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Private GP Services and Health Insurance

Private GP Services and Health Insurance 2025

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert insight into the UK private medical insurance market. This guide explores the significant shift towards including private GP services within modern health cover, empowering you to make informed decisions about your healthcare.

WeCovr explains how GP access is changing in modern PMI policies

The way we access primary healthcare in the UK is undergoing a quiet revolution. For decades, the local NHS GP surgery was the undisputed first port of call for any health concern. But with increasing pressure on the NHS, waiting times have grown, and patients are seeking faster, more convenient alternatives.

This demand has not gone unnoticed by private medical insurance (PMI) providers. Once a niche add-on, integrated private GP access is rapidly becoming a standard, core feature of many health insurance policies. It's a fundamental change that redefines the value of private health cover, shifting it from being purely for major specialist treatment to a day-to-day health management tool.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore:

  • The current challenges in accessing NHS GPs.
  • What private GP services are and how they work.
  • How these services are now a cornerstone of modern PMI.
  • A comparison of what top UK insurers offer.
  • The crucial rules around pre-existing and chronic conditions.
  • The added wellness benefits that come with today's policies.

Why is Getting an NHS GP Appointment So Challenging?

Understanding the "why" behind this shift is key. The NHS is a cherished institution, but it's facing unprecedented strain. Several factors contribute to the difficulty many of us experience when trying to book a GP appointment.

  • Growing Demand: The UK's population is growing and ageing, leading to more people with complex health needs requiring primary care.
  • Workforce Pressures: There is a national shortage of GPs. NHS Digital data from 2024 shows a continued decline in the number of fully qualified, full-time-equivalent GPs per patient over the last decade.
  • Post-Pandemic Backlog: The COVID-19 pandemic created a significant backlog of non-urgent appointments and diagnoses, which the system is still working through.
  • Administrative Burden: GPs spend a substantial portion of their time on administrative tasks, reducing the time available for patient consultations.

Recent NHS England statistics highlight the scale of the challenge. While millions of appointments are delivered each month, a significant number of patients still report waiting longer than two weeks for a routine appointment. This delay can lead to anxiety, worsening symptoms, and a delay in referral to specialist care.

It is this gap—the need for timely, convenient primary care advice—that private GP services, integrated within private medical insurance UK policies, are designed to fill.

Understanding Private GP Services: Your Questions Answered

So, what exactly is a private GP, and how does the service differ from its NHS counterpart? Let's break it down.

What is a Private GP?

A private GP is a General Medical Council (GMC) registered doctor who works outside the NHS. They provide the same core services as an NHS GP—consultations, diagnoses, medical advice, prescriptions, and referrals—but operate within a private healthcare framework.

The key difference isn't the doctor's qualification, but the service delivery model. It's built around speed, convenience, and longer appointment times.

How do Private GP services differ from NHS GPs?

While both provide essential primary care, their operational models create distinct patient experiences.

FeatureNHS GP ServicePrivate GP Service (within PMI)
AccessRegister with a local surgery; access is often limited to practice opening hours.Typically 24/7 access via an app or phone line.
Waiting TimeCan range from same-day for emergencies to several weeks for routine issues.Often within a few hours for a virtual consultation.
Appointment LengthStandard appointment is around 10 minutes.Often longer, allowing for more in-depth discussion (15-30 minutes).
CostFree at the point of use.Included as part of your monthly or annual PMI premium.
PrescriptionsStandard NHS prescription charge (in England).You pay the full cost of the medication itself.
ReferralsReferral to an NHS specialist, subject to NHS waiting lists.An 'open referral' to a private specialist, enabling rapid access to treatment.

The most significant evolution has been the rise of virtual GP or digital GP services. Rather than travelling to a clinic, you can consult with a doctor from the comfort of your home or office via a video call or telephone. This is the model most commonly included in modern private health cover.

The New Standard: How Private GP Access is Built into Modern Health Insurance

It wasn't long ago that you had to pay extra to add a private GP benefit to your health insurance plan. Today, it's often included as standard in even the most basic policies.

This is a strategic move by insurers for several reasons:

  1. Early Intervention: By providing easy access to a GP, insurers hope patients will seek advice earlier. This can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major, more expensive one to treat.
  2. Efficient Gatekeeping: A private GP can quickly assess a condition and provide an appropriate 'open referral'. This is a fast-track pass to a private specialist, bypassing the need for an NHS GP referral and the associated wait. This speeds up the claims process and gets the member treated faster.
  3. Customer Value and Retention: In a competitive market, offering a tangible, everyday benefit like 24/7 GP access makes a policy more attractive. It's a feature customers can use and appreciate even if they never need major surgery, increasing satisfaction and loyalty.
  4. Cost Management: Directing members to appropriate care efficiently can help manage the overall cost of claims for the insurer, which helps keep future premiums more stable.

What Do These 'Digital GP' Services Typically Include?

When you see "Digital GP," "Virtual GP," or "24/7 GP Helpline" listed on a policy, it generally includes a suite of services accessible through a dedicated smartphone app or phone line:

  • On-Demand Consultations: The ability to book a video or phone appointment with a GMC-registered GP, often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Choice of Doctor: Many apps allow you to see profiles of available doctors and choose who you speak to.
  • Private Prescriptions: If the GP determines you need medication, they can issue a private prescription. You can have this sent to a local pharmacy for collection or, in some cases, delivered to your door. Note: You are responsible for paying the full cost of the prescribed medication, not just the standard NHS charge.
  • Open Referrals: This is perhaps the most powerful feature. If the GP believes you need to see a specialist (like a dermatologist, cardiologist, or orthopaedic surgeon), they can write an 'open referral' letter. This allows you to book an appointment with any eligible private specialist covered by your insurance policy, without needing to see your NHS GP first.

Real-Life Example:

Mark, a 45-year-old marketing manager, develops persistent knee pain. He's struggling to get a timely appointment at his local surgery.

Without Private GP Access: He waits three weeks for an NHS GP appointment. The GP refers him to an NHS physiotherapist, with a waiting list of 12 weeks.

With Private GP Access (via his PMI): He uses his insurer's app on Monday morning and books a video call for that afternoon. The private GP assesses his symptoms and provides an open referral for an orthopaedic consultant. He calls his insurer's claims line, gets the treatment authorised, and sees the private consultant the following week.

A Look at What the Best PMI Providers Offer for GP Access

While most major insurers now offer a form of virtual GP service, the specifics can vary. Understanding these differences is crucial when choosing a policy. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can provide a detailed comparison based on your specific needs, but here is a general overview of what you can expect from the leading names in the market.

ProviderName of GP Service (Typical)Access MethodConsultation HoursKey Features
BupaDigital GP / Bupa Blua HealthApp / Phone24/7Video/phone consults, open referrals, prescription service, symptom checker.
AXA HealthDoctor at Hand (via Doctorcare Anywhere)App / Phone24/7Video consults, choice of GP, open referrals, specialist second opinions.
AvivaAviva Digital GP (provided by Square Health)App / Phone24/7Video consults, prescription service, open referrals, up to 5 appointments per year.
VitalityVitality GPApp24/7Video consults, private prescriptions, referrals, integrated with the wider Vitality wellness programme.
WPAWPA HealthApp / Phone24/7GP, counselling, and health information lines available around the clock.

Disclaimer: Features and provider names are subject to change. This table is for illustrative purposes as of 2025. Always check the policy details before purchasing.

Navigating these options can be complex. Do you need unlimited appointments? Is a specific app's user interface better for you? This is where WeCovr adds significant value. Our experts stay up-to-date with the latest offerings from every major best PMI provider, ensuring you get a policy that truly matches your lifestyle and health needs, all at no extra cost to you.

The Golden Rule of PMI: Understanding Exclusions for Chronic and Pre-existing Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance UK. Failure to grasp this can lead to disappointment and frustration at the point of claim.

Standard UK private health insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

Let's define those terms:

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a joint injury requiring surgery, appendicitis, hernias, or cataracts.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis, and Crohn's disease.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, injury, or symptom for which you have had medication, advice, or treatment in the years before your policy starts (typically the last 5 years).

Private GP services included in your PMI policy cannot be used to get treatment for chronic or pre-existing conditions funded by your insurance.

You can, of course, pay for a private GP consultation yourself to discuss a chronic condition, but your insurance policy will not cover the resulting specialist consultations, tests, or treatments for that condition. The NHS remains your primary provider for managing long-term and pre-existing health issues.

More Than Just a Doctor's Appointment: The Added Value of Modern PMI

The inclusion of GP services is part of a broader trend in the private health cover market: a shift from reactive sickness insurance to proactive wellness support. Insurers now understand that helping you stay healthy is just as important as treating you when you're ill.

This means modern policies are often packed with value-added benefits designed to support your physical and mental wellbeing every day:

  • Mental Health Support: Nearly all policies now include some form of mental health support. This can range from a 24/7 counselling helpline to a set number of face-to-face or virtual therapy sessions for conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Wellness and Fitness Discounts: Many insurers, most notably Vitality, incentivise healthy living with discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, healthy food, and even cinema tickets.
  • Health and Lifestyle Apps: Policies often come with access to a suite of apps for nutrition advice, physiotherapy, and mindfulness.
  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: As a WeCovr client, when you take out a PMI or life insurance policy, you receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you achieve your health goals.
  • Discounts on Other Insurance: We believe in rewarding our customers. When you purchase a health or life insurance policy through WeCovr, you become eligible for exclusive discounts on other types of cover you may need, such as home or travel insurance.

Simple Wellness Tips for a Healthier Life

Taking control of your health isn't just about having the right insurance. Small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a huge impact.

  1. Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's crucial for mental clarity, immune function, and physical recovery. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and minimise screen time an hour before bed.
  2. Move Your Body: You don't need to run a marathon. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity (like a brisk walk) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (like jogging or a HIIT class) per week, as recommended by the NHS.
  3. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. A balanced diet fuels your body and mind. Using an app like CalorieHero can make tracking your nutrition simple and effective.
  4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is vital for energy levels, brain function, and skin health. Aim for 6-8 glasses a day.
  5. Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to unwind. Whether it's through mindfulness, yoga, reading a book, or spending time in nature, actively managing stress is key to long-term wellbeing.

Weighing the Pros and Cons: Should You Get Health Insurance for GP Access?

Is a PMI policy with integrated GP access the right choice for you? It depends on your personal circumstances, priorities, and budget.

Pros of PMI with Integrated GP AccessCons of PMI with Integrated GP Access
✅ Speed and Convenience: Access a GP in hours, not weeks, from anywhere.❌ Cost: You must pay a monthly premium, which can vary based on age, location, and cover level.
✅ Peace of Mind: Knowing you can get quick medical advice 24/7 can be incredibly reassuring.❌ Exclusions: Does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions, which remain with the NHS.
✅ Fast-Track to Specialists: Open referrals bypass NHS waiting lists for specialist treatment.❌ Not for Emergencies: For life-threatening issues like a heart attack or stroke, you must call 999 and use NHS A&E.
✅ Longer Appointments: More time to discuss your concerns thoroughly with the doctor.❌ Prescription Costs: You pay the full private cost of any medication prescribed.
✅ Added Wellness Benefits: Access to mental health support, fitness apps, and other perks.❌ Requires Engagement: To get the most value, you need to use the apps and services provided.

For freelancers, business owners, parents of young children, or anyone who values minimising disruption and getting health issues resolved quickly, the benefits often far outweigh the costs.

Finding Your Perfect Policy: How an Expert PMI Broker Makes it Easy

The UK's private medical insurance market is more innovative and valuable than ever, but it's also more complex. With so many providers, cover levels, and optional extras, trying to find the best deal on your own can be overwhelming.

This is where WeCovr comes in. As an independent, FCA-authorised broker, our service is designed to make the process simple, transparent, and effective.

  • We work for you, not the insurers. Our loyalty is to you, our client.
  • We compare the whole market. We have access to policies from all the leading UK providers, ensuring you see the full range of options.
  • We provide expert, tailored advice. We take the time to understand your needs, budget, and health priorities before recommending a policy.
  • Our service is completely free. We receive a commission from the insurer if you decide to buy a policy, so you get our expert guidance at no cost to you.
  • We handle the paperwork. From application to claim, we're here to support you.

Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing clear, helpful, and professional advice.

Can I use my policy's private GP service for a pre-existing condition?

You can speak to the private GP about any health concern, including a pre-existing one. However, it's crucial to understand that your private medical insurance policy will not cover the cost of any subsequent tests, specialist consultations, or treatment for that pre-existing or any related chronic condition. These must continue to be managed through the NHS. The PMI policy is for new, eligible acute conditions that arise after your cover begins.

Do I still need to be registered with an NHS GP if I have private health insurance?

Yes, absolutely. It is a requirement of all UK private medical insurance policies that you remain registered with an NHS GP. Your NHS GP remains your primary point of contact for managing chronic conditions, routine vaccinations, and for emergency care coordination. Private GP services are designed to complement the NHS, not replace it.

Are the costs of private prescriptions covered by my health insurance?

No. While the consultation with the private GP is covered by your policy, you are responsible for paying the full cost of the medication itself if a private prescription is issued. This cost can be significantly higher than the standard NHS prescription charge in England, so it's an important factor to consider.

What is an 'open referral' and why is it so valuable?

An 'open referral' is a letter from a GP recommending you see a type of specialist (e.g., a cardiologist or a dermatologist) without naming a specific doctor. This is valuable because it gives you and your insurer the flexibility to choose from any recognised specialist within your policy's hospital list. It acts as a key to unlock rapid access to private specialist care, often bypassing long NHS waiting lists.

Ready to skip the queues and gain fast, convenient access to healthcare for you and your family?

Take control of your wellbeing today. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr and let our friendly experts find the perfect private medical insurance policy that fits your life and budget.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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Any questions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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