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UK Bone Health Crisis

UK Bone Health Crisis 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

The UK's silent bone health crisis is a growing concern. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we see how private medical insurance offers a proactive route to diagnosis and specialist care, helping UK families protect their future health and financial wellbeing.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 4 Britons Are At Risk of Silent Bone Disease, Fueling a Staggering £3.9 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Debilitating Fractures, Lost Independence & Eroding Quality of Life – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Bone Density Screening, Specialist Care & LCIIP Shielding Your Future Vitality & Longevity

A landmark 2025 UK Bone Health Report has cast a harsh spotlight on a creeping national health emergency. The data reveals a stark reality: more than a quarter of the British population is now considered at risk of developing a silent bone disease like osteoporosis. This isn't just a condition of the very elderly; it's a ticking time bomb affecting millions of people, often with no symptoms until it's too late.

The consequences are devastating. The first sign is often a sudden, painful fracture from a minor fall or bump. For an individual, the cumulative lifetime burden of these fractures—factoring in medical treatment, long-term social care, lost earnings, and a severe decline in quality of life—can exceed a staggering £3.9 million in economic and personal cost.

This is a crisis of broken bones, broken confidence, and eroded independence. But there is a way to take control. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) offers a powerful, proactive pathway to safeguard your future. It provides the tools for early detection, rapid specialist treatment, and financial peace of mind, shielding you from the worst impacts of this silent epidemic.

Unpacking the Silent Epidemic: What is Osteoporosis?

Imagine your bones are like a honeycomb. In healthy bones, the holes are small and dense. In bones affected by osteoporosis, these holes become larger, making the entire structure weak, brittle, and far more likely to break.

  • Osteoporosis: Literally means "porous bone." It's a disease that weakens bones, increasing the risk of sudden and unexpected fractures.
  • Osteopenia: This is a precursor to osteoporosis. It means you have lower bone density than is normal for your age, but it's not yet low enough to be classed as osteoporosis. It's a critical warning sign.
  • The "Silent" Disease: The most dangerous aspect of osteoporosis is its silence. There are typically no symptoms in the early stages. You don't feel your bones getting weaker. For many, the first indication that anything is wrong is a painful fracture of the wrist, hip, or spine.

According to the Royal Osteoporosis Society, over 3.5 million people in the UK are currently living with osteoporosis. The new 2025 data suggests the pool of at-risk individuals, including those with osteopenia and significant lifestyle risk factors, is now much larger, encompassing more than one in four of us.

The Human Cost: More Than Just a Broken Bone

The financial figures are shocking, but they only tell part of the story. The true cost of poor bone health is measured in lost mobility, chronic pain, and fading independence.

A Real-Life Scenario:

Consider Sarah, a 62-year-old retired teacher from Manchester. Active and enjoying her retirement, she tripped on a paving stone while walking her dog. What should have been a minor stumble resulted in a fractured hip.

  • Immediate Impact: Emergency surgery, a week in hospital, and immense pain.
  • Medium-Term Impact: Months of slow, difficult physiotherapy. She couldn't drive, manage her shopping, or climb the stairs in her own home. Her son had to take time off work to help care for her.
  • Long-Term Impact: Sarah never fully regained her confidence. She lives in fear of falling again, has given up her long walks, and feels she has lost a vital part of her independence. Her world has become smaller.

This story is repeated thousands of times across the UK every year. A spinal fracture can lead to a stooped posture and chronic back pain. A wrist fracture can make simple tasks like cooking or writing impossible. The psychological toll—anxiety, depression, and social isolation—is immense.

The NHS Pathway vs. The Private Health Cover Advantage

The NHS provides excellent emergency care for fractures. However, when it comes to the proactive diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, the system is under immense pressure.

The Typical NHS Journey:

  1. Trigger Event: A diagnosis pathway is usually initiated after you've had a low-impact fracture (a "fragility fracture").
  2. Risk Assessment: Your GP might use a tool like FRAX® or QFracture® to estimate your 10-year risk of a major fracture.
  3. Referral for a DEXA Scan: If you are deemed high-risk, you will be referred for a DEXA (or DXA) scan, which is a specialised X-ray that measures your bone mineral density.
  4. Waiting Times: Depending on your location, there can be significant waiting lists for both specialist consultations and DEXA scans.
  5. Treatment: If diagnosed, the NHS provides effective drug treatments and advice.

The fundamental challenge is that this pathway is often reactive, not proactive. For many, the life-altering fracture is the key that unlocks the door to diagnosis.

How Private Medical Insurance Changes the Game

Private medical insurance UK plans offer a different, more empowered approach. They put you in the driver's seat of your own health journey.

FeatureStandard NHS PathwayPrivate Medical Insurance (PMI) Pathway
Access to ScreeningUsually only after a fracture or for very high-risk groups.Potential for inclusion in wellness benefits or health screenings, allowing for proactive checks.
Speed of DiagnosisCan involve waiting lists for GP appointments, specialist referrals, and scans.Fast access to private GPs and direct referrals to specialists. Scans can often be done within days.
Choice of SpecialistYou are referred to a specific consultant and hospital within your NHS trust.You can choose your specialist and the hospital where you receive care from a nationwide list.
DiagnosticsCovers necessary scans like DEXA as determined by NHS criteria.Comprehensive cover for diagnostics (DEXA, X-rays, MRI) to get a full picture of your health quickly.
RehabilitationPhysiotherapy is available but can have waiting lists and a limited number of sessions.Generous cover for post-fracture rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, to help you recover faster.

With PMI, you don't have to wait for a fracture to happen. You can take proactive steps to understand your bone health and get the best possible care, fast. A leading PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare policies from the best PMI providers to find one that includes the diagnostic and wellness benefits you need.

The Critical Point: PMI, Chronic Conditions, and Pre-Existing Conditions

This is one of the most important things to understand about all standard UK private medical insurance policies.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a bone fracture, appendicitis).
  • A chronic condition is 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 (e.g., diabetes, asthma, and osteoporosis).

How does this apply to bone health?

  1. If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia before you buy a PMI policy, it will be considered a pre-existing condition. Treatment for the osteoporosis itself will not be covered.
  2. If you take out a policy and are later diagnosed with osteoporosis, the policy may cover the initial investigations to reach that diagnosis. However, because it is a chronic condition, the long-term management would then typically revert to the NHS.
  3. Crucially, if you suffer a fracture (an acute event), your PMI policy would typically cover the treatment for that fracture—the surgery, hospital stay, and rehabilitation—even if the underlying cause is a chronic condition like osteoporosis.

This is why having private health cover is so valuable. It provides a safety net for the acute events that can arise from poor bone health, ensuring you get the fastest and most comprehensive care when you need it most.

Shielding Your Future: What is LCIIP and How Does it Protect You?

The title of this article mentions "LCIIP Shielding Your Future Vitality & Longevity." LCIIP, or a similar feature often called an NHS Cash Benefit, is a clever option available on many private health cover plans.

What is an NHS Cash Benefit?

It's a feature that pays you a fixed cash sum for every night you spend in an NHS hospital for treatment of a condition that would have been eligible for cover under your private policy.

How does this "shield" you?

Let's return to Sarah's hip fracture. Imagine she had a PMI policy with an NHS Cash Benefit of £250 per night.

  • She is taken by ambulance to her local NHS hospital for the emergency surgery.
  • She spends 7 nights in the hospital.
  • Her PMI policy pays her a tax-free lump sum of 7 x £250 = £1,750.

This cash payment can be used for anything. It can help cover:

  • Lost income for a spouse or partner who takes time off work to care for you.
  • The cost of private physiotherapy sessions to supplement NHS provision.
  • Hiring help around the house during your recovery.
  • Modifications to your home, like a stairlift or walk-in shower.

It’s a financial buffer that reduces the stress of an already difficult situation, giving you the resources to focus on your recovery.

Your Proactive Bone Health Action Plan

While insurance is a vital safety net, prevention is always the best medicine. You can take powerful steps today to build and maintain strong bones for life.

1. Nourish Your Skeleton: The Bone Health Diet

Your bones need the right fuel. Focus on these key nutrients:

  • Calcium: The primary building block of bone. Adults need around 700mg per day.
  • Vitamin D: The "key" that unlocks the door, allowing your body to absorb calcium. A supplement is recommended for all UK adults during autumn and winter (October to March).
  • Protein: Essential for bone structure and muscle strength, which helps prevent falls.

To help manage your diet, WeCovr provides all its life and health insurance customers with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It makes hitting your daily calcium and protein targets simple and easy.

Top Bone-Building Foods

NutrientExcellent Sources
CalciumMilk, cheese, yoghurt, tofu, sardines (with bones), fortified cereals, green leafy vegetables (kale, broccoli - but not spinach).
Vitamin DOily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), egg yolks, red meat, fortified foods (some breakfast cereals and fat spreads).
ProteinLean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes (beans, lentils), nuts, and seeds.

2. Move for Your Musculoskeletal Health

Your bones get stronger when you use them. The best exercises for bone health are:

  • Weight-Bearing Exercise with Impact: These are exercises where your feet and legs support your own body weight. The impact of your feet hitting the ground stimulates bone-building cells.
    • Examples: Brisk walking, jogging, dancing, tennis, skipping, aerobics, stair climbing.
  • Muscle-Strengthening Exercise: Strong muscles improve your balance and coordination, reducing your risk of falls.
    • Examples: Using weight machines, lifting free weights, using resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five times a week, including a mix of both types of exercise.

3. Review Your Lifestyle

Two of the biggest enemies of bone health are smoking and excessive alcohol.

  • Smoking: The toxins in tobacco smoke disrupt the natural bone-building cycle and can lead to lower bone density.
  • Alcohol: Regularly drinking more than the recommended UK limit (14 units a week) is linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

How to Choose the Best PMI Provider for Your Needs

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can feel complex. Every provider offers different plans with varying levels of cover. This is where an independent, expert PMI broker like WeCovr is invaluable.

We are not tied to any single insurer. Our job is to understand your needs and budget, and then search the market to find the policy that offers the best value and protection for you. We help you compare plans from leading providers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality.

Key things to consider when choosing a policy:

  • Out-patient Limits: Will your policy cover the initial consultations and diagnostic scans? Some policies have a financial limit, while others are unlimited.
  • Wellness and Screening Benefits: Does the policy include any proactive health screenings that might cover a DEXA scan?
  • Therapies Cover: Ensure the policy includes good cover for physiotherapy, which is essential for recovering from a fracture.
  • Hospital List: Does the policy give you access to a wide range of high-quality private hospitals in your area?
  • NHS Cash Benefit: Consider adding this option for extra financial protection.

Because we have helped over 800,000 clients arrange cover, we have a deep understanding of the market. Our expert advisors can explain the small print in plain English, ensuring there are no nasty surprises. We enjoy high customer satisfaction ratings because we put our clients first. What's more, our service is completely free to you. And when you take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, we offer discounts on other types of cover, like home or travel insurance.

Can I get private medical insurance if I already have osteoporosis?

Yes, you can still get private medical insurance, but the osteoporosis itself will be classed as a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover. This is standard across all UK PMI providers. However, the policy could still provide invaluable cover for new, unrelated acute conditions and for treating fractures, which are classed as acute events.

Does private health cover pay for a private DEXA bone density scan?

This depends on your specific policy. Many comprehensive private health cover plans will pay for a DEXA scan if it's recommended by a consultant to diagnose symptoms you're experiencing (an acute condition). Some top-tier plans may also include bone density scans as part of a proactive wellness or health screening benefit, even without symptoms. An expert broker can help you find a policy with the right diagnostic cover.

Is PMI worth it just for the risk of a fracture?

For many, the answer is a resounding yes. While the NHS provides excellent emergency care, private medical insurance ensures you get rapid access to the best specialists, your choice of hospital, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation like physiotherapy to get you back on your feet faster. This can dramatically reduce recovery time and the long-term impact on your mobility, independence, and quality of life.

The UK's bone health crisis is a serious threat to our future vitality, but it's not a battle you have to fight alone. By understanding the risks, taking proactive lifestyle steps, and securing the right protection, you can build a resilient future.

Take the first step today. Contact WeCovr for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how a private medical insurance plan can be your pathway to peace of mind and lifelong wellbeing.

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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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