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Renewing and Switching Private Medical Insurance Policies

Renewing and Switching Private Medical Insurance Policies

Navigating the UK private medical insurance market can feel complex, especially at renewal time. As an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 800,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert guidance to help you secure the right cover at the best price, whether you're renewing or switching your existing plan.

How renewal works, negotiating better premiums, and step-by-step advice on switching insurers while maintaining coverage and avoiding gaps

That familiar envelope or email from your health insurer has arrived. It's your annual renewal notice, and chances are, the premium has gone up. It’s a moment that leaves many people wondering: "Am I still getting good value? Should I just accept the new price, or is there a better option out there?"

This is a critical annual checkpoint for any private medical insurance (PMI) policyholder in the UK. Simply letting your policy auto-renew could mean paying more than you need to for cover that might no longer be the best fit.

This comprehensive guide will demystify the renewal and switching process. We’ll explore why premiums rise, how you can negotiate a better deal with your current provider, and provide a step-by-step walkthrough on how to switch insurers smoothly, without losing important cover or creating a dangerous gap in your protection.

Understanding Your Private Medical Insurance Renewal

Each year, your insurer will send you a renewal pack around 3-4 weeks before your policy's expiry date. This isn't just a bill; it's an important document outlining your cover for the next 12 months.

What to look for in your renewal pack:

  • The New Premium: The most obvious change will be your new monthly or annual premium.
  • Schedule of Cover: A summary of your benefits, including outpatient limits, hospital lists, and any excess you have. Check this carefully for any changes.
  • Policy Terms & Conditions: Insurers sometimes update their T&Cs. While it's a dense read, pay attention to any highlighted changes to exclusions or benefit rules.
  • Your No Claims Discount (NCD): The document will show your current NCD level and how it has been affected by any claims made in the previous year.

Why Do PMI Premiums Increase Every Year?

It’s the most common question policyholders ask. An increase doesn't necessarily mean your insurer is trying to pull a fast one. Several factors are at play:

  1. Age: As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases. Most insurers have age-related price brackets, and moving into a new one (e.g., turning 40, 50, or 65) will trigger a price rise.
  2. Medical Inflation: This is a major driver. The cost of medical technology, new drugs, and specialist fees consistently rises faster than general inflation. According to industry data, medical inflation often runs between 8% and 12% per year. Your premium has to absorb these rising underlying costs.
  3. Your Claims History: If you've made a claim in the past year, it will likely impact your No Claims Discount, leading to a higher premium. Conversely, a claim-free year usually increases your discount, offsetting some of the other price pressures.
  4. Insurance Premium Tax (IPT): This is a tax levied by the UK government on all general insurance policies, including PMI. The standard rate is currently 12%, and any changes to this tax are passed directly onto the consumer.

Understanding these factors gives you context, but it doesn't mean you have to accept the new price without question.

The Golden Rule of UK Private Health Cover: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Before we discuss switching, it's vital to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK. This is the single most important concept to grasp.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • An Acute Condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair, or treatment for a sudden infection.
  • A Chronic Condition is 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, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions. It may cover an acute flare-up of a chronic condition, but the day-to-day monitoring and medication will be handled by the NHS.

Similarly, pre-existing conditions—any ailment you had symptoms of, or sought advice or treatment for, before your policy started—are typically excluded, at least for an initial period.

This is why it's so important to get the right advice when switching, to ensure you don't inadvertently lose cover for a condition that your old policy had started to cover.

Should You Renew or Switch? A Decision-Making Framework

Don't automatically renew, but don't automatically switch either. Use your renewal notice as a prompt to conduct a proper review.

Here’s a simple framework to help you decide:

FactorConsider Renewing If...Consider Switching If...
Premium IncreaseThe increase is modest (e.g., under 10%) and you are happy with the service.The increase is substantial (e.g., over 20%) and seems unjustified.
SatisfactionYour insurer has been efficient, easy to deal with, and paid claims without hassle.You've had poor customer service, a difficult claims process, or feel undervalued.
Health StatusYou have recently developed a condition that is now covered by your current policy.Your health is good, and you haven't claimed for several years.
Cover NeedsYour policy benefits (e.g., mental health, cancer cover) are still perfectly aligned with your needs.Your needs have changed. You might want better cancer cover, a different hospital list, or have started a family.
Market RatesYou've compared the market (or had a broker do it) and your renewal price is still competitive.A reputable broker like WeCovr has found a comparable or better policy for a significantly lower price.

The best approach is to arm yourself with information. The only way to know if your renewal offer is fair is to compare it against the rest of the market.

How to Negotiate a Better Premium with Your Current Insurer

Before you jump ship, it's always worth trying to negotiate with your current provider. They have an incentive to keep you as a customer.

Here’s how to do it effectively:

  1. Review Your Policy Options: Often, you can reduce your premium by adjusting your cover. Consider:

    • Increasing Your Excess: This is the amount you pay towards a claim. Increasing your excess from £250 to £500 could reduce your premium by 10-20%.
    • Changing Your Hospital List: If you have a comprehensive list including expensive Central London hospitals, moving to a more standard list can generate significant savings. Ask yourself: "Would I realistically travel to London for treatment?"
    • Adding a "6-Week Wait" Option: This is a popular way to cut costs. The policy will only pay for inpatient treatment if the NHS waiting list for that treatment is longer than six weeks. For many, this is a perfect compromise, blending the strengths of the NHS with the speed of private care when it's most needed.
    • Reducing Your Outpatient Limit: If your policy has an unlimited outpatient allowance, reducing it to a set amount (e.g., £1,000) will lower the cost.

  2. Get Competitive Quotes: This is your most powerful negotiating tool. Contact a specialist PMI broker like WeCovr. We can provide you with like-for-like quotes from a wide range of leading UK insurers. This service is free, and it gives you concrete evidence of what the market is offering.

  3. Make the Call: Phone your insurer's renewal or customer retention department.

    • Be polite and calm.
    • State that you are happy with the service but are concerned about the premium increase.
    • Mention that you have received more competitive quotes for a similar level of cover. For example: "I've been offered a policy with Axa Health with the same excess and hospital list for £25 less per month."
    • Ask if they can match the price or offer you a better deal.
    • If their first offer isn't good enough, ask about the policy tweaks mentioned in step 1.

Often, insurers have a "retention budget" and can offer a discount to prevent a loyal customer from leaving.

Switching Insurers: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Seamless Transition

If negotiation fails or you've found a much better deal elsewhere, it's time to switch. The key is to do it carefully to maintain continuous cover for conditions you've already developed.

Crucial First Step: DO NOT CANCEL YOUR CURRENT POLICY! Wait until your new policy is fully active.

Step 1: Speak to an Expert Broker

This is the most important step. While you can go directly to an insurer, a broker works for you, not the insurance company. An independent broker like WeCovr will:

  • Assess your current policy and health needs.
  • Compare the entire market to find the best options.
  • Crucially, advise you on the best underwriting method to use for the switch.

Step 2: Understand Underwriting for Switchers

When you switch, your new insurer needs to assess the risk you present. There are special methods designed for people switching from another PMI policy.

Underwriting MethodHow It WorksBest For...
Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME)You carry over the exclusions from your old policy to the new one. The new insurer agrees to cover anything your old insurer was covering. New conditions are covered subject to the new policy's terms.Almost everyone switching. It's the safest way to switch without losing cover for conditions that have developed while you've been insured.
New MoratoriumYou start a fresh 2-year moratorium period. The new policy won't cover any conditions you've had symptoms of, or sought treatment for, in the 5 years prior to starting. These exclusions can be lifted if you go 2 continuous years without symptoms, advice or treatment for them.Younger, healthier individuals who haven't claimed or developed any conditions on their old policy. It can sometimes be cheaper but carries more risk.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer assesses your entire medical history and may apply specific, permanent exclusions to your policy based on your answers.People who want absolute certainty about what is and isn't covered from day one.

For 99% of people switching, CPME underwriting is the gold standard. It ensures a seamless transition of cover. A good broker will always look for a CPME switch option for you.

Step 3: Choose and Apply for Your New Policy

Your broker will present you with the best options. They will help you complete the application form, ensuring all details are correct. The application will clearly state that you are switching on a CPME basis.

Step 4: Receive Your Acceptance Terms

The new insurer will review your application and your old policy documents. They will then issue acceptance terms, confirming your new premium and a "Certificate of Transfer" which outlines the continuous cover. Review this carefully with your broker.

Step 5: Cancel Your Old Policy

Only once your new policy is confirmed and active should you cancel your old one.

  • Inform your old insurer in writing (email is usually sufficient) that you do not wish to renew.
  • Cancel the direct debit with your bank to prevent an automatic payment from being taken.
  • Do this a few days before the renewal date to ensure there is no overlap or gap in cover.

Following these steps guarantees you are never without private medical cover.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Switching Your PMI Policy

  • Creating a Gap in Cover: The biggest mistake is cancelling your old policy before the new one is live. An accident or sudden illness during this gap would not be covered.
  • Losing Cover for Existing Conditions: Switching on a "New Moratorium" basis when you should have used CPME can lead to conditions you thought were covered being excluded for at least two years.
  • Not Declaring Your Full Medical History: Attempting to hide a condition will invalidate your policy. Insurers share information and can access your medical records (with your consent) during a claim. Be honest.
  • Focusing Only on Price: The cheapest policy is not always the best. Look at the value: what are the cancer cover limits? What are the mental health benefits? Does it include virtual GP services?
  • Misunderstanding Hospital Lists: A cheaper policy might have a very restrictive hospital list that excludes facilities in your local area.

The Role of a Specialist PMI Broker like WeCovr

Using an expert, FCA-authorised broker is the single best way to navigate the complexities of renewing and switching. WeCovr offers a service that is completely free to you (we are paid a commission by the insurer you choose), and we bring immense value:

  • Whole-of-Market Expertise: We have access to policies and deals from all the UK's leading insurers, including Aviva, Bupa, Axa Health, Vitality, and The Exeter.
  • Personalised Advice: We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and recommend a policy that truly fits your needs and budget.
  • Hassle-Free Switching: We handle all the paperwork and guide you through the CPME process to ensure a seamless transition.
  • Ongoing Support: We are here for you at every renewal, ready to re-evaluate the market and ensure you are always on the best possible plan.
  • Added Value: As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. Plus, you can receive discounts on other types of insurance, like life or income protection, when you hold a PMI policy with us. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to exceptional service.

Beyond Premiums: Enhancing Your Health and Wellbeing

While managing costs is important, remember that private medical insurance is ultimately about your health. Many modern PMI policies come with a fantastic range of preventative and wellness benefits designed to keep you healthy.

When comparing policies, look for:

  • Virtual GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to counselling or therapy, often without needing a GP referral.
  • Gym Discounts and Activity Rewards: Insurers like Vitality are famous for rewarding healthy living with cinema tickets, coffee, and discounts on smartwatches.
  • Health Screenings: Subsidised or free regular health checks to catch potential issues early.

A healthy lifestyle can also play a part. While it won't directly lower your next renewal premium, staying active, eating a balanced diet, prioritising sleep, and managing stress are the best investments you can make in your long-term health. Tools like WeCovr's CalorieHero app can be a great companion on this journey, helping you make informed choices about your nutrition every day.

Your annual renewal is more than just a price update; it's an opportunity. It's your chance to take control, review your needs, and ensure the private medical insurance you're paying for provides the best possible protection and value for you and your family.

Will my pre-existing conditions be covered if I switch my health insurance?

This is a crucial point. If you switch using "Continued Personal Medical Exclusions" (CPME) underwriting, your new insurer agrees to provide cover on the same basis as your old one. This means if a condition was already covered by your old policy, it will be covered by your new one. However, if you switch on a "New Moratorium" basis, pre-existing conditions from the last 5 years will be excluded for at least 2 years. This is why using a broker to manage a CPME switch is so important.

Can I switch my private medical insurance policy if I am currently undergoing treatment?

Generally, you must complete any ongoing course of treatment with your current insurer. A new insurer will not take on an active claim. Once your treatment is complete, you are free to switch. If you are in the middle of a claim, it's best to renew with your current provider and then look to switch at your next renewal once the claim is fully settled and closed.

Do I have to switch insurers every year to get the best price?

Not necessarily. While it's wise to review the market every year, sometimes your existing insurer, after negotiation, will offer the best value. Insurers often reward loyalty, and if you have recently developed a medical condition, staying with the provider that is already covering it can be the safest option. The goal is to perform an annual review, not to switch automatically.

What is a No Claims Discount (NCD) and how does it work?

A No Claims Discount is a discount applied to your premium for every consecutive year you don't make a claim. It works on a sliding scale, often ranging from 0% to a maximum of 70-75%. If you make a claim, your NCD will typically be reduced by a few levels, which increases your next year's premium. When you switch insurers, you can usually carry your NCD level with you.

Ready to review your private medical insurance?

Don't just accept your renewal price. Let us do the hard work for you. Get a free, no-obligation comparison quote from WeCovr and see how much you could save. Our expert team will ensure you get the right cover at the best price, with a seamless transition if you decide to switch.

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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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