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Private Knee Replacement Surgery and PMI Cover

Private Knee Replacement Surgery and PMI Cover 2025

WeCovr explains costs, cover, and waiting time benefits

Living with chronic knee pain can be debilitating, affecting everything from your daily mobility to your overall quality of life. For many, knee replacement surgery offers a new lease on life. As an FCA-authorised expert that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the path to treatment can be daunting. This guide explains how private medical insurance in the UK can provide a faster, more comfortable alternative to long NHS waits.

Knee replacement, or 'arthroplasty', is one of the most common and successful operations in modern medicine. Yet, in the UK, accessing this procedure through the NHS often involves significant waiting times. This is where Private Medical Insurance (PMI) becomes a powerful tool, giving you control over when and where you receive your life-changing treatment.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about private knee replacement surgery, from the costs involved to how a PMI policy can cover them, and the crucial benefits of avoiding the queue.

Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery: What Are Your Options?

Before we delve into costs and cover, let's clarify what knee replacement surgery involves. The procedure replaces a damaged, worn, or diseased knee joint with an artificial one made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. The primary goal is to relieve pain and restore function.

There are two main types of knee replacement:

  1. Total Knee Replacement (TKR): This is the most common type. The surgeon replaces the surfaces of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) that connect to the knee. In some cases, the back of the kneecap (patella) is also resurfaced. A TKR is typically recommended for individuals with advanced osteoarthritis that affects the entire knee.

  2. Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Also known as a unicompartmental knee replacement, this procedure is suitable when arthritis has only damaged one side of the knee joint. It's a less invasive operation with a smaller incision and potentially a quicker recovery time.

Your surgeon will recommend the best option for you based on the extent of the damage to your knee, your age, and your lifestyle.

The NHS Pathway vs. The Private Route: A Tale of Two Timelines

The most significant difference between NHS and private treatment is the waiting time. While the quality of surgery is high in both sectors, the journey to the operating theatre can vary dramatically.

The NHS Waiting Game

The standard NHS pathway begins with a visit to your GP. If they agree that your symptoms warrant specialist attention, they will refer you to an orthopaedic consultant. You will then join a waiting list for this initial consultation. Following that, you'll need diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRI scans, and then, if surgery is deemed necessary, you will be placed on the elective surgery waiting list.

According to the latest NHS England performance data from late 2024, the situation for elective care remains challenging.

  • Median Waiting Time: For patients in the Trauma & Orthopaedics speciality (which includes knee replacements), the median wait from referral to treatment was approximately 14.5 weeks.
  • Long Waits: Critically, over 250,000 people were waiting more than 52 weeks for treatment across all specialities, with orthopaedics being one of the most pressured areas.

While the NHS Constitution states a right to start treatment within 18 weeks of referral, the reality for many is a much longer and more painful wait.

The Private Advantage: Speed, Choice, and Comfort

Opting for private treatment, either by self-funding or using private health cover, fundamentally changes the experience. The benefits are clear and compelling.

FeatureNHS PathwayPrivate Pathway (with PMI)
Initial ConsultationWeeks to months waitTypically within 1-2 weeks
Diagnostic ScansFurther waiting after consultationOften done within days of consultation
Time to SurgeryCan be 9-18+ months from GP visitUsually 4-6 weeks after diagnosis
Choice of SurgeonLittle to no choiceYou can choose your preferred consultant
Choice of HospitalAssigned to a local NHS hospitalYou can choose from a list of high-quality private hospitals
AccommodationWard with multiple patientsPrivate, en-suite room
Post-op CareStandard NHS physiotherapyOften more intensive and personalised physiotherapy

The private route puts you in control, minimising the time spent in pain and accelerating your return to an active, fulfilling life.

Unpacking the Cost of Private Knee Replacement Surgery in the UK

If you don't have private health insurance, the cost of going private can be substantial. "Self-pay" packages are offered by most private hospital groups, but the prices can be a significant barrier.

In 2025, the average cost for a private total knee replacement in the UK typically ranges from £14,500 to £20,000. This price can fluctuate based on:

  • The Hospital: A central London hospital will cost more than one in a regional city.
  • The Surgeon: Highly experienced, renowned surgeons can command higher fees.
  • The Prosthesis: The type and brand of the artificial knee joint can affect the price.
  • The Complexity: A more complex revision surgery will cost more than a primary replacement.

Here is a typical breakdown of what that headline figure includes:

Service ComponentEstimated Cost RangeWhat It Covers
Initial Consultation£200 - £300Your first meeting with the orthopaedic consultant.
Diagnostic Scans (MRI)£400 - £800Essential imaging to assess the joint damage.
Surgeon & Anaesthetist Fees£3,500 - £6,000The professional fees for the surgical team.
Hospital Fees£9,000 - £12,000Use of the operating theatre, nursing care, medication, and your private room.
Prosthesis Cost£1,000 - £2,500The cost of the artificial joint itself.
Physiotherapy & Follow-up£400 - £1,000+Initial post-operative physio sessions and follow-up consultations.

Facing a bill of this size is why many forward-thinking individuals turn to private medical insurance. For a manageable monthly premium, you can secure access to this level of care without the financial shock.

How Private Medical Insurance Covers Your Knee Replacement

This is the most important section for anyone considering PMI. Private health cover is designed to pay for the treatment of acute conditions that arise after your policy has started.

A Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. A knee injury leading to the need for a replacement is a perfect example.
  • A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and often cannot be fully cured, such as diabetes or chronic osteoarthritis that is managed over many years.

Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions. If you already have advanced arthritis in your knee and are on an NHS waiting list before you take out a policy, a knee replacement will not be covered. The purpose of PMI is to cover new, unforeseen medical issues that occur after your cover begins.

The Underwriting Process

When you apply for PMI, the insurer will 'underwrite' your policy to determine what they will and won't cover.

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. The insurer won't ask for your full medical history upfront. Instead, they will automatically exclude any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last 5 years. However, if you remain completely free of symptoms, treatment, and advice for that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts, the exclusion may be lifted.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): With FMU, you provide your full medical history at the start. The insurer will assess it and state clearly from day one what is excluded, which usually includes any pre-existing conditions. This provides more certainty but means past issues are permanently excluded.

The Claims Journey with PMI

If you develop knee problems after taking out your policy, the process is straightforward:

  1. GP Referral: You visit your GP who diagnoses the issue and provides an open referral to a specialist.
  2. Pre-authorisation: You call your insurer with your membership number and referral details. They will check your cover and issue an authorisation number for your specialist consultation.
  3. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: The specialist diagnoses your condition and recommends treatment, such as a knee replacement.
  4. Treatment Authorisation: You or the specialist’s secretary contacts the insurer again with the proposed treatment plan and costs (using a specific procedure code). The insurer provides authorisation for the surgery.
  5. Treatment: You have your surgery at the chosen private hospital. The bills are sent directly to the insurer for payment. You only have to pay any excess that applies to your policy.

Choosing the Right PMI Policy for Future Peace of Mind

Not all PMI policies are created equal. If you're concerned about potential joint issues in the future, it's vital to choose a policy with the right level of cover. At WeCovr, our expert advisors can help you compare options from the UK's best PMI providers to find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Here's what to look for:

  • Comprehensive Outpatient Cover: Basic policies may limit or exclude outpatient cover. For knee problems, you'll need cover for specialist consultations and, crucially, diagnostic scans like MRIs, which can be expensive. A policy with full outpatient cover is ideal.
  • Physiotherapy Cover: Recovery is just as important as the surgery itself. Check the policy's limits on post-operative physiotherapy to ensure you get enough sessions to make a full recovery.
  • Hospital List: Insurers have different lists of approved hospitals. Ensure the policy you choose includes leading orthopaedic centres near you. Some policies offer a choice of local, national, or premium London hospital lists.
  • Excess Level: The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) can significantly lower your monthly premium, but you must be able to afford it if you need to claim.

A Real-Life Example: Sarah's Story

Meet Sarah, a 55-year-old active primary school teacher. Five years ago, she took out a comprehensive private medical insurance policy, costing her around £80 per month. She was healthy at the time but wanted peace of mind for the future.

Last year, she developed severe pain in her right knee after a long school sports day. Her GP suspected osteoarthritis and referred her to a specialist. Sarah called her insurer, got immediate authorisation, and saw a top orthopaedic consultant within a week. An MRI scan, also covered, confirmed the need for a total knee replacement.

Instead of facing a potential 12-month wait on the NHS, Sarah was booked in for surgery at a private hospital near her home just four weeks later. She had a private room, chose a surgeon she felt comfortable with, and her insurer handled all the bills, minus her £250 excess. Six weeks after her operation, thanks to intensive physiotherapy covered by her plan, she was walking comfortably and planning her return to the classroom.

Sarah's story illustrates the profound difference PMI can make – turning a year of pain and uncertainty into a few weeks of decisive, comfortable, and effective treatment.

Proactive Knee Health: A Guide to Prevention and Wellness

While insurance provides a safety net, prevention is always the best medicine. Taking care of your joints can delay or even prevent the need for surgery.

Diet and Nutrition

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Every extra pound of body weight puts an estimated four extra pounds of pressure on your knees. Managing your weight is the single most effective thing you can do for your joint health. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI app to help you track nutrition and manage your weight effectively.
  • Anti-inflammatory Foods: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish (salmon, mackerel), nuts, and seeds. Berries, leafy greens, and olive oil can also help reduce inflammation.
  • Calcium and Vitamin D: Essential for bone strength. Dairy products, fortified plant milks, and leafy greens are good sources.

Exercise and Activity

  • Low-Impact is Key: High-impact activities like running on hard surfaces can stress the knee joint. Favour low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking.
  • Strengthen Your Support Muscles: Strong quadriceps (front of thigh) and hamstrings (back of thigh) act as shock absorbers for the knee. Leg presses, squats, and leg curls are excellent strengthening exercises.
  • Stay Flexible: Gentle stretching helps maintain your range of motion and prevents stiffness.

Many modern PMI providers, such as Vitality, actively reward you for staying healthy with discounts on your premium, coffee, and cinema tickets, creating a virtuous circle of health and financial wellbeing. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr can benefit from discounts on other types of cover, creating even more value. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to providing not just a policy, but a holistic service.


If I already have knee pain, can I get private medical insurance to cover a replacement?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. Knee pain that you have before taking out cover would be classed as a "pre-existing condition" and would be excluded from cover. It is crucial to get insurance while you are still healthy to cover future, unforeseen medical needs.

How much does a private health insurance policy that covers knee surgery cost?

The cost of a policy varies widely based on factors like your age, location, chosen level of cover (especially outpatient and hospital lists), and the excess you select. A comprehensive plan for a 50-year-old might range from £70 to £150+ per month. The best way to find out is to get a personalised quote. A broker like WeCovr can compare the market for you at no cost to find the best value.

Does private health insurance cover the cost of the knee implant itself?

Yes, a comprehensive policy that covers surgery will include the cost of the prosthesis (the artificial joint) as part of the overall "procedure fee". Insurers have agreements with hospitals and use standard, medically-approved implants. If you or your surgeon wanted a non-standard or premium implant, it might require special approval or a co-payment.

What is the typical recovery time after a private knee replacement?

While recovery varies per individual, most patients are walking with crutches or a frame within a day or two. You can typically expect to be driving after 6 weeks and returning to most normal activities within 3 months. A full recovery, with the final healing and strengthening, can take up to a year. Access to intensive private physiotherapy through PMI can significantly speed up this process compared to the standard NHS provision.

Take the Next Step Towards a Pain-Free Future

Don't let the prospect of long waiting lists dictate your quality of life. Private medical insurance offers a clear, comfortable, and efficient path to regaining your mobility and living without pain. The key is to act proactively and secure cover before a problem arises.

At WeCovr, we make finding the right private medical insurance UK simple. As an independent, FCA-authorised broker, we provide expert, impartial advice to help you navigate your options. We'll compare policies from leading insurers to find comprehensive cover that protects you against the cost of private knee surgery and other medical needs, all at a competitive price.

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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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