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UK Autoimmune Crisis

UK Autoimmune Crisis 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr is committed to providing clarity on the UK’s most pressing health challenges. This article explores the growing autoimmune crisis and how private medical insurance can offer a vital pathway to rapid diagnosis and specialist care.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 10 Britons Secretly Battle Undiagnosed Autoimmune Conditions, Fueling a Staggering £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Pain, Organ Damage, Debilitating Fatigue & Eroding Quality of Life – Your PMI Pathway to Rapid Advanced Diagnostics, Specialist Interventions & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Longevity

A silent health crisis is unfolding across the United Kingdom. Hidden behind a veil of vague, often dismissed symptoms like persistent fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog, a growing number of Britons are battling undiagnosed autoimmune conditions. Ground-breaking analysis of current trends, including landmark 2023 research in The Lancet, projects that by 2025, more than one in ten people in the UK could be living with an autoimmune disease—many without a name for their suffering.

This "diagnostic odyssey" is not just a personal struggle; it's a national emergency with a devastating price tag. For those with severe, progressive conditions, the lifetime burden of care, lost earnings, and diminished quality of life can exceed an astonishing £4.1 million. The culprit? A systemic delay in diagnosis that allows irreversible damage to take hold.

However, there is a powerful tool that can cut through the waiting lists and uncertainty: Private Medical Insurance (PMI). This guide will illuminate the scale of the UK's autoimmune crisis and reveal how a robust private health cover plan can provide a critical pathway to the rapid diagnostics and specialist care needed to protect your long-term health and financial future.

The Silent Epidemic: Unpacking the UK's Autoimmune Crisis

An autoimmune condition occurs when your body's immune system, designed to fight off invaders like bacteria and viruses, mistakenly attacks your own healthy cells, tissues, and organs. There are over 80 known types of autoimmune diseases, and they can affect almost any part of the body.

The symptoms are often non-specific and can overlap, making diagnosis notoriously difficult. You might feel a deep, unrelenting tiredness that sleep doesn't fix, a persistent ache in your joints, strange skin rashes, or digestive issues. Because these symptoms can come and go, they are frequently misattributed to stress, ageing, or lifestyle.

Common Autoimmune Conditions in the UK:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: The immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling, stiffness, and potential deformity.
  • Type 1 Diabetes: The immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): The immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) covering nerve fibres, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
  • Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis: An overproduction of skin cells leads to itchy, scaly patches, and in some cases, joint inflammation.
  • Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): A systemic disease that can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, brain, and other organs.
  • Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis: Both are forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where the immune system attacks the lining of the digestive tract.

According to ONS and NHS data, the prevalence of these conditions is rising. This isn't just a perception; it's a documented trend confirmed by major population studies, placing an unprecedented strain on our health services.

The Staggering £4.1 Million Lifetime Burden: More Than Just a Health Issue

The true cost of a delayed autoimmune diagnosis extends far beyond the consultation room. It's a lifelong financial and emotional burden that can dismantle careers, strain relationships, and erode personal savings. The illustrative figure of £4.1 million represents the severe end of the spectrum for a condition like progressive MS or severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, but the financial impact is significant for all.

Let's break down how these costs accumulate over a lifetime:

Cost CategoryDescriptionPotential Lifetime Impact
Loss of EarningsInability to work full-time or at all due to fatigue, pain, or disability. Frequent sick days and career interruptions.£500,000 - £1,500,000+
Private Treatment & TherapiesCosts for physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, psychological support, and specialist equipment not always available on the NHS.£50,000 - £250,000+
Informal Care CostsThe economic value of care provided by family members who may have to reduce their own working hours.£200,000 - £1,000,000+
Home & Vehicle AdaptationsRamps, stairlifts, walk-in showers, and adapted vehicles needed to maintain independence.£20,000 - £100,000+
Prescription & Medication CostsWhile mostly covered by the NHS in the UK, some specialist or newly approved drugs may have associated costs or require private purchase.Variable
Reduced Quality of LifeThe intangible but immense cost of chronic pain, loss of hobbies, social isolation, and mental health decline.Immeasurable

This isn't just a financial calculation; it's a map of a life altered. The single most effective way to mitigate this burden is early and accurate diagnosis.

The "Diagnosis Gap": Why the NHS Pathway Can Take Years

The NHS is a world-class institution, but it is under immense pressure. For patients with suspected autoimmune conditions, the journey to a diagnosis can be a long and frustrating one, often termed a "diagnostic odyssey."

A Typical NHS Journey for Suspected Autoimmune Symptoms:

  1. Initial Symptoms: You experience persistent fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog.
  2. GP Appointment: You finally secure an appointment. Due to the vague nature of symptoms, initial suggestions might be to rest, manage stress, or take painkillers.
  3. Waiting & Worsening: You wait weeks or months to see if things improve. They don't.
  4. Follow-up GP Visit: You return to the GP. They agree to run some basic blood tests. Waiting time for results: 1-2 weeks.
  5. Referral to Specialist: The blood tests may show some inflammatory markers. The GP refers you to an NHS rheumatologist. Current NHS waiting time for a routine rheumatology appointment: 18 - 52+ weeks.
  6. Specialist Consultation: Almost a year later, you see the specialist. They suspect an autoimmune condition and order more specific tests, including an MRI scan.
  7. Diagnostic Imaging Wait: The waiting list for an NHS MRI scan can be another 6-12 weeks.
  8. Diagnosis: Finally, after well over a year of uncertainty and progressive symptoms, you receive a diagnosis.

During this "diagnosis gap," irreversible damage may have already occurred to your joints, organs, or nervous system. This is the critical window where intervention matters most.

Your PMI Pathway: A Fast-Track to Clarity and Control

This is where private medical insurance UK demonstrates its profound value. It's not about skipping the queue; it's about creating an express lane to the answers you desperately need.

A Typical PMI Journey for the Same Symptoms:

  1. Initial Symptoms: You experience the same fatigue and pain.
  2. Digital/Private GP Appointment: You use your PMI policy's Digital GP service and speak to a doctor the same day.
  3. Open Referral: The GP recognises the potential seriousness and provides an open referral to a specialist.
  4. Specialist Consultation: Your PMI provider offers a choice of leading rheumatologists. You book an appointment and are seen within a week.
  5. Advanced Diagnostics: The specialist immediately refers you for an MRI and a comprehensive panel of advanced blood tests. These are completed within days at a private hospital or clinic.
  6. Diagnosis & Plan: You have a follow-up with the specialist a few days later. You receive a definitive diagnosis and a clear management plan within two weeks of your first GP call.
Diagnostic StepTypical NHS Wait TimeTypical PMI Wait Time
GP Appointment1-4 weeksSame day to 48 hours
Specialist Referral18-52+ weeks3-10 days
MRI/CT Scan6-12 weeks2-7 days
Diagnosis Received6-18+ months1-3 weeks

This speed is not a luxury; it's a lifeline. It empowers you with knowledge, allowing you and your NHS doctors to begin the correct treatment months, or even years, earlier than would otherwise be possible.

Crucial Point: Understanding What PMI Covers (and What It Doesn't)

It is absolutely vital to understand the core purpose of private medical insurance in the UK. This clarity ensures you have the right expectations and can use your policy effectively.

Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract. PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires ongoing management. Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions.

Standard UK private health cover does NOT cover the long-term management of chronic conditions.

So, How Does PMI Help with Autoimmune Disease?

The power of PMI lies in the diagnostic phase. The journey from your first symptom to a definitive diagnosis is treated as an acute medical investigation. Your policy will cover:

  • The initial specialist consultations.
  • The advanced diagnostic tests (MRIs, CT scans, detailed blood work).
  • The follow-up consultations to receive the diagnosis.

Once a chronic condition like Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus is diagnosed, the policy's role in covering that specific condition typically ends. You would then take your swift, private diagnosis back to the NHS, which will manage your long-term care and treatment plan.

By using PMI, you have effectively bypassed the longest and most damaging part of the process—the wait for a diagnosis—and armed your NHS consultant with the information they need to start treatment immediately.

What About Pre-existing Conditions?

PMI is designed for conditions that arise after you take out the policy. If you already have symptoms or a diagnosis for an autoimmune condition, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover. This is why securing a policy while you are healthy is so important.

Beyond Diagnosis: How Comprehensive PMI Shields Your Vitality

The best PMI providers offer a suite of benefits that create a protective shield around your health, going far beyond just diagnostics. This is the essence of "LCIIP" – a Limited Cash/Illness/Intervention Plan woven into a comprehensive policy that shields your foundational vitality.

  • Mental Health Support: The stress of undiagnosed illness is immense. Most top-tier policies include access to counselling and therapy to support your mental wellbeing throughout the journey.
  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call means you can get medical advice the moment a new symptom worries you, without waiting.
  • Wellness Programmes & Discounts: Many insurers offer rewards for healthy living, gym discounts, and access to wellness apps. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition tracker, CalorieHero, to help you manage your diet effectively, which can be a key factor in managing inflammatory conditions.
  • Second Medical Opinions: If you receive a complex diagnosis, your policy may allow you to get a second opinion from another leading global expert, giving you total peace of mind.
  • Expert Guidance from a Broker: Navigating the market can be complex. An expert broker like WeCovr can compare policies from across the market to find the one that best suits your needs and budget, at no extra cost to you. We can also help secure discounts on other policies, like life or income protection insurance, when you purchase a plan through us.

Lifestyle & Wellness: Proactive Steps to Support Your Health

While PMI is a reactive tool, you can take proactive steps to support your immune system and overall health.

  1. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, oily fish (rich in omega-3), nuts, and seeds. Limit processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, which can promote inflammation.
  2. Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep is when your body repairs itself, and a lack of it can dysregulate the immune system.
  3. Manage Stress: Chronic stress is a known trigger for autoimmune flare-ups. Incorporate mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or simply time in nature into your daily routine.
  4. Engage in Gentle Movement: Activities like walking, swimming, or tai chi can help reduce joint stiffness, improve mood, and support cardiovascular health without over-stressing the body.
  5. Be Mindful of Your Gut: A significant portion of your immune system resides in your gut. A diet rich in fibre and fermented foods can support a healthy gut microbiome.

WeCovr: Your Partner in Navigating the UK Private Health Cover Market

The world of private medical insurance can seem daunting, with different underwriting options, hospital lists, and levels of cover. You don't have to navigate it alone.

At WeCovr, we are FCA-authorised specialists who live and breathe the UK health insurance market. We have earned high customer satisfaction ratings for a simple reason: we put our clients first. Our expert team will take the time to understand your unique needs and concerns, comparing policies from the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect fit for you. We handle the paperwork and explain the small print, ensuring you have complete clarity and confidence in your cover.

The growing autoimmune crisis is a stark reminder that our health is our most precious asset. Investing in a robust PMI policy is an investment in swift answers, peace of mind, and the preservation of your future vitality.


Will my private medical insurance premiums go up if I get diagnosed with a chronic condition?

Generally, yes. Your premium at renewal is based on several factors, including your age, your claims history, and medical inflation. A significant claim for diagnostics that leads to a chronic diagnosis will likely increase your premium at your next renewal. However, the value of obtaining a diagnosis months or years early, potentially preventing irreversible damage, is often considered to be well worth the future increase in cost.

Can I get private health cover if autoimmune diseases run in my family?

Yes, you can. Having a family history of a condition does not count as a pre-existing condition for you. You will be asked about your own medical history, not your family's. Securing a policy before you develop any symptoms yourself is the best way to ensure you are covered for future investigations should you need them.

What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting?

These are two ways insurers assess pre-existing conditions. With **Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)**, you declare your full medical history upfront, and the insurer tells you exactly what is excluded from the start. With **Moratorium (MORI) Underwriting**, you don't declare your history, but the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last 5 years. These exclusions can be lifted if you remain trouble-free from that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts. An expert broker can advise which is best for your situation.

Don't wait for uncertainty to take its toll. Take control of your health journey today. Contact WeCovr for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how private medical insurance can provide your shield for the future.

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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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