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Private Health Insurance for Breast Cancer UK

Private Health Insurance for Breast Cancer UK 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert broker, WeCovr has helped over 750,000 individuals and families secure their peace of mind with various types of cover. This guide explores how private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK offers a crucial lifeline for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, providing rapid access to world-class care.

How PMI supports diagnosis, surgery and ongoing treatment

A breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event. While the NHS provides excellent care, the journey can involve stressful waiting times and limited choices. Private medical insurance offers a parallel route, giving you more control, comfort, and speed at every stage of your treatment journey—from the first consultation to recovery.

PMI is designed to work alongside the NHS. It empowers you to bypass queues for diagnosis and treatment, access specialist drugs that may not be available on the NHS, and recover in the comfort of a private hospital room. For many, it's not about replacing the NHS, but about having a powerful alternative when time and choice matter most.

The Critical Rule: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

Before we delve into the benefits, it's vital to understand a fundamental principle of private health insurance in the UK.

Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. In contrast, a chronic condition is one that continues indefinitely, has no known cure, or is likely to recur.

Because cancer requires long-term management and monitoring, it is generally classed as a chronic condition. However, leading UK health insurers make a specific, comprehensive exception for cancer, often providing the most extensive cover available under any policy.

The key takeaway is this:

  • If you have had symptoms, consultations, or a diagnosis of breast cancer before taking out a policy, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover.
  • If you develop breast cancer after your policy starts, your PMI will provide extensive support, as detailed in this guide.

This is why it's wise to consider private health cover when you are healthy, as it acts as a safety net for future, unforeseen medical needs.

How Insurers Assess Pre-existing Conditions

There are two main ways insurers handle your medical history, known as underwriting:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common method. The insurer doesn't ask for your full medical history upfront. Instead, they automatically exclude any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the past five years. However, if you remain completely free of symptoms, treatment, and advice for that condition for two continuous years after your policy starts, the exclusion may be lifted.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer assesses your medical history and tells you from the outset exactly what is and isn't covered. This provides certainty but may result in permanent exclusions for past conditions.

A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these options to find the most suitable underwriting method for your circumstances.

The Private Pathway for Breast Cancer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Imagine you've found a lump or have other worrying symptoms. Here’s how the journey with private health insurance typically unfolds, compared to the standard NHS route.

Stage 1: Diagnosis – Getting Answers Quickly

The period between finding a symptom and getting a clear diagnosis is often the most anxious. PMI is designed to significantly shorten this wait.

The Process:

  1. GP Visit: Your journey starts with your NHS or private GP. If they believe your symptoms warrant further investigation, they will write you a referral.
  2. Fast-Track Referral: With an open referral from your GP, your PMI provider will authorise you to see a specialist consultant privately, often within days. Some modern policies even offer digital GP services that can provide a referral in hours.
  3. Rapid Diagnostics: The specialist will see you at a private hospital or clinic. If they recommend diagnostic tests, PMI typically covers them straight away.

Common Diagnostic Tests Covered by PMI:

  • Mammogram: A specialised X-ray of the breast.
  • Ultrasound Scan: Uses sound waves to create a picture of the breast tissue.
  • Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is removed and sent to a lab for analysis. This is the definitive way to confirm a cancer diagnosis.
  • MRI Scans: Often used for more detailed imaging if required.

The speed of diagnosis is one of the most significant benefits of private health cover.

Stage of DiagnosisTypical NHS Waiting TimeTypical Private (PMI) Timeline
GP to SpecialistSeveral weeksA few days
Specialist to DiagnosticsUp to two weeksSame day or within 48 hours
Receiving ResultsOne to two weeks24-72 hours
Total Time to Diagnosis4-8 weeks~1 week

Note: Timelines are illustrative. NHS times are based on targets, which can vary by Trust and demand. Private timelines depend on provider and clinic availability.

Stage 2: Treatment – Choice, Comfort and Cutting-Edge Care

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your PMI policy becomes your gateway to a comprehensive, personalised treatment plan.

Surgery: Choice of Surgeon and Hospital

If surgery is recommended, PMI offers unparalleled choice and comfort.

  • Choice of Surgeon: You can research and choose from a list of leading breast cancer surgeons in your insurer's network.
  • Choice of Hospital: You can select a private hospital known for its cancer care excellence, such as those in the HCA, Spire, or Nuffield Health networks.
  • Comfort and Privacy: You will almost always have a private en-suite room, flexible visiting hours, and better food menus, creating a more restful environment for recovery.

Surgical options covered typically include:

  • Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumour and a small amount of surrounding tissue.
  • Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast.
  • Breast Reconstruction: This can often be done at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date, and it is usually covered as part of your treatment plan.

Cancer Therapies: Access to the Latest Treatments

This is where comprehensive cancer cover truly shines. Beyond standard treatments, PMI can provide access to therapies that are not yet approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for NHS use due to cost or ongoing evaluation.

Your policy will typically cover:

  • Chemotherapy: The use of anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells.
  • Radiotherapy: Using high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells.
  • Hormone Therapy: Used for breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones.
  • Targeted (Biological) Therapies: Advanced drugs that target specific characteristics of cancer cells, such as Herceptin (Trastuzumab).

The crucial advantage of PMI is the potential to access drugs that are licensed in the UK but not yet funded by the NHS. This can open up life-extending or life-saving options months or even years before they become widely available.

Monitoring and Ongoing Support

A cancer journey doesn't end with active treatment. Good PMI policies provide extensive ongoing support.

  • Follow-up Consultations: Regular check-ups with your oncology team.
  • Prosthetics: Cover towards the cost of an external prosthesis after a mastectomy.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to counsellors or therapists to help you cope with the emotional and psychological impact of a diagnosis.
  • Specialist Support: Dedicated cancer nurses you can call for advice and support throughout your journey.

Understanding Your PMI Policy's Cancer Cover

Not all private health insurance policies are created equal, especially when it comes to cancer. It's essential to check the details before you buy.

Key Features to Look For:

  1. Level of Cancer Cover:

    • Full Cover: This is the gold standard. The insurer promises to cover your diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care in full, with no time or financial limits, as long as you remain a policyholder. Most leading providers like AXA Health, Bupa, and Vitality offer this on their comprehensive plans.
    • Capped Cover: Some cheaper policies may place a financial limit (e.g., £50,000) or a time limit (e.g., 2 years) on cancer treatment. This is a significant compromise.
    • NHS Cancer Cover Plus/List: This option provides cover for initial diagnosis and some treatments but specifies that if a specialist drug is needed that isn't on their approved list, you would move to the NHS for that part of your care. It's a lower-cost option but reduces your access to the latest drugs.
  2. Outpatient Limits: Diagnosis and consultations happen on an outpatient basis. A policy with a low outpatient limit (e.g., £500) could mean you have to pay for some of your diagnostic scans yourself. Aim for a policy with a high outpatient limit or, ideally, full outpatient cover.

  3. Hospital List: Insurers have different tiers of hospital lists. A national list gives you broad access, while a more limited local list will reduce your premium but restrict your choice. Ensure the list includes hospitals with excellent oncology departments.

Comparing Cancer Cover from Major UK Providers

Choosing the right provider can feel overwhelming. An expert broker like WeCovr can compare the market for you at no cost, but here is a general overview of what leading providers offer.

ProviderKey Cancer Cover FeatureUnique Selling Point
AXA HealthFull cancer cover is standard on most policies. Includes access to a dedicated team of cancer nurses.Strong focus on mental health support and second opinion services. Access to experimental treatments via their "Further Cancer Cover" option.
BupaComprehensive cancer cover with no time limits on their main policies. Covers a wide range of diagnostics and therapies.Direct Access for some cancer symptoms (e.g., breast), allowing you to bypass a GP referral, speeding up diagnosis even further.
Aviva"Cancer Pledge" on their Healthier Solutions policy promises full cover for cancer treatment, including palliative care.Offers enhanced cover for prosthetics and wigs, and provides access to the "Cancer Care with The Exeter" specialist add-on.
Vitality"Advanced Cancer Cover" is standard. Covers diagnostics, therapies, and aftercare with no limits.Rewards healthy living. You can earn points for being active, which can reduce your premiums and unlock other benefits.

This table is for illustrative purposes. Policy features are subject to change and specific terms and conditions. Always check the policy documents.

The Cost of Private Health Insurance UK

The price of a PMI policy is highly personal and depends on several factors:

  • Age: Premiums increase as you get older.
  • Location: Costs are generally higher in London and the South East due to higher private hospital fees.
  • Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan with full cancer cover and a low excess will cost more than a basic plan.
  • Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will lower your monthly premium.
  • Lifestyle: Smokers will pay more than non-smokers.

As a rough guide, a healthy 40-year-old non-smoker living outside London might expect to pay between £60 and £90 per month for a comprehensive policy with full cancer cover. This is a small price for the peace of mind and rapid access to care it provides.

Promoting Wellbeing and Health

While insurance provides a safety net, proactive health management is your first line of defence. Leading a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of many conditions, including some types of breast cancer.

  • Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support your overall health. Limiting processed foods and alcohol is also recommended. At WeCovr, we support our clients' health journeys by providing complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero.
  • Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running) each week.
  • Self-Checks: Be familiar with your body. The NHS and charities like CoppaFeel! provide excellent guides on how to check your breasts regularly. Early detection saves lives.
  • Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for cellular repair and immune function. Aim for 7-9 hours per night.

Many PMI providers actively encourage healthy living through wellness programmes, offering discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and health screenings.

Why Use an Expert PMI Broker?

The UK private health insurance market is complex. Trying to compare dozens of policies, each with different terms, limits, and hospital lists, can be confusing and time-consuming. This is where an independent broker adds immense value.

Benefits of using WeCovr:

  • Expert, Impartial Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our job is to find the best policy for your specific needs and budget.
  • Market Comparison: We use our expertise and technology to compare policies from across the market, saving you the hassle.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which does not affect the price you pay.
  • Ongoing Support: We are here to help you at renewal or if you need to make a claim.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy through WeCovr, you receive complimentary access to our CalorieHero app and may be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, like home or travel insurance.

Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing clear, helpful, and personalised advice.


If I have a family history of breast cancer, can I get private health insurance?

Yes, absolutely. Having a family history of breast cancer does not count as a pre-existing condition, so it will not be excluded from your cover. You will be fully covered if you are diagnosed with breast cancer after your policy starts. In fact, knowing you have a higher genetic risk is a very strong reason to consider securing a comprehensive PMI policy.

Does PMI cover genetic testing for breast cancer risk (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2)?

Generally, private medical insurance does not cover preventative or predictive genetic testing. These tests are usually only covered if they are part of the diagnostic process *after* you have been diagnosed with cancer to help determine the best course of treatment. If you have a strong family history, your GP may be able to refer you for genetic testing on the NHS.

What happens if my PMI cancer cover runs out?

This is a very important question. If you choose a policy with "full cancer cover" or a "cancer pledge" from a leading UK provider, your cover will not run out. They promise to fund your treatment for as long as you need it, provided you keep your policy active. You would only face limits if you chose a cheaper policy with a specific time or financial cap on cancer care. This is why it's crucial to select a comprehensive policy from the outset.

Is palliative care for cancer covered by private medical insurance?

Most comprehensive private health insurance policies in the UK do include cover for palliative care. This is treatment designed to manage symptoms and improve quality of life when a cure is no longer possible. The level of cover can vary, so it's important to check the policy details. Some may offer a cash benefit to contribute towards hospice care, while others may cover treatment administered at home.

Facing breast cancer is a challenge no one should endure alone. While the NHS stands as a pillar of support, private medical insurance offers the power of choice, speed, and access to the very best care available. It provides the peace of mind that, should the worst happen, you have a plan in place to fight back on your own terms.

Take the first step towards securing your health. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our experts find the perfect private medical insurance policy for you.


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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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