Private Health Insurance Broker Do You Need One and What Do They Do

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 13, 2026
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TL;DR

Navigating the UK's private medical insurance market can feel overwhelming, with dozens of providers and countless policy options. At WeCovr, our experienced team has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, and we understand that choosing the right cover is one of the most important financial decisions you can make for your health. This guide explains the vital role of a private health insurance broker and why partnering with one is the smartest way to secure the best protection.

Key takeaways

  • Independent: They are not employed by an insurance company. Their advice is impartial.
  • Client-Focused: Their legal and professional duty is to act in your best interests.
  • Expert Knowledge: They have deep, specialist knowledge of the PMI market, including policy details, insurer strengths, and underwriting nuances.
  • FCA Regulated: All legitimate brokers in the UK are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures they meet strict standards of professionalism and fairness. WeCovr is proud to be an FCA-authorised firm.
  • Understanding Your Needs (The Fact-Find)

Navigating the UK's private medical insurance market can feel overwhelming, with dozens of providers and countless policy options. At WeCovr, our experienced team has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, and we understand that choosing the right cover is one of the most important financial decisions you can make for your health. This guide explains the vital role of a private health insurance broker and why partnering with one is the smartest way to secure the best protection.

A guide to using a private health insurance broker or private medical insurance brokers to compare policies properly

Choosing private medical insurance (PMI) is not like buying car insurance. The options are more complex, the jargon is more confusing, and the consequences of getting it wrong are far more significant. This is where a specialist private medical insurance broker comes in.

A broker acts as your expert guide, working on your behalf to find the most suitable and cost-effective policy for your specific needs. They are not tied to any single insurer. Their duty is to you, the client. This guide will demystify their role, explain the benefits, and show you how to find the right one to help you make an informed decision.

What Exactly is a Private Health Insurance Broker?

A private health insurance broker is a professionally qualified and regulated intermediary who specialises in the private medical insurance market. Think of them as a personal health insurance shopper and adviser rolled into one.

Their primary role is to understand your unique circumstances—your health, your budget, and what's important to you in a policy—and then search the market to find the best options from a range of UK insurers.

Key characteristics of a PMI broker:

  • Independent: They are not employed by an insurance company. Their advice is impartial.
  • Client-Focused: Their legal and professional duty is to act in your best interests.
  • Expert Knowledge: They have deep, specialist knowledge of the PMI market, including policy details, insurer strengths, and underwriting nuances.
  • FCA Regulated: All legitimate brokers in the UK are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures they meet strict standards of professionalism and fairness. WeCovr is proud to be an FCA-authorised firm.

Broker vs. Going Direct vs. Comparison Website

It's crucial to understand the difference between these three routes to buying health insurance.

MethodHow it WorksProsCons
PMI Broker (e.g., WeCovr)Personalised advice from a human expert who researches the market for you.Free, expert advice. Tailored recommendations. Help with application and claims. Annual policy reviews.Requires a conversation to assess your needs (which is also a pro!).
Going Direct to an InsurerYou contact one insurer (e.g., Bupa, AXA) and only see their products.You deal directly with the provider.You only see one option. No impartial advice. You are responsible for all comparisons.
Comparison WebsiteYou enter basic details online and get a list of prices.Quick to get initial prices.Prices are often generic and not tailored. No advice on policy suitability. Can lead to buying inadequate cover.

A broker provides a level of service and expertise that other channels simply cannot match. They fill the crucial gap between a generic price list and a truly suitable policy.

The Core Roles of a PMI Broker: What Do They Actually Do?

A good broker does far more than just find you a price. They provide a comprehensive, end-to-end service designed to secure the right cover and support you throughout the life of your policy.

  1. Understanding Your Needs (The Fact-Find) The process begins with a detailed conversation. A broker will ask about:

    • Your Health: Any past or present medical conditions for you and your family.
    • Your Budget: What you can comfortably afford each month.
    • Your Priorities: Is fast access to a GP more important than a wide choice of hospitals? Do you need comprehensive cancer care?
    • Your Lifestyle: Do you travel? Are you self-employed?
  2. Market Analysis and Comparison Armed with this information, the broker researches the market. They leverage their knowledge of different insurers like Aviva, AXA Health, Bupa, The Exeter, Vitality, and WPA to identify policies that align with your needs. They look beyond the headline price to compare crucial features.

  3. Explaining the Jargon in Plain English The world of PMI is filled with confusing terms. A broker will clearly explain what they mean for you:

    • Underwriting: The difference between Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting.
    • Excess: How much you pay towards a claim and how it impacts your premium.
    • Hospital Lists: Why a "local" list might save you money but limit your choice.
    • Outpatient Limits: What happens when you see a specialist before being admitted to hospital.
    • The 6-Week Option: A popular cost-saving feature that works alongside the NHS.
  4. Tailoring Your Policy A "standard" policy rarely fits anyone perfectly. A broker helps you customise your cover by adding or removing options to strike the perfect balance between protection and price. For example, they might advise that increasing your excess by £250 could save you far more on your annual premium.

  5. Application Assistance Filling out insurance applications can be tricky. An error or omission, even if accidental, can lead to a claim being denied later. Your broker ensures the application is completed accurately, giving you peace of mind.

  6. Ongoing Support and Annual Reviews This is one of the most valuable, yet often overlooked, services.

    • Claims Support: If you have an issue or question about a claim, your broker can often liaise with the insurer on your behalf.
    • Annual Renewal: Premiums almost always increase at renewal. Your broker will review your policy each year, check if it's still competitive, and re-broke the market if necessary to find you a better deal. This alone can save you thousands of pounds over the lifetime of your policy.

Do You Need a Private Health Insurance Broker?

For the vast majority of people, the answer is a resounding yes. While you can buy directly from an insurer, the risks of doing so without expert guidance are high.

You should seriously consider using a broker if:

  • You are new to private health insurance. The market is too complex to navigate alone for the first time.
  • You have a specific medical history. A broker knows which insurers are more lenient with certain pre-existing conditions.
  • You want to ensure you're getting value for money. A broker's whole-of-market comparison is the only way to be sure you aren't overpaying.
  • You are a business owner. Setting up a group PMI scheme for employees requires specialist knowledge of products and tax implications.
  • You are busy. A broker does all the time-consuming research and comparison for you.
  • You want peace of mind. Knowing an expert has checked your policy and it's right for you is invaluable.

The best part? Using a private health insurance broker like WeCovr is free. Brokers are paid a commission by the insurance provider you choose. This commission is already built into the insurer's price, so you don't pay anything extra for the broker's expert advice and service. You get a better outcome, expert guidance, and ongoing support, all at no additional cost.

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Common Mistakes People Make When Buying PMI Without a Broker

At WeCovr, we often speak to clients who have tried to buy cover on their own and run into problems. Here are the most common mistakes we see:

  1. Choosing on Price Alone: The cheapest policy is rarely the best. It might have a very limited hospital list, a low outpatient limit, or restricted cancer cover that you only discover when you need to claim.
  2. Misunderstanding Underwriting: Many people choose "Moratorium" underwriting because it's quicker. However, they don't realise it can lead to claim delays while the insurer investigates their medical history from the last 5 years. A broker can advise if Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) would be a better, more certain option for them.
  3. Ignoring the Hospital List: You might buy a policy only to find your nearest or preferred private hospital isn't on the list, forcing you to travel for treatment.
  4. Incorrectly Declaring Medical History: Accidentally forgetting to mention a consultation for symptoms (even if no diagnosis was given) can be grounds for an insurer to reject a future claim. A broker helps you navigate this declaration process correctly.
  5. The "New for Old" Switching Trap: Many people switch insurers at renewal to get a cheaper premium without advice. This resets their underwriting, meaning any condition they claimed for or had symptoms of with their old insurer is now a "pre-existing condition" and excluded by the new one. A broker can manage this process using "Continued Personal Medical Exclusions" (CPME) underwriting to ensure continuous cover.

The UK Private Health Insurance Market: Key Insurers & Considerations

A broker has an expert view of the entire market. While they are all excellent providers, each has its own unique focus and strengths.

InsurerKey Strengths & Focus
AXA HealthStrong focus on clinical pathways and mental health support. Well-regarded for their comprehensive cover.
AvivaA major UK insurer with a strong brand. Offers a "back to health" journey with extensive rehabilitation support.
BupaThe UK's best-known health insurer with a vast network of hospitals and facilities. Often a benchmark for quality.
VitalityUnique approach that rewards healthy living. Members can get discounts and rewards for being active.
The ExeterA Friendly Society (mutual) known for excellent customer service and considering some pre-existing conditions.
WPAA not-for-profit provider often praised for its flexible policies and high levels of customer satisfaction.

The Golden Rule: PMI is for Acute Conditions, Not Chronic Ones

This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance in the UK.

  • PMI covers ACUTE conditions: These are diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., joint replacement, cataract surgery, cancer treatment).
  • PMI does NOT cover CHRONIC conditions: These are long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, eczema). The day-to-day management of chronic conditions remains with the NHS.
  • PMI does NOT cover PRE-EXISTING conditions: It will not cover any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received treatment for, before you took out the policy.

Other common exclusions include routine pregnancy, cosmetic surgery (unless for reconstructive purposes), emergency room visits, and self-inflicted injuries.

The WeCovr Brokerage Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

We believe in making the process of finding health insurance simple, transparent, and effective. Here’s how we work with you:

  1. Step 1: Free Initial Consultation You'll have a no-obligation chat with one of our friendly, UK-based PMI specialists. We listen to your needs and answer all your questions without any pressure.

  2. Step 2: Whole-of-Market Comparison We use our expertise and technology to analyse policies from the UK's leading insurers, comparing them on over 40 different features, not just price.

  3. Step 3: Personalised Recommendation We present you with a shortlist of the 2-3 best options in a clear, jargon-free report. We explain the pros and cons of each, empowering you to make the final choice.

  4. Step 4: Smooth and Simple Application Once you've decided, we guide you through the application, ensuring every detail is correct for a smooth and stress-free setup.

  5. Step 5: Lifelong Support & Added Value Our service doesn't stop once your policy is live. We are here to help with claim queries and conduct a free market review every year at renewal to ensure you always have the best cover at the best price. Furthermore, as a WeCovr client, you may receive discounts on other policies like life insurance and get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to support your health journey.

Understanding Your Policy Options: Key Terms Explained

A broker will help you master these terms, but here is a quick primer on the most important choices you'll make.

TermWhat it MeansExpert Tip
UnderwritingThe process an insurer uses to assess your medical history. Moratorium is quick but has a 2-year waiting period for pre-existing conditions. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) requires a health questionnaire upfront but provides certainty on what is covered from day one.FMU is often better if you have a known medical history, as you know exactly where you stand. Moratorium is simpler if you are in good health.
ExcessThe amount you agree to pay towards the cost of your first claim each year. An excess can range from £0 to £1,000.Choosing a higher excess (e.g., £250 or £500) is one of the most effective ways to reduce your monthly premium significantly.
Outpatient CoverCovers specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans that don't require a hospital bed. Options range from nil cover to a limited amount (e.g., £1,000) to full cover.A mid-range outpatient limit of £1,000-£1,500 often provides a good balance of cover and cost for most people's needs.
The 6-Week OptionA cost-saving feature. If the NHS waiting list for your inpatient procedure is less than 6 weeks, you use the NHS. If it's longer, your private policy kicks in immediately.This can reduce your premium by 20-30% and is an excellent option if your main priority is avoiding long NHS waits for major procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a private health insurance broker cost?

A reputable private health insurance broker, such as WeCovr, does not charge you a fee for their advice and services. They are paid a commission by the insurer after you purchase a policy. This commission is already factored into the premium, meaning you pay the same price (or often less) than going direct, but you get expert, impartial advice and ongoing support included.

Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions in the UK?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute medical conditions that arise *after* your policy has started. All policies exclude conditions you have had symptoms of, or treatment for, before joining. Some specialist policies or underwriting types may consider covering certain conditions after a set period (usually 2 years) with no symptoms, which a broker can help you navigate.

Can I switch my health insurance policy to another provider?

Yes, you can, but it is vital to do this with expert guidance from a broker. A broker can help you switch using "Continued Personal Medical Exclusions" (CPME) underwriting. This allows you to move to a new insurer on a like-for-like basis, carrying over your existing medical exclusions so that you don't lose cover for conditions that developed under your old policy. Switching on your own without this can be a very costly mistake.

Is private medical insurance worth it in the UK?

This is a personal decision based on your priorities and financial situation. With NHS waiting lists at record highs, many people find the value in PMI comes from gaining fast access to specialists and treatment, having a choice of consultant and hospital, and the comfort of a private room. It provides peace of mind that should you fall ill with an acute condition, you can be diagnosed and treated quickly.

Your Next Step to Better Health Cover

The UK's private health insurance landscape is powerful but complex. Using an expert, independent broker is the single most effective way to ensure you find the right policy at the right price, without the stress and risk of going it alone.

Let our team of specialists do the hard work for you. We provide free, impartial, and expert advice to help you secure peace of mind.


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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
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3. Enjoy your protection!
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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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