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The Retention Crisis Guide 2026 Top 10 Benefits to Stop Staff Leaving

The Retention Crisis Guide 2026 Top 10 Benefits to Stop...

TL;DR

Welcome to the definitive 2026 guide on employee retention. As a leading FCA-authorised UK broker that has helped secure cover for over 900,000 people, WeCovr understands the critical link between employee wellbeing and business success. This article dives deep into the data, revealing why your best staff are leaving and how a strategic benefits package, spearheaded by comprehensive private medical insurance, can become your most powerful retention tool.

Key takeaways

  • Direct Costs: Recruitment agency fees, advertising costs, HR time spent on interviews and onboarding.
  • Indirect Costs: Lost productivity while the role is vacant, reduced output as the new hire gets up to speed (which can take 6-12 months), and the impact on team morale and institutional knowledge.
  • Reduced Absenteeism: Employees get treated faster, meaning less time off work and quicker recovery. ONS data consistently shows musculoskeletal problems and mental health as top reasons for long-term sickness absence; PMI directly addresses these.
  • Peace of Mind: Removing the anxiety of long waits for consultations, scans, or surgery is a profound benefit that significantly boosts employee loyalty.
  • Access to Specialist Care: PMI often provides access to leading consultants, advanced treatments, and private hospital facilities, enhancing the perceived value of the job.

Welcome to the definitive 2026 guide on employee retention. As a leading FCA-authorised UK broker that has helped secure cover for over 900,000 people, WeCovr understands the critical link between employee wellbeing and business success. This article dives deep into the data, revealing why your best staff are leaving and how a strategic benefits package, spearheaded by comprehensive private medical insurance, can become your most powerful retention tool.

Data-backed analysis of why employees quit in 2026, and which benefits (from PMI to 4-day weeks) actually improve retention rates

The "Great Resignation" has evolved. In 2026, we face the "Era of Intentional Retention," where employees no longer leave jobs impulsively but make calculated moves towards employers who demonstrably value their health, time, and future.

According to recent analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the reasons for quitting have crystallised. While salary remains a factor, it is rarely the sole driver. The primary reasons employees are handing in their notice in the mid-2020s are more nuanced, focusing on the overall employee experience.

RankReason for Leaving% of Employees Citing ThisImplication for Employers
1Poor Work-Life Balance / Burnout42%Flexible working and health support are no longer perks, but essentials.
2Lack of Career Growth & Development35%Staff need to see a future; investment in training is vital.
3Feeling Undervalued / Poor Management31%Recognition and supportive leadership are crucial.
4Inadequate Health & Wellbeing Support28%A clear signal that staff expect employers to support their physical and mental health.
5Compensation & Benefits Not Competitive24%It's not just about salary, but the total value of the package.

Source: Synthesised data from 2024/2025 reports by CIPD, ONS, and leading UK business surveys.

The data is unequivocal: a benefits package that fails to address health and work-life balance is a direct contributor to staff turnover.

The Staggering Cost of Staff Turnover in 2026

Before we explore the solutions, it's vital to understand the problem's financial scale. Replacing an employee is not just the cost of a recruitment fee. The true cost is a drain on your resources, productivity, and morale.

Based on updated figures from Oxford Economics, the average cost to replace a UK employee in 2026 is estimated to be over £30,000. This figure breaks down into:

  • Direct Costs: Recruitment agency fees, advertising costs, HR time spent on interviews and onboarding.
  • Indirect Costs: Lost productivity while the role is vacant, reduced output as the new hire gets up to speed (which can take 6-12 months), and the impact on team morale and institutional knowledge.

Investing in retention is not an expense; it is a direct defence against these substantial and often hidden costs.

The Top 10 Employee Benefits for Retention in 2026

So, where should you invest? Forget fleeting trends and office gimmicks. The benefits that genuinely move the needle on retention are those that provide tangible, meaningful support to your employees' lives.

Here is our data-backed list of the top 10 benefits for 2026.

1. Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Why it works: In an era of record NHS waiting lists, providing fast access to high-quality healthcare is arguably the single most valued employee benefit. It sends a powerful message: "We care about your health and want you back on your feet quickly."

Private medical insurance UK plans provide cover for the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions – illnesses or injuries that are short-term and likely to respond to treatment.

Key Retention Drivers of PMI:

  • Reduced Absenteeism: Employees get treated faster, meaning less time off work and quicker recovery. ONS data consistently shows musculoskeletal problems and mental health as top reasons for long-term sickness absence; PMI directly addresses these.
  • Peace of Mind: Removing the anxiety of long waits for consultations, scans, or surgery is a profound benefit that significantly boosts employee loyalty.
  • Access to Specialist Care: PMI often provides access to leading consultants, advanced treatments, and private hospital facilities, enhancing the perceived value of the job.
  • Supports Mental Health: Most modern company PMI policies include robust mental health pathways, providing access to therapy and psychiatric support far quicker than via the NHS.

Expert Broker Insight: Not all PMI is created equal. A cheap policy with a high excess and no mental health cover can be counterproductive. As expert PMI brokers, WeCovr helps businesses design policies that offer real value, balancing cost with comprehensive cover that includes mental health, outpatient diagnostics, and tailored hospital lists.

Crucial Clarification: Standard UK private health cover is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma that require ongoing management rather than a cure).

2. Genuine Flexible & Hybrid Working

Why it works: The demand for autonomy over where and when work is done is permanent. Companies mandating a full-time return to the office are seeing higher-than-average attrition rates.

  • Benefit: Allows employees to manage personal commitments, reduce commute times and costs, and create a better work-life balance.
  • Data Point: A 2025 study by Stanford University confirmed that hybrid work arrangements can maintain or even increase productivity while significantly boosting employee satisfaction and retention.

3. Enhanced Mental Health Support

Why it works: Going beyond a basic Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) shows a deep commitment to wellbeing.

  • What it includes: Subsidised or free access to therapy platforms (like BetterHelp or Talkspace), mental health first aider training for managers, and wellness days.
  • Link to PMI: This benefit is supercharged when integrated with a company PMI policy. The PMI plan can provide the clinical pathway for diagnosis and treatment, while the wider company initiatives create a supportive culture.

4. The Four-Day Work Week

Why it works: This is the headline-grabber, and for good reason. Pilot programmes across the UK have shown remarkable results.

  • Benefit: Offers employees a three-day weekend every week, drastically improving work-life balance, reducing burnout, and boosting morale.
  • Data Point: The UK's largest four-day week trial found that 71% of employees reported lower levels of burnout, and company revenue stayed broadly the same, with a 92% of participating companies continuing with the policy post-trial.

5. Generous & Transparent Pension Contributions

Why it works: While not as immediate as health benefits, a strong pension plan signals that you are invested in your employees' long-term future.

  • The Gold Standard: Offering an 'enhanced matching' scheme (e.g., the company contributes 8% if the employee contributes 5%) is a powerful tool for retaining senior, experienced staff.

6. Meaningful Career Development & Training Budgets

Why it works: Addresses the #2 reason people leave. Employees who are learning are less likely to be looking elsewhere.

  • What it includes: A dedicated annual budget for external courses, professional qualifications, conference attendance, and access to online learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning.
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7. Substantial Annual Leave & Sabbaticals

Why it works: Time is a currency. Giving more of it back to your employees is a direct and highly valued benefit.

  • Beyond the Standard: Offering 28-30 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays) as standard, with the option to buy or sell days, provides flexibility. Paid sabbaticals after 5 or 10 years of service are an exceptional retention tool for key staff.

8. Comprehensive Family-Friendly Policies

Why it works: Supporting employees through major life events like having a child creates incredible loyalty.

  • What it includes: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (e.g., 6 months full pay), support for fertility treatments (sometimes available via PMI), and flexible return-to-work options.

9. Financial Wellness Programmes

Why it works: The ongoing cost-of-living pressure means financial anxiety is a major source of stress that impacts workplace performance.

  • What it includes: Access to independent financial advisors, debt management support, and workshops on budgeting, saving, and investing.

10. Digital Health & Wellness Perks

Why it works: These benefits provide daily, tangible value and support a proactive approach to health.

  • What it includes:
    • Virtual GP Services: Included with most modern PMI policies, offering 24/7 access to a doctor.
    • Wellness Apps: Complimentary access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness apps. For example, all WeCovr clients get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracker, CalorieHero.
    • Discounts on other insurance: When you arrange PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr, you can also receive discounts on other vital cover, providing a holistic safety net.

How to Build a Benefits Package That Actually Works

Offering benefits isn't enough. You need to build a strategic, well-communicated programme.

  1. Survey Your Staff: Don't assume you know what they want. Use anonymous surveys to ask employees to rank their most desired benefits. You might be surprised by the results.
  2. Segment and Personalise: The needs of a 25-year-old graduate differ from those of a 45-year-old manager with a family. Consider offering a flexible benefits platform where employees can choose the perks that matter most to them.
  3. Prioritise a Cornerstone Benefit: Private Medical Insurance should be the foundation. It addresses the most fundamental human need – health – and has the broadest appeal across all demographics.
  4. Communicate Relentlessly: A benefit no one understands is a wasted investment. Hold regular briefings, create simple guides, and ensure managers can explain the key benefits, especially the process for using the company PMI.
  5. Partner with an Expert Broker: Navigating the UK PMI market is complex. A broker doesn't just sell you a policy; they act as your consultant. They help you compare the market, understand the complex jargon (like 'moratorium' vs 'full medical underwriting'), and tailor a plan that fits your budget and retention goals. This service comes at no extra cost to you.

The Business Case for Private Medical Insurance: A Deeper Dive

Let's put the impact of company health insurance into sharp focus. For a business, the decision is a simple cost-benefit analysis.

FactorWithout Company PMIWith Company PMI
NHS Waiting TimesEmployee waits months for diagnosis/treatment (average waiting time is ~18 weeks, but can be over a year for some procedures).Employee is typically seen by a specialist within days or weeks.
Employee DowntimeProlonged sickness absence, reduced productivity while waiting in discomfort or pain.Minimal downtime. Faster treatment leads to a faster return to full productivity.
Employee MoraleHigh stress and anxiety for the individual; potential resentment towards the employer for lack of support.Employee feels valued and supported. Positive impact on team morale and company culture.
Recruitment & RetentionA significant disadvantage when competing for talent against employers who offer PMI.A powerful recruitment tool and a cornerstone of your retention strategy.

Tax Implications of Company PMI

It's important to understand the tax treatment of private medical insurance in the UK.

  • For the Employer: The cost of the premiums is generally considered a tax-deductible business expense.
  • For the Employee: The provision of PMI is a 'benefit in kind'. This means the value of the premium is treated as additional income, and the employee will pay income tax on it. The employer reports this to HMRC on a P11D form, and the employee's tax code is adjusted accordingly. While it is a taxable benefit, the cost is still significantly lower for the individual than buying a personal policy.

Ready to Retain Your Top Talent?

In the competitive landscape of 2026, employee retention is not a passive hope but an active strategy. It begins with understanding that your employees' health and wellbeing are intrinsically linked to the health and wellbeing of your business.

While flexible working and career development are vital, a comprehensive Private Medical Insurance plan remains the bedrock of a modern, effective benefits package. It's a clear, high-impact investment that delivers a powerful return in loyalty, productivity, and peace of mind.

Don't let your best staff walk away. Take the first step towards building a benefit package that makes them want to stay. Contact the WeCovr team today for a free, no-obligation consultation and market comparison to find the perfect PMI plan for your business.

What is the single most effective benefit for employee retention?

While this depends on company demographics, data consistently shows that benefits supporting health and work-life balance have the highest impact. Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is often cited as the most valued single benefit because it addresses a fundamental concern – fast access to healthcare – which provides significant peace of mind and demonstrates a high level of employer care.

Is company private medical insurance a taxable benefit in the UK?

Yes, in the UK, company-provided private medical insurance is considered a 'benefit in kind'. This means the employee is liable to pay income tax on the value of the insurance premium. The employer must report this to HMRC using a P11D form, and the employee's tax code will be adjusted to collect the tax owed. For the employer, the premiums are typically an allowable business expense.

Does business health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance, whether for individuals or businesses, is designed to cover acute conditions that arise *after* the policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before joining) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses needing management, like diabetes). The two main ways insurers handle pre-existing conditions are 'Moratorium' underwriting, where conditions from the last 5 years are excluded for an initial period, or 'Full Medical Underwriting', where you declare your history upfront.

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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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