Private Medical Insurance Quotes Online How to Get the Best Deal

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 14, 2026
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TL;DR

Finding the right private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex, but it doesn't have to be. As expert PMI brokers who have helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides the clarity and market access you need to secure the best possible cover at a competitive price. Compare private medical insurance quotes online and avoid common mistakes Getting a private medical insurance (PMI) quote online is the first step towards faster access to high-quality healthcare.

Key takeaways

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you had before taking out the policy.
  • Chronic Conditions: Conditions that require long-term monitoring and management, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. These remain under the care of the NHS.
  • Speed of Access: Get prompt appointments with specialists and schedule surgery or treatment at your convenience.
  • Choice of Specialist and Hospital: Select a leading consultant and be treated in a comfortable, private hospital from an approved list.
  • Private Facilities: Benefit from a private, en-suite room, more flexible visiting hours, and better food menus.

Finding the right private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex, but it doesn't have to be. As expert PMI brokers who have helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides the clarity and market access you need to secure the best possible cover at a competitive price.

Compare private medical insurance quotes online and avoid common mistakes

Getting a private medical insurance (PMI) quote online is the first step towards faster access to high-quality healthcare. However, the cheapest quote is rarely the best deal. The true value lies in finding a policy that provides the right level of cover for your specific needs and budget, without hidden clauses that could leave you facing unexpected bills.

This guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding the core components of a policy to comparing leading UK providers and avoiding the costly mistakes many people make.

What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Why Consider It?

Private Medical Insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to cover the costs of private medical 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.

The most important rule of UK PMI is that it does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you had before taking out the policy.
  • Chronic Conditions: Conditions that require long-term monitoring and management, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. These remain under the care of the NHS.

The primary benefit of PMI is choice and speed. With NHS waiting lists in England reaching 7.54 million cases in September 2023, many are turning to private healthcare to bypass long waits for diagnosis and treatment.

Key Benefits of PMI:

  • Speed of Access: Get prompt appointments with specialists and schedule surgery or treatment at your convenience.
  • Choice of Specialist and Hospital: Select a leading consultant and be treated in a comfortable, private hospital from an approved list.
  • Private Facilities: Benefit from a private, en-suite room, more flexible visiting hours, and better food menus.
  • Access to Specialist Treatments: Some policies provide access to drugs and treatments not yet available on the NHS due to cost or pending approval.

How to Compare Private Medical Insurance Quotes: A Step-by-Step Guide

To find the best policy, you must understand how to tailor it. The premium you are quoted is directly influenced by the choices you make.

Step 1: Assess Your Required Level of Cover

Start by deciding what is essential for you. All PMI policies are built around a 'core' module, which you can then enhance with optional extras.

  • Core Cover (Inpatient & Day-patient): This is the foundation of every policy. It covers treatment costs when you are admitted to hospital and require a bed, either overnight (inpatient) or for the day (day-patient). This includes surgery, hospital accommodation, and specialist fees.
  • Outpatient Cover: This is the most common and valuable add-on. It covers diagnostic tests, consultations, and therapies that do not require a hospital bed. Without outpatient cover, you would need to rely on the NHS for your initial diagnosis before you could use your PMI for inpatient treatment.
  • Cancer Cover: Comprehensive cancer cover is included as standard by most major insurers. It covers everything from diagnosis and surgery to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the level of cover can vary, so it's vital to check the details.
  • Therapies Cover: This covers treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care, often up to a set number of sessions per year.
  • Mental Health Cover: Support for mental health conditions is an increasingly important option, covering consultations with psychiatrists and therapy sessions.

Step 2: Understand the Key Levers to Adjust Your Premium

You have significant control over your monthly premium. Adjusting these four 'levers' is the key to balancing cost and cover.

Policy LeverHow It WorksImpact on Premium
ExcessThe amount you agree to pay towards the first claim you make each policy year. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your first claim is £3,000, you pay £250 and the insurer pays £2,750.Higher Excess = Lower Premium
Hospital ListInsurers group hospitals into tiers based on cost. A basic list might include local private hospitals, while a comprehensive list would include expensive central London clinics.More Restricted List = Lower Premium
6-Week OptionIf the NHS can provide the inpatient treatment you need within six weeks of it being recommended, you agree to use the NHS. If the wait is longer, your private cover kicks in.Adding 6-Week Option = Lower Premium
Outpatient LimitInstead of full outpatient cover, you can choose a capped limit (e.g., £500, £1,000, or £1,500 per year) to reduce your premium. This provides a safety net for diagnostics while keeping costs down.Lower Limit = Lower Premium

Step 3: Choose Your Underwriting Method

This is the most critical technical decision you will make. Underwriting is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will and will not cover.

  • Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common method. You do not declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a general rule: they will not cover any condition for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the 5 years before your policy started. However, if you remain completely symptom-free from that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy begins, it may become eligible for cover.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your medical history. The insurer then reviews this and issues a policy with specific, named exclusions for any pre-existing conditions.

Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting: Which is Right for You?

FeatureMoratorium (Mori) UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Upfront ProcessQuick and simple. No medical forms.Longer process. Requires a full health questionnaire.
Clarity of CoverCan be uncertain. A condition's eligibility is decided at the point of claim.Complete certainty. You know exactly what is excluded from day one.
Cover for Past IssuesConditions from the last 5 years are automatically excluded, but may become eligible for cover after 2 years of being trouble-free.The insurer may agree to cover some older or minor past conditions, or place a permanent exclusion on them.
Best For...People with a clean bill of health who want a quick start.People with a complex medical history who need absolute clarity on what is covered before they buy.

An expert broker at WeCovr can help you decide which underwriting method is most suitable for your personal circumstances.

The UK's Leading Private Health Insurance Providers

The UK private medical insurance market is dominated by a few key players, each with unique strengths. An independent broker compares these providers to find the best fit for you.

ProviderKey Features & StrengthsBest For
AvivaOne of the UK's largest insurers. Offers a strong core product with a clear 'Healthier Solutions' policy. Often praised for its straightforward claims process.A trusted, all-round policy with comprehensive cancer cover.
AXA HealthA global insurance giant with a focus on clinical expertise. Offers excellent mental health and therapies pathways. Well-regarded 'Personal Health' plan.Those prioritising high-quality mental health support and a guided clinical process.
BupaThe UK's most well-known health insurance brand. Offers direct access to cancer specialists without needing a GP referral (on eligible policies). Large network of Bupa-branded facilities.Brand recognition and direct access pathways for certain conditions.
VitalityUnique approach linking insurance with a wellness programme. Members earn rewards (e.g., coffee, cinema tickets) for healthy living, like tracking steps or workouts.Active individuals who want to be rewarded for staying healthy and can engage with the wellness programme.
The ExeterA friendly society (owned by its members, not shareholders). Known for excellent customer service and considering conditions that other insurers might decline.Older applicants or those with some minor medical history, thanks to their more flexible underwriting.
WPAA not-for-profit insurer with a reputation for flexible policies and good customer service. Offers shared responsibility options where you co-pay a percentage of each claim.Customers looking for flexible and innovative policy structures.
Get Tailored Quote

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a PMI Quote

Navigating the online quote journey alone can lead to costly errors. Here are the most common pitfalls we see clients make before they come to us for advice.

  1. Focusing Only on the Headline Price: The cheapest policy is cheap for a reason. It may have a very high excess (£1,000+), a very restrictive hospital list, or no outpatient cover at all. This can make the policy virtually unusable when you need it.
  2. Misunderstanding "Pre-existing Conditions": A client with historic knee pain from five years ago buys a moratorium policy. A year later, the pain returns. The insurer correctly declines the claim because it relates to a pre-existing condition from the 5-year exclusion window. With FMU, this could have been clarified upfront.
  3. Ignoring the Hospital List: You buy a policy with a local hospital list to save money. You are then diagnosed with a rare condition, and the top specialist is based at a London hospital not on your list. You would either have to pay for it yourself or use the NHS.
  4. Skipping Outpatient Cover to Save £15 a Month: This is a false economy. Without outpatient cover, you will rely on the NHS for all your diagnostic scans (MRI, CT) and specialist consultations. This can add months to your journey, defeating a key purpose of having PMI.
  5. Not Using an Independent Broker: Comparison sites give you prices. A broker gives you advice. An unbiased broker like WeCovr analyses your needs, explains the jargon, and recommends a policy that truly fits, all at no cost to you. We often have access to deals not available on public comparison sites.

How Your Personal Details Affect Your PMI Premium

Insurers calculate your premium based on risk. Several key factors determine the final price you pay.

  • Age: This is the most significant factor. The likelihood of needing medical treatment increases with age, so premiums rise accordingly.
  • Location: Where you live matters. Costs for private treatment are highest in Central London and the South East, so postcodes in these areas attract higher premiums.
  • Smoker Status: Insurers view smokers as higher risk. Declaring yourself as a non-smoker will result in a lower premium.
  • Level of Cover: As discussed, a comprehensive policy with full outpatient cover will cost more than a basic inpatient-only plan.
  • Excess: A policy with a £500 excess will be cheaper than one with a £100 excess.

Illustrative Monthly Premiums

The table below gives an indication of how age and location can affect the cost of a mid-range policy with a £250 excess.

AgeLocation (Manchester)Location (Central London)
30£45 - £60£60 - £80
45£65 - £85£90 - £120
60£120 - £160£170 - £230

Disclaimer: These are illustrative figures for 2026 and are not a formal quote. Actual premiums depend on the full range of cover options selected.

Why Choose an Independent Broker like WeCovr?

In a crowded market, getting expert, impartial advice is invaluable. A specialist private medical insurance UK broker works for you, not the insurance companies.

The WeCovr Advantage:

  • Whole-of-Market Advice: We compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
  • Expert Guidance: We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our advisers demystify the jargon around underwriting, cancer cover, and hospital lists so you can make an informed choice.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is completely free for you to use. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium, so you don't pay a penny more.
  • Exclusive Benefits: WeCovr clients get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support their health goals. We can also provide discounts on other insurance products, such as life or income protection insurance.
  • Hassle-Free Process: We handle the application and paperwork for you, ensuring the process is smooth and stress-free.
  • Annual Review Service: We don't just find your first policy. Each year, we contact you to review your cover and check the market again, ensuring you always have the best deal.

Can I get private health insurance with a pre-existing condition?

Generally, standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. If you choose Moratorium underwriting, any condition you've had in the 5 years prior will be excluded. If you opt for Full Medical Underwriting (FMU), the insurer will likely place a specific exclusion on that condition. However, some insurers may consider covering very minor, historic conditions, which is why speaking to a broker is so important.

Does private medical insurance cover cancer?

Yes, comprehensive cancer cover is a core feature of most UK private medical insurance policies. It typically covers the cost of diagnosis, surgery, and treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and biological therapies. However, the level of cover, such as access to the latest experimental drugs, can vary between insurers and policy tiers. It is vital to check the cancer cover details before purchasing.

How much does private health insurance cost in the UK?

The cost of private health cover varies widely based on your age, location, and the level of cover you choose. A basic policy for a young person outside of London might start from around £30 per month, while a comprehensive policy for someone in their 50s in London could be £150 per month or more. Using a broker like WeCovr helps you find the most competitive price for your specific circumstances.

Is it cheaper to get PMI directly from an insurer online?

No. The price is the same whether you go direct or use an independent broker like WeCovr. The premium you pay already includes the commission a broker would receive. By using a broker, you get impartial, expert advice and whole-of-market comparison for free, ensuring you don't just get a cheap price, but the *right* policy.

Ready to Find Your Best PMI Deal?

Don't navigate the complexities of the private health insurance market alone. Let our expert advisers do the hard work for you. We will compare quotes from all the leading UK insurers to find a policy that provides peace of mind at a price that works for you.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today and take the first step towards faster healthcare.


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


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of experienced advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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