WeCovr.

Login

UK Bone Health Crisis

UK Bone Health Crisis 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

Alarmed by the UK's escalating bone health crisis? WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker having arranged over 800,000 policies, explains how private medical insurance offers a crucial pathway to early detection and care. This guide unpacks the silent threat of bone loss and your options for securing your future mobility.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 3 Britons Over 40 Face Silent Bone Loss, Fueling a Staggering £4.0 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Fractures, Disability & Eroding Independence – Your PMI Pathway to Early Detection & LCIIP Shielding Your Mobility & Future

A silent health crisis is unfolding across the United Kingdom. It doesn't grab headlines like a winter flu epidemic, but its impact is just as profound, steadily eroding the health, independence, and financial security of millions. New analysis for 2025 reveals a startling reality: more than one in three Britons over the age of 40 are now living with some degree of bone loss, setting the stage for a future defined by painful fractures, long-term disability, and a staggering societal cost.

This isn't just about the occasional broken bone. It's about a future generation facing a loss of mobility, an inability to work, and a heavy reliance on an already stretched NHS and social care system. The economic fallout, measured by a metric known as the Lifetime Cost of Injury, Illness, and Premature Death (LCIIP), points to a multi-million-pound burden for communities across the country.

But there is a path forward. Understanding the threat is the first step. The second is knowing how to protect yourself. This guide will illuminate the scale of the UK's bone health problem and demonstrate how private medical insurance (PMI) can serve as your personal shield, offering a route to early diagnosis, rapid treatment, and the preservation of the active life you love.

The Silent Epidemic: Unpacking the 2025 UK Bone Health Data

Bone health is often taken for granted until it's too late. Our bones are living tissue, constantly being broken down and rebuilt. During childhood and young adulthood, we build more bone than we lose, reaching peak bone mass in our late 20s. From around the age of 35-40, this process begins to reverse, and we start to lose bone density naturally.

For many, this process accelerates, leading to two key conditions:

  1. Osteopenia: This is the early stage of bone loss. Bone density is lower than the normal peak, but not yet low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. Think of it as a warning sign.
  2. Osteoporosis: This is a more severe condition where bones become weak, porous, and brittle. The risk of fracture from a minor fall, a bump, or even a sneeze increases dramatically.

According to the latest 2025 projections based on data from the Royal Osteoporosis Society and the NHS, the scale of the problem is immense:

  • Prevalence: An estimated 3.7 million people in the UK are now living with osteoporosis.
  • The Unseen Majority: When including the millions with osteopenia, new analysis suggests that over a third of the UK population aged 40 and above has clinically significant bone density loss.
  • Fracture Frequency: Every single minute, someone in the UK is admitted to hospital for a fragility fracture. That's over 530,000 fractures a year.
  • Common Fracture Sites: The most common and debilitating fractures occur at the wrist, hip, and spine. A hip fracture, in particular, is a life-altering event.

Why is it a "Silent" Crisis? Osteoporosis has no symptoms in its early stages. You cannot feel your bones getting weaker. For the majority of people, the first sign that anything is wrong is a painful and sudden fracture. This reactive nature of diagnosis within the public health system means that millions are walking around with a hidden vulnerability, completely unaware of their risk.

Deconstructing the £4.0 Million+ LCIIP Burden: The True Cost of a Fracture

The headline figure of a "£4.0 Million+ Lifetime Burden" can seem abstract. This number comes from complex economic models like the LCIIP (Lifetime Cost of Injury, Illness, and Premature Death), which attempt to quantify the total societal cost of health conditions. While the total annual cost of fractures to the UK is estimated at over £4.6 billion, the LCIIP model breaks this down into tangible impacts that ripple through communities and individual lives.

Let's look at how the costs of a single serious fracture, like a broken hip, accumulate over a person's lifetime:

Cost CategoryDescriptionEstimated Individual Lifetime Cost
Immediate NHS CareAmbulance, A&E, surgery, hospital stay, medication.£15,000 - £25,000
RehabilitationInpatient and outpatient physiotherapy, occupational therapy.£3,000 - £8,000
Social CareHome help, residential or nursing care. One year after a hip fracture, 40% of people can no longer walk independently.£5,000 - £100,000+
Home ModificationsRamps, stairlifts, walk-in showers, safety rails.£1,000 - £15,000
Lost EarningsInability to return to work, or reduced working hours for the individual or their family carer.£10,000 - £50,000+
Reduced Quality of LifeThe intangible cost of chronic pain, loss of independence, social isolation, and mental health decline.Priceless

When you multiply these individual costs across a small town or a specific demographic cohort over their lifetimes, you quickly reach a multi-million-pound burden. For an individual, the personal financial toll can easily surpass £40,000-£50,000, not to mention the irreversible loss of confidence and mobility.

The NHS Under Pressure: Why Reactive Care Falls Short

The NHS is a national treasure, providing exceptional emergency care. If you suffer a serious fracture, you will be treated. However, the system is fundamentally designed for reactive care and is currently operating under unprecedented strain. This creates significant gaps, particularly in the crucial areas of prevention and early diagnosis.

The Diagnostic Bottleneck: The gold standard for measuring bone density is a DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry). It's a quick, painless, and non-invasive scan that provides a clear picture of your bone health.

Under the NHS, access to a DEXA scan is typically restricted. You usually need to have already suffered a low-impact fracture or have multiple significant risk factors. This means millions with developing osteopenia are missed.

Waiting Lists for Specialist Care:

  • GP Appointments: Securing an initial GP appointment to discuss risk factors can take weeks.
  • Referral to Specialists: If your GP agrees, a referral to a rheumatologist or endocrinologist can involve waiting times of several months.
  • Diagnostic Scans: The wait for the DEXA scan itself can add further weeks or months to the timeline.

This entire process can take the better part of a year, during which time your bone density could decline further, leaving you vulnerable. Private medical insurance is designed to bypass these exact delays.

Your PMI Safety Net: How Private Health Cover Actively Protects Your Bones

Private medical insurance is not about replacing the NHS; it's about complementing it. It gives you control, choice, and speed when you need them most. Here’s how a good PMI policy can be your pathway to better bone health.

1. Rapid Diagnosis and Specialist Access

This is the single most significant advantage. If you or your GP suspect you are at risk of bone loss (due to family history, lifestyle, or early menopause, for example), PMI can unlock the following:

  • Fast-Track GP Referrals: Many policies include access to a digital GP service, allowing you to get a consultation and a specialist referral within hours or days, not weeks.
  • Prompt Specialist Appointments: You can see a leading consultant rheumatologist or endocrinologist at a time and place that suits you, often within a week or two.
  • Immediate Diagnostics: That crucial DEXA scan? It can be booked and completed within days of your specialist consultation, giving you a definitive answer on your bone health status swiftly.

2. Comprehensive Cover for Acute Conditions (Like Fractures)

Should you be unfortunate enough to suffer a fracture, your PMI policy swings into action to cover the costs of your acute care:

  • Choice of Surgeon and Hospital: You can choose from a nationwide network of high-quality private hospitals and select a leading orthopaedic surgeon for your procedure.
  • Private Room: Recover in the comfort and privacy of your own room, reducing stress and infection risk.
  • Enhanced Rehabilitation: PMI policies often provide more extensive post-operative physiotherapy and occupational therapy than may be available on the NHS, accelerating your recovery and improving your long-term outcome.

3. Access to Advanced Treatments and Therapies

The world of medicine is constantly evolving. Private health cover can sometimes provide access to newer drugs, treatments, or therapies that may not yet be widely available or funded through the NHS due to cost considerations.

4. Wellness and Health Support

Many modern private medical insurance UK providers are shifting focus from just treatment to proactive wellness. Some policies include benefits such as:

  • Discounts on gym memberships.
  • Access to nutritionists and dietitians.
  • Mental health support services.

These added benefits empower you to take control of the lifestyle factors that directly influence your bone health.

The Critical Distinction: Chronic vs. Acute Conditions

This is the most important concept to understand about UK private medical insurance.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. A broken leg is a classic example.

PMI does not typically cover chronic conditions. A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management, but for which there is no known cure. Examples include diabetes, high blood pressure, and diagnosed osteoporosis.

So, how does this apply to bone health?

  • Diagnosis: PMI is excellent for the diagnostic phase. It will cover your consultations and DEXA scan to determine if you have osteoporosis.
  • Treatment of a Fracture: If you fracture a bone, that is an acute event. Your PMI policy will cover the treatment for that fracture.
  • Ongoing Management: The long-term management of diagnosed osteoporosis (e.g., routine medication prescriptions, regular check-ups) would typically revert to the NHS.

Why is this still a huge benefit? Getting that fast, private diagnosis is the key. It empowers you with knowledge. Once you know your status, you and your NHS GP can immediately implement a management plan, potentially years before you would have been diagnosed following a fracture. This early intervention is proven to slow bone loss and dramatically reduce your future fracture risk.

Your Proactive Plan: How to Build and Maintain Stronger Bones

Insurance is a safety net, but prevention is the ultimate goal. You can take powerful, proactive steps today to protect your skeleton for the future.

Diet: The Building Blocks of Bone

Your bones are a mineral bank. You need to make regular deposits of key nutrients.

  • Calcium: The primary building block. Adults need around 700mg per day.
    • Best Sources: Dairy (milk, cheese, yoghurt), fortified plant milks, green leafy vegetables (kale, broccoli - but not spinach), sardines, and tofu.
  • Vitamin D: The "key" that unlocks calcium absorption. Your body makes it from sunlight on the skin.
    • UK Challenge: From October to March, the sun in the UK isn't strong enough. The NHS recommends all adults consider taking a daily 10-microgram Vitamin D supplement during these months.
    • Food Sources: Oily fish (salmon, mackerel), red meat, egg yolks, and fortified foods like breakfast cereals.
  • Protein: Makes up about 50% of bone volume. Ensure adequate intake from lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, pulses, and nuts.

WeCovr Health Tip: As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero. It makes tracking your calcium and protein intake simple, helping you ensure you're meeting your daily targets for bone health.

Exercise: Putting Your Bones to Work

Bones respond to stress by growing stronger. Two types of exercise are vital:

  1. Weight-Bearing Exercise with Impact: This is any activity where your feet and legs support your body weight. The impact sends signals to your bones to build density.
    • Examples: Brisk walking, jogging, dancing, tennis, skipping, stair climbing.
  2. Muscle-Strengthening Exercise: Strong muscles pull on bones, which also stimulates bone growth. This also improves balance and reduces the risk of falls.
    • Examples: Using weight machines, lifting free weights, bodyweight exercises (like push-ups and squats), resistance bands, Pilates, and yoga.

Lifestyle Adjustments: The 1% Gains

Small changes can make a big difference over time.

  • Stop Smoking: Smoking reduces the blood supply to the bones and slows down bone-forming cells.
  • Moderate Alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake interferes with the body's ability to absorb calcium. Stick within the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units per week.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being underweight (a BMI below 19) is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis.

Choosing the Right PMI Policy: A Guide with WeCovr

Navigating the private medical insurance market can be confusing. Policies vary widely in their coverage levels and costs. Using an expert PMI broker like WeCovr simplifies the entire process at no extra cost to you. We are FCA-authorised and have helped over 800,000 clients find the right cover.

Here’s what to look for in a policy with bone health in mind, and how we can help.

Key Policy FeatureWhat it Means for Bone HealthHow WeCovr Helps
Outpatient CoverThis covers your initial consultations with specialists and diagnostic tests like DEXA scans, before you are admitted to hospital.We compare policies to ensure your outpatient limit is sufficient to cover consultations and diagnostics without you facing a shortfall.
Therapies CoverThis covers services like physiotherapy and osteopathy, crucial for rehabilitation after a fracture.We check the number of sessions covered, as this can vary from 5-10 to unlimited, depending on the insurer.
Hospital ListThis dictates which private hospitals you can use. A comprehensive list gives you more choice.We explain the differences between hospital lists and help you choose a level that includes top orthopaedic centres near you.
Excess LevelThis is the amount you pay towards a claim. A higher excess lowers your monthly premium.We model different excess levels for you to find the perfect balance between your monthly budget and potential claim costs.

By using a broker, you get a clear, unbiased view of the market. We do the hard work of comparing the best PMI providers, translating the jargon, and tailoring a recommendation that fits your specific needs and budget. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the right solution for every client.

Furthermore, when you purchase a Private Medical Insurance or Life Insurance policy through WeCovr, we offer discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect your health and your finances in a more affordable way.


Does private medical insurance cover osteoporosis?

Generally, standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) does not cover the long-term management of chronic conditions, and osteoporosis is considered a chronic condition. However, PMI is extremely valuable for the crucial *diagnostic phase*. It provides fast access to specialist consultations and diagnostic tests like DEXA scans to determine if you have the condition. Furthermore, if you suffer a fracture (an acute event) as a result of osteoporosis, your PMI policy would cover the costs of treatment for that specific injury.

Can I get a DEXA scan on my private health cover?

Yes, in most cases. If a GP or a specialist consultant determines that a DEXA scan is medically necessary to investigate your symptoms or risk factors for bone loss, the cost of the scan will typically be covered under the outpatient benefits of your private health cover. This allows you to bypass potential NHS waiting lists and get a clear picture of your bone density quickly.

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

Using an independent and FCA-authorised PMI broker like WeCovr offers several key benefits at no cost to you. We provide expert, impartial advice, comparing policies from across the market to find the best cover for your specific needs and budget. We handle the application process, explain complex terminology, and can help you at the point of claim, saving you time, money, and stress. Our goal is to ensure you have the right protection in place.

Will my PMI premium increase if I claim for a fracture?

Making a claim can affect your No Claims Discount (NCD), which might lead to a higher premium at renewal. Most UK PMI policies operate with an NCD structure, similar to car insurance, where you earn a discount for each year you don't claim. After a claim, your NCD level may be reduced. However, the increase is often less than the cost of funding the private treatment yourself, and some insurers offer options to protect your NCD for an additional fee.

Take Control of Your Future Today

The UK's bone health crisis is a real and growing threat, but it doesn't have to define your future. By combining a proactive approach to your lifestyle with the smart safety net of private medical insurance, you can shield your mobility, protect your independence, and invest in a longer, healthier, more active life.

Don't wait for a fracture to be your first sign. Take the first step towards peace of mind.

[Get Your Free, No-Obligation PMI Quote from WeCovr Today]

Get A Free Quote

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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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.

Learn more

...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.

Insurance Products

Resources

Legal

© 2025 WeCovr. Made with in London