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Private Medical Insurance for Expats Returning to UK Transition Strategies

Private Medical Insurance for Expats Returning to UK...

Returning to the UK after living abroad involves a lengthy to-do list, and sorting out your healthcare should be at the very top. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 800,000 policies, we specialise in helping people navigate the UK private medical insurance market with confidence and clarity.

How expats returning from overseas transition from international to UK health insurance, managing coverage gaps, and re-entering the UK PMI market

Moving back to the UK after years overseas is a significant life event. While you're organising removals and reconnecting with family, a critical but often overlooked task is planning your healthcare transition. Many expats assume they can seamlessly switch from their international health plan to a UK one, but the reality is far more complex.

This guide will walk you through the entire process, explaining the vital differences between international and UK private medical insurance (PMI), how to avoid potentially costly coverage gaps, and the steps you need to take to secure the right health cover for you and your family upon your return.

Understanding the UK Healthcare System: The NHS and PMI

Before diving into transition strategies, it's essential to understand the two pillars of healthcare in the UK: the National Health Service (NHS) and the private sector.

Your Right to NHS Care as a Returning Expat

The NHS provides comprehensive healthcare that is free at the point of use for people who are 'ordinarily resident' in the UK. This is the most important concept for a returning expat to grasp.

What does 'ordinarily resident' mean?

You are considered ordinarily resident if you are living in the UK on a lawful and properly settled basis for the time being. Crucially, you may be asked to prove this. Factors include:

  • Having a UK address (rented or owned).
  • Your intentions to reside in the UK for the foreseeable future.
  • Family, work, and life connections in the UK.

There is no fixed waiting period, but you aren't automatically entitled to full NHS hospital treatment from the day you land. You will need to register with a local General Practitioner (GP), but accessing non-emergency hospital care may require you to demonstrate your settled status. This can create a temporary but risky gap in your health cover.

The Role of Private Medical Insurance (PMI) in the UK

Private medical insurance in the UK is designed to work alongside the NHS, not replace it. Its primary purpose is to cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment for 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 things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.

PMI offers key benefits that NHS patients may not have access to:

  • Speed: Bypassing lengthy NHS waiting lists. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was 14.5 weeks in July 2024, with hundreds of thousands waiting over a year. PMI can often get you seen in days or weeks.
  • Choice: You can choose your specialist, consultant, and the hospital where you receive treatment.
  • Comfort: Access to private rooms, more flexible visiting hours, and other hotel-style comforts.
  • Access to Therapies: Quicker access to services like physiotherapy after an operation.

Crucial Point: Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover chronic conditions (like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure) or pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy. The NHS remains the primary provider for managing these long-term illnesses.

International vs. UK PMI: A Tale of Two Systems

Many returning expats are surprised by how different UK PMI is from the comprehensive international plans they are used to. Understanding these differences is the first step to a successful transition.

FeatureInternational Private Medical Insurance (iPMI)UK Private Medical Insurance (UK PMI)
Geographical ScopeGlobal or regional coverage. Designed for people living and working in multiple countries.UK-only coverage (some plans offer limited overseas emergency cover).
Primary PurposeOften acts as the primary source of healthcare in countries with limited public services.Acts as a complement to the free-at-the-point-of-use NHS.
Coverage FocusComprehensive, often including routine check-ups, chronic condition management, and dental.Focused on acute conditions that arise after the policy starts. Does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.
UnderwritingOften more lenient. "Medical History Disregarded" (MHD) is common, especially in group plans.Stricter. The main options are "Moratorium" or "Full Medical Underwriting," both of which address pre-existing conditions.
RegulationVaries by jurisdiction.Tightly regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The most significant shock for returning expats is the treatment of pre-existing conditions. Your international plan might have covered them, but a new UK policy almost certainly will not.

The Transition Minefield: Avoiding Dangerous Coverage Gaps

A 'coverage gap' is a period where you are not fully covered by either your old international policy, your new UK PMI policy, or the NHS. This can happen for several reasons:

  1. Terminating your iPMI too soon: You cancel your international plan the day you fly back, assuming the NHS will cover you immediately. As discussed, full NHS hospital access isn't guaranteed from day one.
  2. The 'Ordinarily Resident' Grey Area: It can take time to gather the proof needed to establish you are ordinarily resident for NHS purposes.
  3. Waiting Periods on a New UK PMI Policy: Some UK policies have an initial waiting period (e.g., 30 days) before you can make a claim.

Real-Life Example:

  • Sarah moves back to London after 10 years in Dubai. She cancels her comprehensive iPMI policy on her departure date. A week after arriving, she develops severe abdominal pain. Her new GP refers her for an urgent scan. Because she has only just arrived, the hospital questions her 'ordinarily resident' status for non-emergency care. She doesn't yet have a UK PMI policy. Sarah faces the choice of a long wait for the scan on the NHS or paying thousands of pounds to have it done privately out-of-pocket.

How to Re-enter the UK PMI Market: Underwriting Explained

When you apply for private health cover in the UK, the insurer needs to assess the risk you pose. This process is called underwriting. As a returning expat, this is the most critical concept to understand, as it directly impacts what your policy will and will not cover.

There are two main types of underwriting for individuals and families in the UK:

1. Moratorium Underwriting

This is the most common type.

  • How it works: You don't complete a full medical questionnaire when you apply. Instead, the insurer applies a blanket exclusion for any pre-existing conditions you've had symptoms of, or sought advice, medication, or treatment for, in the five years before your policy starts.
  • The "2-Year Rule": This exclusion can be lifted for a specific condition if you go for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts without experiencing any symptoms or seeking any advice, medication, or treatment for it.
  • Pros: Quick and easy to set up. You don't have to dredge up your entire medical history.
  • Cons: There is a 'grey area'. You don't know for certain what is covered until you make a claim, at which point the insurer will investigate your medical history.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

This is a more detailed process.

  • How it works: You complete a comprehensive questionnaire about your medical history and that of your family. You must declare all previous conditions.
  • The Outcome: Based on your answers, the insurer will decide whether to:
    • Cover you in full.
    • Cover you but place specific exclusions on the policy for certain conditions (e.g., "no cover for any treatment related to the right knee").
    • Charge a higher premium.
    • Decline to offer cover (this is rare).
  • Pros: You have complete certainty from day one about what is and is not covered. There are no surprises when you claim.
  • Cons: The application process is longer. Conditions you had years ago could be permanently excluded, even if you are now fully recovered.

Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting: Which is Better for a Returning Expat?

AspectMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Application ProcessFast and simple. No medical forms.Slower. Requires a detailed health questionnaire.
Certainty of CoverLess certain. Cover for past conditions is only determined at the point of a claim.Fully certain. You receive a list of any specific exclusions with your policy documents.
Pre-existing ConditionsAutomatically excluded for 2 years. Can become eligible for cover later if you remain symptom-free.Assessed individually. May be covered, have a surcharge, or be permanently excluded.
Best For...People in good health with no recent medical issues who want a quick start.People who want absolute clarity from the outset, or who have historical conditions they want assessed upfront.

For a returning expat, the choice is crucial. If you have had any medical consultations in the past five years (even for minor issues), FMU might provide valuable peace of mind. A specialist broker, like WeCovr, can provide expert guidance on which underwriting path is most suitable for your personal circumstances.

A Step-by-Step Strategy for a Seamless Healthcare Transition

Don't leave your health to chance. Follow this structured plan for a smooth move back to the UK.

Step 1: Review Your International Health Insurance (iPMI)

Before you even book your flight, contact your iPMI provider. Ask them these specific questions:

  1. What is the cancellation notice period for my policy?
  2. Can my policy be extended on a short-term basis (e.g., for 1-3 months) after I arrive in the UK?
  3. Do you have a partner company or a specific UK PMI plan that I can 'switch' or 'transfer' to?

Some global insurers (like Bupa Global or AXA Global) have UK-specific arms. They may offer 'switch' terms, which could allow you to move to a UK plan with more favourable underwriting terms than applying as a brand-new customer. This is often the best-case scenario.

Step 2: Plan Your NHS Registration

As soon as you have a UK address (even a rental agreement is sufficient), start the process of registering with a local GP.

  • Find local GP surgeries using the NHS website.
  • Have your proof of address and ID ready.
  • Being registered with a GP is the first step to being recognised as 'ordinarily resident'.

Step 3: Engage a Specialist PMI Broker Early

This is arguably the most important step. The UK PMI market is complex, and the needs of a returning expat are unique.

  • Why use a broker? A good broker acts as your expert guide. They understand the nuances of underwriting, the strengths and weaknesses of different insurers, and how to position your application for the best outcome.
  • WeCovr specialises in helping individuals and families find the right cover. Our expert advisors can compare policies from across the market, explain the fine print, and help you choose between Moratorium and FMU underwriting, all at no cost to you.

Step 4: Compare UK PMI Providers and Policies

Once you're ready to buy, your broker will help you compare the best PMI providers in the UK. While price is a factor, you should focus on value and suitability. Key features to compare include:

  • Hospital Lists: Which private hospitals are you covered to use?
  • Outpatient Cover: What are the limits on consultations and diagnostic tests before you are admitted to hospital?
  • Cancer Cover: Is it comprehensive? Does it include access to the latest drugs and treatments?
  • Mental Health Cover: What level of support is offered for mental health conditions?
  • Excess Level: How much are you willing to pay towards any claim? A higher excess will lower your premium.

Example UK PMI Provider Comparison

ProviderKey StrengthsBest For
AXA HealthExcellent core cover, strong mental health support, guided consultant access.People who value a guided, straightforward healthcare journey.
AvivaHighly flexible and customisable policies, strong digital GP service.Those who want to tailor their policy precisely to their needs and budget.
BupaThe UK's best-known health insurer, extensive hospital network, direct access to cancer care.Brand reassurance and comprehensive cancer and cardiac pathways.
VitalityUnique wellness programme that rewards healthy living with discounts and perks.Active individuals and families who want to be rewarded for staying healthy.

This table is for illustrative purposes. A broker can provide a detailed comparison based on your specific needs.

Maintaining Your Health and Wellbeing During the Move

Moving country is one of the most stressful life events. It's vital to look after your physical and mental wellbeing during this period of upheaval.

  • Prioritise Sleep: The combination of jet lag and stress can disrupt your sleep patterns. Aim for 7-9 hours per night and establish a regular bedtime routine.
  • Stay Active: Even a daily 30-minute walk can significantly reduce stress levels, boost your mood, and improve your physical health. Explore your new local area on foot.
  • Mindful Eating: It's easy to rely on takeaways and convenience food during a move. Try to incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables into your diet. Planning simple, healthy meals can provide a sense of routine and control.
  • Leverage Technology: To help you stay on track with your nutrition goals, WeCovr provides complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, for our PMI and Life Insurance clients. It's a fantastic tool to help you build healthy habits in your new home.
  • Connect with Others: Reconnect with old friends and family. Don't be afraid to talk about the stress of the move. Sharing your experience can make a huge difference to your mental resilience.

By taking proactive steps to manage your health and secure the right insurance, you can ensure your return to the UK is a positive and exciting new chapter, free from unnecessary worry about healthcare.

Am I immediately entitled to NHS care when I return to the UK?

Not necessarily for all treatments. While you can register with a GP upon your return, access to non-emergency NHS hospital treatment is based on being 'ordinarily resident'. You may need to prove you intend to live in the UK on a settled basis. This can create a temporary gap where you are not fully covered by the NHS, making a private medical insurance plan crucial for peace of mind.

Can I transfer my international health insurance to a UK policy?

In most cases, you cannot directly 'transfer' an international policy. However, some global insurers have UK-based arms and may offer 'switch' terms. This could allow you to move to a UK plan with more favourable underwriting, potentially without having to go through a full new medical assessment. It is vital to speak to your current provider and a specialist UK broker like WeCovr to explore these options, as they can be highly beneficial.

What happens to my pre-existing conditions when I move back to the UK?

This is the most critical difference for returning expats. Unlike many international plans, standard UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI) does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. When you apply for a new UK policy, any conditions you have had in the past five years will typically be excluded, either temporarily under a 'Moratorium' or permanently under 'Full Medical Underwriting'. Your ongoing and chronic care will be managed by the NHS.

Why should I use a broker like WeCovr for my UK PMI?

Navigating the transition from international to UK health insurance is complex. An expert, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr acts as your advocate. We understand the unique challenges faced by returning expats, can explain the crucial differences in underwriting, and compare the entire market to find the best PMI provider for your specific needs and budget. Our service is provided at no cost to you and ensures you get the right cover without the stress and confusion of going it alone. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through us receive discounts on other types of cover.

Ready to make your return to the UK as smooth as possible? Don't leave your health to chance.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our expert advisors guide you through your private medical insurance options.

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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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