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Top Benefits of Using a Health Insurance Broker for PMI

Top Benefits of Using a Health Insurance Broker for PMI

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel like a maze of jargon, complex policy documents, and endless options. This is where an expert guide makes all the difference. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr provides impartial, expert advice to help you secure the right cover at the right price, completely free of charge.

This comprehensive guide explores the top benefits of using a health insurance broker, showing you exactly how they save you money, time, and stress.

How brokers save money, time, and reduce confusion

Choosing private health cover is a significant decision. You're investing in your future health, seeking peace of mind, and wanting assurance that you can bypass long waiting lists for eligible conditions. However, the path to the right policy is rarely straightforward.

  • Going Direct: You could spend hours, or even days, calling individual insurers like Bupa, AXA, and Aviva. You'll repeat your personal and medical details each time, try to compare vastly different policy structures, and navigate sales pitches designed to favour that one provider.
  • Using a Broker: You have one detailed, confidential conversation with an expert. They listen to your needs, budget, and health concerns. They then do the hard work for you, searching the market for the most suitable options and presenting them in a clear, easy-to-understand format.

A broker acts as your personal advocate, using their industry knowledge to find the best value, cut through the complexity, and give you the confidence that you've made the right choice.

The Financial Advantage: How Brokers Save You Money on PMI

One of the most compelling reasons to use a broker is the potential for significant cost savings, both initially and over the life of your policy. They are not just 'comparison shoppers'; they are financial strategists for your health cover.

Access to Whole-of-Market Deals

A broker isn't tied to a single insurance company. Instead, they have access to a wide panel of leading UK insurers. This means they can compare dozens of policies and prices in one go, finding deals and provider combinations you would likely never discover on your own.

Think of it like this: an insurer's direct salesperson can only tell you about their own products. A broker, however, can tell you that while Insurer A has a great hospital list, Insurer B offers a better outpatient limit for your budget, and Insurer C has a special offer this month. This impartiality is your financial superpower.

Tailoring Your Policy to Avoid Over-Insuring

It’s easy to end up paying for benefits you don't need. Do you really need full dental and optical cover if you already have a good NHS dentist? Is a central London hospital list essential if you live in rural Scotland?

A broker excels at 'right-sizing' your policy. They will ask detailed questions about your lifestyle, location, and priorities to build a policy that fits you perfectly.

Real-Life Example:

  • The Scenario: Sarah, a 45-year-old self-employed graphic designer in Manchester, wanted comprehensive cover. Going direct, she was quoted a high premium that included a full central London hospital list and extensive mental health cover she felt she didn't need.
  • The Broker Solution: Her WeCovr broker recommended a policy with a leading regional hospital list, saving her over 15% immediately. They also explained that most policies now include some level of mental health support as standard, so she didn't need the top-tier add-on, saving her even more. The final policy was more affordable and perfectly suited to her actual needs.

Understanding Excess and Co-payment Options

The 'excess' is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim. A higher excess generally leads to a lower monthly premium. A broker can model different excess levels for you to find the sweet spot between affordable premiums and a manageable one-off payment if you need to claim.

Policy ElementHow it Affects Your PremiumBroker's Role
ExcessA higher excess (£500-£1,000) lowers your premium.Helps you choose an amount you could comfortably pay if you made a claim.
Co-paymentAgreeing to pay a percentage of the claim (e.g., 20%) can reduce premiums.Explains the financial risk and reward to see if it's right for you.
6-Week OptionIf the NHS can treat you within 6 weeks, you use the NHS. This significantly cuts costs.Advises if this is a suitable cost-saving measure based on your risk tolerance.

By skillfully adjusting these levers, a broker can often reduce your premium by 20-40% compared to a standard, off-the-shelf policy, without sacrificing the core cover that matters most to you.

The Time-Saving Benefit: Reclaiming Your Most Valuable Asset

Your time is precious. The process of researching, comparing, and applying for private medical insurance UK can be incredibly time-consuming. A broker streamlines the entire journey.

One Conversation, Multiple Quotes

Instead of spending hours on the phone or filling out endless online forms for each insurer, you only need to provide your information once.

The Process: Direct vs. Broker

AspectGoing Direct to Multiple InsurersUsing a Health Insurance Broker
Initial ResearchHours spent identifying providers.Minimal; the broker knows the market.
Getting QuotesRepeat your details 3, 4, 5+ times.One detailed 30-minute conversation.
Comparing PoliciesTrying to compare 'apples and oranges'.Receive a clear, like-for-like comparison.
ApplicationFill out multiple complex forms.The broker pre-fills the application for you.
Total Time Spent5-10 hours or more.1-2 hours total.

Decoding the Jargon

The PMI industry is filled with technical terms. A broker acts as your translator, ensuring you understand exactly what you are buying.

Jargon TermPlain English Explanation
Moratorium UnderwritingThe insurer doesn't ask for your full medical history upfront. Instead, they won't cover conditions you've had symptoms of or treatment for in the last 5 years, until you go 2 years clear on your policy.
Full Medical UnderwritingYou provide your full medical history on the application. The insurer then lists specific 'exclusions' (conditions they will never cover). It's more work initially but provides total clarity from day one.
Outpatient LimitThe maximum monetary value of diagnostic tests, consultations, and therapies you can claim for before being admitted to hospital as an inpatient. This is a key area where policies differ.
Acute ConditionA disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions.
Chronic ConditionA disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, or is likely to recur. PMI does not cover chronic conditions.

Handling the Paperwork and Admin

From ensuring the application form is completed correctly to chasing the insurer on your behalf, a broker handles the administrative burden. This not only saves time but also prevents common errors that could delay your application or even invalidate your cover.

Gaining Clarity: How Brokers Demystify Private Health Insurance

Confusion can lead to poor decisions. A broker’s primary role is to provide clarity and expert guidance, empowering you to make an informed choice with confidence.

Impartial, Expert Advice You Can Trust

Health insurance brokers in the UK are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This is a crucial point. It means they have a legal duty to act in your best interests. They are not simply salespeople; they are professional advisors.

An advisor from a company like WeCovr will:

  1. Listen: Understand your specific needs, health concerns, and budget.
  2. Research: Search the market for policies that match your criteria.
  3. Recommend: Present you with a shortlist of the most suitable options, explaining the pros and cons of each in simple terms.
  4. Explain: Ensure you fully understand the policy details, especially the exclusions.

This level of impartial, regulated advice is something you simply cannot get when going direct to an insurer.

Critical: Understanding What PMI Does Not Cover

This is one of the most important areas where a broker provides value. They manage your expectations by being crystal clear about the limitations of private medical insurance.

All standard UK PMI policies are designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. They are not designed to cover:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you have had symptoms, medication, or advice for in the years leading up to your policy start date.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease. Management of these conditions will almost always remain with the NHS.
  • Emergency Services: A&E visits, whether by ambulance or walk-in, are handled by the NHS.
  • Normal Pregnancy: Routine maternity care is typically excluded, though complications may be covered.
  • Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures that are not medically necessary are excluded.

A broker will carefully explain these exclusions to ensure there are no surprises if and when you need to make a claim.

Comparing Underwriting Methods

This is often the most confusing part of buying PMI. A broker will help you decide which method is best for you.

FeatureMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Initial ProcessQuick and simple. No medical questionnaire.Requires a full medical declaration upfront. Takes longer.
How it WorksAutomatically excludes conditions from the last 5 years.The insurer assesses your history and lists specific, permanent exclusions on your policy certificate.
ClarityCan be uncertain. You may not know if a condition is covered until you claim.Complete clarity from day one. You know exactly what is and isn't covered.
Cover for Past IssuesA pre-existing condition may become eligible for cover if you remain symptom-free for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts.Exclusions are typically permanent and will not be covered in the future.
Best ForPeople with a clean bill of health who want a quick start.People with a complex medical history who want certainty about their cover.

A broker can discuss your medical history (confidentially) and advise which route offers you the best protection and peace of mind.

The WeCovr Difference: Added Value Beyond the Policy

Working with a modern, client-focused broker like WeCovr brings benefits that extend far beyond just finding a policy. We believe in a holistic approach to your health and wellbeing.

Complimentary Wellness Tools

We understand that health insurance is about more than just treatment; it's also about prevention and staying well. That's why clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. This tool can help you make smarter food choices, manage your weight, and take proactive control of your health, all from your smartphone.

Discounts on Other Insurance Products

Your health is connected to your overall financial security. When you arrange your private medical insurance with us, you can also unlock discounts on other vital protection products, such as life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection. This allows you to build a comprehensive safety net for you and your family in a more affordable way.

Support When You Need It Most: The Claims Process

What happens when you need to use your insurance? A good broker is your ally. If you face any issues with a claim – perhaps an insurer is questioning whether a condition is pre-existing or is slow to approve treatment – your WeCovr advisor can step in. They understand the insurer's processes and can advocate on your behalf to help resolve the issue smoothly and fairly.

Who Should Use a Health Insurance Broker?

While anyone can benefit, certain groups find a broker's expertise particularly invaluable.

  • Individuals and Families: Juggling the needs of different family members, budgets, and health histories is complex. A broker can find a family policy that provides the right level of cover for everyone.
  • Small Business Owners (SMEs): Offering PMI is a fantastic way to attract and retain top talent. A broker can design a group scheme that is tax-efficient, competitive, and valued by your employees, handling all the setup and administration.
  • The Self-Employed: For freelancers and contractors, time off for illness is time without income. Private health cover means you can bypass NHS waiting lists for eligible treatments and get back to work faster. With NHS England's referral-to-treatment waiting list standing at around 7.54 million in early 2024, the ability to get treated quickly is more valuable than ever.

A Note on Wellness and Proactive Health

The best health insurance is the health you maintain yourself. While PMI is an essential backstop for when things go wrong, focusing on prevention is key. Many modern PMI policies, particularly from providers like Vitality, actively reward you for healthy living with perks like cinema tickets, coffee, and reduced premiums.

Here are some simple pillars of good health:

  1. Balanced Nutrition: Focus on a diet rich in whole foods: fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Use a tool like CalorieHero to understand your intake and make informed choices.
  2. Consistent Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It is crucial for mental clarity, immune function, and physical recovery. Establish a routine and create a restful, screen-free environment.
  3. Regular Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing. Find something you enjoy to stay consistent.
  4. Stress Management: Chronic stress impacts both mental and physical health. Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, or simple breathing exercises into your day to manage stress levels.

Taking these small, consistent steps can have a profound impact on your long-term health and reduce your reliance on medical treatment.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is using a health insurance broker free?

Yes, for you as the client, using a broker like WeCovr is completely free. We provide our expert advice, market comparison, and administrative support at no cost to you. If you decide to purchase a policy through us, we are paid a commission by the insurance provider. This commission is built into the insurer's price, so you don't pay any more than you would by going direct – and in many cases, you'll pay less due to the deals we can access.

Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

No, as a general rule, standard UK private medical insurance policies are designed to cover new, acute medical conditions that arise *after* your policy has started. They do not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you've had before) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma). This is the most critical exclusion to understand. A broker will explain this clearly and help you understand how your medical history might affect your cover.

What is the difference between private medical insurance and a health cash plan?

They are very different products. Private medical insurance (PMI) is comprehensive cover designed to pay for major medical treatments for acute conditions, such as surgery, consultations, and cancer care, in private hospitals. A health cash plan, on the other hand, helps you cover the cost of everyday healthcare expenses. You pay a monthly premium and can then claim back cash (up to an annual limit) for things like dental check-ups, eye tests, physiotherapy, and prescriptions. They can be a great complement to each other.

How often should I review my PMI policy?

It is essential to review your private medical insurance policy every year at renewal. Premiums can increase with age and medical inflation, and your own needs may have changed. An annual review with your broker ensures your policy remains competitive and appropriate. They can check if your current insurer is still offering the best value or if it's worth switching to a new provider to get better cover or a lower price. This is a key service a broker provides for the lifetime of your policy.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Using a specialist health insurance broker is the smartest way to buy private medical insurance in the UK. You gain an expert advocate who saves you time, cuts through complexity, and secures the best possible price for cover that’s perfectly tailored to you.

Ready to find the right private health cover without the hassle?

Get a free, no-obligation quote from a WeCovr expert today. Let us do the hard work 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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