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Private Health Insurance for Stonemasons in the UK

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 2, 2026
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TL;DR

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that your health is your most valuable asset. This guide explores private medical insurance in the UK, specifically for stonemasons, whose craft demands physical resilience and carries unique health risks that make robust cover essential. Health cover tailored for traditional building trades Stonemasonry is more than a job; it's a centuries-old craft requiring immense skill, strength, and precision.

Key takeaways

  • Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): This is the most common health issue in the construction sector.
  • What it is: Aches, pains, and injuries affecting the back, shoulders, neck, arms, and hands. Conditions like sciatica, repetitive strain injury (RSI), and osteoarthritis are common.
  • The Cause: Constant heavy lifting, awkward postures, and repetitive movements using tools.
  • The PMI Solution: Fast access to diagnostic scans like MRI and CT, consultations with orthopaedic specialists, and crucial therapies such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic treatment to aid recovery.
  • Respiratory Conditions: The dust generated from cutting stone, especially sandstone, granite and slate, contains Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS).

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that your health is your most valuable asset. This guide explores private medical insurance in the UK, specifically for stonemasons, whose craft demands physical resilience and carries unique health risks that make robust cover essential.

Health cover tailored for traditional building trades

Stonemasonry is more than a job; it's a centuries-old craft requiring immense skill, strength, and precision. But the daily demands of shaping stone, lifting heavy materials, and working in dusty environments take a significant toll on the body. For stonemasons, whether self-employed or part of a larger firm, a health issue isn't just a personal problem—it's a direct threat to your livelihood.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) acts as a crucial safety net. It's not about replacing the NHS, which remains vital for emergencies. Instead, it's about providing you with faster access to diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions, helping you bypass long waiting lists and get back to work sooner. For a physically demanding trade, this speed can be the difference between a short-term setback and a long-term financial struggle.

Why Should Stonemasons Consider Private Health Insurance?

The physical nature of stonemasonry exposes you to a higher risk of specific health conditions. Waiting for treatment on the NHS, whilst free at the point of use, can mean months of pain and lost income.

According to the latest NHS England figures, the median waiting time for elective treatment was over 14 weeks as of mid-2024, with hundreds of thousands waiting over a year. For a self-employed stonemason, a three-month wait for a knee operation or back treatment simply isn't feasible.

Key Health Risks for Stonemasons

Your trade presents a unique set of occupational hazards that a tailored PMI policy can help address:

  1. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): This is the most common health issue in the construction sector.

    • What it is: Aches, pains, and injuries affecting the back, shoulders, neck, arms, and hands. Conditions like sciatica, repetitive strain injury (RSI), and osteoarthritis are common.
    • The Cause: Constant heavy lifting, awkward postures, and repetitive movements using tools.
    • The PMI Solution: Fast access to diagnostic scans like MRI and CT, consultations with orthopaedic specialists, and crucial therapies such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic treatment to aid recovery.

  2. Respiratory Conditions: The dust generated from cutting stone, especially sandstone, granite and slate, contains Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS).

    • What it is: Long-term exposure to RCS can lead to severe and incurable lung diseases like silicosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
    • The Cause: Inhaling fine silica dust without adequate respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
    • The PMI Solution: Whilst PMI does not cover chronic conditions like silicosis, it can provide rapid access to a respiratory specialist if you develop new, acute symptoms like a persistent cough or breathing difficulties. This allows for a swift diagnosis to rule out other treatable conditions.

  3. Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS): Also known as 'Vibration White Finger', this is a painful and debilitating condition.

    • What it is: Damage to nerves, blood vessels, and joints in the hands and arms. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and a loss of grip strength.
    • The Cause: Prolonged use of vibrating power tools like grinders, cutters, and hammer drills.
    • The PMI Solution: Quick referrals to neurologists or vascular specialists to diagnose the extent of the damage. While advanced HAVS is a chronic condition, PMI can cover initial investigations and certain treatments for acute flare-ups.

  4. Accidents and Injuries: The risk of slips, falls, cuts, and fractures is ever-present on a building site or in a workshop.

    • The PMI Solution: Prompt access to private A&E (if included in your plan), minor surgery for stitching deep cuts, and the full pathway of care for a broken bone – from the initial scan to the final physiotherapy session, all without the long waits.
Health RiskCommon ConditionsHow PMI Helps
MusculoskeletalBack pain, Sciatica, Arthritis, RSIFast MRI/CT scans, specialist consultations, physiotherapy
RespiratoryAcute coughs, chest infectionsQuick access to respiratory specialists for diagnosis
VibrationHand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)Referrals to neurologists, diagnostic tests
InjuriesFractures, deep cuts, sprainsPrivate diagnostics, surgery, and rehabilitation

What Does Private Health Insurance for Stonemasons Cover?

A private medical insurance policy is built in layers. You start with a core foundation and then add optional extras to create a plan that fits your specific needs and budget.

Core PMI Cover

Almost all UK policies, regardless of the provider, will include this as standard:

  • In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs when you are admitted to a hospital for treatment that requires a bed, even if it's just for the day (e.g., for keyhole surgery). This includes surgery fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital accommodation, and nursing care.
  • Comprehensive Cancer Cover: This is a standout feature of modern PMI. It typically covers diagnosis, surgery, and treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and biological therapies. Many policies also offer access to new drugs and treatments not yet available on the NHS.

For a physically demanding role, core cover alone is not enough. The real value for a stonemason lies in the optional benefits that provide access to diagnostics and therapies.

  • Out-patient Cover: This is arguably the most crucial add-on. It covers diagnostic tests and consultations that don't require a hospital bed.

    • Specialist Consultations: Seeing a consultant orthopaedic surgeon or a neurologist quickly.
    • Diagnostic Tests: Getting that vital MRI, CT, or X-ray in days, not months.
    • Minor Procedures: Small procedures performed in an out-patient setting. Most insurers offer different levels of out-patient cover, from a set monetary limit (e.g., £1,000 per year) to fully comprehensive cover. For a stonemason, a higher limit is strongly recommended. (illustrative estimate)

  • Therapies Cover: This covers treatments to get you moving again.

    • Physiotherapy
    • Osteopathy
    • Chiropractic care
    • Acupuncture This is essential for treating the back pain, joint issues, and muscle strains that are common in your trade. Policies will specify a number of sessions per year.

  • Mental Health Cover: The stress of being self-employed, managing deadlines, and dealing with physical pain can take a mental toll. This add-on provides access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists to help you manage stress, anxiety, or depression.

Table: Example PMI Structure for a Stonemason

BenefitLevel of CoverWhy it's Important for a Stonemason
Core CoverStandardCovers hospital stays and surgery for major issues.
Cancer CoverComprehensivePeace of mind for serious illness.
Out-patient CoverHigh (£1,500+ or Full)Essential for quick diagnosis of back, joint, or nerve issues.
Therapies CoverHigh (10+ sessions)Critical for rehabilitation from MSDs and returning to work.
Mental HealthOptionalSupports mental wellbeing under the pressure of the job.

An expert broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these options, ensuring you only pay for the cover you truly need.

The Critical Point: What Isn't Covered by PMI?

Understanding the exclusions of private health insurance is just as important as understanding the benefits. It helps set realistic expectations and prevents disappointment when you need to make a claim.

CRITICAL: Standard UK private health insurance is designed for acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. It does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: This refers to any illness, injury, or symptom for which you have received medication, advice, or treatment in the 5 years before your policy start date. For example, if you've been seeing a GP for recurring back pain, that back pain will be excluded from a new policy, at least initially.
  • Chronic Conditions: These are long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, established arthritis, and occupational diseases like silicosis or advanced HAVS. PMI will not cover the routine management of these conditions. The NHS remains the primary provider for chronic care.

How Underwriting Treats Pre-existing Conditions

When you apply for a policy, the insurer will 'underwrite' it to decide how to handle your medical history.

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't have to declare your full medical history upfront. The policy automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last 5 years. However, if you then go for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. It's simple and fast.

  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer reviews your history and tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from day one. This provides absolute clarity but takes longer. For a stonemason with a history of minor, resolved injuries, FMU can be a good option to confirm what's covered.

Other Standard Exclusions:

  • Emergency treatment (A&E visits)
  • Normal pregnancy and childbirth
  • Cosmetic surgery (unless for reconstruction after an accident)
  • Drug and alcohol misuse treatment

Customising Your Policy to Manage Costs

A comprehensive policy can seem expensive, but there are several ways to tailor it to your budget without sacrificing essential cover.

  • Increase Your Excess: The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. 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. Choosing a higher excess (£500 or £1,000) can significantly reduce your monthly premium.
  • Choose a Hospital List: Insurers have different tiers of hospitals. A list that includes only your local private hospitals will be cheaper than a nationwide list that includes premium central London hospitals.
  • The 6-Week Wait Option: This is a smart way to save money. With this option, if the NHS can provide the in-patient treatment you need within 6 weeks, you agree to use the NHS. If the waiting list is longer than 6 weeks, your private cover kicks in. Given current NHS waits, this option often still results in you using your private cover, but it lowers your premium.

Wellness and Injury Prevention: A Stonemason's Toolkit

The best way to manage your health is to prevent injuries from happening in the first place. Your PMI policy is a reactive tool; these tips are your proactive shield.

Protect Your Body on the Job

  • Lifting Technique: Always use the 'power-lift' stance: feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and hold the load close to your body. Use mechanical aids like hoists and pallet trucks whenever possible.
  • Stretching: Start your day with 5-10 minutes of dynamic stretching. Focus on your back, shoulders, hamstrings, and wrists. Simple wrist circles and shoulder rolls can help prevent RSI.
  • Correct PPE: This is non-negotiable.
    • Respiratory Protection (RPE): A well-fitted FFP3 mask is the minimum requirement when cutting silica-bearing stone.
    • Gloves: Anti-vibration gloves can help reduce the impact of power tools, and sturdy gloves protect against cuts.
    • Eye and Hearing Protection: Essential for preventing injury from flying debris and noise damage.

Fuel Your Body and Mind

  • Nutrition: A physically demanding job requires high-quality fuel. Focus on a balanced diet rich in protein for muscle repair and anti-inflammatory foods like oily fish, nuts, and leafy greens to help soothe aching joints. As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI app, which makes tracking your nutrition simple and effective.
  • Hydration: Dehydration leads to fatigue and reduces physical performance, increasing your risk of injury. Aim to drink 2-3 litres of water throughout the day.
  • Sleep: This is when your body repairs itself. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's as crucial as any tool in your workshop for maintaining long-term health and focus.

Finding the Best Private Health Insurance for Stonemasons

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be complex. Providers use different terminology, and policies have subtle but important differences. This is where an expert, independent broker is invaluable.

Why Use a Broker like WeCovr?

  1. Expertise: We understand the specific health risks associated with trades like stonemasonry. We know which policies offer the best therapies cover and which providers have the most efficient claims process.
  2. Whole-of-Market Comparison: We compare policies from all the leading UK providers, including AXA Health, Bupa, Aviva, Vitality, and The Exeter. This ensures you get the best cover for your needs, not just the one a single insurer wants to sell you.
  3. No Cost to You: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert, unbiased advice without any extra charge.
  4. Ongoing Support: We are here to help you at renewal or if you have questions about your policy, ensuring your cover continues to meet your needs.
  5. Added Value: When you purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr, we can often provide discounts on other types of cover, such as income protection—another vital safety net for the self-employed. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right solution for every client.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As a self-employed stonemason, can I claim my PMI premiums as a business expense?

Generally, for a sole trader, private medical insurance is considered a personal expense and is not tax-deductible. If you operate as a limited company and the company pays the premium, it can be treated as an allowable business expense. However, it will likely be classed as a 'benefit-in-kind' for the employee (you), meaning you would have to pay income tax on the value of the premium. Tax rules are complex, so it is always best to seek advice from a qualified accountant.

Will private health insurance cover me if I get injured at work?

Yes, your PMI policy will cover the cost of eligible treatment for an acute injury, regardless of whether it happened at work, at home, or playing sports. It is designed to cover your medical treatment. It is not a substitute for Public Liability Insurance (which covers claims made against you by third parties) or Income Protection Insurance (which replaces a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury).

Is silicosis covered by private health insurance?

No, silicosis is a chronic, long-term occupational lung disease. Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions that are curable and arise after your policy begins. The long-term management of chronic conditions like silicosis remains the responsibility of the NHS. However, PMI could help in getting a swift diagnosis for new respiratory symptoms to rule out other treatable acute conditions.

I have some occasional back pain. Will a new PMI policy cover it?

This depends on your medical history. If you have visited a doctor, physiotherapist, or another practitioner for this back pain in the five years before taking out the policy, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover, at least initially. If it's a minor ache you've never sought advice for, it may not be classed as pre-existing, but this can be a grey area. Speaking to a PMI broker is the best way to understand how your history will be viewed by an insurer.

Your skill as a stonemason is valuable and unique. Don't let an unexpected health issue or a long NHS waiting list put your craft and your income on hold. A robust private health insurance policy is an investment in your continued ability to work and thrive.

Protect your health and your livelihood. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our experts help you find the private health cover that's carved out just for you.

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.
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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.

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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 experienced 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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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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