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Private Health Insurance for Prostate Cancer UK

Private Health Insurance for Prostate Cancer UK 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the importance of planning for your health. This guide explores how private medical insurance in the UK can provide vital support and treatment options in the face of a future prostate cancer diagnosis.

Exploring private treatment options for prostate cancer patients

A prostate cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event, prompting urgent questions about the best possible care. While the NHS provides excellent cancer services, many individuals and families look to the UK's private healthcare sector for faster access to specialists, a wider choice of treatments, and a more comfortable patient experience.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about private health insurance for prostate cancer. We'll cover how insurance works, the treatments available, the role of the NHS, and how to choose a policy that gives you and your loved ones peace of mind.

Understanding Prostate Cancer in the UK: Key Facts and Figures

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Understanding its prevalence highlights the importance of being prepared.

  • Prevalence: According to the latest available data from organisations like Cancer Research UK, around 1 in 8 men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
  • Diagnoses: Over 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the UK. That's 144 men every single day.
  • Risk Factors: Age is the most significant risk factor. It mainly affects men over 50, and the risk increases with age. A family history of prostate cancer and being of black ethnicity can also increase your risk.

What is Prostate Cancer? The prostate is a small gland, usually the size of a walnut, found only in men. It sits just below the bladder and its main job is to help produce semen. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland start to grow in an uncontrolled way.

For many, the cancer is slow-growing and may not cause any symptoms or problems for years. However, some types are more aggressive and require urgent treatment. Early diagnosis is key to a successful outcome, which is why understanding the diagnostic pathway is so important.

The NHS Pathway for Prostate Cancer: What to Expect

The NHS provides a structured and high-quality pathway for prostate cancer care, free at the point of use. Here’s a typical journey:

  1. Initial Consultation: You visit your GP with symptoms (like needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night) or concerns (e.g., a family history).
  2. PSA Test: Your GP may recommend a blood test to check your Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) level. A raised PSA level can be a sign of a prostate problem, but it is not a definitive diagnosis of cancer.
  3. Referral: If your PSA is high or a physical examination suggests a problem, you'll be referred to a hospital specialist (a urologist).
  4. Further Tests: The hospital will likely perform more tests, including an MRI scan of your prostate. If the MRI shows a suspicious area, a biopsy will be arranged to take small samples of tissue from the prostate for analysis.
  5. Diagnosis & Treatment Plan: If cancer is confirmed, a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) of experts will review your case and recommend a treatment plan. Options can range from active surveillance for slow-growing cancers to surgery or radiotherapy for more aggressive types.

While the quality of NHS care is world-class, the system can face pressures. NHS England data consistently shows waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment can be challenging. For example, while the target is for 93% of patients to start treatment within 62 days of an urgent GP referral, this target is often missed. This is where private medical insurance can offer a valuable alternative.

The Crucial Rule: Pre-Existing and Chronic Conditions in UK Private Health Insurance

This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK.

Standard private health insurance policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. They do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

Let's break this down:

  • Pre-Existing Condition: This is any disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment before your insurance policy began. If you have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or are currently undergoing tests for it, a new insurance policy will not cover its treatment.
  • Chronic Condition: This is a condition that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management, but may not have a known cure. Cancer is classified as a chronic condition. While PMI is excellent for the initial diagnosis and acute phase of treatment, the long-term, ongoing management may eventually be passed back to the NHS once your condition is stable.

Therefore, the value of private health insurance is as a proactive measure. You buy it when you are healthy to ensure that if you are diagnosed with a new, acute condition like cancer in the future, you have immediate access to private care.

How Private Medical Insurance Can Help with Prostate Cancer

If you have a private health insurance policy in place before any symptoms or diagnosis of prostate cancer, it can be incredibly powerful. Here’s how it helps.

1. Faster Diagnosis If you develop concerning symptoms after your policy starts, PMI can bypass potential NHS waiting lists for specialist appointments and diagnostic tests.

  • Quick GP Access: Many policies include a digital GP service, allowing you to speak to a doctor within hours.
  • Speedy Specialist Referral: You can be referred to a private urologist, often seeing them within days rather than weeks or months.
  • Rapid Diagnostic Scans: Your policy can cover the cost of private MRIs, CT scans, and biopsies, with results returned quickly to your consultant. This speed can reduce anxiety and lead to a faster treatment plan.

2. Comprehensive Treatment Options Once diagnosed, a good PMI policy with comprehensive cancer cover will fund your private treatment. This opens up a world of choice and comfort.

  • Choice of Consultant: You can choose from a list of leading surgeons and oncologists in the country.
  • Choice of Hospital: You can be treated in a private hospital with your own room, en-suite bathroom, and more flexible visiting hours.
  • Access to Advanced Treatments: Private healthcare is often at the forefront of medical technology. Your policy may provide access to treatments that are either not yet available on the NHS or have long waiting lists.

3. Enhanced Cancer Cover Features Insurers compete to offer the best cancer care. Look for policies that include:

  • Full Cancer Cover: This means the insurer will pay for your diagnosis and treatment in full, without time or financial limits (subject to your policy's terms).
  • Access to New Drugs: Some policies cover the cost of cancer drugs that have not yet been approved by NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for NHS use, giving you access to the very latest medical advancements.
  • Support Services: This can include access to specialist cancer nurses, mental health support, and therapies to help manage the side effects of treatment.

A specialist broker like WeCovr can help you compare the cancer cover from different providers to ensure you get the most comprehensive protection available.

A Deep Dive into Private Prostate Cancer Treatments Available in the UK

The private sector offers a range of cutting-edge treatments for prostate cancer. Your consultant will recommend the best option for your specific circumstances.

Treatment TypeDescriptionKey Private Sector Advantage
Robotic SurgeryA minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon controls robotic arms to remove the prostate. The most common is the da Vinci surgical system.Greater precision, smaller incisions, less blood loss, and often a faster recovery time and return of bladder control.
Proton Beam TherapyA highly targeted form of radiotherapy that uses protons to destroy cancer cells, causing less damage to surrounding healthy tissue.Reduced side effects compared to traditional radiotherapy. Availability is limited on the NHS, but more accessible privately.
IMRT RadiotherapyIntensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy is an advanced type of radiotherapy that shapes the radiation beams to closely fit the tumour.Highly effective at targeting the cancer while sparing nearby organs like the bladder and bowel. Widely available in the private sector.
BrachytherapyAlso known as internal radiotherapy. Tiny radioactive 'seeds' are placed directly into the prostate to deliver radiation from within.A one-time or short-course treatment that is highly targeted, with less disruption to daily life than external beam radiotherapy.
HIFUHigh-Intensity Focused Ultrasound uses focused sound waves to heat and destroy cancer cells. It's a less invasive treatment for early-stage cancer.A 'focal therapy' that treats only the cancerous part of the prostate, preserving the rest of the gland and reducing side effects.

Comparing Top UK Private Health Insurance Providers for Cancer Cover

Choosing the right provider is crucial. While individual policy features vary, here is a general comparison of how the UK's leading insurers approach cancer cover.

ProviderKey Cancer Cover FeaturesUnique Selling Point
BupaOffers comprehensive cancer cover, including ongoing monitoring and support from specialist oncology nurses. Access to groundbreaking treatment and clinical trials.Strong network of Bupa-recognised cancer centres and a focus on end-to-end patient support.
AXA HealthProvides extensive cancer cover with a focus on specialist support, including access to a dedicated heart and cancer nurse team and mental health support.'Expert Help' service provides access to a second medical opinion. Often covers licensed cancer drugs not yet available on the NHS.
AvivaFeatures full cancer cover as standard on many policies. Their "Cancer Care with Aviva" proposition includes diagnostics, treatment, and aftercare.Often praised for their clear policy language and straightforward claims process. Includes support for wigs and prostheses.
VitalityOffers 'Advanced Cancer Cover' which not only funds treatment but also provides cash back for choosing certain NHS treatments.Unique wellness programme that rewards healthy living with discounts and benefits, helping you proactively reduce your risk factors.

Important Note: The best provider for you depends on your budget, location, and specific needs. Using an independent PMI broker is the most effective way to compare the market and find a policy tailored to you.

Understanding the Cost of Private Prostate Cancer Treatment

Without insurance, the cost of private prostate cancer care can be substantial. This is why a monthly insurance premium is an investment in future financial security.

Here are some typical self-funding costs in the UK:

  • Initial Urologist Consultation: £250 - £400
  • Prostate MRI Scan: £1,500 - £2,500
  • Prostate Biopsy (under anaesthetic): £3,000 - £5,000
  • Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: £20,000 - £30,000+
  • Course of IMRT Radiotherapy: £25,000 - £40,000+

These figures demonstrate how quickly costs can escalate, making private medical insurance an invaluable financial safety net.

Choosing the Right Private Health Insurance Policy: Key Considerations

When looking for a policy, it's easy to get lost in the details. Focus on these key areas:

  1. Underwriting Type:

    • Moratorium: Simpler to set up. The insurer will automatically exclude any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the last 5 years. This exclusion can be lifted if you remain symptom-free for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You declare your full medical history. The insurer then tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from day one. It takes longer but provides more certainty.

  2. Level of Cancer Cover:

    • Always opt for comprehensive cancer cover. Avoid policies with basic cover that might have financial or time limits on treatment, which could force you back to the NHS mid-treatment.

  3. Outpatient Limits:

    • Diagnosis involves tests and consultations, which fall under outpatient cover. Ensure your limit is sufficient (e.g., at least £1,000, or ideally unlimited) to cover the costs of MRI scans and biopsies.

  4. Hospital List:

    • Check which hospitals are included in your chosen policy. Does the list include renowned cancer centres like The Royal Marsden or HCA UK hospitals? A good hospital list gives you more choice.

  5. Excess:

    • This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will lower your monthly premium, but make sure it's an amount you can afford to pay.

Proactive Health: Lifestyle, Diet, and Prostate Cancer Risk

While insurance is a safety net, taking proactive steps for your health is the first line of defence. A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of many diseases, including some cancers.

Diet:

  • Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Lycopene-rich foods like cooked tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit are thought to be beneficial for prostate health.
  • Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale contain compounds that may help protect against cancer.
  • Limit your intake of red and processed meats and high-fat dairy products.

Exercise:

  • Regular physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight, which is a key factor in reducing cancer risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) per week.

Wellness Tools: Managing your diet and activity levels is easier with the right tools. At WeCovr, we support our clients' health journeys by providing complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero.

Furthermore, clients who purchase private medical insurance or life insurance through WeCovr can also benefit from exclusive discounts on other insurance products, helping you protect your health and finances in a holistic way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get private health insurance if I already have a prostate cancer diagnosis?

Unfortunately, no. Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. If you have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or are being investigated for it, a new policy will exclude this condition and any related treatment. Insurance is designed to cover new, unforeseen conditions that arise after your policy starts.

Does private health insurance cover experimental prostate cancer treatments?

This depends entirely on your policy. Most comprehensive cancer cover options will fund treatments that are evidence-based and licensed for use in the UK, even if they are not yet routinely available on the NHS. However, purely experimental treatments or clinical trials are often excluded. Always check the policy wording or ask your adviser for clarification.

What happens if my PMI cancer cover runs out during treatment?

If you have a policy with a financial or time limit on cancer care (basic cover), you would be transferred back to the NHS to continue your treatment once that limit is reached. This is why it is strongly recommended to choose a policy with full, comprehensive cancer cover, which has no such limits for eligible treatment.

Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind

Navigating the world of private medical insurance can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. The best time to secure cover for a condition like prostate cancer is now, while you are healthy.

As an independent, FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, WeCovr specialises in helping you understand your options. We compare policies from across the UK's leading insurers to find the right cover for your needs and budget, all at no cost to you.

Ready to explore your options? Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our experts help you secure the health protection you deserve.

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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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