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Skin Lesion Removal Private Options

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Feb 2, 2026
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TL;DR

WeCovr explains skin lesion removal and PMI coverage As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the nuances of private medical insurance in the UK. This guide explains private skin lesion removal, what it involves, and crucially, how your PMI policy might cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment. Our skin is our body's largest organ, and it's not uncommon for new or unusual spots, bumps, or patches—collectively known as skin lesions—to appear over our lifetime.

Key takeaways

  • The different types of skin lesions.
  • Why many people in the UK opt for private treatment over the NHS.
  • How private medical insurance (PMI) treats claims for skin lesion removal.
  • The critical difference between medically necessary and cosmetic procedures.
  • What to do if you don't have insurance.

WeCovr explains skin lesion removal and PMI coverage

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the nuances of private medical insurance in the UK. This guide explains private skin lesion removal, what it involves, and crucially, how your PMI policy might cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment.

Our skin is our body's largest organ, and it's not uncommon for new or unusual spots, bumps, or patches—collectively known as skin lesions—to appear over our lifetime. While most are harmless, some can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. This uncertainty often leads people to seek a swift diagnosis and, if necessary, removal.

This comprehensive article will walk you through:

  • The different types of skin lesions.
  • Why many people in the UK opt for private treatment over the NHS.
  • How private medical insurance (PMI) treats claims for skin lesion removal.
  • The critical difference between medically necessary and cosmetic procedures.
  • What to do if you don't have insurance.

What Are Skin Lesions? A Simple Guide

A skin lesion is simply an area of skin that looks different from the surrounding skin. It can be a lump, sore, ulcer, or a patch of discoloured skin. They can be present at birth (like some moles) or develop at any point in life.

The most important distinction is whether a lesion is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

  • Benign Lesions: These are harmless growths. They don't spread to other parts of the body and are not life-threatening. However, they can sometimes be uncomfortable, catch on clothing, or be a cosmetic concern.
  • Malignant Lesions: These are cancerous. They have the potential to grow and spread to other tissues and organs (metastasise), which can be very serious. Early detection and removal are vital.

Here’s a breakdown of some common skin lesions you might encounter:

Type of LesionCategoryCommon Examples & Description
Mole (Nevus)BenignA common small, coloured spot on the skin. Most people have them, and they are usually harmless.
Skin TagBenignA small, soft, flesh-coloured growth that hangs off the skin. Often found on the neck, armpits, or groin.
Seborrhoeic KeratosisBenignA harmless, warty-looking growth that often appears in middle age or later. Can be brown, black, or light tan.
CystBenignA closed sac under the skin that may contain fluid or semi-solid material. Usually slow-growing and painless.
LipomaBenignA slow-growing, fatty lump situated between your skin and the underlying muscle layer. Feels 'doughy' to the touch.
Basal Cell CarcinomaMalignantThe most common type of skin cancer. Often looks like a pearly lump or a scaly patch. It grows slowly and rarely spreads.
Squamous Cell CarcinomaMalignantThe second most common type of skin cancer. May look like a firm red lump, a scaly patch, or a sore that doesn't heal.
MelanomaMalignantThe most serious type of skin cancer. It often develops from an existing mole or appears as a new, unusual-looking spot.

According to Cancer Research UK, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with rates continuing to rise. This makes vigilance and access to prompt medical assessment more important than ever.

Why Consider Private Skin Lesion Removal?

While the NHS provides excellent care, there are several reasons why you might choose to go private for skin lesion diagnosis and removal.

  1. NHS Waiting Times: The NHS Constitution for England states a target of patients waiting no more than 18 weeks from a GP referral to the start of treatment. However, with millions of people on waiting lists for consultant-led elective care, these targets are often missed. For a condition like a suspicious mole, where peace of mind is paramount, a long wait can be a source of significant anxiety. Private healthcare offers the ability to see a specialist, often within days.

  2. The "Cosmetic Exclusion" Rule: The NHS primarily focuses on treating conditions that pose a threat to health. As a result, it will generally not remove benign lesions—like skin tags, harmless moles, or cysts—if the reason is purely cosmetic. If a lesion isn't cancerous, causing pain, bleeding, or getting repeatedly infected, you will likely be told it cannot be removed on the NHS. The private sector is the main route for these procedures.

  3. Choice and Convenience: The private route gives you control. You can choose your consultant dermatologist or plastic surgeon based on their reputation and specialism. You can also schedule appointments and procedures at times that suit you, minimising disruption to your work and family life.

  4. Comfort and Environment: Private hospitals typically offer a more comfortable environment, with private rooms, en-suite facilities, and a higher staff-to-patient ratio, which many people find reassuring.

Understanding the Private Skin Lesion Removal Process

If you decide to pursue private treatment, the pathway is typically straightforward and efficient.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation Your journey will start with a consultation. This is usually with a consultant dermatologist. You can get to this point in two ways:

  • GP Referral: Your NHS GP can write a referral letter to a private specialist. This is the path your insurer will almost always require.
  • Self-Referral: Some private clinics and hospitals allow you to book directly with a consultant without a GP letter, which is common if you are paying for the treatment yourself.

During this consultation, the specialist will examine the lesion, discuss your medical history, and ask about any changes you've noticed. They will likely use a dermatoscope—a special handheld magnifying glass with a light—to get a detailed view of the lesion's structure.

Step 2: Diagnosis and Biopsy If the consultant cannot rule out cancer by sight alone, they will recommend a biopsy. This involves removing a small sample of the lesion (or the entire lesion) and sending it to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist. This process is called histology.

Step 3: The Removal Procedure Based on the diagnosis (or suspected diagnosis), the consultant will recommend a removal method. Common techniques include:

  • Excisional Biopsy: The entire lesion is surgically cut out along with a small margin of surrounding healthy skin. The wound is then closed with stitches. This is the standard method for suspicious moles as it allows for a complete analysis.
  • Shave Excision: The lesion is 'shaved' off the skin's surface using a scalpel. This is often used for raised lesions that are not suspected to be deep.
  • Curettage and Cautery: The lesion is scraped away with a spoon-shaped instrument (a curette), and then the base is sealed with heat (cautery) to stop bleeding. This is common for certain types of benign and superficial skin cancers.
  • Cryotherapy: The lesion is frozen off using liquid nitrogen. This is typically used for benign growths like warts and seborrhoeic keratoses.
  • Laser Therapy: A focused beam of light is used to destroy the lesion's cells. This can be effective for certain benign vascular or pigmented lesions.

Step 4: Histology Results and Follow-Up The histology results usually take 7-14 days. Your consultant will then contact you to discuss them.

  • If benign, no further action is usually needed, other than caring for the wound.
  • If malignant, your consultant will discuss the next steps, which may involve further surgery to remove a wider margin of tissue or other cancer treatments.

How Does Private Medical Insurance Cover Skin Lesions?

This is the most critical question for many, and the answer depends on one key principle: private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

The Golden Rules of PMI Coverage for Skin Lesions:

  1. Medically Necessary vs. Cosmetic: Insurers will only cover procedures that are deemed medically necessary. If a consultant dermatologist recommends removing a lesion because it shows suspicious features, is causing pain, or is bleeding, your insurer is likely to cover it. If you want a perfectly normal, benign mole removed simply because you don't like how it looks, this is considered cosmetic and will not be covered.

  2. Acute vs. Chronic: PMI covers acute conditions (illnesses that are curable and short-term). It does not cover the management of chronic conditions (long-term illnesses that require ongoing management, like eczema or psoriasis). While a new, suspicious lesion is an acute issue, a long-standing chronic skin condition is not.

  3. No Cover for Pre-Existing Conditions: This is a fundamental rule of UK PMI. A standard policy will not cover you for any medical condition, symptom, or related issue that you had before your policy's start date. If you join a policy with a mole you've had for years and later want it checked, your insurer may decline the claim on the grounds that it's a pre-existing condition.

The Claims Process in Practice

Let's imagine you have a PMI policy and you discover a new, changing mole. Here’s how it would typically work:

  1. Visit Your GP: You see your GP, who agrees the mole looks suspicious and needs specialist assessment. They write you a referral letter.
  2. Contact Your Insurer: You call your insurer's claims line to get pre-authorisation. You'll provide details of your symptoms and your GP's referral.
  3. Authorisation: The insurer reviews the request. As a new, changing mole is a potential sign of an acute and serious condition (skin cancer), they will likely authorise an initial consultation with a dermatologist on their approved list.
  4. Specialist Consultation: You see the private dermatologist. They examine the mole and recommend an excisional biopsy for histology.
  5. Further Authorisation: You (or the consultant's office) go back to the insurer with the recommended procedure code. The insurer authorises the surgery and histology because it is a medically necessary diagnostic step.
  6. Procedure and Results: You have the mole removed. If the results are benign, your cover for this episode of care ends. If the results show cancer, your policy's cancer cover will be triggered to fund the necessary treatment.

Understanding your policy's terms and conditions is vital to avoid surprise bills. When it comes to skin, the exclusions are quite specific. As an expert PMI broker, WeCovr can help you decipher the small print of any policy before you buy, ensuring you understand exactly what is and isn't covered.

Here is a summary of common exclusions:

Exclusion TypeExplanationExample
Pre-existing ConditionsAny disease, illness or injury for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice before your policy started.You had a cyst on your back for 2 years before buying PMI. Deciding you want it removed now would not be covered.
Cosmetic TreatmentAny procedure whose primary purpose is to improve appearance rather than treat a medical condition.Having harmless skin tags removed from your neck because they bother you aesthetically.
Chronic ConditionsLong-term conditions that require ongoing monitoring or management.A claim for managing a life-long condition like psoriasis or eczema would be excluded.
Screening & PreventionRoutine check-ups or 'mole mapping' without any specific symptoms or GP referral for a suspicious lesion.Booking a full-body mole check "just in case" is generally not covered. Cover begins when a specific lesion causes concern.

Underwriting: A Key Factor for Pre-Existing Conditions

How an insurer treats pre-existing conditions depends on the type of underwriting on your policy:

  • Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. The insurer doesn't ask for your full medical history upfront. Instead, they apply a blanket exclusion for any condition you've had in a set period (usually the 5 years before joining). However, if you go for a set period after joining (usually 2 years) without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You declare your full medical history on an application form. The insurer assesses it and tells you upfront exactly what will be permanently excluded from your policy. This provides more certainty but may result in specific, named exclusions for things like 'all skin lesions on the back'.

What If My Lesion Is Cancerous? PMI and Cancer Cover

This is where private medical insurance UK truly shows its value. If a lesion is diagnosed as cancer, the comprehensive cancer cover included in most mid-range and top-tier PMI policies kicks in. This is often one of the main reasons people invest in private health cover.

Benefits of PMI for Cancer Treatment:

  • Speed: You can begin treatment, including surgery or drug therapies, almost immediately, bypassing any NHS waiting lists.
  • Full Pathway Cover: A good policy will cover the entire patient journey, from diagnosis through to surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and even follow-up consultations and monitoring.
  • Access to Advanced Treatments: PMI can provide access to the latest cancer drugs, targeted therapies, and treatments that may not yet be available on the NHS due to cost or NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approval delays.
  • Choice of Oncologist: You have the freedom to choose your cancer specialist and treatment centre from the insurer's approved list of hospitals.
  • Enhanced Support: Many policies include benefits like wigs, prostheses, home nursing, and mental health support to help you through your treatment.

Paying for Private Skin Lesion Removal Yourself (Self-Pay)

If you don't have private medical insurance or your policy won't cover the procedure (e.g., for cosmetic reasons), you can choose to pay for it yourself. This is known as 'self-pay' or 'self-funding'.

Most private hospitals offer fixed-price packages for common procedures, which provide clarity on costs. However, costs can vary significantly based on the consultant, the hospital's location, and the complexity of the procedure.

Here are some estimated costs for self-funding in the UK:

Service / ProcedureEstimated Private Cost (2025)Notes
Dermatology Consultation£200 – £350Initial assessment with a consultant.
Mole Removal (Excision)£500 – £1,500+Includes the procedure and follow-up to remove stitches.
Cyst or Lipoma Removal£600 – £2,000+Cost varies with size and location of the lesion.
Skin Tag Removal£300 – £600Often for multiple tags, using cryotherapy or cautery.
Histology (Lab Analysis)£150 – £300This is an additional cost on top of the removal fee.

Disclaimer: These are guide prices only. Always get a detailed, fixed-price quote from your chosen provider before proceeding.

How WeCovr Can Help You Find the Right PMI Policy

Navigating the private medical insurance market can be complex. Policies vary widely in their levels of cover, their underwriting terms, and their approach to specific conditions like skin lesions. This is where an independent PMI broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable.

  • We Are Experts: We live and breathe insurance. Our team can quickly demystify the jargon and help you understand the crucial differences between policies from providers like Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, and Vitality.
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  • Our Service is Free: We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so our expert advice and support costs you nothing.
  • We Add Extra Value: As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you stay on top of your health goals. You can also benefit from discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection insurance, when you purchase a policy through us.
  • We Have a Track Record: With high customer satisfaction ratings and a history of helping thousands of clients, we pride ourselves on providing clear, honest, and helpful guidance.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Skin

Prevention and early detection are your best tools for skin health.

  1. Be Sun Smart: Sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancer.
    • Use a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30+, with 4 or 5-star UVA protection) daily, even on cloudy days.
    • Seek shade between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is strongest.
    • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
  2. Check Your Skin Regularly: Get to know your skin. Check yourself from head to toe once a month, looking for any new moles or changes to existing ones. Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas like your back.
  3. Know Your ABCDEs: This simple acronym helps you spot the warning signs of melanoma:
    • Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other.
    • Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
    • Colour: The colour is not the same all over and may include shades of brown, black, pink, red, or white.
    • Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
    • Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour.
  4. Live a Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and not smoking all contribute to healthier skin.

Will my private health insurance cover mole removal in the UK?

Generally, your private medical insurance will only cover mole removal if it is deemed medically necessary by a consultant dermatologist. This means the mole has suspicious features (e.g., changing in size, shape, or colour) that require it to be removed and tested for cancer (histology). Purely cosmetic mole removal, where a harmless mole is removed for aesthetic reasons, is almost always excluded from standard PMI policies. The mole must also not be a pre-existing condition.

Do I need a GP referral for private skin lesion removal?

If you are using private medical insurance, you will almost certainly need a GP referral to see a specialist. Insurers require this to ensure the consultation is medically appropriate. If you are paying for the treatment yourself (self-funding), many private clinics and hospitals allow you to book an appointment directly with a dermatologist without a GP letter, though a referral is still good practice.

Is routine skin cancer screening or 'mole mapping' covered by PMI?

No, private medical insurance in the UK does not typically cover routine screening or preventative checks where there are no symptoms. 'Mole mapping' or a full-body check-up done "just in case" is considered preventative and is therefore excluded. Your PMI cover is designed to be triggered when you have a specific symptom or concern, such as a new or changing mole, which is then investigated by a specialist following a GP referral.

What is the difference between an acute and a chronic skin condition for my insurance?

An acute condition is a disease or illness that is short-lived and likely to respond quickly to treatment, leading to a full recovery. A newly discovered, suspicious skin lesion falls into this category. Private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be fully cured and requires ongoing management, such as eczema, psoriasis, or acne. Standard PMI policies do not cover the management of chronic conditions.

Ready to explore your options for private medical insurance? Let WeCovr provide you with a free, no-obligation comparison of the UK's leading providers. Our expert team will help you find a policy that offers peace of mind and excellent value.

Get your free, no-obligation PMI quote from WeCovr today.

Sources

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
  • HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
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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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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:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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