
As an FCA-authorised expert with experience in arranging over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the unique demands of your trade. This guide explores private medical insurance for roof tilers in the UK, helping you protect your health and your livelihood against unexpected setbacks.
Your job as a roof tiler is one of the most physically demanding in the construction industry. You face daily risks, from working at height to repetitive strain, all while exposed to the unpredictable British weather. An injury or illness doesn't just affect your health; it directly impacts your ability to earn a living.
While we are all grateful for the NHS, long waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment can mean months off work, loss of income, and uncertainty. This is where Private Medical Insurance (PMI) becomes an invaluable tool, not a luxury. It's designed to get you diagnosed quickly, treated promptly, and back on the roof, earning again.
This guide will walk you through everything a roofing specialist needs to know about private health cover in the UK.
Working as a roofer combines skill and physical resilience, but it also comes with a unique set of health risks. Understanding these risks highlights why having a plan B for your health is so important.
The nature of your work puts you at a higher risk of specific health issues compared to many other professions.
The NHS is a national treasure, but it is currently facing unprecedented pressure. As of mid-2024, the referral-to-treatment (RTT) waiting list in England stands at over 7.5 million cases.
| NHS Waiting Time Statistic | Implication for a Roof Tiler |
|---|---|
| Median Wait Time: | The average patient waits several weeks or months for routine treatment. |
| Orthopaedic Surgery: | Procedures like hip replacements or knee surgery often have some of the longest waits. |
| Diagnostic Scans: | Waiting for an MRI or CT scan to diagnose the source of your back pain can take weeks. |
For a self-employed roofer, a three-month wait for a knee operation isn't just an inconvenience; it's three months with no income. Private medical insurance is designed to bypass these queues, giving you access to prompt diagnosis and treatment in a private hospital.
It's vital to understand that private medical insurance is designed for a specific purpose: to treat new, acute conditions that arise after your policy has started.
An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a broken bone, a hernia, or cataracts).
This is different from a chronic condition, which is a long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure).
Standard UK private health insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. This means any illness, injury, or symptom you have sought advice or treatment for before taking out the policy will be excluded. Similarly, the long-term management of chronic conditions is not covered and remains under the care of the NHS.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what is typically included versus what is excluded.
| Typically Covered (Acute Conditions) | Typically Excluded |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, PET scans) | Pre-existing conditions |
| Specialist consultations (e.g., with an orthopaedic surgeon) | Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma) |
| In-patient and day-patient hospital treatment | A&E and emergency services |
| Surgery (e.g., hernia repair, joint replacement) | Cosmetic surgery |
| Cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy) | Routine GP appointments and prescriptions |
| Physiotherapy and musculoskeletal support | Organ transplants |
| Mental health support (therapy sessions) | Pregnancy and childbirth (uncomplicated) |
Think of PMI as your express lane back to health for new problems, allowing the NHS to focus on emergencies and long-term care.
When choosing a policy, certain features are more valuable than others for someone in a manual trade. A specialist broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these options to build a policy that fits your needs and budget.
This is arguably the most important feature for a roofer. Comprehensive MSK cover gives you quick access to treatments that get your body working properly again.
Some policies offer a set number of sessions per year without needing a GP referral, which is incredibly useful for nipping a problem in the bud.
'Outpatient' refers to any treatment or diagnosis that doesn't require a hospital bed. This includes your initial consultation with a specialist and any diagnostic scans they order.
For a roofer, a mid-range or comprehensive option is usually wise, as diagnosing an MSK issue often requires an MRI scan, which can cost £500 - £1,500 privately.
Being self-employed can be stressful. Juggling jobs, managing finances, and the pressure of physical work can take a toll. Most modern PMI policies now include valuable mental health support:
A cancer diagnosis is devastating, and having comprehensive cover provides access to the latest treatments, specialist centres, and drugs that may not yet be available on the NHS. This is a core component of almost all PMI policies and is a significant reason people choose private cover.
The cost of your premium is unique to you. It's calculated based on several factors, ensuring the price reflects your personal circumstances and the level of cover you choose.
Key Factors Influencing Your Premium:
The table below gives an illustrative example of potential costs. Your actual quote will vary.
| Age | Location | Excess | Estimated Monthly Premium (Mid-Range Cover) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | Leeds | £250 | £45 - £60 |
| 40 | Bristol | £500 | £65 - £80 |
| 50 | London | £250 | £90 - £130 |
When you apply, the insurer "underwrites" your policy. This is how they decide what to cover.
Moratorium (Most Common): This is the "don't ask, just exclude" option. The insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, medication, or advice for in the last 5 years. If you then remain completely free of that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover. It's simple and quick.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer then assesses it and gives you a policy with specific, named exclusions from day one. It takes longer but provides absolute clarity on what is and isn't covered.
Trying to compare the market yourself can be overwhelming. Policies are complex, and the best provider for an office worker might not be the best for a roofer. This is where an independent broker is invaluable.
Using a broker like WeCovr provides several key advantages:
Protecting your health isn't just about insurance. Proactive steps can reduce your risk of injury and improve your overall wellbeing.
Roofers have one of the highest risks of sun exposure.
As a WeCovr policyholder, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you stay on track. Plus, customers who purchase PMI or life insurance can enjoy discounts on other policies, such as income protection or public liability insurance.
Your health is your most important asset. A sudden injury or illness can put your livelihood on hold, but with the right private health cover, you can get back to work faster.
At WeCovr, we specialise in finding the right private medical insurance in the UK for tradespeople like you. Our expert advisors will compare the market for you, explain your options in plain English, and build a policy that provides robust protection without breaking the bank.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and see how affordable peace of mind can be.






