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Private Ambulance Cover Does Health Insurance Pay for Emergency Transport

Private Ambulance Cover Does Health Insurance Pay for...

In a medical emergency, your first thought is getting help, fast. But who pays for the ambulance? As FCA-authorised private medical insurance brokers in the UK, we at WeCovr have helped arrange over 900,000 policies and find this is a common point of confusion. This guide clarifies everything.

What you're covered for and what's excluded in an ambulance emergency scenario

Let's get straight to the most important point: in a genuine, life-threatening emergency in the UK, you should always dial 999. An NHS ambulance will be dispatched, and this service is free at the point of use.

Private medical insurance (PMI) is not designed to replace the NHS emergency response service. Instead, it works alongside it, primarily covering planned medical transport for eligible treatment.

Think of it like this: the NHS is the emergency service that stabilises you, while private health cover is the service that can offer more choice and comfort for the subsequent, planned treatment of an acute condition.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the roles:

ServicePrimary Role in an Ambulance ScenarioCovered By
NHS Ambulance ServiceResponding to 999 calls for life-threatening or serious emergencies. Initial on-site treatment and transport to an NHS A&E department.The NHS (taxpayer-funded)
Private Medical InsuranceCovering the cost of a private ambulance for planned, non-emergency transfers. For example, moving from an NHS hospital to a private one for eligible treatment.Your PMI provider (if included in your policy)

Crucial Point: Standard private health insurance in the UK is designed for acute conditions – diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment. It does not cover chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma) or pre-existing conditions you had before your policy began.

Understanding the NHS Ambulance Service's Unbeatable Role

When you face a sudden, serious medical situation, the NHS is your lifeline. The UK's ambulance services are highly sophisticated organisations geared towards rapid response for critical incidents.

When you dial 999, your call is triaged into categories to ensure the most urgent cases get the fastest response. According to recent NHS England data, these include:

  • Category 1: Life-threatening injuries and illnesses, such as cardiac arrest. The national target is an average response time of seven minutes.
  • Category 2: Emergency calls for serious conditions that may require rapid assessment and urgent transport, like a stroke or chest pain. The target is an average of 18 minutes.
  • Category 3 & 4: Urgent and less urgent calls that are not immediately life-threatening.

This system ensures that no matter who you are or whether you have insurance, you receive the necessary immediate care. You cannot request a "private" 999 response, nor would you want to; the NHS network is designed for this exact purpose.

When Does Private Health Insurance Cover Ambulance Transport?

While PMI doesn't cover 999 calls, it can be incredibly valuable for transport in specific, non-emergency situations. Cover for a "road ambulance" or "medical transport" is often an optional add-on to a core policy, so it's vital to check your documents.

Here are the main scenarios where your private health cover might pay for an ambulance:

1. Planned NHS to Private Hospital Transfers

This is the most common reason for using a private ambulance under PMI.

  • Example: You have a serious fall and are taken to an NHS A&E by an NHS ambulance. After your condition is stabilised, tests show you need a hip replacement. You have private medical insurance. Your policy can cover the surgery at a private hospital with a specialist of your choice. If your policy includes ambulance cover, it would pay for a private, non-emergency ambulance to transport you comfortably from the NHS facility to the private hospital for your pre-planned operation.

2. Private GP to Hospital Transport

If you see a private GP who diagnoses an urgent condition requiring hospital admission, your PMI might cover the ambulance journey.

  • Example: You visit a private GP with severe abdominal pain. The GP suspects acute appendicitis and arranges for your immediate admission to a nearby private hospital that is part of your insurer's network. Your PMI policy, if it has the right level of cover, could pay for a private ambulance to take you directly there. This avoids a potentially long wait in an NHS A&E.

3. Inter-Hospital Transfers (Private to Private)

Sometimes, you may need to move between two different private hospitals to get the right specialist care or use specific diagnostic equipment.

  • Example: You are in a private hospital recovering from surgery, but you develop a complication that requires a specialist cardiologist located at a different private hospital. Your policy could cover the cost of a medically supervised private ambulance transfer.

4. Repatriation (Getting Home to the UK)

This is a grey area and is more commonly covered by comprehensive travel insurance. However, some top-tier international health insurance plans may offer benefits for medical evacuation or repatriation back to the UK, where your domestic PMI policy would then take over for treatment. Always check the specifics, as this is not a standard feature.

What's Almost Never Covered by Standard UK PMI?

Understanding the exclusions is just as important as knowing the benefits. It prevents nasty surprises and ensures you use the right service at the right time.

  • 999 Emergency Call-Outs: As we've stressed, private insurance does not cover the initial emergency response. Always call 999.
  • Transport for Chronic Conditions: If you have a known, long-term condition like COPD or epilepsy, an ambulance trip required due to a flare-up will not be covered by PMI. This is because PMI is for new, acute conditions.
  • Transport for Pre-existing Conditions: Any condition you received advice or treatment for before taking out your policy is typically excluded. If you need an ambulance for a reason connected to that condition, your PMI won't pay.
  • Routine Journeys: Transport to and from routine appointments, check-ups, or physiotherapy sessions is not covered.
  • Self-inflicted Injuries or Risky Pursuits: Many policies have exclusions for injuries sustained from professional sports, dangerous hobbies (like mountaineering), or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A Look at Major UK PMI Providers and Their Ambulance Cover

Policy details change, but it's helpful to understand the general approach of the leading providers. Most treat private ambulance transport as a valuable but optional benefit.

ProviderStandard Ambulance Cover?Add-on Available?Common Conditions for Cover
BupaNo, typically not on core plans.Yes, often included in higher-tier plans or as an add-on.Primarily for medically necessary transfers between hospitals or from a private GP referral.
AvivaNo, not on standard policies.Yes, available with their 'Expert Select' and other comprehensive options.Covers planned transfers when you are admitted for eligible inpatient treatment.
AXA HealthNo, generally excluded from core cover.Yes, can be added to most policies.Focuses on non-emergency, medically required journeys to a private facility for treatment.
VitalityVaries by plan, but often not standard.Yes, can be included in more comprehensive plans.Linked to admission for eligible treatment, often with prior approval needed.

This table illustrates a clear market trend: if you want private ambulance cover, you usually need to select a more comprehensive policy or specifically choose it as an add-on. This is where a specialist PMI broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We can compare the small print from dozens of policies to find the one that truly meets your needs, at no extra cost to you.

Real-Life Scenarios: Putting Ambulance Cover into Context

Let's walk through a few stories to see how this works in the real world.

Scenario 1: The Road Accident – A Team Effort

  • The Situation: Maria is in a car accident and sustains multiple fractures. A bystander calls 999.
  • The Response: An NHS paramedic crew arrives, provides roadside care, and transports her to the nearest major trauma centre. This is all covered by the NHS.
  • The PMI Role: Maria is stabilised over several days. She requires complex orthopaedic surgery. Her private medical insurance UK policy includes full inpatient cover and a hospital list that includes a renowned private clinic. Her policy also has the 'road ambulance' add-on. She arranges for her surgery to be at the private clinic. Her insurer approves and pays for a private ambulance to transfer her from the NHS hospital to the private one.
  • Outcome: The NHS handled the emergency, and her PMI provided choice and comfort for the planned treatment phase.

Scenario 2: The Heart Scare – A Chronic Exclusion

  • The Situation: Ben, who has a history of angina (a pre-existing and chronic condition), experiences severe chest pain at home.
  • The Response: He calls 999. An NHS ambulance takes him to the cardiac unit at his local hospital.
  • The PMI Role: Ben's PMI policy does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. Therefore, the ambulance journey, the A&E visit, and any subsequent treatment related to his angina are not covered by his private health cover. He receives all his care through the NHS.
  • Outcome: PMI is not applicable here due to the chronic and pre-existing nature of the condition.

Scenario 3: The Child's Illness – Private GP to Hospital

  • The Situation: Eight-year-old Chloe develops a high fever and breathing difficulties. Her parents have a family PMI policy that includes access to a 24/7 digital GP.
  • The Response: They use the app for a video consultation. The private GP is concerned about severe pneumonia and recommends immediate hospitalisation.
  • The PMI Role: The parents' policy is comprehensive, covering private GP referrals and ambulance transfers. The digital GP service arranges for a private ambulance to take Chloe directly to a private hospital on their approved list, bypassing NHS A&E. The insurer covers the consultation, the ambulance, and Chloe's inpatient treatment.
  • Outcome: The family used their PMI to access swift, convenient, and integrated care in a non-999 but still urgent situation.

Is Private Ambulance Cover Worth the Extra Cost?

Deciding whether to add this benefit to your policy depends on your personal priorities and circumstances.

Arguments in Favour:

  • Comfort and Convenience: Private ambulances are often more modern and comfortable, offering a one-to-one service for a planned journey.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you can be transferred smoothly to a hospital of your choice without relying on potentially overstretched NHS patient transport services can be very reassuring.
  • Continuity of Care: It facilitates a seamless transition from NHS stabilisation to private treatment, ensuring your care plan remains on track.
  • Location: If you live in a rural area, a private transfer to a specialist city hospital might be a particularly attractive option.

Arguments Against:

  • Additional Cost: It will increase your monthly or annual premium.
  • Limited Use Case: You may never need it. It only applies in specific, non-emergency transfer scenarios.
  • Excellent NHS Service: The NHS provides all emergency and medically necessary transport for free. You are not "stuck" without this cover; you simply use the default NHS pathway.

For many, the small additional premium is a price worth paying for the potential comfort and choice it unlocks during a stressful time.

How WeCovr Helps You Navigate Your Options

The UK private medical insurance market is complex. Providers use different terminology, and benefits that are standard in one policy are paid-for extras in another. Trying to compare them alone can be overwhelming.

This is where WeCovr comes in. As independent, FCA-authorised experts, our job is to understand your specific needs and budget.

  • We listen to what's important to you – whether that's ambulance cover, mental health support, or access to a specific hospital.
  • We compare policies from a wide panel of the best PMI providers to find the perfect match.
  • We explain the jargon and highlight the crucial differences in the small print, so you know exactly what you're buying.
  • Our advice and comparison service is completely free for you.

Furthermore, when you arrange your PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr, we offer added value, including complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, and potential discounts on other types of insurance. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to providing clear, helpful, and personalised advice.

Wellness Corner: Proactive Steps to Stay Healthy

While insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best strategy is always to invest in your health to reduce the risk of needing emergency care in the first place.

  • Move Your Body: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or tennis) a week. Regular exercise is proven to reduce the risk of major illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
  • Nourish Yourself: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is your body's best fuel. Reducing your intake of processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can significantly lower blood pressure and cholesterol, protecting your heart.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and make your bedroom a sanctuary for rest.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have a physical impact on your body. Find healthy coping mechanisms that work for you, whether it's mindfulness, yoga, spending time in nature, or talking to a friend.

Taking these small, consistent steps can make a huge difference to your long-term health and well-being.


Does private health insurance replace the NHS ambulance service?

No, absolutely not. UK private medical insurance is designed to complement the NHS, not replace it. In any life-threatening emergency, you must always dial 999 to receive a free NHS ambulance response. Private ambulance cover within a PMI policy is for planned, non-emergency medical transfers, such as moving from an NHS hospital to a private one for eligible treatment.

What is the difference between an 'acute' and a 'chronic' condition for ambulance cover?

This is a critical distinction in private medical insurance. An 'acute' condition is a disease, illness or injury that is new, short-term, and likely to be cured with treatment (e.g., appendicitis, a bone fracture). PMI is designed to cover these. A 'chronic' condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, arthritis). Standard UK PMI does not cover the treatment or transport for chronic conditions.

Can I just call a private ambulance service directly in an emergency?

You should never do this in a life-threatening emergency. Private ambulance services are not part of the 999 emergency response network. Dialling 999 connects you to a control centre that can dispatch the nearest and most appropriate medical resource, including paramedics, air ambulances, and specialist teams. Attempting to book a private ambulance directly would cause dangerous delays.

Will my PMI premium go up if I use the private ambulance benefit?

Making a claim on your private medical insurance, including for a private ambulance transfer, can affect your premiums at renewal. Most insurers will reduce or remove your no-claims discount if you claim. However, the purpose of insurance is to be used when you need it, and the cost of a single private ambulance journey would far exceed the increase in your premium.

Navigating the world of private medical insurance can be tricky, but you don't have to do it alone.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will help you compare the market and find the right level of cover for your peace of mind.

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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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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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