WeCovr

The Out-of-Hours Trap Does Private Healthcare Cover A&E

Private medical insurance in the UK does not cover A&E or major emergencies, which remain the domain of the NHS. Our experienced WeCovr advisers help you find cover for eligible post-emergency treatment.

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated Mar 17, 2026

Editorial standards

We research and update guides regularly, keep commercial relationships separate from editorial rankings, and publish content for information only rather than personal advice.

Rated Excellent on Google & Trustpilot
900,000+ policies arranged
Expert guidance
The Out-of-Hours Trap Does Private Healthcare Cover A&E

TL;DR

Private medical insurance in the UK does not cover A&E or major emergencies, which remain the domain of the NHS. Our experienced WeCovr advisers help you find cover for eligible post-emergency treatment.

Key takeaways

  • Private health insurance does not cover life-threatening emergencies or A&E visits in the UK.
  • The NHS provides all emergency and major trauma care, free at the point of use.
  • PMI is designed for planned, non-emergency treatment of acute conditions after your policy begins.
  • Private urgent care centres offer a fee-based alternative to NHS UCCs for minor, non-emergency issues.
  • Your PMI policy can speed up diagnosis and surgery following an NHS emergency stabilisation.

It’s a question our experienced brokers at WeCovr hear time and again: "If I have private medical insurance, can I bypass the NHS A&E queue?" This common query highlights one of the biggest misunderstandings about private health cover in the UK. The simple, critical answer is no.

Private medical insurance (PMI) is an invaluable tool for managing your health, but it is not a replacement for the National Health Service in an emergency. This article will demystify the "out-of-hours trap," explain why the NHS remains your only port of call for major trauma, and show you how private healthcare and PMI work in harmony with it.

Why you still need the NHS for major trauma and how urgent care centers work

The NHS is one of the few healthcare systems in the world that is free at the point of use for everyone. Its founding principle is to provide comprehensive care, and nowhere is this more evident than in its emergency services.

When you think of a life-threatening emergency—a heart attack, a stroke, a serious road accident—the response required is immense. It involves a coordinated network of 999 call handlers, paramedics, ambulances, specialist A&E doctors and nurses, and state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment, all available 24/7. UK private hospitals are simply not built or staffed for this.

Key Fact: There are no private A&E departments in the United Kingdom. All serious and life-threatening emergencies are treated by the NHS.

Private hospitals are designed for planned, elective procedures and consultations. They do not have the infrastructure, specialist trauma teams, or immediate access to intensive care units (ICUs) required to handle the unpredictable and critical nature of emergency medicine.

What is the difference between A&E and an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC)?

To understand where to go, it’s vital to distinguish between a genuine emergency and an urgent problem.

  • Accident & Emergency (A&E): For life-threatening illnesses or accidents. This includes loss of consciousness, persistent severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding. You should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
  • Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC): For injuries and illnesses that are urgent but not life-threatening. This includes sprains, suspected broken limbs, minor head injuries, or skin infections. You can find them by searching "NHS UTC near me" or by calling NHS 111.

Your PMI policy does not cover the initial visit to either of these NHS facilities. Its role begins after you have been stabilised.

The Golden Rule of UK Private Health Insurance: No Emergency Cover

Let's be unequivocally clear: Standard private medical insurance policies in the UK do not cover any costs associated with emergency treatment. This is a fundamental principle of the UK health insurance market.

This isn't a flaw in the system; it's by design. PMI is an insurance product intended to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

Think of it like this: your car insurance doesn't pay for the fire brigade to put out a car fire on the motorway. It pays for the repairs to your vehicle after the emergency services have done their job. Similarly, PMI doesn't pay for A&E team that saves your life; it pays for the eligible follow-up care that gets you back on your feet faster.

Critical Point: PMI is for planned, non-emergency care. The NHS is for emergencies. They are designed to work together, not in competition.

A Real-Life Emergency: How the NHS and PMI Work Together

To make this clear, let's walk through a common scenario.

Scenario: Sarah, 45, is cycling on a Saturday morning and is hit by a car, suffering a serious leg fracture and a dislocated shoulder. She has a comprehensive PMI policy.

  1. The 999 Call & NHS Response: A bystander calls 999. An NHS ambulance arrives within minutes. Paramedics provide immediate pain relief and stabilise her injuries before taking her to the nearest NHS A&E department. This entire service is free of charge.

  2. NHS Emergency Treatment: At the hospital, Sarah is seen by the trauma team. Her shoulder is relocated, and her leg is X-rayed, revealing a complex fracture requiring surgery. The NHS team puts her leg in a temporary cast and admits her to an orthopaedic ward to await a surgical slot.

  3. The PMI 'Handover': Here is where Sarah's private medical insurance kicks in. Once she is medically stable, she has a choice. She can remain on the NHS waiting list for her surgery, or she can activate her PMI.

  4. Activating the Policy: Sarah calls her insurer's claims line. They confirm her policy covers the necessary surgery. Her insurer may even help arrange a transfer to a private hospital.

  5. Fast-Track Private Treatment: Within a few days, Sarah is in a private room at a hospital from her insurer's approved list. A consultant surgeon, chosen by her, performs the operation. Her PMI policy covers the cost of the surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital fees, and post-operative care.

  6. Rehabilitation: Sarah's policy includes therapies cover. After her surgery, she has immediate access to a private physiotherapist to begin her rehabilitation, significantly speeding up her recovery.

In this scenario, the NHS saved her life and stabilised her condition. Her PMI then provided comfort, choice, and speed for the subsequent treatment, helping her recover faster.

Get Tailored Quote

Private Urgent Care Centres: A Pay-as-You-Go Option

A new feature in the UK healthcare landscape is the rise of private Urgent Care Centres. These are distinct from private hospitals and are not a substitute for A&E.

These centres offer a fee-based service for minor issues, allowing you to pay for immediate treatment without a lengthy wait.

FeatureNHS A&ENHS Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC)Private Urgent Care Centre
CostFreeFreePay-as-you-go (e.g., £100-£200 per consultation)
Best ForLife-threatening emergenciesUrgent but non-life-threatening issuesMinor injuries & illnesses with minimal waiting
Example ConditionsChest pain, stroke, major trauma, sepsisSprains, minor burns, cuts, suspected fracturesSame as NHS UTC, plus minor infections, rashes
PMI CoverageNot coveredNot coveredGenerally not covered on standard policies

WeCovr Adviser Tip: Most standard PMI policies do not cover pay-as-you-go private urgent care. Unless your policy has a specific, declared benefit for this, you will have to pay the fee yourself. Always check your policy documents or call your insurer before visiting.

How Your PMI Policy Can Help with Urgent Care

While your policy won't pay for an A&E visit, modern PMI plans have features that are incredibly useful for managing urgent, out-of-hours health concerns.

  • 24/7 Digital GP: This is perhaps the single most valuable feature for out-of-hours issues. Instead of guessing or turning to "Dr. Google," you can have a video consultation with a GP within minutes, day or night. They can assess your symptoms, advise whether you need to go to a UTC or A&E, issue private prescriptions, and provide referral letters.
  • Direct Access to Specialists: Some policies allow you to bypass a GP referral for certain conditions. If you have a recurring back problem or a sports injury, you might be able to book a physiotherapy or osteopathy appointment directly, getting expert help faster.
  • Mental Health Support: Many insurers now offer 24/7 mental health support lines or fast-tracked access to therapy sessions. This can be a lifeline for someone experiencing an acute mental health crisis outside of normal working hours.
  • NHS Cash Benefit: This is a feature on many policies. If you choose to have your eligible treatment in an NHS hospital (or are admitted as an emergency), your policy will pay you a fixed, tax-free cash amount for each night you spend as an inpatient. This can help cover lost earnings or other expenses.

At WeCovr, we help thousands of clients find policies with robust digital GP services and comprehensive benefits that provide genuine peace of mind, 24/7. As part of our commitment to our clients' health, we also offer complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you stay on top of your wellness goals.

Common Misconceptions and Costly Client Mistakes

Navigating the system can be confusing. Here are some common mistakes we see people make, which you can easily avoid.

  1. The Mistake: "I have chest pains, I'll go to the local private hospital."

    • The Reality: This is dangerous and incorrect. Private hospitals will turn you away and direct you to the nearest NHS A&E. For any symptom of a heart attack or stroke, call 999 immediately. Time is critical, and only the NHS can provide the immediate specialist care needed.
  2. The Mistake: "My PMI will cover the private ambulance I called."

    • The Reality: Private ambulances are typically for non-emergency patient transport, for example, transferring between hospitals. They are not an emergency response service. The 999 service is the only route for an emergency ambulance, and it is free.
  3. The Mistake: "I'll just claim back the £150 I spent at a private walk-in clinic."

    • The Reality: As mentioned, these visits are not typically covered. You must get pre-authorisation from your insurer for any treatment you wish to claim for. A speculative visit to a private clinic will almost certainly be declined.

The Golden Rule: Unless it is a 999-level emergency, your first call should be to your insurer's 24/7 helpline or your PMI's digital GP service. They will guide you on the correct, and most importantly, covered pathway for your treatment.

Choosing a PMI Policy That Perfectly Complements the NHS

The smartest way to view private medical insurance is as a partner to the NHS. Your goal should be to choose a policy that fills the gaps and enhances the care you receive. When comparing policies, our advisers at WeCovr recommend focusing on these key areas:

FeatureWhy It's Crucial for Post-Emergency CareWeCovr Adviser Tip
Comprehensive Outpatient CoverPays for the specialist consultations and diagnostic scans (MRI, CT, PET) needed for a fast diagnosis after an A&E visit.Don't skimp here. A low outpatient limit can leave you facing significant shortfalls for diagnostics.
Therapies CoverCovers physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care essential for rehabilitation after an injury or surgery.Look for policies that offer direct access to therapies without needing a GP referral to speed things up.
Robust Digital GP ServiceYour 24/7 frontline defence. Provides immediate medical advice, preventing unnecessary trips to A&E or UTCs.Check the provider. Services from well-known brands often offer a more seamless experience and better app integration.
Good Hospital ListEnsures you have a choice of high-quality private hospitals near your home for your elective treatment.Consider not just location but also the specialties of the hospitals. Your adviser can help match a list to your needs.

As an independent, FCA-regulated broker, WeCovr compares plans from all major UK insurers like Bupa, Aviva, AXA Health, and Vitality. We can help you find a plan with the right balance of features and price. Furthermore, clients who take out PMI or Life Insurance with us can often benefit from discounts on other types of cover.


Can I add A&E cover to my private health insurance policy?

No, specific A&E or emergency cover is not a product offered by private medical insurers in the UK. The entire emergency response system—from 999 calls to A&E departments—is funded and run by the NHS. Private healthcare is designed for non-emergency, planned treatment.

If I'm taken to an NHS hospital in an emergency, can I transfer to a private one?

Yes, this is a primary function of private medical insurance. Once you are medically stable, you can work with your insurer to arrange a transfer to a private hospital for eligible follow-up treatment, such as surgery or specialist care. This is known as an 'NHS to private' pathway.

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

This is a critical distinction. Private medical insurance covers acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a cataract, a hernia, a broken bone). It does not cover chronic conditions—long-term illnesses that have no known cure and require ongoing management (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure).

Do private hospitals in the UK have A&E departments?

No, private hospitals in the UK are not equipped for major emergencies and do not have Accident & Emergency departments. They are centres for elective (planned) surgery, diagnostics, and consultations. All life-threatening emergencies are handled exclusively by the NHS.

Your Next Step to Smart Health Protection

Understanding the roles of the NHS and private healthcare is the first step to making an informed decision. Private medical insurance is not a VIP pass to skip A&E queue; it’s a powerful tool for what comes next—providing speed, choice, and comfort for your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Ready to explore how a tailored private medical insurance policy can work for you and your family? Our friendly, independent advisers at WeCovr are here to help. We'll compare the UK's leading insurers to find a policy that fits your specific needs and budget, all at no cost to you.

Get your free, no-obligation PMI quote today and discover a smarter way to protect your health.


Sources

  • NHS England
  • NHS Digital
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS)
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
  • gov.uk

Disclaimer: This is general guidance only and does not constitute formal tax or financial advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances, policy terms, and HMRC interpretation, which cannot be guaranteed in advance. Whenever applicable, businesses and individuals should always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before arranging such policies.

Before you compare PMI quotes

Start with your Protection Score, then decide whether private health cover is the right fit

Check where health access sits in your overall protection picture before deciding whether to compare private health cover.

Check My Health Access GapGet PMI Help If It Fits

Spot whether NHS access risk is the real issue

See if PMI is the gap to fix first

Get health insurance help only if it makes sense for you

📚 Recommended reads

Best Private Health Insurance UK 2026

Read

Average Cost of PMI (UK)

Read

PMI Provider Reviews

Read

Get your score

Start with your protection score

Check your current position first, then get health insurance help if you need it.

1

Check your current resilience

Score your income, health access and family protection position in a few minutes.

2

See where private cover helps

Understand whether faster diagnosis and treatment is a priority gap.

3

Continue to tailored PMI help

If health access is the issue, continue to tailored PMI help.

What you get

A quick view of your current protection position

A clearer idea of where the biggest gaps may be

A direct route to tailored help if you want it


See Plans

Related tools


WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.


Explore insurance hubs

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 experienced 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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 900,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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 a strong fit for your needs 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.



...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!