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Psoriasis Explained

Psoriasis Explained 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

WeCovr explains psoriasis symptoms, treatments, and private support

Living with psoriasis in the UK can feel like a constant battle, but understanding your condition is the first step towards managing it effectively. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we believe in empowering you with clear, expert information about your health and your options for private medical insurance.

Psoriasis is a common, long-term skin condition affecting around 2% of the UK population, or more than 1.8 million people. While it can be challenging, a combination of the right medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and support can make a significant difference. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about psoriasis, from its symptoms and triggers to the support available through both the NHS and the private healthcare sector.

What is Psoriasis? A Simple Explanation

At its core, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. This means your immune system, which is supposed to fight off infections, mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells.

Think of your skin as a factory that constantly produces new cells. Normally, this process takes about 3 to 4 weeks. For someone with psoriasis, this factory goes into overdrive, producing new cells in just 3 to 7 days. This rapid turnover causes a build-up of cells on the skin's surface, leading to the characteristic patches or "plaques" associated with the condition.

It's crucial to understand two key facts about psoriasis:

  1. It is not contagious. You cannot catch psoriasis from someone else, nor can you give it to them.
  2. It is a chronic condition. This means it is long-term and currently has no cure, but its symptoms can be managed effectively through treatment.

The experience of living with psoriasis varies greatly from person to person. For some, it may be a minor irritation, while for others, it can have a major impact on their quality of life.

Recognising the Signs: Common Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but it most commonly affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of psoriasis you have, but the most common signs include:

  • Red, raised patches of skin that are covered with silvery-white scales. These are known as plaques.
  • Dry, cracked skin that may itch, burn, or bleed.
  • Itching, soreness, or a burning sensation around the patches.
  • Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails.
  • Swollen and stiff joints, which can be a sign of a related condition called psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis often goes through cycles. You may experience periods where your symptoms are severe (known as "flare-ups") followed by periods where they are mild or disappear completely (known as "remission").

The Different Faces of Psoriasis: Types You Should Know

Psoriasis isn't a one-size-fits-all condition. There are several different types, each with unique characteristics. Understanding which type you have is key to finding the most effective treatment.

Type of PsoriasisKey Features & Common LocationsPrevalence
Plaque PsoriasisThe most common form. Appears as raised, red plaques covered with silvery scales. Typically found on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.Affects 80-90% of people with psoriasis.
Scalp PsoriasisCan range from mild, fine scaling to thick, crusted plaques covering the entire scalp. May extend to the forehead, back of the neck, and around the ears.Affects around 50% of people with psoriasis.
Guttate PsoriasisAppears as small, drop-shaped sores on the chest, arms, legs, and scalp. Often triggered by a bacterial infection like strep throat.More common in children and young adults.
Inverse (Flexural) PsoriasisAffects skin folds like the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and around the genitals. Appears as smooth, red, and shiny patches without the typical scales.Can be worsened by friction and sweating.
Pustular PsoriasisA rarer form featuring widespread pustules (white blisters of non-infectious pus). The skin around the pustules is red and tender.Requires prompt medical attention.
Erythrodermic PsoriasisA very rare and severe form that affects most of the body surface. Leads to widespread, fiery redness and shedding of skin in sheets.A medical emergency requiring hospitalisation.

What Causes Psoriasis? Unravelling the Triggers

The exact cause of psoriasis is still not fully understood, but it's known to be a combination of genetics and immune system dysfunction. If you have a close relative with psoriasis, your risk of developing it is higher.

While genetics lay the groundwork, specific "triggers" can cause psoriasis to flare up for the first time or worsen existing symptoms. Identifying and managing your personal triggers is a vital part of living with the condition.

Common triggers include:

  • Stress and anxiety: High levels of stress are one of the most common triggers for a flare-up.
  • Skin injury: A cut, scrape, insect bite, or even sunburn can trigger a new patch of psoriasis to form. This is known as the Koebner response.
  • Infections: Certain infections, particularly streptococcal throat infections, are strongly linked to guttate psoriasis.
  • Medications: Some drugs, including lithium (for bipolar disorder), beta-blockers (for high blood pressure), and anti-malarial tablets, can trigger psoriasis.
  • Alcohol: Heavy drinking is a known risk factor and can make treatments less effective.
  • Smoking: Smoking can double your risk of developing psoriasis and often leads to more severe, widespread symptoms.
  • Hormonal changes: Psoriasis can sometimes flare up during puberty or menopause.

Psoriasis and Your Overall Health: Beyond the Skin

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition; it's a systemic inflammatory disease. The underlying inflammation that causes skin plaques can also affect other parts of your body. People with psoriasis, particularly if it's moderate to severe, have an increased risk of developing other serious health conditions, known as comorbidities.

1. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) This is the most common comorbidity, affecting up to 30% of people with psoriasis. PsA is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It can develop at any time, but often appears about 5-10 years after the skin symptoms start. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent joint damage.

2. Mental Health Conditions Living with a visible, chronic condition can take a significant toll on mental wellbeing. The itching, pain, and appearance of psoriasis can lead to:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Low self-esteem and social isolation

According to a 2024 report by the Psoriasis Association, over 90% of people with the condition report that it negatively impacts their mental health.

3. Cardiovascular Disease The chronic inflammation associated with psoriasis can affect blood vessels and the heart, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, and stroke.

4. Metabolic Syndrome This is a cluster of conditions that occur together, including obesity (especially around the waist), high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels. People with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

While there's no cure, many effective treatments are available on the NHS to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment is usually stepped, starting with the mildest options.

Treatment CategoryDescriptionExamplesHow it's Used
TopicalCreams, ointments, and lotions applied directly to the skin.Steroid creams, vitamin D analogues (calcipotriol), coal tar preparations, emollients.First-line treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis.
PhototherapyControlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light under medical supervision.UVB phototherapy, PUVA (Psoralen + UVA).For more widespread or stubborn psoriasis that hasn't responded to topical treatments.
Systemic (Non-Biologic)Oral or injected medicines that work throughout the entire body.Methotrexate, Ciclosporine, Acitretin.For moderate to severe psoriasis, often when other treatments have failed. Requires regular monitoring.
BiologicNewer, advanced drugs given by injection or infusion. They target specific parts of the immune system.Adalimumab, Ustekinumab, Secukinumab.For severe psoriasis that has not responded to other systemic treatments.

The Big Question: Does Private Medical Insurance Cover Psoriasis?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer requires careful explanation.

In short, standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) does not cover the treatment of chronic or pre-existing conditions. Psoriasis is classified as a chronic condition.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses or injuries that are new, unexpected, and likely to respond quickly to treatment. A chronic condition, by definition, is long-term and requires ongoing management rather than a "cure."

When you apply for a PMI policy, the insurer will assess your medical history. This process is called underwriting.

  • Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. The policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms of, or received treatment for, in the past 5 years. If you then remain completely symptom-free and treatment-free for that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts, the exclusion may be lifted.
  • Full Medical Underwriting: You provide a full medical history questionnaire upfront. The insurer will then state precisely what is and isn't covered from the start. Psoriasis would be listed as a permanent exclusion.

So, How Can Private Health Cover Help?

Even though your policy won't pay for psoriasis treatment directly, private medical insurance can still be incredibly valuable. Here's how:

  1. Faster Diagnosis: If you develop new skin symptoms and don't yet have a diagnosis, PMI can provide rapid access to a private dermatologist. This can significantly shorten the wait for an initial diagnosis compared to the NHS pathway, giving you clarity and peace of mind much faster. Once diagnosed as a chronic condition, management would typically revert to the NHS.

  2. Cover for Related Acute Conditions: This is a crucial benefit. If you have psoriasis and later develop a new, related acute condition, your PMI could cover it. The most significant example is psoriatic arthritis. If you develop joint pain after your policy has started and are diagnosed with PsA, your insurance could cover:

    • Fast-track consultations with a rheumatologist.
    • Diagnostic tests like MRI scans, X-rays, and blood tests.
    • Treatment for the psoriatic arthritis itself, subject to your policy limits.

  3. Access to Vital Support Services: Modern PMI policies come with a wealth of value-added benefits that can be a lifeline for managing a chronic condition:

    • Digital GP Access: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call for advice on any health concern.
    • Mental Health Support: Most top-tier policies include access to counselling or therapy sessions, which are vital for managing the stress and anxiety that can trigger psoriasis flare-ups.
    • Wellness and Lifestyle Support: Many insurers offer access to nutritionists, physiotherapists, and health and wellbeing apps. At WeCovr, we provide our health and life insurance clients with complimentary access to our AI-powered diet and calorie tracking app, CalorieHero, to help them manage their weight and nutrition.

How WeCovr Can Help You Find the Right Private Health Cover

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be daunting, especially with a pre-existing condition. This is where an expert broker like WeCovr makes all the difference.

Our specialist advisors understand the nuances of every major UK insurer. We can help you:

  • Understand the Exclusions: We'll explain exactly how your psoriasis will be treated by different insurers and policies.
  • Compare Policies: We compare the market to find a policy that offers the best value, focusing on the benefits that matter most to you, such as comprehensive mental health support or excellent diagnostics for related conditions.
  • Handle the Application: We make the process simple and stress-free. Our service is completely free to you.

With high customer satisfaction ratings and deep industry knowledge, we ensure you get the right cover for your needs, not just a generic policy. Plus, customers who purchase PMI or life insurance through us can often access discounts on other types of cover.

Living Well with Psoriasis: Lifestyle, Diet, and Mental Health Tips

Medical treatment is only one piece of the puzzle. Proactive lifestyle management can dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of your flare-ups.

Skincare is Self-Care

  • Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise: Use an unperfumed emollient (moisturiser) daily, especially after bathing, to lock in moisture and reduce scaling and itching.
  • Bathe Gently: Avoid very hot water, which can dry out your skin. Add oils or emollients to a warm bath and soak for 10-15 minutes to soften plaques. Pat your skin dry gently.
  • Choose Products Wisely: Opt for gentle, fragrance-free soaps and shampoos designed for sensitive skin.

Diet and Nutrition

There is no "psoriasis diet," but many people find that certain dietary changes help.

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can worsen psoriasis and make treatments less effective.
  • Eat an Anti-inflammatory Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, oily fish (like salmon and mackerel), nuts, and seeds.
  • Limit Trigger Foods: Some people find that red meat, dairy, and processed foods can worsen their symptoms. Keeping a food diary can help you identify personal triggers.
  • Reduce Alcohol: Limiting your alcohol intake is one of the most effective lifestyle changes you can make.

Manage Your Stress

  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Apps like Headspace or Calm can teach techniques to manage stress.
  • Gentle Exercise: Activities like yoga, swimming, and walking are excellent for both physical and mental health.
  • Talk About It: Don't be afraid to talk to friends, family, or a professional. Joining a support group, either online or in person, can connect you with others who understand.

Do I need to declare my psoriasis when applying for private medical insurance?

Yes, absolutely. You must declare any pre-existing conditions, including psoriasis, during your application. Failing to do so is known as non-disclosure and can invalidate your entire policy, meaning the insurer could refuse to pay any claims and cancel your cover. It's always best to be completely honest.

Can private health cover help me get a faster psoriasis diagnosis?

Yes, this is a key benefit. If you have new symptoms that have not yet been diagnosed, a private medical insurance policy can provide fast-track access to a private dermatologist for an initial consultation and diagnosis. This can save you a potentially long wait on the NHS. Once psoriasis is confirmed, its ongoing management would then be excluded as a chronic condition.

Will my private medical insurance policy cover psoriatic arthritis?

It may. If psoriatic arthritis develops as a new condition *after* your policy has started, and you had no prior symptoms or treatment for it, it would likely be considered an eligible acute condition. Your policy could then cover consultations, diagnostics, and treatment, subject to your policy's terms. However, if you had joint pain before taking out the policy, it would likely be excluded.

What is the difference between a chronic and an acute condition in PMI?

An **acute condition** is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract). Private medical insurance is designed to cover these. A **chronic condition** is an illness that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management, cannot be cured, and may have flare-ups (e.g., psoriasis, diabetes, or asthma). These are excluded from standard PMI cover.

Ready to explore your options for private health cover?

Understanding how private medical insurance works with a chronic condition can be complex. Let our friendly experts at WeCovr guide you. We'll help you find the right protection for your peace of mind.

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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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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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