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Sports Injuries and Athletic Cover Best PMI for Active People

Sports Injuries and Athletic Cover Best PMI for Active...

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged, WeCovr understands the nuances of private medical insurance in the UK. This guide explores the critical, yet often misunderstood, area of sports injury cover, helping you find a policy that keeps pace with your active life.

PMI for amateurs, professionals, and sports enthusiasts, and the exclusion minefield

For anyone leading an active life in the UK, from the weekend park-runner to the semi-professional footballer, the risk of a sports-related injury is an unfortunate reality. While the NHS provides incredible care, waiting times for diagnostics and non-urgent treatment can be lengthy. According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was around 14.5 weeks as of mid-2024. For an athlete, this delay can mean the end of a season or a significant setback in their fitness journey.

This is where private medical insurance (PMI) steps in. PMI is designed to cover the costs of private healthcare for acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are short-term and likely to respond quickly to treatment. It offers a fast-track route to diagnosis, specialist consultations, and treatment.

However, here we encounter the exclusion minefield. Standard private health cover is not automatically a golden ticket for sports injury treatment. Insurers are businesses that manage risk, and they often view sporting activities, especially those with a higher chance of injury, as a significant risk.

Crucial Point: It is vital to understand that standard UK PMI policies are designed for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. They do not cover chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like asthma or diabetes) or pre-existing conditions (any ailment you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, in the years before taking out the policy).

Most basic PMI policies will either:

  1. Exclude all sports-related injuries.
  2. Exclude specific "hazardous" sports.
  3. Exclude injuries sustained while playing sports professionally or semi-professionally.

Failing to understand these exclusions can lead to a rejected claim and a hefty private medical bill, just when you need support the most.

Understanding Sports Injury Cover: What's Typically Included?

When you have the right level of cover, either through a comprehensive policy or a specific sports injury add-on, the benefits are significant. It's about getting you diagnosed, treated, and back to your sport as quickly and safely as possible.

A good sports injury package will typically provide access to:

  • Rapid Diagnostics: Quick access to MRI, CT, and PET scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds to accurately identify the injury. This can happen in days, not weeks or months.
  • Specialist Consultations: Fast-tracked appointments with leading orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine consultants, and other specialists.
  • Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: A course of treatment with a physiotherapist, osteopath, or chiropractor to aid recovery. Policies usually specify a limit on the number of sessions or a total monetary value for therapies.
  • Surgical Procedures: Cover for operations, from common procedures like ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction to repairing torn cartilage or setting fractures.
  • Hospital Stays: Costs for a private room in a hospital for inpatient treatment.
  • Outpatient Care: Cover for tests and consultations that don't require a hospital stay.

Here is a breakdown of what a dedicated sports cover plan might include:

FeatureDescriptionExample of Use
Initial DiagnosticsAccess to scans (MRI, X-ray) to quickly determine the extent of an injury.A runner with persistent knee pain gets an MRI within a week to check for a meniscal tear.
Specialist FeesCovers the cost of seeing a consultant surgeon or sports doctor.A tennis player with a shoulder injury sees a top orthopaedic surgeon for a diagnosis.
Inpatient SurgeryCovers the cost of the operation, anaesthetist, and hospital stay.A footballer undergoes private surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Outpatient TherapiesCovers a set number of physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic sessions.A cyclist receives 10 sessions of physiotherapy to recover from lower back strain.
Mental Health SupportSome comprehensive plans include support for the psychological impact of a long-term injury.An injured athlete gets access to counselling to cope with being unable to compete.

The Great Divide: Amateur vs. Professional Sports Cover

Insurers draw a very clear line between participating in sport for fun and earning an income from it. This distinction is one of the most important factors in determining your cover.

Cover for the Amateur Athlete

An "amateur" is generally defined as someone who plays a sport for leisure and does not receive any payment for participating. This covers the vast majority of active people in the UK.

  • Low-Risk Sports: If you stick to activities like running, swimming, gym workouts, or golf, a standard PMI policy may cover you without any special additions. However, you must always check the policy wording.
  • Medium-to-High-Risk Sports: For sports like football, rugby, hockey, skiing, or martial arts, you will likely need a specific "sports cover" add-on. Without it, any claim for an injury sustained during these activities will almost certainly be rejected.

The Problem with "Professional" Status

From an insurer's perspective, a professional athlete is anyone who earns a wage, prize money, or sponsorship from their sport.

Standard private medical insurance policies universally exclude injuries sustained while playing sports on a professional basis.

Why? Because for a professional athlete, injury is considered an occupational hazard, much like a builder falling from scaffolding. The risk is too high and too predictable for a standard insurance model. Professional sportspeople require highly specialised insurance, which is often arranged through their club, governing body, or a specialist broker.

The Grey Area: Semi-Professionals

This category is tricky. A semi-professional might have a full-time job but receive a small, regular payment for playing for a local football or rugby club.

Rule of thumb: If you receive any payment for playing, you must declare it.

Insurers will assess this on a case-by-case basis. Some may treat you as a professional and decline cover for that specific sport. Others might offer cover with a higher premium or specific exclusions. Full transparency during your application is non-negotiable. Hiding your semi-pro status is considered non-disclosure and will invalidate your policy.

The "Hazardous" Sports Exclusion List: Are You Covered?

Every insurer has its own list of sports and activities that it considers "standard," "risky," or "hazardous." This list is the backbone of their underwriting and is crucial for you to review before purchasing a policy. While the specifics vary, the general categories are consistent.

Risk LevelSports ExamplesTypical PMI Coverage
Low RiskAthletics (track), Badminton, Bowls, Cricket, Cycling (non-racing), Gym workouts, Golf, Running, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball.Often covered under a standard PMI policy, but always check the policy wording.
Medium RiskFootball, Hockey, Horse Riding (excluding jumping/racing), Lacrosse, Netball, Rugby, Skiing/Snowboarding (on-piste), Squash, Water-skiing.Usually requires a specific "sports cover" or "therapies" add-on. Standard policies will likely exclude these.
High Risk / HazardousBoxing, Caving, Hang-gliding, Martial Arts (full contact), Microlighting, Motorsports (any kind), Mountaineering, Parachuting, Pot-holing, Professional Sports.Almost always excluded from standard PMI and even most sports add-ons. Requires highly specialist insurance.

Top Tip: Never assume your sport is covered. If your activity isn't explicitly mentioned as being covered, assume it is excluded. The best course of action is to speak with an expert broker, like WeCovr, who can check the intricate policy details of multiple insurers to find one that matches your specific activities.

How to Find the Best PMI for Your Active Lifestyle

Finding the right policy is a methodical process. Rushing in and buying the cheapest plan is a false economy if it doesn't cover you when you need it most.

Step 1: Assess Your Activities and Needs

Be honest and thorough. Ask yourself:

  • What sports do I participate in?
  • How often do I play?
  • Is it purely for leisure, or do I receive any form of payment?
  • Have I had any sports-related injuries in the past? (This could be classed as a pre-existing condition).

Step 2: Understand the "Add-On" Model

Many of the UK's leading insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality, operate on a core product + optional add-ons model. This allows you to tailor your cover. For active people, the key add-on is often called "Therapies Cover" or similar. This extends your policy to include a set number of sessions for treatments like physiotherapy, which are essential for sports injury recovery. Some insurers bundle full sports injury diagnosis and treatment into a more comprehensive package.

Step 3: Compare Leading UK PMI Providers

While a broker provides the most comprehensive market view, it's helpful to understand the general offerings of major providers.

ProviderSports Cover ApproachKey Features for Active People
AXA HealthOffers a comprehensive "Therapies" option. Cover for sports injuries depends on the level chosen and the sport itself.Strong focus on prompt diagnosis and access to a wide network of specialists. Guided option can be cost-effective.
BupaThe "Bupa Care" policy can be enhanced with therapies cover. Professional sports are excluded.Well-regarded for extensive hospital lists and a strong clinical background.
VitalityFamous for its "Active Rewards" programme. Sports cover is integrated, but hazardous sports are excluded.Incentivises healthy living with rewards like gym discounts and cinema tickets, which appeals to active individuals.
AvivaThe "Healthier Solutions" policy has options to add therapies. Their "Expert Select" hospital list can reduce premiums.Often competitive on price and offers good digital tools, including the Aviva DigiCare+ app.
The ExeterKnown for its community-rated pricing and flexible underwriting. Therapies cover is an essential add-on for sports.A friendly society with a strong customer service reputation, often praised on independent review sites.

Step 4: Use a Specialist Broker

Navigating the different definitions of "hazardous," the limits on therapy sessions, and the impact of your sporting status is complex. This is where an independent broker is invaluable.

An expert broker like WeCovr works for you, not the insurer. We can:

  • Assess your unique needs based on the sports you play.
  • Compare policies from across the market, including providers not listed above.
  • Highlight the critical differences in policy wording that could affect a future claim.
  • Find the most suitable and cost-effective cover, all at no extra cost to you.

Our advisers understand the exclusion minefield and can guide you to a policy that offers genuine peace of mind.

Real-Life Scenarios: How Sports Injury Cover Works in Practice

Let's look at how having the right cover can make all the difference.

Scenario 1: The Amateur Footballer

  • The Person: Chloe, 30, plays in a 5-a-side league once a week.
  • The Injury: During a match, she twists awkwardly and feels a "pop" in her knee. Her GP suspects an ACL tear and refers her for an NHS MRI scan, with an estimated wait of 8-10 weeks.
  • The Outcome with the Right PMI: Chloe's policy includes a sports injury add-on. She calls her insurer, gets a private MRI scan authorised for the following week, and is diagnosed with a complete ACL rupture. Two weeks later, she has reconstructive surgery with a top knee surgeon. Her rehabilitation starts immediately. Total time from injury to surgery: under one month.
  • The Outcome without the Right PMI: Chloe's basic policy excludes football. Her claim is rejected. She remains on the NHS waiting list, unable to work or exercise effectively, for several months.

Scenario 2: The Annual Skier

  • The Person: Mark, 45, goes on a one-week ski trip to France each year.
  • The Injury: He has a bad fall on the slopes and injures his shoulder. His travel insurance covers the emergency medical care in France, including getting him home.
  • The Problem: Back in the UK, he needs follow-up treatment. He discovers his standard PMI policy explicitly excludes winter sports. He has to rely on the NHS for his follow-up MRI and potential surgery, facing significant delays. He should have checked his policy or sought a plan that included winter sports cover before his trip.

Beyond Insurance: A Holistic Approach to Staying Active and Injury-Free

The best way to deal with a sports injury is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Modern health insurance is increasingly about wellness, not just illness.

  • Prevention and Preparation: Always warm up properly before exercise and cool down afterwards. Incorporate strength and conditioning work into your routine to build resilience against injury.
  • Nutrition is Key: A balanced diet rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is vital for performance and recovery. As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI app, a powerful tool to help you track your nutrition and stay on top of your health goals.
  • Rest and Recovery: Sleep is when your body repairs itself. According to the ONS, adults who report getting poor sleep are more likely to also report poor health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
  • Leverage Wellness Benefits: Many top-tier PMI providers now offer wellness programmes. Vitality, for example, rewards you with points for tracking your activity, which can be exchanged for discounts and freebies. This creates a positive feedback loop, encouraging you to stay healthy.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: At WeCovr, we believe in holistic protection. That's why customers who take out a private medical or life insurance policy with us can benefit from discounts on other types of cover, like home or travel insurance.

Understanding Costs and Policy Options

The price of your PMI policy depends on several factors:

  • Age and Health: Premiums are lower for younger individuals.
  • Location: Private healthcare costs are higher in London and the South East, so premiums are too.
  • Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan with full outpatient cover and no excess will cost more.
  • Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will significantly reduce your monthly premium.
  • Underwriting:
    • Moratorium: The insurer automatically excludes conditions you've had in the last 5 years. If you remain symptom-free for 2 continuous years after your policy starts, they may add cover for that condition.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide a full medical history. It's more work upfront but provides absolute clarity on what is and isn't covered from day one.

Here is an illustrative table of potential monthly costs for a non-smoker with a £250 excess, including a mid-range therapies add-on. These are estimates only.

Age BracketLocation: ManchesterLocation: London
30-39£55 - £75£70 - £90
40-49£70 - £95£85 - £115
50-59£90 - £130£110 - £160

Your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances and the insurer you choose.


Do I need to declare my sporting activities when applying for PMI?

Yes, absolutely. You must provide full and accurate information about all your sporting activities, including the type of sport, the level you play at (amateur, semi-pro, professional), and how frequently you participate. Failure to disclose this information could lead to your policy being cancelled or a claim being rejected. Honesty is the best policy.

What's the difference between sports injury cover on PMI and travel insurance for a ski trip?

They serve two different purposes. Travel insurance with winter sports cover is designed to cover emergency medical expenses incurred *abroad*, including mountain rescue and repatriation to the UK if necessary. Private medical insurance with sports cover is for the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of that injury *once you are back in the UK*. You generally need both for comprehensive protection on an active holiday.

Will my premium go up if I claim for a sports injury?

It might. Most UK private medical insurance policies include a No-Claims Discount (NCD), similar to car insurance. If you make a claim, you are likely to see your NCD reduced at your next renewal, which will increase your premium. However, this increase is often far less than the cost of paying for private treatment out-of-pocket.

Is physiotherapy covered for sports injuries?

Generally, yes, but it is almost always part of an optional "therapies" add-on, not a standard policy. This add-on will cover a set number of sessions (e.g., up to 10 per year) or up to a certain monetary value (e.g., £500). For anyone active, ensuring your policy includes robust cover for physiotherapy is essential for a full and fast recovery.

Stay Protected On and Off the Field

Choosing the right private medical insurance is a crucial part of a healthy, active lifestyle. It's not just about getting treatment; it's about getting the right treatment at the right time to get you back to doing what you love. Don't let the exclusion minefield catch you out.

Ready to find the right private medical insurance for your active lifestyle? The expert team at WeCovr, highly-rated by customers on independent review sites, can help you navigate the market, compare policies from leading UK insurers, and find the perfect cover at no extra cost to you.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being properly protected.


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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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