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Private Health Insurance Cost UK for Self-Employed

Private Health Insurance Cost UK for Self-Employed 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies of various kinds issued, we at WeCovr understand that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can be complex. This guide is designed specifically for the UK's self-employed workforce, offering clarity on costs, benefits, and how to secure the right cover.

Pricing PMI when you don't have an employer scheme

When you're self-employed, you are your own HR department. Unlike employees who might get private health insurance as a company perk, you're responsible for sourcing and funding your own cover. This might seem daunting, but it also gives you complete freedom to choose a policy that perfectly matches your needs and budget, without being tied to a one-size-fits-all corporate plan.

This article will walk you through every aspect of pricing and choosing a Private Medical Insurance (PMI) policy as a sole trader, freelancer, or limited company director in the UK.

What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Why Should the Self-Employed Consider It?

Private Medical Insurance, often called private health cover, is an insurance policy designed to cover the costs of private healthcare for acute conditions that arise after you take out 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.

Crucial Point: Standard UK PMI policies do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. A pre-existing condition is any ailment you had before the policy began. A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, hypertension). PMI is for new, treatable health issues.

For the self-employed, the main benefit of PMI is speed. The inability to work due to illness directly impacts your income. PMI helps you bypass long waiting lists, get diagnosed quickly, and receive treatment promptly, so you can get back to running your business.

The NHS Context: According to NHS England data, the referral-to-treatment (RTT) waiting list stood at approximately 7.5 million cases in mid-2024. Many patients wait several months for specialist consultations and non-urgent surgery. For a self-employed individual, a long wait can mean significant lost earnings and stress.

Key Benefits of PMI for the Self-Employed:

  • Speed of Access: Get fast-track appointments with specialists and schedule surgery at your convenience.
  • Choice and Control: Choose your specialist, consultant, and hospital from a list provided by your insurer.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Recover in a private room, often with an en-suite bathroom, more flexible visiting hours, and better food options.
  • Access to Specialist Drugs & Treatments: Some policies offer cover for drugs or treatments not yet available on the NHS due to cost or pending approval.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place to protect your health and your business can significantly reduce anxiety.

Key Factors Influencing Your PMI Premium as a Self-Employed Person

Your monthly premium isn't a random number. It's calculated based on several risk factors. Understanding these allows you to tailor a policy to your budget.

1. Your Age

This is one of the most significant factors. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases. Therefore, premiums rise with age. Insurers typically have pricing bands (e.g., 30-34, 35-39), and your premium will adjust as you move into a new band.

2. Your Location (Postcode)

Where you live matters because the cost of private medical treatment varies across the UK. Private hospitals in Central London are the most expensive, so premiums for people living in and around the capital are higher. If you live in a region with lower treatment costs, your premium will be cheaper.

3. Your Chosen Level of Cover

Insurers offer tiered plans, allowing you to balance cost against the comprehensiveness of your cover.

Level of CoverWhat It Typically IncludesBest For
Basic (Core)In-patient and day-patient treatment: Covers tests and surgery when you are admitted to a hospital bed. Also includes cancer care as standard.Those on a tight budget wanting cover for major medical events.
Mid-RangeEverything in Basic, plus some out-patient cover: Usually a set limit (e.g., £500 - £1,500) for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans.A good balance of cost and comprehensive cover for diagnosis and treatment.
ComprehensiveEverything in Mid-Range, plus full out-patient cover: No annual limit on out-patient consultations or diagnostics. Often includes extras like mental health support, therapies (physio, osteo), and sometimes dental/optical cover.Those wanting maximum peace of mind and cover for every step of the journey, from diagnosis to recovery.

4. The Policy Excess

An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250, and the insurer pays the remaining £2,750.

The rule is simple: a higher excess leads to a lower monthly premium.

Common excess levels are £0, £100, £250, £500, and £1,000. Choosing a higher excess that you can comfortably afford is an excellent way to make your policy more affordable.

5. Your Hospital List

Insurers group hospitals into tiers based on cost.

  • Local/Trust Hospital Lists: Restrict you to specific local hospitals or NHS private wings, offering the lowest premiums.
  • National Lists: Give you access to a wide range of private hospitals across the UK, but usually exclude the most expensive ones in Central London.
  • Premium/London Lists: Give you unrestricted access to all hospitals, including top-tier facilities in London. This is the most expensive option.

If you don't live near London or are happy to be treated elsewhere, choosing a national or local list can save you a significant amount of money.

6. Underwriting Type

This is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what to cover.

  • Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition for which you have had symptoms, advice, or treatment in the 5 years before your policy started. However, if you then go for 2 continuous years on the policy without needing treatment, advice, or medication for that condition, the insurer may reinstate cover for it. It's simple and quick.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer reviews your medical history and lists any specific conditions that will be permanently excluded from cover. While it involves more paperwork initially, it provides absolute clarity from day one about what is and isn't covered.

7. Lifestyle Factors

Your lifestyle choices, particularly smoking, have a direct impact on your premium. Insurers view smokers and recent ex-smokers as higher risk, and their premiums can be up to 50% higher than for non-smokers.

Average Cost of Private Health Insurance for the Self-Employed in the UK

To give you a clearer picture, here are some estimated monthly costs for a non-smoker with a £250 excess. These are indicative figures from 2024/2025 market analysis; your actual quote will depend on all the factors discussed above.

Age BracketBasic Cover (Est. Monthly Cost)Mid-Range Cover (Est. Monthly Cost)Comprehensive Cover (Est. Monthly Cost)
25-34£30 - £45£50 - £70£80 - £110
35-44£40 - £60£65 - £90£100 - £140
45-54£55 - £80£85 - £120£130 - £180
55-64£80 - £120£120 - £170£180 - £250+

Disclaimer: These prices are estimates for guidance purposes only. The only way to know your exact premium is to get a personalised quote based on your unique circumstances.

Is Private Health Insurance a Tax-Deductible Expense for the Self-Employed?

This is a frequent and important question. The tax treatment of PMI depends on your business structure.

For Sole Traders and Partnerships

HMRC generally considers private health insurance a personal expense, not a business one. This means you cannot claim the cost of your PMI premiums as an allowable expense to reduce your income tax bill. You pay for it out of your post-tax income.

For Limited Company Directors

If you run your own limited company, the situation is different.

  1. For the Company: The company can pay for the director's PMI policy. The premium is considered an allowable business expense, so the company can deduct the cost from its pre-tax profits, reducing its Corporation Tax liability.
  2. For the Director: The PMI policy is treated as a 'benefit in kind'. This means HMRC sees it as part of your personal income. The value of the premiums will be added to your income for tax purposes, and you will pay income tax on it at your marginal rate (20%, 40%, or 45%). The company must report this on a P11D form. Additionally, the company will have to pay Class 1A National Insurance contributions (currently 13.8%) on the value of the benefit.

While it's not a straightforward "tax-free" perk, paying through a limited company can still be efficient, especially for higher-rate taxpayers. Always consult your accountant for advice tailored to your specific financial situation.

How to Reduce Your Private Health Insurance Costs

Here are seven practical steps you can take to make your private health cover more affordable without sacrificing essential protection.

  1. Increase Your Excess: As mentioned, opting for a higher excess (£500 or £1,000) is one of the most effective ways to lower your monthly premium.
  2. Choose a "6-Week Wait" Option: This is a brilliant cost-saving feature. If the NHS can provide the in-patient treatment you need within six weeks of when it should take place, you use the NHS. If the NHS waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private policy kicks in. Because this reduces the likelihood of the insurer having to pay for treatment, it can cut premiums by 20-30%.
  3. Select a Restricted Hospital List: Unless you have a strong reason to want access to premium London hospitals, choosing a national or even a local hospital list can offer substantial savings.
  4. Pay Annually: Most insurers offer a discount of around 5% if you pay for your entire year's premium in one go.
  5. Review Your Cover Level: Be realistic about what you need. Do you require full cover for therapies, or is your main concern getting rapid access to surgery? Paring back non-essential add-ons can make a big difference.
  6. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Quitting smoking is the single biggest lifestyle change you can make to reduce your premium. Many insurers also offer rewards for staying active.
  7. Use an Expert PMI Broker: A specialist broker, like WeCovr, can be your most powerful tool. We compare policies from across the entire market to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Our service is free to you, and our expertise often uncovers deals and policy combinations you wouldn't find on your own.

Added Value: Wellness Programmes and Member Benefits

Modern private medical insurance UK providers are increasingly focused on preventative health, not just treatment. Many policies now come with fantastic wellness programmes designed to help you stay healthy.

These can include:

  • Discounts on gym memberships and fitness trackers.
  • Rewards for hitting activity goals (e.g., free coffee, cinema tickets).
  • Digital GP services for 24/7 consultations via phone or video call.
  • Mental health support lines and access to therapy sessions.
  • Discounts on healthy food.

At WeCovr, we enhance this value further. When you purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, you receive:

  • Complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to support your health goals.
  • Discounts on other insurance products, such as income protection or critical illness cover, helping you build a comprehensive financial safety net for less.

Choosing the Best PMI Provider in the UK

The UK market is home to several excellent and well-established insurers. The "best" one truly depends on your individual priorities—whether that's budget, comprehensive mental health cover, or the best wellness rewards.

The main providers you'll encounter include:

  • Aviva: One of the UK's largest insurers, known for its comprehensive policies and strong hospital network.
  • Bupa: A household name in UK healthcare, offering a wide range of plans and its own network of clinics and hospitals.
  • AXA Health: A global insurance giant with a reputation for quality service and innovative health-tech features.
  • Vitality: Famous for its wellness-focused approach, rewarding members for staying active with points and discounts.
  • The Exeter: A specialist friendly society known for its excellent customer service and flexible underwriting, particularly for those with some medical history.

Comparing these providers and their dozens of policy variations can be overwhelming. This is where an independent broker adds immense value, providing a clear, unbiased comparison tailored to you.

Can I get private health insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Yes, you can still get a policy, but the pre-existing condition and any related ailments will be excluded from cover. With 'moratorium' underwriting, this exclusion might be lifted if you go two years without treatment or advice for it after your policy starts. With 'full medical underwriting', the exclusion is typically permanent. It's crucial to be honest about your medical history.

Is PMI worth it for a young, healthy self-employed person?

For many, yes. Firstly, your premiums will be at their lowest when you are young and healthy, making it very affordable. Secondly, it's a risk management tool. An unexpected illness or injury requiring surgery could put you on a long NHS waiting list, leading to months of lost income. The small monthly cost of PMI can be seen as an investment in protecting your ability to earn. Plus, you get access to valuable wellness benefits and 24/7 digital GP services.

How is PMI different from income protection insurance?

They serve two different but complementary purposes. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) pays the medical bills for your private diagnosis and treatment. Income Protection pays you a tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury. For a self-employed person, having both provides a powerful safety net: PMI helps you get better faster, and income protection replaces your lost earnings while you recover.

Will my private medical insurance premium increase every year?

It is very likely, yes. Premiums typically increase each year for two main reasons: your age (as you move into a higher-risk age bracket) and 'medical inflation' (the rising cost of healthcare, new technologies, and drugs). This is why it's wise to review your policy annually with a broker, who can check if your current plan is still the most competitive option or if switching insurers could save you money.

Take Control of Your Health and Your Business

Being self-employed means investing in yourself is investing in your business. Private medical insurance is a key part of that investment, providing the security and peace of mind you need to thrive. While the cost can seem like just another expense, the cost of not having it when you need it most can be far greater.

Ready to find a PMI policy that fits your self-employed life? The expert, FCA-authorised team at WeCovr is here to help. We'll do the hard work of comparing the market for you, explaining your options in plain English, and finding a policy that protects your health without breaking the bank.

Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and see how affordable peace of mind can be.


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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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