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Private Health Insurance as an Employee Benefit

Private Health Insurance as an Employee Benefit 2025

In the competitive UK job market, attracting and retaining top talent requires more than just a good salary. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we've seen first-hand how company private medical insurance (PMI) has become a cornerstone of modern employee benefits packages.

Why PMI is one of the most valued workplace perks in the UK

Private health insurance consistently ranks as one of the most sought-after employee benefits, and for good reason. It offers tangible, immediate value to employees while delivering significant strategic advantages for employers. In an era of NHS waiting lists and growing health consciousness, PMI is no longer a luxury but a vital tool for workforce wellbeing and business resilience.

The Employee Perspective: Peace of Mind and Faster Care

For an employee, being provided with private health cover is a powerful statement from their employer: "We care about your health and wellbeing." This benefit provides several key advantages:

  • Bypassing NHS Waiting Lists: This is arguably the biggest driver of PMI's value. With NHS waiting lists for routine treatments reaching record highs (the elective care waiting list in England stood at around 7.54 million in early 2024, according to NHS England data), PMI offers a fast track to diagnosis and treatment. This can mean the difference between weeks of pain and uncertainty versus a consultation and treatment plan within days.
  • Choice and Control: PMI gives employees more control over their healthcare. They can often choose the specialist, consultant, and even the hospital where they receive treatment, ensuring they are comfortable with their care plan.
  • Access to Advanced Treatments: Some cutting-edge drugs and treatments may not be available on the NHS due to cost constraints set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Private insurance can often provide access to these options, particularly in cancer care.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Treatment in a private hospital typically means a private, en-suite room, more flexible visiting hours, and a quieter environment, which can significantly aid recovery.
  • Valuable Mental Health Support: Most modern PMI policies include comprehensive mental health cover, providing access to therapists, counsellors, and psychiatric support with far shorter waiting times than publicly available services.

Real-Life Example: Imagine Sarah, a graphic designer, develops persistent knee pain. On the NHS, she might face a wait of several months just for an initial orthopaedic consultation, followed by another long wait for an MRI scan and then potential surgery. With her company's PMI, she could see a specialist within a week, have an MRI the following week, and be scheduled for keyhole surgery shortly after, minimising her time in pain and away from work.

The Employer Perspective: A Strategic Business Investment

Forward-thinking companies view PMI not as a cost, but as an investment in their most valuable asset: their people. The business case for offering private health insurance is compelling.

  • Attraction and Retention: In a tight labour market, a strong benefits package can be the deciding factor for a candidate choosing between two similar job offers. PMI is a high-impact benefit that signals a company is a premium employer.
  • Reduced Absenteeism: Sickness absence costs the UK economy billions each year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that an estimated 185.6 million working days were lost because of sickness or injury in 2022, the highest level in a decade. By providing faster access to treatment, PMI helps employees get diagnosed and treated sooner, significantly reducing the length and frequency of sick leave.
  • Increased Productivity (Presenteeism): An employee struggling with a health issue, or worrying about a family member, is unlikely to be fully productive. This "presenteeism" can be more costly than absenteeism. PMI alleviates this stress, allowing employees to focus on their work.
  • Building a Positive Company Culture: Offering health insurance demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee welfare. It fosters loyalty, boosts morale, and helps create a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and protected.
Employer AdvantageHow PMI Delivers
Talent AttractionMakes your benefits package stand out in a competitive market.
Employee RetentionIncreases loyalty and shows long-term commitment to staff.
Reduced Sickness AbsenceStaff get treated faster and return to work sooner.
Enhanced ProductivityMinimises health-related stress and "presenteeism".
Improved MoraleCreates a culture of care, making employees feel valued.

Understanding How Company PMI Works

For those unfamiliar with it, a company health insurance scheme is straightforward. An employer takes out a group policy with an insurer to cover its employees. This is often more cost-effective and offers more generous terms than an individual policy.

Key Operational Aspects

  1. Group Scheme: The policy covers a group of people (the employees) rather than a single individual. This spreads the risk for the insurer, often resulting in lower premiums per person.
  2. Payment Structure:
    • Company-Paid: The most common setup, where the employer pays the entire premium for the employee.
    • Voluntary Scheme: The employer facilitates the scheme, but employees opt-in and pay the premiums themselves, often at a discounted corporate rate.
    • Co-payment: A hybrid model where the employer and employee share the cost of the premiums.
  3. The Claims Process: When an employee needs treatment, the process is simple:
    • GP Referral: They visit their NHS GP to get an initial diagnosis and an open referral to a specialist. Many policies now include a Digital GP service, allowing this step to be done via video call.
    • Contact the Insurer: The employee calls the insurer's claims line to get the consultation and any subsequent treatment authorised.
    • Book Treatment: Once authorised, the employee can book their appointment with the specialist or hospital.
    • Direct Settlement: The insurer settles the bills directly with the hospital or specialist, meaning the employee rarely has to handle invoices themselves (apart from any excess).

Is Company Health Insurance a Taxable Benefit?

Yes, in the UK, if your employer pays for your private medical insurance, it is considered a 'Benefit in Kind' (BIK). This means you will have to pay income tax on the value of the premium. The cost of the premium is added to your income for tax purposes and declared by your employer to HMRC on a P11D form. While this does mean a small reduction in your take-home pay, the value of the benefit—fast access to private healthcare—almost always far outweighs the tax cost.

What Does Company Private Health Insurance Typically Cover?

It's vital to understand that UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you join the policy. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.

The Crucial Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the most important concept to grasp.

  • Acute Conditions (Covered): These are short-term, curable conditions. Examples include joint pain requiring a hip replacement, cataracts needing removal, hernias, or appendicitis. Most cancer treatments are also covered comprehensively.
  • Chronic Conditions (Not Covered): These are long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. Standard PMI policies do not cover the day-to-day management of chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or Crohn's disease. While a PMI policy might cover the initial diagnosis of a chronic condition, the ongoing management will revert to the NHS.
  • Pre-existing Conditions (Not Covered): A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, in the years leading up to your policy start date (typically the last 5 years). These are generally excluded from standard cover.

Expert Tip: Some larger company schemes with "Medical History Disregarded" underwriting can cover pre-existing conditions. This is a significant advantage of group PMI and something an expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you secure.

Breakdown of Typical Cover

Here’s a look at what is generally included and excluded in a comprehensive company policy.

Included (Subject to Policy Limits)Generally Excluded
In-patient & Day-patient Treatment: Surgery, hospital stays, nursing care.Pre-existing Conditions: Illnesses you had before the policy started.
Out-patient Cover: Specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, scans (MRI, CT, PET).Chronic Conditions: Long-term management of conditions like diabetes or asthma.
Cancer Cover: Comprehensive cover for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery.Accident & Emergency: A&E services remain the domain of the NHS.
Mental Health Support: Access to counsellors, therapists, and psychiatrists.Normal Pregnancy & Childbirth: Uncomplicated pregnancies are managed by the NHS.
Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call.Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures for aesthetic reasons are not covered.
Therapies: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment after a referral.Organ Transplants, Dialysis.
Complementary & Alternative Medicine: Sometimes included as an optional add-on.Self-inflicted Injuries & Substance Abuse Treatment.

The Different Types of Underwriting for Group PMI

"Underwriting" is the process an insurer uses to assess risk and decide on the terms of your policy, particularly regarding pre-existing conditions. For company schemes, there are several options.

  1. Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common type for smaller businesses. It's simple and doesn't require employees to fill out medical questionnaires. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any pre-existing conditions an employee has had in the 5 years before joining. However, if the employee goes for a set period (usually 2 years) without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after joining, it may become eligible for cover.

  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): Each employee completes a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then assesses this and may apply specific exclusions to their cover based on their medical history. It requires more administration upfront but provides absolute clarity on what is and isn't covered from day one.

  3. Medical History Disregarded (MHD): This is the 'gold standard' of group underwriting, typically available to larger companies (e.g., 20+ employees). As the name suggests, the insurer agrees to cover eligible medical conditions regardless of an employee's prior medical history, including pre-existing conditions. This is a hugely valuable and attractive benefit.

  4. Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME): This option is for businesses switching their PMI provider. It allows employees to carry over the underwriting terms from their previous policy, ensuring continuity of cover.

An expert broker is essential for helping a business choose the right underwriting for its size, budget, and employee needs.

The Added Value: More Than Just Hospital Treatment

Modern PMI is a holistic health and wellbeing solution. The "added value" benefits are often what employees use most frequently and are key to the perceived value of the perk.

Digital GP Services

Perhaps the most-used feature of modern PMI. A Digital GP service allows employees and often their families to book a video or phone consultation with a registered GP 24/7, often within hours.

  • Convenience: No need to take time off work to visit a surgery.
  • Speed: Get medical advice, prescriptions, or referrals quickly.
  • Peace of Mind: Immediate access to a doctor for worrying symptoms.

Comprehensive Mental Health Support

With a growing focus on mental wellbeing in the workplace, this is a critical component. PMI policies now offer:

  • Fast access to therapy: Bypassing long NHS waits for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or counselling.
  • Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Confidential support lines for issues like stress, debt, or legal worries.
  • Digital mental health apps: Access to tools for mindfulness, stress management, and more.

Wellness Programmes and Healthy Living Incentives

Leading insurers actively encourage healthy lifestyles by rewarding members. These perks can include:

  • Significant discounts on gym memberships.
  • Discounts on fitness trackers (like Apple Watch or Fitbit).
  • Free coffee or cinema tickets for reaching activity goals.
  • Access to health and wellness apps.

At WeCovr, we enhance this further. When your company arranges its PMI policy through us, your employees receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. We also offer discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection insurance, providing even greater value.

How WeCovr Helps Businesses and Employees

Choosing the right private medical insurance for your UK business can feel complex. As independent, FCA-authorised brokers, WeCovr simplifies this process, acting as your expert partner to find the best possible solution at no extra cost to you.

Our Role as Your Broker:

  • Whole-of-Market Analysis: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies and prices from all leading UK providers to find the optimal fit for your company's budget and culture.
  • Tailored Advice: We take the time to understand your business—your industry, employee demographics, and goals—to recommend a scheme that delivers real value. Whether you're a small startup wanting a basic plan or a large corporation needing an MHD scheme, we have the expertise.
  • Cost Negotiation: Leveraging our market knowledge and relationships with insurers, we negotiate competitive premiums and favorable terms on your behalf.
  • Hassle-Free Implementation: We manage the paperwork and setup process, explaining the options in plain English and ensuring a smooth rollout to your employees.
  • Ongoing Support: Our service doesn't stop once the policy is live. We are here to assist with renewals, claims queries, and adapting your scheme as your business evolves.

With high customer satisfaction ratings, our team is dedicated to providing clear, impartial, and effective advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is company health insurance a taxable benefit in the UK?

Yes. If your employer pays the premium for your private medical insurance, it is treated as a 'Benefit in Kind' (BIK) by HMRC. The value of the premium is added to your annual income, and you will pay income tax on it. Your employer will handle the declaration on a P11D form. While it is taxable, the financial and wellbeing benefits of having the cover usually far exceed the tax cost.

Does company PMI cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, standard company PMI policies for smaller groups do not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses or injuries you had before the policy started). However, for larger companies, it is common to have a 'Medical History Disregarded' (MHD) underwriting basis. MHD schemes are a key benefit of group cover as they do cover pre-existing conditions, subject to the policy's general terms.

What happens to my health insurance if I leave my job?

When you leave your job, your cover under the company's group scheme will cease. However, most insurers will offer you the option to continue your cover on a personal basis without needing new medical underwriting. This is known as a 'group leaver' option. While the premiums will likely be higher as you will be paying them yourself, it ensures you have continuity of cover for any new conditions that arose while you were on the company scheme.

Can I add my family to my company health insurance policy?

In most cases, yes. Employers often set up their schemes to allow employees to add their spouse, partner, and/or dependent children to the policy. Usually, the employee will be responsible for paying the additional premium for their family members. This is often still cheaper than taking out a separate family policy due to the corporate rates secured by your employer.

Ready to Explore Private Health Insurance for Your Team?

Offering private medical insurance is one of the most powerful ways to invest in your employees' health, happiness, and loyalty. It protects your team and strengthens your business.

Navigating the options can be daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. The expert team at WeCovr is here to provide free, impartial advice. We'll compare the market's best PMI providers to build a tailored, cost-effective plan that's right for your business.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how you can make health a cornerstone of your company's success.

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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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