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Tips for Reducing Your PMI Premiums in 2025

Tips for Reducing Your PMI Premiums in 2025 2025

With the cost of living a primary concern for many UK households, finding ways to save money is more important than ever. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we understand that managing the cost of your private medical insurance is a key part of your financial planning.

This guide provides expert tips to help you reduce your PMI premiums in 2025 without sacrificing peace of mind.

Lifestyle changes and policy options that save money

Saving money on your private health cover falls into two main categories: immediate savings through smart policy adjustments and long-term savings through positive lifestyle changes. By understanding and combining both, you can secure the best possible value and ensure your policy remains affordable for years to come.

This article will walk you through every option, explaining the jargon and giving you the confidence to take control of your PMI costs.

Understanding What Drives Your PMI Premiums

Before we explore how to reduce your premiums, it’s crucial to understand what factors insurers use to calculate them in the first place. Your premium is a direct reflection of the level of risk the insurer believes you represent.

Key factors include:

  • Age: This is the single biggest factor. As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases, so premiums rise accordingly.
  • Location: Where you live in the UK matters. Medical treatment, particularly in private hospitals in central London and other major cities, is more expensive. A policy that includes these high-cost hospitals will have a higher premium.
  • Lifestyle: Insurers ask about your smoking and vaping habits. Smokers pay significantly more—often 30% to 50% extra—due to the well-documented health risks.
  • Medical History: The type of underwriting on your policy determines how your past health is treated. Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded.
  • Level of Cover: A comprehensive policy with extensive outpatient cover, mental health support, and therapies will cost more than a basic plan focused on inpatient treatment only.
  • The Policy 'Excess': This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim.
  • Your Chosen Hospital List: Access to a wider range of hospitals, especially premium ones, increases the cost.

Policy Adjustments: Smart Ways to Lower Your Premium Instantly

You have significant control over your premium through the choices you make when setting up or renewing your policy. These adjustments can deliver immediate and substantial savings.

1. Increase Your Policy Excess

An excess is the contribution you make towards the cost of your treatment each time you claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your eligible treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and your insurer pays the remaining £2,750.

Almost all UK PMI providers offer a range of excess options, typically from £0 to £1,000 or more.

How it saves you money: By agreeing to a higher excess, you are sharing more of the initial risk with the insurer. In return, they will reduce your monthly or annual premium. This is often the quickest and easiest way to cut costs.

Excess LevelExample Monthly PremiumPotential Annual Saving (vs. £0 Excess)
£0£85£0
£100£78£84
£250£70£180
£500£62£276
£1,000£55£360
Illustrative figures for a 40-year-old non-smoker. Actual savings will vary by insurer and individual circumstances.

Expert Tip: Choose an excess level that you could comfortably afford to pay without causing financial hardship. For many, a £250 or £500 excess strikes the perfect balance between premium savings and manageable risk.

2. Refine Your Hospital List

Insurers group UK private hospitals into tiers or 'lists'. A policy that grants you access to every private hospital in the country, including the most expensive facilities in Central London, will be the most costly.

You can save money by choosing a more restricted hospital list that still meets your needs. Common options include:

  • Local or Regional Lists: Limits you to hospitals within a certain area or from a specific hospital group (e.g., Nuffield Health, Spire).
  • National Lists (excluding London): Gives you wide access across the UK but excludes the premium-priced Central London hospitals.
  • Custom Lists: Some insurers allow you to pick and choose, or may have partnerships with specific hospital networks.

Real-Life Example: Sarah, living in Manchester, had a comprehensive national policy that included London hospitals 'just in case'. At renewal, her broker at WeCovr pointed out that removing the London list, which she was highly unlikely to use, would save her over £20 a month. She made the switch, saving £240 a year with no practical impact on her access to excellent local care.

3. Add a '6-Week Wait' Option

This is one of the most popular ways to make private medical insurance in the UK more affordable. If you add a 6-week wait option, you agree to use the NHS for any inpatient treatment if the NHS waiting list for that procedure is less than six weeks.

If the NHS wait is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in immediately, and you can proceed with private treatment.

Why it works: It provides a safety net against long NHS waiting lists, which is the primary reason many people buy PMI. With NHS England's referral-to-treatment waiting list remaining stubbornly high (over 7.5 million pathways in early 2025), this option is highly likely to be triggered for most common procedures. Because it reduces the insurer's potential outlay, they offer a significant premium discount, often 20-25%.

This option does not apply to initial consultations or diagnostics; it is purely for the treatment itself.

4. Tailor Your Outpatient Cover

'Outpatient' refers to any medical care that doesn't require admission to a hospital bed. This includes:

  • Initial consultations with a specialist.
  • Diagnostic tests and scans (MRI, CT, PET scans).
  • Minor procedures performed in a consulting room.

Comprehensive policies offer 'full' outpatient cover, meaning all eligible costs are paid. However, this is a major driver of your premium. To save money, consider limiting it.

Outpatient Cover LevelDescriptionImpact on Premium
Full CoverAll eligible consultations and diagnostics are covered.Highest cost.
Capped CoverA monetary limit per year (e.g., £500, £1,000, £1,500).Significant saving. A £1,000 cap is a popular choice.
Diagnostics OnlyConsultations are not covered, but scans are.Lower cost than full or capped cover.
No Outpatient CoverYou self-fund all outpatient stages. The PMI covers inpatient treatment only.Lowest cost, but you bear the risk of diagnostic bills.

Expert Tip: Capping your outpatient cover at around £1,000 is often a sweet spot. This is usually sufficient to cover the initial consultation and one major scan (like an MRI), getting you a diagnosis quickly. Your inpatient cover then takes over for the main treatment.

5. Consider a 'Guided' or 'Expert Select' Option

A growing number of leading PMI providers now offer 'guided' consultant options. With a traditional policy, you get a GP referral and can choose any specialist recognised by the insurer.

With a guided option, the insurer provides a shortlist of 3-5 specialists they have pre-approved for your condition, based on quality and cost-effectiveness. You then choose from that list.

Because the insurer can direct you to consultants with whom they have fee agreements, it helps them manage costs. This saving is passed directly to you as a lower premium, often saving you 15-20%.

This is an excellent way to save money without compromising on the quality of care, as the specialists on these lists are all fully qualified and vetted.

6. Pay Annually Instead of Monthly

This is a simple but effective tip. Most insurers charge a small administrative fee or interest for paying your premium in monthly instalments. If you can afford to pay the entire year's premium upfront, you can often save around 5-10%.

Lifestyle Improvements: Long-Term Savings and Better Health

While policy tweaks offer instant savings, lifestyle changes provide a powerful, long-term strategy to keep your premiums low while also improving your overall health and wellbeing. Insurers reward healthy living.

1. Quit Smoking and Vaping for Good

This is the single most impactful lifestyle change you can make for your health and your wallet. Insurers view smoking as a major risk factor for a vast range of health conditions, from cancer and heart disease to respiratory illnesses.

  • The Cost: Smokers and, increasingly, vapers can expect to pay anywhere from 30% to 50% more for their private health cover. For a policy that would cost a non-smoker £60 a month, a smoker might pay £80-£90—an extra £240-£360 per year.
  • The Data: According to the NHS, smoking is the cause of about 76,000 deaths in the UK every year. Quitting dramatically reduces your risk of developing these diseases.

Most insurers require you to have been completely nicotine-free (including patches, gum, and vapes) for at least 12 months to be classified as a non-smoker. Be honest on your application; providing false information can invalidate your policy.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight (BMI)

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. While not a perfect metric, it is used by insurers as an indicator of risk.

  • The Risk: A high BMI is linked to a higher risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and joint problems. The NHS "Health Survey for England 2021" found that 25.9% of adults in England are obese, putting them at greater risk.
  • The Reward: While insurers are less likely to apply a direct percentage loading for BMI than they do for smoking, an applicant with a very high BMI may face higher premiums or have specific exclusions applied. Conversely, maintaining a healthy weight keeps you in the lowest-risk category.

WeCovr's Added Benefit: To support our clients on their health journey, WeCovr provides complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It makes managing your diet simple and effective, helping you reach your health goals.

3. Reduce Your Alcohol Intake

Regularly consuming alcohol above the recommended UK guidelines (no more than 14 units a week) can contribute to long-term health problems. While insurers don't typically ask for your exact weekly unit count on a standard application, your overall health is a key factor. A healthy lifestyle, including moderate alcohol consumption, reduces your long-term risk profile and the likelihood of claims, helping to keep your renewal premiums more stable.

4. Get Active

Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of good health. It helps with weight management, reduces stress, and lowers the risk of numerous chronic diseases.

Some of the best PMI providers actively encourage this. For example, Vitality's entire model is built around rewarding members with cinema tickets, coffee, and even Apple Watch discounts for being active. Other insurers are also integrating wellness apps and rewards into their offerings.

Even if your insurer doesn't offer direct rewards, an active lifestyle leads to better health outcomes, fewer claims, and therefore a better long-term premium history.

The Power of a Broker: Why You Shouldn't Go It Alone

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be complex. The terminology is confusing, and with dozens of policies from providers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality, it's almost impossible to know if you're getting the best deal.

This is where an independent PMI broker like WeCovr becomes your most valuable asset.

  1. Expert Market Knowledge: We live and breathe private health cover. We know the fine print of every policy and can instantly identify the options that best suit your specific needs and budget.
  2. It Costs You Nothing: Our service is completely free for you to use. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the price of the policy. You pay the same price (or often less) than going direct, but you get expert, unbiased advice.
  3. Personalised Comparison: We don't just find the cheapest price. We find the best value. We'll compare the key features—hospital lists, outpatient limits, cancer cover—to ensure you're not sacrificing essential benefits for a small saving. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right fit for our clients.
  4. Hassle-Free Process: We handle the paperwork and the application process, making it simple and stress-free. We can explain complex terms like [our guide to moratorium underwriting] in plain English.
  5. Extra Savings: As a valued WeCovr client, purchasing PMI or Life Insurance can unlock discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as home or travel insurance, adding even more value.

A Critical Note on Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

It is vital to understand a fundamental principle of the UK private medical insurance market:

Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a cataract, a hernia, a broken bone).
  • A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured but can be managed, often for life (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, Crohn's disease).

PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions. It also does not cover pre-existing conditions—any illness or injury for which you have had symptoms, advice, or treatment in the years immediately before your policy began (typically the last 5 years).

This is why PMI is a complement to the NHS, not a replacement for it. The NHS provides excellent care for chronic conditions and emergencies. PMI gives you choice and speed for new, eligible acute conditions.

Do I need to declare my smoking habits if I only smoke occasionally?

Yes, you must be completely honest. Insurers' definitions of a 'smoker' are very broad and typically include occasional or social smoking, as well as the use of vapes, nicotine patches, or gum. Most require you to be entirely nicotine-free for at least 12 months to qualify for non-smoker rates. Failing to declare your habit can be classed as non-disclosure and could lead to your policy being cancelled or a claim being rejected.

Can I change my level of cover mid-way through the policy year?

Generally, no. You can only make changes to your policy, such as increasing your excess or reducing your outpatient cover, at your annual renewal date. This is the perfect time to review your cover with a broker to ensure it still meets your needs and budget for the upcoming year. The only exception might be adding a newborn baby to your policy, which is often allowed mid-term.

Will my PMI premium increase every year?

It is highly likely that your premium will increase each year for two main reasons. Firstly, you will be a year older, moving you into a higher age-related risk bracket. Secondly, medical inflation—the rising cost of new drugs, technology, and hospital fees—means that the cost of providing treatment increases across the board. However, by using the tips in this guide and regularly reviewing the market with a broker, you can actively manage these increases and ensure you are always on the best-value policy.

Take Control of Your PMI Costs Today

Reducing your private medical insurance premium is entirely achievable with the right knowledge and expert guidance. By making smart adjustments to your policy and embracing a healthier lifestyle, you can secure significant savings without compromising on the quality of your health cover.

The best way to start is with a full market review.

Contact the friendly, expert team at WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. We'll compare policies from all the leading UK insurers to find the perfect balance of cover and cost for you.

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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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