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Private Health Insurance Renewal Strategy Avoiding Premium Shock

Private Health Insurance Renewal Strategy Avoiding Premium...

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance market inside out. This guide provides a definitive strategy for managing your annual renewal, avoiding premium shocks, and ensuring your private health cover remains affordable and effective year after year.

Managing annual renewals, negotiating with current insurers, strategic switching timing, and maintaining affordable coverage as premiums increase with age

The dreaded renewal letter arrives, and your premium has jumped by 15%, 20%, or even more. It’s a common experience known as "premium shock," and it leaves many policyholders wondering if private health insurance is still worth it. The good news is that you have significant power to control these costs.

By understanding why your premium increases and employing a clear annual strategy, you can maintain excellent private health cover without breaking the bank. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Do Private Health Insurance Premiums Increase?

Your renewal premium isn't an arbitrary figure. It’s calculated based on several predictable factors. Understanding them is the first step to managing them.

  1. Age: This is the single biggest driver of premium increases. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment rises. Insurers price this increased risk accordingly. The increases are not linear; they tend to accelerate significantly once you reach your 50s, 60s, and 70s.
  2. Medical Inflation: The cost of private healthcare consistently outpaces general inflation (CPI). In 2024-2025, private medical inflation is estimated to be between 8% and 12%. This is driven by the rising costs of new medical technologies, advanced drugs, hospital overheads, and specialist fees.
  3. Your Claims History: If you've made one or more claims in the previous year, your premium will likely increase. This is because your insurer may see you as a higher risk, and you will likely lose some or all of your No-Claims Discount (NCD).
  4. Insurance Premium Tax (IPT): This is a tax levied by the UK government on all general insurance policies, including PMI. The standard rate is currently 12%, and this is automatically added to your premium.

Here's a simplified example of how age alone can impact your premium for a mid-range policy.

Age BracketExample Monthly PremiumReason for Increase
30-39£55Lower statistical health risk.
40-49£80Moderate increase as age-related risks begin to rise.
50-59£120Significant jump as the likelihood of needing joint replacements, cardiac care, or cancer treatment increases.
60-69£190Premiums accelerate as age becomes the dominant risk factor.
70+£280+Highest risk bracket, reflecting the increased use of healthcare services.

Note: These are illustrative figures. Your actual premium will depend on your chosen cover, location, and insurer.

Your Annual Renewal: The Critical Moment to Take Action

Around 3-4 weeks before your policy expires, your insurer will send you a renewal pack. This is arguably the most important document you will receive all year.

Resist the urge to just file it away or let it auto-renew. Auto-renewal is convenient for the insurer, but it's often a costly mistake for you. Insurers' renewal prices are frequently less competitive than the prices they offer to attract new customers. This practice, known as "price walking," has been scrutinised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), but loyalty still rarely pays in the insurance world.

Your renewal is your annual opportunity to:

  • Assess if your current cover still meets your needs.
  • Benchmark your renewal price against the wider market.
  • Negotiate better terms with your current provider.
  • Strategically switch to a new insurer for better value.

Strategy 1: Dissecting Your Renewal Offer

Before you can make a decision, you must understand what you're being offered. Grab your renewal letter and your original policy documents.

Your Renewal Review Checklist:

  • Check the New Premium: How does the new annual or monthly premium compare to last year's? Calculate the percentage increase. Is it in line with age and medical inflation, or is it significantly higher?
  • Review Your Cover: Has the insurer made any changes to your policy terms? Sometimes, benefits are downgraded or hospital lists are changed at renewal. Ensure you're still getting the same level of cover you paid for.
  • Analyse Claims Impact: If you made a claim, how has it affected your No-Claims Discount? The letter should specify this.
  • Note the Renewal Date: This is your deadline. All negotiations or switches must be arranged before this date to ensure continuous cover.

Strategy 2: Negotiating with Your Current Insurer

Armed with your renewal details, your first port of call can be a conversation with your existing insurer. Many policyholders are surprised to learn that renewal premiums are often negotiable. You don't have to accept the first price they offer.

Here are the most effective levers you can pull to reduce your premium:

  1. Increase Your Excess: The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of any claim. Increasing it from, say, £250 to £500 or £1,000 can result in a significant premium reduction (often 10-20%). It's a trade-off: you're taking on more of the initial risk in exchange for a lower fixed cost.
  2. Add a "6-Week Wait" Option: This is one of the best ways to slash your premium. With this option, your private treatment is only covered if the waiting time for that treatment on the NHS is longer than six weeks. Given the current pressures on the NHS (with waiting lists in England standing at around 7.5 million cases in mid-2024 according to NHS data), this option still provides a valuable safety net for many conditions while making your policy much more affordable.
  3. Review Your Hospital List: Most policies come with a tiered list of hospitals. A "National" list that excludes expensive central London hospitals will be cheaper than a "Premium" list that includes them. If you don't live near London or are happy to travel to a hospital outside the M25, downgrading your list can save you money.
  4. Remove Optional Extras: Do you really need the dental, optical, or mental health add-ons? While valuable, they add to the cost. You can often remove these to bring the premium down, focusing your budget on the core inpatient and outpatient cover.

How Policy Tweaks Can Impact Your Premium

Tweak Made to PolicyPotential Premium ReductionWho It's Good For
Increase Excess from £250 to £1,00015-25%Those with savings who can comfortably cover the higher excess if they claim.
Add a 6-Week Wait Option20-30%People happy to rely on the NHS for quicker procedures but want a backstop for long waits.
Downgrade Hospital List5-15%Anyone who doesn't need or want access to the most expensive city-centre hospitals.
Remove Dental & Optical Cover10-20%Individuals who have separate dental plans or are happy to pay for routine check-ups out of pocket.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can handle these negotiations on your behalf, using their market knowledge to secure the best possible terms from your current insurer.

Strategy 3: The Power of Switching – Re-broking for a Better Deal

If your current insurer won't offer a competitive price, even after negotiation, it's time to shop around. This process is known as "re-broking." A whole-of-market review will almost always find you a better deal, either with a different provider or sometimes even with your same provider on a "new business" basis.

However, switching health insurance isn't like switching car insurance. The key is to protect the cover you already have for medical conditions that have arisen since you took out your policy. This is where understanding underwriting is vital.

A Note on Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

It's a fundamental principle of the private medical insurance UK market that standard policies are designed for acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair).

They are not designed to cover:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical issue you had before the policy started.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions that require ongoing management rather than a cure, such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or arthritis.

This is why the method you use to switch is so important.

Underwriting Options for Switching Your Policy

When you switch, you need to choose an underwriting method that ensures you don't lose cover for conditions that have developed while you've been insured.

Underwriting TypeHow It WorksBest For...
Moratorium (MORI)You don't declare your medical history upfront. The new insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms of, or sought advice for, in the last 5 years. This exclusion can be lifted if you go 2 full years without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition.Young, healthy individuals with no recent medical history, buying their first policy. Risky for switching if you have developed conditions.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)You complete a full health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer then tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from the start.People who want absolute clarity on their cover from day one. Again, new conditions that arose under your old policy will likely be excluded.
Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME)This is the gold standard for switching. With CPME, the new insurer agrees to accept the same medical exclusions you had on your previous policy. This means any new condition that developed and was covered by your old insurer will continue to be covered by your new one. You don't lose any cover.Anyone who has a PMI policy and wants to switch to a new provider without losing cover for conditions that have arisen since they first took out insurance.

Always aim to switch on a CPME basis. This gives you the freedom to move to a more competitive insurer while keeping your valuable, continuous cover intact.

The Indispensable Role of an Expert PMI Broker

Navigating renewal negotiations and CPME switching is complex. This is where an independent broker becomes your most valuable asset.

A specialist private health cover broker like WeCovr works for you, not the insurance companies. Here's why using one is a game-changer:

  • Whole-of-Market Access: We can compare policies and prices from all the leading UK insurers—including Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality—to find the best deal.
  • Expert Knowledge: We understand the nuances of CPME underwriting and can manage the entire switching process for you, ensuring a seamless transition with no loss of cover.
  • Negotiating Power: We handle the awkward conversations and use our industry leverage to get you the best terms.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the price of the policy. You get expert, impartial advice at no extra cost.
  • Annual Review Service: We don't just find you a policy and disappear. We will contact you every year to repeat the review process, ensuring you are always on the best possible plan for your needs and budget.

Proactive Health Management: Your Secret Weapon for Affordable Cover

While insurance strategies are vital, don't overlook the power of your own lifestyle choices. Insurers reward healthy behaviour. By reducing your likelihood of needing to claim, you can protect your No-Claims Discount and keep your long-term premium costs more stable.

Simple Steps for Better Health and Lower Premiums

  • Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help prevent a range of chronic diseases that could eventually lead to acute complications. To help our clients on their health journey, WeCovr provides complimentary access to its AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero.
  • Regular Physical Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. It's proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a weakened immune system and a higher risk of numerous health problems.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have a physical impact on your health. Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or even just regular walks in nature can make a huge difference.

By taking a proactive approach to your well-being, you invest in both your future health and your financial health. As a WeCovr client, you may also benefit from discounts on other types of insurance, such as life or income protection cover, helping you build a comprehensive and affordable financial safety net.

Final Thoughts: Your Renewal Is an Opportunity, Not a Threat

Receiving a higher renewal premium can be disheartening, but it should be seen as a trigger for action. By following a clear, strategic approach each year, you can turn the tables in your favour.

  1. Analyse: Scrutinise your renewal offer.
  2. Negotiate: Talk to your current insurer about adjusting your policy to lower the cost.
  3. Compare: Work with an expert broker like WeCovr to review the entire market and find the best value.
  4. Switch Smartly: If you change providers, always do it on a Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) basis to protect your cover.

This annual process is the key to defeating premium shock and maintaining affordable, high-quality private medical insurance for the long term, giving you peace of mind and fast access to the best care when you need it most.

Can I switch private health insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Yes, it is possible and highly recommended to review your options. The key is to switch using a special underwriting method called 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME). This allows a new insurer to take on your policy while maintaining the exact same cover you had previously. Any new conditions that arose and were covered under your old policy will remain covered by your new one. This ensures you get a better price without creating new exclusions for your existing health conditions.

Will making a claim always make my private medical insurance more expensive?

Making a claim will likely lead to a premium increase at your next renewal. This happens for two reasons: firstly, the claim itself signals a higher risk to the insurer, and secondly, you will typically lose some or all of your No-Claims Discount (NCD). However, the purpose of insurance is to be used when needed. A good renewal strategy, such as comparing the market with a broker, can often find you a new policy that is cheaper than your increased renewal premium, even after you have claimed.

What is the single best way to reduce my PMI premium at renewal?

There are several effective ways, but adding a '6-week wait' option often provides the largest premium reduction, sometimes by as much as 30%. This option means your private cover only kicks in if the NHS waiting list for the required inpatient treatment is longer than six weeks. Given current NHS waiting times, this still offers a powerful safety net for serious conditions while making your policy significantly more affordable. Increasing your excess is another highly effective method.

Ready to take control of your private health insurance renewal? Let our expert team at WeCovr do the hard work for you. We'll compare the UK's leading insurers to find you the best cover at the best price, completely free of charge. Get your no-obligation quote today.

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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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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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