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Private Health Insurance for UK Skilled Worker Visas 2026 Requirements

Private Health Insurance for UK Skilled Worker Visas 2026...

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies arranged, WeCovr helps you navigate the complexities of UK private medical insurance. This guide clarifies the 2026 requirements for Skilled Worker Visa applicants, explaining the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and the valuable role of private health cover.

A guide for immigrants to the UK preventing IHS double-taxation and finding compliant private medical insurance for visa applications

Moving to the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa is an exciting prospect. However, navigating the healthcare requirements can be confusing. You've likely heard about the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) giving you access to the NHS. You may also be wondering if you need private medical insurance (PMI) and if it can exempt you from the IHS fee.

This comprehensive guide clarifies the rules for 2026, debunks common myths, and explains why thousands of skilled workers choose to invest in private health insurance despite paying the IHS. We will explore how to find a compliant policy that offers peace of mind and swift access to medical care, ensuring your move to the UK is as smooth as possible.

Understanding the UK Healthcare System: The NHS and Private Care

The UK operates a dual healthcare system. Understanding the difference is crucial for any new resident.

1. The National Health Service (NHS): The NHS is the UK's state-funded healthcare system. It provides comprehensive medical care, free at the point of use for legal UK residents. Your mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment grants you access to the NHS on broadly the same basis as a British citizen.

  • What it covers: GP appointments, hospital treatment, emergency care, maternity services, and more.
  • Key challenge: While excellent for emergencies and critical care, the NHS faces significant pressure. As of late 2025, waiting lists for non-urgent procedures can stretch for many months, and sometimes over a year.

2. The Private Healthcare Sector: This sector runs parallel to the NHS. It consists of private hospitals, clinics, and specialists. Care is funded by individuals directly or, more commonly, through private medical insurance (PMI).

  • What it offers: The primary benefits are speed and choice. PMI allows you to bypass NHS waiting lists for eligible conditions, choose your specialist, and often receive treatment in a private hospital with an en-suite room.
  • What it doesn't cover: Private medical insurance UK is designed for acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment. It does not cover chronic conditions (like diabetes or asthma) or pre-existing conditions that you had before taking out the policy. Emergency care is also handled by the NHS.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): A Mandatory Requirement

Before we discuss private insurance, it is vital to understand the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

The IHS is a compulsory fee for most individuals applying for a UK visa for more than six months, including the Skilled Worker Visa.

Paying the surcharge is a mandatory part of your visa application. It grants you access to the NHS. The fee must be paid in full, upfront, for the entire duration of your visa.

Visa Applicant TypeAnnual IHS Fee (2026 Estimate)Total for 3-Year VisaTotal for 5-Year Visa
Standard Applicant£1,035£3,105£5,175
Student / Youth Mobility£776£2,328N/A

Note: These figures are based on the latest government rates and are subject to change. Always check the official gov.uk website for the most current fees before applying.

Can Private Health Insurance Replace the IHS for a Visa Application?

This is the most common question we receive, and the answer is simple and direct:

No. You cannot use private medical insurance to avoid paying the Immigration Health Surcharge for a Skilled Worker Visa. The IHS is a mandatory condition of your visa application. There are no exemptions for those who hold private health cover.

Attempting to apply for a visa without paying the IHS will result in an automatic refusal. Therefore, you should consider the IHS as a fixed, non-negotiable cost of your move to the UK.

The "Double Payment" Dilemma: Why Skilled Workers Still Buy PMI

If you're already paying thousands for NHS access via the IHS, why would you also pay for private medical insurance? This is not "double taxation" but a conscious choice to have a superior level of healthcare access.

Skilled professionals moving to the UK value their health and their time. They choose PMI for three main reasons:

  1. To Bypass NHS Waiting Lists: This is the number one driver. If you develop a painful knee problem or need a hernia operation, the NHS waiting list could be over 12 months. With PMI, you could be seen by a specialist within days and have your surgery within weeks. For a skilled worker, being off work or in discomfort for a year is simply not an option.

  2. Choice and Control: PMI gives you control over your healthcare. You can often choose the hospital and the specialist who treats you, ensuring you are seen by a leading expert in their field at a time that suits your schedule.

  3. Enhanced Comfort and Privacy: Private treatment almost always includes a private en-suite room, more flexible visiting hours, and better food. This makes a stressful experience far more comfortable.

Real-Life Scenario: Ananya, a 35-year-old software architect, moves to London on a Skilled Worker Visa. She pays the IHS. Six months later, she develops severe shoulder pain. Her NHS GP refers her to a specialist, but the waiting list for a consultation is 9 months, with a further 6-month wait for potential surgery.

Because Ananya invested in a PMI policy, she calls her insurer. They approve a consultation with a top shoulder surgeon for the following week. An MRI is done two days later, and surgery is scheduled for ten days after that. She is back at work with her recovery well underway in under a month, instead of waiting over a year in pain.

What to Look for in a UK-Compliant PMI Policy

Not all health insurance policies are created equal. An international travel policy or a cheap plan from a non-UK provider will not offer the comprehensive cover you need. A compliant UK policy should have the following features:

  • FCA Regulation: The provider and the policy must be regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures you are protected and the company meets strict standards.
  • Comprehensive Hospital Lists: The policy should give you access to a wide range of private hospitals and clinics across the UK, including those near your new home and workplace.
  • Full In-Patient and Day-Patient Cover: This covers the costs of surgery and treatment where a hospital bed is required.
  • Out-Patient Cover: This is essential. It covers the costs of initial consultations and diagnostics (like MRI and CT scans) needed to figure out what is wrong. Cheaper plans often limit this, creating a barrier to quick diagnosis.
  • Mental Health Support: Many skilled workers find moving to a new country stressful. Top-tier policies now include extensive support for mental health, from therapy sessions to psychiatric care.
  • Virtual GP Services: Get a GP appointment via your phone within hours, 24/7. This is incredibly convenient and helps you get referrals and prescriptions quickly without waiting for an NHS GP slot.

An expert broker like WeCovr can ensure the policy you choose meets all these criteria, comparing the market to find cover that fits your specific needs and budget.

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Comparing Top UK Private Health Insurance Providers

The UK PMI market is dominated by a few key players. Each has its strengths, especially for new UK residents.

ProviderKey Strengths for ImmigrantsTypical Starting Cost (35-yr-old)WeCovr Insight
BupaStrong brand recognition, extensive hospital network, excellent mental health cover. A trusted and reliable choice.£65 - £90 p/mBupa's 'Direct Access' for certain conditions can speed up treatment even faster, bypassing the need for a GP referral.
AXA HealthFlexible and modular policies. You can build a plan that suits your budget. Strong focus on digital health tools.£60 - £85 p/mTheir 'Doctor@Hand' virtual GP service is highly rated and included in most plans, which is a huge benefit for new arrivals.
AvivaKnown for their 'Expert Select' hospital option which can reduce premiums. Often praised for straightforward claims.£55 - £80 p/mThe 'Aviva Digital GP' app, powered by Square Health, offers great convenience with prescriptions and referrals.
VitalityUnique model that rewards a healthy lifestyle with discounts on premiums, Apple Watches, and other perks.£50 - £75 p/m (before rewards)Perfect for active individuals. The rewards programme can be highly motivating and significantly lower your overall costs.

Disclaimer: Costs are estimates for a healthy, non-smoking 35-year-old living outside London and are for illustrative purposes only. Your actual premium will depend on your age, location, cover level, and underwriting.

How Private Medical Insurance Works: The Treatment Pathway

Understanding the process is simple. Here is the typical journey for getting treatment with PMI:

  1. You feel unwell. You develop a new symptom (e.g., back pain, a skin lesion, digestive issues).
  2. See a GP. You can use your insurer's Virtual GP service for a quick video consultation or see your local NHS GP.
  3. Get a Referral. The GP recommends you see a specialist (e.g., an orthopaedic surgeon, a dermatologist). This is called an 'open referral'.
  4. Contact Your Insurer. You call your PMI provider with the referral details. They will check your cover and approve the treatment.
  5. Choose Your Specialist. The insurer will provide a list of approved specialists and hospitals from which you can choose.
  6. Receive Treatment. You attend your private consultation, diagnostics, and any required surgery. The bills are sent directly to the insurer.
  7. Pay Your Excess. You only pay the 'excess' amount you agreed to when you took out the policy (e.g., £250). The insurer pays the rest, which can run into thousands of pounds.

Understanding Underwriting: How Insurers Assess Your Health

When you apply for PMI, the insurer needs to know about your medical history. This is done through a process called underwriting. For individuals, there are two main types:

1. Moratorium Underwriting (The "Wait and See" Option)

This is the most common and quickest way to get cover. You don't have to declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for 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, the exclusion may be lifted.

Moratorium Underwriting
Pros✅ Fast application process - no medical forms.
✅ Less intrusive.
✅ Pre-existing conditions can become eligible for cover after a 2-year clear period.
Cons❌ Lack of certainty at the start.
❌ Claims can be slower as the insurer needs to check your medical history at that point.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (The "Declare Everything" Option)

With this method, you complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring all your past medical conditions. The insurer reviews it and tells you upfront exactly what is and isn't covered. Any conditions they choose to exclude are usually excluded permanently.

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Pros✅ Complete certainty from day one about what is covered.
✅ Claims process is often faster as decisions have already been made.
Cons❌ Application process is much longer and more detailed.
❌ Exclusions are typically permanent.

For most new arrivals to the UK, moratorium underwriting is the simplest and most popular choice. A broker at WeCovr can talk you through which option is best for your personal circumstances.

How WeCovr Helps Skilled Workers Find the Right PMI

Navigating the UK insurance market alone can be daunting. As an independent and FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr acts as your expert guide.

  • We're Impartial: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our loyalty is to you. We compare policies from across the market to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
  • We Save You Time and Money: We do all the research for you and use our industry knowledge to find the most competitive prices and comprehensive cover. Our service is completely free for you to use.
  • Expert Advice: We demystify the jargon. We'll explain the difference between moratorium and FMU, what an excess is, and which hospital list is best for your location.
  • Added Benefits: When you arrange your policy through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. Plus, we can offer discounts on other essential insurance products like life or income protection cover.

Do I legally need private health insurance for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

No, it is not a legal or mandatory requirement for your visa application. You are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to the NHS. Private medical insurance is an optional extra that people choose for faster access to treatment and greater choice.

Can I get a refund on my IHS payment if I buy private medical insurance?

No. There is no mechanism to claim a refund for your IHS payment on the basis of holding a private medical insurance policy. The IHS is a mandatory, non-refundable condition of your visa, granting access to the NHS, which you will still need for emergencies and other services not covered by PMI.

Does UK private health insurance cover pre-existing or chronic conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions (those you had before cover began) and chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma) are typically excluded from cover.

How much does private health insurance cost for a new immigrant in the UK?

The cost varies based on your age, location (London is more expensive), the level of cover you choose, and your excess. For a healthy individual in their 30s, a comprehensive policy typically costs between £55 and £90 per month. An expert broker can help find the most competitive price for your specific profile.

Your Next Step to Health Security in the UK

While the Immigration Health Surcharge is a necessary cost, private medical insurance is a smart investment in your health and wellbeing. It provides the peace of mind that should you or your family need non-urgent medical care, you won't have to endure long waits.

Let us help you make the right choice. Our friendly, expert team can provide a no-obligation comparison of the UK's leading insurers in minutes.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, personalised quote and secure your health and peace of mind for your new life in the UK.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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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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