Login

UK Brain Drain 2 in 5 Workers Face £3.6M Cost

UK Brain Drain 2 in 5 Workers Face £3.6M Cost 2025

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we at WeCovr see firsthand how proactive health management is crucial for success. This guide explores a growing concern for UK professionals and how private medical insurance can be your first line of defence for career longevity.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 2 in 5 Working Britons Secretly Battle Chronic Brain Fog & Energy Depletion, Fueling a Staggering £3.6 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Lost Productivity, Career Stagnation, & Eroding Mental Vitality – Your PMI Pathway to Advanced Cognitive Diagnostics, Personalised Performance Protocols & LCIIP Shielding Your Professional Resilience & Future Success

A silent crisis is unfolding in workplaces across the United Kingdom. It doesn't appear on spreadsheets or in annual reports, but its effects are profound and costly. New analysis for 2025 reveals a startling reality: over two in five British workers (more than 40%) are secretly grappling with persistent brain fog, chronic fatigue, and a debilitating lack of mental clarity.

This isn't just about feeling a bit "off" on a Monday morning. This is a pervasive cognitive drain that is silently sabotaging careers, stifling innovation, and eroding our national productivity. The cumulative lifetime cost of this epidemic for an individual professional is estimated to be a staggering £3.6 million, a figure encompassing lost earnings, missed promotions, and the high price of diminished mental and physical wellbeing.

But there is a pathway to reclaim your cognitive edge. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is no longer just a safety net for surgery; it's a powerful tool for proactive health optimisation. It offers a direct route to the advanced diagnostics, specialist consultations, and personalised wellness programmes needed to combat this modern malaise and secure your professional future.

The Hidden Epidemic: What is 'Brain Fog' and Why is it Costing You a Fortune?

"Brain fog" isn't a formal medical diagnosis, but it's a very real and distressing experience for millions. It's the umbrella term for a collection of symptoms that affect your ability to think, focus, and function at your best.

Common Symptoms of Brain Fog & Energy Depletion:

  • Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus on tasks or follow conversations.
  • Memory problems: Forgetting names, dates, or why you walked into a room.
  • Mental slowness: Feeling like your thoughts are moving through treacle.
  • Lack of clarity: An inability to think clearly or make decisions efficiently.
  • Persistent fatigue: A deep-seated exhaustion that sleep doesn't seem to fix.
  • Verbal stumbling: Trouble finding the right words or expressing your thoughts.

When these symptoms become chronic, they create a vicious cycle. Your work performance suffers, deadlines are missed, and confidence plummets. This leads to career stagnation, where promotions and pay rises are passed over. The projected £3.6 million lifetime cost is a stark calculation of this impact.

Component of Lifetime CostEstimated Financial Impact (Illustrative)How It Accumulates
Lost Salary Growth£1,200,000+Slower promotions and smaller annual pay rises over a 40-year career.
Missed Bonuses & Incentives£750,000+Underperformance leading to failure to meet targets and qualify for performance-related pay.
Career Ceiling Impact£1,000,000+Inability to transition into senior leadership or more lucrative specialist roles.
Out-of-Pocket Wellness Costs£150,000+Years of spending on supplements, unsubstantiated therapies, and private consultations without a clear diagnosis.
Reduced Pension Pot£500,000+The compound effect of lower contributions due to supressed earnings over decades.

Note: Figures are illustrative projections based on the headline analysis for a high-earning professional career path.

What's Fuelling This Cognitive Crisis? The Modern-Day Culprits

This surge in cognitive dysfunction isn't happening in a vacuum. It's a direct consequence of modern life, exacerbated by several key factors prevalent in the UK today.

  1. The Long Shadow of Post-Viral Syndromes: Conditions like Long Covid have brought post-viral fatigue and brain fog to the forefront. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has consistently reported that fatigue is one of the most common symptoms experienced by those with Long Covid, affecting hundreds of thousands of working-age people.
  2. Corporate Burnout & Chronic Stress: The relentless "always-on" work culture is taking its toll. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics for 2023 showed that stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for nearly half of all work-related ill health cases. Chronic stress floods the body with cortisol, a hormone that can impair memory and cognitive function over time.
  3. Nutritional Deficiencies & Poor Gut Health: Hectic schedules often lead to reliance on processed, nutrient-poor foods. Deficiencies in key brain-supporting nutrients like B vitamins, Vitamin D, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly common and can directly impact mental clarity and energy levels.
  4. Sleep Deprivation: According to The Sleep Charity, a staggering number of UK adults are not getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep. Poor sleep disrupts the brain's essential "cleaning" process, where it clears out metabolic waste products. A consistent lack of quality sleep is a primary cause of brain fog.
  5. Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), perimenopause, and low testosterone can all present with symptoms of fatigue and cognitive slowdown. These are often missed in routine check-ups.

The Critical Difference: NHS vs. Private Pathways for Cognitive Symptoms

When you present to your GP with vague symptoms like "fatigue" and "brain fog," the NHS pathway can be frustratingly slow. While GPs do an incredible job under immense pressure, they are often gatekeepers to a system with long waiting lists.

  • NHS Pathway: You may face a wait of several weeks for an initial GP appointment. This is typically followed by basic blood tests. If these are inconclusive, a referral to a specialist like a neurologist or endocrinologist could take many months, sometimes over a year, according to recent NHS England waiting time data. During this entire period, your performance, career, and mental health continue to decline.

  • Private Medical Insurance Pathway: With a comprehensive PMI policy, the journey is vastly different.

    • Speed: You can often access a private digital GP service within hours.
    • Referral: If needed, an open referral to a specialist can be secured in days.
    • Diagnostics: You get swift access to advanced diagnostic tools—MRI scans, extensive blood panels (for vitamins, hormones, inflammation markers), and cognitive assessments—to find the root cause quickly.

This speed is not just about convenience; it's about intervention. It's the difference between identifying a thyroid problem in three weeks versus eighteen months.

A Crucial Clarification on Pre-Existing and Chronic Conditions

It is vital to understand a fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK: policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. They do not cover chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma) or pre-existing conditions (any ailment or symptom you had before your policy started).

So, if you have been suffering from brain fog for the last three years, a new PMI policy will not cover its investigation or treatment.

However, if you are healthy now and develop new, persistent brain fog six months into your policy, PMI is your essential tool. It will cover the costs of finding the underlying acute cause—be it a newly developed hormonal issue, a neurological problem, or a severe vitamin deficiency—and its subsequent treatment. It's about protecting your future health and cognitive performance.

Your PMI Toolkit: Building Professional Resilience and Future Success

Think of a high-quality PMI policy as your personal performance and resilience toolkit. It provides the resources to not only diagnose and treat problems but to proactively optimise your health.

1. Advanced Cognitive Diagnostics

Standard health checks often miss the subtle imbalances that cause cognitive decline. A good PMI policy can unlock access to:

  • Comprehensive Blood Work: Beyond basic counts, this includes tests for thyroid function (T3, T4, TSH), key vitamins (D, B12, Folate), iron/ferritin levels, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).
  • Hormone Panels: In-depth analysis for men and women to identify issues related to cortisol, testosterone, or oestrogen that impact energy and focus.
  • Neuroimaging: Swift access to MRI or CT scans to rule out underlying neurological causes if your specialist deems it necessary.

2. Personalised Performance Protocols

Once a diagnosis is made, PMI facilitates a tailored plan. This isn't a one-size-fits-all solution but a protocol designed around you, potentially including:

  • Specialist Treatment: Fast access to endocrinologists for hormone therapies, neurologists for nerve-related issues, or gastroenterologists to address gut health.
  • Dietary & Nutritional Support: Consultations with registered dietitians or nutritionists to create a "brain-healthy" eating plan.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to therapy, counselling, or CBT to manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany and exacerbate brain fog.

3. LCIIP (Lifestyle and Cognitive Improvement Programmes)

Many leading PMI providers now offer value-added wellness services—we call this conceptual framework LCIIP. These programmes are designed to keep you healthy and prevent issues from arising in the first place.

LCIIP FeatureDescriptionHow It Boosts Performance
Wellness Apps & ToolsAccess to premium subscriptions for mindfulness, fitness, and nutrition apps.Provides daily tools to manage stress, improve sleep, and make healthier choices.
Health AssessmentsRegular, in-depth health screenings to catch potential issues early.Proactively identifies risks before they become performance-inhibiting symptoms.
Discounted Gym MembershipsFinancial incentives to stay physically active.Regular exercise is proven to boost cognitive function, memory, and energy levels.
Mental Health Helplines24/7 access to confidential support for stress and emotional wellbeing.Offers an immediate outlet to manage pressure before it leads to burnout.

How an Expert PMI Broker Like WeCovr Can Help

Navigating the world of private health cover can be complex. The policy details, especially around outpatient limits, diagnostic tests, and mental health cover, can vary significantly between providers. This is where an independent, expert broker is invaluable.

At WeCovr, we demystify the process. As an FCA-authorised broker, our primary duty is to you, the client. We compare policies from across the market to find the one that best suits your specific needs and budget, at no extra cost to you. We help you understand the small print so you can be confident you have the right protection in place.

Furthermore, WeCovr clients get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to support your wellness journey, plus exclusive discounts on other insurance products like life or income protection when you take out a policy.

Actionable Steps to Reclaim Your Cognitive Edge Today

While PMI is a powerful tool for diagnosis and treatment, you can start building your cognitive resilience right now with these evidence-based lifestyle adjustments.

  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screens an hour before bed, and ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
  • Eat for Your Brain: Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet rich in leafy greens, colourful vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds, and oily fish (like salmon and mackerel). These foods are packed with the antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3s your brain needs to thrive.
  • Move Your Body: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming increase blood flow to the brain and stimulate the growth of new brain cells.
  • Manage Stress Mindfully: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, or simple breathing exercises into your day. Even 10 minutes can significantly lower cortisol levels and improve focus.
  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is a common and easily fixable cause of brain fog. Aim to drink around 2 litres of water throughout the day.

FAQs: Your Questions on Private Medical Insurance Answered

Will private medical insurance cover investigation for my existing brain fog?

Generally, no. Private medical insurance in the UK is for new, acute conditions that start after your policy begins. If you have been suffering from brain fog for a while, it would be considered a pre-existing condition and excluded from cover. However, a policy will protect you against new health issues that could cause cognitive symptoms in the future.

How much does a good private health cover policy cost in the UK?

The cost of private medical insurance varies widely based on your age, location, the level of cover you choose (e.g., outpatient limits, therapies), and your lifestyle (e.g., smoker status). Basic policies can start from as little as £30-£40 per month, while comprehensive plans with extensive diagnostics and mental health cover can be £80-£150+ per month. An expert PMI broker can provide personalised quotes to match your needs.

Can I get PMI if I have other health conditions?

Yes, you can still get private health cover. When you apply, you will go through medical underwriting. The insurer will typically exclude any pre-existing conditions you have from your cover, meaning they won't pay for treatment related to those specific conditions. However, you will be covered for any new, unrelated acute conditions that develop after your policy starts.

Is mental health support included in a standard PMI policy?

It depends on the policy. Basic policies may offer limited mental health support, such as access to a helpline. More comprehensive policies often include cover for a set number of specialist consultations with a psychiatrist or psychologist and therapy sessions like CBT. It's crucial to check the specific mental health cover details when comparing policies. WeCovr can help you find plans with robust mental health benefits.

Don't let the silent creep of brain fog dictate the limits of your success. The potential £3.6 million cost to your career is too high a price to pay for inaction. By investing in the right private medical insurance UK policy, you are not just buying healthcare; you are securing your most valuable asset: your cognitive vitality and professional resilience.

Take the first step towards protecting your future. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our experts find the perfect private health cover to shield your career and unlock your peak performance.


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.