Short-Term IPMI Pricing & What Affects Costs Duration, Age, Region & Benefits

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

Navigating the world of international health cover can feel complex, but understanding the costs is the first step towards peace of mind. As experienced brokers who have arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr specialises in demystifying UK private medical insurance and its global counterpart, IPMI. This guide will give you a clear, comprehensive breakdown of short-term IPMI pricing.

Key takeaways

  • It's NOT Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is designed for holidays. It covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. It is not designed for routine doctor's visits, ongoing specialist consultations, or comprehensive in-patient hospital stays for conditions that arise while you're away.
  • It's NOT Annual PMI: Your UK-based private medical insurance is typically not designed for long-term residence abroad and may offer very limited or no cover outside the UK.
  • Expatriates on short-term assignments (under a year).
  • Digital Nomads and remote workers basing themselves abroad for several months.
  • Students undertaking a semester or year of study overseas.

Navigating the world of international health cover can feel complex, but understanding the costs is the first step towards peace of mind. As experienced brokers who have arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr specialises in demystifying UK private medical insurance and its global counterpart, IPMI. This guide will give you a clear, comprehensive breakdown of short-term IPMI pricing.

A breakdown of how pricing works for short-term IPMI and what affects the cost of your international medical cover

Short-Term International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) is a specialised policy designed to cover your health needs when you're living or working abroad for a period of between 3 and 12 months. Unlike standard travel insurance, it provides comprehensive medical cover, more akin to the private medical insurance you might have in the UK.

The price you pay, known as the premium, is not arbitrary. It's calculated by insurers based on a detailed risk assessment. Four key factors form the foundation of your quote: the duration of your policy, your age, the region you need cover for, and the level of benefits you choose. Let's explore each of these in detail.

What is Short-Term IPMI and Why Is It Essential?

Before we dive into pricing, it's crucial to understand what this product is and who it’s for. Think of it as your personal healthcare safety net when you're away from the NHS and the UK.

  • It's NOT Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is designed for holidays. It covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. It is not designed for routine doctor's visits, ongoing specialist consultations, or comprehensive in-patient hospital stays for conditions that arise while you're away.
  • It's NOT Annual PMI: Your UK-based private medical insurance is typically not designed for long-term residence abroad and may offer very limited or no cover outside the UK.

Short-term IPMI is specifically for:

  • Expatriates on short-term assignments (under a year).
  • Digital Nomads and remote workers basing themselves abroad for several months.
  • Students undertaking a semester or year of study overseas.
  • Individuals taking an extended sabbatical or long-term trip.

Essentially, if you are temporarily residing in another country, IPMI is the only way to ensure you have access to high-quality medical care without facing potentially astronomical bills.

The Core Four: Key Factors Driving Your Short-Term IPMI Premium

Insurers use four primary pillars to construct the price of your short-term international health plan. Understanding these will empower you to make informed decisions and find a policy that balances cost with a suitable level of protection.

1. Duration of Cover: How Long You Need It

This is the most straightforward factor. The longer you need cover, the higher the overall premium will be. Insurers price these policies for specific durations, typically from three months up to one day short of a year.

However, the cost-per-day often decreases slightly for longer policies. It is almost always more cost-effective to purchase a single policy for your entire intended stay rather than buying a shorter policy and attempting to extend it. Extensions can be complicated and may even be treated as a new policy, subject to fresh underwriting and potential exclusions.

Insider Adviser Tip: Always buy cover for the full duration of your planned trip, adding a small buffer if your return date is flexible. It provides certainty and is usually cheaper in the long run.

2. Your Age: A Primary Cost Determinant

Age is one of the most significant factors in all health insurance pricing. From an insurer's perspective, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases with age. Therefore, premiums are structured in age bands, and the cost rises as you move into a higher band.

  • Younger individuals (under 40) typically enjoy the lowest premiums due to a lower statistical risk of developing serious health conditions.
  • Middle-aged applicants (40-60) will see a noticeable increase in cost as the risk of age-related health issues begins to rise.
  • Older applicants (60+) will face the highest premiums, as this demographic has the highest statistical usage of healthcare services.

Here is an illustrative example of how age can impact the monthly cost for a mid-tier policy covering Europe:

Age BandIllustrative Monthly Premium
25-34£95
45-54£170
65-74£380

These are example figures for illustrative purposes only. Your actual quote will vary.

3. Region of Cover: Where You Go Matters Most

The cost of healthcare varies dramatically around the world. A knee surgery in Thailand will cost a fraction of the same procedure in the United States. Insurers reflect this reality in their pricing by creating geographical zones of cover.

This is arguably the most critical choice you will make when customising your policy.

Typical Geographical Tiers:

Region of CoverRelative CostNotes
Worldwide including USA★★★★★The most expensive. The USA has the highest healthcare costs globally.
Worldwide excluding USA★★★★☆A very popular option, covering you almost anywhere except the USA.
Europe★★★☆☆Covers you across European countries, often with different tiers for Western/Eastern Europe.
Africa & Middle East★★★☆☆A specific zone that can be cost-effective if you're only staying in this region.
Southeast Asia★★☆☆☆Often one of the most affordable options due to lower local healthcare costs.

Common Client Mistake: A client working in Dubai for six months selects a "Worldwide excluding USA" plan to save money. They then decide to take a one-week holiday to New York. Any medical issue arising in the US would not be covered. It is vital to choose a region that covers every single country you plan to set foot in, even for a short layover.

When seeking advice from a broker like WeCovr, we'll ensure your chosen region of cover aligns perfectly with your travel and work plans, preventing dangerous gaps in your protection.

4. Level of Benefits: Tailoring Your Plan to Your Needs

The final core factor is the richness of the benefits you select. Most short-term IPMI plans are modular, allowing you to build a policy that fits your budget and health priorities.

A) Core Cover (Essential): In-patient & Day-patient This is the foundation of every IPMI policy and is non-negotiable. It covers costs associated with being admitted to hospital.

  • In-patient treatment: When you are admitted to a hospital bed overnight or longer (e.g., for surgery, serious illness).
  • Day-patient treatment: When you are admitted to a hospital for a procedure but do not stay overnight (e.g., minor surgeries, endoscopies).

This core cover protects you against the largest and most financially catastrophic medical bills.

B) Optional Add-ons (Customisable) This is where you can tailor the plan to your personal needs and budget.

  • Out-patient Cover: This is the most popular add-on. It covers medical treatment that does not require a hospital admission. This includes GP appointments, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (like X-rays and MRI scans), and prescribed medications.
  • Medical Evacuation & Repatriation: A crucial benefit. If you fall ill or are injured in a location without adequate medical facilities, this covers the cost of transporting you to the nearest centre of medical excellence. Repatriation covers the cost of returning you to your home country for treatment if medically necessary.
  • Dental and Optical: This covers routine dental check-ups, emergency dental work, and sometimes costs towards glasses or contact lenses.
  • Wellness & Vaccinations: Some higher-tier plans offer benefits for health screenings and vaccinations.
Plan LevelCore BenefitsKey Add-ons IncludedIllustrative Monthly Cost (40-year-old, Europe)
EssentialIn-patient, Day-patientMedical Evacuation£110
StandardIn-patient, Day-patientMedical Evacuation, Full Out-patient£190
ComprehensiveIn-patient, Day-patientMedical Evacuation, Full Out-patient, Dental & Optical£245

These are example figures for illustrative purposes only. Your actual quote will vary.

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Beyond the Core Four: Other Factors That Influence Your IPMI Price

While duration, age, region, and benefits are the main drivers, a couple of other choices can significantly affect your final premium.

Excess (Deductible): Sharing the Cost to Lower Your Premium

An excess (also known as a deductible) is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards a claim or claims in a policy year. By agreeing to a higher excess, you are taking on a greater share of the initial financial risk, and in return, the insurer will offer you a lower premium.

How Excess Impacts Your Premium:

Annual Excess OptionPremium Reduction (Illustrative)
£00%
£250-10%
£500-18%
£1,000-25%

Adviser Tip: Choose an excess that you could comfortably afford to pay without financial hardship. Don't be tempted by the lowest premium attached to a £5,000 excess if you don't have that amount readily available. The purpose of insurance is to avoid financial distress, not create it.

Underwriting: How Your Medical History is Assessed

Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to evaluate your health and medical history to decide whether to offer you cover and on what terms. For short-term IPMI, this is typically done via Full Medical Underwriting (FMU).

  • Full Medical Underwriting: You will be required to complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring all previous and current medical conditions. The insurer may then accept you on standard terms, add an exclusion for a specific condition, or in rare cases, decline cover.

Crucial Point on Pre-existing Conditions: It is a fundamental principle of most short-term IPMI policies that they do not cover pre-existing conditions. This type of insurance is designed to cover new, unforeseen, and acute medical issues that arise after your policy has started. Chronic conditions (like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension) that require ongoing management are also not covered. Honesty during the application is paramount.

Real-Life Scenarios: Short-Term IPMI Pricing in Action

Let's see how these factors combine for different individuals.

Scenario 1: The Student in Europe

  • Profile: A 21-year-old university student studying in Spain for 10 months.
  • Needs: Protection against major medical events but needs to keep costs low.
FactorChoiceRationale
Age21Low-risk profile.
Duration10 monthsCovers the full academic year.
RegionEuropeOnly needs cover for Spain and potential weekend trips.
BenefitsEssential (In-patient) + EvacuationCovers hospitalisation and emergencies, forgoes out-patient to save money.
Excess£500A manageable amount that significantly lowers the premium.
Estimated Monthly Cost:£55 - £75

Scenario 2: The Contractor in the USA

  • Profile: A 48-year-old IT contractor on a 7-month project in California.
  • Needs: Comprehensive cover due to the high cost and complexity of the US healthcare system.
FactorChoiceRationale
Age48Mid-risk profile.
Duration7 monthsMatches the project contract.
RegionWorldwide including USAAbsolutely essential for cover in the United States.
BenefitsComprehensive (In-patient + Out-patient + Dental)Wants seamless access to GPs, specialists, and dental care.
Excess£250Prefers a lower out-of-pocket cost in case of a claim.
Estimated Monthly Cost:£500 - £700

How to Get the Best Value on Your Short-Term IPMI Policy

Finding the right international private medical insurance is about achieving the best value, not just the lowest price. Value means getting the right protection for your specific circumstances at a competitive cost.

  1. Work With an Expert Broker: This is the single most effective step. An independent broker like WeCovr has access to the whole market. We do the shopping around for you, explain the differences between policies, and help you tailor a plan. Our service is free to you, as we are paid by the insurer.
  2. Select Your Region Carefully: Don't pay for "Worldwide" cover if you're only going to be in Europe. Equally, don't skimp on this if there's any chance you might travel to a more expensive region.
  3. Be Honest About Benefits: If you are young, healthy, and on a tight budget, an in-patient-only plan might be sufficient. If you have a family or prefer the convenience of private GP access, adding out-patient cover is a wise investment.
  4. Adjust Your Excess: Look at how different excess levels impact the premium. A modest increase in your excess can often lead to substantial savings.
  5. Take Advantage of Broker Benefits: When you arrange your PMI with WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you stay healthy on your travels. We can also offer discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection cover.

What is the difference between short-term IPMI and travel insurance?

Travel insurance is for holidays and covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. Short-term IPMI is comprehensive health insurance for those temporarily residing abroad (3-12 months). It covers a much wider range of treatments, including in-patient, day-patient, and often out-patient care, providing a similar level of cover to a UK private medical insurance policy.

Are my pre-existing conditions covered on a short-term IPMI policy?

Generally, no. Short-term IPMI policies are designed to cover new, acute medical conditions that occur after the policy start date. Pre-existing and chronic conditions (like diabetes or asthma) are almost always excluded from cover. You must declare your medical history fully and honestly during the application process.

Can I buy short-term IPMI if I'm already abroad?

This can be very difficult. Most insurers require you to purchase your policy before you leave your home country. Some specialist providers may offer cover when you are already overseas, but options are limited, and premiums may be higher. It is always best to arrange your cover well in advance of your departure.

How much does short-term IPMI cost per month?

The cost varies enormously based on the factors discussed: age, duration, region of cover, and benefit level. A young person with basic cover for Europe could pay as little as £50 per month. A middle-aged person requiring comprehensive cover including the USA could pay over £500 per month. The only way to get an accurate price is to get a personalised quote.

Ready to Secure Your Health Abroad?

Understanding IPMI pricing is the first step, but finding the perfect policy requires expert guidance. At WeCovr, our FCA-regulated advisers are on hand to navigate the market for you. We provide impartial, expert advice to ensure you get the right cover for your journey, your health, and your budget.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us find the best international health cover for you.


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


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
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👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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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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