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Switching Health Insurance in Your 50s A Step-by-Step Guide

Switching your UK private medical insurance in your 50s can save you thousands without losing cover for existing conditions. Our expert guide, from the experienced team at WeCovr, shows you how to use a 'CPME' switch to move providers seamlessly.

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Mar 17, 2026

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Switching Health Insurance in Your 50s A Step-by-Step Guide

TL;DR

Switching your UK private medical insurance in your 50s can save you thousands without losing cover for existing conditions. Our expert guide, from the experienced team at WeCovr, shows you how to use a 'CPME' switch to move providers seamlessly.

Key takeaways

  • Premiums rise in your 50s due to age-related risk and medical inflation, not necessarily because of your personal claims history.
  • You can switch insurers without resetting your medical history by using a 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME) underwriting.
  • CPME transfers your current exclusions to a new policy, ensuring you don't lose cover for conditions that have already been treated.
  • Never cancel your old policy until your new one is fully in place to avoid a gap in cover, which can jeopardise a CPME switch.
  • Using a specialist broker like WeCovr is the safest way to navigate the market and ensure your switch is handled correctly.

Entering your 50s often brings a renewed focus on health. It's also the decade when many of us see our private medical insurance (PMI) premiums begin to climb steeply. At WeCovr, where our experienced team has helped arrange cover for over 900,000 individuals and families across the UK, we hear a common concern: "My premium has shot up, but I'm afraid to switch in case I lose cover for my existing conditions."

The good news is that you don't have to be trapped. It is entirely possible to switch providers, secure a more competitive premium, and—crucially—maintain the cover you've built up over the years. This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step.

How to move providers to save money without resetting exclusions

The secret to switching health insurance successfully in your 50s lies in understanding a single, vital concept: underwriting.

Underwriting is how an insurer assesses your health risk and decides what it will and will not cover. When you first take out a policy, this is usually done in one of two ways:

  1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire, and the insurer lists specific conditions that will be excluded from your cover from day one.
  2. Moratorium (Mori): You don't declare your full history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last five years. These exclusions can be lifted if you go two full years on the policy without any issues related to that condition.

The problem? If you switch to a new provider on a new Moratorium or FMU basis, your medical history is completely reset. Any condition you've claimed for or developed on your old policy will now be classed as "pre-existing" and will be excluded by your new insurer.

This is where the solution comes in: Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME).

A CPME switch is specifically designed for people moving from one UK PMI policy to another. It allows the new insurer to take on your policy on the exact same underwriting terms as your old one. Your existing exclusions are simply carried over, and any new conditions that arose while you were covered by your old policy remain covered by the new one.

In simple terms, a CPME switch freezes your medical underwriting history at the point you joined your original insurer, allowing you to shop around for a better price without being penalised for your health history.

Why Do Health Insurance Premiums Increase So Much in Your 50s?

If you've received a renewal notice that made your eyes water, you're not alone. The price hikes are not arbitrary; they are driven by a combination of predictable factors. Understanding them is the first step to taking control.

  • Age-Related Risk: This is the biggest driver. Insurers group customers into age bands. As you move into a new band (e.g., from 45-49 to 50-54), the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases, and so does the base cost of your premium. Your 50s and 60s are when these increases become most noticeable.
  • Medical Inflation: The cost of private medical treatment, new drugs, and advanced diagnostic technology rises much faster than general inflation (the Consumer Price Index). Medical inflation in the UK typically runs between 8% and 12% per year. This cost is passed on to policyholders through higher premiums.
  • Your Claims History: While not always the primary factor, a significant claim in the previous year can lead to a higher personal renewal price. Insurers may adjust your premium based on your perceived individual risk.
  • The Insurer's Overall Performance: Even if you haven't claimed, your premium is affected by the total number and cost of claims made by all of the insurer's customers. If the insurer has a bad year, everyone's renewal prices tend to rise to cover the losses.

The key takeaway is that your renewal price isn't just about you. It's about age, economics, and the insurer's wider business. This is precisely why shopping around is so effective—another insurer may have a different pricing structure for your age group or have had a better claims year.

The Solution: A Deep Dive into Switching with CPME

Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME) underwriting is your most powerful tool for combating rising premiums. Let's break down exactly how it works.

What is CPME?

CPME is a type of underwriting that allows you to switch private medical insurance providers while carrying over your original medical underwriting terms. It ensures continuity of cover.

Crucially, standard UK PMI does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. It is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after you take out a policy. CPME protects the cover you have for acute conditions that first appeared during your previous policy's term.

A Real-Life Scenario: Meet Sarah

  • Who: Sarah, 58, a marketing consultant.
  • Her Policy: She has been with Insurer A for ten years. Her premium has just increased by 22% to £180 per month.
  • Her Health History: Five years ago, she had a successful claim for physiotherapy on her shoulder. Last year, she was diagnosed with high blood pressure, which is managed with medication (a chronic condition, so not covered for ongoing management).
  • The Problem: Sarah wants to switch to save money but is terrified she'll lose cover for any future shoulder problems and that her high blood pressure will be added as a specific exclusion for related acute conditions (like a heart attack or stroke).

How CPME Helps Sarah

Sarah contacts a specialist broker like WeCovr. We explain the CPME process:

  1. We find a comparable policy with Insurer B for £135 per month—a saving of £45 every month.
  2. We help Sarah apply to Insurer B on a CPME basis.
  3. Insurer B requests Sarah's "Certificate of Insurance" from Insurer A. This document confirms her original start date, underwriting type, and any personal exclusions.
  4. Insurer B issues a new policy. They carry over the same terms. This means:
    • Her cover for future acute shoulder issues is maintained. It is not treated as a new pre-existing condition.
    • The high blood pressure remains what it was—a chronic condition for which routine management is not covered. However, she hasn't had an acute related event like a heart attack, so Insurer B cannot now add a new exclusion for all cardiovascular conditions. Her cover for new, acute heart-related issues remains intact, just as it was with Insurer A.

Result: Sarah saves £540 a year and has the peace of mind that her cover remains continuous. She has successfully beaten the "loyalty penalty" without risking her health security.

Step-by-Step Guide to Switching Your PMI Policy

Ready to explore your options? Follow this proven process to ensure a smooth and successful switch.

Step 1: Review Your Current Policy & Find Your Documents

Before you do anything else, understand what you currently have. Dig out your latest policy schedule and certificate of insurance. Pay attention to:

  • Your level of cover (e.g., outpatient limits, cancer care)
  • Your excess (the amount you pay towards a claim)
  • Your hospital list (which hospitals you can use)
  • Your original underwriting type (e.g., Moratorium)

Step 2: Do NOT Cancel Your Existing Policy

This is the most important rule. Never cancel your current policy until your new one is fully accepted and active. A break in cover, even for a single day, can disqualify you from a CPME switch and force you onto a new moratorium, resetting all your cover.

Step 3: Define Your Needs and Budget

Your renewal is a perfect opportunity to reassess.

  • Must-haves: Is comprehensive cancer cover non-negotiable? Do you need a specific hospital near you?
  • Nice-to-haves: Are you willing to trade a lower outpatient limit for a lower premium?
  • Budget: What is a realistic monthly premium for you?

Step 4: Speak to an Independent Broker

This is the safest and most effective step. An independent PMI broker, like WeCovr, works for you, not the insurers.

  • We know which insurers offer CPME and which have the most competitive rates for your age group.
  • We understand the nuances and can ensure the application is handled correctly.
  • Our service is free to you, as we are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.
Get Tailored Quote

Step 5: Get 'Like-for-Like' Comparisons

Your broker will prepare a report comparing your current policy against new options on a like-for-like basis. This means matching the core benefits (excess, outpatient limits, etc.) as closely as possible so you can see the true price difference.

FeatureYour Current Policy (Insurer A)Proposed Policy (Insurer B)
Monthly Premium£180£135
Excess£250£250
Outpatient Cover£1,000£1,000
Cancer CoverFull CoverFull Cover
Hospital ListNationalNational
UnderwritingMoratorium (from 2016)CPME (maintaining 2016 start)

Step 6: Complete the Application

Your broker will guide you through the application form. You will need to provide the name of your current insurer and your policy number. Be 100% truthful and accurate with all information.

Step 7: Receive and Review Your Offer

The new insurer will assess your application and issue formal terms. This will include a new policy schedule and a certificate confirming your personal medical exclusions have been carried over. Review this carefully with your broker.

Step 8: Cancel Your Old Policy

Only once you have the formal documents from your new insurer and the policy is active should you contact your old provider to cancel. Time the cancellation to coincide with the end of your policy year to avoid any cancellation fees.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Switching

Switching can be highly beneficial, but mistakes can be costly. Here are the most common errors we see people make.

  • Mistake 1: Focusing Only on the Headline Price. The cheapest policy isn't always the best. It might have a very high excess, a restrictive hospital list that excludes your local private facility, or poor outpatient limits. Always compare the details, not just the price.
  • Mistake 2: Attempting a DIY Switch. The CPME process is nuanced. Applying to an insurer on the wrong basis or failing to provide the correct information can lead to your medical history being accidentally reset. A broker removes this risk.
  • Mistake 3: Misunderstanding "Like-for-Like". Some benefits are hard to compare directly, such as mental health cover or access to new experimental drugs. An expert can help you understand the real-world differences between what looks similar on paper.
  • Mistake 4: Leaving a Gap in Cover. As mentioned, this is a critical error. Always ensure your new policy starts the day your old one ends.

Comparing Top UK Health Insurance Providers for Over 50s

The UK market is dominated by a few key players, each with different strengths. A broker can give you a full market comparison, but here is a general overview.

ProviderTypical Stance on CPMEKey Benefit for Over 50sUnique Feature
AvivaVery welcoming of CPME switches. Often highly competitive on price.Strong core product with excellent cancer cover and digital GP services.The "Aviva Digital GP" app is highly rated for convenience.
AXA HealthExcellent for CPME. Strong reputation for service and comprehensive cover.Guided care pathway and extensive mental health support options.Access to their "Health at Hand" 24/7 medical information phone line.
BupaAccepts CPME but can sometimes be less price-competitive for switchers.Huge network of hospitals and consultants. Strong brand recognition.Direct access to cancer and mental health support without needing a GP referral.
VitalityWelcomes CPME and has a unique proposition.The only provider that actively rewards you for being healthy.The Vitality Programme offers discounts and rewards for physical activity. Can significantly lower future premiums if you engage with it.
The ExeterSpecialists in this area and very welcoming to CPME.Known for considering some pre-existing conditions and having no upper age limit on new policies.A friendly society with a strong customer service focus and flexible underwriting.

Disclaimer: This table is for illustrative purposes. The best provider for you depends entirely on your personal circumstances, health history, and budget.

Other Ways to Reduce Premiums (Without Switching)

If, after a market review, you find switching isn't the right option, you can still take steps to lower your existing premium at renewal:

  1. Increase Your Excess: Agreeing to pay more towards the cost of a claim (e.g., increasing your excess from £250 to £500) will lower your premium.
  2. Add a 6-Week Wait Option: This popular option can reduce your premium by 20-30%. It means you will use the NHS if the treatment you need has a waiting list of less than six weeks. If the wait is longer, your private cover kicks in.
  3. Reduce Your Outpatient Cover: Capping your cover for consultations and diagnostics (e.g., to £1,000 per year) is a common way to manage costs.
  4. Review Your Hospital List: If your policy includes expensive central London hospitals that you are unlikely to use, switching to a more local or national list can generate significant savings.

The Role of a Specialist Broker like WeCovr

Navigating the private medical insurance market, especially with the complexities of a CPME switch, can be daunting. This is where an FCA-regulated broker like WeCovr provides invaluable support.

  • Whole-of-Market Access: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies from across the UK market to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
  • Underwriting Expertise: We live and breathe the details of CPME, Moratorium, and FMU. We ensure your application is submitted correctly to protect your continuity of cover.
  • It Costs You Nothing: Our expert advice and support are completely free. We receive a standard commission from the insurer you choose, which is built into the policy price whether you go direct or through a broker.
  • Hassle-Free Process: We handle the research, paperwork, and communication with insurers, saving you time and stress.
  • Added Value: As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. Furthermore, we can offer exclusive discounts on other policies, such as life insurance, when you take out a PMI plan with us.

Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing clear, impartial, and effective advice.

Can I switch health insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

Yes, this is the primary purpose of a 'Continued Personal Medical Exclusions' (CPME) switch. While the new policy won't suddenly start covering your pre-existing conditions, it will maintain the same level of cover you had before. If a condition was already excluded, it remains excluded. If it was covered (e.g., an acute condition that developed and was treated under your old policy), it remains covered.

Will my premiums still go up with a new provider?

Yes, you should expect your premiums to increase each year due to your age and medical inflation, regardless of which provider you are with. The goal of switching is not to freeze your premium forever, but to reset your annual cost to a lower, more competitive starting point. A £500 annual saving now will compound over the years.

What's the difference between a Moratorium and a CPME switch?

A Moratorium (Mori) switch means you start a fresh two-year waiting period for any condition you've had in the five years prior to switching. This effectively 'resets' your medical history and you lose continuity of cover. A CPME switch transfers your existing underwriting terms, preserving your cover for conditions that have arisen while you've been insured, and avoiding any new waiting periods. For anyone who has had a policy for several years, CPME is almost always the better option.

Take Control of Your Health Insurance Costs Today

Your 50s are a time for looking ahead, not for worrying about escalating insurance costs. By understanding the power of a CPME switch and partnering with an expert, you can secure fair-priced, high-quality private medical cover that protects the health you've invested in.

Don't let loyalty to one provider cost you thousands. Contact the friendly, expert team at WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation comparison quote and discover how much you could save.

Sources

  • NHS England
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS)
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
  • gov.uk
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

Disclaimer: This is general guidance only and does not constitute formal tax or financial advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances, policy terms, and HMRC interpretation, which cannot be guaranteed in advance. Whenever applicable, businesses and individuals should always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before arranging such policies.

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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 experienced 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 a strong fit for your needs 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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