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Private Health Insurance for Retirees Post-Employment Coverage Strategies

Private Health Insurance for Retirees Post-Employment...

Leaving a long and successful career behind is a major life milestone. As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged, WeCovr understands that navigating your finances and wellbeing in retirement is paramount. This guide to private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK is designed to give you the clarity and confidence to manage your health cover after work.

Maintaining affordable coverage after retirement, transitioning from workplace schemes, managing premiums on fixed income, and when to consider downgrading

Retirement marks a significant shift, not just in your daily routine but also in how you manage your health and finances. For many, the generous private medical insurance provided by an employer suddenly disappears, leaving a crucial gap to fill. This transition happens just as concerns about health may be increasing, and while you're moving onto a fixed income.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll explore:

  • How to seamlessly move from a company scheme to a personal policy.
  • Proven strategies for keeping your premiums affordable without sacrificing essential cover.
  • The critical differences in policy types and underwriting.
  • Guidance on when it might be sensible to adjust your cover.
  • How to make informed decisions that protect both your health and your retirement savings.

Let's ensure your health remains a top priority, supported by a smart, sustainable insurance strategy.

The First Hurdle: Transitioning from a Workplace Health Scheme

For years, your company's group private health insurance scheme was a reassuring benefit. It likely offered comprehensive cover with minimal fuss. However, when you retire, this cover typically ends on your last day of employment. This can feel abrupt, but you have several clear options.

What Happens to Your Company PMI When You Retire?

Your employer's group policy is designed to cover current employees. Once you leave, you are no longer part of that group. Most insurers, however, provide a "window of opportunity" (usually 30 to 90 days) for you to transition to a personal policy without losing the continuity of your cover.

This is arguably the most critical decision you'll make regarding your post-retirement PMI.

Your Three Main Transition Paths

  1. Continue with the Same Insurer: You can opt for a 'continuation' policy. This means you stay with your employer's insurance provider, but on an individual plan.
  2. Switch to a New Insurer on a 'Like-for-Like' Basis: A specialist PMI broker can help you find a new provider who will honour the terms of your previous cover.
  3. Start a Completely New Policy: You can shop the entire market for a brand-new policy with fresh underwriting.

Let's look at these in more detail.

Transition OptionKey AdvantageKey DisadvantageBest For...
1. Continuation PolicyNo new medical underwriting. Pre-existing conditions covered by the group plan remain covered.Can be more expensive; you're tied to one insurer's options and pricing.Individuals with pre-existing conditions they need to keep covered.
2. 'Switch' Policy (CME)Can be more affordable than continuation. You get to compare providers while keeping your underwriting terms.Can be complex to arrange. The new insurer will still apply the same exclusions as your old policy.Healthy individuals or those with minor conditions looking for a better price without losing continuity.
3. Brand New PolicyPotentially the cheapest option. Full choice of all insurers and plans on the market.Any condition you've had in the past 5 years will be excluded. This is a significant risk.Retirees in exceptionally good health with no recent medical history.

Working with an expert broker like WeCovr is invaluable here. We can explain the nuances of a 'Continued Medical Exclusions' (CME) switch versus a standard continuation, ensuring you make the best choice without any pressure.

The Golden Rule of UK PMI: What It Covers and What It Doesn't

Before we delve into costs, it’s vital to be absolutely clear on what private medical insurance is for. Misunderstanding this is the biggest source of frustration for policyholders.

UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repairs, or cancer treatment.
  • A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, it has no known cure, it is likely to recur, or it requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and arthritis.

Standard PMI policies do not cover the routine management of chronic conditions or any pre-existing conditions you had before the policy started.

If you develop diabetes after your policy begins, your PMI might cover the initial diagnosis and stabilisation (the acute phase), but it will not cover the long-term management, such as regular check-ups, insulin supplies, or routine blood tests. That care remains with our excellent NHS.

The real value of PMI is in bypassing lengthy waiting lists for eligible acute treatments. With NHS waiting lists in England standing at over 7.5 million cases in 2024, a figure expected to remain a significant challenge into 2025, having PMI can mean the difference between getting a hip replacement in a few weeks versus waiting over a year.

7 Smart Strategies to Manage Premiums on a Fixed Income

Your pension provides a fixed income, so every pound counts. The good news is that you have a great deal of control over your PMI premium. It's not a one-size-fits-all product. By adjusting the components of your policy, you can tailor it to your budget.

Here are the most effective ways to make your private health cover affordable:

1. Increase Your Excess

The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. It's a one-off payment per policy year, regardless of how many claims you make. A higher excess means you take on a little more of the initial cost, and in return, the insurer lowers your premium significantly.

Example of Excess Impact on a Premium:

Excess LevelEstimated Annual PremiumPotential Saving
£0£2,400-
£250£2,100£300
£500£1,850£550
£1,000£1,500£900

For many retirees, a £500 or £1,000 excess strikes a perfect balance between affordable premiums and manageable out-of-pocket costs if a claim is needed.

2. Choose a Guided Hospital List

Insurers have agreements with networks of private hospitals. The more extensive the hospital list (e.g., including prime central London hospitals), the higher the premium. Opting for a "guided" or "regional" list can lead to substantial savings.

  • National List: Access to almost all private hospitals in the UK.
  • Regional/Guided List: A curated list of high-quality hospitals, excluding the most expensive ones.
  • Local List: A smaller selection of hospitals near your home.

Unless you have a specific need to be treated at a particular top-tier London hospital, a guided list is often a smart financial choice.

3. Opt for the 'Six-Week Wait' Option

This is one of the most popular cost-saving levers. With this option, if the NHS can provide the inpatient treatment you need within six weeks of it being recommended, you will use the NHS. If the NHS waiting list for that treatment is longer than six weeks, your private medical insurance kicks in immediately.

Given that many routine procedures on the NHS have waits far exceeding six weeks, this option often provides the best of both worlds: a lower premium and fast access to treatment when the NHS can't provide it promptly.

4. Tailor Your Outpatient Cover

Outpatient treatment refers to consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI scans), and therapies that don't require a hospital bed. This is a highly flexible part of your policy.

  • Full Outpatient Cover: Covers all eligible consultations and tests in full. This is the most expensive option.
  • Capped Outpatient Cover: You can set a financial limit, for example, £500, £1,000, or £1,500 per policy year. This is a very effective way to reduce costs. Many people use this to cover initial consultations and diagnostics privately, getting them to a swift diagnosis.
  • No Outpatient Cover: Your policy would only cover treatment once you have a diagnosis and are admitted to hospital. You would rely on the NHS for all diagnostic stages.

5. Protect Your No-Claims Discount (NCD)

Just like car insurance, most PMI policies feature a No-Claims Discount. For every year you don't make a claim, your discount increases, up to a maximum of around 70-75%. When you first take out a personal policy after leaving a group scheme, you will typically start with a base NCD (e.g., 40-50%).

Some insurers offer the option to pay a small additional amount to protect your NCD. This means that if you need to make a claim, your discount level won't be reduced at your next renewal.

6. Consider Therapies and Mental Health Add-ons

Most core policies do not include cover for therapies like physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic treatment as standard. Likewise, comprehensive mental health cover is often an add-on. By reviewing whether you need these, you can control costs. You might decide to self-fund occasional physiotherapy sessions, which is often more cost-effective than paying a higher premium for it every month.

7. Pay Annually

If your budget allows, paying your premium in one annual lump sum can save you money. Most insurers add a small charge for processing monthly direct debits, so paying annually can often result in a discount of around 5%.

When to Consider Downgrading Your Cover

"Downgrading" shouldn't be seen as a negative. Think of it as a "right-sizing" of your policy to match your current needs and budget. It's wise to review your cover every year with an expert broker.

Consider downgrading or adjusting your policy if:

  • Your renewal premium has increased significantly. Premiums rise with age and due to 'medical inflation' (the rising cost of treatments). A review can often offset these increases.
  • Your financial circumstances have changed. If your retirement income is tighter than expected, it’s better to have a more basic policy you can afford than to cancel it altogether.
  • Your priorities have shifted. You may no longer feel the need for a Central London hospital option or unlimited outpatient cover.

Before you cancel your policy entirely, consider the consequences:

  • You lose all cover and will rely solely on the NHS.
  • You lose your accumulated No-Claims Discount.
  • If you decide to take out insurance again in the future, it will be significantly more expensive due to your older age, and any medical conditions you've developed in the interim will be excluded.

The cost of private treatment can be daunting. A single knee replacement can cost upwards of £14,000, and a course of cancer treatment can run into the tens of thousands. Your PMI premium, even after a review, often represents excellent value compared to self-funding.

Proactive Health and Wellness in Retirement

Your insurance policy is a safety net, but the best strategy is to stay as healthy as possible. Retirement is the perfect time to focus on your wellbeing.

  • Stay Active: Regular, gentle exercise is key. Walking, swimming, bowls, and yoga are fantastic for maintaining mobility, heart health, and mental wellbeing. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week.
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can help manage weight and reduce the risk of many conditions. The Mediterranean diet is often cited as a gold standard for long-term health.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Good sleep is restorative for both body and mind. Aim for 7-8 hours a night and establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine.
  • Stay Socially Connected: Loneliness can have a significant negative impact on health. Make time for friends, family, local clubs, and community groups.
  • Utilise Health Tech: At WeCovr, we support our clients' proactive health goals. That's why we provide complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you make informed choices every day.

Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through us can benefit from discounts on other types of cover, creating a holistic and affordable protection plan for your retirement.

The WeCovr Advantage: Why Use an Expert Broker?

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market, especially as a retiree, can be complex. The terminology is confusing, and the stakes are high. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr becomes your most valuable asset.

  • Expert, Unbiased Advice: We work for you, not the insurers. Our job is to understand your unique needs and budget and then search the market to find the best possible fit.
  • Market-Wide Comparison: We have access to policies from all the leading UK providers, including Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality, as well as specialist insurers. We do the shopping around so you don't have to.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is completely free for you to use. 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, but with the added benefit of our expert guidance.
  • Specialist Retirement Knowledge: We are experts in handling continuation and switch applications, ensuring you preserve cover for pre-existing conditions wherever possible. We know the questions to ask and the pitfalls to avoid.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: Our focus on clear, honest advice has earned us consistently high ratings from our clients.

Will my private health insurance premium go up every year in retirement?

Generally, yes. Premiums are recalculated at each annual renewal and are influenced by two main factors: your age and medical inflation. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing treatment increases, so age is a primary driver of cost. Secondly, medical inflation – the rising cost of new drugs, advanced scanning technology, and hospital fees – also pushes premiums up across the board. However, you can manage these increases by annually reviewing your policy options, such as your excess or hospital list, with a broker.

I have a chronic condition like arthritis. Can I still get private health insurance?

Yes, you can still get private health insurance, but it's crucial to understand what it will cover. The policy will not cover the routine management, medication, or consultations related to your pre-existing arthritis. This is considered a chronic condition and its care remains with the NHS. However, the policy would be there to cover you for new, unrelated acute conditions that arise after you join, such as the need for a hernia repair or cataract surgery, providing faster access to treatment for those specific issues.

Is it better to continue with my old work insurer or find a new one when I retire?

This is the most important decision you'll make. Continuing with your work insurer has one massive advantage: you won't need new medical underwriting, meaning any conditions that were covered under the group scheme will continue to be covered on your new personal policy. This provides seamless protection. However, it may be more expensive. Shopping for a new policy could find you a cheaper premium, but it will come with new underwriting, which means any conditions you've seen a doctor for in the last five years will be excluded. A specialist broker can help you explore a 'like-for-like' switch, which can sometimes offer the best of both worlds.

Your retirement should be a time of enjoyment and peace of mind. Let us handle the complexities of your private health cover, ensuring you have the right protection at the best possible price.

Take the next step today. Contact WeCovr for a free, no-obligation quote and a friendly chat with one of our UK-based PMI experts. We're here to help you secure your health and your future.

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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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