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Private Health Insurance Excess Explained UK

Private Health Insurance Excess Explained UK 2026

As FCA-authorised private medical insurance brokers in the UK, WeCovr has helped arrange cover for over 750,000 individuals and families. A question we hear daily is about 'excess'—that mysterious figure that dramatically changes your monthly premium. This guide demystifies the PMI excess, empowering you to choose wisely.

How your choice of excess (£100–£1,000) affects monthly cost

Choosing the right private medical insurance (PMI) is a balancing act. You want comprehensive cover for peace of mind, but you also need a monthly premium that fits your budget. The single most effective tool you have to control this cost is the excess.

In simple terms, an excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of your treatment before your insurance provider pays the rest. It’s your contribution to a claim.

The rule is straightforward:

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

Insurers offer lower premiums to those who choose a higher excess because it means you are sharing more of the financial risk. It also discourages small, frequent claims which helps keep the insurer's administrative costs down.

Let's explore exactly how this works and what it means for your wallet.

What is a Private Health Insurance Excess?

Think of a private health insurance excess like the excess on your car or home insurance. It's a pre-agreed sum you pay out-of-pocket when you make a claim. Once you've paid this amount, your insurer steps in to cover the remaining eligible costs, up to the limits of your policy.

For example, if you have a policy with a £250 excess and you need a private procedure that costs £3,000:

  • You pay the first £250.
  • Your insurer pays the remaining £2,750.

If the treatment costs less than your excess—say, a consultation costing £200 with a £250 excess—you would pay the full £200 yourself. In this case, you wouldn't technically make a claim on your policy for payment, though you would still inform your insurer to get the treatment authorised.

Excess levels in the UK typically range from £0 up to £1,000 or more. Choosing where you sit on this scale is a crucial decision that directly shapes your private health cover.

How Excess is Applied: Per Year vs. Per Claim

It’s vital to understand how your chosen insurer applies the excess. There are two common methods:

  1. Excess Per Policy Year (Annual Excess): You pay the excess only once during each policy year, no matter how many separate claims you make. Once you've paid it, all subsequent eligible claims in that year are covered in full by the insurer. This is the most common and often preferred option.
  2. Excess Per Claim/Condition: You pay the excess for each new, distinct medical condition you claim for. If you claim for the same condition multiple times in a year (e.g., ongoing physiotherapy for a single injury), you usually only pay the excess once for that condition.

Here’s a table to illustrate the difference:

FeatureExcess Per Policy YearExcess Per Claim/Condition
How it worksPay the excess once per 12-month policy period.Pay the excess for each new condition you claim for.
ExampleYou have a £500 excess. Your first claim is £4,000. You pay £500. Your second claim for a different issue is £2,000. The insurer pays the full £2,000.You have a £500 excess. Your first claim is £4,000. You pay £500. Your second claim for a different issue is £2,000. You pay another £500.
Best forIndividuals who might have multiple, separate health issues in a year. Offers more predictable costs.Often results in slightly lower premiums. Can be cost-effective for those who are unlikely to claim for multiple conditions in one year.

An experienced PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand which providers offer which type of excess, ensuring there are no surprises when you need to make a claim.

The Direct Impact of Excess on Your Monthly Premiums

To see the powerful effect of excess on cost, let's look at some illustrative examples. The figures below are estimates for a healthy, 40-year-old non-smoker in a mid-range UK location seeking a comprehensive PMI policy.

Please note: These are for demonstration purposes only. Your actual quote will depend on your age, location, health, and chosen level of cover.

Excess LevelEstimated Monthly PremiumPotential Annual Savings (vs. £0 Excess)Your Contribution at Claim Time
£0£95£0£0
£100£88£84£100
£250£75£240£250
£500£62£396£500
£1,000£50£540£1,000

As the table clearly shows, increasing your excess from £0 to £1,000 could almost halve your monthly premium, saving you over £500 a year.

This cost reduction happens for two main reasons:

  1. Reduced Insurer Risk: By taking on the first £1,000 of any claim, you significantly reduce the potential payout for the insurer.
  2. Fewer Small Claims: A high excess discourages claims for minor issues, consultations, or therapies that cost less than the excess amount. This reduces the insurer's administrative workload and costs.

The key is to strike a balance. A £1,000 excess is only a good idea if you have £1,000 in savings readily available should you need to use your policy.

Choosing the Right Excess Level for Your Needs

There is no "one-size-fits-all" answer. The right excess for you depends on a careful evaluation of your personal and financial situation.

Here are the key factors to consider:

  • Your Monthly Budget: How much can you comfortably set aside for your premium each month? A higher excess will give you more breathing room in your regular budget.
  • Your Savings: Do you have an emergency fund? You must be able to cover your excess without causing financial hardship. Never choose a £1,000 excess if you don't have that amount saved and accessible.
  • Your Health and Risk Profile:
    • Young and Healthy: If you're fit, active, and have no major health concerns, a higher excess (£500-£1,000) can be a very sensible way to get affordable cover, primarily for unexpected accidents or serious illness.
    • Older or with a Family: If you anticipate needing to use the policy more often, or want to ensure predictable costs for your family, a lower excess (£100-£250) might provide better peace of mind, even with a higher premium.
  • Your Attitude to Risk:
    • Risk-Averse: If you dislike financial surprises and prefer predictable costs, a low excess (£0 or £100) is your best bet. You'll pay more monthly but will have little or nothing to pay when you claim.
    • Comfortable with Risk: If you prefer lower fixed costs and are happy to self-insure for the initial part of a claim, a higher excess is a great strategy.

Real-World Scenarios

Let's look at how different people might choose their excess:

  1. Chloe, 29, a freelance graphic designer: Chloe is healthy and active. Her income can fluctuate, so keeping fixed monthly outgoings low is a priority. She has £2,000 in an emergency fund.

    • Her Choice: A £1,000 excess. This gives her the lowest possible premium. She sees her PMI as a safety net for serious issues like a major injury or an illness requiring surgery, not for minor therapies. She is confident she can pay the £1,000 if needed.

  2. The Sharma Family (Ages 42, 40, 10, 8): The Sharmas want to ensure their children can be seen quickly if something happens. They have a stable joint income and some savings but don't want to face a huge bill unexpectedly.

    • Their Choice: A £250 excess per person, per year. This is a good middle ground. The premium is manageable, and a £250 bill per person is an affordable amount for them if someone needs treatment.

  3. Robert, 67, retired: Robert is in good health but is more aware of potential health issues as he gets older. He has a fixed pension income but also significant savings. His main priority is certainty and no large, unexpected costs.

    • His Choice: A £100 excess. He is willing to pay a higher monthly premium for the peace of mind that his maximum out-of-pocket cost for any treatment will be just £100.

Critical Information: What UK Private Health Insurance Does NOT Cover

It is essential to understand the limits of private medical insurance in the UK. PMI is not a replacement for the NHS; it is a supplementary service designed to work alongside it.

Standard UK PMI policies are 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. Examples include cataracts, joint replacements, hernias, and most types of cancer.

The main exclusions on virtually all standard PMI policies are:

  • Chronic Conditions: These are long-term, incurable conditions that require ongoing management rather than a cure. Your GP and the NHS will continue to manage these. Examples include:
    • Diabetes
    • Asthma
    • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
    • Crohn's disease
    • Arthritis
    • Eczema
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition, symptom, or illness you had (or sought advice for) before your policy started is typically excluded. Insurers manage this through:
    • Moratorium Underwriting: Automatically excludes any condition you've had in the 5 years before joining. However, if you go 2 full years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Full Medical Underwriting: You declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer then states precisely what is excluded from day one.
  • Other Standard Exclusions: Routine pregnancy and childbirth, cosmetic surgery (unless for reconstructive purposes after an accident), treatment for addiction, and self-inflicted injuries.

Other Key Factors That Affect Your PMI Premium

While the excess is a major lever, several other factors combine to determine your final premium:

FactorImpact on PremiumWhy?
AgeHighThe risk of illness and needing treatment increases significantly as you get older.
LocationMedium-HighPrivate hospital costs vary by region. Central London has the most expensive facilities, leading to higher premiums for residents.
Medical History & LifestyleMediumSmokers pay more. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) and general health can also influence the cost.
Level of CoverHighA basic policy covering only in-patient treatment will be cheaper than a comprehensive one that includes out-patient diagnostics, therapies, and mental health support.
Hospital ListMediumPolicies with a limited list of local hospitals are cheaper than those offering a nationwide network including premium London hospitals.
No-Claims DiscountMediumMany insurers offer a discount for every year you don't make a claim, which can reduce your premium at renewal.

Working with an independent broker like WeCovr is invaluable here. Our experts can compare policies from across the market, helping you tweak these different factors to build a plan that gives you the best possible cover for your specific budget.

Proactive Health: A Smart Way to Manage Your Wellbeing

While insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best strategy is to stay healthy in the first place. A proactive approach to your wellbeing not only improves your quality of life but can also help keep your insurance costs down over the long term by reducing claims.

  • Nourish Your Body: Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Staying hydrated is equally important.
  • Stay Active: 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.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Good sleep is fundamental to both physical and mental health, aiding recovery and reducing stress.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact your health. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature can make a huge difference.

To support our clients on their health journey, WeCovr provides complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, for all private medical insurance customers. It's a simple, effective tool to help you make healthier choices every day. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us can often access discounts on other types of cover, adding even more value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change my private health insurance excess?

Yes, you can almost always change your excess level, but typically only at your annual policy renewal. You cannot change it midway through your policy year or after a diagnosis. Increasing your excess at renewal is an effective way to lower your premium, while decreasing it will provide more cover but increase your monthly cost.

What happens if my treatment costs less than my excess?

If the total cost of your eligible treatment is less than your chosen excess, you will be responsible for paying the entire bill yourself. For example, if you have a £500 excess and require a consultation and scan that costs £450, you would pay the full £450. Your insurer would pay nothing, and if you have an annual excess, that £450 would count towards meeting your £500 total for the year.

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

No, as a rule, standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you had before taking out the policy) or chronic conditions (long-term, incurable illnesses like diabetes or asthma). PMI is designed to cover new, acute medical conditions that begin after your policy start date. The NHS remains the primary provider for managing chronic and pre-existing conditions.

Understanding your excess is the first step towards finding a private medical insurance policy that truly works for you. It’s about finding the sweet spot between an affordable monthly premium and a potential one-off cost you are comfortable with.

Ready to find the right balance for your budget and needs? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our expert, FCA-authorised advisers will compare the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect private health cover for you, at no cost for our advice.

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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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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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