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Private Health Insurance for Plasterers in the UK

Private Health Insurance for Plasterers in the UK 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies of various kinds arranged for our clients, WeCovr understands the unique demands of your profession. This guide explores how private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can provide plasterers with the peace of mind and rapid medical access they need to protect their health and livelihood.

Comprehensive cover for physical trade professionals

Plastering is more than a trade; it's a physically demanding craft. Day in and day out, you're lifting heavy bags of plaster, working in awkward positions, and exposing yourself to dust and chemicals. While your skills build perfect walls, the repetitive strain and physical exertion can take a significant toll on your body.

When your health is your primary tool, any downtime due to injury or illness directly impacts your income. With NHS waiting lists for some treatments stretching for months, can you afford to be out of work for that long?

This is where private medical insurance (PMI) becomes an invaluable safety net. It's not about replacing the NHS, but about complementing it, giving you fast-track access to diagnosis and treatment when you need it most. For a self-employed plasterer or one running a small business, this speed can be the difference between a minor setback and a major financial crisis.

Why Plasterers Have Unique Health Insurance Needs

The physical nature of your work exposes you to a specific set of health risks that an office worker might never face. Understanding these risks is the first step in seeing the value of a tailored private health cover plan.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the construction sector, which includes plasterers, has one of the highest rates of work-related ill health. The latest statistics highlight some sobering facts:

  • Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): An estimated 42,000 construction workers suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders each year. This includes back pain, joint injuries, and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) affecting wrists and shoulders – all common complaints for plasterers.
  • Respiratory Illnesses: Thousands of workers die each year from past exposure to airborne materials like asbestos, and many more suffer from conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) linked to construction dust. Silica dust, found in plaster and cement, is a major concern.
  • Skin Conditions: Contact dermatitis from handling cement, plaster, and other chemicals is a frequent and debilitating issue.

Waiting for treatment on the NHS for these conditions can mean months of pain and lost earnings. Private medical insurance is designed to bypass these queues, getting you seen by a specialist and starting treatment, such as physiotherapy, in a matter of days or weeks.

How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Actually Works

Many people are unsure how PMI fits in with the free healthcare provided by the NHS. The concept is simple: PMI is a complementary service you pay for, designed to cover the costs of private healthcare for specific conditions.

Think of it this way:

  • The NHS is your foundation for all healthcare, especially emergencies and managing long-term conditions.
  • Private Medical Insurance is your express lane for eligible, non-emergency conditions, getting you diagnosed and treated faster.

The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand about private health insurance in the UK.

  1. Acute Conditions: These are diseases or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health. Examples include joint pain needing a replacement, cataracts, hernias, or a slipped disc. Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions.

  2. Chronic Conditions: These are illnesses that cannot be cured and require long-term management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Standard PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.

If you are diagnosed with a chronic condition after taking out a policy, your PMI may cover the initial diagnosis and tests to stabilise you, but the ongoing, day-to-day management will typically revert to the NHS.

What About Pre-existing Conditions?

Insurers will not cover medical conditions you knew you had, or had symptoms of, before your policy began. This is a fundamental principle of insurance. For example, if you have been receiving treatment for a bad back for two years, you cannot then take out a new PMI policy and expect it to cover that specific back problem.

This is why it's often wise to consider taking out cover when you are younger and healthier.

What a Typical PMI Policy for a Plasterer Covers

Private medical insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all product. Policies are built from a core foundation of cover, with optional extras you can add to suit your needs and budget.

Cover TypeDescriptionIs it important for a Plasterer?
Core CoverIn-patient & Day-patient Treatment: Covers costs if you are admitted to hospital for a procedure, including surgery, hospital fees, and specialist consultations.Essential. This is the bedrock of any policy, covering major procedures like hernia repair or knee surgery.
Core CoverCancer Cover: Provides comprehensive cover for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Some policies offer access to drugs not yet available on the NHS.Highly Recommended. Provides peace of mind and access to cutting-edge treatments if the worst happens.
OptionalOut-patient Cover: Covers diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scans, X-rays), specialist consultations, and procedures that don't require a hospital bed.Crucial for Plasterers. This is what gets you a fast diagnosis for that aching shoulder or bad back. Without it, you rely on the NHS for initial investigation.
OptionalTherapies Cover: Covers treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care.Almost Essential. For a physical trade, fast access to physio can mean the difference between a quick recovery and chronic pain.
OptionalMental Health Cover: Provides access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapy sessions.Increasingly Important. The stress of being self-employed and the physical strain can impact mental wellbeing.
OptionalDental & Optical Cover: Contributes towards routine check-ups, treatments, and glasses/contact lenses.A 'Nice to Have'. Generally less critical than therapies or out-patient cover for protecting your income.

An expert broker, like WeCovr, can help you balance these options to create a policy that provides robust protection without breaking the bank.

Key Health Risks for Plasterers and How PMI Helps

Let's look at some real-world scenarios where private health cover can be a game-changer.

Scenario 1: The Aching Shoulder (Musculoskeletal Disorder)

The Problem: You've been plastering for 15 years. A dull ache in your shoulder has become a sharp, constant pain. It hurts to lift your arm, making work slow and agonising. Your GP suspects a rotator cuff tear and refers you to an NHS specialist. The waiting list for an initial consultation is 18 weeks, and the wait for an MRI scan is another 8 weeks.

The Impact: You're forced to turn down work, losing thousands in income. You're taking painkillers daily and your quality of life plummets.

The PMI Solution:

  1. You use your policy's Virtual GP service and get a referral the same day.
  2. Your PMI provider authorises a consultation with a private orthopaedic specialist, which you attend the following week.
  3. The specialist sends you for an MRI scan two days later.
  4. The scan confirms a tear. You begin a course of intensive physiotherapy (covered by your 'Therapies' add-on) within the same week.
  5. You're back to light duties in a few weeks and fully recovered much faster, minimising your financial losses.

Scenario 2: Persistent Breathing Issues (Respiratory Condition)

The Problem: Despite using masks, you've developed a persistent cough and shortness of breath. Your GP is concerned but needs to rule out several possibilities. The NHS waiting list to see a respiratory consultant is 22 weeks.

The Impact: The uncertainty is stressful. You're worried it could be something serious, and the physical symptoms make working on-site difficult.

The PMI Solution:

  1. Your GP refers you for private care.
  2. Your PMI policy (with out-patient cover) authorises a consultation with a top respiratory specialist within 10 days.
  3. You have a chest X-ray and lung function tests done at the same private hospital.
  4. The specialist diagnoses an acute condition that can be treated with medication. If it were a chronic condition like COPD, the diagnosis would still be covered, and you could then move to the NHS for long-term management with a clear diagnosis in hand. The speed of the diagnosis provides immense peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Policy: Factors to Consider

When you compare private medical insurance UK providers, the details matter. Here's what to look for:

1. Underwriting Type

This determines how the insurer treats your past medical history.

  • Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the last 5 years. However, if you go 2 full years on the policy without any issues relating to that condition, it may become eligible for cover. It's simple and fast to set up.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide your full medical history on the application. The insurer assesses it and tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from day one. This gives you more certainty but can take longer to arrange.

2. The Excess

This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim in any policy year. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the remaining £2,750. A higher excess will lower your monthly premium.

3. The Hospital List

Insurers use tiered lists of private hospitals. A policy with a "local" or "regional" list will be cheaper than one giving you access to premium central London hospitals. For most people, a list that includes good quality local private hospitals is more than sufficient.

4. The No Claims Discount (NCD)

Similar to car insurance, you can build up a discount for every year you don't make a claim. This can significantly reduce your premiums over time. Conversely, making a claim will usually reduce your NCD level.

5. Added Value Benefits

Many modern policies come with fantastic day-to-day health benefits, including:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Get a video consultation with a GP at your convenience.
  • Mental Health Support: Helplines and access to therapy sessions.
  • Wellness Programmes: Discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and health screenings.
  • Exclusive Member Offers: As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you manage your diet and energy levels. Plus, you may be eligible for discounts on other insurance products like life or income protection cover.

How Much Does PMI Cost for a Plasterer?

The cost of private health cover varies based on several factors:

  • Age: Premiums increase as you get older.
  • Location: Living in or near London often means higher premiums due to higher hospital costs.
  • Smoker Status: Smokers pay more than non-smokers.
  • Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan with all the extras will cost more than a basic core policy.
  • Excess Level: A higher excess reduces your premium.

To give you an idea, here are some illustrative monthly premiums for a non-smoking plasterer seeking a mid-level policy with out-patient and therapies cover.

AgeLocationExcessExample Monthly Premium Range
30Manchester£250£45 - £70
40Birmingham£500£60 - £90
50Bristol£250£95 - £140

Important: These are only examples. The only way to get an accurate price is to get a personalised quote based on your specific circumstances and needs.

Why Use an Independent PMI Broker like WeCovr?

The UK private medical insurance market is complex, with dozens of providers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality, all offering slightly different products. Trying to compare them yourself can be overwhelming.

This is where a specialist broker comes in.

  • Expert, Impartial Advice: An independent broker like WeCovr works for you, not the insurer. We compare policies from across the market to find the best fit for your needs as a plasterer.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the price of the policy. You pay the same price (or often less) than going direct.
  • We Understand Your Trade: We have experience finding the right cover for trade professionals, focusing on the benefits that matter most, like rapid access to physiotherapy.
  • Application Support: We handle the paperwork and make the entire process smooth and hassle-free.

Beyond Insurance: Wellness Tips for Plasterers

While insurance is your safety net, prevention is always better than cure. Protecting your body on a daily basis is the best investment you can make.

  1. Protect Your Musculoskeletal Health

    • Lifting: Always use correct lifting techniques. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and keep the load close to your body. Don't be too proud to ask for help with heavy bags.
    • Stretching: Start and end your day with 5-10 minutes of stretching, focusing on your back, shoulders, and wrists.
    • Core Strength: A strong core supports your back. Incorporate exercises like planks and bridges into your routine 2-3 times a week.

  2. Protect Your Lungs and Skin

    • PPE is Non-Negotiable: Always wear a suitable FFP3-rated dust mask when mixing or sanding plaster. Modern dust extraction systems are also a great investment.
    • Gloves: Wear waterproof, alkali-resistant gloves to prevent contact dermatitis from wet cement and plaster.
    • Barrier Creams: Use a pre-work barrier cream to give your skin an extra layer of protection.

  3. Fuel Your Body and Mind

    • Nutrition: Your work is physically demanding. Fuel it with a balanced diet rich in protein for muscle repair, complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, and plenty of water. The CalorieHero app, which WeCovr provides to its clients, can be a great tool for tracking your intake and ensuring you're getting what you need.
    • Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. This is when your body repairs muscle damage and recharges for the next day.
    • Downtime: Make time for hobbies and activities outside of work to de-stress and give your body a different kind of movement.

By combining these preventative measures with a robust private medical insurance policy, you create a complete health strategy that protects both your body and your bank balance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will my private health insurance cover an injury that happens at work?

Generally, yes. While your employer has a duty of care and their liability insurance might be involved, your personal PMI policy is designed to provide treatment for acute injuries regardless of where they happen. The key purpose of your PMI is to get you treated quickly. It will cover the costs of eligible private treatment for a work-related injury, such as a slipped disc or torn ligament, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and get back on your feet sooner.

What happens if I'm diagnosed with a long-term, chronic condition like arthritis?

This is a crucial point. Standard UK private medical insurance is for acute conditions. If you develop symptoms and are diagnosed with a chronic condition like arthritis *after* your policy starts, your PMI will typically cover the initial specialist consultations and diagnostic tests to get you a firm diagnosis. However, the long-term, ongoing management of the condition, including routine check-ups and medication, would then be handled by the NHS. The major benefit of the PMI in this case is the speed of diagnosis.

Is physiotherapy for my bad back definitely covered?

Physiotherapy is usually offered as an optional extra on most PMI policies, often called 'Therapies cover'. For a plasterer, this is one of the most valuable add-ons you can choose. As long as you have this option on your policy and the back problem is a new, acute condition (not pre-existing), then yes, you can get fast access to a course of physiotherapy. It's vital to check that your chosen policy includes this benefit. An expert PMI broker can ensure this is included in your cover.

Can I add my family to my policy?

Yes, absolutely. Most insurers allow you to add your partner and dependent children to your private medical insurance policy. This can often be more cost-effective and simpler to manage than having separate policies for each family member. It provides peace of mind that your loved ones also have access to fast private treatment should they need it.

Your health is your most valuable asset. Don't leave it to chance. Take the first step towards protecting your health and your income today.

Contact WeCovr for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will compare the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect private health cover for you.

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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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