Login

Private Health Insurance Cost UK with Guided Consultants

Private Health Insurance Cost UK with Guided Consultants

Navigating the cost of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex, but there are simple ways to make it more affordable. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we believe in empowering you with clear information. This guide explains how choosing a "guided consultant" list can significantly lower your premiums without compromising on the quality of your care.

How restricted consultant choice lowers premiums

The single biggest driver of cost in any private medical insurance claim is the consultant's fee. Consultants, who are senior doctors specialising in a specific field of medicine, have varying fee structures. Some charge significantly more than others for the same procedure.

Insurers tackle this in two ways:

  1. Unrestricted or "Open" Referral: You can choose any recognised consultant in the UK. The insurer will pay up to a certain limit, but if your chosen consultant charges more, you may face a shortfall. This flexibility comes at a price, resulting in the highest premiums.
  2. Guided or "Restricted" Consultant Lists: The insurer creates a panel of specialists with whom they have pre-negotiated fees. When you need to see a specialist, the insurer provides you with a short list of 3-5 approved consultants to choose from.

Because the insurer can guarantee these consultants will charge within an agreed, often lower, price range, they can predict their costs more accurately. They pass these savings directly on to you in the form of a lower premium – often 15-25% cheaper than an equivalent policy with open referral. It’s a smart way to balance choice, quality, and affordability.


Understanding Private Medical Insurance (PMI) in the UK

Before diving deeper into consultant lists, let's refresh our understanding of what private medical insurance is for. PMI is a policy that covers the cost of private healthcare for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

It acts as a complement to the NHS, not a replacement. Its main benefits are:

  • Speed: Bypassing long NHS waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was 14.5 weeks in early 2025, with hundreds of thousands waiting much longer. PMI can reduce this to just a few weeks.
  • Choice: More control over when and where you are treated, and by which specialist (within the terms of your policy).
  • Comfort: Access to private hospitals, which often offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, better food, and more flexible visiting hours.

Critical Information: What PMI Does Not Cover

It is crucial to understand the limitations of standard UK private health cover. Policies are designed for new, treatable conditions. They almost never cover:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness, disease, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice from a medical professional in the 5 years before your policy start date.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions that require ongoing management and have no known cure. This includes illnesses like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, arthritis, and most types of heart disease.

PMI is for the unexpected, like needing a hip replacement, cataract surgery, or specialist consultations for a new joint pain, not for managing a condition you already have.


The "Consultant List" Explained: Open vs. Guided Options

The choice between an open referral and a guided list is one of the most significant decisions you'll make when tailoring your private medical insurance policy. Let's break down the differences in a simple table.

FeatureOpen Referral (Unrestricted Choice)Guided Consultant List (Restricted Choice)
Consultant ChoiceYou can choose virtually any recognised consultant in the UK.Your insurer provides a short, curated list of 3-5 specialists.
Premium CostHighest. You pay a premium for maximum flexibility.Significantly lower. Often 15-25% cheaper.
Appointment ProcessYour GP refers you, and you research and book the appointment yourself.Your insurer provides the options and often helps facilitate the booking.
Risk of ShortfallHigher. If your chosen consultant's fees exceed the insurer's limits, you pay the difference.Almost zero. Fees are pre-agreed between the insurer and the consultant.
Best For...Those who want absolute freedom of choice, have a specific consultant in mind, or live in a remote area with limited options.Those looking for the best value, who trust the insurer's vetting process, and want a simpler, more affordable journey to treatment.

For many people, the guided option presents a "best of both worlds" scenario: top-tier private care at a much more manageable price point.


Which UK Insurers Offer Guided Consultant Options?

Most leading UK private health insurance providers now offer a guided consultant option as a way to make their policies more accessible. The names for these schemes vary by insurer, which is why working with a PMI broker like WeCovr can be so helpful in demystifying the market.

Here’s a look at what the major players offer:

InsurerName of Guided OptionKey Feature
AXA HealthGuided OptionProvides a choice of up to five specialists and can help book the initial consultation for you, often securing faster appointments.
AvivaExpert SelectAviva finds and vets the specialist for you based on their clinical excellence and availability, simplifying the entire process.
BupaGuided Care / Consultant PartnershipOffers a network of Bupa-recognised consultants who are proven to use evidence-based practices and charge within agreed limits.
VitalityConsultant SelectGives you a choice of consultants from a pre-vetted list. Often integrated with their wellness programme to further reduce costs.

Choosing the right provider depends on more than just the name of their guided option. Each insurer has a different network of hospitals and consultants, different approaches to customer service, and unique policy benefits. An independent broker can compare the real-world application of these options based on your location and needs.


How Much Can You Really Save? A Cost Analysis

The savings from choosing a guided consultant list are not just theoretical; they are substantial. While your exact premium depends on a range of factors, let's look at some illustrative examples to demonstrate the potential savings.

  • A 35-year-old professional living in Bristol, non-smoker:

    • A comprehensive policy with an open referral might cost around £65 per month.
    • The same policy with a guided consultant list could be around £52 per month.
    • Annual Saving: £156
  • A 50-year-old couple living in Edinburgh, non-smokers:

    • A joint policy with open referral might be approximately £170 per month.
    • Switching to a guided option could bring this down to £135 per month.
    • Annual Saving: £420
  • A family of four (parents aged 40, two children under 10) in the Midlands:

    • A family policy with open referral could cost around £220 per month.
    • With a guided consultant option, the premium could be closer to £175 per month.
    • Annual Saving: £540

ProfileEst. Monthly Premium (Open Referral)Est. Monthly Premium (Guided List)Potential Annual Saving
35-year-old, Bristol£65£52£156
50-year-old couple, Edinburgh£170£135£420
Family of 4, Midlands£220£175£540

Disclaimer: These figures are for illustrative purposes only and are based on 2025 market averages. Your actual quote will depend on your age, location, medical history, and chosen level of cover. For a precise quote, it's essential to speak with an adviser.


Are Guided Consultants as Good as the Ones I'd Choose Myself?

This is the most common and important question customers ask. Is the cost saving a trade-off for lower-quality care?

The answer is a resounding no.

Insurers have a strong vested interest in ensuring you receive effective, high-quality treatment. A successful, efficient procedure means you recover quickly and are less likely to need further, more expensive treatment down the line.

Consultants included on guided lists are rigorously vetted based on a combination of factors:

  1. Clinical Excellence: They must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and be on the Specialist Register. Insurers review their qualifications, experience, and patient outcomes.
  2. Evidence-Based Practice: The consultants must follow nationally recognised best practices and clinical guidelines. This ensures you are not subjected to unnecessary or unproven treatments.
  3. Professional Recognition: They are often leaders in their field who work out of top private hospitals.
  4. Fee Agreements: They agree to work within the insurer's pre-agreed fee structure, which eliminates the risk of you facing a shortfall.

The "restriction" is not on quality but on price. You are being guided towards a specialist who is just as qualified as their more expensive counterparts but has agreed to a more reasonable fee schedule. In many cases, because the insurer helps with the booking, you may even get an appointment faster than if you were searching on your own.


Other Key Factors That Influence Your PMI Premium

The consultant list is a major lever for controlling costs, but it's not the only one. When building your policy, you can adjust several elements to find the perfect balance between cover and cost.

  • Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim each year. An excess of £250 or £500 can significantly reduce your monthly premium compared to a zero-excess policy.
  • Hospital List: Insurers have tiered hospital lists. A policy that includes elite private hospitals in Central London will be far more expensive than one with a national network of quality private hospitals. If you don't live near London, restricting this list is an easy way to save money.
  • Level of Out-patient Cover: Your policy will always cover in-patient and day-patient care (when you're admitted to a hospital bed). Out-patient cover pays for consultations and diagnostics before admission. You can choose a full-cover option, cap it at a certain amount (e.g., £1,000), or remove it entirely to lower your premium.
  • Age and Location: Premiums naturally increase with age. Likewise, living in London or the South East typically results in higher premiums due to the higher cost of private treatment there.
  • No-Claims Discount (NCD): Just like with car insurance, you can build up a discount for every year you don't make a claim, often up to 60-75%.
  • Underwriting: You can choose between 'Moratorium' underwriting (which automatically excludes recent pre-existing conditions) or 'Full Medical Underwriting' (where you declare your history upfront). An expert PMI broker can advise which is best for you.

The Role of a PMI Broker like WeCovr

Trying to compare all these options across multiple insurers can be overwhelming. This is where an independent broker like WeCovr provides immense value.

  • Expert Market Knowledge: We live and breathe private medical insurance UK. We understand the fine print behind every provider's "Guided Option" and "Hospital List."
  • Personalised, Unbiased Advice: We work for you, not the insurance companies. Our goal is to find the best PMI provider and policy for your specific circumstances and budget.
  • It Costs You Nothing: Our service is completely free for you to use. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium price. You won't find a cheaper price by going direct.
  • We Handle the Hassle: From comparing quotes to helping with the application, we make the process smooth and simple. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to excellent service.

As a WeCovr client, you also get exclusive benefits, including complimentary access to our AI-powered diet and calorie tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. Plus, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance with us can receive discounts on other types of cover.


A Note on Wellness and Prevention

The cheapest health insurance claim is the one you never have to make. While PMI is there for when things go wrong, embracing a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing many acute conditions.

Modern insurers increasingly recognise this. Some, like Vitality, have built their entire model around rewarding healthy behaviour with premium discounts, coffee vouchers, and cinema tickets.

Focusing on these key areas can have a huge impact on your long-term health:

  • A Balanced Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is fundamental to good health. Tools like the CalorieHero app can help you understand your nutritional intake and make smarter choices.
  • Regular Physical Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or tennis) a week. This strengthens your cardiovascular system, manages weight, and boosts mental health.
  • Prioritising Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a weakened immune system, higher stress levels, and an increased risk of numerous health problems.
  • Managing Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to issues like high blood pressure and a weakened immune response. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or simply making time for hobbies can make a significant difference.

By taking proactive steps to manage your health, you not only improve your quality of life but also reduce your reliance on medical services, which can help keep your insurance premiums stable in the long term.


What's the difference between a guided consultant list and a hospital list?

A hospital list dictates *where* you can be treated (the facility), while a guided consultant list dictates *who* can treat you (the specialist). Most policies have both components. A guided consultant list offers a smaller, pre-vetted choice of specialists who practice at the hospitals on your chosen list. This combination helps insurers manage costs and allows them to offer you a lower premium.

Can I switch to an open referral policy later if I start with a guided list?

Generally, yes. You can usually request to change your level of cover at your annual policy renewal. Moving from a guided list to an open referral will increase your premium. It's often simpler to downgrade your cover than to upgrade it, so it is wise to discuss your potential long-term needs with a broker like WeCovr from the outset to ensure you start on the right plan.

Does UK private health insurance cover pre-existing or chronic conditions?

No, standard private medical insurance in the UK is specifically designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond to treatment—that arise *after* your policy has started. It does not cover the management of long-term chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, nor does it cover pre-existing conditions for which you have had symptoms or treatment in the years immediately before your policy began.

What happens if I don't like any of the consultants on the guided list?

This is a rare occurrence, as insurers provide several highly qualified and experienced options for any given speciality. The specialists are selected for their clinical excellence. However, if you have a strong reason for not wanting to see any of the specialists offered, you should speak directly to your insurer. They can discuss your case and may be able to provide an alternative option from their wider network.

Ready to see how a guided consultant list could lower your private medical insurance costs? The expert team at WeCovr is here to provide clarity and find the perfect policy for you. We compare leading UK providers to match you with the right cover for your needs and budget, all at no cost to you.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today and take the first step towards fast, affordable private healthcare.


Related guides


Get A Free Quote

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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 900,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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.


Learn more


...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.