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Sustainable Healthcare and PMI Going Green in 2026

Sustainable Healthcare and PMI Going Green in 2026 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr tracks the most important shifts in private medical insurance. In the UK, a significant trend is sustainability, with providers and patients alike focusing on eco-conscious healthcare for a healthier planet and population.

The world is changing, and so is our approach to health. It's no longer just about treating illness; it's about fostering wellbeing in a way that protects our environment for future generations. This global shift towards sustainability is now making significant waves in the UK's private medical insurance (PMI) market.

In 2026, "going green" for a PMI provider is more than a marketing slogan. It represents a fundamental change in how they operate, the partners they choose, and the benefits they offer to you, the policyholder. These eco-conscious trends are reshaping policies to be smarter, more efficient, and better for both personal and planetary health.

Why is Healthcare's Carbon Footprint a Major Concern?

To understand why PMI providers are going green, we must first look at the bigger picture. The healthcare sector, while dedicated to preserving life, has a substantial environmental impact.

The NHS, a global leader in recognising this issue, has set an ambitious target to become the world's first net-zero national health service. According to its "Delivering a 'Net Zero' National Health Service" report, the NHS is responsible for an estimated 4-5% of England's total carbon footprint. This footprint comes from various sources:

  • Building Energy: Heating, cooling, and lighting vast hospital estates.
  • Travel: Patient, staff, and supplier journeys to and from facilities.
  • Procurement: The manufacture and transport of medicines, medical equipment, and food. Anesthetics and inhalers, in particular, have a high carbon impact.
  • Waste: Single-use plastics, clinical waste, and general refuse.

The private healthcare sector, which works in tandem with the NHS, shares these challenges. Every private consultation, procedure, and hospital stay contributes to this environmental toll. Recognising this, the entire UK healthcare industry is now under pressure to adopt more sustainable practices.

How Are UK PMI Providers Embracing Sustainability?

Private health insurers are in a unique position to drive change. They can influence the behaviour of both patients and hospital networks. Here are the key ways the best PMI providers are integrating sustainability into their services in 2026.

1. The Digital-First Revolution: Less Paper, Less Travel

One of the most visible green shifts is the move away from paper and physical appointments where appropriate.

  • Virtual GP Services (Telemedicine): Nearly every major PMI policy now includes a 24/7 digital GP service. Instead of driving to a clinic for a minor issue, you can have a video consultation from home. This drastically cuts down on travel-related emissions for millions of appointments each year.
  • Digital Policy Management: Insurers are encouraging customers to go paperless. Policy documents, claims processing, and communications are now handled through secure online portals and mobile apps. This saves thousands of trees and reduces the carbon footprint associated with mail delivery.
  • Remote Monitoring: For certain conditions, wearable tech and remote monitoring devices allow specialists to track your health without requiring frequent hospital visits.

2. Promoting Preventive Health and Wellbeing

The most sustainable form of healthcare is preventing illness from occurring in the first place. A healthier population places less demand on resource-intensive medical services.

Insurers are leading this charge by transforming from simple payers of claims into proactive health and wellbeing partners.

Wellbeing InitiativeHow It WorksSustainable Impact
Gym & Fitness DiscountsProviders like Vitality and Aviva offer reduced-price gym memberships or rewards for staying active.Encourages physical fitness, reducing the risk of conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Mental Health SupportAccess to counselling apps, therapy sessions, and mindfulness resources is now a standard feature.Proactive mental health care can prevent crises, reducing the need for intensive psychiatric treatment.
Nutrition & Diet SupportMany insurers provide access to nutritionists and healthy eating guides.A balanced diet is fundamental to preventing a wide range of chronic illnesses.
Wellness AppsDigital tools to track activity, sleep, and diet are often included.Empowers users to take control of their health daily, fostering long-term healthy habits.

At WeCovr, we enhance this further. When you arrange a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, you gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to support your health goals. We believe that empowering you with the right tools is a key part of modern, sustainable health cover.

3. Partnering with Greener Hospital Networks

Insurers are increasingly using their commercial influence to encourage private hospitals to adopt more sustainable practices. When selecting hospitals for their approved networks, they now consider environmental credentials alongside clinical excellence.

What makes a hospital "green"?

  • Energy Efficiency: Using LED lighting, modern insulation, and on-site renewable energy sources like solar panels.
  • Water Conservation: Installing water-saving fixtures and recycling greywater.
  • Waste Management: Implementing robust recycling programmes, reducing single-use plastics, and safely managing clinical waste.
  • Sustainable Procurement: Sourcing food locally, choosing medical equipment with a lower environmental impact, and working with suppliers who share their green values.
  • Green Spaces: Creating gardens and outdoor areas for patient recovery and staff wellbeing, which also promotes biodiversity.

By favouring hospitals that invest in these areas, insurers create a powerful financial incentive for the entire private healthcare sector to become more sustainable.

4. Ethical Investments and Corporate Responsibility

Private medical insurance providers are major financial institutions, managing vast sums of money through investments. A growing trend is the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in their investment strategies.

This means they are actively choosing to:

  • Invest in companies that are developing green technologies or have strong sustainability records.
  • Divest from industries with a heavy negative impact, such as fossil fuels or tobacco.
  • Engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, such as community health initiatives, charity partnerships, and employee volunteering schemes.

When you choose an insurer with a strong ESG policy, your premiums are helping to fund a more sustainable economy.

The Patient's Role: How Your Choices Can Drive Change

As a consumer, you have more power than you think. Your choices send a clear signal to the market about what you value.

  1. Choose a "Green" Insurer: When comparing private health cover, look beyond just the price and core benefits. Ask about the provider's sustainability policies. Do they have a net-zero target? Do they report on their ESG performance?
  2. Embrace Digital: Opt for paperless documents and use the virtual GP service for initial consultations. It's often faster, more convenient, and always better for the planet.
  3. Engage with Wellness Programmes: Take advantage of the gym discounts, health apps, and mental health support included in your policy. By investing in your own health, you are contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system.
  4. Ask Questions: If you need treatment, ask your insurer or hospital about their environmental practices. Your interest helps reinforce the importance of this issue.

Navigating these new, green features can be complex. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare policies not just on price, but on their commitment to sustainability, ensuring your choice aligns with your personal values.

What to Look for in an Eco-Friendly Private Health Insurance Policy

When you're ready to find the right policy, here's a checklist to help you identify a truly "green" option.

Feature to CheckWhy It Matters for SustainabilityWhat to Look For
Digital-First ServicesReduces paper use and travel emissions.A high-quality 24/7 virtual GP service, a user-friendly app, and online claims portal.
Comprehensive Wellbeing ProgrammePromotes preventive health, reducing the need for resource-intensive treatments.Meaningful rewards for healthy living, gym discounts, and extensive mental health support.
Transparent ESG PolicyShows the insurer is committed to ethical investments and corporate responsibility.A publicly available sustainability or ESG report on the insurer's website.
Green Hospital NetworkEnsures your treatment takes place in facilities that prioritise sustainability.Ask the insurer if they vet hospitals on their environmental performance.
Flexible Treatment OptionsAllows for more sustainable choices, like 'hospital at home' services.Policies that cover remote monitoring or care delivered outside a traditional hospital setting.

The Critical Point: What UK Private Medical Insurance Does and Doesn't Cover

It is essential to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK. This knowledge ensures you have the correct expectations for your cover, whether it's a green policy or a traditional one.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • An Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements (e.g., hip, knee), cataract surgery, hernia repair, and treatment for infections.
  • A Pre-existing Condition: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, received advice for, or were treated for before your policy started. Standard PMI policies exclude these.
  • A Chronic Condition: An illness that cannot be cured but can be managed with ongoing treatment and support. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. PMI does not cover the long-term management of chronic conditions.

While PMI won't cover the day-to-day management of your diabetes, it would cover an acute, eligible condition that arises after you join, even if you happen to have diabetes. The distinction is crucial. Your policy is there for new, curable health problems, providing fast access to diagnosis and private treatment.

The Future Outlook: What's Next for Green PMI in the UK?

The move towards sustainable healthcare is only just beginning. Looking ahead to 2027 and beyond, we can expect to see even more innovation:

  • Carbon Offsetting: Insurers may offer options to "offset" the carbon footprint of a specific medical procedure, with funds going towards certified environmental projects.
  • Greater Transparency: Expect to see "eco-labels" or sustainability ratings for different policies and hospital networks, making it easier for consumers to compare.
  • Circular Economy Principles: A greater focus on repairing, refurbishing, and recycling medical equipment rather than disposing of it.
  • Personalised Prevention: Using AI and genetic data (with your consent) to provide hyper-personalised wellbeing advice, preventing illness more effectively than ever before.
  • Bundled Insurance Discounts: At WeCovr, we're already ahead of the curve. We can offer discounts on other insurance products, like income protection or life insurance, when you purchase a PMI policy, creating a holistic and cost-effective approach to your wellbeing.

The future of private medical insurance UK is not just about paying for treatment; it's about building a healthier, more resilient, and sustainable society for everyone.


Does choosing an eco-friendly PMI policy cost more?

Not necessarily. In fact, many sustainable practices lead to greater efficiency and can lower costs for the insurer in the long run. For example, virtual GP services reduce the overheads associated with physical clinics, and preventive health programmes reduce the number of expensive claims. The price of your premium is primarily based on your age, location, medical history, and level of cover, not the insurer's green credentials. An expert broker can help you find a policy that is both affordable and sustainable.

How can I check if a hospital is eco-friendly?

This can be tricky for an individual to research, which is why the role of the insurer is so important. You can start by checking the website of the private hospital group (e.g., Nuffield Health, Spire Healthcare, HCA) as they often publish annual sustainability reports. However, the most effective way is to choose an insurer that actively vets its hospital network on environmental criteria. When speaking to a PMI broker like WeCovr, you can ask which insurers place a strong emphasis on a green hospital network.

What is the difference between an acute and a chronic condition for PMI?

This is the most important distinction in UK private medical insurance. An acute condition is a medical issue that is short-lived and expected to be resolved with treatment, such as a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract. PMI is designed to cover these. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed, such as diabetes, asthma, or Crohn's disease. Standard PMI does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions, as this would make premiums unaffordable for everyone.

Choosing the right private medical insurance is a significant decision. In 2026, aligning that choice with your values for a sustainable future is more possible than ever. The market is complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will help you compare the best PMI providers in the UK, finding a policy that protects your health, your finances, and the planet.


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Any questions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.