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Private GP Access and Virtual Consultations

Private GP Access and Virtual Consultations 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr helps you navigate the world of private medical insurance in the UK. This guide explores the rise of private and virtual GP services, a key benefit of modern health insurance that's changing how we access healthcare.

How insurers are providing online GP services, private GP appointments, digital health tools, and what this means for speed of diagnosis in UK healthcare

In recent years, a quiet revolution has been taking place in UK healthcare. Frustrated by long waits for NHS appointments, millions are turning to a faster alternative: private GP services, often included as a core benefit within private medical insurance (PMI). This shift isn't just about skipping the queue; it's about leveraging technology to get diagnosed and treated quicker than ever before.

This article breaks down how private health cover is delivering on-demand GP access, the difference between virtual and face-to-face options, and what it means for your health and peace of mind.

The Challenge: Understanding NHS GP Waiting Times in 2025

The NHS is the backbone of UK healthcare, but it's under immense pressure. Getting a timely GP appointment has become a significant challenge for many families.

According to the latest NHS Digital data, millions of GP appointments in England involve a wait of more than two weeks. In 2024, reports showed that around 5 million patients a month were waiting over two weeks to see a GP, with a substantial portion waiting over 28 days. This delay can be more than just an inconvenience; for many conditions, it can mean a longer period of pain, anxiety, and a delayed start to crucial treatment.

These delays have a knock-on effect. A slow initial GP consultation means a slower referral to a specialist, leading to longer overall waiting times for diagnosis and treatment for conditions that PMI is designed to cover, such as joint problems, hernias, or heart conditions.

Private Medical Insurance: The Fast-Track to a GP

Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to work alongside the NHS. Its primary purpose is to cover the cost of treatment for acute conditions that arise after you take out a policy. A key, and increasingly popular, feature of most PMI policies is access to private GP services.

This single benefit can dramatically change your healthcare journey. Instead of waiting weeks, you can often speak to a GP on the same day.

How does it work?

  1. You feel unwell: You develop a new symptom, like persistent back pain or a worrying skin lesion.
  2. You use your PMI: Instead of calling your NHS surgery, you open your insurer's app or call their dedicated 24/7 GP line.
  3. You get an appointment: You book a virtual (phone or video) consultation, often for within a few hours.
  4. You get a referral: If the GP believes you need to see a specialist (like a dermatologist or an orthopaedic surgeon), they can issue an open referral instantly.
  5. You start treatment: You use this referral to book a consultation and subsequent treatment with a private specialist, all covered by your insurance policy (subject to its terms).

This streamlined process cuts out weeks, or even months, of waiting, allowing you to get a diagnosis and start treatment far more quickly.

The Rise of the Virtual GP: Your Doctor on Demand

The most significant innovation in private GP access is the 'virtual GP' or 'digital GP' service. This is now a standard feature in almost every leading UK private medical insurance policy.

A virtual GP consultation is a medical appointment conducted remotely using technology, typically via a phone call or a secure video chat on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Key Features of Virtual GP Services

FeatureDescriptionCommon Use Cases
24/7 AvailabilityAccess to a GP anytime, day or night, 365 days a year.A child's high fever in the middle of the night; a worrying rash on a Sunday.
Video & Phone CallsChoose the format you're most comfortable with. Video is excellent for visible symptoms.Discussing mental health concerns; showing a GP a skin condition or swelling.
Private PrescriptionsIf the GP prescribes medication, the prescription can be sent to a local pharmacy for you to collect (you pay for the medication itself).Antibiotics for an infection; stronger painkillers than available over-the-counter.
Instant ReferralsIf you need specialist care, the GP can write an open referral letter, authorising you to start the claims process with your insurer.Referral to a cardiologist for chest pains; referral to a gynaecologist for pelvic pain.
Medical AdviceGet peace of mind and professional advice on any health concern, big or small.Questions about a new diet; travel health advice; concerns about a family member's health.

The Power of Convenience

Imagine you're a busy working parent. Your child wakes up with a concerning cough. Instead of trying to get an emergency appointment at your local surgery, you can book a video call with a private GP from your living room within the hour. The doctor can assess your child, offer advice, and if needed, issue a prescription to your nearest pharmacy. This level of convenience and speed removes immense stress and uncertainty.

Major UK Insurers and Their Digital GP Offerings

The UK's best PMI providers have invested heavily in their digital health platforms. While the core offering is similar, there are subtle differences in their services.

InsurerService Name / PartnerKey Features
AvivaAviva Digital GP (powered by Square Health)24/7 GP video consultations, repeat NHS prescription service (with free delivery), easy in-app booking.
AXA HealthDoctor at Hand (powered by Doctor Care Anywhere)24/7 video/phone appointments (up to 20 or 25 mins), specialist referrals, international access.
BupaDigital GP (powered by Babylon)24/7 access, AI symptom checker, video consultations, referrals, prescription service.
VitalityVitality GPVideo consultations within 48 hours (often sooner), direct referrals into their consultant network, prescription service.

Note: Service details are subject to change and depend on the specific policy chosen. Always check the policy documents.

Navigating the differences between these providers can be tricky. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can provide a detailed comparison of the whole market, helping you understand which policy's digital GP service and overall benefits best suit your personal circumstances, all at no cost to you.

Face-to-Face Private GP Appointments: When a Physical Visit is Best

While virtual consultations are incredibly effective for a wide range of issues, they can't replace a physical examination entirely. Sometimes, a doctor needs to listen to your chest, feel your abdomen, or perform a hands-on assessment.

Most comprehensive private medical insurance policies in the UK also provide cover for a set number of face-to-face private GP appointments.

When might you need a face-to-face appointment?

  • Musculoskeletal issues: To assess joint movement, tenderness, and swelling.
  • Abdominal pain: For the GP to physically examine the area.
  • Breathing difficulties: To listen to your lungs with a stethoscope.
  • Ear infections: To look inside the ear canal with an otoscope.
  • Minor procedures: Such as removing stitches or dressing a wound.

Having this option provides a complete safety net. You can use the virtual GP for speed and convenience, and a face-to-face GP when a physical examination is clinically necessary, ensuring you always get the most appropriate care.

Beyond the GP: The Ecosystem of Digital Health Tools

Leading insurers are no longer just about paying for treatment. They are becoming holistic health partners, offering a suite of digital tools to help you stay healthy and manage your wellbeing proactively.

These often come as standard with a PMI policy and include:

  • Mental Health Support: Access to apps like Headspace or SilverCloud, or direct lines to trained counsellors for support with stress, anxiety, and depression. This is often available without needing a GP referral.
  • Symptom Checkers: AI-powered tools that ask you a series of questions to analyse your symptoms and suggest appropriate next steps, such as booking a GP appointment or performing self-care.
  • Wellness Programmes: Many insurers, notably Vitality, incentivise healthy living. They offer rewards like free coffee, cinema tickets, or discounts on smartwatches for tracking your activity, completing health checks, and maintaining a healthy diet.
  • Nutrition and Physio Support: Digital access to nutritionists for dietary advice or initial physiotherapy assessments to help manage muscle and joint pain early.

This ecosystem of tools empowers you to take control of your health. It shifts the focus from purely reactive treatment to proactive wellness.

The Impact on Diagnosis Speed: A Tale of Two Journeys

Let's illustrate the difference private GP access can make with a real-world example.

Scenario: Sarah, a 45-year-old teacher, develops persistent, worsening knee pain.

Journey 1: The NHS Pathway

  1. Week 1: Sarah calls her NHS GP. The earliest routine appointment is in 3 weeks.
  2. Week 4: She sees her NHS GP, who examines her knee and suspects a torn meniscus. The GP refers her for an MRI scan and to an NHS orthopaedic consultant.
  3. Week 12: After an 8-week wait, Sarah has her NHS MRI scan.
  4. Week 20: Eight weeks after the scan, she has her appointment with the NHS consultant, who confirms the diagnosis from the scan results.
  5. Week 45: Sarah is placed on the waiting list for surgery. The current waiting time is around 25 weeks. She finally has her operation.

Total Time from Symptom to Treatment: Approximately 45 weeks.

Journey 2: The Private Medical Insurance Pathway

  1. Day 1: Sarah feels knee pain. She opens her insurer's app and books a video GP consultation for that evening. The GP agrees it needs further investigation and provides an open referral.
  2. Day 3: Sarah calls her insurer, gets the claim authorised, and is given a choice of private orthopaedic consultants. She books an appointment for the following week.
  3. Day 10: She sees the private consultant, who examines her and refers her for an urgent MRI scan at a local private hospital.
  4. Day 12: Sarah has her private MRI scan.
  5. Day 15: She has a follow-up with the consultant, who confirms a torn meniscus and recommends surgery.
  6. Day 25: Sarah has her keyhole surgery at a private hospital.

Total Time from Symptom to Treatment: Approximately 3-4 weeks.

This comparison clearly shows how private GP access acts as the gateway to a dramatically faster diagnostic and treatment process for acute conditions.

The Critical Rule: What PMI Does and Does Not Cover

This is the most important section to understand before considering private medical insurance.

PMI is for acute conditions that begin after your policy starts.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and from which you are expected to make a full recovery. Examples include cataracts, hernias, joint replacements, and most cancers.

PMI does NOT cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

  • A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury you have had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, in the years before taking out the policy (usually the last 5 years).
  • A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured but can be managed with medication and monitoring. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease.

Your NHS GP will continue to manage any chronic or pre-existing conditions. Private health insurance is your partner for dealing with new, unexpected health challenges quickly.

Proactive Steps for Better Health and Wellbeing

While having fast GP access is reassuring, the best strategy is always to maintain good health. Insurers are increasingly supporting this through their wellness programmes. Here are some tips you can act on today:

  • Nourish Your Body: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is fundamental. As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered app, CalorieHero, to help you track your nutrition and make healthier choices effortlessly.
  • Stay Active: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be a brisk walk, a cycle ride, or a dance class. Find something you enjoy to make it a sustainable habit.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's crucial for mental resilience, immune function, and physical recovery. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and minimise screen time before bed.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can impact your physical health. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature can make a huge difference. Utilise the mental health apps often included in PMI policies.

Taking these proactive steps can reduce your risk of developing many acute conditions, helping you get the most value from both the NHS and any private health cover you have.

How WeCovr Can Help You Find the Right Cover

Choosing the right private medical insurance policy can feel overwhelming. With different providers, cover levels, and underwriting options, it's hard to know where to start.

That's where we come in. WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised PMI broker with a track record of high customer satisfaction. Our expert advisors provide a friendly, no-obligation service to help you:

  1. Understand Your Needs: We listen to what's important to you—be it fast GP access, comprehensive cancer care, or mental health support.
  2. Compare the Market: We use our expertise to compare policies from all the leading UK insurers, explaining the pros and cons of each in simple, clear language.
  3. Find the Best Price: Our job is to find you the most suitable cover that fits your budget. Our service is completely free for you to use.
  4. Enjoy Extra Benefits: When you take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, we offer complimentary access to our CalorieHero app and can provide discounts on other types of insurance you may need.

We do the hard work so you can make an informed decision with confidence.


Can I use a virtual GP for my children through my policy?

Yes, most private medical insurance policies that include a virtual GP service allow you to add your children to your policy. This means you can use the 24/7 service for them as well, which is a huge benefit for parents seeking quick medical advice for a sick child, often without having to leave the house. Always check the specific terms of your chosen policy.

Does private medical insurance cover the cost of private prescriptions?

Generally, no. The private GP service included in your PMI policy provides the consultation and the writing of the prescription. However, you are responsible for paying for the cost of the medication itself at the pharmacy. The main value of your PMI policy is in covering the much larger costs of specialist consultations, diagnostic scans (like MRI and CT), and hospital treatment.

Will my private medical insurance premiums go up if I use the virtual GP service?

Using the included virtual GP service, mental health support lines, or wellness apps typically does not count as a claim and therefore will not directly impact your renewal premium. These are considered value-added benefits to encourage proactive health management. However, making a claim for subsequent specialist treatment that the GP referred you for will likely affect your premium at renewal.

What happens if the virtual GP can't diagnose me remotely?

A virtual GP is trained to recognise the limitations of a remote consultation. If they cannot diagnose you or feel a physical examination is necessary, they will advise you on the best next steps. This could be recommending you see your NHS GP, using a face-to-face private GP appointment if your policy includes it, or providing an open referral to a specialist who can conduct a physical examination and further tests.

Ready to explore how private GP access and comprehensive health cover can benefit you and your family?

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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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