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The NHS App and Private Healthcare How They Work Together

The NHS App and Private Healthcare How They Work Together

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr offers this expert guide to the NHS App and private medical insurance in the UK. We explain how these two powerful systems can work in tandem to give you greater control over your health journey.

WeCovr explains how the NHS App integrates with private medical care and insurance pathways

The relationship between the NHS and private healthcare has always been a topic of discussion in the UK. With the rise of digital health tools, that relationship is evolving. The NHS App, while designed for NHS services, is becoming an unexpectedly powerful companion for anyone navigating the private healthcare system, including those with private medical insurance (PMI).

Think of the NHS App not as a direct gateway to private care, but as your personal health passport. It gives you unprecedented access to your own medical information. This data is the bridge that can make your journey into private treatment faster, smoother, and more efficient.

In this guide, we'll break down exactly how the NHS App and private healthcare interact, how your PMI policy fits into the picture, and what the future holds for this digital integration.

What is the NHS App? A Quick Refresher

Before we dive into the private care connection, let's quickly recap what the NHS App is and what it does. Launched in 2018, it has become an essential tool for millions. According to NHS Digital, by early 2024, the app had over 33 million registered users in England, demonstrating its widespread adoption.

The app provides a secure and simple way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. Its core functions include:

  • Viewing your GP health record: This is arguably its most powerful feature. You can see your medical history, test results, and details of past consultations.
  • Ordering repeat prescriptions: Request repeat medications from your GP surgery and choose a pharmacy to collect them from.
  • Booking and managing appointments: See available appointments at your GP surgery and book them directly.
  • Getting health advice: Use the NHS 111 online service to check symptoms and get advice on where to go for help.
  • Viewing your NHS COVID Pass: Access your vaccination status for travel and events.
  • Managing organ donation: Check, register, or change your organ donation decision.

The app empowers you to take a more active role in managing your health within the NHS framework. But its benefits don't stop there.

How Your NHS Health Record Supports Your Private Healthcare Journey

This is where the real synergy begins. The single most valuable feature of the NHS App for a private patient is access to their GP health record. When you decide to use private medical insurance or pay for treatment yourself, your private consultant needs a complete picture of your health.

In the past, this meant relying on your memory or waiting for your GP surgery to fax or post records to the private hospital. This process could be slow and prone to errors. The NHS App changes everything.

Real-Life Example: David's Story

David, a 45-year-old marketing manager, has private health cover through his employer. He's been experiencing persistent shoulder pain.

  1. GP Visit: He uses the NHS App to book an appointment with his NHS GP. The GP examines him and suspects a rotator cuff tear, referring him for an NHS ultrasound scan. The waiting list is several months long.
  2. Using His PMI: David decides to use his PMI for a faster diagnosis. He calls his insurer to start a claim.
  3. Sharing Information: During the call, his insurer asks for details from his GP visit. David opens his NHS App. He can see the GP's notes from the consultation and the official referral letter. He relays this information accurately.
  4. Private Consultation: The insurer authorises a consultation with a private orthopaedic specialist. Before the appointment, David downloads his recent blood test results from the app and emails them to the consultant's secretary.
  5. Efficient Care: The private consultant already has a detailed history and recent test results. This saves time during the consultation and avoids the need for expensive, duplicate blood tests. The consultant can proceed directly to ordering a private MRI scan, leading to a much faster diagnosis and treatment plan.

As David's story shows, the app acts as a secure and reliable source of truth, streamlining the entire process.

Key Information at Your Fingertips

Here’s a breakdown of the data in your NHS App and how it helps in a private setting:

NHS App FeatureHow It Helps with Private Healthcare
View Your GP RecordAllows you to share a complete and accurate medical history with your private consultant, ensuring they have the full context.
Access Test ResultsYou can view and share results from NHS blood tests, X-rays, and other diagnostics, potentially avoiding costly and time-consuming duplicate tests.
View MedicationsYour private specialist can see exactly what medications you are currently taking, preventing dangerous drug interactions.
Check AllergiesProvides critical safety information to any doctor, whether NHS or private, about your allergies and adverse reactions to medicines.
Access Referral LettersYou can see the clinical reasoning behind your GP's referral, giving your private specialist a head-start on your diagnosis.

The Patient Choice Initiative and Private Care

A significant development blurring the lines between NHS and private providers is the NHS's drive to cut waiting lists. Under the Patient Choice initiative, patients who have been waiting a long time for certain NHS treatments (e.g., over 40 weeks) may be given the option to move to a different hospital for faster care.

This is where the NHS App plays a crucial role. Eligible patients may receive a notification through the app, allowing them to explore their options. These options can include treatment at a private hospital, which is then paid for by the NHS.

Important Distinction: This is not the same as using private medical insurance. In this scenario, the NHS is the "customer" paying the private hospital. However, it highlights how the digital infrastructure of the NHS App is being used to create pathways into the independent sector. For the patient, it means faster access to the same high-quality facilities used by those with private health cover.

Using Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Alongside the NHS App

For most people with PMI, the journey to private treatment follows a well-defined path. The NHS App doesn't change this path, but it makes several steps much easier.

The Standard UK Private Medical Insurance Pathway

  1. Symptom & GP Visit: You develop a new, acute symptom (like David's shoulder pain). Your first port of call is always your NHS GP. This is a critical step; virtually all UK PMI policies require a GP referral to authorise a claim. You can often use the NHS App to book this initial appointment.
  2. Open Referral: Your GP agrees that you need to see a specialist and provides you with an 'open referral'. This means they recommend specialist treatment without naming a specific doctor.
  3. Contact Your Insurer: You call your private medical insurer (e.g., Bupa, AXA, Aviva) to open a claim. This is where the NHS App becomes your best friend. You can have your medical record open, providing precise dates, symptom descriptions, and any initial test results your GP has ordered.
  4. Claim Authorisation: The insurer verifies that your condition is covered under your policy and provides you with a claim authorisation number. They will also give you a list of approved specialists and hospitals from their network.
  5. Book Your Private Appointment: You contact the specialist's office, provide your authorisation number, and book your consultation, which often happens within days or weeks, not months.

A Note on Chronic and Pre-existing Conditions

It is vital to understand the limits of private medical insurance in the UK. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses that are curable and arise after your policy begins (e.g., joint pain needing a replacement, cataracts, hernias, or cancer).

Standard PMI policies do not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness or symptom for which you have sought advice, diagnosis, or treatment in the years before your policy started (typically the last 5 years).
  • Chronic Condition: A long-term illness that can be managed but not cured, such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or arthritis.

The NHS will always be your partner in managing these long-term conditions. PMI is your partner for getting new, acute issues diagnosed and treated quickly.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover: A WeCovr Guide

With NHS waiting lists remaining a concern for many, private health cover is an increasingly popular choice for gaining peace of mind and faster access to treatment. But the market can be confusing. As an independent PMI broker, WeCovr can help you compare policies from across the market to find the right fit, at no extra cost to you.

Here are some key things to consider:

Types of Underwriting

This determines how an insurer treats your past medical history.

  • Moratorium (Most Common): You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had in the 5 years before joining. If you then go 2 continuous years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. It's simple but can lead to uncertainty when you claim.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer assesses your history and tells you upfront exactly what is and isn't covered. It takes more time to set up but provides complete clarity from day one.

Key Policy Features

  • Level of Cover: Do you want cover for just inpatient treatment (when you need a hospital bed), or do you also want outpatient cover (for consultations, diagnostics, and therapies)?
  • Hospital List: Insurers have different tiers of hospital lists. A more comprehensive list including central London hospitals will cost more.
  • Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will significantly lower your monthly premium.
  • No Claims Discount: Similar to car insurance, your premium can reduce each year you don't make a claim.

A Look at Major UK PMI Providers

ProviderKey FeaturesBest For
BupaHuge hospital and consultant network; very strong brand recognition; excellent cancer care pathways.Customers seeking comprehensive cover and a wide choice of facilities.
AXA HealthStrong focus on digital health tools and apps; flexible 'guided' options to reduce costs.Policyholders who are comfortable with technology and want flexible options.
AvivaOften represents great value; their 'Expert Select' pathway guides you to a recommended specialist.Budget-conscious individuals and families who appreciate a guided healthcare journey.
VitalityUnique model that rewards healthy living with premium discounts and other perks like gym memberships.Active people who want to be financially rewarded for staying healthy.
WPAA not-for-profit insurer with high customer satisfaction ratings; offers flexible policies popular with the self-employed.Those who value an ethical approach and tailored cover for professional needs.

Navigating these options can be daunting. The expert advisors at WeCovr can provide a personalised comparison, helping you understand the fine print and make an informed choice.

The Future of Digital Health: What's Next?

The integration between the NHS App and private healthcare is still in its early stages. The future likely holds even deeper connections, all centered around giving you more control over your health data.

  • Wearable Technology Integration: Imagine data from your smartwatch—activity levels, heart rate, sleep patterns—securely feeding into your health record. This could provide a richer, real-time picture for both your NHS GP and a private specialist.
  • Direct Data Sharing (with consent): In the future, you might be able to grant temporary, read-only access to a specific part of your NHS record directly to your insurer's portal to instantly pre-authorise a claim, cutting down on phone calls and administration.
  • Proactive Health Management: At WeCovr, we believe in proactive wellness. It's why all our health and life insurance clients receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered nutrition and calorie tracking app. Tools like this, which help you manage your health day-to-day, are the future of personal wellbeing.
  • Bundled Protection: We also believe in holistic cover. That’s why clients who buy PMI or life insurance through us can often access discounts on other policies, such as income protection, building a comprehensive safety net for their health and finances.

Practical Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

While insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best strategy is to stay healthy. Here are some evidence-based tips grounded in NHS guidelines.

  • Nourish Your Body: Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. The Mediterranean diet is frequently cited as one of the healthiest eating patterns. Limiting ultra-processed foods can have a significant impact on your long-term health.
  • Move Every Day: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or swimming) a week. Don't forget strength exercises twice a week to maintain muscle and bone health.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night. Create a restful environment by keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. A consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, helps regulate your body clock.
  • Mind Your Mind: Mental and physical health are two sides of the same coin. Practice mindfulness, spend time in nature, and maintain strong social connections. Don't hesitate to speak to your GP if you're struggling with your mental health.

By combining a proactive approach to your health with the smart use of tools like the NHS App and the safety net of a good private medical insurance policy, you can build a robust and responsive plan for your wellbeing.


Can I use the NHS App to book a private medical appointment?

No, not directly. The NHS App is designed for accessing NHS services only. You cannot use it to book an appointment with a private consultant or hospital. However, you can use the information within the app, such as your GP referral letter and medical history, to make the process of booking and attending a private appointment much smoother.

Do I still need an NHS GP if I have private medical insurance?

Yes, absolutely. Having an NHS GP is essential. Almost all private medical insurance policies in the UK require a referral from your GP before they will authorise a claim for specialist treatment. Your GP remains the gatekeeper to further care, whether on the NHS or privately.

Does private health insurance cover pre-existing or chronic conditions?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK is specifically designed to cover new, acute medical conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you had before taking out the policy) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma), which remain under the care of the NHS.

How can an independent PMI broker like WeCovr help me?

An expert broker like WeCovr acts as your advocate in the complex private medical insurance UK market. We compare policies from a wide range of insurers to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. We explain the jargon, help you understand the differences in cover, and assist you with the application process, all at no cost to you.

Ready to take control of your healthcare options? The world of private medical insurance can seem complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

Get Your Free, No-Obligation PMI Quote from WeCovr Today

Our friendly, expert advisors are here to help you find the right cover for you and your family, giving you peace of mind and fast access to the care you need, when you need it.

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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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