Private Health Insurance for Care Workers

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 2, 2026
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TL;DR

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies arranged, WeCovr understands the unique pressures of the care sector. This guide explains how private medical insurance in the UK can provide vital support for care workers, ensuring you get the fast, high-quality healthcare you deserve when you need it most. Cover designed for care home and community carers Working in care is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding professions in the UK.

Key takeaways

  • Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): According to HSE statistics, manual handling, awkward positions, and moving people are leading causes of back pain and other MSDs. These account for a significant portion of all work-related ill-health cases in the sector.
  • Slips, Trips, and Falls: These are common causes of injury, potentially leading to fractures, sprains, and extended time off.
  • Burnout and Stress: Juggling demanding schedules, dealing with challenging situations, and the emotional weight of the role can lead to burnout.
  • Access to Support: NHS mental health services, while vital, are under immense pressure. Latest NHS data shows that while more people than ever are receiving support, waiting times for psychological therapies can still be many weeks.
  • Faster Diagnosis: Get scans and see a specialist quickly.

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies arranged, WeCovr understands the unique pressures of the care sector. This guide explains how private medical insurance in the UK can provide vital support for care workers, ensuring you get the fast, high-quality healthcare you deserve when you need it most.

Cover designed for care home and community carers

Working in care is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding professions in the UK. Whether you’re providing residential care in a care home or supporting individuals in the community, you dedicate your time to looking after others. But who is looking after you?

Long hours, the physical strain of lifting and assisting, and the significant mental load can all take a toll on your health. When you're unwell or injured, lengthy NHS waiting lists can mean extended time off work, loss of income, and a delay in getting back to the job you love.

This is where private medical insurance (PMI) can be a lifeline. It’s a health plan you pay for that gives you access to private healthcare for new, acute medical conditions. For care workers, it offers a direct route to prompt diagnosis, specialist treatment, and crucial therapies, helping you get back on your feet and back to your clients faster.

Why Should Care Workers Consider Private Health Insurance?

The nature of care work presents specific health challenges. A robust private health insurance plan is not a luxury; it’s a practical tool to manage these risks and protect your livelihood.

The Physical Demands of Care Work

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) consistently reports that the health and social care sector has one of the highest rates of work-related ill health.

  • Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): According to HSE statistics, manual handling, awkward positions, and moving people are leading causes of back pain and other MSDs. These account for a significant portion of all work-related ill-health cases in the sector.
  • Slips, Trips, and Falls: These are common causes of injury, potentially leading to fractures, sprains, and extended time off.

With PMI, if you develop a new back, shoulder, or knee problem, you can bypass the wait for NHS physiotherapy or an orthopaedic specialist. Instead, you can get a swift private diagnosis (including MRI or CT scans) and begin a course of treatment, such as physiotherapy or osteopathy, within days.

Protecting Your Mental Health

The emotional strain of caring for vulnerable people is immense. Rates of work-related stress, depression, and anxiety are notably high among care workers.

  • Burnout and Stress: Juggling demanding schedules, dealing with challenging situations, and the emotional weight of the role can lead to burnout.
  • Access to Support: NHS mental health services, while vital, are under immense pressure. Latest NHS data shows that while more people than ever are receiving support, waiting times for psychological therapies can still be many weeks.

Most comprehensive PMI policies now include excellent mental health cover. This can provide access to a set number of counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions without a long wait, offering a confidential space to manage stress and protect your mental wellbeing.

Minimising Time Off Work & Loss of Income

For many carers, especially those who are self-employed or on zero-hours contracts, time off for sickness means a direct loss of income.

According to NHS England statistics from late 2024, the median waiting time for non-emergency consultant-led treatment was over 14 weeks, with hundreds of thousands waiting over a year. A private policy can reduce this wait to a matter of weeks, or even days. This means:

  • Faster Diagnosis: Get scans and see a specialist quickly.
  • Prompt Treatment: Schedule surgery or therapy at a time and hospital that suits you.
  • Quicker Recovery: Return to work and earning sooner.

Understanding What Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Actually Covers

It is essential to understand what PMI is designed for. It is not a replacement for the NHS but works alongside it.

The Golden Rule: Standard UK private medical insurance is for 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. Examples include a joint injury, cataracts, or a hernia.
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.
  • A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in a set period (usually 5 years) before taking out the policy. Standard PMI policies exclude pre-existing conditions.

The NHS provides excellent emergency and chronic care. If you have a heart attack or a car accident, you go to A&E. PMI is for the non-emergency issues that can leave you waiting in pain.

What's Typically Covered vs. What's Not

Typically Covered by PMI ✅Typically Not Covered by PMI ❌
In-patient & day-patient treatment (e.g., surgery)Pre-existing conditions
Private room in a private or NHS hospitalChronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma)
Specialist consultations and diagnostic tests (e.g., MRI, CT, PET scans)Emergency services (A&E visits)
Cancer care (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery)Normal pregnancy and childbirth
Mental health support (therapy, counselling)Cosmetic surgery (unless medically necessary)
Therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic)Organ transplants, dialysis
Out-patient surgical proceduresUnproven or experimental treatments (unless specified)

Key Features of a PMI Policy for Carers

When you build a PMI policy, you start with core cover and then add optional extras to suit your needs and budget.

1. Core Cover: The Foundation

This is the standard, non-negotiable part of every policy. It covers the most expensive treatments.

  • In-patient Care: When you are admitted to a hospital bed overnight.
  • Day-patient Care: When you are admitted to a hospital bed for a procedure but do not stay overnight (e.g., an endoscopy).
  • Comprehensive Cancer Cover: This is a major benefit, often covering diagnosis, surgery, and advanced treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and biological therapies.

2. Out-patient Cover: The Diagnostic Engine

This is arguably the most valuable add-on. It covers treatments and tests where you aren't admitted to a hospital bed. Without it, you would need to rely on the NHS for your initial diagnosis before your PMI could cover the treatment.

  • Specialist Consultations: Seeing a consultant cardiologist, dermatologist, or orthopaedic surgeon privately.
  • Diagnostic Tests: Crucial for a quick diagnosis, including MRI, CT, and PET scans, blood tests, and X-rays.

You can usually choose a level of cover, for example, £500, £1,000, or "Full" cover per year. A higher limit means more peace of mind.

3. Therapies Cover

Highly recommended for a physically demanding job like care work. This add-on covers a set number of sessions for treatments like:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Osteopathy
  • Chiropractic care

4. Mental Health Cover

As discussed, this is vital for carers. It can provide access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and a specified number of therapy sessions. It provides a confidential and fast route to support when you feel overwhelmed.

5. Other Options

  • Hospital List: Insurers have different lists of eligible hospitals. A national list gives you the most choice but costs more. Choosing a more restricted list that still covers quality hospitals near you can be a great way to save money.
  • Excess (illustrative): This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim (e.g., £100, £250, or £500). A higher excess will lower your monthly premium. You typically only pay the excess once per policy year, regardless of how many claims you make.

How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost for a Care Worker?

The cost of PMI varies widely based on several personal factors and the level of cover you choose. An expert broker like WeCovr can navigate these options to find the most competitive price for your specific needs.

Factors Influencing Your Premium:

  • Age: Premiums increase as you get older.
  • Location: Living in London and the South East is generally more expensive due to higher hospital costs.
  • Smoker Status: Smokers pay more.
  • Cover Level: A basic in-patient-only policy will be much cheaper than a comprehensive one with full outpatient, therapies, and mental health cover.
  • Excess (illustrative): A £500 excess will result in a lower premium than a £100 excess.
  • Underwriting: The method used to assess your medical history.

Example Monthly Premiums for a Care Worker

The table below shows illustrative monthly costs for a non-smoker. These are estimates for 2025 and your actual quote will vary.

AgeLocationBasic Cover (In-patient, £250 Excess)Comprehensive Cover (Full outpatient, Therapies, £250 Excess)
30Manchester£35 - £50£60 - £85
45Manchester£55 - £75£95 - £130
30London£45 - £65£80 - £110
45London£70 - £95£120 - £160

Choosing the Right Underwriting: A Key Decision

When you apply for PMI, the insurer needs to assess your medical history to determine which conditions they will exclude. There are two main ways they do this.

FeatureMoratorium (Mori) UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
ApplicationQuick and simple. No medical forms to fill in.You must complete a detailed health questionnaire.
ExclusionsAutomatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, medication, or advice for in the last 5 years.The insurer reviews your health declaration and states precisely what is excluded from the start.
ClarityCan be ambiguous. You may not be 100% sure if something is covered until you claim.Provides complete clarity and certainty from day one.
Covering Old ConditionsIf you go 2 continuous years without symptoms/treatment for a pre-existing condition after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.Exclusions are typically permanent, though you can sometimes ask for a review.
Best ForPeople who want a quick start and have a relatively clean medical history.People with a more complex medical history who want absolute certainty about what is and isn't covered.

A specialist broker can advise you on the best underwriting path for your personal circumstances.

Tailoring Your Policy: How to Get the Best Value

You don't have to take the most expensive policy to get great value. Here are some smart ways to manage costs.

  1. The 6-Week Option: This is one of the most popular ways to reduce your premium, often by 20-30%. If the NHS waiting list for your in-patient or day-patient procedure is less than six weeks, you agree to use the NHS. If the wait is longer, your private cover kicks in. It acts as a safety net against long delays.
  2. Choose a Higher Excess: As mentioned, opting for a £250 or £500 excess can significantly lower your monthly payments. Consider what you could comfortably afford to pay in the event of a claim.
  3. Review Your Hospital List: Do you really need access to every top-end London hospital? Choosing a quality regional list or a list provided by your insurer's network can offer substantial savings.
  4. Work With a Broker: This is the single most effective tip. A dedicated PMI broker like WeCovr compares policies from all the leading UK providers (like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality). We do the shopping around for you, explain the differences in plain English, and ensure you're not paying for cover you don't need—all at no cost to you.

Added Value: Wellness Benefits and Digital Health Tools

Modern private medical insurance UK is increasingly focused on keeping you healthy, not just treating you when you're ill. These added-value benefits are especially useful for busy care workers.

  • 24/7 Digital GP: Get a GP appointment via phone or video call, often within a few hours. This is perfect for fitting medical advice around your shifts without having to take time off to visit a surgery. You can get prescriptions, advice, and referrals.
  • Mental Health Helplines: Confidential, 24/7 access to trained counsellors for in-the-moment support.
  • Wellness and Reward Programmes: Some insurers, like Vitality, offer discounts on gym memberships, smartwatches, and healthy food to incentivise a healthy lifestyle.
  • Exclusive WeCovr Benefits: When you arrange your policy through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you manage your diet and energy levels. Furthermore, our clients often receive discounts on other policies, such as life or income protection insurance.

A Real-Life Example: How PMI Could Help a Care Worker

Let's imagine a scenario:

David is a 42-year-old community carer. During a routine client transfer, he feels a sharp pain in his shoulder. Over the next few weeks, the pain gets worse, making it difficult to drive and perform his duties. His NHS GP refers him to a specialist, but the waiting list for an initial consultation is 22 weeks, plus a further wait for any scans.

Without PMI: David is in pain, his ability to work is compromised, and he faces a significant loss of income and a long, anxious wait.

With PMI:

  1. Day 1: David calls his insurer's 24/7 GP service. The GP refers him to an orthopaedic specialist.
  2. Day 7: David sees the specialist privately. The specialist suspects a rotator cuff tear and refers him for an urgent MRI scan.
  3. Day 10: David has his MRI scan.
  4. Day 14: He has a follow-up consultation where the scan results confirm the tear. The specialist recommends a course of intensive physiotherapy.
  5. Day 16: David starts his first session with a private physiotherapist.

Thanks to his policy, David gets a diagnosis and starts treatment in just over two weeks. He is able to manage his injury effectively, return to work far sooner, and avoid the stress and financial hardship of a long wait.

Finding the Best Private Medical Insurance UK with an Expert Broker

The UK's private health insurance market is complex. Comparing providers, understanding policy jargon, and making sure all your needs are met can be overwhelming.

This is why working with an FCA-authorised PMI broker is so beneficial. A specialist broker like WeCovr acts as your expert guide. We are not tied to any single insurer. Our loyalty is to you, our client.

Based on our high customer satisfaction ratings and experience, we know what makes a good policy. We will:

  • Listen to your needs as a care worker.
  • Compare the market to find the best provider for your age, location, and health requirements.
  • Explain the pros and cons of each option in simple terms.
  • Help you tailor the policy to fit your budget.
  • Support you with the application and for the life of your policy.

Our service is free, and our expertise can save you both time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is private health insurance worth it for a care worker?

For many care workers, it is highly valuable. The job carries a high risk of physical injury and mental strain. Private health insurance provides fast access to diagnostics, specialist treatment, and therapies like physiotherapy and counselling, helping you get back to work quickly and minimising loss of income from being on long NHS waiting lists.

Does PMI cover pre-existing conditions like back pain I've had before?

No, standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions you have sought treatment or advice for in the 5 years before your policy starts. It is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you join. If you have had back pain recently, it would be excluded. However, some policies may cover it in the future if you remain symptom-free for a continuous 2-year period after your policy begins (this is known as a moratorium).

Can I get a group policy for my care home staff?

Yes, absolutely. Business private medical insurance is an excellent employee benefit for care homes and domiciliary care agencies. It can help reduce staff sickness absence, improve morale, and make your organisation a more attractive place to work. A broker like WeCovr can help you compare group schemes to find an affordable and effective plan for your team.

What happens if I have an emergency?

Private medical insurance does not cover emergencies. If you have a life-threatening situation, such as a suspected heart attack, stroke, or serious injury from an accident, you should call 999 or go to your nearest NHS A&E department. The NHS provides world-class emergency care. PMI is for planned, non-emergency treatment for acute conditions.

Ready to protect your health and wellbeing? Contact the friendly, expert team at WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and find the perfect private health insurance policy for you.

Sources

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
  • HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.


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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 experienced 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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