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Private Health Insurance Cost UK with Excess Options

Private Health Insurance Cost UK with Excess Options 2025

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. This expert guide demystifies one of the most critical factors in your policy's cost: the excess.

How excess choices from £100–£1,000 affect premiums

When you buy private health insurance, the 'excess' is one of the most powerful tools you have to control your monthly or annual premium. But what exactly is it, and how does your choice truly impact your wallet?

In simple terms, an excess (also known as a deductible) is the amount of money you agree to pay towards the cost of your treatment before your insurance provider pays the rest. It's a way of sharing the cost of a claim.

The relationship between your excess and your premium is an inverse one:

  • Higher Excess = Lower Premium
  • Lower Excess = Higher Premium

Think of it like car insurance. If you agree to pay the first £500 of any claim, your insurer sees you as a lower risk, and they reward you with a cheaper policy. The same principle applies to private medical insurance (PMI). By choosing a higher excess, you are telling the insurer you will handle the smaller claims yourself, reducing their potential payout and, in turn, your premium.

Most UK health insurance policies apply the excess on a per-policy-year basis. This is a crucial detail. It means you only pay the excess once per year, regardless of how many separate claims you make. Once you've paid your chosen excess amount, all subsequent eligible claims for the rest of that policy year are typically covered in full by your insurer (up to your policy limits).

The Financial Impact of Excess at a Glance

Let's look at an illustrative example for a 40-year-old non-smoker in Manchester seeking mid-range cover. These figures are for demonstration purposes only, as your actual quote will depend on numerous personal factors.

Excess ChosenIllustrative Monthly PremiumIllustrative Annual PremiumPotential Annual Saving (vs. £100 Excess)
£100£75£900£0
£250£68£816£84
£500£60£720£180
£1,000£50£600£300

As the table shows, increasing your excess from £100 to £1,000 could potentially save you £300 a year on premiums. This trade-off is central to tailoring a policy to your budget.

Understanding the Key Factors That Determine Your PMI Cost

While the excess is a major lever, it's just one piece of the puzzle. The final cost of your private health cover is determined by a combination of personal and policy-related factors.

1. Your Age

Age is the single most significant factor. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases. Insurers price their policies based on this risk, so premiums for a 55-year-old will be considerably higher than for a 25-year-old. Premiums often see noticeable increases at milestone birthdays (e.g., 30, 40, 50, 60).

2. Your Location

Where you live in the UK—your postcode—directly affects your premium. This is due to the varying costs of private medical care across the country.

  • Central London: Has the most expensive private hospitals, leading to the highest premiums.
  • Major Cities (e.g., Manchester, Birmingham): Costs are moderate.
  • Scotland, Northern Ireland & Rural Areas: Often have the lowest premiums due to lower private treatment costs.

Insurers use "hospital lists" to manage this. A policy with a nationwide list including top London hospitals will cost more than one with a more restricted, local list.

3. Your Medical History and Lifestyle

  • Smoking: Smokers and recent vapers will always pay more for health insurance, often 30-50% more than non-smokers. This reflects the well-documented health risks associated with smoking.
  • Underwriting: This is how insurers assess your medical history. The two main types are:
    • Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the five years before joining. However, if you go two full years on the policy without any issues relating to that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then decides what they will and will not cover from the outset. This can sometimes be beneficial if you have a historic condition that is no longer an issue, as the insurer might agree to cover it.

4. The Level of Cover You Choose

This is about how comprehensive your policy is. Insurers typically offer tiered plans:

  • Basic/Core Cover: Covers the big expenses. This includes in-patient and day-patient treatment (where you need a hospital bed). It's designed as a safety net for major procedures, helping you bypass long NHS waiting lists. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was 14.5 weeks in July 2024.
  • Mid-Range Cover: Includes everything in a basic plan plus a limited amount of out-patient cover. This might be a set financial limit (e.g., £1,000 for consultations and tests) or a specific number of sessions.
  • Comprehensive Cover: Offers extensive in-patient and out-patient cover. It often includes benefits like mental health support, therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy), and options to add dental and optical cover.

An expert PMI broker, like WeCovr, can help you compare these different levels across multiple providers to find the perfect balance between cover and cost.

A Deeper Dive into Excess Options: Which Level is Right for You?

Choosing an excess isn't just about finding the lowest premium; it's about finding the right balance for your financial situation. You need to be comfortable paying that amount if you need to make a claim.

Let's explore the common excess levels in more detail.

Excess Level Breakdown and Suitability

Excess LevelTypical CandidateProsCons
£0–£100Someone who wants maximum peace of mind and minimal out-of-pocket costs when claiming.Predictable costs; you pay very little or nothing when you need treatment.The highest monthly premiums.
£250The most popular choice. A good balance between manageable premiums and a reasonable excess.Offers a noticeable premium saving compared to a £0 or £100 excess.You still need to find £250 if you make a claim.
£500Someone who is generally healthy and wants to significantly reduce their monthly costs.Substantial premium savings, making comprehensive cover more affordable.£500 can be a significant upfront cost for many people.
£1,000+Someone with a healthy emergency fund who sees PMI as a safeguard against major costs.The lowest possible premiums, offering maximum long-term savings.You must have £1,000 readily available to pay towards your treatment.

Real-Life Scenarios: How Excess Works in Practice

Scenario 1: Amira, £250 Excess Amira, a 35-year-old graphic designer, has a policy with a £250 annual excess. In May, she develops severe shoulder pain and is referred by her GP to a specialist.

  • Specialist Consultation: £250
  • MRI Scan: £750
  • Total Cost: £1,000

Amira pays the first £250 of the consultation fee herself. Her insurer covers the remaining £750 for the MRI scan. Her annual excess is now met. In October of the same year, she needs an unrelated procedure costing £3,000. Because her annual excess has already been paid, her insurer covers the full £3,000.

Scenario 2: Ben, £1,000 Excess Ben, a 50-year-old project manager, opted for a £1,000 excess to keep his premiums low. He requires a hernia repair operation.

  • Total Cost of Treatment (consultation, surgery, hospital stay): £4,500

Ben pays the first £1,000 directly to the hospital or specialist. His insurer then pays the remaining £3,500. While his out-of-pocket cost is higher than Amira's, his monthly premium has been significantly lower throughout the year, which might have saved him hundreds of pounds already.

What Does UK Private Medical Insurance Actually Cover?

It is absolutely vital to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., cataracts, joint replacement, gallstones, hernias).
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis). Standard private medical insurance does not cover the management of chronic conditions. You will continue to receive care for these through the NHS.

Furthermore, pre-existing conditions are excluded. A pre-existing condition is anything you have had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the years leading up to your policy start date (typically 5 years). Under moratorium underwriting, if you remain symptom-free for two continuous years after your policy begins, that condition may become eligible for cover.

Typical Cover Inclusions and Exclusions

What's Typically Covered?What's Typically Excluded?
In-patient and Day-patient Treatment (hospital stays)Chronic Conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma)
Surgery (as an in-patient or day-patient)Pre-existing Conditions (for at least the first 2 years)
Specialist Consultations (with out-patient cover)Accident & Emergency (A&E) Visits
Diagnostic Tests (e.g., MRI, CT, PET scans)Routine Pregnancy and Childbirth
Cancer Treatment (often extensive, including chemo/radiotherapy)Cosmetic Surgery (unless for reconstructive purposes)
Mental Health Support (with mid-range/comprehensive cover)Organ Transplants
Physiotherapy & Other Therapies (as an add-on or on comprehensive plans)Self-inflicted Injuries

How to Save Money on Your Private Health Insurance Premiums

Beyond choosing a higher excess, there are several other effective strategies to make your private health cover more affordable.

  1. Select a Guided Hospital List: Instead of a list that includes every private hospital in the UK, choose one that is limited to a network selected by your insurer. This can offer significant savings, especially if it excludes the most expensive Central London facilities.
  2. Consider a "6-Week Wait" Option: This is a fantastic cost-saving measure. With this option, if you need in-patient treatment, you will first check the relevant NHS waiting list. If the NHS can treat you within six weeks, you use the NHS. If the wait is longer than six weeks, your private policy kicks in immediately. This reduces the insurer's risk and can lower your premium by 20-30%.
  3. Pay Annually: Most insurers offer a discount (typically around 5%) if you pay your premium in one annual lump sum rather than in monthly instalments.
  4. Review Your Cover Level: Do you really need comprehensive cover right now? Starting with a basic in-patient-only policy provides a crucial safety net against major surgical waits at a much lower cost. You can always look to upgrade your cover in the future.
  5. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle: Insurers reward healthy living. Non-smokers pay substantially less. Many providers also have wellness programmes that offer discounts and rewards for tracking your activity, getting health checks, and maintaining a healthy diet.
  6. Use an Expert PMI Broker: This is arguably the most effective step. A specialist broker like WeCovr has access to the entire market and can compare policies from all the leading UK providers (like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality) in minutes. We do the hard work for you, explaining the differences in cover and finding a policy that fits your specific needs and budget—all at no cost to you.

The Added Value of Wellness Programmes and Modern Benefits

Modern private health insurance is evolving. It's no longer just about treatment when you're ill; it's about helping you stay healthy in the first place. Many leading insurers now include valuable wellness benefits and rewards programmes designed to encourage a healthier lifestyle.

These can include:

  • Discounted gym memberships
  • Wearable tech deals (e.g., Apple Watch, Fitbit)
  • Free cinema tickets or coffees for hitting activity goals
  • Access to virtual GP services 24/7
  • Mental health support apps and phone lines

At WeCovr, we enhance this value proposition even further. When you arrange your private medical insurance through us, you also get:

  • Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you stay on top of your health goals.
  • Exclusive discounts: On other insurance products you might need, such as life insurance or income protection, helping you save more across the board.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About UK Private Health Insurance

Is it cheaper to choose a higher excess on my private health insurance?

Yes, absolutely. Choosing a higher excess is one of the most effective ways to lower your monthly or annual premiums. An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. By selecting a higher amount, for example £1,000 instead of £100, you reduce the financial risk for the insurer, and they pass those savings on to you in the form of a cheaper policy.

Does UK private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

No, as a rule, standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. A pre-existing condition is any medical issue for which you have sought advice, had symptoms, or received treatment in the five years before your policy starts. Most policies operate on a 'moratorium' basis, meaning if you remain free of any symptoms or treatment for that condition for two continuous years after your policy begins, it may then become eligible for cover.

What is the average cost of private medical insurance in the UK?

There is no single "average" cost, as premiums are highly personalised. They can range from as little as £30 per month for a young, healthy individual with basic cover and a high excess, to over £200 per month for an older individual in London with comprehensive cover. The main factors influencing cost are your age, location, the level of cover chosen, your smoking status, and the excess you select.

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

Yes, you can almost always add your partner and dependent children to your private medical insurance policy. This creates a family plan. While adding family members will increase the overall premium, insurers often provide a small discount compared to buying four individual policies separately. It's a convenient way to ensure your whole family has access to private healthcare under one plan.

Take Control of Your Health and Your Premiums Today

Understanding how excess choices and other factors influence your premium empowers you to build a private health insurance policy that truly works for you. You don't have to navigate the market alone.

At WeCovr, our team of friendly, independent experts is here to provide clear, jargon-free advice. We'll compare leading insurers to find you the right cover at the right price, ensuring you have peace of mind without breaking the bank.

[Get Your Free, No-Obligation PMI Quote Today and Compare Your Options in Minutes]

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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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