Private Health Insurance for Consultants in the UK
As a leading, FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that for UK consultants, time is money. This guide explores why private medical insurance is an essential tool for protecting your health and your business, allowing you to bypass NHS queues and get back to your clients faster.
Comprehensive cover for professional business consultants
Your career as a professional consultant is demanding. It requires sharp focus, long hours, and the ability to perform at your peak consistently. Whether you're a sole trader, a partner in a small consultancy, or a contractor, your income is directly tied to your ability to work. An unexpected illness or injury can do more than just put you on the sidelines; it can jeopardise projects, client relationships, and your financial stability.
This is where private medical insurance (PMI) becomes an indispensable part of your business toolkit. It's not a luxury; it's a strategic investment in your most valuable asset: you. With NHS waiting lists in England reaching a staggering 7.54 million treatment pathways in early 2024, the ability to access prompt diagnosis and private treatment is more critical than ever. For a consultant, waiting months for a consultation or procedure isn't just an inconvenience—it's a significant business risk.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right private health cover for your unique needs as a UK consultant.
Why Do Consultants Need Specialist Health Insurance?
The life of a consultant is different from that of a typical nine-to-five employee. These differences make a robust health insurance plan particularly important.
- No Sick Pay: Most self-employed consultants have no access to statutory or company sick pay. Every day you're unable to work is a day of lost income. PMI helps you get diagnosed and treated faster, minimising downtime and financial loss.
- High-Pressure Environment: Client deadlines, complex problem-solving, and the pressure to deliver results can lead to high levels of stress. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that in 2022/23, stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for 17.1 million lost working days in the UK. Many PMI policies now offer excellent mental health support to help you manage these pressures proactively.
- Frequent Travel: Whether travelling across the UK or internationally to meet clients, your lifestyle can be disruptive to routine and health. A flexible policy that covers you wherever you are, or includes a comprehensive travel option, is invaluable.
- Need for Speed: When a health issue arises, you need answers quickly. Waiting weeks for a GP appointment, followed by months for a specialist referral on the NHS, can be agonising and detrimental to your business. PMI provides a direct line to rapid diagnostics, consultations, and treatment.
A Real-Life Example: The IT Consultant
Imagine Sarah, a freelance IT consultant earning £500 a day. She develops persistent shoulder pain, making it difficult to use her computer for long periods.
- The NHS Route: She waits two weeks for a GP appointment. The GP refers her for a physiotherapy assessment, with a local waiting time of 10 weeks. After that, if physio doesn't work, she may be referred for an MRI scan (another 6-8 week wait) and then to an orthopaedic surgeon (a 20+ week wait). In total, she could face over 9 months of pain and reduced productivity, potentially losing thousands in income.
- The PMI Route: Sarah calls her PMI provider's digital GP service and gets an appointment the same day. The GP gives her an open referral. She calls her insurer, who authorises a consultation with a private orthopaedic specialist the following week. The specialist sends her for an MRI the same day and diagnoses a torn rotator cuff. She is booked in for private keyhole surgery two weeks later, followed by an intensive private physiotherapy programme. She is back to working at full capacity within 8-10 weeks.
The difference is clear. PMI minimised Sarah's physical discomfort and, crucially, her loss of income.
Understanding Private Medical Insurance (PMI) in the UK
Before diving into policy specifics, it's vital to understand the fundamentals of how private health insurance works in the UK.
PMI is an insurance policy that pays for the cost of private medical treatment for acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health.
Crucially, PMI works alongside the NHS, not as a replacement for it.
- The NHS remains the provider for accident and emergency services. If you have a car accident or a heart attack, you go to A&E.
- The NHS handles the management of chronic conditions.
- Your GP is usually your first port of call, providing the referral needed to start a private claim.
The Critical Exclusion: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
This is the most important concept to understand about standard UK private medical insurance.
PMI is designed for new, eligible medical conditions that arise after you take out your policy. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, injury, or symptom you have (or have had symptoms of, or sought advice for) in the years before your policy begins. Most policies will exclude these, at least initially.
- Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-lasting and cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, Crohn's disease, and high blood pressure. The NHS will manage these conditions.
PMI is there to step in for things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair, cancer treatment, and diagnostic procedures for new symptoms.
Core Components of a Consultant's PMI Policy
A typical PMI policy is built from a core foundation, with optional extras you can add to tailor the cover to your needs.
1. In-patient and Day-patient Cover
This is the heart of every PMI policy.
- In-patient: Treatment that requires a stay in a hospital bed overnight.
- Day-patient: Treatment that requires a hospital bed for the day, but you don't stay overnight (e.g., an endoscopy or minor surgical procedure).
This core cover typically pays for hospital accommodation, operating theatre costs, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, nursing care, and medication while you are in the hospital.
2. Out-patient Cover
This is arguably the most important component for enabling a speedy diagnosis. Out-patient cover pays for services that don't require a hospital bed. It's often sold in tiers:
- Diagnostics only: Covers MRI, CT, and PET scans but not specialist consultations.
- Limited cover: Provides a set financial limit for consultations and diagnostics, for example, £500, £1,000, or £1,500 per year.
- Full cover: No annual financial limit on eligible diagnostic tests and specialist consultations.
For a consultant who needs rapid answers, a policy with a comprehensive out-patient limit is highly recommended. It's the key that unlocks the entire private healthcare journey.
3. Cancer Cover
Cancer cover is a significant feature of PMI and provides huge peace of mind. The level of cover can vary:
| Level of Cancer Cover | What It Typically Includes |
|---|---|
| NHS Cancer Cover Promise | If you are diagnosed with cancer, you can opt to use the NHS for your treatment. The insurer may offer a one-off cash payment and access to some non-standard drugs. |
| Standard Cancer Cover | Covers the cost of diagnosis and treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) in a private setting. May have limits on certain treatments or monitoring. |
| Comprehensive Cancer Cover | The most extensive option. Covers diagnosis, all stages of treatment, advanced therapies, reconstructive surgery, palliative care, and often includes monitoring and access to expensive drugs not available on the NHS. |
Given the impact of a cancer diagnosis, comprehensive cover is often considered a non-negotiable part of a robust policy.
4. Mental Health Support
As a consultant, your mental resilience is as important as your physical health. Insurers have recognised this, and mental health cover has improved dramatically. Policies can cover:
- Access to digital therapy sessions (CBT).
- Consultations with private psychiatrists and psychologists.
- In-patient and day-patient treatment for acute mental health crises.
- Access to 24/7 stress and support helplines.
Check the limits carefully, as some policies offer a set number of therapy sessions or a financial cap on psychiatric care.
Tailoring Your Policy: Optional Extras for Consultants
Once you have your core cover sorted, you can add extras to build a plan that fits your life perfectly.
- Therapies Cover: Highly recommended for anyone who sits at a desk or travels frequently. This covers treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care to deal with back, neck, and joint pain.
- Dental and Optical Cover: This can be added to cover routine check-ups, treatments, and contributions towards glasses or contact lenses. It's a useful budgeting tool but assess whether it offers better value than simply paying as you go.
- Worldwide Travel Cover: Many consultants travel for work. Instead of buying separate travel insurance for each trip, you can add a comprehensive travel option to your PMI policy. This often covers medical emergencies abroad and can be more convenient.
- Wellness Programmes and Rewards: Providers like Vitality have pioneered this space. They reward you with discounts on gym memberships, smartwatches, and even coffee for staying active. This proactive approach to health can be highly motivating. WeCovr also provides all its PMI and Life Insurance customers with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you manage your diet effectively whether at home or on the road.
How to Choose the Best PMI Policy: A Consultant's Checklist
With so many options, choosing the right policy can feel overwhelming. Here's a systematic approach.
1. Understand Underwriting Options
This determines how the insurer treats your pre-existing conditions.
| Feature | Moratorium (MORI) Underwriting | Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) |
|---|---|---|
| The Process | Quick and simple. You don't declare your medical history upfront. The insurer will investigate at the point of a claim. | You complete a detailed health questionnaire upfront, declaring your full medical history. |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Automatically excludes conditions you've had in the 5 years before the policy starts. However, if you go 2 full years on the policy without symptoms, advice, or treatment for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. | Pre-existing conditions you declare are typically excluded permanently from the policy. There is no review period. |
| Claim Speed | Can be slower, as the insurer needs to check your medical history to see if the claim relates to a pre-existing condition. | Generally faster and more certain, as the insurer already knows what is and isn't covered from day one. |
| Best For | People with a clean bill of health who want a quick sign-up process. | People with a complex medical history who want absolute clarity on what's covered from the outset. |
2. Compare Hospital Lists
Insurers have different 'lists' of private hospitals where you can be treated. These are often tiered:
- Local List: A restricted list of hospitals, often excluding central London. Cheaper premium.
- National List: A comprehensive list of several hundred private hospitals across the UK. The standard choice.
- Premium/London List: Includes the top-tier private hospitals in central London (e.g., The London Clinic, Cromwell Hospital), which have higher fees. More expensive premium.
As a consultant, consider where you live, where you work, and where you would want to be treated. Access to a London hospital might be important for specialist care.
3. Set Your Excess
The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim each year. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your first claim of the year is for a £3,000 procedure, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the remaining £2,750.
A higher excess will lower your monthly premium.
Choosing an excess of £250, £500, or even £1,000 is a great way to make your policy more affordable, as you're unlikely to claim every year.
4. Consider the '6-Week Option'
This is another excellent cost-saving feature. If you add the 6-week option, it means that for in-patient or day-patient treatment, if the NHS can treat you within 6 weeks of when the treatment is needed, you will use the NHS. If the NHS wait is longer than 6 weeks, your PMI policy will kick in and you can go private immediately.
Since the main benefit of PMI is bypassing long waits, and most significant NHS waits are far longer than 6 weeks, this option can significantly reduce your premium without losing the core benefit of the policy.
Comparing Leading UK Private Health Insurance Providers
Several major providers dominate the UK PMI market. While costs are highly personal, here's a look at their key strengths for a consultant. A specialist broker like WeCovr can provide a detailed comparison of quotes based on your exact needs.
| Provider | Key Features for Consultants | Wellness Offering |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa | Extensive hospital network, strong brand recognition, excellent cancer cover and mental health pathways. A very trusted and established choice. | Bupa Touch app with health information, rewards programme for healthy activities. |
| AXA Health | Superb out-patient options, fast-track access to diagnostics, strong focus on musculoskeletal health (physio), excellent digital GP service. | 'ActivePlus' programme with gym discounts, health information, and support lines. |
| Aviva | Often provides excellent value for money. Comprehensive hospital lists and good core cover. Their 'Expert Select' guided consultant option can reduce premiums. | Aviva Wellbeing app, access to mental health support, and discounts on health and wellbeing services. |
| Vitality | Unique wellness-centric model. Rewards you for being healthy with cinema tickets, coffee, and discounts on Apple Watches and travel. Can be very cost-effective if you engage with the programme. | The entire policy is built around the Vitality Programme, tracking activity via a linked device to earn points and rewards. |
Wellness and Lifestyle Tips for the Busy Consultant
Your PMI policy is a safety net, but the best strategy is to stay healthy in the first place. As a consultant, your schedule can be your biggest enemy.
- Manage Your Stress Proactively: Don't wait for burnout. Schedule short breaks between meetings. Use mindfulness apps like Calm or Headspace. Ensure you take your full holiday allowance to properly disconnect.
- Master Healthy Travel:
- Stay Hydrated: Flying and hotel air-conditioning are dehydrating. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip throughout the day.
- Plan Your Meals: Avoid relying on service station sandwiches. Use apps like CalorieHero to make healthier choices at chain restaurants or pack your own nutritious snacks.
- Move Your Body: Book hotels with gyms. If there's no gym, a 20-minute bodyweight workout (squats, push-ups, planks) in your room or a brisk walk can make a huge difference.
- Optimise Your Workspace: If you work from home, invest in an ergonomic setup. A good chair, a separate monitor at eye level, and an external keyboard can prevent the back and neck pain that therapies cover is designed to treat.
- Prioritise Sleep: Lack of sleep dulls cognitive function, weakens immunity, and increases stress. Aim for 7-8 hours per night. Avoid screens for an hour before bed and create a consistent sleep routine, even when travelling.
Why Use a Specialist Broker like WeCovr?
You could go directly to an insurer, but you'd only see one set of prices and options. Using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr offers significant advantages, at no extra cost to you.
- Impartial Expert Advice: We are experts in the private medical insurance UK market. We work for you, not the insurer. We'll listen to your needs as a consultant and recommend the most suitable policies.
- Market-Wide Comparison: We compare policies and prices from all the leading providers, saving you hours of research and ensuring you don't overpay.
- No Extra Cost: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, but this doesn't affect the price you pay. You get expert advice and support for the same price as going direct.
- Policy Support: We help you understand the fine print, from hospital lists to underwriting, ensuring there are no surprises when you need to claim.
- Added Value: As a WeCovr client, you get access to exclusive benefits, such as our CalorieHero nutrition app and potential discounts on other insurance products like life or income protection when you take out a policy. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding you the best possible cover.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Consultants
Does private health insurance cover conditions I already have?
As a self-employed consultant, is my private health insurance tax-deductible?
Can I add my family to my policy?
What is the difference between a 'guided' consultant list and full choice?
Ready to Protect Your Health and Your Business?
Your ability to work is your greatest asset. Don't let long NHS waiting lists put your income and well-being at risk. Investing in the right private medical insurance gives you control, peace of mind, and fast access to the best care when you need it most.
Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will compare the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect cover for you, at the most competitive price.
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!
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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Who Are WeCovr?
WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.
Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!