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The NHS App and Private Healthcare Integration

The NHS App and Private Healthcare Integration 2026

As an FCA-authorised UK broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr is perfectly placed to explain the evolving link between the NHS App and private medical insurance. This guide demystifies how you can use the app to streamline your journey into private healthcare, giving you more control.

WeCovr explains how the NHS App integrates with private medical care

In an age where we manage our banking, shopping, and social lives from our smartphones, it’s only natural that healthcare is following suit. The NHS App has become a digital cornerstone for millions in the UK, offering unprecedented access to personal health information. But a common question we hear at WeCovr is: "How does this fit in with my private medical insurance?"

The short answer is that while there is no direct button to book private care within the NHS App, it acts as a powerful bridge between the two systems. It empowers you, the patient, to take control of your health records and share them securely, making the transition from NHS waiting lists to prompt private treatment smoother than ever before.

This guide will walk you through exactly how this "indirect integration" works, its benefits, and how you can leverage it to get the most out of your private health cover.

What is the NHS App? A Quick Refresher

Before we dive into the private healthcare connection, let's quickly recap what the NHS App is and what it does. Launched in 2018, it's a free, secure application for your smartphone or tablet, designed to be the "digital front door" to NHS services in England.

Its popularity has soared, with tens of millions of people now registered. According to NHS Digital figures, the app has fundamentally changed how patients interact with the health service.

Core Features of the NHS App:

  • Order Repeat Prescriptions: Request repeat medications without needing to call or visit your GP surgery.
  • Book and Manage Appointments: View, book, and cancel appointments at your GP surgery.
  • View Your Health Record: This is the key feature for private healthcare integration. You can access your medical history, test results (like blood tests and scans), and details of your medications and allergies.
  • Get Health Advice: Access trusted NHS information and use the NHS 111 online service for urgent medical queries.
  • View Your NHS COVID Pass: Prove your vaccination status for travel and events.
  • Manage Organ Donation Decisions: Register or change your preferences.

The app provides a single, secure place to manage your NHS health needs, reducing administrative burdens on GP practices and putting valuable information directly into your hands.

The Current State of Play: How Does the NHS App Work with Private Healthcare?

This is the most crucial part to understand. As of 2025, you cannot log into the NHS App and book an appointment with a Bupa consultant or authorise a claim with Aviva. The app is not a marketplace for private services.

Instead, the integration is all about information and continuity of care. The NHS App allows you to access your GP health record and securely share it with your chosen private provider. This is a game-changer.

The Power of Your Health Record

Previously, if you decided to use your private medical insurance, getting your medical history to the private consultant could be a clunky process. It might involve your private doctor writing to your NHS GP, waiting for a reply, or you having to repeat tests you’ve already had done on the NHS.

The NHS App cuts through this red tape.

Here’s how it works in practice:

  1. You receive an NHS GP referral: You visit your GP for a health concern, say, persistent knee pain. They examine you and agree you need to see an orthopaedic specialist. They write a referral letter.
  2. You face a long wait: You discover the NHS waiting time for that specialist in your area is many months. The latest NHS England data shows millions of treatment pathways on the waiting list, with a significant number waiting over 18 weeks.
  3. You decide to use your PMI: You contact your private medical insurance provider to start a claim. They confirm your policy covers the consultation and any subsequent treatment.
  4. You use the NHS App: You log into your NHS App. Under the "Your Health" section, you navigate to "View your GP health record." Here you can find and download the original GP referral letter and the results of any recent X-rays or blood tests.
  5. You share the information: You securely send these documents to your insurer or directly to the private consultant’s secretary.

The private specialist now has your complete, up-to-date medical history before you even walk into their consulting room. This is the "integration" – a seamless flow of information, controlled by you.

Real-Life Example: Sarah's Journey to a Speedy Diagnosis

Imagine Sarah, a 45-year-old teacher, has been experiencing worrying digestive issues.

  • NHS Path: Her GP suspects it could be gallstones and refers her for an ultrasound scan. The waiting list for a non-urgent scan is 10 weeks.
  • PMI Decision: Concerned about the wait, Sarah remembers she has private health cover through her employer. She calls her insurer.
  • Using the App: Her insurer asks for the GP referral. Sarah logs into her NHS App, downloads the referral letter, and emails it to the insurer's claims team.
  • The Result: The claim is authorised within 24 hours. The insurer provides a list of approved local specialists. Sarah books a private consultation for the following week and has a private ultrasound two days later. She shares the results with her NHS GP via the app, ensuring her record is complete.

In this scenario, the NHS App was the vital link that enabled a fast, efficient, and joined-up healthcare experience.

The Benefits of Using the NHS App for Your Private Healthcare Journey

Leveraging the NHS App as part of your private healthcare plan offers several powerful advantages.

BenefitHow the NHS App Helps
Patient EmpowermentYou are in control. You decide what information to share, when to share it, and with whom. This shifts the power dynamic, making you an active participant in your care.
Speed and EfficiencyBy providing your medical history upfront, you can significantly speed up the private care process. It eliminates the need for your private consultant to request records from your GP.
Cost SavingsAvoiding duplicate diagnostic tests (like MRIs or blood work) saves money for your insurer, which can help keep future premiums down. It also saves you the time and inconvenience of undergoing them again.
Improved Safety & ContinuityWhen your private specialist has your full NHS record—including allergies, current medications, and past conditions—it leads to safer, more informed clinical decisions. It ensures your care is "joined-up".
Ultimate ConvenienceYour health record is accessible 24/7 from your phone. You don't need to call your GP surgery during opening hours to request a copy of a letter or test result.

Using the NHS App bridges the gap between the public and private sectors, creating a more cohesive healthcare experience that revolves around you, the patient.

A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Your NHS Record for a Private Referral

Ready to use the app to support your private healthcare journey? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide.

  1. Secure a GP Referral Most private medical insurance UK policies require a referral from your NHS or a private GP before they will authorise specialist treatment. This is to ensure the treatment is medically necessary. Once you have this, the letter will be saved to your NHS record.

  2. Log in to Your NHS App Open the app on your smartphone or tablet and log in using your facial recognition, fingerprint, or password.

  3. Navigate to Your GP Health Record From the homepage, tap on the "Your Health" tab. From there, select "View your GP health record." You may need to verify your identity again.

  4. Find the Relevant Documents You can browse different sections of your record. Look for "Consultations and events" to find your referral letter. Check "Test results" for any relevant blood work, and "Documents" for scan reports or letters from other specialists.

  5. Download or Share the Information The app allows you to download documents as a PDF file to your device. You can then attach this PDF to an email to send to your insurance provider or the private hospital. Some sections may also offer a secure sharing feature. Always ensure you are sending information through a secure channel.

  6. Contact Your PMI Provider Call the claims line for your insurer (e.g., AXA Health, Bupa, Vitality). Inform them you wish to make a claim and that you have the GP referral and other relevant documents ready to send from your NHS App.

  7. Inform Your NHS GP Once you have received private treatment, it's good practice to inform your NHS GP. You can often upload the discharge summary or letter from your private consultant back to your GP practice to ensure your NHS record remains complete and up-to-date.

Private Medical Insurance UK: A Crucial Reminder on What's Covered

While the NHS App provides a fantastic tool for accessing care, it's vital to understand the fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK.

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

This is the single most important concept to grasp. Let's break it down.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is short-term and likely to respond quickly to treatment, leading to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia, cataracts, appendicitis, or a broken bone.
  • Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-term and often has no known cure. It requires ongoing management, monitoring, or palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, disease, or injury for which you have had symptoms, medication, advice, or treatment before your policy start date.

Standard private health cover does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. The NHS remains the primary provider for managing these long-term illnesses. PMI is your partner for getting you back on your feet quickly when a new, unexpected (but curable) health issue occurs.

Acute vs. Chronic Conditions at a Glance

FeatureAcute ConditionChronic Condition
DefinitionA disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and from which you are expected to return to your previous state of health.A disease, illness, or injury with one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, it has no known 'cure', it's likely to recur, or it requires palliative care.
ExampleBroken arm, appendicitis, joint replacement, cataract removal.Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, Crohn's disease, eczema.
PMI CoverageTypically covered. This is the core purpose of PMI.Typically NOT covered. Management is provided by the NHS.

Understanding this distinction is key to avoiding disappointment when making a claim. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate the policy details and understand exactly what is and isn't included before you buy.

The Future of NHS and Private Sector Collaboration

The current "integration" via data sharing is just the beginning. The direction of travel in UK healthcare is towards greater digital interoperability and patient choice. The government's long-term strategy for the NHS heavily emphasises digital transformation to improve efficiency and patient outcomes.

What could the future hold?

  • API Integration: It's conceivable that in the future, approved and regulated private providers could be allowed to "plug in" to the NHS App via secure Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This could potentially allow for direct booking or seamless data transfer, but it would require stringent data security and governance.
  • Personal Health Budgets: The app could become a central hub for managing personal health budgets, allowing patients with certain conditions more direct control over how their NHS funding is spent, potentially including on private services.
  • A 'Blended' Approach: The most likely evolution is a more formalised "blended" or "hybrid" healthcare model. Patients will increasingly move between NHS and private pathways depending on their needs, preferences, and the specific condition. The NHS App will be the constant factor—the single source of truth for your health record, regardless of who provides the treatment.

Navigating this evolving landscape can be complex. Working with an independent and knowledgeable PMI broker is more valuable than ever. WeCovr stays on top of these market changes to ensure our clients have the best advice and the right cover for their needs.

WeCovr's Role in Your Health Journey

At WeCovr, we believe that understanding your options is the first step to better health. We help thousands of UK consumers compare policies from the best PMI providers, ensuring you find cover that fits your budget and your life. Our service is provided at no cost to you.

But our support doesn't end with the policy. We provide our valued health and life insurance clients with a range of benefits to support their overall wellbeing:

  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: All clients get free access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. Managing your diet is a cornerstone of preventative health.
  • Discounts on Other Cover: When you purchase a PMI or life insurance policy through us, you become eligible for discounts on other types of insurance, helping you protect your family and finances more affordably.
  • Expert, Human Advice: In a digital world, we provide the human touch. Our friendly experts, who enjoy high customer satisfaction ratings, are here to answer your questions, explain the jargon, and guide you through the claims process.

Wellness and Your Health: Beyond Insurance

Private medical insurance is a safety net for when things go wrong. But the best strategy is always preventative health—taking steps to stay well in the first place. A healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing many acute and chronic conditions.

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. A balanced diet provides the nutrients your body needs to function optimally and fight off illness. Use an app like CalorieHero to understand your intake and make healthier choices.
  • Regular Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing. Regular exercise boosts your immune system, strengthens your heart, and improves mental health.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep is when your body repairs itself. Poor sleep is linked to a host of health problems, from a weakened immune system to an increased risk of heart disease.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have a significant physical impact. Incorporate stress-management techniques into your day, such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature.

Taking proactive steps to manage your health not only improves your quality of life but also reduces your long-term reliance on both NHS and private healthcare services.


Can I book a private appointment directly through the NHS App?

No, not at present. As of 2025, there is no function within the NHS App to directly browse, book, or pay for private healthcare appointments. The app's integration with private care is based on you being able to access and share your NHS health record with your chosen private provider to ensure continuity of care.

Is it safe to share my NHS record with a private doctor?

Yes, it is safe, provided you do so responsibly. The NHS App allows you to download your information securely. When sharing it with a private consultant or hospital, ensure you are using a secure method like an encrypted email or the provider's own secure patient portal. All doctors, both NHS and private, are bound by strict rules of patient confidentiality. Sharing your record ensures they have the full picture, leading to safer care.

Does using private healthcare affect my right to use the NHS?

Absolutely not. Your right to free NHS care is unaffected by whether you have private medical insurance or choose to pay for private treatment. Using private healthcare for one condition does not remove your entitlement to NHS care for that same condition later, or for any other condition. The two systems can work alongside each other.

What is the difference between a chronic and an acute condition for insurance purposes?

This is a key distinction for private medical insurance (PMI). An **acute condition** is a short-term illness or injury that is expected to respond to treatment and lead to recovery (e.g., appendicitis, a broken bone). PMI is designed to cover these. A **chronic condition** is a long-term illness that requires ongoing management and often has no definitive cure (e.g., diabetes, asthma). Standard PMI policies do not cover the management of chronic conditions, which remains the responsibility of the NHS.

Ready to explore how private medical insurance can work for you? Take control of your health journey today. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr and let our experts find the perfect policy to complement your NHS care.

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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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