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UK Bone Health Silent Crisis

UK Bone Health Silent Crisis 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

Welcome to our definitive 2025 guide on the UK’s bone health crisis. As an FCA-authorised expert that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr is committed to providing clear insights into how private medical insurance can safeguard your future mobility and vitality in the UK.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 4 Britons Secretly Battle Declining Bone Health, Fueling a Staggering £3.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Fractures, Chronic Pain, Lost Independence & Eroding Quality of Life – Your PMI Pathway to Advanced Bone Density Screening, Personalised Nutritional Protocols & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Mobility

It’s a crisis unfolding not in crowded A&E departments, but in the very framework of our bodies. Fresh analysis for 2025 reveals a startling truth: more than one in four adults in the UK are now living with deteriorating bone health, often without any symptoms. This silent epidemic, encompassing conditions like osteoporosis and its precursor, osteopenia, is setting the stage for a future burdened by fractures, chronic pain, and a profound loss of independence.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society now estimates that over 3.5 million people in the UK are living with osteoporosis. The reality is that one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture, primarily due to poor bone strength.

This isn't just about a broken bone. It's about a broken quality of life. The cumulative lifetime cost of a single hip fracture for an individual—factoring in NHS treatment, social care, lost earnings, and the cost of necessary home adaptations—can exceed £60,000. When scaled across the population, this contributes to a national lifetime burden projected to be well over £3.5 billion annually, a figure that only continues to climb.

For individuals, the personal cost is immeasurable. It's the inability to lift a grandchild, the fear of a simple fall, and the slow erosion of the freedom we take for granted. But there is a proactive path forward. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is evolving, offering a powerful toolkit to move from reactive treatment to proactive prevention and management, shielding your foundational health for the years to come.

Decoding the Crisis: What is Declining Bone Health?

Your bones are not static; they are living tissues, constantly breaking down and rebuilding in a process called remodelling. Peak bone mass is typically reached in our late 20s. After this point, we tend to lose slightly more bone than we gain.

Declining bone health happens when this process becomes unbalanced, leading to a loss of bone density and strength.

  • Osteopenia: This is the early stage. It means your 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—your bones are weakening, but you still have a crucial window to act.
  • Osteoporosis: This is a more serious condition where bones have become significantly porous and brittle, making them highly susceptible to fractures. A simple cough, a minor stumble, or bending over to pick something up can be enough to cause a break.

The danger of these conditions lies in their silence. Most people have no idea their bones are weakening until the moment one snaps.

Are You at Risk? The Unseen Factors Eroding Your Bones

While age and gender are significant factors (women are more susceptible, especially after menopause due to the drop in oestrogen), they are far from the only ones. Many lifestyle and medical factors can accelerate bone loss. Could you be unknowingly at risk?

Risk CategoryKey FactorsWhy It Matters
Non-ModifiableGenetics & Family History: A parent with a hip fracture significantly increases your risk.Your genetic makeup can predispose you to lower peak bone mass.
Gender: Women lose bone rapidly in the first few years after menopause.The hormone oestrogen is essential for protecting bone strength.
Age: Bone density naturally declines as we get older.The bone remodelling process becomes less efficient with age.
Certain Medical Conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, hyperthyroidism.These conditions can interfere with nutrient absorption or hormonal balance.
ModifiableDietary Deficiencies: Low intake of Calcium and Vitamin D.Calcium is the primary building block of bone; Vitamin D is needed to absorb it.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of weight-bearing exercise.Mechanical stress from exercise signals your body to build stronger bones.
Low Body Weight: Having a BMI below 19.Less body weight means less stress on bones and potentially lower oestrogen levels.
Smoking & Excessive Alcohol:Both are directly toxic to bone-building cells and interfere with hormone function.
Long-term Medication Use: Certain steroids (e.g., corticosteroids).Can significantly accelerate bone loss when used for prolonged periods.

The NHS Pathway: Essential Care with Inherent Limitations

The National Health Service provides outstanding care for those who suffer fractures. However, its approach to bone health is often, by necessity, reactive rather than proactive.

  1. Screening Criteria: You typically won't be offered a bone density scan (known as a DEXA scan) on the NHS unless you've already had a "fragility fracture" (a break from a minor fall) or have multiple high-risk factors. This means many people with osteopenia go undiagnosed until it progresses to osteoporosis and a fracture occurs.
  2. Waiting Times: If you do meet the criteria and are referred by your GP for a non-urgent diagnostic service like a DEXA scan, you may face waiting times that can vary significantly by region. The NHS target is for 95% of patients to wait no more than 6 weeks for a diagnostic test, but local pressures can extend this.
  3. Focus on Treatment: The primary focus is, understandably, on treating the immediate injury and then managing the underlying condition with medication. While crucial, this happens after the damage is done.

This system, while excellent in a crisis, leaves a significant gap for those who want to understand their risk profile before a fracture and take control of their long-term bone health. This is where private health cover can be transformative.

Your PMI Pathway: From Reactive Care to Proactive Prevention

A comprehensive private medical insurance plan can bridge the gap left by the standard healthcare pathway, empowering you with knowledge and rapid access to specialist care. It allows you to build a protective shield around your future mobility.

1. Fast-Track Access to Advanced Bone Density Screening

The cornerstone of understanding your bone health is a DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan. This is a quick, painless, and low-radiation scan that precisely measures the density of your bones, usually at the hip and spine.

With the right private medical insurance UK policy, if you have symptoms or risk factors that concern you (like a family history), you can get a private GP referral to a specialist. That specialist can then request a DEXA scan, often allowing you to bypass long waits and get a clear picture of your bone health in days, not months.

2. Consultant-Led Diagnosis and Personalised Treatment

PMI provides access to a network of leading specialists, including:

  • Rheumatologists: Experts in musculoskeletal conditions.
  • Endocrinologists: Specialists in hormones that affect bone health.

A consultant will interpret your DEXA scan results, conduct a thorough assessment of your overall health and lifestyle, and create a truly personalised plan. This isn't just a prescription; it's a 360-degree strategy to protect your bones.

3. Innovative Wellness and Lifestyle Support (LCIIP)

The most forward-thinking PMI providers are now including proactive wellness benefits. Some premium plans offer access to what can be termed a Lifestyle & Condition Intervention & Improvement Programme (LCIIP). This isn't about covering chronic care but about providing the tools to manage risk and improve outcomes for acute events.

These programmes can include:

  • Nutritional Consultations: Access to registered dietitians who can create a bone-centric eating plan tailored to you.
  • Personalised Fitness Programmes: Referrals to physiotherapists or biokineticists who can design safe, effective weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise routines.
  • Mental Health Support: To help manage the anxiety that can come with a new diagnosis or the fear of falling.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, helping you track your calcium, vitamin D, and protein intake with ease.

A Critical Note on Chronic Conditions and Private Health Insurance

It is essential to understand a fundamental principle of the UK private medical insurance market: standard policies are designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

Osteoporosis is considered a chronic condition. This means a standard PMI policy will not cover the routine, long-term management, monitoring, or medication for pre-existing osteoporosis.

However, where PMI provides immense value is in:

  • Diagnosis: Covering the initial consultations and diagnostic tests (like a DEXA scan) to investigate your symptoms and provide a new diagnosis.
  • Acute Events: Covering the treatment of an acute event that results from the condition, such as a new fracture. This could include private surgery, hospital stays, and post-operative physiotherapy.
  • Proactive Wellness: Providing access to the wellness benefits (like LCIIP) mentioned above to help you manage your risks and improve your overall health, potentially slowing the condition's progression.

Always be transparent about your medical history when applying. An expert PMI broker can help you navigate the complexities of underwriting to find a policy that offers the best possible cover for your circumstances.

Understanding Your Private Medical Insurance Options

Choosing the right policy can feel daunting. A good broker, like WeCovr, can demystify the options and compare the market for you at no extra cost. Here’s a simplified look at typical cover levels.

FeatureBasic / Entry-Level CoverMid-Range CoverComprehensive Cover
FocusIn-patient & day-patient care only.In-patient, day-patient & some out-patient cover.Extensive in-patient, day-patient & out-patient cover.
DEXA Scan AccessUnlikely to be covered as it's an out-patient diagnostic.May be covered, subject to out-patient limits.Almost always covered with a specialist referral.
Specialist ConsultationsNot covered for initial diagnosis.Covered up to a set financial or session limit.Generous or unlimited cover for consultations.
Therapies (Physio)Usually covered post-surgery only.Limited sessions may be included pre- and post-op.Extensive cover for physiotherapy, often including other therapies.
Wellness / LCIIPGenerally not included.Basic digital wellness tools may be available.Often includes access to nutritionists, fitness programmes, and mental health support.

Beyond Insurance: Your Daily Blueprint for a Bone-Strong Future

While private health cover is a powerful tool, it works best when combined with a proactive lifestyle. You can start building stronger bones today.

1. Eat for Strength

Your diet is your first line of defence. Focus on these key nutrients.

NutrientWhy It's CrucialTop Food Sources
CalciumThe main mineral that makes up your bone structure.Dairy (milk, cheese, yoghurt), leafy greens (kale, but not spinach), fortified tofu, sardines.
Vitamin DThe "gatekeeper" nutrient; your body cannot absorb calcium without it.Oily fish (salmon, mackerel), red meat, egg yolks, fortified cereals, and sensible sun exposure.
ProteinMakes up about 50% of bone volume and is essential for the collagen matrix.Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
MagnesiumHelps convert Vitamin D into its active form and regulate calcium transport.Nuts (almonds, cashews), seeds (pumpkin), spinach, beans, avocados.
Vitamin KHelps bind calcium to the bone matrix.Leafy greens (kale, spinach, broccoli), prunes, kiwi fruit.

2. Move for Mobility

Your skeleton responds to stress by growing stronger. The best exercises are:

  • High-Impact Weight-Bearing: Brisk walking, running, dancing, tennis. These directly stress the bones in your legs, hips, and lower spine.
  • Muscle-Strengthening: Lifting weights, using resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises like squats and press-ups. Muscles pulling on bones stimulates bone growth.
  • Balance & Flexibility: Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi. These don't build bone density directly but are vital for improving coordination and preventing the falls that lead to fractures.

3. Refine Your Lifestyle

  • Quit Smoking: Smokers have lower bone density and a higher fracture risk. The sooner you quit, the sooner your body can begin to repair the damage.
  • Moderate Alcohol: Heavy drinking interferes with the body's ability to absorb calcium. Stick to the UK Chief Medical Officers' guideline of no more than 14 units a week, spread over several days.

How an Expert PMI Broker Like WeCovr Can Help

Navigating the private health cover market to find the best policy for your needs can be complex. This is where an independent, expert broker is invaluable.

At WeCovr, we provide a specialist service that is entirely free to you.

  • Expert Guidance: We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our team understands the nuances of different policies and can explain the fine print in plain English.
  • Market Comparison: We compare plans from all the leading UK PMI providers to find the one that best matches your health concerns and budget.
  • Personalised Recommendations: We don't just sell insurance; we provide tailored advice. We'll help you understand how different policies would approach potential bone health investigations.
  • Added Value: When you arrange your private medical insurance or life insurance through us, we offer discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect more of what matters for less.

We take the time to understand your priorities, ensuring you get the right protection without paying for benefits you don't need.

Does private medical insurance cover chronic conditions like osteoporosis?

This is a crucial point. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) is designed for acute conditions that arise after you take out a policy. Osteoporosis is a chronic (long-term) condition. Therefore, PMI will not typically cover the routine management, prescriptions, or check-ups for pre-existing or newly diagnosed osteoporosis. However, it can be vital for covering the costs of the initial private diagnosis (consultant fees and diagnostic tests like DEXA scans) and, most importantly, the treatment of acute events like a new fracture that occurs as a result of the osteoporosis.

Can I get a DEXA bone density scan through my private health cover?

Yes, with the right level of cover. A DEXA scan is an out-patient diagnostic test. If your policy has an out-patient cover limit, it can typically be used to pay for a DEXA scan, provided you have been referred by a specialist. A comprehensive PMI plan usually provides generous out-patient limits, making it highly likely that a necessary scan would be covered in full following a GP's referral to a private consultant.

How can a PMI broker like WeCovr help me find the right policy for bone health?

An expert broker like WeCovr acts as your personal guide to the insurance market. We'll discuss your specific concerns about bone health, your family history, and your budget. We then compare policies from leading UK insurers, focusing on key benefits like out-patient limits for diagnostics (DEXA scans), access to specialist networks (rheumatologists), and wellness programmes. We explain the critical differences in policy wording, especially concerning chronic conditions, ensuring you make an informed choice. Our service is at no cost to you.

Are lifestyle and nutrition services included in UK health insurance?

Increasingly, yes. Many of the best PMI providers now include wellness and lifestyle benefits to encourage proactive health management. These can range from digital fitness apps and mental health support to a set number of sessions with a dietitian, nutritionist, or physiotherapist. These "Lifestyle & Condition Intervention & Improvement Programmes" (LCIIP) are designed to empower you to manage health risks, which is particularly valuable for conditions like declining bone health. At WeCovr, we can highlight which providers offer the most comprehensive wellness benefits.

Don't let your bone health become a silent crisis. Take control of your future mobility and well-being today.

Contact WeCovr for a free, no-obligation quote and let our experts help you find the private medical insurance that will form the foundation of your long-term health.

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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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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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