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The Impact of Price Pressure on Smaller Insurers and Brokers

The Impact of Price Pressure on Smaller Insurers and Brokers

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr offers expert, independent advice on private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores the intense price pressures shaping the market for smaller businesses, brokers, and insurers in 2025, and how you can navigate the challenges effectively.

SME experiences in 2025 with premium rates, cost control, and consolidation

The landscape for UK private medical insurance (PMI) is in a state of flux. For Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), providing health cover for employees has shifted from a desirable perk to a near-essential tool for recruitment, retention, and managing absenteeism. Yet, this shift is happening against a backdrop of relentlessly rising premiums, putting immense strain on smaller businesses, specialist insurers, and independent brokers alike.

In 2025, SMEs are finding themselves at a crossroads. The value of PMI has never been higher, with NHS waiting lists remaining a significant national concern. However, the cost of providing that cover is becoming a serious line item on the balance sheet. This article delves into the forces driving this price pressure, its impact on the market's smaller players, and the practical strategies your business can use to maintain valuable health benefits without breaking the bank.

The Unavoidable Reality: Why Are Private Health Insurance Premiums Climbing?

Understanding the 'why' behind premium increases is the first step for any business owner looking to manage costs. The price hikes you see on your renewal notice are not arbitrary; they are a direct response to several powerful economic and demographic forces.

Based on analysis from health economists and market data from late 2024, the trends intensifying into 2025 are clear:

  1. Sustained Pressure on the NHS: This is the single biggest driver. With NHS England reporting millions of treatment pathways on waiting lists, more employees are turning to their PMI to get treated faster. An increase in claims inevitably leads to an increase in premiums for everyone on the insurer's books.
  2. Medical Inflation: The cost of providing healthcare consistently outpaces general inflation (the Consumer Price Index). New drugs, advanced diagnostic scanners (like PET-CT), and innovative surgical techniques are incredibly effective but come with a high price tag. Insurers must factor these rising costs into their pricing.
  3. An Ageing Workforce: As people work longer, the average age of the UK workforce is increasing. Older employees, statistically, are more likely to require medical treatment, leading to a higher frequency and cost of claims.
  4. A Wider Range of Treatments: PMI policies today cover more than ever before, including advancements in mental health support, cancer care, and outpatient therapies. While this enhances the value of the cover, it also adds to the overall cost base.
Cost DriverImpact on PMI Premiums in 2025
NHS Waiting ListsDirect increase in claim frequency as members use PMI instead of waiting.
Medical InflationHigher costs for hospital fees, specialist consultations, and new medicines.
Advanced TechnologyIncreased cost of diagnosis and treatment, even for common conditions.
DemographicsAn older workforce leads to a higher probability of claims.

The Squeeze on Smaller, Specialist Insurers

While household names like Bupa, Aviva, and AXA dominate the UK PMI market, a number of smaller, specialist insurers play a vital role. These firms often cater to specific professions (like healthcare professionals or teachers) or focus on a particular ethos, such as preventative health.

However, the current high-cost environment presents unique challenges for them:

  • Less Bargaining Power: Smaller insurers have less leverage when negotiating fees with large private hospital groups. The 'big four' can secure more favourable rates due to the sheer volume of patients they refer.
  • Smaller Risk Pools: With fewer members, a small number of very expensive claims can have a much larger impact on a smaller insurer's financial performance, leading to greater volatility in their premiums.
  • Competition on Price: When SMEs are feeling the pinch, many focus solely on the bottom-line price, making it difficult for smaller insurers who compete on service, flexibility, or specialist knowledge to win business.

Despite this, these insurers offer compelling advantages. They often provide more personalised case management, greater flexibility in policy design, and a deep understanding of their niche audience. For an SME, choosing a smaller insurer might mean better service and a policy that's more closely aligned with their specific needs, even if the headline price isn't the absolute lowest.

A Critical Reminder: What UK Private Medical Insurance Is For

Before we go further, it is vital to understand the fundamental purpose of private medical insurance in the UK. This clarity is essential for managing expectations and making informed decisions.

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

  • An acute condition is 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, or hernia repairs.
  • A pre-existing condition is any health issue you knew about, had symptoms of, or received treatment for before your policy started. Standard PMI does not cover these.
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.

Understanding this distinction is key. PMI is your fast track to diagnosis and treatment for new, unexpected health problems, helping you bypass NHS queues and get back on your feet sooner. It is not a replacement for the NHS, which continues to provide emergency care and manage long-term conditions.

The Broker's Challenge: Proving Value Beyond Price

In a market where cost is king, independent PMI brokers face their own set of pressures. Their role is to provide expert, impartial advice, but this can be challenging when a client's primary instruction is simply to "find the cheapest."

The reality in 2025 is that the "cheapest" policy is rarely the "best" or most sustainable one. A cheap plan might have:

  • A very restricted hospital list, excluding convenient or specialist centres.
  • Minimal outpatient cover, leaving you with hefty bills for diagnostics.
  • A high excess that makes claiming for smaller issues impractical.

An expert broker's true value lies in their ability to look beyond the price. A good broker will:

  1. Survey the Whole Market: This includes smaller, specialist insurers an SME might not know exist.
  2. Explain the Small Print: They translate jargon into plain English, ensuring you understand exactly what is and isn't covered.
  3. Negotiate on Your Behalf: Brokers have established relationships with insurers and can often secure better terms than a business could achieve directly.
  4. Structure the Policy Correctly: They help you balance cost and cover, finding the optimal mix of benefits for your budget and your employees' needs.

Firms like WeCovr specialise in this area, offering a no-cost service to SMEs. By using their market knowledge, they can identify the most suitable and sustainable private health cover, saving businesses the time and potential pitfalls of going direct to an insurer.

Practical Cost-Control Strategies for Your SME

Facing a steep renewal increase can be disheartening, but you are not powerless. There are several effective levers you can pull to manage your private medical insurance costs. The key is to make considered changes that reduce the premium without gutting the core value of the benefit for your team.

Here are the most effective strategies for 2025, best discussed with an expert broker:

1. Choose Your Underwriting Method Carefully

This is one of the most significant decisions you'll make, especially when setting up a new scheme.

Underwriting TypeHow It WorksPros for SMEsCons for SMEs
Moratorium (Mori)Pre-existing conditions from the last 5 years are excluded. The exclusion can be lifted if the member goes 2 continuous years without symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after joining.Simple and quick to set up. No medical forms required for employees.Lack of certainty. An employee may think they are covered for something, only to have it excluded at the point of claim.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)Each employee completes a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then states upfront exactly what will be excluded from cover.Provides absolute clarity from day one. No ambiguity at the point of claim.More admin-heavy to set up. Can be intrusive for employees.

For smaller SMEs, 'Mori' is often the default. However, if your team is young and healthy, FMU could potentially result in a lower starting premium.

2. Tailor Your Policy Benefits

Think of a PMI policy as a collection of building blocks. You can add or remove certain blocks to control the price.

  • Increase the Excess: The excess is the amount an employee pays towards their claim. Increasing it from £100 to £250 or £500 can significantly reduce the premium. It discourages small claims and shares a small portion of the cost with the user.
  • Introduce a '6-Week Option': This is a popular cost-saving measure. It means that if the NHS can provide the required treatment within six weeks of it being recommended, the employee will use the NHS. If the wait is longer than six weeks, the PMI policy kicks in. This single change can reduce premiums by 20-30%.
  • Refine Your Hospital List: Insurers offer different tiers of hospital lists. A list that excludes expensive central London hospitals will be cheaper than a comprehensive national list. Consider where your employees live and work, and choose a list that provides good access without paying for nationwide coverage you don't need.
  • Set Outpatient Limits: Full, unlimited outpatient cover (for diagnostics, scans, and specialist consultations) is expensive. You can cap this cover at, for example, £1,000 per year or limit it to a certain number of consultations. This still provides significant value for diagnosis while controlling a major cost driver.

3. Embrace Preventative Health and Wellness

A healthier workforce is a less costly one. Insurers are increasingly rewarding businesses that take a proactive approach to employee wellbeing. This is a win-win: your employees feel cared for, and your long-term claims experience (and therefore premiums) can improve.

  • Promote Wellness Programmes: Many insurers now include access to digital GPs, mental health support apps, and gym discounts as standard. Encourage your staff to use these.
  • Leverage Added-Value Benefits: As a WeCovr client, for instance, your business gains complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. Providing tools like this to your staff can foster healthier habits around diet and activity, contributing to long-term wellbeing.
  • Look for Integrated Savings: When you arrange PMI or life insurance through a broker like WeCovr, you can also benefit from discounts on other business and personal insurance products, adding another layer of value.

Market Consolidation: What Fewer Choices Mean for You

Another key trend shaping the 2025 market is consolidation. We are seeing larger insurers and brokers acquiring smaller, specialist players.

For SMEs, this trend is a double-edged sword:

  • The Potential Positives: An acquired company gains the financial backing and stability of a larger parent. This can lead to more investment in technology and access to better hospital network rates, which could theoretically be passed on to customers.
  • The Potential Negatives: The primary downside is reduced choice. As the market concentrates, there are fewer distinct providers, which can stifle competition and innovation. SMEs might find that the niche provider that perfectly understood their industry has been absorbed and its unique culture diluted. There's also a risk of service levels dropping as a small, service-led organisation is integrated into a large, process-driven one.

This makes the role of an independent broker even more critical. They maintain a view of the entire market, including the remaining independents, and can advise you on whether a move to a larger, consolidated provider is genuinely in your best interest.

The Future is Smart: Technology and Personalisation

Looking ahead, technology offers a path through the current cost pressures. The future of private health cover isn't just about paying for treatment; it's about preventing illness in the first place and delivering more personalised care.

  • AI and Data: Insurers are using artificial intelligence to streamline the claims process and gain better insights from health data. This can lead to fairer, more accurate pricing and help identify health risks across a company's workforce, allowing for targeted wellness interventions.
  • Wearable Technology: Data from smartwatches and fitness trackers is starting to be integrated into wellness programmes, with some insurers offering rewards for hitting activity targets.
  • Personalised Health Journeys: The one-size-fits-all policy is becoming a thing of the past. The future lies in modular plans that can be tailored to an individual's specific health risks and lifestyle, with a greater focus on preventative care, mental health, and musculoskeletal (MSK) support.

For SMEs, this means the conversation with your broker will become more strategic. It will be less about a simple annual renewal and more about building a long-term health and wellbeing strategy for your workforce, using the smart tools and data insights that modern insurers and brokers can provide.


Will my company's PMI premium go up if an employee makes a claim?

For small schemes (typically under 20 employees), premiums are usually 'pooled'. This means your renewal price is based on the overall claims experience of the insurer's entire pool of similar small businesses, plus factors like the age of your employees and medical inflation. A single claim in your small group is unlikely to have a direct, significant impact on your next renewal. For larger schemes, claims experience does have a direct influence on pricing.

What is the difference between private medical insurance and a health cash plan?

They are very different. Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover the high costs of diagnosis and treatment for acute medical conditions, often costing thousands of pounds. A health cash plan, on the other hand, helps employees cover smaller, everyday healthcare expenses. It provides a set amount of money back for things like dental check-ups, eye tests, physiotherapy, or prescriptions, up to an annual limit. They are complementary products, not alternatives.

Do I need to declare my full medical history when applying for PMI?

It depends on the type of underwriting you choose. With 'Full Medical Underwriting' (FMU), you will need to complete a detailed health questionnaire. With 'Moratorium' underwriting, you do not. However, under a Moratorium policy, any condition you've had symptoms of or treatment for in the five years before joining will be automatically excluded for at least the first two years of your policy. It's crucial to be honest; failing to disclose relevant information can invalidate your cover.

Can I add my family to my company PMI scheme?

Generally, yes. Most company schemes allow employees to add their spouse, partner, and/or dependent children to the policy. The employee will usually be required to pay the additional premium for their family members, though some generous employers may contribute towards this cost. Adding family members is a popular option that enhances the value of the benefit.

Navigating the complexities of the UK private medical insurance market in 2025 requires expertise and a strategic approach. The pressures on cost are real, but with the right advice, you can structure a plan that protects your people and your budget.

Ready to find the right health cover for your business? Contact the friendly, expert team at WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation market review and quote.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Any questions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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