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Private Health Insurance for Genetic Conditions UK

Private Health Insurance for Genetic Conditions UK 2025

Navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex, especially when considering genetic conditions. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we believe in providing clear, expert guidance to help you understand your options and find the right protection.

Exploring how family history impacts cover availability

Your family's medical history is a significant factor that private health insurance providers consider when you apply for a policy. It gives them an insight into potential health risks you may face in the future. However, the way this information is used is strictly regulated, particularly concerning genetic conditions.

In the UK, the primary purpose of private medical insurance (PMI) is to cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions that arise after your policy has started. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.

Crucially, standard UK private health insurance policies do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, injury, or symptom you had before the policy start date, whether you were diagnosed or not.
  • Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-lasting, has no known cure, and requires ongoing management or monitoring (e.g., diabetes, asthma, or a diagnosed genetic disorder like Cystic Fibrosis).

Therefore, when insurers look at your family history, they aren't looking to exclude you from cover entirely. Instead, they are assessing the risk of you developing a new, acute condition in the future, which the policy is designed to cover.

What is a Genetic Condition?

Before we delve deeper, let's clarify what we mean by a "genetic condition." In simple terms, it's a health problem caused by a change or mutation in a person's DNA. These conditions can be:

  • Inherited: Passed down from one or both parents. Examples include Huntington's disease, Sickle Cell Anaemia, and Familial Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol).
  • Acquired: Caused by new mutations or changes to DNA during a person's life, often due to environmental factors. Cancers are a prime example.

Many people are concerned about a family history of conditions with a strong genetic link, such as:

  • Certain types of cancer (e.g., breast, ovarian, bowel)
  • Heart disease and high cholesterol
  • Neurological disorders (e.g., Huntington's, Motor Neurone Disease)
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Haemochromatosis

Understanding how insurers treat this information is key to managing your expectations and finding the right private health cover.

The ABI Code: Your Protection Against Genetic Discrimination

One of the biggest fears for consumers is that a "bad" genetic test result could make them uninsurable. Thankfully, the UK insurance industry has a robust agreement in place to prevent this from happening for most types of insurance.

The Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance is a voluntary agreement between the Government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI). It sets out clear rules on how insurers can and cannot use genetic test information.

Key Protections Under the Code:

  1. No Obligation to Test: Insurers can never ask or pressure you to take a genetic test to get insurance.
  2. Predictive Tests Are Protected: For most policies, including private medical insurance, insurers cannot ask for or use the result of a predictive genetic test. A predictive test is one taken to see if you are at risk of developing a condition in the future, even if you have no symptoms.
  3. Huntington's Disease Exception: There is one exception for very high-value life insurance policies (over £500,000), where an insurer can ask for the result of a predictive test for Huntington's Disease. This does not apply to private medical insurance.
Type of Genetic TestCan an Insurer Ask for the Result for PMI?
Predictive Test (e.g., for BRCA or Huntington's)No
Diagnostic Test (to confirm a suspected condition)Yes
Carrier Test (to see if you carry a gene you could pass on)No

This code is a cornerstone of consumer protection. It means you can explore your genetic risks through the NHS or private testing without fearing that it will automatically prevent you from getting private health cover.

However, the code distinguishes between a predictive test result and an actual diagnosis. If you develop symptoms and a doctor diagnoses you with a genetic condition, this becomes part of your medical history and must be declared. As it would then be considered a pre-existing (and likely chronic) condition, its ongoing management would be excluded from cover.

Underwriting: How Insurers Assess Your Application

When you apply for PMI, the insurer will "underwrite" your policy. This is the process of assessing your health and medical history to decide on the terms of your cover. There are two main types of underwriting.

1. Moratorium Underwriting

This is the most common and simplest type. You don't need to provide a detailed medical history upfront.

  • How it works: The policy automatically excludes any condition for which you've had symptoms, medication, or advice in the last 5 years.
  • The "2-year rule": If, after your policy starts, you go for a continuous 2-year period without any treatment, symptoms, or advice for that specific condition, the exclusion may be lifted, and you could be covered for it in the future.
  • Impact of Family History: With moratorium, your family history isn't directly assessed at the start. However, if you develop a condition linked to your family history, the insurer will check if it can be considered pre-existing.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

This involves completing a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your full medical history and that of your immediate family.

  • How it works: The insurer assesses your information and decides on any specific exclusions from the outset. These exclusions are typically permanent.
  • Impact of Family History: You will be asked questions like "Has any close relative (parent, sibling) suffered from heart disease, stroke, cancer, or diabetes under the age of 60?"
  • The Outcome: Based on your answers, the insurer might place a specific exclusion on your policy. For example, if your mother had breast cancer at 45, they might add an exclusion for breast cancer. This provides certainty from day one about what is and isn't covered.

Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting: Which is Better?

The best choice depends on your personal circumstances. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can talk you through the nuances to help you decide.

FeatureMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Application ProcessQuick and simple, no forms.Longer, requires a detailed health questionnaire.
ExclusionsAutomatic, blanket exclusions for recent conditions.Specific, named exclusions decided upfront.
Certainty of CoverLess certainty; claims can be delayed while the insurer checks your history.Full certainty from day one about what's excluded.
Family HistoryNot directly asked, but relevant if a new condition arises.Directly asked and used to set specific exclusions.
Best For...People with a clean bill of health or minor past issues.People who want absolute clarity or have a complex history they want assessed.

For someone with a strong family history of a genetic condition but no personal symptoms, FMU can provide valuable peace of mind by clarifying exactly what will and won't be covered from the start.

This is the most important question. While PMI won't cover the management of a diagnosed chronic genetic condition, it can provide invaluable support in several key areas.

1. Diagnostics for New, Acute Symptoms

Imagine you have a family history of bowel cancer. Years after taking out your PMI policy, you develop concerning symptoms. Your GP suspects you may have an issue and refers you to a specialist.

Your PMI policy could cover:

  • The initial consultation with a private specialist (gastroenterologist).
  • Diagnostic tests like a colonoscopy to investigate the cause of your symptoms.

This allows you to bypass long NHS waiting lists and get a diagnosis quickly. If the diagnosis is a new, acute condition (like a treatable cancer that developed after your policy began), your PMI would then cover the treatment. If it's a pre-existing or chronic issue, cover for treatment would stop after the diagnosis is made.

2. Prophylactic (Preventative) Surgery

This is a growing area of interest. The most well-known example is for women who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Some comprehensive private medical insurance policies may cover risk-reducing surgery, such as a preventative mastectomy or oophorectomy (removal of ovaries).

Important Considerations:

  • This is not standard cover. It is only available on a select few top-tier policies.
  • There are usually strict criteria, such as a confirmed genetic test result and a recommendation from a specialist.
  • The insurer must have agreed to cover it in advance.

This is a powerful benefit that can be life-saving. An expert broker can help identify the few providers and policies that offer this type of advanced cover.

3. Comprehensive Cancer Cover

This is arguably the most valuable benefit of PMI for someone with a genetic predisposition to cancer. If you have a PMI policy and are later diagnosed with cancer (that wasn't pre-existing), your cancer cover would be activated.

According to Cancer Research UK, there will be an estimated 420,000 new cancer cases in the UK in 2025. Access to private treatment can provide options and comfort during a difficult time.

A typical comprehensive cancer benefit includes:

  • Access to specialist surgeons, oncologists, and cancer centres.
  • Full cover for chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
  • Access to expensive drugs and treatments that may not be available on the NHS or have long waiting lists.
  • Advanced procedures like stem cell therapy or biological therapies.
  • Palliative care and pain relief.

Knowing you have this safety net can provide enormous peace of mind if you are aware of a heightened genetic risk.

4. Mental Health Support

Learning you have a high genetic risk or receiving a diagnosis can be incredibly distressing. Most modern PMI policies now include some level of mental health support.

This can range from:

  • A 24/7 helpline for immediate support.
  • A set number of therapy or counselling sessions (e.g., CBT).
  • Access to mental health apps and resources.
  • Inpatient psychiatric treatment on more comprehensive plans.

This support can be just as valuable as the physical health benefits, helping you and your family cope with the emotional impact.

Real-Life Scenarios: How PMI Responds

Let's look at some practical examples to see how this works in the real world.

Scenario 1: Sarah and the BRCA Gene

  • Situation: Sarah's mother and aunt both had breast cancer in their 40s. She is 30, healthy, and has no symptoms. She wants to get private health insurance.
  • Action: Sarah speaks to WeCovr. They recommend a policy with Full Medical Underwriting so she can be clear about cover. She declares her family history. The insurer places an exclusion on her policy for "breast conditions."
  • Developments:
    1. A year later, Sarah gets a predictive genetic test via the NHS and discovers she has the BRCA1 gene. She does not need to tell her insurer this.
    2. She decides she wants a preventative mastectomy. Her PMI policy is a mid-range plan and does not cover prophylactic surgery, so she cannot claim for this.
    3. At age 38, she finds a lump. Her GP refers her for tests. Because her policy has a "breast conditions" exclusion, her PMI will not cover the diagnostic tests or any subsequent treatment.
  • Alternative Scenario: If Sarah's broker at WeCovr had found her a top-tier policy without a breast cancer exclusion and with cover for prophylactic surgery, she might have been able to claim for the preventative mastectomy. Furthermore, if she developed cancer, it would have been covered. This highlights the importance of expert advice and choosing the right policy from the start.

Scenario 2: David and Huntington's Disease

  • Situation: David's father has Huntington's Disease, a serious, inherited neurological condition. David is 28, symptom-free, and applying for PMI.
  • Action: On his application, he declares his father's condition. Under the ABI Code, the insurer cannot ask him if he has had or intends to have a predictive genetic test for Huntington's.
  • Outcome: The insurer issues him a standard policy. Huntington's is a chronic condition, so if he were ever diagnosed, its ongoing management wouldn't be covered anyway, just like any other chronic illness.
  • Developments: At age 45, David begins to experience neurological symptoms. His PMI covers the initial private consultations and diagnostic scans (like an MRI) to find the cause. The tests confirm he has Huntington's. At this point, PMI cover for the condition ceases as it is now a diagnosed chronic illness. He is referred back to the NHS for long-term care, but he benefited from a much faster diagnosis process.

Proactive Health Management: Taking Control

Insurance is a safety net, but the best approach is always proactive health management. Knowing you have a genetic risk can empower you to make positive lifestyle changes.

  • Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk of many conditions, including heart disease and some cancers. With WeCovr, policyholders get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help them stay on track.
  • Physical Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Regular exercise is proven to lower your risk of major illnesses by up to 50%.
  • Regular Screenings: Make full use of the free NHS screening programmes, such as mammograms, cervical screening, and bowel cancer screening. Early detection saves lives.
  • Know Your Numbers: Keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI. Your GP can help you with this.
  • Sleep and Stress: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Chronic stress can negatively impact your immune system, so find healthy ways to manage it, such as mindfulness, yoga, or hobbies.

By taking these steps, you can actively reduce your overall health risks, regardless of your genetic makeup.

How a Specialist Broker Like WeCovr Can Help

The landscape of private health insurance for genetic conditions is complex and filled with nuance. Trying to navigate it alone can be overwhelming. This is where an independent, expert broker is invaluable.

At WeCovr, we:

  1. Understand the Market: We work with all the leading UK private health insurance providers and know the intricate details of their policies, including their specific stances on family history and preventative cover.
  2. Provide Personalised Advice: We take the time to understand your unique situation, your health concerns, and your budget. We then recommend the most suitable options for you.
  3. Save You Time and Money: We do all the research and comparison for you, ensuring you get the best possible cover at a competitive price. Our service is completely free for you to use.
  4. Offer Added Value: When you arrange a policy with us, you not only get expert advice but also unlock benefits like access to our CalorieHero app and potential discounts on other insurance products like life or income protection cover.

Don't leave your health to chance. Getting the right advice is the first step towards securing peace of mind for you and your family.


Do I have to declare my family history when applying for private medical insurance?

Yes, if you choose Full Medical Underwriting (FMU), you will need to answer questions about the medical history of your close relatives (parents and siblings). You must answer these questions honestly and accurately. With Moratorium underwriting, you are not asked about family history upfront, but it may be investigated if you make a claim.

Can I get private health insurance if I've already been diagnosed with a genetic condition?

Yes, you can still get private health insurance. However, the diagnosed genetic condition will be considered a pre-existing and chronic condition. This means its monitoring, management, and any related treatments will be permanently excluded from your cover. The policy will still cover you for new, unrelated acute conditions that arise after you join.

Will my PMI premiums be higher if I have a family history of cancer or heart disease?

Not necessarily. Insurers are more likely to apply a specific exclusion to your policy rather than increase your premium. For example, if you have a strong family history of heart disease, they may issue the policy at a standard price but with an exclusion for cardiac conditions. This approach ensures you can still get affordable cover for a wide range of other health issues.

If I take a private genetic test, do I need to tell my PMI provider?

No. Under the UK's Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance, you are not required to disclose the result of a predictive genetic test (one taken to assess future risk when you have no symptoms) to your private medical insurer. They are also not allowed to ask you for it.

Ready to explore your options?

Understanding how your family history affects your private medical insurance is the first step to finding the right protection. Let our friendly experts at WeCovr provide a free, no-obligation comparison to give you clarity and peace of mind.

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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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