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Top Hospitals Covered by Private Medical Insurance Providers

Top Hospitals Covered by Private Medical Insurance Providers

Choosing private medical insurance in the UK involves more than just picking a provider; it's about selecting the right level of access to care. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we know that your policy's hospital network is one of its most critical features.

UK private hospital network comparisons

When you buy private medical insurance (PMI), you aren't just buying a promise of treatment; you're buying access to a specific list of hospitals and medical facilities. This is known as a 'hospital list' or 'hospital network'.

Think of it like a directory. Your insurer has agreements with a curated selection of private hospitals, clinics, and sometimes even dedicated units within NHS hospitals. Your policy determines which of these directories you have access to. Picking the right one is a balancing act between cost, convenience, and choice. A more extensive list with prestigious city-centre hospitals will cost more than a basic list focused on local facilities.

Understanding these networks is the key to unlocking the true value of your private health cover and ensuring you get the care you want, where you want it.

Understanding Hospital Lists: The Tiers Explained

Insurers typically categorise their hospital lists into tiers. This allows you to tailor your policy to your budget and geographical needs. While the names vary between providers, they generally fall into three main categories.

  1. Basic or Local Lists: These are the most budget-friendly options. They usually provide access to a limited number of private hospitals, often those within a specific local area or from a single hospital group. They may also include private patient units (PPUs) within NHS hospitals, known as 'Trust' hospitals. This tier is ideal if you're happy with local treatment options and want to keep your premiums low.

  2. Standard or Nationwide Lists: This is the most popular choice for UK consumers. A standard list offers a comprehensive range of several hundred private hospitals across the country. You get an excellent degree of choice, ensuring you can likely find a high-quality facility near your home or work. Crucially, these lists typically exclude the most expensive, highly-specialised hospitals in Central London.

  3. Premium or London Upgrade Lists: For maximum choice, this top-tier list includes everything from the standard option plus the elite, internationally-renowned hospitals in Central London. Facilities like The London Clinic, The Lister Hospital, and The Wellington Hospital fall into this category. They often have cutting-edge technology and leading specialists but come with a significantly higher price tag, which is reflected in your premium.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how the tiers generally work:

Tier LevelWhat's Typically IncludedBest For...Cost Impact
Basic (Local/Trust)A limited list of local private hospitals and/or private wings of NHS hospitals.Those on a tighter budget who are happy with local treatment options.Lowest Premium
Standard (Nationwide)A wide range of private hospitals across the UK, excluding premium Central London facilities.Most people; it offers a great balance of choice and value.Medium Premium
Premium (London)All hospitals on the standard list, plus the most prestigious and expensive Central London hospitals.Those wanting access to top specialists and facilities, regardless of cost.Highest Premium

Major UK Private Hospital Groups and Their Role

The UK's private healthcare landscape is dominated by a few large, reputable hospital groups. These are the organisations that own and run the facilities your PMI policy gives you access to. Knowing who they are helps you understand the quality and type of care available.

Circle Health Group

As the UK's largest private hospital provider, Circle Health Group operates over 50 hospitals and clinics nationwide. Following its acquisition of BMI Healthcare, its network became unparalleled in its reach. Circle hospitals are known for their modern facilities and comprehensive range of specialities, from orthopaedics to oncology.

Nuffield Health

Nuffield Health is unique as it's a registered charity, meaning it reinvests all its profits back into its services. They operate 37 hospitals alongside a vast network of fitness and wellbeing centres. Their "connected health" approach means they focus on the entire patient journey, from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and long-term fitness.

Spire Healthcare

Spire Healthcare is one of the UK's leading private hospital groups, with 39 hospitals and a number of clinics across England, Wales, and Scotland. They are well-regarded for their high standards of care and have invested heavily in advanced diagnostic and surgical technology, particularly in fields like cancer care and cardiology.

HCA Healthcare UK

HCA is synonymous with world-class, complex care. Their network is smaller and primarily based in London and Manchester, but it includes some of the most famous private hospitals in the world, such as The Harley Street Clinic, The Lister Hospital, and The Wellington Hospital. They are a top choice for complex cancer, cardiac, and neurological conditions, and their facilities are almost always found on the premium-tier hospital lists.

Ramsay Health Care UK

Part of a global hospital group, Ramsay Health Care operates a network of over 30 hospitals and day-case centres across the UK. They offer a broad spectrum of medical and surgical services and are known for their strong clinical outcomes and patient-focused culture.

How Top UK Health Insurance Providers Structure Their Hospital Networks

Each insurer packages access to the hospital groups above in slightly different ways. Understanding their unique terminology is essential when comparing policies. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can navigate these differences for you, ensuring you don't get lost in the jargon.

Here's how the leading UK providers approach their hospital lists:

Bupa

As a giant of UK health insurance, Bupa has a vast and well-established hospital network.

  • Essential Access: Their entry-level option, focusing on a limited selection of hospitals for value.
  • Extended Choice: A comprehensive list of several hundred private and trust hospitals, offering excellent nationwide coverage.
  • Extended Choice with London: Their premium option, adding specified Central London hospitals to the Extended Choice list for ultimate flexibility. Bupa also operates its own facilities, such as the Cromwell Hospital in London, which features prominently in its network.

AXA Health

AXA Health is known for its customer-focused approach and guided options.

  • Directory of Hospitals: Their standard list, which can be tailored by choosing to include or exclude Central London. They also offer more restricted local lists for lower premiums.
  • Guided Options: With their 'Guided FGP' or 'Expert Select' pathways, AXA may offer a reduced premium in return for guiding your choice of specialist and hospital from a more select list, ensuring quality and value.

Aviva

Aviva offers a clear and flexible set of hospital options designed to suit different needs and budgets.

  • Key: Their value option, using a curated list of private and trust hospitals. It's a great way to access private care affordably.
  • Signature: A broader nationwide list that excludes some of the priciest facilities.
  • Extended: The most comprehensive list, which includes the premium Central London hospitals. They also offer a 'Trust' option focusing solely on private care in NHS hospitals.

Vitality

Vitality is famous for its wellness-orientated model, rewarding healthy living with lower premiums and other perks. Their hospital lists are integrated into this philosophy.

  • HospitalCare: A pre-set list of hospitals designed to offer good value.
  • Consultant Select & Hospital List: You can choose from tiers like Local, Countrywide, and London Care. Their Consultant Select option offers a premium reduction if you agree to let Vitality choose from a panel of approved specialists.

The Exeter

The Exeter is a mutual society, owned by its members, and is often praised for its straightforward and transparent approach.

  • They tend to offer simpler choices, often with a comprehensive nationwide list that you can then choose to add a London upgrade to or apply an exclusion to for a discount. This clarity is a major selling point for those who find the options from larger providers overwhelming.

Provider Hospital List Comparison (2025)

This table summarises the typical hospital list structures of the main providers. Note that the exact names and compositions can change, so always check the latest policy documents.

ProviderTypical Basic TierTypical Standard TierTypical Premium TierKey Distinctions
BupaEssential AccessExtended ChoiceExtended Choice with LondonIncludes Bupa-owned facilities; well-established, large network.
AXA HealthLocal Hospital ListDirectory of HospitalsDirectory with Central LondonStrong guided options ('Expert Select') for potential savings.
AvivaKey / TrustSignatureExtended'Expert Select' guides you to a specialist for better value.
VitalityLocalCountrywideLondon CareIntegrated with their wellness programme; rewards for healthy living.
The ExeterN/A (or a restricted list)Core Nationwide ListLondon Upgrade optionPraised for its simplicity and clear, member-focused approach.

The Critical Point: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

It is absolutely vital to understand what private medical insurance is for. Standard UK PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.
  • Chronic Condition: An illness that cannot be cured, only managed. It is long-lasting and requires ongoing monitoring. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any health issue for which you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment before the start date of your policy. Standard PMI also excludes these, at least initially.

Insurers use a process called underwriting to assess your medical history and determine which pre-existing conditions will be excluded. The two main types are:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common method. Your policy will automatically exclude any conditions you've had in the five years before joining. However, if you go for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, the insurer may then agree to cover it in the future.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer reviews your medical history and explicitly lists any conditions that will be permanently excluded from cover. This provides certainty from day one but is more time-consuming.

Choosing the Right Hospital List for You: A Practical Guide

Making the right choice can save you hundreds of pounds a year while ensuring you have the access you need. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Consider Your Location: Where do you live and work? Use an online map to see which private hospitals are nearby. There's little point in paying for a nationwide list if you never plan to travel for treatment.
  2. Assess Your Budget: Be honest about what you can comfortably afford each month. A local or trust-based list can make private health cover accessible to many more people. Remember, some cover is better than no cover.
  3. Think About Your Future Needs: Do you travel frequently for work? A nationwide list might offer peace of mind. Do you have a family history of a specific complex illness and want the option of seeing a top London specialist? A premium list might be a worthwhile investment for you.
  4. Check for Specific Hospitals: Is there a local private hospital with an excellent reputation that you'd want to use? Check if it's included in the standard-tier lists of the insurers you're considering.
  5. Look at Treatment-Specific Networks: Some insurers have separate, smaller networks for specific treatments like mental health or cancer. If these are priorities for you, investigate them closely.
  6. Speak to an Expert Broker: This is the single most effective step. An independent broker like WeCovr has access to the entire market. We can instantly compare the hospital lists, premiums, and policy features from all the top insurers, explaining the pros and cons of each in plain English. Our service is completely free to you.

Beyond the Hospital: Added Benefits and Wellness Programmes

A modern PMI policy is about more than just hospital stays. Insurers now compete by offering a wealth of benefits designed to keep you healthy and provide convenient access to everyday care.

  • Digital GP Services: Most policies now include 24/7 access to a virtual GP via phone or video call, often with the ability to get prescriptions delivered to your door.
  • Mental Health Support: This has become a cornerstone of PMI. Policies typically include access to telephone counselling lines and a set number of face-to-face or virtual therapy sessions for conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Physiotherapy and Complementary Therapies: Many policies offer cover for musculoskeletal issues, providing access to physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors without needing a GP referral first.
  • Wellness and Rewards: Providers like Vitality lead the way, but others are catching up. You can earn rewards like cinema tickets, coffee, and discounts on your premium for tracking your steps, going to the gym, or completing health checks.

As a WeCovr customer, you also gain complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you stay on top of your health goals. Furthermore, customers who purchase PMI or life insurance through us are often eligible for discounts on other types of cover, adding even more value.

Can I choose any hospital I want with my private medical insurance?

No, you can only choose from the hospitals and facilities that are included on your specific policy's 'hospital list'. UK insurers offer different tiers of lists, from basic local options to comprehensive nationwide networks that include premium London hospitals. The list you choose directly affects your monthly premium.

What happens if I need treatment at a hospital that isn't on my insurer's list?

Generally, your insurer will not cover the costs of treatment at a hospital outside of your chosen network. In very rare and specific clinical circumstances, an insurer might make an exception if the required specialist treatment is only available at an out-of-network hospital, but this is not guaranteed. It is crucial to choose a hospital list that you are comfortable with from the start.

Does private medical insurance in the UK cover cancer treatment?

Most comprehensive private medical insurance policies offer extensive cancer cover as a core feature or a selectable option. This often includes diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, the extent of cover, especially for new and experimental drugs, can vary. Some policies may have separate 'cancer networks' of specialist hospitals, so it's important to check the details of the cancer cover within your policy.

Is it much cheaper to choose a smaller, more restricted hospital list?

Yes, reducing the number of hospitals you have access to can significantly lower your premiums. Opting for a 'local' or 'trust' list that excludes expensive city-centre hospitals is one of the most effective ways to make private health cover more affordable. A broker can show you exact price comparisons between the different tiers.

Navigating the world of hospital lists can be complex, but getting it right is the key to satisfaction with your private medical insurance.

Ready to find the perfect private health cover for your needs and budget? Let WeCovr do the hard work. Get your free, no-obligation quote today and let our experts compare the UK's leading insurers 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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