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UK Bone Crisis £4M Lifetime Burden

UK Bone Crisis £4M Lifetime Burden 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with insight into over 800,000 policies, WeCovr is perfectly placed to guide you through the complexities of private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores the growing crisis of bone health and how a robust health insurance plan can be your most vital asset.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 3 Britons Secretly Battle Weakening Bones, Fueling a Staggering £4.0 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Debilitating Fractures, Chronic Pain, Lost Independence & Eroding Quality of Life – Your PMI Pathway to Rapid Advanced Bone Density Diagnostics, Specialist Treatment & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Mobility

A silent epidemic is unfolding beneath the surface of UK public health. Projected data for 2025, based on trends from the NHS and the Royal Osteoporosis Society, reveals a stark reality: more than one in three adults are living with deteriorating bone health. This hidden vulnerability, encompassing conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis, is the driving force behind a crisis costing the nation billions and individuals their future.

The consequences are not just physical. A single, life-altering fracture can trigger a cascade of costs—medical bills, prolonged care, lost earnings, home modifications—that can accumulate to an astonishing £4.0 million or more over a lifetime. This is the true burden of the UK's bone crisis: a future of compromised mobility, chronic pain, and lost independence.

But there is a proactive path forward. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) offers a powerful alternative to long waiting lists, providing rapid access to the advanced diagnostics and specialist care needed to identify risks early, manage conditions effectively, and protect the very foundation of your vitality.

The Staggering £4 Million Lifetime Cost: More Than Just a Bill

The figure of a £4.0 million+ lifetime burden may seem shocking, but it reflects the devastating, long-term impact of a severe, debilitating fracture, such as a hip fracture, on an individual's life. This isn't a single bill; it's a slow, compounding erosion of your financial, physical, and emotional well-being.

Let's break down how these costs can accumulate:

Cost CategoryDescriptionPotential Lifetime Cost Example
Direct Medical CostsImmediate surgery, hospital stays, follow-up specialist appointments, prescription medications, and ongoing physiotherapy.£25,000 - £50,000+
Social & Private CareThe need for residential care or extensive in-home support. The average cost of a UK care home now exceeds £45,000 per year.£450,000 - £1,000,000+ (over 10-20 years)
Lost Earnings & PensionForced early retirement or inability to work due to disability or chronic pain leads to a significant loss of income and pension contributions.£500,000 - £1,500,000+
Home ModificationsInstalling stairlifts, walk-in showers, ramps, and other accessibility features to remain at home.£10,000 - £75,000+
Informal Care CostsThe "cost" of family members reducing their own working hours or leaving jobs to provide care, impacting another household's income.£250,000 - £750,000+
Eroding Quality of LifeThe intangible but immense cost of chronic pain, loss of hobbies, social isolation, and dependency. This is often quantified in health economics but felt personally.Priceless, but with significant financial knock-on effects.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society already estimates that fragility fractures cost the UK a staggering £4.5 billion annually in direct costs alone. When you factor in the personal, long-tail costs, you see how a single health event can dismantle a lifetime of financial planning and personal freedom.

Understanding the Enemy: What is Weakening Your Bones?

Our bones are living tissue, constantly being broken down and rebuilt. "Weakening bones" is a general term for a loss of bone density, which happens when we lose old bone faster than we create new bone.

  • Osteopenia: This is the early stage of bone density loss. Your bones are weaker than normal, but not yet at the point where they break easily. It’s a critical warning sign.
  • Osteoporosis: This is a more advanced state where bones have become thin, weak, and brittle. A minor fall, a bump, or even a strong sneeze can cause a fracture.

Key Risk Factors for Poor Bone Health:

  • Age: Bone density naturally peaks in our late 20s and declines thereafter.
  • Gender: Women are at higher risk, especially after menopause, due to the sharp drop in oestrogen, a hormone that protects bones. One in two women over 50 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis.
  • Genetics: A family history of osteoporosis or fractures significantly increases your risk.
  • Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking all contribute to bone loss.
  • Diet: A lifelong lack of calcium and Vitamin D starves your bones of the essential building blocks they need.
  • Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and an overactive thyroid can accelerate bone loss.

The NHS Pathway vs. The Private Medical Insurance Advantage

While the NHS provides excellent care, it is under unprecedented pressure. For non-urgent diagnostics and specialist consultations, this can lead to significant delays—time you may not have when it comes to preventative bone health.

Here’s a realistic comparison of the typical journey for someone concerned about their bone health:

Stage of CareTypical NHS PathwayThe PMI Advantage
Initial ConcernYou visit your GP with concerns (e.g., back pain, a stooping posture, or known risk factors).You visit your GP who can provide an open referral to a specialist of your choice.
Getting a DiagnosisThe GP may refer you for a DEXA scan (the gold standard for measuring bone density). The waiting list for this can be many months.Your PMI policy can authorise a DEXA scan within days at a private hospital or clinic, often at a time that suits you.
Specialist ConsultationAfter the scan, you may face another long wait to see an NHS rheumatologist or endocrinologist to interpret results and plan treatment.You can typically see a leading consultant specialist within a week or two of your diagnosis.
Treatment & TherapyAccess to physiotherapy or specialist treatments is subject to local NHS availability and waiting lists.Your private health cover can provide comprehensive access to physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and specialist nursing to aid recovery and manage your condition.

The crucial difference is speed. Private medical insurance UK policies are designed to bypass the queues, providing you with swift answers and a proactive treatment plan. This speed can be the difference between catching osteopenia early and managing it effectively, versus facing a debilitating fracture from undiagnosed osteoporosis.

Your PMI Pathway: How Private Health Cover Shields Your Future Mobility

A comprehensive private health insurance plan is more than just a policy; it's a strategic tool for safeguarding your health and independence. Here’s how it works in the context of bone health:

  1. Rapid, Advanced Diagnostics: If you develop symptoms like back pain or notice a loss of height, your PMI policy can provide immediate access to diagnostic tests. This includes not only DEXA scans but also MRI and CT scans to investigate potential vertebral fractures that might otherwise go unnoticed.
  2. Choice of Leading Specialists: You get to choose the consultant you want to see from a nationwide network of experts. This allows you to consult with a rheumatologist or endocrinologist who specialises in metabolic bone disease.
  3. Access to Modern Treatments: The private sector is often quicker to adopt new medications and therapies that may not yet be widely available or funded on the NHS.
  4. Comprehensive Post-Fracture Care: Should you suffer an acute fracture, PMI ensures you receive not just the immediate surgical care but also the crucial follow-up support. This includes extensive physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and pain management to get you back on your feet faster and more completely.
  5. Mental Health Support: The psychological impact of a fracture and the fear of falling can be immense. Many top-tier PMI policies now include mental health support to help you cope with the anxiety and depression that can accompany a loss of mobility.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate the market to find a policy with strong outpatient and diagnostic cover, ensuring you are protected when you need it most.

The Critical PMI Rule: Understanding Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the most important concept to understand about UK private medical insurance. Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions, not chronic or pre-existing ones.

  • 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 broken arm, appendicitis, or a cataract).
  • A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured but can be managed with treatment and medication (e.g., diabetes, asthma, or established osteoporosis).
  • A pre-existing condition is any illness or symptom you had before your policy started.

How does this apply to bone health? If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis before taking out a policy, it will be considered a pre-existing and chronic condition and will be excluded from cover.

However, if you take out a policy before any diagnosis, PMI can be invaluable. It can cover the investigation of new symptoms that lead to a diagnosis. It can also cover the treatment of an acute event, like a fracture, even if it is caused by an underlying weakness.

The key is to act proactively and secure cover while you are still healthy.

Beyond PMI: Building Your LCIIP Shield (Lifestyle & Care Independence and Income Protection)

While PMI is exceptional at covering the acute medical costs of a health crisis, it doesn't cover the devastating financial fallout—the lost income and long-term care costs that contribute to the £4.0 million burden.

To create a truly comprehensive safety net, you need to think in terms of LCIIP: Lifestyle & Care Independence and Income Protection. This isn't a single product, but a strategic combination of insurance policies that protect your entire life, not just your health.

  • Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Pays for the fast, high-quality medical treatment to get you better.
  • Critical Illness Cover: Pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific serious condition (like a stroke, which can be linked to fracture risk). This money can be used to pay off a mortgage, adapt your home, or cover daily expenses.
  • Income Protection: Replaces a significant portion of your monthly salary if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. This is the policy that keeps your household running and protects your pension contributions while you recover.

An expert broker like WeCovr specialises in helping clients build this complete shield. By assessing your individual circumstances, they can advise on the right blend of cover to protect you from both the medical and financial consequences of a health crisis. As a WeCovr client, you may also benefit from discounts when purchasing multiple types of cover.

Proactive Bone Health: Your Daily Defence Strategy

Insurance is your safety net, but prevention is your first line of defence. You can take powerful steps every day to build and protect your bone strength.

1. Nourish Your Skeleton:

  • Calcium: Aim for 700mg-1200mg per day. Good sources include milk, yoghurt, cheese, leafy greens (kale, broccoli), and calcium-fortified foods like orange juice and cereals.
  • Vitamin D: Crucial for calcium absorption. The sun is the best source, but in the UK, a daily supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU) is recommended, especially from October to March.
  • Protein: Essential for bone structure. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and lentils in your diet.

As a complimentary benefit, WeCovr provides PMI and Life Insurance clients with access to its AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you monitor your intake of these vital nutrients.

2. Move Your Body: Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises are vital for stimulating bone growth.

  • High-Impact Weight-Bearing: Brisk walking, running, dancing, tennis, stair climbing.
  • Low-Impact Weight-Bearing: Elliptical training, fast walking on a treadmill.
  • Muscle-Strengthening: Lifting weights, using resistance bands, bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats.

3. Make Smart Lifestyle Choices:

  • Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake interferes with your body's ability to absorb calcium.
  • Stop Smoking: Smoking reduces blood supply to the bones and slows down bone-forming cells.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being underweight (BMI below 19) is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis.

Choosing the Best PMI Provider for Your Bone Health

With dozens of policies on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. An independent PMI broker is your best ally. They can compare the market for you, saving you time and money. Based on consistently high customer satisfaction ratings, clients trust WeCovr to find the policy that best suits their needs.

When considering a policy for bone health, ask your broker to look for:

  • High Outpatient Limits: Ensure you have enough cover for specialist consultations and diagnostic scans without needing a hospital stay.
  • Full Diagnostics: Check that the policy covers DEXA, MRI, and CT scans without complicated conditions.
  • Comprehensive Therapy Cover: Look for generous limits on physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care to support your recovery.
  • A Strong Hospital Network: Make sure the policy gives you access to high-quality private hospitals and clinics in your area.

By working with an expert, you get a plan tailored to your future health needs, giving you peace of mind.

Will private medical insurance cover my osteoporosis diagnosis?

Generally, standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) will not cover treatment for osteoporosis if it was diagnosed before you took out the policy, as it is considered a pre-existing and chronic condition. However, if you develop symptoms after your policy begins, PMI can be invaluable for covering the costs of the initial diagnosis, including specialist consultations and advanced scans like DEXA, which can lead to a much faster diagnosis than on the NHS.

Can I get private health cover if I have a family history of weak bones?

Yes, you can still get private health cover. You must declare your family history during the application process. The insurer may place an exclusion on conditions related to bone health, or they may offer you cover without exclusions, depending on your overall health profile. It's crucial to be completely honest during underwriting to ensure your policy is valid when you need to make a claim. An expert broker can help you find an insurer with favourable underwriting terms for your situation.

Does PMI cover physiotherapy after a fracture?

Yes, one of the key benefits of private medical insurance is covering rehabilitative therapies after an acute event like a fracture. Most comprehensive PMI policies offer generous cover for physiotherapy, and some also include other therapies like osteopathy, chiropractic, and hydrotherapy. This can help you recover more quickly and completely than you might with limited NHS sessions. Always check the specific limits for therapy cover on your chosen policy.

What is the main benefit of using a PMI broker like WeCovr?

The main benefit of using an expert PMI broker like WeCovr is receiving impartial, specialist advice at no cost to you. A broker compares policies from across the market to find the best PMI provider and level of cover for your specific needs and budget. They handle the application process, explain the complex terms and conditions in plain English, and can provide invaluable assistance if you ever need to make a claim, saving you time, stress, and potentially a significant amount of money.

Don't let the silent threat of weakening bones dictate your future. Take control of your health and financial security today.

Contact WeCovr now for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how a private medical insurance plan can shield your mobility, independence, and quality of life for years to come.

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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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