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The 10-Year NHS Plan What It Means for Private Health Insurance




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TL;DR

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr offers expert insight into the UK’s private medical insurance landscape. The NHS's long-term strategy significantly influences this market, creating new challenges and opportunities for consumers seeking faster, more flexible healthcare options. This guide breaks it all down.

Key takeaways

  • 24/7 Virtual GP Services: The ability to book a video or phone consultation with a GP, often within hours, is a standard feature of modern PMI policies. This is a huge draw for those struggling to get a timely appointment at their local surgery.
  • Digital Mental Health Support: Apps and platforms offering access to therapists, counsellors, and self-help resources like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) courses are increasingly included.
  • Seamless App-Based Management: Policyholders can manage their cover, make claims, and access health resources entirely through a smartphone app.
  • Discounted Gym Memberships: Encouraging physical activity.
  • Health Screenings: Offering yearly check-ups to catch potential issues early.

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr offers expert insight into the UK’s private medical insurance landscape. The NHS's long-term strategy significantly influences this market, creating new challenges and opportunities for consumers seeking faster, more flexible healthcare options. This guide breaks it all down.

WeCovr explains how NHS reforms impact the PMI market

The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of British life, but it's currently facing unprecedented pressures. The NHS Long Term Plan, first published in 2019, is the ambitious roadmap designed to guide its evolution, ensuring it remains fit for the future.

However, the journey of reform is complex. For millions in the UK, the gap between the plan's vision and the day-to-day reality of accessing care has led them to explore private medical insurance (PMI). This article unpacks the key pillars of the NHS plan and explains what they mean for you and the private health cover market.

The Elephant in the Room: Record NHS Waiting Lists

Before delving into the specifics of the NHS plan, it's impossible to ignore the primary factor driving the surge in demand for private healthcare: waiting times.

The NHS's own data paints a stark picture. As of early 2025, the elective care waiting list in England continues to hover at a historic high, with over 7.5 million treatment pathways involving millions of individual patients. Many of these people are waiting for routine but often life-altering procedures like hip replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.

Source: NHS England, Consultant-led Referral to Treatment (RTT) Waiting Times Data.

This isn't just a statistic; it's a daily reality for people living with pain, discomfort, and uncertainty. The strain on the system means that even urgent referrals, such as those for suspected cancer, are facing delays against their targets.

This prolonged wait for diagnosis and treatment is the single biggest catalyst for individuals and employers considering private medical insurance in the UK. PMI offers a parallel path, allowing patients to bypass these queues and receive treatment when they need it.

ProcedureTypical NHS Waiting Time (Post-Referral)Typical Private Sector Waiting Time
Hip Replacement9 - 18 months+4 - 8 weeks
Knee Replacement9 - 18 months+4 - 8 weeks
Cataract Surgery6 - 12 months3 - 6 weeks
Hernia Repair6 - 12 months2 - 5 weeks

Note: These are illustrative waiting times and can vary significantly by NHS Trust and private provider.

Key Pillars of the NHS Long Term Plan and Their Effect on PMI

The NHS plan is built on several core principles. While designed to strengthen the public system, each pillar has a direct or indirect consequence for the private healthcare sector.

1. A "Digital First" NHS: Embracing Technology

The NHS Vision: The plan heavily promotes a "digital first" approach. This includes expanding the NHS App's functionality, encouraging online consultations, and using technology to manage long-term conditions at home. The goal is to improve efficiency and empower patients.

The Impact on PMI: The private sector was an early adopter of digital health and continues to lead the way. Most major PMI providers now offer:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP Services: The ability to book a video or phone consultation with a GP, often within hours, is a standard feature of modern PMI policies. This is a huge draw for those struggling to get a timely appointment at their local surgery.
  • Digital Mental Health Support: Apps and platforms offering access to therapists, counsellors, and self-help resources like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) courses are increasingly included.
  • Seamless App-Based Management: Policyholders can manage their cover, make claims, and access health resources entirely through a smartphone app.

The NHS's move towards digital services has normalised this approach for the public, making the sophisticated digital offerings from private insurers even more attractive.

2. Focus on Prevention and Public Health

The NHS Vision: A significant part of the plan is a shift from simply treating illness to actively preventing it. This involves ambitious targets for reducing smoking, tackling obesity, and promoting healthier lifestyles.

The Impact on PMI: This is an area where the goals of the NHS and private insurers align perfectly. PMI providers have transformed their offerings from purely reactive (paying for treatment) to proactive (helping you stay well).

This has led to the rise of "wellness-led" health insurance, with benefits such as:

  • Discounted Gym Memberships: Encouraging physical activity.
  • Health Screenings: Offering yearly check-ups to catch potential issues early.
  • Nutrition and Lifestyle Support: Providing access to expert advice on diet and healthy living.
  • Wearable Tech Integration: Some policies offer rewards or discounts for hitting activity goals tracked by devices like an Apple Watch or Fitbit.

At WeCovr, we see this as a hugely positive development. To support our clients' health journeys, we provide complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, with every PMI or Life Insurance policy. This helps you take control of your diet, a key factor in long-term wellness.

3. Integrated Care Systems (ICSs)

The NHS Vision: The plan restructured the NHS in England into 42 Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). The aim is to break down the old barriers between GPs, hospitals, community services, and social care, creating a more joined-up service for patients.

The Impact on PMI: While positive in theory, the implementation of ICSs is a long-term project. In the interim, navigating the system can still be complex. Private medical insurance offers a way to simplify the patient journey.

With a PMI policy, your care pathway is often managed more directly. For instance:

  1. You see a GP (either NHS or private).
  2. You get an open referral to a specialist.
  3. Your insurer authorises the consultation and any subsequent diagnostic tests (like MRI or CT scans), which can happen within days.
  4. If treatment is needed, it's booked promptly at a private hospital of your choice (from your insurer's approved list).

This streamlined process provides the speed, choice, and certainty that many feel is currently lacking in the public system.

4. Improving Cancer and Mental Health Care

The NHS Vision: The Long Term Plan set specific, ambitious targets for improving cancer survival rates through earlier diagnosis and faster treatment. It also aims to achieve "parity of esteem" for mental health, putting it on an equal footing with physical health.

The Impact on PMI:

  • Cancer Care: This is a cornerstone of comprehensive private health cover. While the NHS provides excellent cancer treatment, PMI offers access to cutting-edge drugs and therapies that may not yet be available on the NHS due to funding decisions by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). This access to a wider range of treatments is a powerful reason many opt for private cover.

  • Mental Health: Demand for mental health support has exploded, and NHS services, particularly Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and talking therapies, are overwhelmed. This is where PMI provides a critical advantage. Most policies offer significantly faster access to:

    • Talking Therapies: Sessions with accredited counsellors or psychologists.
    • Psychiatric Consultations: Assessments for more complex conditions.
    • In-patient or Day-patient Care: For more severe mental health episodes.

For families and individuals, avoiding a year-long wait for mental health support can be life-changing.

The All-Important Rule: PMI is for Acute, Not Chronic, Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance in the UK. Getting this wrong is the source of most confusion and disappointment.

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 a joint replacement, cataract removal, hernia repair, or treating gallstones.
  • A Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease.

The NHS remains the primary provider for managing chronic conditions, pre-existing conditions, and emergency services (A&E). Private health cover is a complement to the NHS, not a replacement for it.

Understanding Underwriting: How Insurers Handle Pre-existing Conditions

When you apply for PMI, the insurer needs to know about your medical history. This is handled in one of two ways:

Underwriting TypeHow It WorksProsCons
Moratorium (Most Common)You don't declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last 5 years. This exclusion can be lifted if you go 2 full, continuous years on the policy without any issues relating to that condition.Quick and simple application process. Less intrusive.Can be a "grey area" at the point of claim, as the insurer will investigate your history then.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer then tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from day one.Provides complete clarity and certainty from the start.The application process is longer and more detailed. Permanent exclusions are common.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand which underwriting option is best for your circumstances, ensuring there are no surprises down the line.

Is Private Medical Insurance Right for You?

Given the pressures on the NHS, more people than ever are asking this question. The decision depends on your personal circumstances, budget, and priorities.

Key benefits of having private health cover include:

  1. Speed: Drastically reduce waiting times for consultations, scans, and treatment.
  2. Choice: Select your specialist and hospital from an approved list, giving you more control over your care.
  3. Comfort: Access to private rooms in comfortable hospitals, often with more flexible visiting hours.
  4. Access: Potential to use drugs and treatments not yet available on the NHS.
  5. Mental Health Support: Fast-track access to vital psychological therapies and support.

How to Tailor a Policy to Your Budget

A common myth is that PMI is prohibitively expensive. While comprehensive plans can be costly, policies are highly customisable to fit different budgets. You can manage the cost by adjusting:

  • Excess: The amount you agree to pay towards any claim (e.g., £250, £500). A higher excess lowers your premium.
  • Outpatient Cover: You can choose a limit on outpatient consultations and tests (e.g., £1,000 per year) or remove it entirely to reduce the cost.
  • Hospital List: Insurers have tiered hospital lists. Choosing a list that excludes the most expensive central London hospitals can significantly lower your premium.
  • 6-Week Wait Option: This is a clever cost-saving feature. Your policy will only pay for treatment if the NHS waiting list for it is longer than six weeks. If the NHS can see you within that timeframe, you use the NHS.

Navigating these options can be complex. Working with an independent broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We compare the whole market for you, explain the differences between the best PMI providers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality, and find a policy that balances your needs and budget—all at no cost to you. Furthermore, customers who purchase PMI or Life cover through us often qualify for discounts on other insurance products, such as home or travel cover.

Your Lifestyle Matters: A Proactive Approach to Health

The trends in both the NHS and the private insurance market point to one clear conclusion: personal responsibility for health is more important than ever. While insurance provides a safety net, the best strategy is to invest in your own wellbeing.

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Reducing processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can lower your risk of many chronic diseases. Using an app like CalorieHero can make tracking your nutrition simple and effective.
  • Regular Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, as recommended by the NHS. This could be brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Good quality sleep (7-9 hours for most adults) is fundamental to physical and mental health. It aids recovery, regulates hormones, and improves cognitive function.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress impacts your immune system. Incorporate stress-management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature.

Adopting these habits not only reduces your reliance on healthcare services but also aligns with the wellness benefits offered by modern PMI policies, potentially earning you rewards and discounts.

Does private medical insurance replace the NHS?

No, absolutely not. Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to work alongside and complement the NHS. The NHS remains the provider for emergency services (A&E), managing chronic long-term conditions like diabetes or asthma, and for any pre-existing conditions you had before taking out a policy. PMI gives you a choice for eligible, acute conditions.

Can I get private health cover for a condition I already have?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance policies are designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. They do not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you had before joining) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses that cannot be cured). This is a fundamental principle of how the UK PMI market works.

What are the main benefits of using a PMI broker like WeCovr?

Using an expert broker like WeCovr offers several key advantages. First, we provide impartial, expert advice across the entire market, helping you compare complex policies from all major insurers. Second, we save you time and effort by doing the research for you. Third, our service is completely free to you, as we are paid a commission by the insurer. We leverage our expertise to find the best-fit cover for your specific needs and budget, ensuring you get the right protection.

Will my PMI premium go up if I make a claim?

It is very likely, yes. Much like car insurance, your premium will probably increase at renewal if you have made a claim during the policy year. Most insurers operate a No Claims Discount (NCD) system, and making a claim will typically reduce your NCD level, leading to a higher renewal price. Premiums also tend to rise with age and due to medical inflation (the rising cost of healthcare).

Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind

The healthcare landscape in the UK is in a state of flux. While the NHS Long Term Plan aims for a healthier future, current waiting times and system pressures are a real concern. Private medical insurance offers a practical solution, providing fast access to high-quality care when you need it most.

Don't navigate the complex world of private health cover alone. The team of experts at WeCovr is here to help. We'll listen to your needs, answer your questions, and compare policies from the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect cover for you and your family.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today and discover how affordable peace of mind can be.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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