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Private Healthcare for Businesses Corporate PMI Explained

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 14, 2026
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Private Healthcare for Businesses Corporate PMI Explained

TL;DR

As an experienced UK broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the vital role a healthy workforce plays in business success. This guide explores corporate private medical insurance (PMI), a powerful tool for UK businesses to support their employees and protect their bottom line. An in-depth look at private healthcare for business, including employee cover and employer benefits In today's competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent requires more than just a competitive salary.

Key takeaways

  • Small Business PMI: Typically for companies with 2-249 employees. Policies are often based on the specific needs and budget of the business.
  • Large Corporate PMI: For businesses with 250+ employees. These schemes are often highly customisable and may include unique benefits, wellness programmes, and dedicated claims management.
  • Faster Access to Treatment: This is the primary benefit. Employees can bypass long NHS waiting lists for consultations, diagnostic tests (like CT and MRI scans), and non-emergency surgical procedures.
  • Choice and Control: Patients often have more choice over the specialist who treats them and the hospital where they receive care. They can also schedule appointments and procedures at times that are more convenient for them.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Private hospitals typically offer private en-suite rooms, more flexible visiting hours, and a quieter, more comfortable environment for recovery.

As an experienced UK broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the vital role a healthy workforce plays in business success. This guide explores corporate private medical insurance (PMI), a powerful tool for UK businesses to support their employees and protect their bottom line.

An in-depth look at private healthcare for business, including employee cover and employer benefits

In today's competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent requires more than just a competitive salary. A comprehensive benefits package is crucial, and at the forefront of desirable perks is private healthcare.

Corporate Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is an employee benefit that provides your team with access to private medical diagnosis and treatment. For employers, it's a strategic investment in workforce health, productivity, and morale. For employees, it's the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can get expert medical care quickly when they need it most.

This guide will walk you through every aspect of business health insurance, from the core benefits and policy features to the tax implications and setup process.

What is Corporate Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?

Corporate Private Medical Insurance, often called Business Health Insurance or Group PMI, is a policy taken out by an employer to provide healthcare cover for its employees.

Instead of relying solely on the NHS, employees on a company scheme can access private hospitals, specialists, and treatments for eligible acute conditions. This typically means faster diagnosis, shorter waiting times for surgery, and more choice over where and when they are treated.

A key point to understand from the outset: UK private medical insurance is designed to treat acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. It does not cover chronic conditions, which are long-term and require ongoing management.

There are two main types of corporate schemes:

  1. Small Business PMI: Typically for companies with 2-249 employees. Policies are often based on the specific needs and budget of the business.
  2. Large Corporate PMI: For businesses with 250+ employees. These schemes are often highly customisable and may include unique benefits, wellness programmes, and dedicated claims management.

Why Should Businesses Offer Private Healthcare? The Employer's Perspective

Investing in corporate PMI is a significant financial decision. However, the return on investment can be substantial, extending far beyond simply being a "nice-to-have" perk.

Benefit for the EmployerHow it Works in Practice
Reduced Sickness AbsenceWith NHS waiting lists for some procedures stretching over many months, PMI can reduce an employee's time off work from months to weeks. Faster access to diagnostics (like MRI scans) and surgery gets your staff back to health and back to work sooner.
Enhanced Recruitment & RetentionIn a tight labour market, a strong benefits package can be the deciding factor for a top candidate. PMI is consistently ranked as one of the most valued employee benefits, demonstrating that you are an employer who cares.
Improved Employee Morale & LoyaltyProviding health cover shows your team that you are invested in their well-being. This fosters a positive company culture and can lead to increased loyalty, engagement, and productivity.
Duty of CareOffering PMI helps fulfil an employer's duty of care, particularly for staff in stressful roles or those who travel frequently. It ensures they have a support system in place for their health.
Tax EfficiencyThe premiums paid by the business for a corporate PMI scheme are generally considered an allowable business expense, meaning they are deductible against Corporation Tax.

Real-Life Scenario: Imagine a key project manager is diagnosed with a hernia. The NHS waiting time for surgery in their area is 45 weeks. This means nearly a year of discomfort, potential sick days, and reduced productivity. With a company PMI policy, they could be seen by a specialist within a week and have the operation in a private hospital within a month, ensuring a swift return to full capacity.

How Does Corporate PMI Benefit Employees?

While the business case is compelling, the direct benefits to your team members are what make PMI so powerful.

  • Faster Access to Treatment: This is the primary benefit. Employees can bypass long NHS waiting lists for consultations, diagnostic tests (like CT and MRI scans), and non-emergency surgical procedures.
  • Choice and Control: Patients often have more choice over the specialist who treats them and the hospital where they receive care. They can also schedule appointments and procedures at times that are more convenient for them.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Private hospitals typically offer private en-suite rooms, more flexible visiting hours, and a quieter, more comfortable environment for recovery.
  • Access to Specialist Drugs & Treatments: Some policies provide cover for cancer drugs or treatments that may not be available on the NHS due to cost or NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that you and your family can access high-quality care without delay provides invaluable reassurance, reducing stress during an already difficult time.
  • Valuable Digital Health Services: Most modern PMI policies now include a suite of added-value services, such as:
    • Digital GP: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call.
    • Mental Health Support: Access to counselling sessions and support lines.
    • Wellness Programmes: Discounts on gym memberships, health screenings, and wellness apps.

As a WeCovr client, your employees also gain complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, further supporting their overall health and well-being.

Core Components of a Corporate Health Insurance Policy

Not all PMI policies are created equal. They are built from a combination of core cover and optional extras. Understanding these components is key to designing a scheme that fits your budget and your team's needs.

Core Cover (Usually included as standard)

  • In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs when an employee is admitted to hospital for treatment and requires a bed, either overnight (in-patient) or just for the day (day-patient). This includes surgery, hospital accommodation, nursing care, specialist fees, and diagnostics.
  • Cancer Cover: This is a fundamental part of modern PMI. It typically covers the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Most policies offer extensive cancer support, though the level of cover can vary.

Common Optional Add-ons

  • Out-patient Cover: This is one of the most important optional extras. It covers diagnostic tests and consultations with a specialist that do not require a hospital bed. Without this, an employee would need an NHS diagnosis before they could use their PMI for private treatment. Most businesses include a good level of out-patient cover.
  • Therapies Cover: This provides cover for treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care, often up to a set number of sessions per year. This is invaluable for musculoskeletal issues, a leading cause of sickness absence.
  • Mental Health Cover: While basic support is often included, this add-on provides more extensive cover for psychiatric treatment, therapy sessions with psychologists, and in-patient care for mental health conditions.
  • Dental and Optical Cover: This can be added to help employees with the costs of routine check-ups, glasses, and dental treatment.
  • Travel Cover: Extends medical cover for employees when they are travelling abroad.

An expert broker like WeCovr can help you balance these options to create a cost-effective plan that delivers real value. We can model different scenarios to show you how adding or removing certain benefits impacts the overall premium.

Get Tailored Quote

Customising Your Business Health Insurance Plan

Beyond the core components, several key choices will define how your policy works and how much it costs.

  1. Level of Cover: Do you want a comprehensive plan covering almost everything, or a more budget-focused plan that covers major procedures but requires employees to use the NHS for initial diagnostics?
  2. Hospital List: Insurers group hospitals into tiers. A plan with a limited list of local or partner hospitals will be cheaper than one that provides access to premium central London hospitals.
  3. Excess: This is the amount an employee must pay towards a claim. A higher excess (e.g., £250) will lower the overall premium. You can choose to have the excess payable per claim or per policy year.
  4. 6-Week Option: This is a popular cost-saving measure. The policy will only pay for private treatment if the NHS waiting list for that treatment is longer than six weeks. If the NHS can treat the employee within six weeks, they would use the NHS.

Understanding Underwriting: The Heart of Your Policy

Underwriting is how an insurer assesses risk and decides what it will and will not cover. For corporate schemes, there are several common methods.

Underwriting TypeHow it WorksBest For
Moratorium (Mori)Pre-existing conditions from the past 5 years are automatically excluded. However, if an employee goes 2 continuous years without symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after joining, it may become eligible for cover.Small businesses (2-20 employees) who want a quick and non-intrusive setup. No medical questionnaires are needed.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)Each employee completes a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then assesses this and explicitly lists any conditions that will be permanently excluded from cover.Small businesses where employees are young and healthy, or for individuals who want certainty about what is covered from day one.
Medical History Disregarded (MHD)Pre-existing conditions are covered, provided they fall within the policy's general terms. This is the most comprehensive (and expensive) type of underwriting.Larger companies (typically 20+ employees) looking to offer a premium, hassle-free benefit. It removes all ambiguity about past conditions.
Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME)For groups switching from another insurer. This method carries over the underwriting and personal exclusions from the previous policy, ensuring continuity of cover.Any business looking to switch their PMI provider without losing cover for conditions that were previously covered.

Insider Tip: For a growing business, starting with Moratorium underwriting is common. However, once you reach around 20 employees, insurers are often willing to offer Medical History Disregarded (MHD) terms. An experienced broker can help you negotiate this switch, which is a massive upgrade in the quality of your cover.

The Cost of Corporate PMI: What Influences Premiums?

There is no "one-size-fits-all" price for business health insurance. The premium is calculated based on a range of risk factors:

  • Average Age of Employees: Older employees are statistically more likely to claim, so a higher average age leads to higher premiums.
  • Company Location: Premiums are often higher in and around London and other major cities where the cost of private treatment is more expensive.
  • Industry/Occupation: Some professions (e.g., manual labour) carry a higher risk of injury, which can influence the price.
  • Level of Cover: The more comprehensive the plan (e.g., full out-patient, mental health, no excess), the higher the cost.
  • Underwriting Method: A Medical History Disregarded scheme will cost more than a Moratorium or FMU scheme.
  • Claims History: For existing schemes, the previous year's claims will have a significant impact on the renewal premium.

As a rough guide, a basic corporate PMI plan for a small business could start from £30-£40 per employee per month. A comprehensive plan for a professional services firm in London could be £80-£120+ per employee per month.

Tax Implications of Business Health Insurance

Understanding the tax treatment of PMI is essential for both the employer and the employee.

For the Employer

  • Corporation Tax: The cost of the premiums paid by the company is considered an allowable business expense. This means you can deduct the full cost from your profits before calculating your Corporation Tax bill, making the scheme more affordable.

For the Employee

  • Benefit in Kind (P11D): Private medical insurance is treated as a 'benefit in kind'. This means the value of the premium is considered part of the employee's income, and they will have to pay income tax on it.
  • How it Works: The employer must calculate the value of the benefit for each employee and report it to HMRC on a P11D form at the end of the tax year. The cost is added to the employee's earnings, and they pay tax at their marginal rate (e.g., 20%, 40%, or 45%).
  • Insurance Premium Tax (IPT): All health insurance premiums are subject to IPT, which is currently 12%. This is included in the price you are quoted.

Example: If an employee's PMI premium costs the company £800 for the year, and they are a basic rate (20%) taxpayer, they will pay an extra £160 in tax for that year (£800 x 20%). This is usually handled by adjusting their tax code.

Choosing the Right Corporate PMI Provider in the UK

The UK has a mature and competitive private medical insurance market. The main providers for business schemes include:

  • Bupa: One of the oldest and most recognised names in UK health insurance.
  • AXA Health: A major global insurer with a strong UK presence and a wide range of corporate options.
  • Aviva: The UK's largest general insurer, offering highly flexible PMI plans.
  • Vitality: Known for its innovative wellness programme, which rewards healthy living with premium discounts and other perks.
  • WPA: A not-for-profit insurer with a strong reputation for customer service, particularly popular with SMEs.

Comparing these providers and their countless policy variations can be overwhelming. This is where an independent, unbiased broker like WeCovr provides immense value. We survey the entire market on your behalf, analyse the fine print, and present you with clear, like-for-like comparisons. Our service comes at no extra cost to you, as we are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.

How to Set Up a Corporate Health Insurance Scheme

Setting up a policy is a straightforward process when guided by an expert.

  1. Define Your Objectives: Why are you introducing PMI? Is it to cut absence, boost recruitment, or reward staff? What is your budget?
  2. Gather Employee Data: You'll need an anonymised list of employees, including their dates of birth and postcodes, to get an accurate quote.
  3. Speak to a Broker: Contact an independent broker like WeCovr. We will discuss your objectives and gather the necessary information.
  4. Review Your Options: We will return with a detailed market report, comparing quotes from leading insurers. We'll explain the pros and cons of each option in plain English.
  5. Choose Your Policy: Once you've selected the best plan for your business, we will help you complete the application forms and set up the scheme.
  6. Launch and Communicate: We can provide materials to help you announce the new benefit to your employees, explaining how it works and how they can make a claim.

Making a Claim: The Employee Journey

The claims process is designed to be as smooth as possible.

  1. See a GP: The journey always starts with a GP. The employee discusses their symptoms with their NHS GP or a Digital GP provided by the insurer.
  2. Get a Referral: If the GP believes specialist assessment is needed, they will provide an 'open referral' letter.
  3. Contact the Insurer: The employee calls their insurer's claims line with their policy number and referral details.
  4. Authorisation: The insurer checks that the condition and proposed treatment are covered by the policy and provides an authorisation number. They will also help the employee find a suitable specialist from their approved network.
  5. Book Treatment: The employee books their consultation or treatment with the authorised private specialist/hospital.
  6. Bills are Settled: The private hospital and specialist will bill the insurer directly. The employee only needs to pay their excess, if one applies.

The Critical PMI Rule: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance in the UK.

Standard UK PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: These are any illnesses, diseases, or injuries you have had symptoms of, received advice for, or had treatment for before the policy start date. These are typically excluded, at least initially (see Moratorium underwriting).
  • Chronic Conditions: These are conditions that are long-term and cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and most forms of arthritis. The day-to-day management of chronic conditions is not covered by PMI and remains the responsibility of the NHS.

While PMI won't cover the long-term management of a chronic condition, it may cover acute flare-ups if the policy terms allow. For example, it wouldn't cover insulin for a diabetic, but it might cover surgery for a new, acute complication arising from the diabetes.

Understanding this distinction is vital to prevent disappointment at the point of claim.


Is business health insurance a taxable benefit in the UK?

Yes, for the employee. While the employer can claim the premiums as a tax-deductible business expense, the employee must pay income tax on the value of the premium. It is considered a 'benefit in kind' and is reported to HMRC on a P11D form.

Can I cover my family on my company health insurance?

This depends on the scheme your employer has set up. Many businesses offer 'employee-only' cover as standard to manage costs. However, most will allow employees to add their partners and/or children to the policy at their own expense, often at a favourable corporate rate.

How many employees do I need for a group health insurance plan?

You can set up a business health insurance scheme with as few as two employees (one of whom is usually a director). Insurers have specific products designed for small businesses. As your company grows, you can access more flexible underwriting and pricing options.

Does corporate PMI cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard underwriting methods like Moratorium or Full Medical Underwriting will exclude pre-existing conditions. However, for larger groups (typically 20+ staff), it's possible to secure 'Medical History Disregarded' (MHD) underwriting, which does cover pre-existing conditions, making it a highly valuable benefit.

Get Your Tailored Corporate PMI Quote Today

Investing in the health of your employees is one of the smartest investments a business can make. A well-structured corporate health insurance plan can reduce absence, boost productivity, and make your company a more attractive place to work.

Navigating the market can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. The expert advisers at WeCovr are here to help. We provide independent, no-obligation advice to help you find the perfect health insurance solution for your business and your budget. As a bonus, our clients enjoy discounts on other business and personal insurance products.

Contact us today to receive a free, tailored comparison of the UK's leading corporate PMI providers.

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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.

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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 experienced advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

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

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

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

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Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

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