForSmall, medium, and large businesses seeking budget certainty.Larger businesses (typically 100+ employees) seeking control, flexibility, and long-term value.

The Key Benefits of Choosing a Healthcare Trust

For the right organisation, a trust isn't just a different way to pay for healthcare—it's a strategic tool for managing costs and improving employee wellbeing.

1. Significant Cost Savings and Financial Control

This is often the primary driver for considering a trust.

  • No Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) (illustrative): With IPT at 12%, a company spending £200,000 on premiums immediately saves £24,000 by switching to a trust. This is a direct, tangible saving.
  • Retain Your Surplus: In a good year with low claims, the surplus funds are yours. A traditional insurer would simply pocket this as profit. With a trust, this money can be rolled over to reduce the following year's funding, stabilising costs over the long term.
  • Direct Link to Employee Health: Because you see the (anonymised) claims data, you can invest in wellness programmes that directly address the health issues your team is facing. By reducing the incidence of claims, you lower the trust's costs—a virtuous cycle.

2. Unmatched Flexibility and Bespoke Benefits

Standard private health cover often forces you into a "gold, silver, or bronze" package. A trust liberates you from this.

  • Design Your Own Scheme: You decide what's covered. Want to include advanced dental, full menopause support, or access to specific fertility treatments that are often excluded from standard PMI? You can build it in.
  • Adapt to Your Workforce: A young tech company might prioritise mental health and physiotherapy, while a manufacturing firm might focus on musculoskeletal support. A trust allows you to tailor the benefits to your actual demographic, rather than a generic profile.
  • Set Your Own Rules: You can define the claims process, hospital lists, and excess levels in a way that works for your culture and budget.

3. Complete Transparency

With a traditional policy, you pay your premium and have little idea of where the money goes. A trust opens the books.

  • Detailed Reporting: Your TPA will provide regular, detailed (but always anonymised) reports on claims patterns. You'll see what conditions are being claimed for, which treatments are most common, and the average cost per claim.
  • Informed Decision-Making: This data is invaluable. A spike in stress-related claims might prompt you to enhance your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). A rise in back-pain claims could lead to an investment in better office ergonomics. You can manage your workforce's health proactively, not reactively.

An expert broker like WeCovr can help you analyse this data, turning insights into actionable strategies that benefit both your employees and your bottom line.

Understanding the Risks and Drawbacks of Healthcare Trusts

While the benefits are compelling, a trust is not without its risks. It's crucial to approach this model with a clear understanding of the potential downsides.

Financial Volatility

The biggest risk is that claims in a given year are higher than anticipated. If the total cost of claims exceeds the funds you've put in, the company is liable for the shortfall (up to the point where stop-loss insurance kicks in). This is why trusts are not typically recommended for smaller companies; their smaller pool of employees means a single large claim can have a huge proportional impact. For a group of 500, however, the risk is spread much more widely.

Administrative Responsibility

Running a trust carries legal and administrative duties. A Trust Deed must be established, and Trustees must be appointed to govern it. While your TPA handles the day-to-day work, the ultimate responsibility lies with the Trustees. This is not an onerous task for a well-run business, but it is a formal responsibility that must be taken seriously.

The Critical Role of Stop-Loss Insurance

No responsible organisation should run a healthcare trust without stop-loss insurance. This is your financial safety net, protecting the trust from catastrophic claims. There are two types:

  1. Specific Stop-Loss (or Individual Stop-Loss): This protects you against a large claim from a single individual. For example, the policy might cover all costs for one person that exceed £25,000 in a year. This prevents a single complex cancer case or serious accident from draining the fund.
  2. Aggregate Stop-Loss: This protects you against a high volume of claims across the whole group. It triggers if the total claims for the year exceed a certain percentage of the expected amount (e.g., 125% of the initial funding).

Stop-loss insurance turns an unknown risk (unlimited claims) into a known, manageable cost (the stop-loss premium plus the maximum liability).

Is a Healthcare Trust Right for Your Organisation?

A healthcare trust is a powerful but specialised tool. Before proceeding, ask yourself these key questions:

  • Are we large enough? Most providers and brokers suggest a minimum of 100 members, with 250+ being a more comfortable starting point. The "law of large numbers" means claims become more predictable as the group size increases.
  • Do we have a stable workforce? Trusts perform best in organisations with relatively low staff turnover.
  • Are we taking a long-term view? The financial benefits of a trust often build over several years as you accumulate surplus and use data to improve health. It's a strategic commitment, not a one-year cost-cutting exercise.
  • Is our cash flow robust enough? Can the business comfortably handle the funding contributions and the potential (though capped) risk of a high-claims year?
  • Do we want more control? Is your organisation frustrated by rising premiums and a lack of flexibility from traditional insurers? Do you want to take a more hands-on approach to employee health?

If you answered "yes" to most of these, a healthcare trust could be an excellent fit.

Setting Up Your Healthcare Trust: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of establishing a trust is methodical and requires expert guidance. Here is a typical roadmap:

  1. Initial Consultation & Feasibility: The journey begins with a deep dive into your organisation. An expert PMI broker will analyse your current PMI scheme (if you have one), your claims history, and your workforce demographics. This analysis determines if a trust is financially viable and projects the likely funding level.
  2. Appoint Trustees: The company must appoint Trustees to oversee the trust. These are often senior figures within the business (like the Finance and HR Directors) who have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the members.
  3. Draft the Trust Deed & Rules: This is the critical legal document that acts as the trust's constitution. It is drafted by specialist solicitors and outlines everything: who is eligible, the exact benefits covered, how claims are made, and the powers of the Trustees.
  4. Select a Third-Party Administrator (TPA): You need to choose a partner to run the scheme. The TPA provides the claims-handling expertise, member helplines, hospital network access, and reporting. This is a crucial decision, as the TPA is the "face" of the scheme to your employees.
  5. Secure Stop-Loss Insurance: Your broker will go to the specialist market to find the most appropriate and cost-effective stop-loss cover to protect your trust fund from high claims.
  6. Calculate and Agree on Funding: Based on actuarial data, a final funding level is agreed. This includes the expected claims cost, the TPA's administration fee, and the stop-loss insurance premium. The company then begins making contributions to the trust's dedicated bank account.
  7. Launch and Communicate: The final step is to communicate the new scheme to employees. This involves clear documentation, presentations, and ensuring everyone understands how to access their new benefits. A smooth rollout is vital for employee buy-in.

The Crucial Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions in UK PMI

It is absolutely vital to understand a fundamental principle of all UK private medical insurance, whether it's a traditional policy or a healthcare trust.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after the policy or trust membership begins.

  • An acute condition is an illness, disease, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and from which you are expected to return to your previous state of health. Examples include a hernia, appendicitis, joint replacement, or cataract surgery.
  • A chronic condition is an illness that is long-lasting, has no known cure, and needs to be managed through ongoing monitoring and treatment. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and most forms of arthritis.

Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover the management of chronic conditions. It also generally excludes pre-existing conditions—any medical issue you had before joining. While a trust offers great flexibility, it does not change this core principle. It is a vehicle for funding treatment for new, curable conditions, speeding up access to care and bypassing NHS waiting lists.

According to NHS Digital data from 2023, there were a record 7.6 million people on NHS waiting lists in England. A trust, like PMI, provides a valuable route to faster treatment for eligible acute conditions, helping employees get back on their feet sooner.

Enhancing Employee Wellbeing with a Healthcare Trust

One of the most exciting aspects of a healthcare trust is its potential as a wellness engine. Because you own the data, you can build a health and wellbeing strategy that is truly evidence-based.

Data Insight (Anonymised)Potential Company ActionPotential Outcome
High number of claims for physiotherapy for back and neck pain.Invest in ergonomic desk assessments and provide subsidies for standing desks.Reduced musculoskeletal issues, improved productivity, lower future claims.
Increase in queries related to stress and anxiety.Launch a mental health awareness campaign and promote the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).Improved employee morale, reduced absenteeism, better staff retention.
Several claims for cardiac investigations.Introduce voluntary health screenings and run "healthy heart" workshops focused on diet and exercise.Early detection of issues, healthier lifestyle choices, prevention of more serious future claims.

This proactive approach turns the benefits scheme from a passive safety net into an active tool for improving workforce health. It creates a powerful feedback loop where investing in wellness directly translates into lower claims costs and a surplus in the trust fund.

Furthermore, partners like WeCovr can enhance this by providing complimentary access to wellness tools like the CalorieHero AI calorie tracking app, encouraging healthier habits at no extra cost to your business or employees.

Real-World Scenario: A Logistics Firm's Journey to a Trust

Let's imagine "UK Haulage Ltd," a logistics company with 600 employees, mostly drivers and warehouse staff.

  • The Problem: Their group PMI premium had risen by over 15% for three consecutive years, despite claims being relatively stable. Their insurer cited "medical inflation" and "market trends." They had a standard policy that didn't fully address the specific needs of their workforce, such as rapid access to musculoskeletal treatment.
  • The Solution (illustrative): They engaged WeCovr to conduct a feasibility study for a healthcare trust. The analysis showed that their claims history was predictable and that a trust, even after accounting for admin and stop-loss costs, could save them over £70,000 in the first year, primarily through the 12% IPT saving.
  • The Process:
    1. They established a trust managed by their Finance Director, Operations Director, and an independent trustee.
    2. They chose a TPA known for its excellent support for remote workforces.
    3. They designed a bespoke benefits package with an enhanced focus on physiotherapy and mental health support for lone workers.
    4. Illustrative estimate: Stop-loss insurance was secured to cap any individual's claim at £30,000 and the total fund's exposure at 120% of expected claims.
  • The Outcome: In the first year, claims came in at 90% of the funded level. UK Haulage Ltd not only made the initial projected savings but also finished the year with a six-figure surplus, which was rolled over to smooth out the cost for year two. Using the claims data, they identified that a high proportion of their drivers were suffering from back issues and invested in a programme to install better ergonomic seats in their vehicle fleet.

This is a perfect example of a trust empowering a business to take control of its health expenditure and link it directly to a tangible, preventative wellness strategy.


What's the minimum company size for a healthcare trust in the UK?

Generally, the recommended minimum size for a healthcare trust is around 100 to 250 employees. The reason for this is the 'law of large numbers'; with a larger group, claims become more predictable and the financial risk is spread more widely. For smaller businesses, a traditional insured private medical insurance policy usually offers more budget certainty and is a more suitable option.

Is a healthcare trust regulated by the FCA?

A healthcare trust itself is not an insurance product, so it falls outside the direct regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). However, the key components of a trust scheme are typically provided by unbiased firms. For example, the third-party administrator (TPA) that manages the claims and the insurer that provides the essential stop-loss cover are both usually regulated entities, which ensures high professional and operational standards are maintained.

Do healthcare trusts cover pre-existing or chronic conditions?

No, just like standard UK private medical insurance, healthcare trusts are designed to cover new (acute) medical conditions that arise after you become a member. They do not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma, nor do they typically cover pre-existing conditions that a member had before joining the scheme. The primary purpose is to provide fast access to treatment for conditions that are curable.

Can our company switch back to an insured PMI policy from a trust?

Yes, it is entirely possible to move from a healthcare trust back to a traditional insured group PMI scheme. Your business circumstances might change, or you may decide the trust model is no longer the best fit. An expert broker can manage this transition for you, ensuring that there is continuous cover for all employees and helping you find the best insured policy for your needs.

Ready to explore if a healthcare trust could give your business more control, flexibility, and better value? Making this decision requires specialist expertise.

The professional team at WeCovr offers a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your organisation's unique needs. We can analyse your current situation and provide a clear comparison of a trust versus a traditional policy. Get your free quote today and take the first step towards a smarter health benefits strategy for your team.

Sources

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Inflation, earnings, and household statistics.
  • HM Treasury / HMRC: Policy and tax guidance referenced in this topic.
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Consumer financial guidance and regulatory publications.
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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of experienced advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

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Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

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