WeCovr.

Login

Private Health Insurance Waiting Times How Fast Can You Get Treatment

Private Health Insurance Waiting Times How Fast Can You Get...

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies of various kinds issued, WeCovr understands that the number one reason people in the UK consider private medical insurance is speed. With NHS waiting lists at historic highs, the promise of fast-tracking your diagnosis and treatment is incredibly compelling. But how fast is it, really?

This comprehensive guide cuts through the marketing noise to give you realistic timelines for treatment with private health cover. We'll explore every step of the journey, compare it directly with the current NHS system, and explain the factors that determine just how quickly you can be seen.

Realistic treatment timelines with PMI coverage, specialist appointment availability, surgery scheduling, and comparison with current NHS waiting lists

Navigating healthcare can feel like a waiting game. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to shorten that game significantly. While the NHS provides exceptional care, particularly for emergencies, the waiting times for elective (planned) treatment have become a major concern for millions.

PMI offers a parallel path. It doesn't replace the NHS—it works alongside it. You'll still see your NHS GP for an initial diagnosis, but from that point on, PMI can unlock a much faster route to seeing a specialist, getting diagnostic scans, and receiving surgery or treatment. The goal is to get you diagnosed and treated in weeks, not months or even years.

The Private Healthcare Journey: A Step-by-Step Timeline

Understanding the private treatment process helps to set realistic expectations. Here’s a breakdown of the typical journey from feeling unwell to receiving treatment.

Typical Private Treatment Timeline:

  • GP Appointment: Same day or next day (often via a virtual GP service included in your policy).
  • Insurer Authorisation: A few hours to 1-2 days.
  • Specialist Consultation: 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Diagnostic Scans (MRI, CT, etc.): 2 to 7 days after the specialist appointment.
  • Surgery/Treatment: 2 to 6 weeks after your diagnosis is confirmed.

Let's look at each step in more detail.

Step 1: The GP Visit (Your Starting Point)

Every medical journey, whether NHS or private, begins with a General Practitioner (GP). You cannot usually self-refer to a specialist under a PMI policy. The GP's role is to assess your symptoms and provide a referral if they believe you need specialist care.

  • NHS Route: Getting a GP appointment can take days or even weeks.
  • PMI Advantage: Most modern private health insurance UK policies now include a 24/7 Virtual GP service. This allows you to have a video or phone consultation, often on the same day, from the comfort of your home. This alone can shave weeks off the very start of your journey.

Step 2: Getting the Specialist Referral

Once the GP agrees you need to see a specialist, they will write a referral letter. With PMI, you often have two options:

  1. Named Referral: The GP recommends a specific specialist they know and trust.
  2. Open Referral: The GP refers you to a type of specialist (e.g., a cardiologist or an orthopaedic surgeon) without naming a specific person. This gives you and your insurer more flexibility to find a recognised specialist who can see you quickly. Most insurers prefer an open referral.

Step 3: Contacting Your Insurer for Authorisation

This is a crucial step. Before you book any appointments, you must contact your insurance provider to get the consultation and any subsequent tests or treatment pre-authorised. You'll need to provide:

  • Your policy number.
  • Details from your GP referral.
  • Information about your symptoms.

The insurer will check that your condition is covered under the terms of your policy. For straightforward claims, authorisation can often be given over the phone in a single call.

Step 4: Booking the Specialist Consultation

Once authorised, your insurer will typically provide a list of approved specialists in your area. You can then book an appointment directly.

  • NHS Wait: The wait to see a specialist after a GP referral is one of the longest delays in the system. As of mid-2024, hundreds of thousands of patients in England wait over three months for their first consultant-led appointment.
  • Private Wait: You can typically book a private specialist appointment within one to two weeks. For highly sought-after consultants in major cities, it might be slightly longer, but it's a world away from the NHS wait.

Step 5: Speedy Diagnostics (Scans and Tests)

If the specialist decides you need diagnostic tests like an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound, this is another area where PMI excels.

  • NHS Wait: The NHS target for diagnostic tests is 6 weeks, but this is frequently missed. Waits of 8-12 weeks or longer are common in many areas.
  • Private Wait: After your specialist requests a scan, you can usually get it done within a week, sometimes in as little as 48 hours. The results are also sent back to your specialist far more quickly, allowing for a swift diagnosis and treatment plan.

Step 6: Scheduling Your Surgery or Treatment

If surgery is required, you and your specialist can schedule it at a time that suits you.

  • NHS Wait: This is the most significant bottleneck. The median waiting time for consultant-led elective care in England is around 15 weeks, but this is just the average. According to NHS England data, over 300,000 patients were waiting over a year for treatment in mid-2024.
  • Private Wait: Once your surgery is approved by your insurer, it can typically be scheduled within two to six weeks, depending on the hospital's and surgeon's availability. You get to choose a date that minimises disruption to your work and family life.

A Head-to-Head Comparison: NHS vs. Private Waiting Times (2025 Estimates)

To put the difference into perspective, let's compare the typical waiting times side-by-side. These figures are based on the latest available NHS England statistics (mid-to-late 2024) and established private healthcare industry averages.

Stage / ProcedureAverage NHS Wait TimeTypical Private Health Insurance Wait Time
GP Appointment1 to 3 weeksSame day to 2 days (with virtual GP)
Referral to Specialist18 weeks+ (target)1 to 2 weeks
Diagnostic Scans (e.g., MRI)6 to 12 weeks2 to 7 days
Cataract Surgery6 to 9 months3 to 6 weeks
Hip/Knee Replacement9 to 18 months (can be 2 years+)4 to 8 weeks
Hernia Repair6 to 12 months3 to 6 weeks
Cancer Treatment62-day target from urgent referral1 to 3 weeks (often faster)

Source for NHS data: Based on published Referral to Treatment (RTT) and Diagnostics data from NHS England. Note: Waits vary significantly by region and NHS Trust.

The difference is stark. For common procedures like a hip replacement, PMI can reduce your wait time from over a year to less than two months. This isn't just about convenience; it's about reducing pain, preventing a condition from worsening, and getting back to your life faster.

The Crucial Exclusions: What PMI Doesn't Cover

It is vital to understand that private medical insurance is not a catch-all solution. It is designed for a specific purpose: to treat new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

PMI policies in the UK do not cover:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness, disease, or injury you have had symptoms of, received medication for, or sought advice about before taking out the policy. Most policies operate on a "moratorium" basis, where they may cover a pre-existing condition if you remain symptom- and treatment-free for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes illnesses like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and multiple sclerosis. PMI is for conditions that have a clear treatment path to recovery.
  • Accidents & Emergencies: A&E is a service best handled by the NHS.
  • Routine Pregnancy & Childbirth: Though some high-end policies may offer cover for complications.
  • Cosmetic Surgery (unless for reconstructive purposes after an accident or covered surgery).
  • Organ Transplants.
  • Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment (though some policies offer limited mental health support).

Understanding these exclusions is key to having a positive experience with your insurance.

Key Factors That Influence Your Private Treatment Speed

While PMI is almost always faster than the NHS, several factors within the private system can affect your personal timeline.

1. Your Policy's Underwriting

  • Moratorium Underwriting: The most common type. The insurer doesn't ask for your full medical history upfront. They simply exclude treatment for any condition you've had in the last 5 years. It's quick to set up, but can lead to delays at the point of claim while the insurer investigates if your condition is new.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You declare your entire medical history at the start. The insurer tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from day one. This takes longer to set up but can make the claims process much smoother and faster.

2. Your Chosen Hospital List

Insurers offer different tiers of hospital access to manage costs:

  • Local/Regional List: A curated list of private hospitals in your area.
  • National List: Access to a broad range of hospitals across the UK.
  • Premium/London List: Includes top-tier hospitals in Central London, which may have more specialists but also come with higher premiums.

Your choice of list determines which facilities you can use, which in turn affects specialist availability.

3. The Specialist's Availability

Even in the private sector, the most renowned and experienced consultants have waiting lists. While you won't wait a year, you may have to wait three or four weeks to see a "star" surgeon, compared to one week for another equally qualified but less famous colleague.

4. The Nature of Your Condition

Urgent cases are prioritised. If your GP makes an urgent referral for suspected cancer, both the NHS and private systems will move you to the front of the queue. However, the private route will still typically be faster for diagnostics and provides access to drugs and treatments that may not be available on the NHS. For non-urgent elective surgery, the time difference between the two systems is at its greatest.

How a PMI Broker Like WeCovr Streamlines Your Health Journey

Choosing the right private medical insurance policy can feel overwhelming. The details of hospital lists, outpatient limits, and underwriting can be confusing. This is where an expert, independent PMI broker like WeCovr provides immense value.

  • Expert Guidance: We help you navigate the complex UK private medical insurance market, explaining the pros and cons of policies from all the best PMI providers.
  • Tailored to You: We don't just find the cheapest price; we find the right policy for your specific needs and budget, ensuring you understand the features that impact treatment speed, like your hospital list and outpatient cover.
  • No Cost to You: Our expert advice and comparison service is completely free for you. We are paid by the insurer you choose, so you get the benefit of our expertise without any extra fees.
  • Advocacy: We work for you, not the insurance companies. We help you understand the small print so there are no surprises when you need to make a claim.

With high customer satisfaction ratings, WeCovr is committed to making private healthcare accessible and understandable.

Maximising Your Health: Proactive Wellness and Extra Benefits

Waiting for any medical procedure can be stressful. Taking proactive steps to manage your health can improve your mental wellbeing and potentially lead to better surgical outcomes.

  • Nutrition: Focus on a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reducing processed foods and sugar can help manage inflammation and support your body's healing processes.
  • Gentle Movement: If your condition allows, gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or stretching can improve circulation, maintain muscle tone, and boost your mood. Always consult your doctor first.
  • Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep is when your body does most of its repair work, and it's crucial for both physical and mental resilience.
  • Mindfulness: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help manage the anxiety associated with health worries and upcoming procedures.

Many PMI policies now actively encourage this proactive approach by offering a range of wellness benefits. When you buy a policy through WeCovr, you can also gain access to valuable perks, such as:

  • Complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you stay on top of your diet.
  • Discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection insurance, helping you build a complete financial safety net.

How quickly can I use my private health insurance after I buy it?

You can typically use your policy for new, eligible conditions that arise after your policy's start date. Most policies have an initial "deferment period" of 14-30 days where you cannot claim, but this does not apply to conditions that emerge after this period. It is not for conditions you are already aware of when you purchase the cover.

Does private health insurance get me faster cancer treatment?

Yes, significantly. While the NHS has an urgent 62-day pathway for cancer, PMI is almost always faster. It provides rapid access to specialist consultations and diagnostic scans, leading to a quicker diagnosis. Crucially, comprehensive cancer cover can also give you access to cutting-edge drugs, therapies, and treatments that may not be available on the NHS due to funding decisions.

What happens if my acute condition becomes chronic?

This is a key detail of how PMI works. Your policy will cover the initial diagnosis and treatment of an acute condition with the aim of curing it. If, however, the treatment is unsuccessful and the condition is re-classified as chronic (long-term and manageable, but not curable), your private medical insurance will no longer cover its ongoing management. At that point, your care would typically revert to the NHS.

Do I still need an NHS GP if I have private health insurance?

Yes, absolutely. Your NHS GP remains your primary point of care. They are responsible for managing your overall health, dealing with minor illnesses, and providing the essential referral you need to access your private medical insurance benefits for specialist treatment. PMI is designed to complement the NHS, not replace it entirely.

Ready to Skip the Queue?

Waiting for medical treatment can be a source of immense stress and can impact your work, family, and quality of life. Private medical insurance offers a clear, fast, and effective alternative for a huge range of conditions.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our friendly, expert team will compare leading UK providers to find the perfect cover for your needs and budget, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have fast access to the best care.

Get A Free Quote

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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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.

Learn more

...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.

Insurance Products

Resources

Legal

© 2025 WeCovr. Made with in London