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Private Health Insurance for Heart Conditions UK

Private Health Insurance for Heart Conditions UK 2025

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the nuances of private medical insurance in the UK. This guide explores your options for covering heart conditions, helping you navigate the complexities of cardiology tests and treatments with confidence and clarity.

PMI options for cardiology tests and treatment

Heart health is a paramount concern for millions across the UK. While the NHS provides outstanding cardiac care, private medical insurance (PMI) offers a complementary route, giving you faster access to specialists, diagnostic tests, and treatments for new, acute conditions. Understanding how PMI works for heart-related issues is crucial for making an informed decision about your health cover.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from what’s covered and what isn’t, to how to choose the right policy for your peace of mind.

The State of Heart Health in the UK: A Snapshot

To understand the value of health insurance, it helps to grasp the landscape of cardiovascular health in the UK.

According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), an estimated 7.6 million people are living with heart and circulatory diseases in the UK. These conditions are a major cause of hospital admissions and, tragically, account for around a quarter of all deaths each year.

While these statistics can be sobering, they highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and effective treatment, areas where private health cover can make a significant difference.

The Most Important Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Before we delve into the specifics of cardiology cover, we must address the single most important principle of UK private medical insurance: PMI is designed to cover acute conditions, not chronic or pre-existing ones.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. For example, a sudden heart arrhythmia that can be corrected with a procedure.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, requires management through check-ups or medication, has no known cure, or is likely to recur. Examples include high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, or coronary artery disease that has already been diagnosed.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any health condition, symptom, or related medical advice you received before your policy start date.

Crucially, standard private health insurance will not cover the management of chronic heart conditions or any pre-existing heart conditions. If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or have had a heart attack before taking out a policy, PMI will not pay for the ongoing management of that condition.

The role of PMI is to provide cover for new health concerns that arise after your policy begins.

How PMI Can Help with New, Acute Heart Conditions

If you develop new symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, or breathlessness after your policy has started, PMI can be an invaluable asset. It allows you to bypass potential NHS waiting lists and get answers quickly.

Here’s what a typical journey with PMI might look like for a new heart-related issue:

  1. GP Referral: You visit your GP (either NHS or a private GP service included in some PMI plans) who refers you to a cardiologist.
  2. Fast-Track Specialist Consultation: Your insurer authorises a consultation with a private cardiologist, often within days.
  3. Rapid Diagnostics: The cardiologist may recommend tests to investigate your symptoms. PMI can cover a wide range of these, including:
    • Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity.
    • Echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) to see its structure and function.
    • Exercise Stress Test to see how your heart works during physical activity.
    • 24-hour ECG (Holter monitor) to track your heart rhythm over a longer period.
    • Advanced imaging like Cardiac MRI or CT Coronary Angiography.
  4. Treatment for Acute Conditions: If the tests reveal an acute, treatable condition (like a blocked artery that requires a stent), your policy can cover the procedure. This includes:
    • Angioplasty and Stent Insertion: A procedure to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.
    • Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG): Open-heart surgery to improve blood flow to the heart.
    • Pacemaker or ICD Implantation: To correct abnormal heart rhythms.
  5. Post-Procedure Care: Cover often includes the hospital stay, nursing care, and a period of post-operative cardiac rehabilitation to help you recover.

By providing this pathway, PMI offers not just medical treatment but also immense peace of mind during a stressful time.

Understanding Underwriting: How Insurers Assess Your Health

When you apply for private health insurance, the insurer needs to assess your medical history. This process is called underwriting. The type you choose affects what is covered, especially concerning potential heart issues.

There are two main types:

1. Moratorium Underwriting

This is the most common type. You don't have to declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a "moratorium" period, typically the first two years of the policy.

  • How it works: Any condition you had symptoms of, or received treatment for, in the five years before your policy started is automatically excluded for the first two years.
  • Becoming eligible for cover: If you go two full, continuous years on the policy without experiencing symptoms, seeking advice, or receiving treatment for that condition, it may become eligible for cover thereafter.

Example: You had a single episode of palpitations four years before starting your policy, saw a GP, but it was dismissed as anxiety. This would be excluded for the first two years of your new policy. If you have no further palpitations or related consultations for two years, the condition could then be covered.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer then reviews this and tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from day one.

  • How it works: The insurer may apply specific exclusions to your policy based on your history. For example, if you have a history of high blood pressure, they will place a permanent exclusion on covering hypertension and any related conditions.
  • The benefit: You have complete clarity from the start. There are no grey areas about what is covered.

An expert broker, like the team at WeCovr, can help you decide which underwriting method is best for your personal circumstances.

What Does a PMI Policy Cover for Cardiology? A Breakdown

Policies vary between providers, but here is a general guide to what you can expect.

Feature / TreatmentStandard Cover in Most PoliciesOften an Optional Add-on or Subject to LimitsGenerally Excluded
ConsultationsSpecialist consultations (Cardiologist)Routine check-ups
Basic DiagnosticsECG, blood tests, X-raysHealth screenings (unless part of a wellness benefit)
Advanced ScansMRI, CT, PET scansSometimes limited by cost or hospital networkScans for conditions excluded by underwriting
In-Patient/Day-PatientHospital stays, nursing care, theatre feesChoice of premium private hospital listsStays for chronic condition monitoring
Surgical ProceduresAngioplasty, bypass surgery, pacemakerExperimental or unproven treatments
Cancer CoverIncluded as standard for new diagnosesEnhanced cancer care with access to specialist drugs
Cardiac RehabilitationVaries by insurer; may offer limited sessionsComprehensive therapies (physio, dietary advice)Long-term management programmes
Chronic ConditionsNot coveredHigh blood pressure, high cholesterol, existing heart disease

Leading PMI Providers for Heart Health

The UK has several excellent insurance providers, each with its own strengths, hospital networks, and policy features. While it's best to compare the market for your specific needs, some of the major providers include:

  • Bupa: One of the largest providers with extensive hospital lists and well-established cardiac pathways.
  • AXA Health: Known for its comprehensive cover and strong focus on member support and digital health tools.
  • Aviva: Offers a wide range of modular policies, allowing you to tailor your cover, and has a strong network of partner hospitals.
  • Vitality: Unique for its focus on rewarding healthy living. Members can earn discounts and benefits for staying active, which can be a great motivator for improving heart health.

Navigating the subtle differences between these providers' policies can be complex. This is where an independent PMI broker is invaluable, ensuring you get the right cover at a competitive price.

Proactive Heart Health: Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

While insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best strategy is prevention. Many PMI providers actively encourage a healthier lifestyle, and some, like Vitality, build their entire model around it.

Here are some evidence-based tips for maintaining good heart health:

  1. A Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce your intake of processed foods, saturated fats, salt, and sugar. The Mediterranean diet is often cited as being particularly beneficial for cardiovascular health.
  2. Regular Physical Activity: The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or swimming) per week.
  3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight increases your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes—all major risk factors for heart disease.
  4. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart problems. Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or even simple hobbies can help manage stress levels.
  5. Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
  6. Don't Smoke and Limit Alcohol: Smoking is one of the single biggest risk factors for heart disease. Quitting is the best thing you can do for your heart. Limiting alcohol intake is also crucial.

As a WeCovr client, you also receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you stay on track with your dietary goals.

Real-Life Scenarios: Putting PMI into Practice

Let's look at two examples to illustrate how PMI for heart conditions works in the real world.

Scenario 1: David, 52 - New Onset Chest Pains David, a non-smoker with no prior heart issues, starts experiencing chest pains when exercising.

  1. Action: He visits his GP, who is concerned and recommends an urgent cardiology review. The NHS waiting list for a non-emergency consultation is several weeks.
  2. PMI Journey: David calls his PMI provider. They approve a referral to a private cardiologist, and he gets an appointment in three days.
  3. Diagnosis: The cardiologist performs an ECG and an echocardiogram, which are covered by his policy. The tests suggest a significant narrowing in one of his coronary arteries. A CT coronary angiogram confirms the diagnosis.
  4. Treatment: The condition is acute and requires treatment. David is booked in for a private angioplasty and stent procedure the following week. His PMI policy covers the entire cost of the surgery, hospital stay, and a course of cardiac rehabilitation.
  5. Outcome: David gets a swift diagnosis and treatment, minimising the risk of a major heart attack and allowing him to return to his life quickly.

Scenario 2: Sarah, 45 - Pre-existing High Blood Pressure Sarah was diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) three years ago, which she manages with daily medication. She decides to take out a PMI policy.

  1. Action: She applies for a policy with moratorium underwriting.
  2. PMI Position: Her hypertension is a pre-existing chronic condition. It will be automatically excluded from cover.
  3. Future Symptom: A year later, she experiences palpitations. She visits her GP, who suspects it might be related to her long-standing hypertension.
  4. Cover Decision: Because the symptoms are linked to her pre-existing, excluded condition, her PMI provider will not cover the costs of a private cardiology investigation. Sarah would need to use the NHS for this investigation.
  5. Outcome: This demonstrates the importance of understanding exclusions. The PMI policy is still valuable for any new, unrelated acute conditions she might develop in the future (e.g., joint problems, hernias, or cancer).

Cost of Private Cardiology vs. PMI Premiums

The cost of private medical treatment can be substantial. Having insurance provides a financial safety net against these unpredictable expenses.

Private Cardiology ServiceAverage Self-Pay Cost (UK)
Initial Cardiologist Consultation£250 - £350
Electrocardiogram (ECG)£150 - £250
Echocardiogram£500 - £800
CT Coronary Angiogram£1,500 - £2,500
Coronary Angioplasty (with 1 stent)£10,000 - £15,000
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)£25,000 - £35,000+

Note: Costs are estimates and can vary significantly by hospital and location.

In contrast, a comprehensive private medical insurance UK policy might cost between £50 and £150 per month for a healthy individual in their 40s or 50s. The premium provides peace of mind that should you need one of these expensive procedures for a new, acute condition, the cost will be covered.

Working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr ensures you find a policy that balances cost with comprehensive cover, tailored to your budget and needs. WeCovr can also offer discounts on other insurance products, such as life or income protection insurance, when you purchase a PMI policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get private health insurance if I already have a heart condition?

Yes, you can still get private health insurance, but it's very important to understand that your existing heart condition will be excluded from cover. Standard UK PMI policies do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. Your policy will provide cover for new, unrelated acute conditions that arise after you join.

Do I need to declare a family history of heart disease when applying for PMI?

Generally, for moratorium underwriting, you do not need to declare family history. However, with Full Medical Underwriting (FMU), the application form may ask about it. A family history does not mean you will be refused cover, but it provides the insurer with more information. It does not count as a pre-existing condition for you.

Will my private medical insurance cover a heart attack?

A heart attack is a medical emergency. Your immediate care will always be handled by the NHS emergency services. However, your private medical insurance can be extremely valuable for the post-emergency phase. This can include follow-up surgery like a bypass or angioplasty, specialist consultations, and cardiac rehabilitation, provided the underlying condition was not pre-existing.

Are health screenings for heart disease covered by PMI?

Standard PMI policies do not typically cover preventative health screenings as they are designed to cover treatment for symptoms, not investigation in the absence of them. However, many insurers offer wellness benefits or optional add-ons that include a health check, which may assess cardiovascular risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure.

Your Next Step to Peace of Mind

Navigating the world of private health insurance can feel daunting, especially when considering a topic as serious as heart health. The key is to remember that PMI is for new, acute problems that start after your policy begins.

At WeCovr, our expert, FCA-authorised advisors are here to provide clear, independent advice at no cost to you. We compare policies from across the market to find the best PMI provider that fits your needs and budget, giving you confidence and control over your health.

Ready to protect your future health? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and discover your best options.


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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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