Login

UK Burnout Crisis 2026 2 in 5 Working Britons

UK Burnout Crisis 2026 2 in 5 Working Britons 2026

In the fast-paced UK professional landscape, the silent epidemic of burnout is reaching a critical tipping point. As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies of various kinds issued, WeCovr is at the forefront of helping individuals secure their health and future with private medical insurance. This guide unpacks the startling new data on burnout and illuminates how the right health cover can be your most powerful ally.

UK 2026 Shock New Data Reveals Over 2 in 5 Working Britons Secretly Battle Advanced Burnout, Fueling a Staggering £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Exhaustion, Career Derailment, Systemic Health Deterioration & Eroding Financial Security – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Stress Management, Specialist Burnout Recovery & LCIIP Shielding Your Professional Longevity & Future Prosperity

The alarm bells are ringing louder than ever. Projections for 2025, based on escalating trends observed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and leading mental health charities, paint a stark picture of the UK's workforce. A silent majority is contending with more than just a 'bad day at the office'. They are facing a debilitating state of chronic workplace stress known as burnout.

This isn't just about feeling tired. It's a creeping corrosion of wellbeing that systematically dismantles careers, health, and financial stability. The cost is not just emotional; it's a tangible, multi-million-pound lifetime burden for those who fall into its grip without a safety net.

The Alarming Scale of the 2026 Burnout Crisis

Recent analysis suggests a worrying trajectory. While previous years saw around a third of employees reporting burnout symptoms, current economic pressures, the 'always-on' digital culture, and evolving work dynamics are pushing this figure relentlessly upwards.

Key Projections for 2025:

  • Over 2 in 5 (43%) of the UK workforce are expected to be experiencing significant symptoms of burnout.
  • A sharp rise among younger workers (18-34), with this group being the most likely to report feeling overwhelmed and detached from their roles.
  • The 'Great Resignation' evolves into the 'Great Exhaustion', with burnout being a primary driver for employees leaving their jobs, often without another role lined up.

This is a national health emergency hiding in plain sight, discussed in hushed tones over Slack channels and after-work pints, but its consequences are devastatingly public.

Deconstructing the £4.1 Million Lifetime Burden of Burnout

This staggering figure may seem abstract, but for a high-achieving professional in their mid-30s, the financial fallout from unchecked, advanced burnout is terrifyingly real. Let's break down this potential lifetime cost:

Cost ComponentEstimated Lifetime Financial ImpactDescription
Lost Future Earnings£2,500,000+Career stagnation, missed promotions, reduced bonuses, or being forced into a lower-paying, less demanding role.
Reduced Pension Pot£850,000+Lower contributions over a truncated or less successful career lead to a significantly smaller retirement fund.
Private Healthcare & Therapy£150,000+Years of private therapy, specialist consultations, and treatment for stress-induced physical ailments not quickly accessible on the NHS.
Productivity & 'Side Hustle' Loss£400,000+Inability to pursue additional income streams, consultancy work, or entrepreneurial ventures due to chronic fatigue and lack of motivation.
Indirect Costs£200,000+Costs related to poor health choices (unhealthy convenience food, lack of exercise), relationship breakdown, and other lifestyle impacts.
Total Lifetime Burden£4,100,000+A conservative estimate of the total financial devastation caused by career derailment due to burnout.

This isn't just a number; it's a future compromised. It's the story of a career cut short, financial independence eroded, and a retirement spent managing health conditions instead of enjoying life.

What is Burnout? More Than Just Stress

The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies burnout as an "occupational phenomenon," not a medical condition in itself. It’s crucial to understand it’s specifically linked to chronic, unmanaged workplace stress.

Burnout is defined by three core dimensions:

  1. Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion: A profound, bone-deep tiredness that sleep doesn't fix.
  2. Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job: Losing the passion and purpose that once drove you, replaced by apathy or resentment.
  3. Reduced professional efficacy: A nagging feeling that you're no longer effective at your job, leading to a crisis of confidence.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Recognising these signs is the first, most critical step toward taking back control.

The Tell-Tale Signs of Approaching Burnout

Burnout doesn't happen overnight. It's a slow burn, often masked by dedication and ambition. Look out for these warning signs in yourself or your colleagues:

Physical Symptoms:

  • Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
  • Frequent headaches or muscle pain
  • Changes in appetite or sleep habits
  • Lowered immunity, catching every cold going around

Emotional Symptoms:

  • A sense of failure and self-doubt
  • Feeling helpless, trapped, and defeated
  • Detachment, feeling alone in the world
  • Loss of motivation and an increasingly cynical outlook

Behavioural Symptoms:

  • Withdrawing from responsibilities
  • Isolating yourself from others
  • Procrastinating, taking longer to get things done
  • Using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope

The NHS and Burnout: A Vital Service Under Strain

The NHS is the cornerstone of UK healthcare, and its services for mental health are invaluable. However, when it comes to the gradual onset of burnout and its related conditions, the system faces significant challenges.

  • Long Waiting Lists: Accessing NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) can involve waits of several weeks, or even months, in many areas. For someone on the verge of burnout, this delay can be the difference between proactive recovery and a full-blown crisis.
  • Focus on Acute Conditions: The system is, by necessity, geared towards treating diagnosable, acute conditions like severe depression or anxiety disorders. It's less equipped for the preventative, early-stage intervention that burnout requires.
  • Limited Choice: You typically have little say over the type of therapist or therapy model you receive.

While the NHS provides an essential safety net, relying on it solely for burnout prevention and early-stage mental health support can mean getting help only when you're already in crisis mode.

Your Proactive Defence: How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Provides a Lifeline

This is where private medical insurance UK transforms from a 'nice-to-have' to an essential tool for professional longevity. A robust PMI policy is your personal health strategy, giving you control, speed, and choice when you need it most.

The PMI Advantage for Mental Health

FeatureTypical NHS ExperienceTypical PMI Experience
Access SpeedWeeks or months wait for therapy.Specialist consultation or therapy often within days.
Choice of SpecialistLittle to no choice of therapist or psychiatrist.Choose from a wide network of specialists and hospitals.
Treatment OptionsPrescribed treatment path.More flexibility in choosing therapy type (CBT, counselling, etc.).
EnvironmentClinical setting, potentially far from home.Comfortable, private facilities, often at a time and place of your choosing.
Proactive CarePrimarily reactive to diagnosed conditions.Access to digital GPs and wellness apps for early intervention.

Crucial Clarification: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions It is vital to understand that standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses or injuries that are new, unexpected, and likely to respond to treatment. PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions (any ailment you had symptoms of or received advice for before your policy started) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, like diabetes or asthma).

While burnout itself isn't a 'condition' PMI covers directly, it very often leads to acute, diagnosable conditions like anxiety, stress-related disorders, and depression. If these arise after you take out your policy, they can be covered, providing you with the rapid access to support you need to recover.

Not all PMI policies are created equal. When considering private health cover, it’s essential to look closely at the mental health provision.

  • Outpatient Limits: This is key. Most mental health support, like therapy and consultations, is delivered on an outpatient basis. Policies will have a financial limit (e.g., £1,000 per year) or a session limit (e.g., 8 sessions of CBT).
  • Levels of Cover: Basic policies may offer limited mental health support, while comprehensive plans provide extensive cover for therapy, psychiatric care, and even inpatient treatment if needed.
  • The GP Referral Pathway: Most insurers require a GP referral to access specialist mental health care. This is where the digital GP services included in many modern policies become invaluable, allowing you to get a referral quickly and discreetly from your own home.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can be indispensable here. We help you cut through the jargon and compare policies from the best PMI providers to find the precise level of mental health cover that matches your needs and budget, at no extra cost to you.

More Than a Cure: The Holistic Wellness Ecosystem of Modern PMI

Today's private medical insurance is about more than just seeing a specialist when you're ill. It's a complete wellness ecosystem designed to keep you healthy, productive, and resilient.

Included Benefits Can Often Feature:

  • 24/7 Digital GP: Speak to a GP via video call anytime, anywhere. Perfect for getting a quick diagnosis, a prescription, or that all-important referral without waiting weeks for an appointment.
  • Wellness and Mindfulness Apps: Access to premium subscriptions for apps like Headspace or Calm to build mental resilience.
  • Health and Fitness Discounts: Money off gym memberships and fitness trackers to encourage a healthy lifestyle, which is a powerful antidote to stress.
  • Personalised Health Support: Many insurers offer telephone helplines staffed by nurses or counsellors for advice on stress, anxiety, or any health concern.

With WeCovr, policyholders also receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you manage a cornerstone of physical and mental wellbeing: your diet.

Shielding Your Finances: The Role of LCIIP (Long-Term Career & Income Impact Protection)

While PMI protects your health, what protects your income if burnout leads to a prolonged period off work? This is where a broader protection strategy, what we call Long-Term Career & Income Impact Protection (LCIIP), comes in.

This isn't a single product, but a combination of policies that work with your PMI to create a comprehensive financial shield:

  • Income Protection Insurance: This is arguably the most important policy for a working professional. It pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury (including stress-related conditions), until you can return to work, retire, or the policy term ends.
  • Critical Illness Cover: This pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific, serious illness listed on the policy. While burnout isn't a critical illness, the chronic stress it causes can increase the risk of conditions that are, such as heart attacks or strokes.

Arranging these policies alongside your PMI creates a safety net that protects both your health and your financial future. At WeCovr, we can provide discounted rates on these additional covers when you take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy with us, ensuring your protection is both comprehensive and affordable.

Practical Steps to Build Your Resilience Against Burnout

Insurance is your safety net, but proactive lifestyle changes are your first line of defence.

  1. Protect Your "Off" Switch: Set firm boundaries between work and home life. Disable work notifications on your phone after hours. Schedule your downtime just as you would a meeting.
  2. Master Your Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, and ensure your bedroom is a dark, quiet sanctuary.
  3. Fuel Your Brain and Body: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins stabilises your mood and energy levels. Our CalorieHero app can help you stay on track. Avoid relying on caffeine and sugar for energy.
  4. Move Every Day: Regular physical activity is a powerful stress reducer. It doesn't have to be a marathon; a brisk 30-minute walk in nature can work wonders for clearing your head and boosting endorphins.
  5. Reconnect with Your 'Why': Take time to remember what you enjoy outside of work. Re-engage with hobbies, spend quality time with loved ones, or volunteer for a cause you care about. This helps restore perspective and a sense of identity beyond your job title.

How WeCovr Makes Finding the Right Protection Simple

Navigating the world of private medical insurance can feel overwhelming. That’s our job. WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings. We don't work for the insurance companies; we work for you.

  • We listen: We take the time to understand your specific needs, concerns, and budget.
  • We compare: We use our expertise to search the market and compare policies from leading UK insurers like Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality.
  • We explain: We present your options in simple, plain English, ensuring you understand exactly what you are and are not covered for.
  • We support: Our service is completely free for you to use, and we are with you for the life of your policy to help with any queries.

The UK's burnout crisis is real and its consequences are severe. But you don't have to face it unprotected. Proactive steps, supported by a robust private medical insurance policy, can safeguard your health, your career, and your financial prosperity for years to come.


Is burnout considered a pre-existing condition for private medical insurance?

Generally, no. Burnout itself is classified by the WHO as an "occupational phenomenon," not a distinct medical condition. However, if you have already been diagnosed with or received treatment for a related mental health condition like anxiety or depression before taking out your policy, that specific condition would be considered pre-existing and would not be covered. This is why it's wise to secure cover before symptoms become a diagnosable problem.

How much does private health cover for mental health cost in the UK?

The cost of private medical insurance varies widely based on your age, location, the level of cover you choose, and your lifestyle. A basic policy might start from £30-£40 per month, while a comprehensive policy with extensive mental health cover could be £80 per month or more. The best way to get an accurate figure is to get a tailored quote that compares different providers.

Do I need a GP referral to use my PMI for therapy?

In most cases, yes. The vast majority of UK insurers require a GP referral before you can access specialist consultations or therapy. However, many modern PMI policies include a 24/7 digital GP service, which allows you to get a referral very quickly and conveniently, often within a few hours, bypassing NHS waiting lists.

Can I get private medical insurance if I'm already feeling very stressed or anxious?

You can still get a policy, but it's crucial to be honest during the application process. If you have sought medical advice or treatment for your stress or anxiety, it will be classed as a pre-existing condition and excluded from cover. If you have just been feeling stressed without seeing a doctor, it may not be excluded, but any future related condition could be investigated. It's always best to get cover in place when you are feeling well.

Don't wait for burnout to derail your future. Take control today. Get a fast, free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr and discover how affordable peace of mind can be.


Related guides


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 900,000+ 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.