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The Average Monthly Cost of Private Health Insurance Across the UK

The Average Monthly Cost of Private Health Insurance Across...

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr provides this in-depth guide to the average cost of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK. We decode the key factors influencing your premium, helping you make an informed decision for your health.

New data reveals large price variations by age, location, family status, and type of cover

Navigating the world of private medical insurance can feel complex, with prices seemingly fluctuating based on a myriad of factors. You might wonder, "What should I actually be paying?" The truth is, there’s no single answer. The average monthly cost of private health insurance is a deeply personal figure, tailored to your unique circumstances.

Our 2025 market analysis reveals significant cost differences across the UK. A young professional in Leeds might pay £40 per month, whilst a family of four in London could be looking at premiums of £250 or more for comprehensive cover.

In this definitive guide, we’ll break down every component that shapes your premium, providing clear data tables and real-world examples to demystify the costs. We'll explore how your age, postcode, chosen level of cover, and even your lifestyle can impact the price you pay, empowering you to find the right policy at the best possible value.

First, What Exactly is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?

Before we dive into the costs, it's crucial to understand what private medical insurance is designed for. Think of it as a policy that runs alongside the NHS, giving you more choice and control over your healthcare when you face a new, unexpected medical issue.

The most important thing to remember is that standard UK private health insurance is designed to cover acute conditions.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repairs, or treatment for a newly diagnosed cancer.
  • Chronic Condition: A long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

Crucial Point: Standard PMI policies do not cover the routine management of chronic conditions. They also exclude pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy. The purpose of PMI is to diagnose and treat new, eligible medical problems that arise after your cover begins.

The Core Factors That Determine Your PMI Premium

Your monthly premium is calculated by insurers based on the level of risk they associate with you. This isn't personal; it's a statistical assessment based on several key data points. Let's break them down one by one.

1. Your Age: The Single Biggest Influence

Age is the most significant factor in pricing private health insurance. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases, and insurers adjust premiums accordingly.

Younger individuals benefit from significantly lower costs, making it an excellent time to get cover in place. As you can see from our analysis, premiums begin to rise more steeply from the age of 50 onwards.

Age BracketAverage Monthly Premium (Basic Cover)Average Monthly Premium (Comprehensive Cover)
20-29£35 - £50£60 - £85
30-39£45 - £65£75 - £110
40-49£60 - £90£100 - £150
50-59£85 - £130£140 - £220
60-69£120 - £180£200 - £350
70+£190 - £280+£320 - £500+

Illustrative estimates based on WeCovr's 2025 market analysis for a single individual. Actual quotes will vary.

2. Your Location: The Postcode Lottery of PMI

Where you live in the UK has a direct impact on your premium. This is because the cost of private medical treatment varies significantly between regions. Hospitals in Central London, for example, have much higher operating costs than those in rural Scotland.

Insurers typically group hospitals into tiers. A policy that includes high-end London hospitals will be more expensive than one that uses a national network of private hospitals outside the capital.

LocationAverage Monthly Premium (Mid-Range Cover, Age 40)Why the Difference?
Central London£125Highest private hospital fees in the UK (e.g., The London Clinic, Cromwell Hospital).
Greater London£110Includes access to excellent hospitals but avoids the most expensive central facilities.
South East (e.g., Surrey)£100High density of quality private hospitals, but slightly less costly than London.
Major Cities (e.g., Manchester, Birmingham)£90Strong network of private hospitals with competitive pricing.
North of England (e.g., Yorkshire)£82Lower operational costs for hospitals lead to more affordable premiums.
Scotland & Wales£78Generally lower private treatment costs compared to England.
Northern Ireland£75Often the most affordable region for private health cover.

Illustrative estimates based on WeCovr's 2025 market analysis. Actual quotes will vary.

3. Your Level of Cover: Basic, Mid-Range, or Comprehensive?

The breadth and depth of your cover are major cost drivers. Insurers typically offer tiered plans, allowing you to choose a balance between benefits and budget.

  • Basic (or 'Budget') Cover: This is the most affordable option. It typically covers in-patient and day-patient treatment only. This means you are covered for procedures requiring a hospital bed, but not for initial consultations or diagnostic tests. It’s designed as a safety net to bypass long NHS surgical waiting lists.
  • Mid-Range Cover: The most popular choice for UK consumers. It includes everything in a basic plan, plus cover for out-patient diagnostics and consultations up to a set limit (e.g., £1,000 per year). This means you can see a specialist and have scans (MRI, CT) privately to get a diagnosis quickly.
  • Comprehensive Cover: The premium option. This provides extensive cover with high (or unlimited) out-patient limits, often including therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy), mental health support, and more extensive cancer care options.

Choosing the right level depends on your priorities. If your main concern is avoiding a long wait for surgery, a basic plan might suffice. If you want fast access to diagnosis and treatment, a mid-range or comprehensive plan is more suitable. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare the subtle differences between insurer plans to find the perfect fit.

4. Your Excess: Balancing Monthly Cost vs. Future Payout

An excess is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards a claim, just like with car or home insurance. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the remaining £2,750.

Opting for a higher excess will directly reduce your monthly premium.

Insurers offer a range of excess options, typically from £0 to £1,000.

  • £0 Excess: Higher monthly premium, but nothing to pay when you claim.
  • £250 Excess: A popular, balanced choice. Lowers the premium noticeably.
  • £500 Excess: Offers a significant saving on your monthly cost.
  • £1,000 Excess: Provides the largest discount but means you have a larger initial outlay if you claim.

Choosing a higher excess can be a smart way to make a comprehensive policy more affordable, especially if you are in good health and don't expect to claim frequently.

5. Underwriting Type: How Insurers Assess Your Medical History

This is a technical but vital aspect of your policy. There are two main types of underwriting in the UK:

  1. Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common method. You don't have to declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes treatment for any conditions you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the five years before your policy started. However, if you then go two full, consecutive years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. It's simpler and faster to set up.

  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer reviews your medical history and decides what, if anything, to exclude permanently from your policy. It takes longer to set up, but you have absolute clarity from day one about what is and isn't covered.

There isn't usually a major price difference between the two, but moratorium is often slightly cheaper due to the automatic exclusions.

6. Family Status: Covering Individuals, Couples, and Families

You can take out a policy for yourself, for you and your partner, or for your entire family. While adding more people increases the overall premium, insurers often provide a small discount compared to buying separate individual policies.

Policy TypeAverage Monthly Premium (Mid-Range Cover, Age 35, Midlands)Notes
Individual£70Based on one 35-year-old.
Couple£135Two 35-year-olds; a slight discount vs. 2x individual policies.
Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)£185Children are significantly cheaper to add than adults.

Illustrative estimates based on WeCovr's 2025 market analysis. Actual quotes will vary.

Adding children to a policy is surprisingly affordable. Insurers recognise that children are generally low-risk, and many offer incentives like "pay for the first child, get others covered for free".

How Optional Extras Affect Your Premium

Standard policies provide excellent core cover, but you can enhance them with optional add-ons. Each extra will increase your monthly premium.

  • Mental Health Cover: Standard policies often have limited mental health support. A dedicated add-on provides more extensive cover for psychiatrist consultations and therapy sessions. With growing awareness of mental wellbeing, this is an increasingly popular choice.
  • Dental and Optical Cover: This can be added to reimburse you for routine check-ups, treatments, and the cost of new glasses or contact lenses, up to an annual limit.
  • Therapies Cover: While some comprehensive plans include it, therapies (physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic) can often be added as an extra. This is ideal for those with active lifestyles or a history of musculoskeletal issues.
  • Extended Cancer Care: All PMI policies in the UK offer a good level of cancer cover as standard, often including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. However, optional upgrades can provide access to drugs and treatments not yet available on the NHS or cover for life, even after the cancer becomes chronic.

Real-Life Scenarios: Putting the Costs into Context

Let's see how these factors combine for different people across the UK.

Scenario 1: Sarah, a 28-year-old Graphic Designer in Manchester

  • Priorities: Wants to avoid long waits for diagnosis and treatment for any new issues. Not concerned about a private room. Happy to use a local hospital network.
  • Chosen Policy: Mid-range cover with a £250 excess and a standard hospital list.
  • Estimated Monthly Cost: £48

Scenario 2: The Patel Family, two 42-year-olds with two children (8 and 11) in Surrey

  • Priorities: Comprehensive cover for the whole family, including quick access to paediatric specialists. They want the option to use London hospitals if needed.
  • Chosen Policy: Comprehensive family cover with a £500 excess and an extended hospital list.
  • Estimated Monthly Cost: £260

Scenario 3: David, a 65-year-old Retiree in Edinburgh

  • Priorities: Peace of mind and quick access to joint replacement surgery if needed. He has a healthy retirement income but is still budget-conscious.
  • Chosen Policy: Basic in-patient cover with a "6-week wait" option (see below) and a £1,000 excess.
  • Estimated Monthly Cost: £135

Is Private Health Insurance Worth It in the UK?

With NHS waiting lists in England consistently exceeding 7 million, according to recent NHS data, the value of private medical insurance has never been more apparent. The primary benefit is speed and choice.

Pros of PMI:

  • Bypass NHS Waiting Lists: Get seen by a specialist and receive treatment in days or weeks, not months or years.
  • Choice of Specialist and Hospital: You can choose the consultant you want to see and the hospital where you're treated from your insurer's approved list.
  • Private, En-suite Room: Recover in comfort and privacy, a significant benefit over a busy NHS ward.
  • Access to Specialist Drugs: Gain access to breakthrough drugs and treatments that may not be available on the NHS due to cost or pending approval.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place to deal with health issues quickly can significantly reduce anxiety.

Cons of PMI:

  • The Cost: It's an ongoing financial commitment.
  • Exclusions: It does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions, emergency services (A&E), or routine GP visits.

For many, the cost is a worthwhile investment in their health and wellbeing, offering a valuable alternative pathway for non-emergency care.

Top Tips for Reducing Your Private Health Insurance Costs

Feeling the pinch? There are several effective ways to lower your premium without sacrificing essential cover.

  1. Increase Your Excess: As shown earlier, moving from a £0 excess to £500 can save you up to 25% on your premium.
  2. Choose a "6-Week Wait" Option: This is a clever compromise. Your policy will only pay for private treatment if the NHS waiting list for that treatment in your area is longer than six weeks. If it's shorter, you use the NHS. This can reduce your premium by 20-30%.
  3. Select a Limited Hospital List: If you don't need access to pricey central London hospitals, choosing a "national" or "local" hospital network will significantly cut your costs.
  4. Review Your Cover Annually: Don't just auto-renew. Your circumstances may have changed. A broker can re-broke the market for you each year to ensure you're still on the best deal.
  5. Live a Healthier Lifestyle: Many leading insurers now offer rewards and discounts for staying active. By tracking your steps, going to the gym, or completing health checks, you can earn lower premiums, gift cards, or other perks.

Why Use an Independent PMI Broker Like WeCovr?

Trying to compare dozens of policies from providers like Bupa, Aviva, AXA, and Vitality can be overwhelming. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr becomes your greatest asset.

  • Expert, Impartial Advice: We work for you, not the insurers. Our job is to understand your needs and budget, then search the market to find the policy that offers the best value. Our advice is completely impartial.
  • Access to the Whole Market: We have access to deals and policies that aren't always available to the public directly.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, but this does not affect the premium you pay. You get expert advice and support at no extra charge.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: WeCovr consistently receives high ratings on independent review websites, reflecting our commitment to clear, helpful, and transparent service.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange a policy through us, you also get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to support your health goals. Furthermore, customers who purchase PMI or life insurance often receive discounts on other types of cover, like home or travel insurance.

Think of us as your personal health insurance shopper, saving you time, money, and hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover new, acute medical conditions that arise *after* you take out the policy. Pre-existing conditions, which are any illnesses or injuries you had before your cover started, are typically excluded. The same applies to long-term chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, which require ongoing management rather than a curative treatment.

Is cancer treatment covered by private health insurance?

Yes, cancer care is a core component of all private medical insurance policies in the UK. All plans will cover the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. More comprehensive policies may offer access to a wider range of specialist drugs, experimental treatments, and ongoing monitoring that might not be available on the NHS.

Can I switch my private health insurance provider?

Yes, you can switch providers, and it's a good idea to review your options annually to ensure you have the best value. When switching, you can often do so on a "Continued Medical Exclusions" (CME) basis. This means the new insurer will honour the same underwriting terms as your old policy, ensuring that conditions previously covered remain covered. A broker like WeCovr can manage this process for you seamlessly.

Get Your Personalised Private Medical Insurance Quote Today

The average cost of private health insurance is not a simple number; it's a reflection of you and your priorities. While this guide provides a detailed overview, the only way to know your exact cost is to get a personalised quote.

At WeCovr, our team of friendly experts is ready to help. We'll listen to your needs, explain your options in plain English, and provide a free, no-obligation comparison of the UK's leading insurers.

Take the first step towards faster healthcare. Get your free PMI quote from WeCovr today.


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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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