TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the unique needs of skilled craftspeople. This guide explores private medical insurance in the UK, specifically for shoemakers, helping you protect your health and your livelihood with the right cover. Comprehensive PMI for footwear trade workers The craft of shoemaking is a proud British tradition, blending artistry with physically demanding labour.
Key takeaways
- Common Issues: Chronic back pain, repetitive strain injury (RSI) in the hands and wrists, neck and shoulder pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- The Statistics: According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 2022/23 report, an estimated 477,000 workers in Great Britain are affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Occupations involving manual dexterity and repetitive tasks show a higher prevalence.
- Sources of Risk: Leather dust from sanding and buffing, vapours from strong adhesives and solvents, and fumes from finishing chemicals.
- Potential Conditions: Occupational asthma, chronic cough, and other respiratory sensitivities. Proper ventilation is crucial but isn't always sufficient.
- Common Issues: Contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, dryness, and cracking of the skin on the hands.
As an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the unique needs of skilled craftspeople. This guide explores private medical insurance in the UK, specifically for shoemakers, helping you protect your health and your livelihood with the right cover.
Comprehensive PMI for footwear trade workers
The craft of shoemaking is a proud British tradition, blending artistry with physically demanding labour. Whether you are a bespoke cordwainer, an orthopaedic footwear maker, or part of a larger manufacturing team, your health is your most valuable asset. A sudden illness or injury can mean weeks or months away from the workbench, impacting your income and your craft.
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) provides a vital safety net, ensuring you get the medical attention you need, when you need it, helping you get back on your feet and back to work faster.
Understanding the Key Health Risks for Shoemakers
The intricate work of shoemaking places specific strains on your body. Day after day, the repetitive motions, sustained postures, and exposure to materials can lead to specific health challenges. Understanding these risks is the first step in protecting yourself.
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) This is the most common occupational health issue for shoemakers. The role involves long hours spent sitting or standing in fixed positions, often hunched over a last.
- Common Issues: Chronic back pain, repetitive strain injury (RSI) in the hands and wrists, neck and shoulder pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- The Statistics: According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 2022/23 report, an estimated 477,000 workers in Great Britain are affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Occupations involving manual dexterity and repetitive tasks show a higher prevalence.
2. Respiratory Conditions The footwear trade often involves exposure to airborne particles that can irritate the respiratory system.
- Sources of Risk: Leather dust from sanding and buffing, vapours from strong adhesives and solvents, and fumes from finishing chemicals.
- Potential Conditions: Occupational asthma, chronic cough, and other respiratory sensitivities. Proper ventilation is crucial but isn't always sufficient.
3. Dermatological Issues (Skin Problems) Constant contact with treated leathers, dyes, glues, and cleaning agents can take a toll on your skin.
- Common Issues: Contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, dryness, and cracking of the skin on the hands.
- The Statistics: The HSE estimates that around 11,000 new cases of work-related skin diseases are diagnosed by doctors each year in the UK.
4. Eye Strain Close, detailed work requires intense focus, often for prolonged periods.
- Causes: Poor lighting, focusing on small components, and the need for high levels of precision can lead to digital eye strain, headaches, and a gradual deterioration in vision.
Having private health cover means you can get a swift diagnosis and treatment for these conditions, from physiotherapy for a bad back to a consultation with a leading dermatologist for a skin condition.
What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and How Does It Work?
Private Medical Insurance is a policy you pay for that covers the costs of private healthcare for specific conditions. It's designed to work alongside the NHS, not replace it.
Think of it as a way to bypass long waiting lists and gain more control over your healthcare journey.
The Critical Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
This is the most important concept to understand about UK private health insurance.
- Acute Conditions: These are diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health. Examples include joint pain needing surgery, cataracts, or hernias. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.
- Chronic Conditions: These are long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Standard UK PMI policies do not cover the management of chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before you took out the policy will also be excluded, typically for a set period.
How the PMI Process Typically Works:
- You feel unwell: Your first port of call is usually your NHS GP.
- GP Referral: If your GP believes you need to see a specialist, they will refer you. At this point, you can choose to use your private medical insurance.
- Contact Your Insurer: You call your PMI provider to open a claim. They will check that your policy covers the condition and the required treatment.
- Choose Your Specialist: Your insurer will provide a list of approved specialists and private hospitals from your chosen hospital list.
- Receive Treatment: You attend your private appointments and receive treatment, often within weeks rather than months.
- Bills are Settled: The hospital and specialists bill your insurer directly, leaving you to focus on your recovery. You would only be responsible for paying any excess on your policy.
Why Shoemakers Should Seriously Consider Private Health Insurance
For a self-employed artisan or a small business owner in the footwear trade, time is money. An extended period of ill health doesn't just affect your wellbeing; it directly threatens your livelihood.
| Challenge Faced by Shoemakers | How PMI Provides a Solution |
|---|---|
| Long NHS Waiting Lists | The NHS is fantastic in an emergency, but waiting times for elective treatment are significant. As of mid-2024, the referral-to-treatment waiting list in England stood at over 7.5 million. Waiting 9 months for a hip replacement or knee surgery could be financially devastating. PMI can reduce this wait to a matter of weeks. |
| Income Loss During Sickness | As a self-employed shoemaker, you likely have no sick pay. The faster you are diagnosed and treated, the faster you can return to earning. PMI is an investment in your business continuity. |
| Access to Specialist Therapies | Your hands, back, and wrists are your primary tools. PMI policies with good therapies cover give you quick access to physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors to manage strains before they become debilitating. |
| Mental Health Strain | The pressure of running a business, meeting deadlines, and managing finances can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Many modern PMI policies include excellent mental health support, providing access to counselling and therapy without a long wait. |
| Choice and Comfort | When you're facing a health scare, having a choice over your specialist and hospital can be incredibly reassuring. Private treatment also typically means a private room, offering a more comfortable and peaceful environment for recovery. |
Key Features to Look for in a PMI Policy for Shoemakers
Not all private health cover is the same. When choosing a policy, it's vital to select features that address your specific occupational risks.
Core Cover (The Essentials)
This is the foundation of every PMI policy and typically includes:
- In-patient and day-patient treatment: Covers costs when you are admitted to hospital for a procedure and require a bed (even if just for the day). This includes surgery, hospital accommodation, and specialist fees.
- Comprehensive Cancer Cover: This is a crucial feature. Most policies offer extensive cover for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and access to advanced drugs not always available on the NHS.
Important Optional Add-ons
These are the features that allow you to tailor the policy to your needs. For a shoemaker, the following are highly recommended:
-
Out-patient Cover This covers diagnostic tests and consultations that don't require a hospital bed. For musculoskeletal issues, this is essential.
- What it covers: Specialist consultations, diagnostic X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and blood tests.
- Levels (illustrative): Insurers offer different levels, from a set monetary limit (e.g., £500 or £1,000 per year) to fully comprehensive cover. A higher limit is advisable for a physically demanding job.
-
Therapies Cover This is perhaps the most valuable add-on for a craftsperson.
- What it covers: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment.
- Why it's vital: It allows for early intervention for back pain, RSI, or joint stiffness, potentially preventing a more serious issue from developing.
-
Mental Health Cover
- What it covers: Access to counselling, psychotherapy, and psychiatric treatment. It provides a confidential and fast route to professional support for stress, anxiety, or depression.
-
Dental and Optical Cover
- What it covers: Can help with the costs of routine check-ups, dental treatments, and prescription eyewear. Given the eye strain associated with shoemaking, this can be a worthwhile addition.
How to Choose the Right PMI Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be complex. Here’s how to break it down.
Step 1: Understand Underwriting Options
Underwriting is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will and won't cover.
- Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most popular choice. You don't have to provide a medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the 5 years before your policy starts. However, if you then go 2 continuous years on the policy without any issues relating to that condition, the exclusion may be lifted.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer reviews your medical history and lists specific exclusions from the outset. The main advantage is clarity – you know exactly what is and isn't covered from day one.
Step 2: Learn How to Manage Your Premium
Your monthly premium is determined by your age, location, the level of cover you choose, and a few other factors you can control:
- Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim each 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 rest. A higher excess leads to a lower monthly premium.
- Hospital List: Insurers have tiered hospital lists, usually based on location and cost. A list that excludes expensive central London hospitals will be cheaper than a nationwide list. Consider where you'd be happy to be treated.
- The 6-Week Option: This is a popular way to reduce costs. If the NHS can provide the in-patient treatment you need within 6 weeks of your referral date, you agree to use the NHS. If the waiting list is longer than 6 weeks, your private cover kicks in. This balances cost-saving with protection against long delays.
Step 3: Use an Independent PMI Broker
Trying to compare every policy from every provider is overwhelming. A specialist broker does the hard work for you. An expert adviser at WeCovr can:
- Assess Your Needs: Understand the specific demands of your work as a shoemaker.
- Compare the Market: Get quotes from leading UK providers like AXA, Bupa, Aviva, and Vitality.
- Explain the Jargon: Demystify the policy terms and conditions.
- Find the Best Value: Ensure you're not paying for cover you don't need, and that you have the features that matter most.
- Provide Support: Help you with the application process and assist with claims in the future.
This service comes at no cost to you, as brokers are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.
Table: A Glance at Major UK PMI Providers
While costs vary per individual, this table highlights what makes each of the main providers unique.
| Provider | Key Strengths for Shoemakers | Popular Features & Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| AXA Health | Strong core cover and a clear, modular approach. Their 'Guided Option' can reduce premiums if you're happy with their recommended specialists. | Excellent digital GP service (Doctor at Hand), extensive mental health support, and a focus on customer service. |
| Aviva | Known for their comprehensive cancer cover (the 'Cancer Pledge') and a strong 'BacktoBetter' programme for musculoskeletal issues without needing a GP referral. | The 'Expert Select' option offers a cost-effective route by using a curated list of quality hospitals. Good value for money. |
| Bupa | The UK's best-known health insurer with a vast network of hospitals and specialists. Their 'Direct Access' service for cancer and mental health symptoms is highly valued. | Offers a wide range of policy choices from basic to comprehensive. Strong brand recognition and a trusted reputation. |
| Vitality | Unique in its focus on wellness and rewards. You earn points and get discounts for healthy living (e.g., tracking steps, gym visits, health checks). | Great for proactive individuals. The rewards (e.g., cinema tickets, coffee, Apple Watch discounts) can offset the premium cost if you engage with the programme. |
An adviser at WeCovr can provide a detailed comparison based on your personal circumstances and budget.
Wellness and Lifestyle Tips for Shoemakers
Insurance is for when things go wrong, but prevention is always better than cure. Here are some practical tips to protect your health at the workbench.
- Ergonomics is Everything: Adjust your chair and workbench to maintain a neutral spine. Your feet should be flat on the floor, and your work should be at a height that prevents you from hunching.
- Take Regular Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule for your eyes: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Stand up, stretch your back, and shake out your hands every hour.
- Stretch and Strengthen: Incorporate simple stretches for your wrists, hands, and shoulders into your daily routine. Yoga or Pilates can be excellent for building core strength to support your back.
- Protect Your Lungs and Skin: Ensure your workspace has excellent ventilation. Use masks when sanding and wear protective gloves when handling harsh chemicals and glues.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Good nutrition supports joint health and energy levels. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and headaches.
- Prioritise Sleep: Quality sleep is when your body repairs itself. Aim for 7-9 hours per night to allow your muscles and mind to recover.
As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you stay on top of your diet. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance with us are eligible for discounts on other insurance products, helping you protect all aspects of your life.
Getting Your Personalised PMI Quote
Your health is the foundation of your craft and your business. While the NHS is there for emergencies, private medical insurance offers the peace of mind and rapid access to care that can make all the difference for a self-employed professional.
By investing in a tailored PMI policy, you are investing in your ability to continue working, earning, and creating beautiful footwear for years to come.
Ready to take the next step? Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisers will help you navigate your options and build a policy that fits you, your work, and your budget perfectly.
Does private health insurance cover work-related injuries?
Can I get PMI cover for a pre-existing back problem?
Is PMI worth the cost if I am young and healthy?
How does a specialist broker like WeCovr help me find the best PMI?
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.






