Login

The Role of Genomics in Private Health Insurance

The Role of Genomics in Private Health Insurance 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr is at the forefront of the private medical insurance evolution in the UK. This article explores the groundbreaking role of genomics and how your DNA could shape the future of your health cover.

How DNA and personalised medicine could shape PMI policies

Imagine a future where your healthcare isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it's tailored precisely to your unique genetic makeup. This is the promise of genomics and personalised medicine, a revolutionary approach that is poised to transform healthcare and, consequently, the private medical insurance (PMI) landscape in the United Kingdom.

For decades, medicine has largely operated on averages. A treatment that works for most people is prescribed, but it might be ineffective or cause side effects for a significant minority. Genomics flips this script. By analysing your personal DNA blueprint, doctors can predict your risk of certain diseases, select the most effective medications, and design preventative strategies just for you.

For PMI providers and policyholders, this opens up a world of possibilities, from hyper-personalised wellness programmes to more effective cancer treatments. But it also raises important questions about cost, privacy, and ethics. Let's delve into what this genetic revolution means for your private health cover.

What is Genomics and Personalised Medicine? A Plain English Guide

Before we explore the impact on insurance, it's helpful to understand the basic concepts. These terms might sound complex, but the ideas behind them are quite straightforward.

Understanding Your DNA

Think of your body as an incredibly complex machine. The instruction manual for building and running that machine is your DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid).

  • DNA: A long molecule that contains your unique genetic code. It's found in almost every cell in your body.
  • Genes: These are short sections of your DNA. Each gene provides the instructions for making a specific protein, which then carries out a particular job in the body. You have about 20,000 genes in total.
  • Genome: This is the complete set of all your genetic material in an organism.

Your genome is like a vast library of recipe books. Each book (a chromosome) contains thousands of recipes (genes). Personalised medicine involves reading these recipes to understand how your body works and what might go wrong.

From Genomics to Personalised Medicine

Genomics is the study of a person's entire genome. By understanding this complete picture, we move towards personalised medicine (also called precision medicine). This means healthcare decisions, treatments, practices, and products are tailored to the individual patient.

One key area is pharmacogenomics. This is the study of how your genes affect your body's response to drugs. A pharmacogenomic test can help a doctor predict:

  • Whether a drug is likely to be effective for you.
  • What the best dose for you will be.
  • Whether you are likely to suffer a serious side effect.

The Current State of Genomics in the UK

This isn't science fiction; it's happening right now in the UK. The NHS has established a world-leading Genomic Medicine Service, aiming to make genomic testing a routine part of patient care. This was built on the success of the 100,000 Genomes Project, which sequenced the genomes of NHS patients with rare diseases and common cancers, leading to new diagnoses and improved treatments for thousands.

As the cost of genomic sequencing falls and our understanding grows, its role in day-to-day healthcare is set to explode.

The Crucial Rule of UK Private Health Insurance: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Before we go any further, it's vital to understand a fundamental principle of the private medical insurance UK market. This rule directly impacts how genomics can and cannot be used in relation to your cover.

Standard UK private health insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

Let's break this down:

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it's long-lasting, has no known cure, needs ongoing management, or comes back repeatedly. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any condition for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before the start of your policy.

Most PMI policies exclude cover for chronic and pre-existing conditions. The purpose of PMI is to provide fast access to treatment for new, curable health problems, complementing the excellent chronic care provided by the NHS. This distinction is crucial when considering genomics, which can identify a predisposition to a condition long before symptoms appear.

How Could Genomics Directly Impact Your Private Health Cover?

The integration of genomics into PMI is likely to be gradual and focused on adding value rather than restricting cover. Here are the most probable ways it will shape your policy.

1. Enhanced Wellness and Prevention Programmes

This is one of the most exciting and least controversial areas. Insurers are increasingly focused on helping their members stay healthy, as prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure.

  • Personalised Health Insights: PMI providers could offer voluntary genetic tests as part of a premium wellness benefit. The results wouldn't be used for underwriting but to provide you with tailored advice.
  • Targeted Lifestyle Plans: A genetic marker suggesting a predisposition to high cholesterol could trigger personalised nutrition advice and a recommendation for more frequent check-ups. Someone with a genetic profile favouring endurance could get a different fitness plan than someone geared towards strength.
  • Integrated Digital Tools: This is where services like WeCovr's complimentary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracker, CalorieHero, could become even more powerful. Imagine CalorieHero using your anonymised genomic data to recommend specific foods that are optimal for your unique metabolism or to help lower a specific genetic risk.

2. Tailored Cancer Treatment Pathways

Cancer care is an area where genomics is already having a huge impact. Many of the best PMI providers offer comprehensive cancer cover that includes these advancements.

  • Advanced Diagnostics: When a tumour is found, a genomic test can analyse its specific genetic mutations. This helps oncologists identify what is driving the cancer's growth.
  • Targeted Therapies: Instead of traditional chemotherapy that affects all fast-growing cells, targeted drugs can attack only the cancer cells with specific mutations. This is often more effective and has fewer side effects.
  • PMI Coverage: Top-tier health insurance policies are increasingly including cover for these expensive genomic tests and the subsequent targeted therapies, which may not always be readily available on the NHS. A specialist PMI broker can help you identify policies with the most comprehensive cancer cover.

Real-Life Example: Certain lung cancers have a mutation in the EGFR gene. Patients with this mutation can be treated with a targeted drug like Osimertinib, often with much better results than standard chemotherapy. A good PMI policy will cover the testing to identify this mutation and the cost of the drug itself.

3. Pharmacogenomics: The Right Drug at the Right Dose

Adverse drug reactions are a significant burden on the health system. Pharmacogenomics can help avoid this "trial-and-error" approach.

  • Improving Safety: For example, the dosage of the common blood thinner Warfarin can be difficult to get right. Genetic testing can predict a patient's sensitivity to the drug, reducing the risk of dangerous bleeding or clotting.
  • Boosting Efficacy: Some antidepressants are processed differently depending on a patient's genetic makeup. A test can help a psychiatrist choose the medication most likely to work from the start.

For a PMI provider, paying for a one-off genetic test is far more cost-effective than paying for hospital stays due to adverse reactions or covering a series of ineffective treatments.

4. The Controversial Topic: Genetic Data and Underwriting

This is the area that causes the most public concern: could an insurer use a genetic test result to charge you more or refuse to offer you cover?

In the UK, the answer is a firm no, for almost all insurance products.

This protection is enshrined in the Concordat and Moratorium on Genetics and Insurance. This is a long-standing agreement between the UK Government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

Under this agreement, insurers commit not to ask for or use the results of predictive genetic tests when setting premiums or deciding terms for most policies, including private medical insurance.

There are very limited exceptions, primarily for high-value life insurance policies (typically over £500,000) and only for a handful of specific, high-penetrance genetic conditions like Huntington's Disease. For your standard private health cover, you do not need to disclose the results of a predictive genetic test. This voluntary agreement provides a strong safeguard against genetic discrimination.

The Benefits for PMI Policyholders and Providers

The integration of genomics offers a clear win-win for both the individual and the insurer.

BenefitFor You, the PolicyholderFor the PMI Provider
Better Health OutcomesAccess the most effective, cutting-edge treatments with fewer side effects.Healthier members mean fewer large, complex claims.
Empowered PreventionGet early warnings of potential health risks, enabling proactive lifestyle changes to prevent disease.Reduce long-term claims costs by investing in preventative health and early intervention.
Treatment EfficiencyReceive a faster, more accurate diagnosis and a clear treatment plan from day one.Avoid paying for ineffective "trial and error" treatments and unnecessary diagnostic procedures.
Enhanced ValueFeel that your policy is providing truly modern, personalised care that goes beyond basic cover.Create a strong competitive advantage, attract new members, and improve customer loyalty.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations We Must Address

While the future is bright, it's not without its hurdles. Navigating this new frontier requires careful consideration of several key challenges.

Data Privacy and Security

Your genomic data is the most personal information you have. The security of this data is paramount. Insurers and healthcare providers will need to invest in robust, encrypted systems to store this information and be transparent about who has access to it and for what purpose.

Genetic Discrimination

As mentioned, the UK's Moratorium is a crucial protection. However, it's a voluntary agreement that is periodically reviewed. It's essential that these protections remain in place to ensure people are not afraid to undergo potentially life-saving genetic testing for fear of insurance penalties.

Cost and Accessibility

Genomic tests and personalised medicines can be extremely expensive. A course of targeted cancer therapy can cost tens of thousands of pounds. This raises a critical question: will these advanced benefits only be available on the most expensive, top-tier PMI plans, creating a two-tier system of healthcare? Or will providers find ways to incorporate them into more accessible policies?

The "Worried Well"

Receiving a report that you have a heightened genetic risk for a condition like Alzheimer's, which may never develop, can cause significant anxiety. Any wellness programmes involving genomics must be supported by expert genetic counselling to help individuals understand their results in a balanced and constructive way.

What to Look for in a Future-Proof PMI Policy

As genomics becomes more mainstream, you'll want a PMI policy that is ready to embrace these innovations. Here’s what to look for when you compare private medical insurance UK options:

  1. Comprehensive Cancer Cover: This is non-negotiable. Scrutinise the cancer cover benefit. Does it explicitly mention covering genomic testing, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy? Are the financial limits high enough to cover these expensive treatments?
  2. Wellness and Digital Health Benefits: Look for insurers who are already investing in preventative health. Providers offering wellness programmes, health screenings, and digital health apps are more likely to be early adopters of genomic-led prevention. WeCovr's inclusion of the CalorieHero app is a great example of this forward-thinking approach.
  3. Flexible Benefit Limits: New technologies are often expensive at first. A policy with high overall benefit limits provides a buffer, ensuring you can access new treatments as they become approved and available.
  4. Expert Guidance from a Broker: The world of PMI is becoming more complex. Using an expert, independent PMI broker like WeCovr is more valuable than ever. We can analyse the small print of dozens of policies from providers like Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality to find the one that best aligns with your desire for cutting-edge medical care.

Wellness Corner: Small Steps for a Healthier You Today

While we wait for fully personalised genomic advice, the foundations of good health remain universal. Taking small, consistent steps can have a huge impact on your long-term wellbeing, regardless of your genetic makeup.

  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish, is consistently linked to better heart health and a lower risk of many chronic diseases.
  • Stay Active: The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running) per week, plus strength exercises on two days.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep is essential for cellular repair, hormone regulation, and mental health. A consistent sleep schedule is key.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact your health. Incorporate stress-management techniques into your day, whether it's mindfulness, yoga, spending time in nature, or simply a relaxing hobby.

Buying private medical insurance or life insurance through WeCovr can also unlock discounts on other types of cover, adding even more value and making it easier to protect all aspects of your life.

Do I need to declare results from a consumer DNA test (like 23andMe) to my health insurer?

No. In the UK, under the Concordat and Moratorium on Genetics and Insurance, you do not need to disclose the results of any predictive genetic test, including those from direct-to-consumer companies, when applying for private medical insurance. Insurers are not allowed to ask for this information or use it to set your premium.

Will my private health cover premium go up if a genetic test shows I'm at high risk for a disease?

No, it will not. The UK insurance industry has a voluntary agreement not to use predictive genetic test results for underwriting private medical insurance. Your premium is based on factors like your age, location, and medical history (symptoms and diagnoses), not on a genetic predisposition to a future illness.

Does standard UK private medical insurance cover genetic testing now?

It depends on the context. Most standard policies do not cover speculative or preventative genetic screening as a standalone benefit yet. However, comprehensive cancer cover on mid- to top-tier policies will often cover diagnostic genomic testing of a tumour to guide treatment, as this is now a standard part of best-practice oncology care.

What is the difference between a predictive and a diagnostic genetic test?

A predictive genetic test looks for genetic changes that indicate a higher risk of developing a disease in the future (e.g., testing for the BRCA gene). Insurers cannot ask for these results for PMI. A diagnostic genetic test is used to confirm a suspected diagnosis when you already have symptoms (e.g., testing a tumour to identify its type). PMI policies may cover diagnostic tests as part of investigating a new, acute condition.

The fusion of genomics and private medical insurance promises a future of proactive, personalised, and more effective healthcare. While the landscape is still evolving, the direction of travel is clear.

Ready to explore how a private medical insurance plan can protect your health today and prepare you for the healthcare of tomorrow? The expert, friendly team at WeCovr is here to help. We compare policies from all leading UK insurers to find the right fit for you and your family, at no extra cost.

Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and take the first step towards personalised peace of mind.


Related guides


Get A Free Quote

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:

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 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.


Learn more


...

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!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.