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Private Health Insurance Price Increases UK

Private Health Insurance Price Increases UK 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that seeing your private medical insurance premium increase can be frustrating. This in-depth guide explains why private health insurance prices rise in the UK and provides actionable strategies to ensure you always get the best value.

Why premiums rise each year and how to manage them

It’s the one letter or email every policyholder dreads: your private health insurance renewal notice. More often than not, the price has gone up. But this isn't arbitrary. The increase reflects a complex mix of factors, from your personal circumstances to broader trends in UK healthcare.

Understanding these drivers is the first step to taking control. This guide will demystify the price rises and empower you with the knowledge to effectively manage your annual private health cover costs.

Understanding the Key Drivers of Private Health Insurance Price Rises

Several powerful forces combine to push premiums upwards each year. While some are personal to you, many are market-wide trends that affect all policyholders and insurers.

1. Medical Inflation: The Hidden Cost Driver

This is the single biggest factor behind rising premiums. Medical inflation is not the same as the standard Consumer Price Index (CPI) that we hear about in the news. It refers to the rising cost of delivering private healthcare and consistently outpaces general inflation.

Key components of medical inflation include:

  • New Drugs and Treatments: Groundbreaking but expensive treatments, such as new cancer drugs, immunotherapies, and gene therapies, are constantly being developed. For example, a single course of some advanced cancer treatments can cost tens of thousands of pounds.
  • Advanced Diagnostic Technology: The cost of purchasing, maintaining, and operating state-of-the-art equipment like MRI, CT, and PET scanners increases over time. These technologies provide faster, more accurate diagnoses but come at a high price.
  • Specialist Fees: The fees charged by top consultants, surgeons, and anaesthetists tend to rise annually.
  • Private Hospital Costs: The day-to-day running costs of private hospitals—including nursing staff wages, energy bills, and clinical supplies—are always on the rise.

According to industry analysis, medical inflation in the UK typically runs between 8% and 12% per year, a stark contrast to the government's 2% target for general inflation. This underlying cost pressure is a primary reason your premium increases even if you haven't made a claim.

2. Your Age: A Predictable Increase

From an insurer's perspective, age is a key indicator of risk. As we get older, we are statistically more likely to require medical treatment. Insurers group customers into age bands, and each year on your birthday, you may move into a new, higher-priced band.

This age-related increase is separate from any other factor. It will happen even if:

  • You are in perfect health.
  • You have never made a claim.
  • Medical inflation was zero.

Think of it as a predictable, incremental increase that reflects your changing risk profile over time.

Age BracketIllustrative Monthly PremiumWhy the Cost is Higher
25-30£45Lower statistical likelihood of needing major treatment.
45-50£85Risk of conditions like joint problems or heart issues begins to rise.
65-70£160+Higher probability of needing procedures like hip replacements or cancer care.

Note: These are illustrative figures for a mid-range policy. Actual costs will vary significantly.

3. Your Personal Claims History (No Claims Discount)

Just like with car insurance, most private health insurance policies feature a No Claims Discount (NCD). This is a tiered discount that rewards you for not making a claim.

Here’s how it typically works:

  • You start on a certain level of the NCD ladder (e.g., Level 2, offering a 50% discount).
  • For every year you don't claim, you move up a level, increasing your discount up to a maximum (e.g., Level 1, 75% discount).
  • If you make a claim, you will typically move down several levels at your next renewal (e.g., from Level 1 down to Level 4).

A claim can therefore cause a significant "double impact" on your renewal price:

  1. You lose some or all of your No Claims Discount.
  2. You are still subject to the annual increases from age and medical inflation.

This is why a premium can sometimes feel like it has doubled after your first claim.

4. Insurance Premium Tax (IPT)

IPT is a tax levied by the UK government on all general insurance policies, including private medical insurance. It is charged to the insurer, who then passes the cost directly on to you, the customer.

As of 2025, the standard rate of IPT is 12%.

Any increase in your underlying premium automatically means you pay more tax, too. For example, if your base premium is £1,000, IPT adds £120. If your base premium rises to £1,100 due to inflation, IPT adds £132. It’s a tax on a tax, amplifying the overall increase.

5. Increased Pressure on the NHS

The UK's beloved National Health Service is facing unprecedented challenges. As of mid-2025, NHS England's waiting list for routine consultant-led treatment remains stubbornly high, with millions of people waiting for care.

How does this affect your private health insurance premium?

  • Increased Demand: Long NHS waits drive more people to use their private medical insurance for quicker access to diagnosis and treatment.
  • Higher Claim Volume: This increased usage leads to a higher volume of claims being paid out by insurers.
  • Shared Risk Pool: Insurers spread these higher costs across their entire pool of customers, leading to higher premiums for everyone, regardless of whether they have personally claimed.

In essence, when the NHS struggles, the private sector absorbs more demand, and the cost is reflected in renewal prices.

How Your Private Health Insurance Policy is Priced

To manage your costs, it helps to understand exactly what you're paying for. Your premium is a carefully calculated figure based on a range of personal and policy-level choices.

The All-Important Note: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

Before we go further, it is critical to understand a fundamental principle of the UK private medical insurance market. Standard policies are designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are short-term and likely to respond quickly to treatment.

Private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions.

  • A pre-existing condition is any illness, disease, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms or sought advice or treatment before your policy started.
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure).

This is the single most important exclusion to be aware of when purchasing or reviewing cover.

Key Factors That Determine Your Premium

Your final price is a blend of the following elements. Understanding these levers is key to customising a policy that fits your budget.

FactorImpact on PremiumHow to Manage It
Your AgeHigher age = Higher premium.The best time to buy is when you're younger and healthier.
Your LocationPremiums are higher in major cities, especially London, due to higher hospital costs.Choose a policy that excludes expensive city-centre hospitals if you don't need them.
Cover LevelComprehensive plans with full cancer care, therapies, and mental health are most expensive.Tailor your cover. Do you need full outpatient cover, or could you use the NHS for initial diagnostics?
Policy ExcessA higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) leads to a lower premium.Increasing your excess from £100 to £500 can create significant monthly savings.
Hospital ListPolicies with access to all UK private hospitals are pricier than those with a limited local network.Opt for a regional or guided hospital list to reduce costs.
Underwriting Type'Full Medical Underwriting' can sometimes be cheaper initially if you have no pre-existing conditions.Discuss with a broker which underwriting type (Moratorium or FMU) is best for your situation.
Smoker StatusSmokers and vapers are considered higher risk and will always pay more.Quitting smoking can lead to lower premiums after a qualifying period (usually 12 months).

Practical Strategies to Manage Your Renewal Premiums

Receiving a higher renewal quote doesn't mean you have to accept it. You have significant power to influence the cost. Here are the most effective strategies to keep your private health cover affordable.

1. Review Your Cover Annually

The biggest mistake is letting your policy auto-renew without a second thought. Life changes, and your health insurance needs might too. Ask yourself:

  • Are my children now grown up and no longer need to be on my policy?
  • Have I moved to a different part of the country where a different hospital list would suffice?
  • Is the comprehensive cover I bought five years ago still necessary?

An annual review is your best opportunity to right-size your policy.

2. Increase Your Excess

The excess is the fixed amount you agree to pay towards the cost of any claim you make. The insurer pays the rest. By agreeing to share more of the initial cost, you lower the insurer's risk, and they reward you with a lower premium.

Example:

  • A policy with a £100 excess might cost £90 per month.
  • The same policy with a £500 excess could cost £70 per month.
  • Annual Saving: £240

This is often the quickest and easiest way to make a meaningful reduction in your premium.

3. Adjust Your Hospital List

Insurers typically offer tiered hospital lists. A top-tier list gives you access to every private hospital in the country, including the prestigious and expensive ones in Central London. A more restricted list might limit you to a network of hospitals in your local area.

Unless you specifically need access to a particular London-based specialist, opting for a regional or national list that excludes the most expensive facilities can slash your premium by as much as 20-30%.

4. Choose a 'Guided' or 'Expert Select' Option

A growing number of insurers now offer "guided" pathways. With these plans, instead of choosing any consultant you wish, the insurer provides you with a shortlist of 3-5 pre-approved specialists for your condition.

Because the insurer has negotiated preferential rates with these consultants, they can pass the savings on to you in the form of a lower premium. This is an excellent way to save money without compromising on the quality of care, as the specialists are all fully vetted.

5. Add a '6-Week Wait' Option

This is a clever compromise between relying solely on the NHS and having full private cover. With a 6-week wait option, your policy will only pay for in-patient treatment if the NHS waiting list for that specific procedure is longer than six weeks.

If the NHS can treat you within six weeks, you use the NHS. If not, your private cover kicks in. Given the current extensive NHS waiting times for many treatments, this option often provides a very similar level of access to a full-cover policy but at a significantly reduced price.

6. Re-broke Your Policy with an Independent Expert

This is, without a doubt, the most effective strategy. Instead of just accepting your current insurer's renewal price, you can have an independent broker, like WeCovr, search the entire market for you.

A specialist broker can:

  • Compare dozens of policies from all the leading UK providers (Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, etc.).
  • Find equivalent or better cover at a more competitive price.
  • Negotiate on your behalf and handle all the paperwork.
  • Advise on switching safely (see below) to ensure continuity of cover.

This service costs you nothing. Brokers are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get impartial, expert advice for free. Often, a new insurer will offer an attractive introductory price to win your business, resulting in substantial savings.

7. Embrace a Healthier Lifestyle (and Get Rewarded)

Insurers are increasingly moving towards proactive health management. Many now offer rewards and even premium discounts for engaging in healthy behaviours.

  • Activity Tracking: Providers like Vitality famously reward customers with cinema tickets, coffee, and even Apple Watches for tracking their steps and workouts.
  • Health Checks: Completing annual online health reviews or in-person check-ups can earn you points or discounts.
  • Wellness Apps & Perks: As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you manage your diet and health goals.

By taking steps to improve your diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and get enough sleep, you not only improve your wellbeing but can also directly lower the cost of your insurance and reduce your likelihood of needing to claim. Furthermore, if you purchase your private medical or life insurance through us, we can often provide discounts on other types of cover you may need, like home or travel insurance.

Is Switching Your Health Insurance Provider a Good Idea?

When faced with a steep renewal price, the temptation to switch is strong. While it's often the right move, it must be done carefully to avoid accidentally losing cover for conditions that have developed.

The Benefits of Switching

  • Price: A new insurer will almost always offer a better price to attract you as a new customer.
  • Modern Features: Newer policies may include better mental health support, virtual GP services, or enhanced cancer cover that your old policy lacks.
  • Resetting the Relationship: You get a fresh start with a new provider, free from any claims history you had with your previous one (though your medical history itself still matters).

The Risks and How to Mitigate Them: Understanding CPME

The biggest risk of switching is losing cover for medical conditions that have arisen since you took out your original policy.

Example: You took out a policy with Insurer A in 2020. In 2023, you developed knee pain and had a private MRI scan. At renewal in 2025, you switch to Insurer B on a standard 'Moratorium' basis. Your knee pain would now be considered a pre-existing condition by Insurer B and would not be covered for at least two years.

The Solution: Switching on a 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME) basis.

This is a special type of underwriting designed specifically for people who are switching providers. With CPME, your new insurer agrees to honour the same cover level you had with your old insurer. Any condition that was covered by your old policy will be covered by your new one.

CPME is the safest way to switch providers. However, it is a complex process and is best handled by an expert PMI broker. They can ensure the switch is seamless and that you don't inadvertently create new exclusions.

When to Switch vs. When to Renegotiate

SituationRecommended Action
Large premium hike with no claims.Re-broke. This is the perfect scenario to use a broker like WeCovr to compare the market. You are a low-risk, attractive customer for a new insurer.
You've recently developed a new condition.Seek expert advice. A CPME switch is likely the best option. A broker can find a provider who will continue your cover at a better price.
Your cover needs have changed.Review and potentially switch. If you need enhanced cancer cover or better mental health support, a new policy may be a better fit than upgrading your old one.
You're happy with your insurer but not the price.Renegotiate first. Call your insurer or ask your broker to. They may be able to offer a loyalty discount or help you tweak your cover (e.g., raise the excess) to bring the price down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did my health insurance go up even though I didn't make a claim?

Your premium will almost always increase each year, even without a claim, for two main reasons. Firstly, as you get older, you move into a higher-risk age bracket, which automatically increases your base premium. Secondly, all premiums are affected by 'medical inflation'—the rising cost of new drugs, advanced medical technology, and specialist fees—which typically runs much higher than general inflation in the UK.

Can I get private health insurance for a pre-existing condition?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, 'acute' conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (issues you had before joining) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses that require ongoing management, like diabetes). If you are switching from another insurer, it may be possible to continue cover for conditions that arose under the old policy via a special arrangement known as CPME underwriting.

How can an independent broker like WeCovr save me money on my PMI?

An independent PMI broker saves you money in several ways, at no cost to you. WeCovr has access to policies from across the entire UK market and can instantly compare them to find the best value. New insurers often offer lower prices to attract new customers. We handle all the complex comparisons and paperwork, advise on the safest way to switch (e.g., using CPME), and can often find cover that is better suited to your specific needs and budget than your renewal offer.

Take Control of Your Health Insurance Costs Today

Dealing with private health insurance price increases can be complex, but you are not alone. By understanding the reasons behind the rises and knowing the strategies to manage them, you can ensure you're never paying more than you need to.

The single most effective step is to get an expert, impartial view of the market.

At WeCovr, our team of friendly, UK-based specialists can review your renewal and compare it against the best private medical insurance providers in minutes. Our advice is free, independent, and could save you hundreds of pounds a year.

[Get Your Free, No-Obligation PMI Quote Today and See How Much You Could Save]

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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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3. Enjoy your protection!
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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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