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Private Health Insurance for Knee Surgery UK

Private Health Insurance for Knee Surgery UK 2025

Struggling with knee pain can severely impact your quality of life, but long NHS waiting times can make the situation even more frustrating. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr can help you navigate the UK private medical insurance market to get faster access to treatment.

PMI for knee replacements, ligament injuries and orthopaedics

Knee problems are one of the most common reasons people seek orthopaedic help in the UK. From the wear and tear of osteoarthritis to sudden sporting injuries, the need for expert care is significant. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to help you bypass lengthy queues and receive prompt treatment in a comfortable private setting.

This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about using private health insurance for knee surgery in the UK. We'll cover what's included, what's not, how to choose the right policy, and how to get the best value for your money.

The State of Knee Surgery in the UK: Why Consider Private Cover?

The demand for orthopaedic treatment, particularly knee surgery, is at an all-time high in the UK. This has placed immense pressure on the NHS, leading to extended waiting lists.

According to the latest NHS England data, Trauma and Orthopaedics is consistently one of the specialties with the highest number of patients waiting for treatment. Many people wait over 18 weeks, and a significant number wait for more than a year for procedures like knee replacements.

NHS Waiting List Snapshot (Trauma & Orthopaedics)

Waiting TimeNumber of Patients (Illustrative)Implication for Patients
Over 18 weeksHundreds of thousandsProlonged pain, reduced mobility, impact on work and mental health.
Over 52 weeksTens of thousandsSevere disruption to daily life, potential for condition to worsen.

Source: Based on trends from NHS England Consultant-led Referral to Treatment Waiting Times Data.

This reality is what drives many to consider private medical insurance. PMI offers a direct route to faster diagnosis and treatment for eligible conditions, helping you get back on your feet sooner.

How Private Health Insurance Covers Knee Surgery

Private health insurance works as your partner in health, providing the funds to cover the costs of private medical care when you develop a new, acute condition after your policy begins. Here’s a typical journey for someone needing knee surgery:

  1. Visit Your GP: Your journey almost always starts with your GP. You'll discuss your knee symptoms, and if they feel you need specialist attention, they will provide an 'open referral' or a referral to a specific consultant.
  2. Contact Your Insurer: You'll call your PMI provider to open a claim. They will check your policy details and confirm that your symptoms are covered.
  3. Specialist Consultation: Your insurer will authorise a consultation with a private orthopaedic consultant. You can often choose the specialist and hospital from a list approved by your insurer.
  4. Diagnostics: The consultant may require diagnostic tests like an MRI scan, X-ray, or ultrasound to get a clear picture of the problem. Your PMI policy will typically cover these costs.
  5. Treatment Plan & Pre-authorisation: Once a diagnosis is made (e.g., a torn ACL or severe osteoarthritis requiring a replacement), the consultant will recommend a treatment plan. You must get this plan, including the specific procedure and hospital, pre-authorised by your insurer before proceeding.
  6. Surgery & Recovery: You'll have your surgery in a private hospital, often with a private room. Your policy will also usually cover post-operative care, including a set number of physiotherapy sessions to aid your recovery.

The Critical Rule: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

This is the most important concept to understand in UK private health insurance. Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. They do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. A torn meniscus from a football tackle is a perfect example.
  • Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management. It has no known cure. Arthritis, for example, is a chronic condition.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment in the years before your policy started.

How Insurers Handle Pre-existing Conditions

There are two main ways insurers assess pre-existing conditions:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting (Most Common): With a moratorium, you don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last 5 years. However, if you go for a set period (usually 2 years) without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.

    • Example: You had physio for a sore knee 3 years before buying a policy. If your knee becomes painful again in the first 2 years of your policy, it won't be covered. If it remains perfectly fine for 2 full years and then you develop a new problem, it could be covered.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): With FMU, you provide your complete medical history when you apply. The insurer assesses it and may place specific, permanent exclusions on your policy for any pre-existing conditions. This provides certainty from day one but means those conditions will likely never be covered.

What About Chronic Conditions like Osteoarthritis?

This is a grey area. Since osteoarthritis is chronic, PMI will not cover its day-to-day management, pain relief medication, or routine check-ups.

However, many policies will cover a specific, one-off surgical intervention to resolve an acute flare-up. For example, if your osteoarthritis deteriorates to the point where a knee replacement is the only effective treatment, many comprehensive PMI plans would cover the surgery. The key is that the surgery aims to return you to your previous state of health, relieving the acute symptoms.

Crucially, you must check the policy wording carefully or speak to an expert broker like WeCovr to understand how a specific insurer treats conditions like osteoarthritis.

What Types of Knee Procedures Can PMI Cover?

Assuming your condition is new, acute, and not pre-existing, a comprehensive PMI policy can cover a wide range of orthopaedic procedures.

ProcedureDescriptionTypically Covered by PMI?
Total Knee Replacement (TKR)The entire knee joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis. Used for severe arthritis or injury.Yes, if the condition is not deemed chronic or pre-existing.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)Only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced. Less invasive with a faster recovery.Yes, under the same conditions as TKR.
Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)A minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat joint problems, such as removing loose cartilage.Yes, a very common procedure covered by PMI.
ACL ReconstructionRebuilding the anterior cruciate ligament after a tear, common in sports injuries.Yes, this is a classic example of an acute injury covered by PMI.
Meniscal RepairSurgery to repair a torn meniscus, the cartilage that cushions the knee.Yes, for acute tears.
PhysiotherapyA course of rehabilitation sessions to restore movement and strength after surgery or injury.Yes, most policies include a set number of post-op sessions.

Comparing UK Private Health Insurance Providers for Orthopaedics

The UK's leading insurers all offer excellent orthopaedic cover, but their policies, hospital lists, and additional benefits vary. Choosing the right one depends on your individual needs and budget.

ProviderKey Features for Orthopaedic CoverOutpatient Cover Options
AXA HealthExtensive hospital network, strong focus on clinical support, guided consultant choice ('Guided Option').Options range from no cover to full cover, including diagnostics and therapy.
Aviva"Expert Select" option offers a guided path to specialists. Good digital GP services.Flexible outpatient limits (e.g., £0, £500, £1,000, or unlimited).
BupaLarge network of Bupa-recognised consultants and facilities. Offers different levels of cover (By You).Varies by plan level. Comprehensive plans include full diagnostics and therapies.
VitalityRewards healthy living with discounts. Strong focus on physiotherapy and preventative care.Full cover is standard, with an option to add a £200 excess for diagnostics.
The ExeterKnown for excellent customer service and considering more complex medical histories.Flexible outpatient limits and strong therapy cover.

Working with an independent PMI broker like WeCovr is invaluable here. We can compare these policies side-by-side, explain the subtle differences, and help you find a plan that provides robust orthopaedic cover without breaking the bank.

How Much Does Private Knee Surgery Cost Without Insurance?

Understanding the standalone cost of private surgery highlights the financial protection that PMI provides. Prices vary significantly based on the hospital, the consultant's fees, and your location (London is generally more expensive).

Here are some estimated costs for 2025:

ProcedureEstimated Private Cost (UK Average)
Initial Consultation with an Orthopaedic Surgeon£250 - £350
MRI Scan (one part)£400 - £800
Knee Arthroscopy£4,000 - £6,000
ACL Reconstruction Surgery£7,000 - £10,000
Total Knee Replacement£13,000 - £16,000+

A single knee replacement can cost more than the total PMI premiums you might pay over a decade. This is the core value proposition of private health cover: peace of mind and protection against unforeseen medical bills.

What Factors Affect Your PMI Premium?

Your monthly premium is calculated based on several risk factors. Understanding these can help you manage your costs.

  • Age: Premiums increase with age as the statistical likelihood of needing treatment rises.
  • Location: Living in areas with higher private hospital costs (like Central London) leads to higher premiums.
  • Level of Cover:
    • Hospital List: A policy covering only local hospitals is cheaper than one with nationwide access, including premium London hospitals.
    • Outpatient Cover: Limiting cover for consultations and diagnostic scans before a hospital stay is a key way to reduce your premium.
    • Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will significantly lower your monthly premium.
  • No Claims Discount: Similar to car insurance, you can build up a discount for every year you don't make a claim.
  • Lifestyle: Smokers will pay more than non-smokers. Some insurers, like Vitality, actively reward a healthy lifestyle with lower premiums.

Beyond Surgery: Wellness, Recovery, and Keeping Your Knees Healthy

Modern private medical insurance is about more than just surgery. Most leading providers now include a wealth of wellness benefits designed to keep you healthy and support your recovery.

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

This is a cornerstone of orthopaedic recovery. Most PMI policies will cover:

  • Post-operative physiotherapy: A set number of sessions (e.g., 6-10) is often included as standard after knee surgery.
  • Outpatient physiotherapy: If your outpatient cover includes therapies, you can often access physiotherapy to manage an injury without needing surgery.

Proactive Health and Wellness Support

The best way to avoid knee surgery is to look after your joints. Insurers increasingly support this with:

  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call for quick advice.
  • Mental Health Support: Lines for counselling and support, as chronic pain can take a mental toll.
  • Wellness Apps and Discounts: Many insurers offer apps to track your health and reward you with discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and healthy food.

When you purchase a policy through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress on your knee joints and lower your risk of osteoarthritis. For every 1lb of weight you lose, you reduce the load on your knee joint by 4lbs when walking.

Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr can often access discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect your family's health and finances more affordably.

The Claims Process for Knee Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating a claim can feel daunting, but it's usually a straightforward process.

  1. Get a GP Referral: Visit your NHS GP to discuss your knee pain and get a referral letter.
  2. Call Your Insurer to Start a Claim: Have your policy number ready. Explain your symptoms and that you have a GP referral. They will give you a claim or pre-authorisation number.
  3. Book a Consultation: Your insurer will provide a list of approved specialists. Book an appointment and give them your authorisation number.
  4. Authorise Diagnostics: If the specialist recommends an MRI or X-ray, call your insurer again with the details and cost to get it authorised.
  5. Authorise Treatment: Once surgery is recommended, your consultant's secretary will provide a 'procedure code' and details of the hospital and anaesthetist fees. You must pass this to your insurer for final pre-authorisation before the surgery date.
  6. Attend Treatment: The hospital and specialists will bill your insurer directly. You will only be liable for any excess on your policy.
  7. Post-Op Care: Follow the same authorisation process for any follow-up consultations or physiotherapy sessions recommended by your surgeon.

Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to supporting clients not just in choosing a policy, but in understanding how to use it when they need it most.

Will my private health insurance cover a knee replacement for osteoarthritis?

It depends. Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover chronic conditions like osteoarthritis for day-to-day management. However, many comprehensive policies will cover a joint replacement as a one-off procedure to treat the acute symptoms and restore mobility, provided the condition was not pre-existing when you joined. You must check the specific terms of your policy or consult a broker, as some basic policies may exclude it.

I hurt my knee playing sports. Will PMI cover my treatment?

Generally, yes. An acute injury, such as a torn ligament (ACL) or a meniscal tear sustained while playing sports, is a classic example of what private medical insurance is designed for. As long as you did not have any related symptoms or treatment for that knee before your policy started, it should be covered, from the initial consultation and MRI scan through to surgery and physiotherapy.

How can I reduce the cost of my health insurance for orthopaedic cover?

There are several effective ways to make your policy more affordable. You can opt for a higher excess (the amount you pay per claim), choose a policy with a reduced hospital list that excludes premium central London hospitals, or limit your outpatient cover for diagnostics and consultations. A 'guided' option, where the insurer helps choose your specialist, can also offer significant savings.

What is moratorium underwriting and how does it affect knee problems?

Moratorium underwriting is the most common type for UK PMI. It means any medical condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the 5 years before your policy starts is automatically excluded. For your knee, this means if you had pain, advice, or physio in the 5 years prior, it won't be covered initially. However, if you then go for 2 continuous years on the policy without any knee-related symptoms or treatment, the exclusion may be lifted, and it could become eligible for cover.

Get Your Personalised Private Health Insurance Quote Today

Navigating the complexities of the private medical insurance market can be challenging. With different underwriting options, hospital lists, and benefit limits, finding the perfect policy for your needs requires expertise.

As an independent, FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr provides impartial, expert advice at no cost to you. We compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers to find you the most suitable and cost-effective cover for your orthopaedic needs and beyond.

Take the first step towards faster treatment 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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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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