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UK Always On Health Crisis

UK Always On Health Crisis 2026 | Top Insurance Guides

As the UK grapples with a deepening 'Always On' health crisis, finding the right private medical insurance is more crucial than ever. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, we guide you through protecting your health against the rising tide of chronic workplace stress. Our expert advice is tailored to the UK market and comes at no cost to you.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 7 in 10 Working Britons Experience Always On Exhaustion, Fueling a Staggering £3.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Stress, Burnout, Organ Dysfunction & Eroding Life Expectancy – Is Your PMI Pathway Protecting Your Boundaries & Your Future Vitality

The warning lights are flashing red across Britain's workforce. A silent epidemic, fuelled by a relentless 'always on' culture of digital presenteeism and blurred work-life boundaries, is taking a devastating toll on our collective health. New landmark data for 2025 reveals a stark reality: over 70% of working Britons now report experiencing persistent 'always on' exhaustion, a state of chronic mental and physical fatigue that goes far beyond simply feeling tired.

This isn't just about a bad week at the office. This is a public health emergency unfolding in slow motion. The cumulative impact of this chronic stress is now estimated to create a lifetime economic and health burden of over £3.5 million per individual affected. This staggering figure combines decades of lost earnings, reduced productivity, the high cost of private treatments for stress-related conditions, and the profound, unquantifiable cost of a diminished quality of life and a shortened life expectancy.

The physiological consequences are severe, ranging from burnout and severe anxiety to tangible organ dysfunction—affecting the heart, gut, and immune system. As the NHS grapples with unprecedented waiting lists, the question for millions is no longer if this crisis will affect them, but how they can protect themselves. Is your current healthcare plan, or lack thereof, truly a sufficient shield? For many, the answer lies in a proactive, well-chosen private medical insurance (PMI) policy designed for the challenges of modern life.

The Anatomy of 'Always On' Exhaustion: More Than Just Tiredness

'Always on' exhaustion is the defining ailment of our digital age. It's the feeling of being perpetually tethered to work through smartphones and laptops, where the psychological boundary between professional and personal life has all but dissolved.

Think about your own life:

  • Answering work emails just before you go to sleep?
  • Checking your team's chat group on a Sunday afternoon?
  • Feeling a jolt of anxiety when a notification pings during dinner?
  • Finding it impossible to mentally 'switch off' even when on holiday?

This is 'always on' culture. It creates a low-grade, constant state of alert in our nervous system. Our bodies are not designed for this. The 'fight or flight' response, meant for short bursts of genuine danger, becomes our default setting. The result is a cascade of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which, when chronically elevated, begin to poison our bodies from the inside out.

Symptoms of 'Always On' Burnout to Watch For:

  • Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling cynical, detached, and drained. A loss of passion for your work.
  • Cognitive Weariness: Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory lapses.
  • Physical Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that isn't relieved by sleep, plus new aches, headaches, and digestive issues.
  • Sleep Disruption: Inability to fall asleep due to a racing mind or waking up in the middle of the night feeling anxious.
  • Increased Irritability: A short temper with colleagues, friends, and family.

If these symptoms sound familiar, you are not alone. Analysis from UK workplace mental health bodies in 2025 shows that self-reported burnout has increased by over 40% since 2020.

The £3.5 Million Lifetime Burden: Deconstructing the Cost of Chronic Stress

The figure of £3.5 million+ may seem shocking, but it becomes frighteningly plausible when you break it down over a 40-year career. This is not an official government statistic but an economic model based on reputable data sources, illustrating the potential lifetime cost for a high-earning professional derailed by chronic stress.

Cost ComponentDescriptionEstimated Lifetime Impact
Lost Earnings & StagnationTaking long-term sick leave, being passed over for promotion, or being forced into early retirement due to burnout or stress-related illness.£1,000,000 - £2,000,000+
Reduced Productivity'Presenteeism'—being at work but operating at a fraction of your capacity—leads to lower bonuses and missed opportunities.£500,000+
Private Healthcare CostsThe cost of diagnostics, specialist consultations, therapy, and treatments for conditions not quickly accessible on the NHS.£150,000 - £300,000+
Lifestyle & Care CostsCosts associated with managing chronic conditions, such as specialised diets, physiotherapy, or assistive living later in life.£250,000+
Diminished Quality of LifeThe intangible but immense cost of lost vitality, strained relationships, and the inability to enjoy hobbies and retirement.Priceless, but economically profound

This 'stress tax' erodes your financial future and, more importantly, your healthspan—the number of years you live in good health. Data from leading medical journals links chronic workplace stress directly to a reduced life expectancy, primarily through an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

The Physiological Domino Effect: How Stress Wrecks Your Body

Chronic stress isn't just "in your head." It triggers a devastating chain reaction in your body. Understanding this process is the first step toward fighting it.

  1. The Alarm Goes Off: A stressful work demand triggers your brain's amygdala, the fear centre.
  2. Hormonal Flood: The adrenal glands pump out cortisol and adrenaline. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar all spike to prepare you for a perceived threat.
  3. The System Can't Reset: In an 'always on' environment, the "all clear" signal never comes. Cortisol levels remain chronically high.
  4. The Body Breaks Down: This sustained state of emergency leads to:
    • Immune System Suppression: You become more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
    • Chronic Inflammation: A key driver of almost every major disease, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers.
    • Cardiovascular Strain: Persistently high blood pressure damages arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
    • Digestive Mayhem: Stress disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
    • Mental Health Decline: The brain's chemistry is altered, paving the way for anxiety disorders, depression, and clinical burnout.

With NHS waiting lists for specialist consultations and diagnostic scans now stretching for many months (with 2025 figures from NHS England showing record waits for cardiology and gastroenterology), waiting for the public system to act can mean allowing irreversible damage to occur.

Your PMI Pathway: How Private Health Cover Is Your First Line of Defence

This is where private medical insurance UK steps in, not as a luxury, but as an essential tool for health preservation in the modern world. A well-structured PMI policy acts as a powerful buffer against the health impacts of the 'always on' crisis.

It’s crucial to understand a fundamental rule of PMI: private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you already have) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses that can be managed but not cured, like diabetes or asthma).

However, many of the consequences of 'always on' stress are acute conditions. A stress-induced stomach ulcer, a sudden cardiac issue, or a new diagnosis of a severe anxiety disorder that develops after your policy begins could all potentially be covered.

Here’s how a PMI policy from a top provider can help you build boundaries and protect your future vitality:

1. Rapid Access to Diagnostics and Specialists When you develop worrying symptoms—like chest pains, severe digestive issues, or persistent brain fog—the last thing you need is a long wait. PMI bypasses the queue.

  • See a GP quickly: Many policies include a 24/7 digital GP service, allowing you to speak to a doctor within hours.
  • Get a specialist referral fast: That GP can refer you directly to a private consultant, often within days.
  • Swift Diagnostics: Get access to crucial scans like MRI, CT, and endoscopies without the agonising NHS wait, leading to a faster diagnosis and peace of mind.

2. Comprehensive Mental Health Support Modern PMI policies recognise that mental and physical health are inseparable. This is arguably the most critical benefit for tackling the 'always on' crisis.

  • Fast-track therapy: Gain access to a set number of sessions with a psychologist or counsellor without a long wait.
  • Psychiatric support: Cover for consultations with psychiatrists for diagnosis and treatment management.
  • Digital Wellbeing Tools: Access to apps for mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and stress management.

3. Proactive Wellness and Prevention The best PMI providers are shifting from simply treating illness to actively promoting wellness to prevent it.

  • Health Screenings: Some comprehensive plans include cover for regular health check-ups to catch potential issues early.
  • Wellness Benefits: Many policies offer discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and nutritional advice.
  • Expert Support: Access to helplines for stress, financial worries, and other life pressures.

At WeCovr, we provide all our health and life insurance clients with complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, helping you take control of another key pillar of your health.

4. Choice, Control, and Comfort Being able to choose your specialist, the hospital you're treated in, and a time that suits you puts you back in the driver's seat of your health journey. This sense of control is a powerful antidote to the helplessness that stress and burnout can create.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover: Key Considerations

Navigating the PMI market can be complex. That's why using an expert PMI broker like WeCovr is so valuable—we do the hard work for you, comparing the market to find a policy that fits your needs and budget, at no extra cost.

Here are the key things to consider:

FeatureWhat It MeansWhy It Matters for 'Always On' Stress
Underwriting TypeMoratorium: Simpler application, but pre-existing conditions from the last 5 years are excluded for an initial period (usually 2 years).
Full Medical Underwriting: You declare your full medical history. Insurers give a definitive list of what is and isn't covered from day one.
Moratorium is quicker, but Full Medical Underwriting provides absolute clarity, which can be crucial if you have a complex medical history.
Outpatient CoverCover for consultations and tests that don't require a hospital bed. Often comes in levels (e.g., £500, £1,000, or unlimited).Crucial. This is what pays for your initial specialist visits and diagnostic scans. A higher limit is better for thoroughly investigating stress-related symptoms.
Mental Health CoverAn add-on or integrated benefit covering therapy, psychiatric care, etc.Non-negotiable. This is the core benefit for tackling burnout and stress head-on. Check the limits and types of therapy covered.
Excess LevelThe amount you agree to pay towards any claim. A higher excess lowers your monthly premium.Choosing a manageable excess (e.g., £250) can make a comprehensive policy more affordable.
Hospital ListThe list of private hospitals where you can receive treatment. This affects your premium.Ensure the list includes high-quality hospitals that are convenient for you.

Beyond Insurance: Building Your Personal Resilience Shield

While private medical insurance is a critical safety net, you can also take powerful, proactive steps to combat the 'always on' culture.

Your Daily Resilience Checklist:

  • Protect Your Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours. Banish screens from the bedroom an hour before sleep. The bedroom is for sleep and intimacy only.
  • Move Your Body: Just 30 minutes of moderate activity (a brisk walk is perfect) can significantly lower cortisol levels and improve mood.
  • Mindful Nutrition: Avoid processed foods and sugar, which exacerbate inflammation. Focus on a whole-food diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Use an app like CalorieHero to stay on track.
  • Schedule 'Off' Time: Block out time in your calendar for 'nothing'. No phone, no chores, no life admin. Let your mind wander.
  • Practice Digital Boundaries:
    • Turn off non-essential notifications.
    • Set strict 'do not disturb' hours on your phone.
    • Implement a "no work emails after 7 pm" rule.
  • Breathe: When you feel overwhelmed, practice box breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat 5 times.

How WeCovr Can Help You Secure Your Future

The evidence is clear: the 'always on' health crisis is real, and its consequences are profound. Protecting yourself requires a two-pronged approach: building personal resilience and securing a robust healthcare safety net.

At WeCovr, we are more than just a broker; we are your partner in health security. As an FCA-authorised firm with high customer satisfaction ratings and a track record of arranging over 900,000 policies, we have the expertise to guide you.

  • Expert, Unbiased Advice: We compare policies from all the best PMI providers in the UK to find the perfect fit for you. Our service is completely free.
  • Tailored Solutions: We listen to your concerns about stress and burnout and help you prioritise benefits like mental health cover and rapid diagnostics.
  • Added Value: When you purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us, you get complimentary access to the CalorieHero nutrition app and can receive discounts on other types of cover, creating a holistic protection plan.

Don't wait for burnout to become a diagnosis. Don't let chronic stress dictate the quality and length of your life. Take control today.


Does private medical insurance actually cover stress and burnout?

Generally, private medical insurance (PMI) doesn't cover "stress" or "burnout" as standalone conditions. However, most modern comprehensive policies can and do cover the *acute medical conditions* that arise from chronic stress, provided they develop *after* your policy starts. This includes access to mental health support like therapy and psychiatry for conditions like anxiety and depression, as well as consultations and treatment for physical symptoms like heart palpitations or digestive disorders. It is vital to choose a policy with a robust mental health benefit.

What is the difference between an acute and a chronic condition for PMI?

This is the most important distinction in UK PMI. An **acute condition** is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a bone fracture, a treatable infection, or a cataract removal). PMI is designed to cover these. A **chronic condition** is an illness that is long-lasting and cannot be conventionally cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure). Standard PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions. If an acute flare-up of a chronic condition occurs, some initial treatment may be covered, but not the long-term care.

Can I get PMI if I already have a pre-existing anxiety diagnosis?

Yes, you can still get private medical insurance, but your pre-existing anxiety and related conditions will likely be excluded from cover. When you apply, the insurer will either use moratorium underwriting (which automatically excludes conditions you've had in the last 5 years for an initial 2-year period) or full medical underwriting (where you declare the condition, and they explicitly exclude it). The policy would still cover you for new, unrelated acute conditions that arise after you join.

Is it worth getting private health cover if the NHS is free?

While the NHS provides excellent emergency and critical care, it is under immense pressure, leading to long waiting lists for diagnostics, specialist appointments, and elective surgery. For conditions related to stress and burnout, this waiting time can lead to a significant decline in your health and well-being. Private health cover is worth it if you value speed of access, choice of specialist and hospital, and access to services not always readily available on the NHS, such as comprehensive mental health support and therapy. It's about taking control and getting treated on your terms, when you need it most.

Protect your most valuable asset—your health. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how the right PMI pathway can safeguard your vitality against the pressures of modern life.

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Related guides

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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