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Top UK PMI Providers for Fast Access to Specialists

Top UK PMI Providers for Fast Access to Specialists 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged, WeCovr understands that when you need medical advice, you want it quickly. This guide cuts through the noise, reviewing the UK's best private medical insurance providers for rapid access to specialists, helping you bypass long waiting lists and get the care you need, when you need it most.

WeCovr reviews insurers known for quick consultant access in 2025

Waiting for a specialist consultation on the NHS can be a stressful and anxious experience. With waiting lists remaining a significant challenge in the UK healthcare landscape, many are turning to private medical insurance (PMI) for peace of mind and, crucially, speed. The primary appeal of PMI for many is its ability to shorten the time between feeling unwell and getting a diagnosis from a consultant.

In 2025, the features that enable this rapid access are more sophisticated than ever. They range from 24/7 digital GP services to direct access pathways for specific treatments like physiotherapy and mental health support, often bypassing the need for a traditional GP referral altogether.

This article provides an in-depth review of the UK's leading insurers, focusing specifically on how their policies and digital tools are designed to get you in front of a specialist as quickly as possible. We'll explore their unique strengths, referral processes, and the key policy features you should look for.


A Critical Note on PMI Coverage

It is vital to understand what private medical insurance is for. Standard UK PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions – diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health.

PMI does not typically cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before taking out the policy) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure that require ongoing management).


Why Fast Specialist Access is More Crucial Than Ever in 2025

The strain on the NHS is a well-documented reality. While its staff work tirelessly, the system is contending with unprecedented demand.

According to the latest data from NHS England, the overall waiting list for routine consultant-led elective care remains stubbornly high. In early 2025, millions of people are waiting for treatment, with a significant number waiting over 18 weeks, and many thousands waiting for more than a year.

This has profound consequences:

  • Health Outcomes: Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to poorer health outcomes. A condition that might be simple to treat initially can become more complex over time.
  • Mental Strain: The uncertainty and pain of waiting for a diagnosis or treatment can cause significant anxiety and stress, impacting your mental well-being and quality of life.
  • Economic Impact: Being unable to work due to an unresolved health issue affects not only your income but also the wider economy. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has frequently linked long-term sickness to high levels of economic inactivity.

Private health cover acts as a direct solution to this single issue: waiting. It empowers you to bypass these queues and access the expertise you need in a matter of days or weeks, not months or years.

Understanding the PMI Journey to a Specialist

So, how does private medical insurance actually get you a faster appointment? The process is streamlined and efficient, designed to remove unnecessary delays.

  1. The Trigger: You feel unwell or have a health concern.
  2. First Contact (The GP Stage): This is the most critical stage for speed. With modern PMI, you have several options:
    • Digital GP App: Most top-tier insurers now include a 24/7 virtual GP service. You can book a video or phone consultation, often for the same day. This is the fastest route.
    • Your NHS GP: You can still visit your regular NHS GP. If they recommend a specialist, you tell them you have private medical insurance. They will provide an 'open referral' letter.
  3. Authorisation: You contact your insurer with your referral details. They'll check your policy coverage and authorise the consultation. This is usually a quick phone call or an online process.
  4. Booking the Specialist: This is where insurer processes differ.
    • Guided Option: Your insurer provides a shortlist of 2-3 approved specialists who meet their quality and fee criteria. This is often the quickest way to get an appointment booked.
    • Open Referral / Patient Choice: You use your open referral to find a specialist yourself from the insurer's approved list of hospitals and consultants. This offers more choice but may require more research on your part.
  5. The Consultation: You see the specialist at a private hospital or clinic at a time that suits you.

This entire process, from digital GP appointment to seeing the consultant, can often be completed in under two weeks.

Key Policy Features for Speedy Appointments

When comparing private health cover, certain features are paramount if your main priority is speed. Look out for these in any policy you consider.

FeatureWhat It IsWhy It Matters for Speed
Digital GP ServiceA 24/7 service for phone or video consultations with a private GP, accessible via an app.This is the gateway. Top services offer same-day appointments, allowing you to get a referral instantly without waiting for an NHS GP slot.
Direct Access PathwaysThe ability to access certain specialists (e.g., physiotherapy, mental health) without a GP referral.Removes the GP step entirely for common issues, allowing you to self-refer and start treatment almost immediately. A huge time-saver.
Guided Consultant ListsThe insurer recommends a small, pre-vetted list of specialists for your condition.The insurer has already done the research and has relationships with these consultants, making the booking process much faster and simpler for you.
Fast-Track AppointmentsSome insurers have special arrangements with hospital groups to secure faster appointment times for their members.A direct benefit that leverages the insurer's scale to get you seen sooner than if you were booking independently.
Comprehensive Hospital ListA wide choice of private hospitals across the UK.A broader network means more available specialists and a higher chance of finding one with an early opening nearby.

Top UK PMI Providers for Fast Specialist Access in 2025: A Detailed Review

Here, we review the "big four" UK health insurers, assessing them specifically on their ability to deliver rapid consultant access.

1. Bupa

A household name in UK healthcare, Bupa has invested heavily in digital pathways and integrated care.

  • Why they excel at fast access: Bupa's key strength is its Direct Access service for cancer and mental health. If you have symptoms, you can call them directly without a GP referral, and their specialist team will guide you to the right care. This is arguably one of the fastest routes to specialist cancer diagnosis in the UK market. Their digital GP service, Babylon, is also well-regarded for quick appointments.
  • Key Policy Features for Speed:
    • Direct Access for Cancer: Speak directly to a cancer specialist team.
    • Direct Access for Mental Health: Fast access to therapy and support.
    • Guided Care (Bupa-recognised consultants): They provide a list of fee-assured specialists, streamlining the booking process.
    • Extensive Hospital Network: Includes their own Cromwell Hospital and Spire, Nuffield Health, and Circle Health Group facilities.
  • Potential Drawbacks: Bupa policies can be at the premium end of the market, and their most comprehensive features are often found on their higher-tier plans.

2. AXA Health

AXA Health is known for its strong focus on member support and innovative digital tools.

  • Why they excel at fast access: AXA's standout feature is its Fast Track Appointments service, offered through its Doctor at Hand digital GP service. When you get a referral via Doctor at Hand, AXA's team can often book the specialist appointment for you, typically within a few days. They also offer excellent direct access to physiotherapy.
  • Key Policy Features for Speed:
    • Doctor at Hand (powered by Teladoc Health): A very slick and easy-to-use 24/7 digital GP app that is highly rated by users.
    • Fast Track Appointments Team: A dedicated concierge-style service that handles the booking for you.
    • Working Body Service: Direct access to physiotherapists for muscle, bone, and joint problems without a GP referral.
    • Guided Option as standard: Most policies use a guided list of specialists, which ensures speed and no shortfalls on fees.
  • Potential Drawbacks: The reliance on the Guided Option might feel restrictive for those who want complete freedom to choose their own consultant.

3. Aviva

As one of the UK's largest insurers, Aviva offers robust and well-designed health insurance products with a strong clinical focus.

  • Why they excel at fast access: Aviva's "Expert Select" hospital option is designed for speed and clinical excellence. When you need a specialist, you are given a choice of up to five consultants from their quality-vetted list, with appointment and cost details provided upfront. Their Aviva Digital GP app is also a core part of the fast-access journey.
  • Key Policy Features for Speed:
    • Aviva Digital GP (provided by Square Health): Fast access to GP appointments and repeat prescriptions.
    • Expert Select: A guided process that simplifies choice and guarantees no shortfalls on specialist fees.
    • Mental Health Pathway: Strong support for accessing mental health specialists quickly.
    • Get Active: Offers discounts on gym memberships and health tech, promoting proactive health which can reduce the need for specialists in the first place.
  • Potential Drawbacks: The "Expert Select" model is central to their main product ("Healthier Solutions"), so if you want a more traditional "choose anyone" plan, you might need to look at their legacy products, which can be more expensive.

4. Vitality

Vitality has disrupted the PMI market by linking insurance with a wellness programme that rewards healthy living.

  • Why they excel at fast access: Vitality's speed comes from its fully integrated digital journey. Through their app, you can access the Vitality GP, get a referral, and be passed to their Care Hub team to find a consultant. They also have a strong focus on early intervention, with direct access to physiotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
  • Key Policy Features for Speed:
    • Vitality GP: A comprehensive app-based service for consultations and referrals.
    • Premier Consultant Panel: A curated panel of specialists who are fee-assured, ensuring a smooth and fast booking process.
    • Talking Therapies: Direct access to a set number of therapy sessions without a GP referral.
    • The Vitality Programme: Rewards for being active (e.g., Apple Watch, cinema tickets) encourage a healthier lifestyle, potentially reducing future health issues.
  • Potential Drawbacks: The core value proposition is tied to engagement with the wellness programme. If you are not interested in tracking your activity and earning points, you may not get the full value from the policy.

Provider Comparison for Fast Specialist Access

ProviderKey Fast-Access FeatureTypical Referral PathwayBest For...
BupaDirect Access for cancer and mental healthDigital GP or NHS GP → Bupa authorisation → Guided listPolicyholders with specific concerns about cancer or mental health who want the absolute fastest route to care.
AXA HealthFast Track Appointments serviceDigital GP (Doctor at Hand) → AXA books appointment for youIndividuals who value a seamless, "concierge-style" service where the admin is handled for them.
AvivaExpert Select guided optionDigital GP or NHS GP → Aviva provides 5 vetted optionsPeople who want a balance of choice and speed, with clear costs and quality checks provided upfront.
VitalityFully integrated app and Care HubVitality GP app → Care Hub finds specialistTech-savvy individuals who are motivated by wellness rewards and want an all-in-one digital health experience.

How WeCovr Helps You Find the Right Provider

Navigating the differences between these top-tier providers can be complex. Each has unique strengths, and the "best" policy truly depends on your personal priorities, location, and budget. This is where an expert, independent PMI broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable.

  • Whole-of-Market Comparison: We don't work for one insurer. We work for you. Our experts compare policies from all the leading providers to find the one that best matches your need for fast access.
  • Expert Guidance at No Cost: Our service is completely free for you. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, so you get expert, unbiased advice without paying a penny extra.
  • Tailored to You: We take the time to understand your needs. Do you want the fastest possible access for musculoskeletal issues? Are you worried about mental health support? We'll pinpoint the policy features that matter most to you.

As a WeCovr client, you also get exclusive benefits, including complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, and discounts on other policies like life or home insurance when you take out a PMI plan with us.

Managing Your Health While You Wait

Even with PMI, there might be a short wait for tests or treatment. And for those on NHS lists, managing your health proactively is crucial. Here are some tips to help you stay as well as possible.

  • Focus on an Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Many conditions are exacerbated by inflammation. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3s (like salmon and walnuts), antioxidants (like berries and dark green vegetables), and healthy fats (like avocado and olive oil).
  • Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is when your body repairs itself. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, and ensure your bedroom is dark and cool.
  • Stay Active (Safely): Gentle movement can improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and boost your mood. Follow your doctor's advice, but activities like walking, swimming, or gentle yoga can be hugely beneficial.
  • Manage Your Mind: Dealing with a health concern is stressful. Practice mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or meditation to manage anxiety. Keeping a simple journal can also help process your thoughts and feelings.

These small steps won't cure a condition, but they can significantly improve your quality of life and resilience while you wait for specialist care.


Do I need a GP referral to see a specialist with private medical insurance?

Generally, yes, but the process is much faster with PMI. Most modern policies include a 24/7 digital GP service, allowing you to get a referral on the same day. Crucially, many leading insurers now also offer "Direct Access" for certain conditions like physiotherapy or mental health support, meaning you can self-refer without needing to speak to a GP first, saving even more time.

What is considered a pre-existing condition and will my PMI cover it?

A pre-existing condition is any disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment before your policy start date. Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. PMI is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you join, providing fast treatment to get you back to good health.

How much does private health cover cost in the UK?

The cost of private health cover varies widely based on several factors: your age, location, the level of cover you choose (e.g., hospital list, outpatient limits), and your excess (the amount you agree to pay towards a claim). A basic policy for a young, healthy individual might start from £30-£40 per month, while a comprehensive policy for an older person could be over £150 per month. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you find the most competitive price for the cover you need.

Can I choose my own hospital and specialist with my PMI policy?

This depends on your policy type. Some policies offer an "open referral" where you can choose any specialist from the insurer's approved list. However, for faster access and cost control, many modern policies use a "guided option." With this, the insurer provides a small, vetted list of 2-5 recommended specialists for your condition. This is often the quickest route and ensures your fees will be covered in full. You can discuss which option is best for you with your broker.

Take the Next Step Towards Faster Healthcare

Don't let waiting lists dictate your health and well-being. With the right private medical insurance, you can gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing expert help is just a phone call away.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our friendly experts will compare the UK's leading insurers to find a policy that puts fast access to specialists at its heart, tailored to your needs and budget.


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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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