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The True Cost of Private Health Care in the UK Without Insurance

The True Cost of Private Health Care in the UK Without...

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged for our clients, WeCovr provides insight into the real cost of private medical insurance in the UK. This guide explores the significant expenses of self-funding treatment and explains how having the right private health cover can safeguard your well-being and your wallet.

WeCovr explains the real cost of paying for treatment privately and how PMI can protect your finances

The UK is fortunate to have the National Health Service (NHS), a cornerstone of our society providing care to millions. However, with growing pressures and lengthening waiting lists, a significant number of people are now considering private healthcare for faster access to specialists and treatment.

While the idea of skipping the queue is appealing, it comes with a crucial question: what is the actual cost? Paying for private treatment out-of-pocket, known as 'self-pay', can be prohibitively expensive. This is where private medical insurance (PMI) becomes a vital financial tool, providing a predictable and manageable way to access the best of private care when you need it most.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the true costs of self-pay healthcare in the UK and demonstrate how a robust PMI policy can offer peace of mind.

Why Are More Britons Turning to Private Healthcare?

The shift towards private healthcare isn't just about luxury; it's increasingly about necessity and control. According to recent data from NHS England, the number of patients on waiting lists for routine treatments remains at a historic high, with many waiting over 18 weeks, and some significantly longer (NHS England, 2025).

This has created a powerful incentive for individuals to seek alternatives. The primary drivers include:

  • Speed of Access: The ability to see a specialist and receive a diagnosis or treatment in days or weeks, rather than many months.
  • Choice and Control: Patients can often choose their consultant, the hospital for their treatment, and schedule procedures at a time that suits them.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Private hospitals typically offer private en-suite rooms, more flexible visiting hours, and enhanced menu choices, creating a less stressful environment for recovery.
  • Access to Specialist Drugs and Treatments: Some advanced drugs or therapies may not be available on the NHS due to cost constraints but are covered by comprehensive PMI policies.

The Self-Pay Minefield: What Does Private Treatment Actually Cost?

When you choose to self-fund your private healthcare, you are responsible for every single cost associated with your treatment journey. These costs can escalate quickly and often include more than just the headline price of the surgery itself.

Let's break down the typical expenses you would face.

Phase 1: Diagnosis - Consultations and Scans

Before any treatment can happen, you need a diagnosis. This initial stage alone can run into thousands of pounds.

  • Private GP Appointment: While many still use their NHS GP for a referral, a private GP appointment for a faster consultation can cost between £80 and £200.
  • Initial Consultant Appointment: This is your first meeting with a specialist. Depending on the specialism and location, expect to pay £150 to £350.

Following this, your consultant will likely require diagnostic tests to confirm a diagnosis. The costs for these are significant.

Diagnostic TestTypical Cost Range (2025)What It's For
MRI Scan£400 – £1,500Detailed images of soft tissues, joints, brain, spine
CT Scan£500 – £1,200Cross-sectional images for bones, organs, blood vessels
Ultrasound£300 – £700Examining internal organs, pregnancy, muscle injuries
X-Ray£100 – £300Looking at bones and some internal structures
Endoscopy / Colonoscopy£1,500 – £2,800Investigating the digestive tract
Comprehensive Blood Tests£200 – £800+Checking for a wide range of markers for health issues

Source: Analysis of UK private hospital price lists, 2025.

Just to get a diagnosis for persistent knee pain, you could easily face a bill of over £1,000 (£250 for the consultant + £750 for an MRI) before even discussing treatment options.

Phase 2: Treatment - The Cost of Common Surgical Procedures

This is where the costs become truly substantial. Most private hospitals offer 'package prices' for common procedures, which bundle the main costs together. However, these packages can vary in what they include.

Here is a breakdown of estimated self-pay costs for some of the most common private surgical procedures in the UK.

Surgical ProcedureAverage Self-Pay Cost (2025)Potential RangeWhat It Typically Includes
Hip Replacement£13,500£11,000 – £16,000+Surgeon/anaesthetist fees, prosthesis, hospital stay, initial physio
Knee Replacement£14,000£12,000 – £17,000+Surgeon/anaesthetist fees, prosthesis, hospital stay, initial physio
Cataract Surgery (per eye)£2,800£2,200 – £4,000+Surgeon fees, lens implant, facility fee, one follow-up
Hernia Repair£4,000£3,000 – £5,500+Surgeon/anaesthetist fees, hospital stay (if needed), mesh
Gallbladder Removal£6,500£5,500 – £8,000+Surgeon/anaesthetist fees, keyhole surgery, hospital stay
ACL Reconstruction£7,500£6,000 – £9,500+Surgeon/anaesthetist fees, implant, initial physio, hospital stay
Tonsillectomy£3,500£3,000 – £4,500+Surgeon/anaesthetist fees, overnight stay, medication

Source: Data compiled from major UK private hospital groups and health economic reports, 2025.

Phase 3: The Unseen Costs - Cancer Treatment

The costs associated with a cancer diagnosis are the most daunting of all. While the NHS provides excellent cancer care, private treatment can offer access to newer drugs, targeted therapies, or different oncologists. Self-funding this is beyond the reach of all but the very wealthy.

  • Chemotherapy: A single cycle can cost between £2,000 and £10,000, and a full course of treatment often involves multiple cycles. Total costs can easily exceed £50,000.
  • Radiotherapy: A standard course can cost £15,000 to £30,000.
  • Targeted Therapies & Immunotherapy: These cutting-edge drugs are extremely expensive, often costing £5,000 to £15,000 per month, with total treatment costs potentially running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

These figures illustrate why comprehensive cancer cover is one of the most valuable components of any private medical insurance UK policy.

A Real-Life Scenario: The True Cost of a Sports Injury

Let's imagine a scenario to make these numbers tangible.

Meet Sarah, a 42-year-old marketing manager who enjoys playing netball. During a match, she twists her knee badly.

  1. NHS Route: Her GP refers her to an NHS musculoskeletal service. The waiting list for an initial assessment is 12 weeks, and the list for a subsequent MRI is a further 8 weeks. The waiting list for surgery, if needed, is estimated at 40 weeks. Sarah can't afford to be in pain and immobile for nearly a year.

  2. Self-Pay Route: Sarah decides to pay for private treatment.

    • Initial Consultation with a private orthopaedic surgeon: £280
    • MRI Scan to diagnose the injury: £750
    • Diagnosis: A complete tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
    • Follow-up Consultation to discuss surgery: £180
    • ACL Reconstruction Surgery (package price): £7,800
    • Post-Operative Physiotherapy (12 sessions at £70 each): £840

    Total Self-Pay Cost for Sarah: £9,850

This single injury, a common occurrence, results in a bill equivalent to a new car deposit or a family's life savings. With private medical insurance, her outlay would have been limited to her chosen excess—perhaps just £250.

The Solution: Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Explained

Private Medical Insurance is a policy you pay for—usually via a monthly or annual premium—that covers the cost of private medical treatment for acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.

This is the most critical point to understand about PMI in the UK.

What PMI Covers (and What It Doesn't)

  • Acute Conditions (Covered): These are diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. The examples above—a torn ACL, cataracts, a hernia—are all acute conditions.
  • Chronic Conditions (Not Covered): These are long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Routine management of these conditions remains with the NHS.
  • Pre-existing Conditions (Not Covered on Standard Policies): Any illness or injury you have had symptoms of, or received treatment for, in the years before taking out your policy will typically be excluded. Some insurers may offer to review these exclusions after a set period (usually two years) if you remain symptom-free.

A good PMI broker, like WeCovr, can help you navigate these definitions and find a policy with underwriting that best suits your personal medical history.

How Much Does Private Health Cover Cost?

The cost of a PMI policy is far more manageable than a self-pay medical bill. Premiums are tailored to you and depend on several factors:

  1. Age: Premiums increase as you get older.
  2. Location: Treatment costs are higher in certain areas, like Central London, so premiums can be higher there.
  3. Level of Cover: You can choose from basic plans (covering in-patient treatment only) to comprehensive plans that include out-patient diagnostics, therapies, and extensive cancer care.
  4. Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess (e.g., £500) will result in a lower monthly premium.
  5. Hospital List: Insurers offer different lists of hospitals. A plan with a nationwide list including premium London hospitals will cost more than one with a more restricted local network.

Here’s a table with sample monthly premiums to give you an idea.

Age GroupBasic Cover (In-patient only, £500 excess)Mid-Range Cover (Out-patient diagnostics, £250 excess)Comprehensive Cover (Full out-patient, therapies, £100 excess)
30-year-old£35 - £50£55 - £75£80 - £110
40-year-old£45 - £60£70 - £95£100 - £140
50-year-old£60 - £85£90 - £130£140 - £200
60-year-old£90 - £130£140 - £200£200 - £300+

Disclaimer: These are illustrative estimates for a non-smoker in good health. Your actual quote will vary.

When you compare a monthly premium of, say, £80 to a potential one-off bill of £14,000 for a knee replacement, the value of private medical insurance becomes crystal clear.

Beyond Treatment: The Added Value of Modern PMI

Today's best PMI providers offer far more than just paying for hospital bills. A modern policy is a complete health and wellness partner. The benefits often include:

  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call, allowing you to get medical advice and prescriptions without leaving your home.
  • Mental Health Support: Many policies now include cover for talking therapies, counselling, and access to mental health support lines, recognising the critical link between mental and physical wellbeing.
  • Wellness and Prevention: Insurers often provide rewards for healthy living, such as discounted gym memberships, fitness trackers, and health screenings.
  • Expert Second Opinions: The ability to get a world-leading expert to review your diagnosis and treatment plan.

At WeCovr, we go a step further. All our PMI and Life Insurance clients receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help them stay on top of their health goals. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or life cover with us are eligible for exclusive discounts on other insurance products, providing even greater value.

How a PMI Broker Like WeCovr Can Help

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be complex. With dozens of providers, policies, and options, how do you find the right one? This is where an independent, expert broker is invaluable.

Using a broker like WeCovr offers several key advantages:

  1. Impartial, Expert Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our loyalty is to you, the client. We compare the whole market to find the policy that genuinely fits your needs and budget.
  2. No Extra Cost: Our service is completely free for you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, but this does not affect the price you pay. You get expert advice without any added fees.
  3. Hassle-Free Process: We do the hard work of comparing policies, reading the small print, and explaining the differences in clear, simple terms.
  4. Claims Support: Should you need to make a claim, we can offer guidance and assistance, helping to make a stressful time a little easier.

With consistently high customer satisfaction ratings, WeCovr is committed to finding you the best possible protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


1. Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Standard UK private medical insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. A condition is considered pre-existing if you have experienced symptoms, received advice, or had treatment for it in the five years before your policy start date. Some insurers may cover a pre-existing condition if you remain symptom-free for a continuous two-year period after your policy begins.

2. Is cancer treatment covered by private health insurance?

Yes, cancer cover is a core component of most private medical insurance policies in the UK. The level of cover varies, from basic plans covering initial diagnosis and surgery to comprehensive policies that fund the full pathway of care, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and access to advanced, expensive drugs not always available on the NHS.

3. What is an 'excess' on a health insurance policy?

An excess is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards the cost of your treatment when you make a claim. For example, if your policy has a £250 excess and your treatment costs £5,000, you would pay the first £250 and your insurer would pay the remaining £4,750. Choosing a higher excess is a common way to reduce your monthly premium.

4. Can I choose my own hospital and specialist with PMI?

Generally, yes. One of the main benefits of PMI is the choice it provides. Most policies allow you to choose your specialist from a list of recognised consultants. Your choice of hospital will depend on the 'hospital list' included in your policy. These range from local networks to extensive national lists that include premier private hospitals in London and other major cities.

Protect Your Health and Your Finances Today

The costs of paying for private healthcare yourself are immense and unpredictable. A single diagnosis or injury could have a devastating impact on your financial stability.

Private medical insurance offers a smart, affordable, and predictable way to ensure you can access first-class medical care exactly when you need it, without the financial worry.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will compare the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect cover for you and your family.

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:

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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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