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Private Health Insurance for Acute Conditions UK

Private Health Insurance for Acute Conditions UK 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance market inside and out. The single most important concept to grasp is that PMI is designed specifically for acute conditions—sudden, curable health issues—not for long-term, chronic illness management.

Understanding how PMI is designed for sudden, short-term medical problems

Private Medical Insurance (PMI), often called private health cover, acts as your partner for navigating unexpected health challenges. Think of it not as a replacement for the NHS, but as a complementary service designed to offer speed, choice, and comfort when you're faced with a new, treatable medical condition.

The entire framework of UK private health insurance is built around one central principle: to diagnose and treat acute conditions that arise after you take out a policy. These are medical issues that are short-lived and have a clear treatment path intended to return you to your previous state of health.

This focus on acute care is what allows insurers to offer policies that can:

  • Bypass long NHS waiting lists for eligible treatments.
  • Provide you with a choice of leading specialists and hospitals.
  • Offer private rooms for a more comfortable recovery.
  • Give you access to advanced diagnostics and treatments quickly.

Understanding this core purpose is the key to unlocking the true value of PMI and ensuring it meets your expectations. It’s about getting you back on your feet quickly after a health setback, so you can get back to living your life.

What is an Acute Condition? A Clear Definition

In the world of health insurance, the definition of an 'acute condition' is precise and crucial.

An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that:

  • Starts suddenly and has a rapid onset.
  • Has a limited duration and is not expected to be lifelong.
  • Responds quickly to treatment.
  • Is expected to be fully cured, returning you to the state of health you were in before it started.

Simple Examples of Acute Conditions:

  • A bone fracture from a fall.
  • Appendicitis requiring surgery.
  • A cataract that can be surgically removed to restore sight.
  • A joint injury like a torn ligament needing repair.
  • Infections like pneumonia that can be cured with antibiotics.

The key takeaway is resolution. The treatment aims to solve the problem completely.

The Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions in UK Health Insurance

This is the most common point of confusion for those new to private medical insurance. Standard UK PMI policies do not cover chronic conditions.

A chronic condition is defined as an illness that:

  • Is long-lasting, often lasting for life.
  • Cannot be cured, only managed.
  • Requires ongoing monitoring, check-ups, medication, or therapy.
  • Often involves periods of remission and flare-ups.

Why are chronic conditions excluded? Private insurance is based on risk and probability. Covering lifelong, ongoing conditions would make premiums prohibitively expensive for everyone. The NHS is structured to provide this long-term care management, and PMI is designed to work alongside it, focusing on conditions it can resolve.

Here is a clear breakdown of the differences:

FeatureAcute ConditionChronic Condition
OnsetSuddenGradual or sudden
DurationShort-term (days, weeks, months)Long-term (years, lifelong)
Treatment GoalCure and return to normal healthManagement of symptoms, slowing progression
Insurance CoverageCovered by standard PMINot covered by standard PMI
ExamplesHernia, gallstones, joint replacementDiabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis

A Critical Note on Pre-Existing Conditions: Alongside chronic conditions, PMI also generally excludes pre-existing conditions. These are any illnesses or injuries for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the years before your policy starts (typically the last 5 years). After a set period of being treatment- and symptom-free (usually 2 years), some policies may start to cover that condition if it reoccurs. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand the nuances of underwriting and how it applies to your personal medical history.

How Private Health Insurance Works for Acute Conditions: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you've developed a new symptom like persistent knee pain or worrying abdominal cramps. Here’s how you would typically use your private health insurance policy.

  1. Visit Your GP: Your journey almost always starts with your NHS or private GP. The NHS remains your first port of call. You discuss your symptoms, and your GP assesses you.
  2. Get an Open Referral: If your GP believes you need to see a specialist, they will write a referral letter. For PMI purposes, it’s best to ask for an 'open referral'. This means they recommend a type of specialist (e.g., an orthopaedic surgeon) rather than a specific named person, giving you and your insurer more flexibility.
  3. Contact Your Insurer: With your referral letter in hand, you call your PMI provider's claims line. You’ll need your policy number and details of your symptoms and GP's recommendation.
  4. Authorisation is Key: The insurer will review your case to ensure:
    • Your policy is active.
    • The condition appears to be acute and is not a stated exclusion.
    • You have the necessary level of cover (e.g., out-patient consultations). They will then provide you with an authorisation number and a list of approved specialists and hospitals from your chosen hospital list.
  5. Book Your Appointment & Treatment: You can now book your consultation with the specialist. If they recommend a diagnostic scan (like an MRI) or a procedure (like surgery), you will need to get a new authorisation number from your insurer for each stage of treatment.
  6. Focus on Recovery: You receive your treatment in a private hospital. The bills for authorised treatments are sent directly from the hospital and specialist to your insurer. You only need to pay your chosen policy excess, if any. Your main job is to rest and recover.

Real-Life Examples of Acute Conditions Covered by PMI

Let's see how this works in practice.

Scenario 1: The Weekend Football Injury

  • Patient: Mark, a 42-year-old amateur footballer.
  • Condition: Tears his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a match. His knee is painful and unstable.
  • NHS Path: Faces a potential waiting time of several months for an MRI scan and then over a year for reconstructive surgery.
  • PMI Path:
    1. Mark sees his GP, who refers him to an orthopaedic specialist.
    2. He calls his insurer, gets authorisation, and sees a private specialist within a week.
    3. The specialist confirms the need for an MRI, which is authorised and completed two days later.
    4. ACL reconstruction surgery is authorised and scheduled for two weeks later at a private hospital near his home.
    5. His policy also covers post-operative physiotherapy to aid his recovery.
  • Outcome: Mark is back in training much faster, minimising disruption to his life and work.

Scenario 2: Deteriorating Vision

  • Patient: Susan, a 65-year-old retiree.
  • Condition: Develops cataracts, making it difficult to read and drive.
  • NHS Path: Her vision must deteriorate to a certain level to qualify for surgery, and she is then placed on a waiting list which, according to recent NHS data, can exceed 9 months in some areas.
  • PMI Path:
    1. Her optician refers her to a GP, who confirms the cataracts and provides a referral to an ophthalmologist.
    2. Susan's insurer authorises a consultation. The specialist recommends surgery.
    3. She is given a choice of advanced multifocal lenses (which may not be available on the NHS) and has her surgery within a month.
  • Outcome: Susan’s vision is restored quickly, allowing her to maintain her independence and quality of life.

What's Typically Included in a UK PMI Policy for Acute Conditions?

While policies are customisable, most are built on a foundation of 'core cover' with optional extras.

Core Cover

This is the foundation of every policy and primarily covers treatment when you are admitted to hospital.

  • In-patient Treatment: When you are admitted to a hospital bed overnight or longer. This covers surgery, hospital accommodation, nursing care, and specialist fees.
  • Day-patient Treatment: When you are admitted to hospital for a procedure but do not stay overnight (e.g., a colonoscopy or minor surgery).

Common Optional Add-ons

To create a more comprehensive policy, you can add benefits like:

  • Out-patient Cover: This is one of the most valuable additions. It covers diagnostic tests and consultations that happen before you are admitted to hospital. This includes:
    • Specialist consultations.
    • Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, PET scans).
    • Blood tests and X-rays. Policies often have a limit on this, for example, £1,000 per year or a set number of consultations.
  • Therapies: Covers treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care, often up to a set number of sessions per year.
  • Mental Health Cover: Provides access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists for acute mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
  • Cancer Cover: This is a cornerstone of modern PMI. Most policies offer extensive cancer cover, including access to specialist drugs and treatments not yet approved for widespread NHS use. It's crucial to check the details, as some policies offer it as standard while others have it as an add-on. [Learn more in our complete guide to cancer cover].

Value-Added Benefits

Many of the best PMI providers now include a range of digital and wellness services as standard:

  • Virtual GP: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call.
  • Health and Wellness Apps: Tools for mindfulness, fitness, and nutrition. For example, customers who arrange their policy through WeCovr get complimentary access to the CalorieHero AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app.
  • Discounts and Rewards: Incentives for healthy living, like reduced gym memberships or discounts on fitness trackers.

What's Generally Excluded? The Fine Print on Acute Cover

Knowing what isn't covered is just as important as knowing what is. Exclusions prevent misuse and keep premiums affordable.

  • Chronic Conditions: As detailed above, long-term management of conditions like diabetes, asthma, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis is excluded. The key is management. A policy might cover the initial diagnosis of a condition that turns out to be chronic, but not the ongoing care.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any condition you had symptoms of or received treatment for in the 5 years before your policy began.
  • Emergency Treatment: A&E visits for heart attacks, strokes, or major trauma are handled by the NHS. PMI is for planned, elective treatment.
  • Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures done purely for aesthetic reasons are not covered. However, reconstructive surgery after an accident or eligible cancer treatment may be included.
  • Normal Pregnancy & Childbirth: Maternity cover is generally not standard, though some high-end policies may cover complications.
  • Self-inflicted Injuries & Substance Abuse: Treatment related to drug or alcohol misuse is typically excluded.

Choosing the Right Level of Cover for Your Needs

Customising your policy allows you to balance cost and coverage. An independent PMI broker like WeCovr can provide invaluable guidance here, comparing the market to find the perfect fit for your budget and needs at no extra cost to you.

Key choices you will make include:

  1. Level of Out-patient Cover: Will you opt for a full-cover policy, one with a yearly limit (e.g., £1,500), or a more basic plan with no out-patient cover at all?
  2. Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim, similar to car insurance. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will significantly lower your monthly premium.
  3. Hospital List: Insurers offer tiered lists of hospitals. A 'local' list is cheaper than a 'national' list that includes prestigious central London hospitals. Choosing a list that meets your geographic needs without being excessive is a smart way to manage costs.
  4. The 'Six-Week Wait' Option: This is a cost-saving option where if the NHS can treat you for an eligible acute condition within six weeks, you use the NHS. If the waiting list is longer, your private cover kicks in.

Illustrative Monthly PMI Costs

Costs vary widely based on personal factors. This table is for illustration only to show how factors influence price.

ProfileAgeLocationSmoker?ExcessIndicative Monthly Premium
Young Professional30ManchesterNo£500£45 - £65
Mid-Career Manager45BristolNo£250£80 - £110
Senior Executive55LondonYes£100£150 - £220+

Note: Premiums are for a comprehensive policy and are purely illustrative as of early 2025. Your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances and the insurer.

The NHS and Private Health Insurance: A Partnership, Not a Rivalry

It’s a misconception that having PMI means you leave the NHS behind. The two systems work in parallel, and your private cover is designed to complement the fantastic work the NHS does.

  • The NHS is your safety net for everything: It handles all emergency care, GP services (unless you use a private GP), and the long-term management of any chronic conditions you may have.
  • PMI is your fast track for eligible acute care: It provides an alternative route for non-urgent surgery, diagnostics, and specialist appointments, helping you bypass waiting lists.

As of early 2025, NHS England's referral-to-treatment (RTT) waiting list stands at over 7.5 million. This unprecedented pressure means that for many elective procedures, patients can wait many months, or even over a year.

Private medical insurance UK offers a solution for those who want to avoid this uncertainty for acute conditions, ensuring they can get the treatment they need, when they need it.


What happens if my acute condition becomes chronic?

This is an important scenario. Typically, a private medical insurance policy will cover the initial diagnosis and treatment of a condition while it is considered acute. For example, it would cover the tests to find out why you have joint pain. If these tests confirm a chronic condition like rheumatoid arthritis, the policy would not cover the ongoing, long-term management (e.g., lifelong medication, regular specialist check-ups). At that point, your care would typically transition back to the NHS for ongoing management.

Can I use my private health insurance for a medical emergency?

No, private health insurance is not for emergencies. Life-threatening situations like a heart attack, stroke, or major accident should always be dealt with by calling 999 and using the NHS A&E services. Private hospitals in the UK are not typically equipped with emergency departments. PMI is designed for planned, non-emergency treatment for acute conditions.

Is cancer considered an acute condition by insurers?

Cancer is treated as a special case. While it can have chronic phases, most UK PMI providers offer extensive cancer cover that is among the most comprehensive parts of a policy. This often includes diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and even access to expensive drugs not yet available on the NHS. The goal is to treat the cancer and achieve remission, which aligns with the 'curative intent' principle of acute condition cover. However, it's vital to check the specifics of the cancer cover in any policy you consider.

Ready to take control of your health and explore your options for fast access to treatment for acute conditions?

The team of experts at WeCovr is here to help. We compare policies from all leading UK insurers to find the right cover for your needs and budget. Our advice is independent, and our service is completely free. We also provide our customers with discounts on other types of cover and complimentary access to wellness tools.

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


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.


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