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Salary Sacrifice and Private Health Insurance UK

Salary Sacrifice and Private Health Insurance UK 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores how salary sacrifice schemes can make comprehensive health cover more affordable for you and your employees.

WeCovr explains how salary sacrifice works with private health insurance

Salary sacrifice for private medical insurance (PMI) is a popular workplace benefit in the UK. It allows employees to access private healthcare at a potentially lower cost than buying a policy directly. But how does it actually work? Is it a genuine saving, and what are the tax implications?

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll cover the benefits for both employees and employers, explain the tax rules in plain English, and walk you through the potential downsides to help you make an informed decision.

What Exactly is a Salary Sacrifice Scheme?

A salary sacrifice arrangement is a formal agreement between you and your employer. You agree to give up a portion of your gross (pre-tax) salary, and in return, your employer provides you with a non-cash benefit of a similar value.

Think of it like this: instead of your employer paying you £100 in cash, they use that £100 to pay for something else on your behalf, such as pension contributions, a cycle-to-work scheme, or in this case, a private health insurance policy.

Because you are "sacrificing" salary before tax and National Insurance (NI) are calculated, your total taxable income is lower. This is the key to how the scheme generates savings.

How Salary Sacrifice is Applied to Private Medical Insurance

When a company offers PMI through salary sacrifice, the process is straightforward:

  1. Agreement: You, the employee, agree to a formal change in your employment contract. This change reduces your cash salary by the exact amount of the health insurance premium.
  2. Payment: Your employer then uses the "sacrificed" portion of your salary to pay the monthly or annual premium for your private medical insurance policy directly to the insurer.
  3. Savings: You pay less in National Insurance contributions because your official salary is lower. Your employer also saves money on their employer's NI contributions.
  4. Tax: Private medical insurance is considered a 'Benefit in Kind' (BiK) by HMRC. This means you will still have to pay income tax on the value of the benefit, but the NI savings often make it worthwhile. We'll explore this in detail later.

This arrangement allows companies to offer a highly valued benefit without it necessarily increasing their overall payroll costs. For employees, it provides a convenient and cost-effective way to secure private health cover.

The Financial Benefits for Employees: A Real-Life Example

The main attraction of a salary sacrifice scheme is the potential for financial savings. The saving comes from reduced National Insurance Contributions (NICs).

Let's look at an example.

Scenario:

  • Employee: Sarah, a basic rate taxpayer in England.
  • Annual Salary: £40,000
  • PMI Premium: £80 per month (£960 per year)

Table: Employee Savings with Salary Sacrifice PMI

MetricWithout Salary SacrificeWith Salary Sacrifice
Annual Gross Salary£40,000£40,000
Salary Sacrificed for PMI£0£960
Taxable Salary£40,000£39,040
Income Tax Paid (at 20%)*£5,486£5,294
NI Paid (at 8%)**£2,194.40£2,115.20
Net Annual Salary (after tax/NI)£32,319.60£31,630.80
PMI Premium Paid from Net Pay£960£0 (paid by employer)
Final Take-Home after PMI£31,359.60£31,630.80
Benefit in Kind (BiK) Tax (20% of £960)£0£192
True Final Take-Home Position£31,359.60£31,438.80 (£31,630.80 - £192)
Annual Saving-£79.20

Based on 2024/25 personal allowance of £12,570. Taxable income is Salary - Allowance. *Based on 2024/25 Class 1 NI rates of 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270.

Explanation: By sacrificing £960 of her salary, Sarah reduces her NI contributions by £76.80 for the year. While she has to pay £192 in income tax on the benefit, her overall position is still better. The employer pays the premium, and the net effect is a saving for Sarah. The convenience of having it all managed by her employer is an added bonus.

For higher and additional rate taxpayers, the NI savings can be less significant due to the lower 2% rate on earnings above £50,270, but the scheme still offers a simple, managed way to get covered.

The Financial Benefits for Employers

It's not just employees who benefit. Employers also make savings on their National Insurance contributions.

Using our example of Sarah:

  • PMI Premium: £960 per year
  • Employer's NI Rate: 13.8% (on earnings above the secondary threshold)

The employer's NI saving is calculated on the sacrificed amount:

£960 x 13.8% = £132.48 per year

For every employee who joins the scheme, the company saves over £130 per year. Across a large workforce, these savings can be substantial. This money can be reinvested into the business, used to enhance the benefits package further, or even be shared with employees to make the scheme more attractive.

Understanding the 'Benefit in Kind' (BiK) Tax

This is the most misunderstood part of salary sacrifice for PMI.

What is a Benefit in Kind? A Benefit in Kind (BiK) is any non-cash benefit that an employee receives which has a monetary value. Company cars and private health insurance are common examples. HMRC sees these as part of your overall earnings, so they are subject to income tax.

How is the Tax Handled?

  1. P11D Form: Your employer will declare the value of your health insurance benefit on a P11D form at the end of the tax year. The value is simply the total cost of the premium they paid for you.
  2. Tax Code Adjustment: HMRC will then adjust your tax code for the following tax year to collect the tax owed. This means you will pay the tax in small increments from your salary each month. You won't receive a separate bill.

Why is it Still Worth It? Even though you pay income tax on the benefit, you do not pay National Insurance on it. As shown in our example, this NI saving is what makes the scheme financially advantageous.

Table: Net Cost of PMI - Salary Sacrifice vs. Personal Policy

MethodGross Cost of PolicyNI SavingIncome Tax Paid on BenefitEffective Annual Cost to You
Personal Policy (paid from net salary)£960£0£0£960
Salary Sacrifice (basic rate taxpayer)£960- £76.80+ £192£883.20

This table clearly shows that despite the BiK tax, the net cost to the employee via salary sacrifice is lower than buying an identical policy with post-tax income.

Important Note: What UK Private Medical Insurance Covers

It is crucial to understand the purpose of private medical insurance in the UK. It is designed to provide quick access to diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., joint pain needing a replacement, cataracts, hernias, most cancers).

Standard UK PMI policies, whether personal or through a business, do not cover:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Any medical issue you had before your policy began.
  • Chronic conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure).

While PMI doesn't cover the long-term management of chronic conditions, it can cover acute flare-ups. Always check the policy details carefully. As an expert PMI broker, WeCovr can help you and your employer understand the specific terms of any policy.

Setting Up a Salary Sacrifice Health Insurance Scheme

For Employers:

  1. Consult an Expert: Talk to a specialist broker like WeCovr. We can survey the market to find the best PMI provider that suits your budget and your employees' needs.
  2. Consult Employees: Gauge interest in the scheme. Explain the benefits, the BiK tax implications, and the impact on their contract.
  3. Amend Contracts: You must have a formal, written agreement with each participating employee to vary their terms and conditions of employment, reflecting the lower cash salary and the new non-cash benefit.
  4. Communicate Clearly: Provide clear documentation explaining how the scheme works, how to make a claim, and what happens if they leave the company.

For Employees:

  1. Understand the Offer: Read all the information from your employer carefully. Pay close attention to the policy details, the cost, and the tax implications.
  2. Consider the Downsides: Think about the impact of a lower official salary (we cover this next).
  3. Sign the Agreement: If you're happy to proceed, you'll sign a new contractual agreement with your employer.

Potential Downsides and Important Considerations

While attractive, salary sacrifice isn't without its drawbacks. You must consider the following:

  • Lower 'Headline' Salary: Your official gross salary is reduced. This can affect:
    • Mortgage Applications: Lenders often calculate affordability based on your basic salary. Some are familiar with salary sacrifice, but others may not be.
    • Death-in-Service Benefits: If these are calculated as a multiple of your salary, the payout could be lower.
    • Future Salary Increases: If pay rises are based on a percentage of your salary, the cash increase might be slightly smaller.
  • Statutory Payments: Payments like Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP), and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) are calculated based on your average earnings. A lower salary could lead to lower statutory payments. Many employers will have a policy to top these up to the pre-sacrifice level, but you should always check.
  • What Happens if You Leave Your Job? Your health cover is tied to your employment. If you leave, the cover will cease. You may be able to continue the policy on a personal basis, but you would take on the full cost, and your pre-existing conditions from that point would not be covered if you switched to a new provider.
  • Minimum Wage Rules: Your cash salary cannot fall below the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage after the sacrifice.

How WeCovr Can Help You and Your Business

Navigating the world of company health insurance can be complex. At WeCovr, we simplify the process.

  • Expert, Impartial Advice: As an FCA-authorised broker, we provide unbiased advice. We're not tied to any single insurer.
  • Whole-of-Market Comparison: We compare policies from all the leading UK PMI providers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality, to find the perfect fit for your company's needs and budget.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free for our clients. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, which doesn't affect the price you pay.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: We pride ourselves on our service, helping thousands of individuals and businesses make better decisions about their health and wellbeing.

Furthermore, WeCovr clients gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you stay on top of your health goals. We also offer discounts on other types of insurance, such as life or income protection, when you arrange your PMI through us.

A Holistic Approach to Health and Wellbeing

Private medical insurance is a powerful tool for reactive healthcare, giving you peace of mind and fast access to treatment when you need it. But a truly healthy lifestyle is also about proactive, everyday choices.

  • Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains is the foundation of good health. Using an app like CalorieHero can help you understand your eating habits and make healthier choices.
  • Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a range of health issues, including a weakened immune system and poor mental health.
  • Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Find an activity you enjoy to make it a sustainable habit.
  • Mental Health: Don't neglect your mental wellbeing. Many PMI policies now include access to mental health support, such as counselling sessions or digital therapy apps.

Combining a robust private medical insurance policy with healthy daily habits is the ultimate strategy for long-term health and wellbeing.


Do I have to pay tax on salary sacrifice health insurance?

Yes, you have to pay income tax on the value of the health insurance benefit. Private medical insurance is considered a 'Benefit in Kind' (BiK) by HMRC. Your employer will report this on a P11D form, and your tax code will be adjusted to collect the tax owed. However, you do not pay National Insurance on the benefit, which is how the scheme generates savings for you.

Can I add my family to my company's salary sacrifice PMI scheme?

Generally, yes. Most company health insurance schemes allow you to add your partner and/or children to the policy. The additional premium for your family members would also be taken via salary sacrifice, increasing the amount you sacrifice each month but also maximising your potential National Insurance savings. The entire premium, including the portion for your family, will be treated as a taxable Benefit in Kind.

What happens to my health insurance if I leave my job?

Your private medical insurance cover is tied to your employment and will end when you leave the company. However, most insurers offer a 'continuation' option. This allows you to switch the policy to a personal plan without needing new medical underwriting. This is a significant benefit, as it means any conditions that developed while you were covered by the company scheme will continue to be covered. You will, however, be responsible for paying the full premium yourself.

Is salary sacrifice for PMI better than a traditional 'benefit' policy?

It depends on the employer's offer. In a traditional scheme, the employer pays the premium and you pay the Benefit in Kind tax; it's a pure perk. In a salary sacrifice scheme, you effectively pay the premium but do so from your pre-tax salary, saving on National Insurance. A salary sacrifice scheme is often more cost-effective for an employer, making them more likely to offer it. For the employee, it's cheaper than buying a personal policy but not as good as having an employer pay for it entirely.

Ready to explore how private medical insurance can benefit you or your company? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts find the best cover for your needs.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Any questions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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