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Private Medical Insurance for Rugby Players in 2026

Private Medical Insurance for Rugby Players in 2026 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, the team at WeCovr understands the risks you face on the pitch. This is our essential 2026 guide to private medical insurance in the UK, written specifically for the needs of amateur rugby players.

WeCovr's guide to why rugby players need PMI — from injury treatment to physio

Rugby. It's more than just a game; it's a test of strength, strategy, and resilience. But the immense physicality, from crunching tackles in the scrum to explosive sprints down the wing, comes with a significant risk of injury. While the camaraderie and passion are undeniable, a single mistimed tackle or an awkward fall can lead to months on the sidelines.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) acts as your personal fast-track back to fitness. It's designed to work alongside the NHS, giving you prompt access to leading specialists, state-of-the-art diagnostics, and the intensive rehabilitation needed to get you back in the game safely and swiftly.

The Unavoidable Reality: Rugby Injuries by the Numbers

Rugby is one of the most physically demanding sports played in the UK. The high-impact nature of tackles, rucks, and mauls unfortunately leads to a higher incidence of injury compared to many other sports.

While specific annual statistics fluctuate, long-term studies from organisations like England Rugby consistently highlight the risks. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine tracking professional English rugby found an average of two injuries per match that resulted in a player missing game time.

Common Rugby Injuries and Their Potential Impact:

Injury TypeCommon CauseTypical NHS Waiting Time (Diagnostics & Treatment)Potential Impact of Delay
ACL RuptureSudden twisting or direct impact to the knee.6-18+ months for surgery.Muscle wastage, joint instability, long-term arthritis risk.
Meniscus TearTwisting the knee, especially on a planted foot.3-12 months for surgery.Ongoing pain, 'locking' of the knee, further cartilage damage.
Shoulder DislocationHard falls or tackles.Weeks for initial consultation, months for stabilising surgery.Increased risk of re-dislocation, chronic instability.
ConcussionImpact to the head.Variable, but specialist access can be slow.Prolonged symptoms, risk of second-impact syndrome if returning too soon.
Hamstring TearExplosive sprinting or overstretching.Weeks for specialist physio referral.Slower recovery, high risk of re-injury without proper rehab.

These aren't just statistics; they represent time away from the sport you love, potential impacts on your job, and a significant disruption to your life.

Why Relying Solely on the NHS Can Mean a Longer Time on the Sidelines

The National Health Service is a national treasure, providing incredible care to millions. Its emergency services are second to none when dealing with life-threatening trauma on the pitch. However, when it comes to the next steps — the diagnostics, specialist consultations, and elective surgery needed for most sports injuries — the system is under immense pressure.

According to the latest NHS England data (as of late 2025), the median waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led treatment can be several months. This waiting list includes procedures crucial for a rugby player's recovery, such as:

  • Diagnostic Scans: An MRI for a suspected ACL tear could take weeks or even months.
  • Orthopaedic Surgery: The wait for a knee or shoulder operation can often exceed the 18-week referral-to-treatment target.
  • Physiotherapy: Access to consistent, sports-focused physiotherapy sessions on the NHS can be limited.

For an athlete, this waiting period isn't just frustrating. It's detrimental. Muscles weaken, fitness levels drop, and the mental toll of being unable to play can be significant. Private medical insurance is the bridge over this waiting gap.

How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Works for Rugby Players

Think of PMI as a health plan that gives you more control and choice over your medical care for specific types of conditions.

It’s crucial to understand what it is designed for: acute conditions.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health. A broken ankle, a torn ligament, or a hernia are perfect examples.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and arthritis.

Standard private medical insurance in the UK is not designed to cover chronic conditions. It is for getting you back on your feet after a new, acute medical problem arises.

The Critical Rule: Pre-existing Conditions

Another vital point is that PMI generally excludes pre-existing conditions. This means any illness or injury you had symptoms of, received advice for, or were treated for in the years before your policy began (typically the last 5 years) will not be covered. If you have a history of a "dodgy knee," you cannot take out a policy to get it fixed. The insurance is for new, unforeseen issues that occur after your cover starts.

The Patient Journey with PMI

  1. Spot the Problem: You injure your shoulder during a match.
  2. See Your GP: You visit your NHS GP, who suspects a significant rotator cuff tear and recommends seeing a specialist.
  3. Contact Your Insurer: You call your PMI provider with your GP's referral letter.
  4. Authorisation: The insurer confirms your policy covers this type of injury and authorises a consultation.
  5. Fast-Track Consultation: You book an appointment with a private orthopaedic surgeon, often within days.
  6. Rapid Diagnostics: The specialist sends you for a private MRI scan, which you have within 48-72 hours.
  7. Treatment Plan: The scan confirms a tear. The consultant recommends surgery, and your insurer authorises the procedure.
  8. Private Treatment: You have the surgery in a private hospital a week or two later, bypassing the long NHS wait.
  9. Rehabilitation: Your policy covers an extensive course of physiotherapy to ensure a full and robust recovery.

Key PMI Benefits Tailored for Rugby Injuries

A good PMI policy offers a suite of benefits that feel almost custom-built for the demands of a rugby player.

1. Rapid Diagnostics: Getting a Clear Picture, Fast

When you're injured, the first question is always, "What's the damage?" Waiting weeks for an MRI or CT scan is agonising. PMI gives you access to these crucial diagnostic tools within days, meaning your specialist has a precise diagnosis and can create a treatment plan immediately.

2. Specialist Consultations Without the Wait

With PMI, your GP referral allows you to see a leading private consultant orthopaedic surgeon or sports medicine physician, often within a week. This expert can assess your injury and map out the fastest, most effective route back to recovery.

3. Prompt Surgical Intervention

This is perhaps the single most significant benefit. If you need surgery for common rugby injuries like an ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, or shoulder stabilisation, PMI means you can have it done in a matter of weeks, not months or even years. This dramatically reduces recovery time and prevents the secondary problems, like muscle atrophy, that come from long waits.

4. Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy

Getting off the operating table is only half the battle. A successful return to rugby depends on high-quality, intensive rehabilitation. Many PMI policies include generous cover for physiotherapy.

  • Why this matters: Unlike limited NHS sessions, a private policy can fund the number of sessions your specialist deems necessary.
  • Sports-focused care: You can choose a physiotherapist who specialises in sports injuries and understands the specific demands of returning to the rugby pitch.

5. Mental Health Support: Recovering Mind and Body

A long-term injury can be mentally challenging. The frustration of being sidelined and the anxiety about returning to form can take a toll. Many modern PMI policies now include a mental health pathway, offering access to counselling or therapy to support your psychological recovery alongside your physical one.

Choosing the Right PMI Policy: A Rugby Player's Checklist

Not all PMI policies are created equal. As a rugby player, you need to pay close attention to the details. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these options at no extra cost to you.

Understanding Underwriting

This is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will and won't cover.

  • Moratorium (Most Common): The insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the 5 years before the policy starts. However, if you remain symptom-free and treatment-free for that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy begins, the exclusion may be lifted. It's simple and requires no medical forms upfront.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer reviews your medical history and explicitly lists any conditions that will be permanently excluded from cover. It provides certainty from day one but is more complex.

Core Cover vs. Optional Extras

Think of building a policy like customising a car. You start with a standard model and add the features you need.

Cover TypeWhat It Typically IncludesIs it Important for a Rugby Player?
Core CoverInpatient and day-patient treatment (surgery, hospital stays), cancer cover, some specialist fees.Essential. This is the foundation that covers you for operations.
Outpatient OptionConsultations and diagnostics that don't require a hospital bed (e.g., initial specialist visit, MRI scans).Crucial. Without this, you'd pay for all pre-op diagnostics yourself. We highly recommend a good level of outpatient cover.
Therapies OptionPhysiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment.Vital. This is your ticket to a full recovery. Ensure the policy has a good allowance for physiotherapy sessions.
Mental Health OptionAccess to counsellors, therapists, and psychiatrists.Highly Recommended. Provides support for the mental strain of a long injury lay-off.

How Much Does PMI Cost for a Rugby Player?

The price of a private medical insurance UK policy depends on several factors:

  • Age: Premiums increase as you get older.
  • Location: Treatment in central London is more expensive, so policies are often priced by postcode.
  • Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan with full outpatient and therapies cover will cost more than a basic one.
  • Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim (e.g., the first £250). A higher excess lowers your monthly premium.
  • Hospital List: Policies with access to a nationwide list of hospitals cost more than those with a more restricted local list.

Illustrative Monthly Premiums for a Non-Smoking Male Rugby Player:

(Note: These are examples for illustrative purposes only, based on 2025 market averages. Your actual quote will vary.)

AgeBasic Cover (Core only, £500 excess)Comprehensive Cover (Full Outpatient & Therapies, £250 excess)
25£35 - £50£60 - £85
35£45 - £60£75 - £110
45£60 - £85£100 - £150

Beyond Injury: Proactive Health & Wellness Benefits with WeCovr

Modern private health cover is evolving. It's no longer just about reacting to injury; it's about supporting your overall health and well-being. Many insurers now offer a fantastic range of value-added benefits, often available through an app.

These can include:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Get a video consultation with a GP at a time that suits you, perfect for getting a quick referral.
  • Gym & Fitness Tracker Discounts: Incentives to stay fit and healthy.
  • Wellness Programmes: Access to online resources for nutrition, sleep, and stress management.

At WeCovr, we believe in empowering our clients to live healthier lives. That's why anyone who purchases a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us receives complimentary access to our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It's the perfect tool to help you manage your diet for peak performance and recovery.

Furthermore, our clients benefit from exclusive discounts on other insurance products, such as life or income protection cover, helping you build a complete financial safety net.

Amateur vs. Professional Players: A Critical Distinction

It is vital to be honest about your playing status when applying for PMI.

  • Amateur Players: Most standard UK PMI policies are designed for you. Playing for a local club, even in a competitive league, is typically considered amateur activity and is covered.
  • Semi-Professional or Professional Players: If you earn an income from playing rugby, this changes things. Insurers consider this your occupation, and the risk profile is different. A standard policy will likely not cover injuries sustained while playing or training. You must declare this and will likely need a specialist policy, which a broker can help you find. Failure to declare this could invalidate your insurance.

Why Use a Specialist PMI Broker like WeCovr?

The UK private medical insurance market is complex. With dozens of providers, multiple levels of cover, and confusing jargon, trying to find the right policy on your own can be overwhelming.

This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr is invaluable.

  1. Expert Market Knowledge: We live and breathe health insurance. We know the strengths and weaknesses of each provider's policy and can match you with the one that best suits a rugby player's needs.
  2. Personalised Advice: We take the time to understand your specific situation, budget, and health priorities to recommend the most suitable options.
  3. No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium. You pay the same price (or often less) than going direct.
  4. Hassle-Free Process: We handle the paperwork and comparisons for you, presenting you with clear, easy-to-understand choices. With high customer satisfaction ratings, our focus is entirely on getting the best outcome for you.

For a rugby player, getting back on the pitch is everything. Don't let an NHS waiting list dictate your season. A well-chosen PMI policy is one of the most important pieces of kit you can have.


Do I need to declare that I play amateur rugby when applying for PMI?

Yes, you should always declare your sporting activities. Most insurers are perfectly happy to cover amateur rugby within a standard policy without any extra cost. However, it's crucial to be transparent. Failing to disclose it could give an insurer grounds to reject a claim for a rugby-related injury. Professional or semi-professional players must declare this as it requires a specialist policy.

Will my private health cover premium increase if I make a claim for a rugby injury?

It is very likely, yes. Most PMI policies in the UK operate with a "No Claims Discount" (NCD), similar to car insurance. When you don't claim, your NCD increases, keeping your renewal premiums lower. If you make a claim, your NCD will typically be reduced, leading to a higher premium at your next renewal. However, the cost of a higher premium is almost always far less than the cost of private surgery.

What happens if my rugby injury becomes a chronic condition?

This is a critical aspect of how PMI works. The policy is designed to cover the acute phase of an injury — diagnosis, surgery, and initial rehabilitation to get you back to your previous state of health. If, for example, a knee injury leads to long-term, incurable arthritis, the ongoing management of that arthritis would be considered chronic and would revert to the NHS for care. Your PMI policy will have covered the vital initial stages to give you the best possible outcome.

Can I get PMI to cover a pre-existing knee injury from a few years ago?

No, standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. If you have had symptoms, treatment, or advice for a knee injury in the five years prior to taking out a policy, it will be excluded from cover. PMI is for new, unforeseen acute conditions that arise after your policy has started.

Ready to protect your season and get fast-track access to medical care?

Get your free, no-obligation PMI quote from WeCovr today and find the perfect cover for your needs.


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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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