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Private Health Insurance for Small Business Owners in the UK

Private Health Insurance for Small Business Owners in the UK

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged, WeCovr specialises in private medical insurance for UK businesses. This guide explains how PMI can safeguard your most valuable asset—your team—by providing swift access to high-quality healthcare, reducing sickness absence, and boosting morale.

Comprehensive PMI for SMEs looking to support staff

In today's competitive landscape, attracting and retaining top talent is a major challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While competitive salaries are crucial, a comprehensive benefits package can be the deciding factor for a potential employee. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is one of the most valued employee benefits, demonstrating a genuine commitment to your team's health and wellbeing.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about private health insurance for your small business, from understanding the core benefits to navigating the tax implications and choosing the perfect plan for your budget and your people.

Why Should a Small Business Invest in Private Health Insurance?

Offering private health cover is more than just a 'nice-to-have' perk; it's a strategic investment in the resilience and productivity of your business. With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant concern, PMI offers a tangible solution.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a record 185.6 million working days were lost to sickness or injury in the UK in 2022. For a small business, the impact of even one key team member being absent for an extended period can be profound.

Key benefits of offering business PMI:

  • Reduces Sickness Absence: PMI provides fast access to diagnostics, consultations, and treatment for acute conditions. This can drastically shorten the time an employee is away from work compared to waiting for NHS treatment, minimising disruption and lost productivity.
  • Attracts & Retains Top Talent: In a tight job market, a strong benefits package sets you apart. PMI is consistently ranked as one of the most desirable employee benefits, showing prospective and current staff that you value their wellbeing.
  • Boosts Morale & Loyalty: Investing in your team's health fosters a positive company culture. Employees feel valued and supported, which leads to increased loyalty, engagement, and motivation.
  • Supports a Duty of Care: As an employer, you have a duty of care towards your employees. A health insurance plan is a clear demonstration of this commitment, particularly for roles that may be physically or mentally demanding.
  • Access to Specialist Care & Mental Health Support: Many modern PMI policies include extensive mental health cover, providing access to therapy and counselling services often with shorter waiting times than publicly available services.

A Real-World Example

Imagine your lead graphic designer, Sarah, develops severe back pain. On the NHS, she might face a lengthy wait for a specialist consultation and an MRI scan, followed by another wait for physiotherapy or treatment. During this time, she may be unable to work or work at a reduced capacity.

With a company PMI policy, Sarah could see a private specialist within days, have her scan the same week, and begin a course of treatment immediately. She's back on her feet and back to work sooner, and she feels incredibly supported by her employer.

Understanding Business Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Private Medical Insurance, also known as private health cover, is an insurance policy designed to cover the costs of private medical treatment for acute conditions. For businesses, a 'group scheme' covers two or more employees, often at a more competitive rate than individual policies.

The Crucial Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

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

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair, and treatment for most infections. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, continues indefinitely, has no known cure, or is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Standard PMI policies do not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.

The Rule on Pre-Existing Conditions

Alongside chronic conditions, standard PMI policies also exclude pre-existing conditions. This refers to any illness or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before your policy began.

How insurers handle this depends on the type of underwriting you choose, which we'll explore next.

How Underwriting Works for Small Business PMI

Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to assess risk and decide whether to offer cover, and on what terms. For SME health insurance, there are three main types.

Underwriting TypeHow it WorksBest For
Moratorium (MORI)The most common type for small groups. No medical questionnaire is needed upfront. The policy automatically excludes treatment for any condition that existed in the 5 years before the policy start date. However, if an employee goes 2 full, continuous years without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after joining, it may become eligible for cover.Simplicity and speed. Ideal for small businesses who want to get a policy set up quickly without intrusive medical forms.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)Each employee completes a detailed medical history questionnaire. The insurer then reviews this and specifies exactly what will and won't be covered from the outset. Exclusions are permanent unless you can get them reviewed later.Clarity. You know precisely what is excluded from day one. It can sometimes result in a slightly lower premium than a moratorium policy if the group is generally healthy.
Medical History Disregarded (MHD)This is the premium option. The insurer agrees to cover eligible acute conditions, regardless of any pre-existing medical history. There are no medical questionnaires.Maximum inclusivity. It's the most comprehensive option but is also the most expensive and typically only available to larger groups (often 15-20+ employees), though some insurers may offer it to smaller businesses.

An expert broker, such as WeCovr, can help you understand which underwriting option is the most suitable and cost-effective for your specific business and team.

Core Components of a Business PMI Policy

While policies vary between insurers, they are all built around a core set of features, with optional extras you can add to tailor the plan.

1. Core Cover (In-patient and Day-patient)

This is the foundation of every PMI policy and typically covers:

  • In-patient Treatment: When you are admitted to a hospital and occupy a bed overnight. This includes hospital accommodation, nursing care, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, and specialist consultations.
  • Day-patient Treatment: When you are admitted to a hospital or clinic for a planned procedure but do not stay overnight.
  • Cancer Cover: This is a vital part of modern PMI. Most policies offer extensive cancer cover, including diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. It's essential to check the level of cover provided as it can vary.

2. Out-patient Cover

This is often the first major add-on to consider. It covers diagnostic tests and consultations that do not require a hospital admission.

  • Specialist Consultations: Seeing a specialist like a cardiologist or dermatologist.
  • Diagnostic Tests: MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, and blood tests.
  • Therapies: Post-operative physiotherapy or osteopathy.

Most insurers offer different levels of out-patient cover, for example, a capped limit of £500, £1,000, or a fully comprehensive option. Choosing a lower limit is a common way to manage the premium.

3. Optional Extras

You can further enhance your policy with a range of additional benefits:

  • Mental Health Cover: Provides access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. Given the rising awareness of mental health challenges, this is an increasingly popular and valuable addition.
  • Dental & Optical Cover: Contributes towards the costs of routine check-ups, dental treatments, and prescription eyewear.
  • Therapies Cover: Expands the range of therapies covered to include things like chiropractic, podiatry, and acupuncture, often with a limit on the number of sessions.
  • Travel Cover: Some policies allow you to add European or worldwide travel insurance.

How to Choose the Right PMI Policy for Your SME

With so many options, choosing the right plan can feel daunting. Here’s a step-by-step approach.

  1. Define Your Budget: Decide how much you can realistically afford to spend per employee, per month. This will be the single biggest factor in shaping your policy.
  2. Assess Your Team's Needs: Consider the demographics of your workforce. A younger team might value mental health support and wellness benefits, while an older workforce may be more focused on comprehensive cancer care and out-patient diagnostics.
  3. Decide on the Level of Cover: Do you want a budget-friendly plan that primarily covers major in-patient procedures, or a comprehensive policy that includes extensive out-patient and wellness benefits?
  4. Understand Policy Levers: Familiarise yourself with the options that affect the price:
    • Excess: This is the amount an employee pays towards a claim each year. A higher excess (e.g., £250 or £500) will significantly lower the premium.
    • Hospital List: Insurers have different tiers of hospitals. Choosing a more restricted list that excludes expensive central London hospitals can reduce costs.
    • 6-Week Wait Option: This popular option reduces your premium. It means that if the NHS can provide the required in-patient treatment within six weeks, the employee will use the NHS. If the wait is longer, the private policy kicks in.
  5. Speak to an Expert Broker: This is the most effective way to navigate the market. An independent broker doesn't work for an insurer; they work for you. They will take the time to understand your business and find the most suitable policy from across the market.

Comparing Major UK PMI Providers for SMEs

Here is an overview of some of the leading providers in the UK market. The best provider for you will depend entirely on your specific needs and budget.

ProviderKey Strengths & Features for SMEsUnique Selling Point (USP)
AXA HealthStrong core product with excellent mental health pathways. Known for its 'Doctor at Hand' 24/7 digital GP service and dedicated support for SME clients.Focus on proactive health support and a streamlined digital user experience.
BupaThe UK's largest insurer with a vast network of hospitals and specialists. Offers a wide range of customisable plans and strong brand recognition.Unmatched scale and a comprehensive direct settlement network, meaning they often pay hospitals directly.
AvivaProvides a strong, straightforward core product with excellent cancer cover. Their 'Expert Select' hospital option is a well-regarded guided care pathway.Often highly competitive on price for its core cover, making it a great value choice for many SMEs.
VitalityUnique wellness-linked model. Actively rewards employees with discounts and perks (like cinema tickets and coffee) for staying healthy and active.The 'Shared Value' insurance model. It actively encourages healthy behaviour, which can lead to a healthier workforce and lower long-term premiums.

Working with a broker like WeCovr allows you to receive and compare quotes from all these leading insurers and more, ensuring you get the best possible terms at no extra cost to you.

The Tax Implications of Business Health Insurance

Understanding the tax treatment of PMI is crucial for any business owner.

  • For the Business: The premiums your company pays for an employee health insurance scheme are generally considered an allowable business expense. This means you can deduct the cost from your pre-tax profits, reducing your Corporation Tax bill.
  • For the Employee: Private medical insurance is treated as a 'benefit in kind' (BIK). This means the employee has to pay income tax on the value of the benefit (the premium). The company also has to pay Class 1A National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on the value of the premium. The cost is reported to HMRC on a P11D form for each employee who is part of the scheme.

Example Calculation

Let's say your company pays a £600 annual premium for an employee who is a basic-rate taxpayer (20%).

  • Employee's Tax: The employee will pay 20% of £600, which is £120 per year in income tax, usually collected via a change in their tax code.
  • Employer's National Insurance: The company will pay Class 1A NICs (13.8% for 2024/25) on the premium. 13.8% of £600 is £82.80 per year.

Even with the BIK tax, most employees see PMI as a highly valuable benefit that would cost them significantly more to purchase individually.

Beyond PMI: Creating a Holistic Employee Wellness Programme

While PMI is a powerful tool for reactive care, the most forward-thinking businesses also invest in proactive wellbeing. A holistic strategy addresses the complete health of your team.

Mental Health First Aid

Train designated employees to become Mental Health First Aiders. They can act as a point of contact for colleagues experiencing mental health issues, offering initial support and signposting them to professional help, such as services available through your PMI policy or an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

Small, consistent changes can make a huge difference to your team's energy, focus, and overall health.

  • Nutrition: Encourage healthy eating habits. Simple initiatives like providing a fruit bowl in the office or offering healthy lunch options can have a positive impact. As a WeCovr client, your team can also benefit from complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help them manage their dietary goals.
  • Physical Activity: Promote movement throughout the day. This could involve organising team walks, offering discounts on gym memberships, or running a 'steps challenge'. Some PMI providers, like Vitality, build this directly into their model.
  • Sleep: Educate your team on the importance of good sleep hygiene. Poor sleep is linked to reduced productivity, poor decision-making, and long-term health problems. Encourage a culture where employees are not expected to answer emails late at night.

When you purchase a private medical or life insurance policy through WeCovr, we're pleased to offer you discounts on other types of insurance, helping you protect your business and your family more affordably. Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional value and service.

What is the difference between an acute and a chronic condition for PMI?

An acute condition is a disease or injury that is expected to respond quickly to treatment and from which you can make a full recovery. Examples include a bone fracture, a hernia, or the need for a joint replacement. UK private medical insurance is specifically designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. A chronic condition, like diabetes or asthma, is one that requires long-term management and has no known cure. The routine monitoring and treatment of chronic conditions are not covered by standard PMI policies.

Is private health insurance a taxable benefit for my employees in the UK?

Yes, when a company pays for an employee's private medical insurance, it is considered a 'benefit in kind' (BIK). This means the employee must pay income tax on the value of the premium. The employer is also required to pay Class 1A National Insurance contributions on the premium amount. The benefit must be reported to HMRC on a P11D form for each covered employee. However, for the business itself, the cost of the premiums is typically an allowable business expense, which can be offset against corporation tax.

Can a small business health insurance policy cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, standard small business PMI policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. If you choose 'Moratorium' underwriting, any condition that existed in the five years prior to the policy start date will be excluded. If you opt for 'Full Medical Underwriting', specific exclusions will be applied based on each employee's medical history. The only exception is 'Medical History Disregarded' (MHD) underwriting, which does cover pre-existing conditions. However, MHD is more expensive and typically only available to larger groups, though some insurers may offer it to smaller SMEs.

How many employees do I need to set up a group health insurance scheme?

You can set up a group private medical insurance scheme for as few as two employees, which can include the director. This makes it a highly accessible benefit even for the smallest of UK businesses, including start-ups and family-run companies. Group schemes often provide better value and more comprehensive cover options compared to individual policies.

Take the Next Step for Your Business

Investing in your team's health is one of the smartest decisions you can make for the future of your business. It protects your people, your productivity, and your bottom line.

Navigating the private medical insurance market can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. The expert team at WeCovr is here to help. We'll compare plans from all the UK's leading insurers to find a policy that fits your needs and your budget—all at no cost to you.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how affordable it can be to give your team the protection they deserve.

Get A Free Quote

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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