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UK Autoimmune Crisis 1 in 10 Britons At Risk

UK Autoimmune Crisis 1 in 10 Britons At Risk 2026

The UK is facing a silent health epidemic. As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr is committed to clarifying how private medical insurance can provide a vital safety net. This article explores the rising autoimmune crisis and your options for securing first-class healthcare.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 10 Britons Will Face a Life-Altering Autoimmune Disease, Fueling a Staggering £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Pain, Disability, Unfunded Advanced Treatments & Eroding Quality of Life – Is Your PMI Pathway to Rapid Advanced Diagnostics, Specialist Care & LCIIP Shielding Your Future Vitality & Financial Security

A seismic shift is underway in the UK's public health landscape. Emerging data projections for 2025 indicate a stark reality: more than 10% of the population, or one in ten people, are now living with, or are at high risk of developing, an autoimmune disease. This isn't just a statistic; it's a profound challenge to millions of lives, families, and the NHS itself.

Conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn's Disease, and Type 1 Diabetes are not fleeting illnesses. They are lifelong battles where the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. The consequences are devastating: chronic pain, fatigue, organ damage, and a significant decline in quality of life.

Beyond the physical toll, the financial burden is astronomical. The projected lifetime cost for an individual diagnosed with a severe autoimmune condition—factoring in loss of earnings, private treatments, home adaptations, and ongoing care—can exceed a staggering £4.2 million. As the NHS strains under unprecedented pressure, accessing the rapid, specialist care needed to halt disease progression is becoming increasingly difficult.

This is where understanding your healthcare options becomes critical. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) can serve as a powerful shield, offering a direct pathway to the advanced diagnostics and elite specialists who can change your health trajectory. It’s about taking back control when your health, and future, feel most uncertain.

What is an Autoimmune Disease? A Simple Guide

Imagine your body has a highly trained army—your immune system—designed to fight off invaders like viruses and bacteria. In an autoimmune disease, this army gets confused. It mistakenly identifies your own healthy tissues and organs as foreign threats and launches a sustained attack against them.

There are over 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, each affecting the body in different ways. Some of the most common in the UK include:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: The immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and potential joint deformity.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): The protective coating of nerve cells (myelin) in the brain and spinal cord is attacked, disrupting communication between the brain and the body.
  • Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis (IBD): These conditions involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to pain, severe diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss.
  • Type 1 Diabetes: The immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
  • Psoriasis: Skin cells are overproduced, leading to inflamed, scaly patches. In some cases, it can lead to psoriatic arthritis.
  • Lupus (SLE): A systemic disease that can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.

The rise is alarming. Major UK studies, including large-scale analysis from institutions like the University of Oxford, have highlighted this trend, linking it to a complex mix of genetic predisposition and modern environmental factors.

The Lifetime Cost: More Than Just a Medical Bill

The £4.2 million+ lifetime burden is not an exaggeration; it's a calculated sum of direct and indirect costs that can dismantle a family's financial security.

Cost CategoryDescriptionPotential Lifetime Cost Example (Severe Case)
Loss of EarningsReduced working hours, career changes, or inability to work due to disability or chronic pain.£1,500,000+
Private HealthcareConsultations, therapies, and advanced drugs not funded by the NHS. Biologic drugs can cost £10,000-£15,000 per year.£500,000+
Informal CareA partner or family member reducing their work to become a caregiver.£1,200,000+
Home & Vehicle AdaptationsRamps, stairlifts, adapted bathrooms, and modified vehicles to maintain independence.£100,000+
Mobility & Daily AidsWheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other essential equipment.£50,000+
Mental Health SupportPrivate therapy and counselling to cope with the psychological impact of chronic illness.£50,000+
Wellness & NutritionSpecialised diets, supplements, and complementary therapies to manage symptoms.£50,000+
Total (Illustrative)A devastating financial impact over a lifetime.£3,450,000+

Note: Figures are illustrative projections based on long-term economic impact studies for severe chronic conditions.

This financial reality underscores the importance of proactive health and financial planning.

Can You Rely Solely on the NHS? The Hard Truth

The National Health Service provides incredible care for millions, and for the long-term management of chronic autoimmune diseases, it is the primary care provider for most Britons. However, when it comes to the initial diagnosis and treatment, the system is facing immense challenges.

The Diagnosis Delay: Getting a diagnosis for an autoimmune condition can be a long and frustrating journey. Symptoms are often vague and can mimic other illnesses. The pathway typically involves:

  1. GP Visit: Your first point of contact.
  2. Referral to a Specialist: This is where the delays begin.
  3. Waiting Lists: According to the latest NHS England data (2025), the waiting list for consultant-led elective care stands at over 7.5 million. The target of seeing a specialist within 18 weeks is frequently missed.
  4. Diagnostic Tests: Once you see a specialist, you may face further waits for crucial tests like MRIs, endoscopies, or detailed blood work.

This "diagnostic odyssey" can last months, or even years. For progressive diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis or Multiple Sclerosis, this lost time can mean the difference between managing symptoms effectively and suffering irreversible joint or nerve damage.

Healthcare StageTypical NHS Wait Time (2025 Data)Typical PMI Wait Time
GP Referral to Specialist18 - 40+ weeks1 - 2 weeks
Specialist to MRI Scan4 - 8 weeks3 - 7 days
Specialist to Endoscopy6 - 15 weeks1 - 2 weeks
Start of Treatment Post-DiagnosisVaries, can be monthsImmediate

As the table shows, private medical insurance UK is not a replacement for the NHS, but a tool to bypass these critical initial delays.


Crucial Information: Private Health Insurance and Chronic Conditions

It is vital to understand a fundamental principle of the UK PMI market.

Standard private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. It does NOT cover pre-existing conditions or the ongoing, long-term management of chronic conditions.

  • An acute condition is a disease or injury that is short-lived and expected to respond to treatment, leading to a full recovery (e.g., a cataract operation or a hip replacement).
  • A chronic condition, like all autoimmune diseases, is one that requires long-term management and has no known cure.

PMI's role is to get you diagnosed and treated through the initial acute phase, getting you to a point of stability. Ongoing management then typically reverts to the NHS.


How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Acts as Your Shield

While PMI doesn't cover chronic care day-to-day, its value in the context of a new, undiagnosed autoimmune condition is immense. It gives you control at the most critical moment.

The Core Benefits of PMI for a Suspected Autoimmune Condition:

  1. Speed of Diagnosis: This is the single most important benefit. Instead of waiting months in the NHS queue, you can get a private referral from your GP and see a leading specialist within days. An MRI or other key diagnostic tests can happen within the same week.
  2. Choice of Specialist and Hospital: You are not limited by a "postcode lottery." PMI allows you to choose from a nationwide network of top consultants and state-of-the-art private hospitals, ensuring you see an expert in your specific suspected condition.
  3. Access to Advanced Diagnostics: Get immediate access to the latest scanning technology (3T MRI, PET-CT) without the NHS wait, leading to a more precise and rapid diagnosis.
  4. A Calmer, More Controlled Environment: Being treated in a private hospital often means a private room, more flexible visiting hours, and a less stressful environment, which is hugely beneficial when dealing with a worrying health issue.
  5. Access to Some Initial Advanced Treatments: Depending on your policy, you may get initial funding for new drugs or therapies that are approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) but not yet widely available on the NHS due to budget constraints.

What is a Limited Chronic Illness & Pre-existing Conditions (LCIIP) Shield?

While standard PMI excludes chronic care, some of the more comprehensive policies offered by the best PMI providers are evolving. They may include limited benefits for chronic conditions. This is sometimes referred to as an LCIIP shield.

This is NOT a blank cheque for all chronic care. Instead, it might offer:

  • A set number of specialist consultations per year to monitor your condition.
  • A limited cash benefit towards ongoing medication.
  • Cover for an acute flare-up of a previously diagnosed chronic condition.

Navigating these complex clauses is where an expert PMI broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable. We can help you identify policies that offer these enhanced protections.

Lifestyle and Wellness: Taking Proactive Steps

While you can't change your genes, you can influence your environmental risk factors and support your body's overall health. A strong wellness foundation can help build resilience.

1. Focus on an Anti-Inflammatory Diet:

  • Eat More: Oily fish (salmon, mackerel), leafy greens (spinach, kale), colourful fruits and vegetables (berries, peppers), nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
  • Eat Less: Processed foods, sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, and excessive red meat, all of which can promote inflammation.
  • Bonus: As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you manage your diet effectively.

2. Manage Stress: Chronic stress is a major trigger for inflammation.

  • Mindfulness & Meditation: Apps like Calm or Headspace can teach valuable techniques.
  • Gentle Exercise: Yoga, Tai Chi, and walking are excellent for both body and mind.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. A dark, cool, quiet room is essential.

3. Move Your Body: Regular, moderate exercise helps to reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and boost your mood. The key is to find something you enjoy and to listen to your body, especially on days when you feel fatigued.

4. Protect Your Gut: A growing body of research links gut health to immune function. A diet rich in fibre and fermented foods (like live yoghurt, kefir, or kimchi) can support a healthy gut microbiome.

A Tale of Two Journeys: Sarah's Story

To see the real-world impact of private health cover, consider this hypothetical example.

Scenario 1: Sarah, without PMI

  • Month 1: Sarah (45) develops persistent, painful swelling in her hands and feet. Her GP suspects arthritis and makes an NHS referral.
  • Month 9: After an 8-month wait, Sarah finally sees an NHS rheumatologist. The consultant confirms the suspicion and orders blood tests and an MRI scan to assess joint damage.
  • Month 11: Sarah has her MRI.
  • Month 12: At her follow-up, she is diagnosed with aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis. Significant, irreversible erosion is already visible in her hand joints. She is placed on a waiting list to start biologic drug therapy.

Scenario 2: Sarah, with WeCovr-arranged PMI

  • Month 1, Week 1: Sarah sees her GP, who provides an open referral. She calls her PMI provider, who approves a consultation with a top-rated private rheumatologist.
  • Month 1, Week 2: Sarah sees the private specialist. He suspects RA and books her in for an MRI and blood tests for the following day at a private hospital.
  • Month 1, Week 3: At her follow-up, the diagnosis is confirmed. The MRI shows early-stage inflammation but no permanent damage yet. The consultant starts her on a treatment plan immediately to halt the disease's progression.

In the second scenario, Sarah's rapid diagnosis and treatment, facilitated by her private health cover, saved her from permanent disability and preserved her quality of life.

Finding Your Perfect Policy with WeCovr

The UK private medical insurance market is complex. Providers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality all offer fantastic but very different policies. Trying to compare them alone can be overwhelming.

This is where WeCovr helps. As an independent, FCA-authorised broker, our service is free to you.

  • We listen: We take the time to understand your needs, budget, and health concerns.
  • We compare: We analyse policies from across the market to find the best fit for you. We check the small print on things like LCIIP benefits.
  • We explain: We translate the jargon into plain English so you can make a confident, informed decision.
  • We add value: We provide all our PMI and life insurance clients with complimentary access to our CalorieHero app and exclusive discounts on other types of insurance. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing autoimmune diseases?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. If you have already been diagnosed with or have symptoms of an autoimmune disease, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and excluded from cover. However, the type of underwriting you choose matters. With 'moratorium' underwriting, a pre-existing condition may become eligible for cover if you remain symptom-free and need no treatment or advice for it for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts.

If my autoimmune disease is diagnosed using my PMI, will the policy cover my treatment forever?

No. This is a critical point to understand. Autoimmune diseases are chronic, and PMI is for acute conditions. Your policy will cover the acute phase: the specialist consultations, diagnostics (like MRI scans), and initial treatments to get you to a stable point. Once the condition is diagnosed and requires ongoing, long-term management, care typically reverts to the NHS. Some comprehensive plans may offer limited ongoing benefits for chronic conditions, which an expert broker can help you identify.

What is the average cost of private medical insurance in the UK?

The cost varies significantly based on several factors. A basic policy for a young, healthy individual could start from as little as £30 per month. A comprehensive policy for an older person in London with full outpatient cover could be over £150 per month. Key factors influencing your premium include your age, your location, the level of cover you choose (e.g., outpatient limits), your excess, and the underwriting method. The best way to get an accurate figure is to get a personalised quote.

Why should I use a broker like WeCovr instead of going directly to an insurer?

Using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr costs you nothing extra but provides immense value. Instead of getting one quote from one insurer, we compare the entire market for you, saving you time and money. We provide impartial, expert advice to help you understand the complex differences between policies and find the one that truly meets your needs. We work for you, not the insurance company, ensuring you get the right protection at the best possible price.

The growing autoimmune crisis is a clear and present challenge to the health and financial security of millions in the UK. While the NHS remains the bedrock of our healthcare, lengthy waits for diagnosis can have life-altering consequences.

A private medical insurance policy isn't a luxury; it's a strategic tool for taking control of your health journey when it matters most. It provides the speed, choice, and peace of mind needed to face an unexpected health challenge head-on.

Ready to shield your future health and financial security? Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts find the perfect private health cover 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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