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Sleep Apnoea in the UK

Sleep Apnoea in the UK 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

WeCovr's guide to sleep apnoea symptoms, testing, and private treatment

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the significant impact health conditions can have on your life. This guide explores sleep apnoea in the UK, a common yet serious condition, and explains how private medical insurance can help you access rapid diagnosis.

Sleep apnoea is more than just loud snoring. It's a debilitating condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times a night. This can starve your brain and body of oxygen, leading to serious health complications if left untreated.

In the UK, it's estimated that around 1.5 million adults suffer from moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the most common form, yet a staggering 85% remain undiagnosed. This guide will walk you through the symptoms, the journey to a diagnosis, and the treatment options available, both on the NHS and privately.

What Exactly Is Sleep Apnoea?

Imagine trying to breathe through a straw that keeps getting pinched shut. That's essentially what happens with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). Your throat muscles relax during sleep, causing the soft tissue in your throat to collapse and block your airway. Your brain senses the lack of oxygen and briefly wakes you up to reopen the airway, often with a loud gasp or snort. These episodes, called "apnoeas," can happen over and over, preventing you from ever reaching deep, restorative sleep.

While OSA is the most prevalent, there are two other types:

  1. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): The most common form, caused by a physical blockage of the airway.
  2. Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA): A less common type where the airway is not blocked, but the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
  3. Complex (or Mixed) Sleep Apnoea: A combination of both OSA and CSA.

This guide focuses primarily on OSA, as it affects the vast majority of people with the condition in the UK.

Recognising the Symptoms: More Than Just Snoring

The signs of sleep apnoea can be subtle and are often first noticed by a partner or family member. They can be divided into night-time and daytime symptoms.

Common Night-Time Symptoms:

  • Loud, persistent snoring
  • Pauses in breathing, followed by gasping or choking sounds
  • Waking up suddenly, feeling short of breath
  • Frequent trips to the toilet during the night (nocturia)
  • Restless sleep and tossing and turning

Common Daytime Symptoms:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (e.g., falling asleep at work, while watching TV, or even when driving)
  • Waking up with a headache
  • Difficulty concentrating and memory problems ("brain fog")
  • Irritability, mood swings, or depression
  • A dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

Real-Life Example: Meet Sarah Sarah, a 48-year-old teacher, felt constantly exhausted. She put it down to her busy job and getting older. Her husband mentioned her snoring had become incredibly loud and that she sometimes seemed to stop breathing for a few seconds. After nearly nodding off during a parent-teacher meeting, she finally spoke to her GP. A sleep study confirmed she had severe OSA, and starting treatment transformed her life, restoring her energy and focus.

SymptomWhat It Feels LikeWhy It Happens
Loud SnoringA disruptive noise that can disturb a partner's sleep.Air is being forced through a narrowed or blocked airway.
Gasping/ChokingWaking up suddenly, feeling like you can't breathe.Your brain's emergency response to a lack of oxygen.
Daytime FatigueA persistent feeling of exhaustion, no matter how long you sleep.Constant interruptions to sleep prevent your body from reaching deep, restorative stages.
Morning HeadachesA dull, throbbing headache when you wake up.Caused by low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels in the blood overnight.
Poor Concentration"Brain fog," difficulty focusing, or memory lapses.Sleep deprivation directly impacts cognitive function.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Sleep Apnoea?

While anyone can develop sleep apnoea, certain factors significantly increase your risk. Understanding these can be the first step towards seeking help.

  • Excess Weight: This is the single biggest risk factor. Excess fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing.
  • Age: The risk increases with age, particularly for those over 40, as muscle tone in the throat naturally decreases.
  • Gender: Men are two to three times more likely to have sleep apnoea than pre-menopausal women. The risk for women increases after menopause.
  • Neck Circumference: A larger neck size (over 17 inches for men, 16 for women) often indicates more soft tissue that can block the airway.
  • Genetics: A family history of sleep apnoea can increase your likelihood of developing it.
  • Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances relax the throat muscles, worsening airway collapse.
  • Smoking: Smoking can cause inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, narrowing it.
  • Nasal Congestion: Difficulty breathing through your nose due to allergies or anatomical issues makes you more likely to suffer from OSA.

The Hidden Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnoea

Ignoring the signs of sleep apnoea can have severe consequences for your long-term health and daily safety. The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels put immense strain on your cardiovascular system.

Untreated sleep apnoea is strongly linked to:

  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The strain on your heart can lead to persistently high blood pressure.
  • Heart Disease: Increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and irregular heartbeats.
  • Stroke: Individuals with OSA have a significantly higher risk of having a stroke.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnoea can interfere with the body's ability to use insulin effectively.
  • Mental Health Issues: The chronic fatigue and stress on the body can contribute to depression and anxiety.
  • Driving and Workplace Accidents: The risk of falling asleep at the wheel is up to seven times higher for people with untreated OSA. The DVLA must be informed if you have OSA that causes excessive sleepiness.

Getting a Diagnosis: The NHS vs. The Private Route

If you suspect you have sleep apnoea, the first step is to talk to a doctor. You have two main pathways to getting a diagnosis in the UK: the NHS or going private.

The NHS Pathway:

  1. GP Appointment: You'll discuss your symptoms with your GP, who may ask you to complete a questionnaire called the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.
  2. Referral: If your GP suspects sleep apnoea, they will refer you to a specialist NHS sleep clinic.
  3. Waiting List: Unfortunately, waiting times for sleep clinics can be lengthy, often taking many months. NHS data frequently shows long waits for diagnostics and consultant-led care.
  4. Sleep Study: You will eventually have a sleep study, usually an at-home test, to monitor your breathing overnight.
  5. Diagnosis & Treatment: A specialist will analyse the results and recommend treatment, which may involve another wait.

The Private Pathway:

  1. GP Referral or Self-Referral: You can ask your GP for a private referral or contact a private sleep clinic directly.
  2. Quick Consultation: You can typically see a private respiratory consultant or sleep specialist within days or a couple of weeks.
  3. Rapid Sleep Study: A private sleep study can be arranged almost immediately, often using more advanced home-testing equipment.
  4. Fast Results & Treatment Plan: Results are usually available within a week, allowing you to start treatment much faster.

Here’s a simple comparison:

FeatureNHS PathwayPrivate Pathway
SpeedCan take many months from GP visit to treatment.Can take as little as 1-2 weeks.
CostFree at the point of use.Self-funded or covered by private medical insurance.
ChoiceLimited choice of hospital and consultant.Full choice of specialist and clinic/hospital.
ConvenienceAppointments are scheduled for you.Appointments can be scheduled around your life.

How Private Medical Insurance Can Help with Diagnosis

This is where understanding private medical insurance UK becomes crucial. It’s important to be clear: sleep apnoea is a chronic condition. Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses that are short-term and curable—which arise after you take out your policy.

PMI will not typically cover the ongoing treatment of a chronic condition like sleep apnoea, especially if it's pre-existing.

However, PMI can be invaluable for the diagnostic stage. If you develop symptoms of excessive tiredness and snoring after your policy has started, your insurance can cover:

  • Specialist Consultations: Fast access to a private consultant to assess your symptoms.
  • Diagnostic Tests: The full cost of a private sleep study (polysomnography) to get a swift, definitive diagnosis.

By covering the upfront diagnostic costs, private health cover can help you bypass long NHS waiting lists and get an answer in weeks, not months. Once diagnosed, the ongoing treatment (like a CPAP machine) would usually revert to the NHS or be self-funded. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these details to find the best policy for your needs.

Private Sleep Apnoea Testing Explained

A sleep study, or polysomnography (PSG), is the only definitive way to diagnose sleep apnoea. It measures key biological functions while you sleep.

In-Lab vs. At-Home Sleep Studies:

  • In-Lab PSG: This is the 'gold standard'. You sleep overnight in a specialist clinic or hospital, connected to equipment that monitors brain waves, eye movement, heart rate, breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels. It provides the most comprehensive data.
  • At-Home Sleep Testing (HST): This is the more common and convenient option for suspected OSA. You are given a portable kit to use in your own bed. It typically tracks your breathing, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. While less detailed than an in-lab study, it is highly effective for diagnosing most cases of OSA.

Private clinics offer a streamlined process, often posting the kit directly to your home with clear instructions.

Private Diagnostic ServiceTypical Cost (Self-Funded)What's Included
Consultation Only£200 - £350Initial assessment with a respiratory or sleep consultant.
At-Home Sleep Study Package£350 - £700Includes the testing kit, data analysis, and a follow-up consultation to discuss results.
In-Lab Polysomnography£1,200 - £2,500Overnight stay in a private hospital with full monitoring by a technician.

Note: These costs are estimates and can be covered by a comprehensive private medical insurance policy if the symptoms arose after the policy start date.

Effective Treatments for Sleep Apnoea

A diagnosis is the first step. The good news is that sleep apnoea is a highly treatable condition. Treatment can dramatically improve your quality of life and reduce your health risks.

1. Lifestyle Adjustments For mild cases, lifestyle changes can be enough to resolve the issue. For moderate to severe cases, they are a vital part of the overall treatment plan.

  • Weight Loss: Losing even 10% of your body weight can significantly reduce the severity of OSA, or even cure it in some cases.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity helps with weight management and improves muscle tone, including in the throat.
  • Reduce Alcohol: Avoid alcohol, especially in the hours before bed, as it relaxes throat muscles.
  • Quit Smoking: This will reduce inflammation and improve your overall respiratory health.
  • Change Sleep Position: Sleeping on your side rather than your back can help keep the airway open.

WeCovr Health Tip: As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a fantastic tool to support your weight management goals as part of your sleep apnoea treatment plan.

2. CPAP Therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) CPAP is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA. It involves wearing a mask over your nose and/or mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected by a hose to a small machine that gently pumps pressurised air into your airway, creating a "splint" that keeps it open.

While it can take some getting used to, modern CPAP machines are quiet and the masks are much more comfortable than older models. The impact can be life-changing, with many users reporting feeling more alert and energetic after just one night of use.

3. Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) For mild to moderate OSA, a custom-fitted oral appliance, similar to a mouthguard, can be an effective alternative to CPAP. A MAD works by gently pushing your lower jaw and tongue forward, which helps to keep the airway open. These must be fitted by a dentist or orthodontist with specialist training.

4. Surgical Options Surgery is usually a last resort, reserved for people with specific anatomical issues (like very large tonsils) who haven't responded to other treatments. Procedures aim to remove or stiffen excess tissue in the throat.

Living Well and Long-Term Management

Managing sleep apnoea is a lifelong commitment, but one that pays huge dividends in your health and wellbeing.

  • Consistency is Key: Use your CPAP machine every single night, including when you nap or travel.
  • Travel with Confidence: Modern CPAP machines are portable and approved for air travel. Always carry your machine as hand luggage and bring a letter from your doctor.
  • Seek Support: Connect with others through organisations like the Sleep Apnoea Trust Association (SATA) in the UK. Sharing experiences can be incredibly helpful.
  • Regular Follow-ups: Stay in touch with your sleep specialist to ensure your treatment remains effective, especially if you experience significant weight changes.

As a WeCovr customer who takes out private medical or life insurance, you may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect your health and finances comprehensively. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to providing expert, friendly advice every step of the way.

Will my private medical insurance pay for a CPAP machine?

Generally, no. Private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK is for acute conditions. Since sleep apnoea is a chronic (long-term) condition, the ongoing treatment, including the provision of a CPAP machine and supplies, is typically excluded from cover. However, PMI can be very valuable in covering the cost of the initial consultation and diagnostic tests (like a sleep study) that lead to the diagnosis, allowing you to bypass long NHS waits.

Do I have to tell the DVLA if I'm diagnosed with sleep apnoea?

Yes, you are legally required to inform the DVLA if you have obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome that causes excessive sleepiness. Driving while tired is extremely dangerous. Once your condition is being effectively treated and your sleepiness is under control, you are usually allowed to continue driving. Your doctor can provide guidance on this.

Can I get private health cover if I already have sleep apnoea?

Yes, you can still get private health cover, but the sleep apnoea will be classed as a pre-existing condition. This means any consultations, tests, or treatments related to it will be excluded from your policy. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you understand the underwriting options, such as moratorium or full medical underwriting, to find a policy that provides cover for new, unrelated acute conditions that may arise in the future.

Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind

Navigating health concerns and the world of insurance can be complex. At WeCovr, our friendly, expert advisors are here to make it simple. We compare policies from the UK’s leading insurers to find the right private medical insurance for your needs and budget, all at no cost to you.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and take control of your health journey.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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