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Switching From Group to Individual PMI What You Must Know

Switching From Group to Individual PMI What You Must Know

Leaving your job shouldn't mean leaving your health cover behind. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we specialise in helping UK residents transition from employer-provided group schemes to individual private medical insurance, ensuring you maintain continuous, comprehensive protection.

Avoiding cover gaps and exclusion traps when leaving employer insurance

Losing the safety net of a company private medical insurance (PMI) scheme is a common concern when you change jobs, retire, or become self-employed. Many people mistakenly believe they will have to start from scratch, facing new exclusions for health conditions that were previously covered.

This is a huge risk. A simple switch, handled incorrectly, can leave you and your family exposed. However, with the right knowledge and expert guidance, you can move from a group policy to a personal one seamlessly, keeping your valuable cover intact. This guide explains everything you must know to navigate the switch, avoid the common pitfalls, and secure your long-term health and peace of mind.

Why You Might Be Switching from a Group PMI Scheme

Most people transition away from a group health insurance plan for one of a few key life events. Understanding your reason will help you plan your next steps effectively.

  • Changing Jobs: Your new employer may not offer private health cover, or their scheme might be less comprehensive than your old one.
  • Redundancy: If you've been made redundant, your health benefits will cease along with your employment, often after a short notice period.
  • Retirement: Retiring means leaving your company's group scheme behind. This is a time when personal health becomes an even greater priority, making continuous cover essential.
  • Starting Your Own Business: As a new business owner or freelancer, you become responsible for your own benefits package, including health insurance.
  • Turning 21 (or the scheme's age limit): Many group schemes cover employees' children up to a certain age, after which they must find their own policy.

Whatever the reason, the key is to act before your group cover ends.

Group vs. Individual PMI: The Critical Differences

At first glance, all private medical insurance might seem the same. However, there are fundamental differences between a group policy arranged by your employer and an individual policy you buy for yourself.

FeatureGroup PMI (Employer Scheme)Individual PMI (Personal Policy)
Who Pays?Usually paid for by the employer, though sometimes subsidised.Paid for entirely by you, the policyholder.
UnderwritingOften "Medical History Disregarded" (MHD).Usually "Full Medical Underwriting" or "Moratorium".
ControlThe employer chooses the insurer and cover level.You have full control to choose the insurer and tailor the cover.
CostThe cost is spread across a group, often making it cheaper per person.The premium is based on your personal circumstances (age, location, etc.).
FlexibilityLimited. The policy is one-size-fits-many.Highly flexible. You can add or remove options to suit your needs and budget.
ContinuityCover ends when you leave the company.The policy is yours and continues as long as you pay the premiums.

The most important difference to understand is underwriting. This single factor determines whether your past health issues will be covered on your new policy.

The Underwriting Trap: How Pre-existing Conditions Become Excluded

Underwriting is the process an insurer uses to assess your health and medical history to decide the terms of your policy. It's the gatekeeper of your cover.

A Critical Rule of UK Private Medical Insurance

Before we go further, it's vital to understand a core principle of private health cover in the UK. Standard policies are designed to cover acute conditions (illnesses that are short-term and curable, like a joint injury or cataracts) that arise after your policy begins.

They do not cover:

  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that can be managed but not cured, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness, injury, or symptom you have had before the start date of your new policy.

This is why the type of underwriting used when you switch is paramount.

Underwriting on Group Schemes: Medical History Disregarded (MHD)

Most large company schemes benefit from Medical History Disregarded (MHD) underwriting. This is the gold standard. It means the insurer agrees to cover eligible medical conditions, regardless of whether they existed before you joined the scheme. If you developed back pain or had a heart condition before joining your company, the group MHD plan would likely still cover your treatment for it.

Underwriting on New Individual Policies

When you apply for a new individual policy, you typically have two options:

  1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer will then permanently exclude any pre-existing conditions you declare. For example, if you mention a knee injury from five years ago, "all conditions related to the left knee" will be excluded from your cover forever.
  2. Moratorium (MORI): You don't complete a health questionnaire. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last five years. However, if you then go two full years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that specific condition, the insurer may agree to cover it in the future. It’s often called the "2-5-2" rule.

The Trap: If you leave your MHD group scheme and simply take out a new individual policy on either FMU or Moratorium terms, any health condition you previously had—and which was covered by your employer's plan—will now become a pre-existing condition and will be excluded.

Real-Life Example: Sarah's Story Sarah, 45, was on her company's MHD group plan for 10 years. During that time, she received private physiotherapy for recurring shoulder pain. When she left to start her own consultancy, she bought a new individual policy with moratorium underwriting. Six months later, her shoulder pain returned. When she tried to claim, the insurer declined it, stating it was a pre-existing condition. Had she switched correctly, the treatment would have been covered.

The Solution: Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME)

This is the most important piece of information for anyone leaving a group scheme. Continued Personal Medical Exclusions, or CPME, is a special type of underwriting that allows you to switch from a group scheme to an individual policy with the same insurer or a new insurer while keeping your existing underwriting terms.

It's also sometimes known as "protected underwriting," "no further underwriting," or "switch" terms.

In essence, with a CPME switch:

  • You do not have to declare your medical history again.
  • Any conditions that were covered under your old MHD group plan remain covered under your new individual plan.
  • You avoid the "exclusion trap" and maintain continuity of cover.

This is the only way to ensure that a health condition you've had in the past will continue to be covered when you go it alone.

How to Qualify for a CPME Switch

To be eligible for CPME, you generally need to meet a few key criteria. These can vary slightly between insurers, which is why expert advice is crucial.

  1. You must have been on a qualifying group scheme. Most UK-underwritten corporate PMI schemes are eligible.
  2. You must not have a gap in cover. You need to apply for your new individual policy before your old group policy ends. Most insurers allow a short grace period (e.g., 30-90 days), but it is safest to have zero gap.
  3. You must provide proof of your previous cover. You'll need your certificate of insurance from your old group scheme.

An experienced PMI broker, like WeCovr, can quickly tell you if your group scheme qualifies and which insurers offer the best CPME terms for your situation.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Switching Your PMI Seamlessly

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Step 1: Plan Ahead (Do Not Wait!)

The biggest mistake you can make is waiting until your last day of work to think about your health insurance. Start the process at least 4-6 weeks before your employment and group cover ends. This gives you ample time to get quotes, compare options, and complete the application without rushing.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Find your latest PMI documents from your employer. The key document is your certificate of insurance or a membership statement. This will contain:

  • Your name and the names of any dependants on the policy.
  • The name of the insurer (e.g., Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, Vitality).
  • Your policy or membership number.
  • The date your membership started.

Step 3: Contact an Independent PMI Broker

This is the most critical step. While you could go directly to your current insurer, you might be missing out on better or cheaper options elsewhere. An independent broker's job is to work for you, not the insurer.

A specialist broker like WeCovr can:

  • Instantly identify all insurers that offer CPME terms for your specific group scheme.
  • Compare the market on your behalf, saving you hours of research.
  • Explain the differences in cover between policies, not just the price.
  • Handle the application paperwork to ensure it's completed correctly for a CPME switch.
  • Provide this service at no cost to you. Brokers are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so their expertise is free.

Step 4: Compare Your Personalised Quotes

Your broker will present you with several options. Now you have the chance to build a policy that truly fits your life, rather than the generic one your employer chose. Consider:

  • Hospital List: Do you need access to prime central London hospitals, or is a more local network sufficient? Choosing a more limited list can significantly reduce your premium.
  • Out-patient Cover: Do you want full cover for specialist consultations and diagnostic tests, or are you happy with a limit (e.g., £1,000 per year)?
  • Excess Level: This is the amount you pay towards a claim. Choosing a higher excess (e.g., £250 or £500) will lower your monthly premium.
  • Additional Therapies: Do you want cover for physiotherapy, osteopathy, or other therapies?
  • Mental Health Cover: This is increasingly a vital component of PMI. Check the level of support offered.

Step 5: Finalise and Align Your Dates

Once you've chosen your policy, your broker will help you complete the final application. The most important part is to set the start date of your new individual policy to be the day after your old group policy ends. This ensures there is absolutely no gap in cover.

What if CPME Isn't an Option?

In some rare cases, you may not be eligible for a CPME switch. This could be because your previous scheme was with an overseas insurer, or you've left it too long and have a gap in cover.

If this happens, you must choose between Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) and Moratorium (MORI) underwriting.

FeatureFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)Moratorium Underwriting (MORI)
Initial ProcessYou complete a detailed health questionnaire.No health questions are asked upfront.
ExclusionsThe insurer gives you a clear list of permanent exclusions from day one.Automatic exclusion for any condition from the last 5 years.
ClarityVery clear. You know exactly what isn't covered.Can be uncertain. A claim may be needed to determine if a condition is pre-existing.
Cover for Past IssuesNo. Declared pre-existing conditions are excluded forever.Possibly. If you go 2 years without symptoms/treatment, the condition may become covered.
Best For...People with a very clean medical history who want certainty.People who don't want to fill out forms or have minor past issues they expect not to recur.

Choosing between these two requires careful thought. A broker can help you decide which path carries the least risk for your personal health profile.

Managing the Cost of Individual PMI

It's important to be realistic: an individual policy will almost certainly cost more than your share of a group scheme (which was often zero or heavily subsidised). Premiums are based on several factors:

  • Age: Premiums increase as you get older.
  • Location: Cover is typically more expensive in London and the South East due to higher hospital costs.
  • Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan with full out-patient cover and access to all hospitals will cost more than a basic one.
  • Excess: A higher excess leads to a lower premium.

While the cost may be higher, you are paying for a policy that is tailored to you and which you own and control, providing invaluable long-term security. With NHS waiting lists in England consistently numbering over 7.5 million, securing prompt access to private healthcare is a priority for many.

Unlocking Extra Value from Your New Policy

Switching to an individual plan often comes with a host of modern benefits designed to keep you healthy, not just treat you when you're ill.

  • Wellness and Rewards: Many top providers offer discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and healthy food, rewarding you for staying active.
  • Digital GP Services: Get 24/7 access to a GP via your smartphone for quick advice and prescriptions.
  • Mental Health Support: Access counselling sessions, mindfulness apps, and other mental wellbeing resources, often without needing a GP referral.
  • Exclusive WeCovr Benefits: When you arrange your policy through WeCovr, you also receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. Furthermore, our clients often receive discounts on other insurance products, such as life or income protection insurance.

How long do I have to switch to an individual policy to get CPME terms?

Generally, you must apply for your new individual policy before your group cover ends to ensure a seamless switch. Most insurers offer a grace period, typically between 30 and 90 days after your group scheme membership ceases, but relying on this is risky. To guarantee continuous cover and eligibility for Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME), you should aim to have your new policy in place the day after your old one finishes.

Will my premiums be much higher when I switch from group to individual PMI?

It is very likely that your premiums will be higher. Group schemes benefit from economies of scale and are often heavily subsidised by the employer. An individual policy's premium is calculated based on your personal factors, including your age, location, and the specific level of cover you choose. While the cost is higher, you gain full control over your policy, the ability to tailor it to your needs, and the security of knowing it's yours for as long as you need it.

What happens to my family members if they were covered on my group plan?

Your family members can also be moved from the group scheme to your new individual policy using the same CPME or "switch" terms, provided they were on the group plan with you. This is a crucial benefit, as it ensures their continuity of cover is also protected. You can choose to cover your partner and children on the new policy, and an expert broker can structure the plan to be as cost-effective as possible for your whole family.

Take Control of Your Health Cover Today

Leaving the security of an employer's health plan can be daunting, but it's also an opportunity to take control and secure a policy that's perfect for you and your family. The key is to understand the process, act swiftly, and avoid the underwriting traps that can leave you with unexpected exclusions.

The simplest, safest way to navigate this transition is with expert help.

Contact a WeCovr specialist today for a free, no-obligation chat. We'll help you compare the UK's leading insurers and find the best private medical insurance UK policy with continuous cover, at the right price.

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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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