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Private Medical Insurance and Covid-19 Remaining Coverage Changes

Private Medical Insurance and Covid-19 Remaining Coverage...

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores the lasting impact of Covid-19 on PMI, clarifying what’s covered, what’s changed, and how you can make the most of your policy today.

How pandemic-era exclusions, testing rules, and vaccination guidance affect PMI

The Covid-19 pandemic reshaped our world, and its effects on the UK's health landscape are still being felt. For those with or considering private medical insurance (PMI), questions about coverage, exclusions, and new rules remain. While the initial crisis has passed, the pandemic has left a permanent mark on how insurers design and manage their policies.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about PMI and Covid-19 in 2025. We'll explore coverage for acute Covid-19, the complexities of Long Covid, the status of pandemic exclusions, and how your policy interacts with testing and vaccination.

Understanding PMI Fundamentals in a Post-Covid World

Before diving into the specifics of Covid-19, it’s vital to understand the core purpose of private medical insurance in the UK. This context is essential for grasping why insurers have taken certain approaches to pandemic-related conditions.

At its heart, PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of 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. Think of conditions like hernias, cataracts, joint replacements, or treatable cancers.
  • A chronic condition, on the other hand, is a long-term illness that may have no known cure and requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

Crucial Point: Standard UK private medical insurance policies do not cover chronic conditions. They also exclude pre-existing conditions – any medical issue you had symptoms of, received advice for, or were treated for before your policy began. PMI is for new, eligible medical problems that arise after you are covered.

This distinction is the single most important factor in understanding PMI's relationship with Covid-19 and, in particular, Long Covid.

Covid-19 Coverage: The Evolution from Pandemic to Endemic

When Covid-19 first emerged, the situation was unprecedented. Insurers reacted by introducing broad "pandemic exclusions" to manage the unknown scale of the risk. However, as the virus has become an endemic part of our lives, the insurance market has adapted.

Acute Covid-19 Treatment: What's Covered Now?

In the early days of the pandemic, the NHS was the sole provider of Covid-19 hospital treatment. Private hospitals were requisitioned to support the national effort, meaning PMI could not be used for inpatient Covid care.

Today, the situation has changed. Most major UK private medical insurance providers now offer cover for the treatment of acute symptoms of Covid-19, just as they would for other acute viral infections like influenza or pneumonia.

If you have a PMI policy and develop a severe, acute case of Covid-19 requiring hospitalisation, your cover may include:

  • Private hospital accommodation and nursing care.
  • Specialist and anaesthetist fees.
  • Diagnostic tests and scans (e.g., chest X-rays, CT scans) to manage the acute illness.
  • Prescribed medications during your inpatient stay.

Important Caveat: Coverage is always subject to the terms and limits of your specific policy. For example, your outpatient benefit limit would apply to any consultations or tests before a hospital stay. Treatment must also be available in a private setting; if a patient requires highly specialised intensive care only available in the NHS, they would be treated there.

Long Covid: The Big Question for PMI

Long Covid, or Post-Covid-19 Syndrome, is where symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks after the initial infection. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 1.9 million people in the UK were experiencing self-reported Long Covid as of early 2025. Symptoms can be wide-ranging and debilitating, including fatigue, shortness of breath, "brain fog," and muscle aches.

Because Long Covid is, by definition, a long-term condition with no standard curative treatment pathway, it is generally classified as a chronic condition by insurers.

As a result, most standard PMI policies do not cover the ongoing management of Long Covid.

However, insurers are not ignoring the issue. The approach has become more nuanced:

  1. Diagnosing the Symptoms: While the overall management of Long Covid isn't covered, your PMI policy may cover specialist consultations and diagnostic tests to investigate your symptoms and rule out other potential acute conditions. For example, if you have persistent chest pain, your GP might refer you to a private cardiologist to ensure there isn't an underlying acute heart issue. This investigation would likely be covered, even if the final diagnosis is a symptom of Long Covid.
  2. Access to Support Services: Many insurers now offer access to services that can help members manage their symptoms, even if direct treatment isn't covered. These can include digital GP appointments, mental health support lines, and wellbeing resources.
  3. Specialised Long Covid Pathways: A small number of top-tier or corporate policies are beginning to pilot specialised assessment services or pathways. These programmes aim to provide a comprehensive assessment and a personalised management plan, which the member can then take to their NHS GP.

The table below summarises the typical PMI approach to Covid-1s.

Medical NeedIs It Typically Covered by PMI?Explanation
Acute Covid-19 InfectionYesTreated like any other acute respiratory infection, subject to policy limits and private hospital capability.
Diagnostic Tests (for Long Covid symptoms)Yes, oftenTo rule out other new, acute conditions. For example, a heart scan for chest pain. Cover depends on your outpatient limits.
Ongoing Management of Long CovidNoIt is considered a chronic condition, which falls outside the scope of standard PMI.
Mental Health Support (e.g., for anxiety due to Long Covid)Yes, if you have mental health coverMost policies now offer some level of mental health support, which can be invaluable.

Pandemic Exclusions: Are They Still in Policies?

The broad, sweeping pandemic exclusions that were common in 2020 and 2021 have largely been removed or refined. Insurers now have a much better understanding of the risks and have integrated Covid-19 into their standard policy wording.

You are now highly unlikely to find a general clause excluding "any condition related to a pandemic." Instead, you will find the standard exclusions for chronic conditions, which is the clause that typically applies to Long Covid.

Always read your policy documents carefully or ask an expert broker, like WeCovr, to check the specific wording for you. Our team can quickly clarify how different providers handle these situations, ensuring there are no surprises.

Testing, Vaccinations, and Your PMI Policy

Beyond direct treatment, questions often arise about how PMI interacts with the wider public health measures associated with Covid-19.

Does PMI Cover Covid-19 Tests?

The short answer is no. Private medical insurance does not typically cover the cost of Covid-19 tests, whether they are PCR or lateral flow tests.

There are two main reasons for this:

  1. Screening vs. Diagnosis: PMI is for diagnosing and treating symptoms. Routine testing for travel, work, or precautionary reasons is considered screening, which is not covered.
  2. Public Health Provision: Covid-19 testing has always been managed as a public health service in the UK, provided free of charge through the NHS when clinically necessary. Insurers do not cover services that are readily available through the state.

Vaccination Status: Does it Affect Your Premium or Coverage?

Your Covid-19 vaccination status does not affect your private medical insurance policy in the UK.

  • No Premium Impact: Insurers do not charge higher premiums for individuals who are unvaccinated.
  • No Coverage Denial: You will not be denied treatment for an eligible condition (including acute Covid-19) based on your vaccination status.

This approach is rooted in the core principle of insurance and UK law, which prevents discrimination based on such factors. Insurers assess risk based on age, lifestyle (primarily smoking), and medical history, not vaccination choices. Similarly, PMI does not cover the cost of vaccinations themselves, as these are provided by the NHS.

The Broader Impact of the Pandemic on Private Healthcare

The pandemic acted as a catalyst, accelerating changes across the UK healthcare system and highlighting the role of PMI in new ways.

NHS Waiting Lists and Increased Demand for PMI

One of the most significant consequences of the pandemic has been the strain on the NHS. Resources were diverted to fight Covid-19, leading to millions of postponed appointments and procedures.

  • The Data: As of mid-2025, NHS England's referral to treatment (RTT) waiting list continues to hover around 7.5 million. The number of people waiting over a year for treatment remains a significant concern.
  • The Result: This has driven unprecedented interest in private medical insurance. Many individuals and families are turning to PMI to gain faster access to specialists and elective treatments, bypassing the long NHS waits for issues like hip replacements, cataract surgery, and hernia repairs.

Using PMI can mean being seen by a specialist in days or weeks, rather than many months or even years.

The Rise of Digital GP Services and Virtual Care

Lockdowns and social distancing forced a rapid shift to remote consultations. This "digital-first" approach is now a standard and highly valued feature of most PMI policies.

Benefits of Digital GP services included with PMI:

  • Convenience: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call from home.
  • Speed: Get an appointment the same day, often within hours.
  • Private Prescriptions: Get prescriptions sent directly to a local pharmacy.
  • Open Referrals: If you need to see a specialist, the digital GP can provide an open referral, allowing you to choose a consultant from your insurer's approved network.

This digital front door has made accessing healthcare faster and more efficient for millions of policyholders.

Mental Health Support: A Growing Priority

The pandemic took a heavy toll on the nation's mental health. In response, PMI providers have significantly enhanced their mental health coverage and support services. What was once an optional add-on is now often included as standard or offered as a more comprehensive benefit.

FeatureStandard Policy (Pre-Pandemic)Comprehensive Policy (2025)
Therapy SessionsOften excluded or limited to a few sessions.Typically covers a set number of sessions with a psychologist or therapist.
Inpatient/Day-patient CareUsually a limited add-on.More extensive cover for psychiatric treatment is available.
Digital Mental Health SupportRare.Access to apps, online CBT courses, and 24/7 support lines is common.
Wellbeing ResourcesBasic articles or guides.Proactive support, including stress management workshops and mindfulness tools.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover in a Post-Pandemic World

The market has evolved, and choosing the right policy requires careful consideration of these new realities.

Key Policy Features to Look For

  1. Outpatient Limits: Check how much cover you have for consultations and diagnostic tests. A generous outpatient limit is crucial for getting a swift diagnosis.
  2. Mental Health Cover: Assess the level of support offered. Is it just a helpline, or does it include cover for therapy sessions?
  3. Digital GP Access: Ensure this is included and check the service hours and features.
  4. Hospital List: Make sure the hospitals and clinics near you are included in the insurer's network.
  5. Cancer Cover: This remains a core pillar of PMI. Review the cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment and aftercare, ensuring it is comprehensive.

How a Broker Like WeCovr Can Help You Navigate the Market

The PMI market is crowded with providers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality, each with different policy structures, benefits, and approaches to conditions like Covid-19. Trying to compare them alone can be overwhelming.

This is where an independent, expert PMI broker is invaluable.

  • Expert Knowledge: A broker understands the fine print and the subtle differences between policies.
  • Whole-of-Market Comparison: WeCovr compares plans from leading UK insurers to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert advice without paying a fee.
  • Personalised Service: We take the time to understand your priorities, whether it's comprehensive mental health support, a specific hospital list, or budget focus.

With high customer satisfaction ratings, our team is dedicated to making the process of securing private medical insurance UK simple and transparent.

Beyond Insurance: Proactive Health and Wellness Support

Modern PMI is about more than just paying for treatment when you're ill. The best PMI providers now offer a suite of tools to help you stay healthy. These often include:

  • Discounts on gym memberships.
  • Access to smoking cessation programmes.
  • Online health assessments.
  • Nutrition and physiotherapy advice.

At WeCovr, we enhance this further. When you arrange your health or life insurance through us, we provide additional benefits to support your wellbeing journey.

Introducing CalorieHero: Your Complimentary AI Nutrition Coach

All WeCovr clients gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a powerful tool to help you manage your diet, achieve your fitness goals, and build healthy habits – an essential part of preventing illness.

Discounts on Other Insurance Products

We believe in holistic protection. That’s why clients who purchase private medical insurance or life insurance with us are also eligible for discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance, helping you protect your health and your finances all in one place.

Does private health insurance cover Long Covid in the UK?

Generally, no. UK private medical insurance (PMI) is designed for acute conditions (illnesses that can be cured), not chronic (long-term) ones. As Long Covid is considered a chronic condition with no standard curative treatment, its ongoing management is typically excluded. However, your policy may cover diagnostic tests to rule out other acute conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

Do I need to tell my insurer if I've had Covid-19?

When you apply for a new policy, you must declare your full medical history, including a Covid-19 infection. If it was a simple, resolved case, it's unlikely to affect your cover. If it led to complications or Long Covid, the insurer may apply an exclusion for those specific pre-existing conditions, which is standard practice for any medical issue you've had before taking out cover.

Will being unvaccinated affect my private medical insurance?

No. In the UK, PMI providers do not charge higher premiums or deny eligible claims based on your Covid-19 vaccination status. Your access to private treatment for a covered condition will not be affected by your decision not to be vaccinated.

Is it worth getting PMI with long NHS waiting lists?

For many, yes. With NHS waiting lists for elective treatment remaining at historic highs, PMI provides a valuable way to bypass these queues. It offers prompt access to specialist consultations, diagnostic scans, and surgical procedures for eligible acute conditions, reducing waiting times from months or years to just a few weeks.

Ready to find the right health cover for you and your family?

The world of private medical insurance has changed, but securing peace of mind doesn't have to be complicated. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts compare the best PMI providers to find a policy that protects what matters most.

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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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