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Private Health Insurance UK Explained

Private Health Insurance UK Explained 2025

As FCA-authorised expert brokers who have arranged over 800,000 policies, we at WeCovr know that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know, from the basics of how it works to the details of what is and isn't covered.

The basics of private medical insurance how it works, what it covers, and exclusions

Private Medical Insurance (PMI), also known as private health cover, is an insurance policy designed to cover the costs of private medical care for specific conditions. It runs alongside the NHS, acting as a valuable complement rather than a replacement. Its primary purpose is to give you faster access to diagnosis and treatment for eligible conditions, offering you choice, convenience, and comfort when you need it most.

Think of it as a way to bypass potential NHS waiting lists for non-emergency procedures, allowing you to be seen by a specialist and receive treatment more quickly.

How Does Private Health Insurance Work in Practice?

The process is typically straightforward and designed to get you the care you need with minimal fuss. Here's a real-life example of the journey:

  1. You feel unwell: Let's say you develop persistent knee pain. Your first port of call is your NHS GP, just as it would be for anyone. The NHS remains central to your initial healthcare.
  2. Get a GP referral: Your GP examines your knee and decides you need to see an orthopaedic specialist. They will write you a referral letter. This is a crucial step for most PMI policies.
  3. Contact your insurer: You call your private health insurance provider's claims line with your policy details and the GP referral.
  4. Claim authorisation: The insurer checks your policy to ensure that seeing a specialist for knee pain is covered. They will then authorise the consultation and provide you with a pre-authorisation number. They will also give you a choice of approved specialists and hospitals from your chosen hospital list.
  5. Receive private treatment: You book an appointment with the specialist at a private hospital. After your consultation, if you need a scan (like an MRI) or a procedure (like keyhole surgery), you contact your insurer again for authorisation.
  6. The insurer settles the bill: The private hospital and specialist send their invoices directly to your insurance company. Apart from any excess you've agreed to pay, the costs are settled for you.

This process gives you control over when and where you are treated, helping you get back on your feet sooner.

What Does Private Health Insurance Typically Cover?

Policies are built around a 'core' level of cover, with the option to add extra benefits to create a more comprehensive plan. Understanding this structure is key to tailoring a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Core Cover: In-patient and Day-patient Treatment

This is the foundation of every PMI policy. It covers treatment where you need to be admitted to a hospital bed.

  • In-patient: Treatment that requires an overnight stay in a hospital (e.g., a hip replacement).
  • Day-patient: Treatment where you are admitted to hospital for a procedure but do not stay overnight (e.g., cataract surgery or an endoscopy).

Your core cover will almost always include:

Core Cover BenefitDescription
Hospital FeesThe cost of the hospital room, nursing care, and operating theatre charges.
Specialist FeesFees for the surgeon, anaesthetist, and physician involved in your care.
Diagnostic TestsScans like MRI, CT, and PET scans, and X-rays related to your in-patient or day-patient stay.
Cancer CoverComprehensive cover for cancer is a cornerstone of most policies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Optional Extras: Tailoring Your Policy

To create a more comprehensive policy, you can choose from a range of valuable add-ons.

1. Out-patient Cover

This is arguably the most important and popular add-on. It covers diagnostic tests and consultations that do not require a hospital bed. This is vital for getting a diagnosis quickly. Without it, you would rely on the NHS for your initial specialist consultation and tests before your PMI could cover any subsequent in-patient treatment.

Out-patient cover is usually offered in tiers, for example:

  • Up to £500 per policy year
  • Up to £1,000 per policy year
  • Fully comprehensive (no financial limit)

2. Therapies Cover

This covers treatments to aid your recovery, such as:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Osteopathy
  • Chiropractic treatment
  • Acupuncture

It's usually limited to a set number of sessions per year following a GP or specialist referral.

3. Mental Health Cover

With a growing focus on mental wellbeing, this has become a crucial option. Cover can range from providing a limited number of therapy sessions (counselling, CBT) to comprehensive cover that includes consultations with psychiatrists and in-patient psychiatric care.

4. Dental and Optical Cover

This is less common and usually covers a percentage of the costs for routine care like dental check-ups, fillings, eye tests, and contributions towards glasses or contact lenses. It's designed for maintenance rather than major cosmetic work.

The Critical Part: What Private Health Insurance Does NOT Cover

Understanding the exclusions is just as important as knowing what's covered. It prevents surprises and helps you manage your expectations. UK private medical insurance is designed for a specific purpose, and some things will always fall outside its scope.

The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the most important distinction in private health insurance.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia, cataracts, or a joint injury. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.

While PMI won't cover the day-to-day management of a chronic condition, it may cover acute flare-ups if that treatment is expected to return you to your previous state of health.

Pre-existing Conditions

This is the second golden rule. A pre-existing condition is any disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment before your policy start date.

Standard PMI policies will not cover pre-existing conditions from the outset. How they are excluded depends on the type of underwriting you choose.

Underwriting: How Insurers Assess Your Health History

There are two main methods insurers use to decide what they will and won't cover based on your medical history.

Underwriting TypeHow It WorksProsCons
MoratoriumYou don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had in the 5 years before joining. If you then go 2 continuous years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.Quicker and simpler to set up. Potential for conditions to become covered over time.Less certainty at the start. Claims process can be slower as the insurer investigates your history.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)You complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer assesses your medical history and applies specific, permanent exclusions to your policy based on your answers.You know exactly what is and isn't covered from day one. Claims process is often faster.The application process is longer. Exclusions are usually permanent.

An expert broker like WeCovr can help you decide which underwriting method is best for your personal circumstances.

Other Common Exclusions

Beyond chronic and pre-existing conditions, most UK PMI policies will not cover:

  • Accident & Emergency (A&E) treatment: This is always handled by the NHS.
  • Normal pregnancy and childbirth: However, complications of pregnancy may be covered by some comprehensive policies.
  • Cosmetic surgery: Unless it's reconstructive surgery needed after an accident or eligible procedure (e.g., after a mastectomy).
  • Self-inflicted injuries, drug or alcohol abuse.
  • Experimental or unproven treatments.
  • Mobility aids like wheelchairs or home adaptations.

How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in the UK?

The price of a policy is highly personal and depends on several key factors. While it's impossible to give a single figure, understanding these factors will help you see how your premium is calculated.

Key Factors Influencing Your Premium:

  1. Age: This is the most significant factor. Premiums increase as you get older because the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment rises.
  2. Level of Cover: A basic, in-patient-only plan will be much cheaper than a fully comprehensive plan with no limits on out-patient cover, therapies, and mental health support.
  3. Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess (e.g., £500 or £1,000) will significantly lower your monthly premium.
  4. Location: Medical costs vary across the UK, with treatment in Central London being the most expensive. Your home postcode will affect the price.
  5. Hospital List: Insurers offer different tiers of hospital lists. A policy covering only local hospitals will be cheaper than one that includes premium national hospitals and those in London.
  6. No-Claims Discount (NCD): Similar to car insurance, most providers offer an NCD that reduces your premium for every year you don't make a claim.

Illustrative Monthly Costs for Private Health Insurance

The table below provides an estimated monthly cost for a non-smoker with a £250 excess. These are for illustration only – your actual quote will depend on your specific choices.

Age GroupBasic Cover (In-patient only)Comprehensive Cover (Incl. Out-patient & Therapies)
30-39£35 - £55£65 - £95
40-49£50 - £75£85 - £125
50-59£70 - £110£130 - £190
60-69£100 - £160£180 - £280+

Is Private Health Insurance Worth It? A Balanced View

The decision to buy PMI is personal. For many, the value lies in peace of mind and swift access to care, especially in light of current pressures on the health service.

According to NHS England data, the referral-to-treatment waiting list stood at approximately 7.54 million in early 2024. While the NHS provides excellent care, particularly for emergencies and critical illness, these figures highlight the potential for long waits for elective procedures.

Pros of PMI:

  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you can access care quickly if you fall ill.
  • Speed of Access: Significantly shorter waiting times for consultations, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Choice and Control: Choose your specialist, hospital, and a time for treatment that suits you.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Access to a private room during a hospital stay.
  • Access to Specialist Drugs: Some policies provide cover for cancer drugs and treatments that may not be available on the NHS.

Cons of PMI:

  • Cost: It's an ongoing financial commitment, and premiums increase with age.
  • Exclusions: It does not cover everything, most notably chronic and pre-existing conditions.
  • It's Not a Replacement for the NHS: You will still rely on the NHS for GP services, A&E, and management of long-term illnesses.

Ultimately, if your priority is to minimise time spent waiting for treatment and you value choice and comfort, PMI can be an excellent investment in your health and wellbeing.

Beyond Insurance: Wellness and Added Benefits

Modern health insurance is evolving. The best PMI providers now include a host of added-value benefits designed to keep you healthy, not just treat you when you're ill.

These often include:

  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call, allowing you to get medical advice and prescriptions without leaving your home.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to telephone counselling or support lines, even if you don't have full mental health cover.
  • Health and Wellness Apps: Tools to help you track your fitness, nutrition, and overall wellbeing.
  • Discounts and Rewards: Many insurers partner with gyms, fitness tracker companies, and healthy food brands to offer discounts and reward you for living a healthy lifestyle.

At WeCovr, we enhance this further. Our clients not only get a policy perfectly matched to them but also receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our advanced AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. Furthermore, customers who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us are eligible for exclusive discounts on other insurance products, providing even greater value.

How to Find the Best Private Health Cover

With so many providers, policy options, and variables, finding the right plan can be daunting. This is where an independent PMI broker is invaluable.

A specialist broker like WeCovr works for you, not the insurance companies. Our role is to:

  1. Understand Your Needs: We take the time to learn about your health priorities, lifestyle, and budget.
  2. Compare the Market: We use our expertise and industry knowledge to compare policies from the UK's leading insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality.
  3. Explain the Jargon: We cut through the complex terminology to explain the pros and cons of each option in plain English.
  4. Find the Best Value: We ensure you get the most appropriate cover at the most competitive price, at no extra cost to you. Our service is free for our clients as we are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.

Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing clear, impartial advice tailored to each individual.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I still need to pay National Insurance if I have private health insurance?

Yes, absolutely. Private Medical Insurance is a complement to the NHS, not a replacement for it. You will still need the NHS for GP services, Accident & Emergency, and the management of long-term chronic conditions. Your National Insurance contributions fund the NHS, which remains available to you at all times, regardless of whether you have private cover.

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

An acute condition is an illness or injury that is short-lived and expected to respond quickly to treatment, leading to a full recovery (e.g., a cataract, joint injury, or hernia). Private health insurance is specifically designed to cover these. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, or arthritis). The routine management of chronic conditions is not covered by private health insurance.

Can I get cover for a pre-existing medical condition?

Generally, standard UK private medical insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions from cover. However, if you choose 'moratorium' underwriting, a condition you had in the five years prior to taking out the policy may become eligible for cover after you have been on the policy for two continuous years without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for it.

Is cancer treatment always covered by private medical insurance?

Comprehensive cancer cover is a key feature and a major reason many people take out private health insurance. Most policies offer extensive cover for diagnosis, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, the level of cover can vary. Some policies may have limits on certain expensive drugs or experimental treatments. It's crucial to check the specific details of the cancer cover in any policy you are considering.

Ready to explore your options and secure your peace of mind? The expert, friendly team at WeCovr is here to help. We make the complex simple, comparing the market to find the perfect private health cover for you.

Get your free, no-obligation PMI quote today and take control of your health.

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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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