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UK Burnout Crisis Half of Britons Affected

UK Burnout Crisis Half of Britons Affected 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with insight into over 800,000 policies, WeCovr provides clarity on the UK’s burnout crisis and how private medical insurance offers a vital lifeline. This silent epidemic affects millions, but proactive health management and robust financial protection can secure your wellbeing and professional future.

The United Kingdom is facing a profound and escalating public health emergency, one that unfolds not in hospital wards, but in open-plan offices, home workspaces, and the exhausted minds of its workforce. New analysis based on trends from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) projects a startling reality for 2025: more than half of all working-age Britons are now experiencing, or have previously suffered from, significant burnout.

This isn't merely feeling tired after a long week. This is a debilitating state of chronic work-related stress that is dismantling careers, fracturing mental health, and triggering serious physical illnesses. The cumulative cost is staggering. For a mid-career professional, the "burnout burden" can easily exceed £3.5 million over a lifetime. This figure combines:

  • Lost Future Earnings: Due to career breaks, reduced promotions, or forced early retirement.
  • Productivity Deficits: Costing the UK economy billions annually.
  • Healthcare Costs: Including therapy, medication, and treatment for stress-induced physical conditions.
  • Eroded Pensions: A direct result of lower lifetime contributions.

In this climate of immense pressure and stretched public services, waiting for a crisis to hit is a risk you cannot afford to take. Private Medical Insurance (PMI), coupled with Loss of Career & Income Insurance Protection (LCIIP), is no longer a luxury—it is an essential toolkit for professional resilience and long-term financial security.

What is Burnout? Unmasking the "Occupational Phenomenon" Wrecking UK Careers

It’s crucial to understand that burnout is not just stress. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially classifies burnout in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as an "occupational phenomenon." It is specifically defined as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.

It is characterised by three distinct dimensions:

  1. Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion: A profound, bone-deep weariness 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 connection and passion you once had for your work.
  3. Reduced professional efficacy: The feeling that you are no longer effective in your role, accompanied by a crisis of confidence.

While stress can be a motivator in small doses, burnout is the end-point where the elastic band snaps.

Stress vs. Burnout: Knowing the Difference

Recognising the signs early is the first step toward recovery. Many people mistake burnout for intense stress, but their characteristics are fundamentally different.

FeatureStressBurnout
EmotionCharacterised by over-engagement and hyperactivity.Characterised by disengagement and emotional blunting.
EnergyLeads to a sense of urgency and anxiety.Leads to helplessness, hopelessness, and exhaustion.
ImpactPrimarily physical; you might feel tired but still driven.Primarily emotional; you feel drained and lack motivation.
OutlookA belief that if you can just get everything under control, you'll feel better.A belief that nothing you do will make a difference.
Core Feeling"I have too much to do.""I don't care anymore."

If the right-hand column resonates more with you, it's time to take it seriously. Burnout doesn't resolve itself; it requires active intervention and support.

The Alarming Symptoms of Burnout: A Checklist for Your Wellbeing

Burnout manifests physically, emotionally, and behaviourally. It seeps into every corner of your life, affecting your health, relationships, and job performance. Are you, or a colleague, showing these signs?

Physical Symptoms

  • Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
  • Frequent headaches or muscle pain
  • Changes in appetite or sleep habits (insomnia or oversleeping)
  • Lowered immunity, leading to frequent illnesses
  • Heart palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath

Emotional Symptoms

  • A sense of failure and self-doubt
  • Feeling helpless, trapped, and defeated
  • Detachment, feeling alone in the world
  • Cynicism and a loss of enjoyment in work and life
  • A noticeably short temper and increased irritability

Behavioural Symptoms

  • Withdrawing from responsibilities and isolating yourself from others
  • Procrastinating, taking longer to get things done
  • Using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope
  • Skipping work or consistently coming in late and leaving early
  • An inability to switch off, even when not working

If you tick several boxes on this list, it's a clear signal that your body and mind are overwhelmed. The next step is understanding where to turn for help.

The NHS in 2025: Can It Provide the Timely Mental Health Support You Need?

The NHS is a national treasure, but it is operating under unprecedented strain. When it comes to mental health, particularly for conditions perceived as "less urgent" like burnout and stress, the reality for many is a frustratingly long wait.

According to the latest NHS England data trends:

  • Waiting lists for psychological therapies (IAPT) are extensive. In many regions, the wait for an initial assessment can be weeks, and the subsequent wait for a course of therapy like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can stretch for many months.
  • A "high-intensity" intervention is not guaranteed. Many individuals are initially offered guided self-help or group sessions, which may not be sufficient for severe burnout.
  • Choice of therapist or therapy type is limited. You are typically assigned to the next available service, which may not be the best fit for your specific needs.

When you are in the depths of burnout, time is a luxury you don't have. Each week spent waiting can deepen the crisis, making recovery harder and increasing the risk of your career being permanently impacted. This is where the speed and choice offered by private medical insurance UK becomes a game-changer.

Your Proactive Shield: How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Delivers Rapid, Tailored Mental Health Care

Private Medical Insurance is designed to work alongside the NHS, giving you a fast-track route to diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions. For burnout, stress, and anxiety, this means bypassing the long waits and getting the right support, right when you need it.

Key Mental Health Benefits Included in Modern PMI Policies:

  1. Rapid Access to Specialists: A GP referral (which can often be obtained via a digital GP service included in your policy within hours) can lead to an appointment with a consultant psychiatrist or psychologist in days, not months.
  2. Comprehensive Therapy Cover: Most mid-to-high-tier policies provide a set number of sessions for therapies proven to be effective for burnout and stress, including:
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
    • Counselling
    • Psychotherapy
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  3. Digital Mental Health Platforms: Leading insurers now include access to a wealth of digital resources:
    • 24/7 Support Helplines: Staffed by trained counsellors for immediate advice.
    • Guided Mental Wellbeing Apps: Such as Headspace, Calm, or proprietary apps designed to build resilience.
    • Online CBT Courses: Work through modules at your own pace.
  4. In-Patient and Day-Patient Care: For more severe cases, PMI can cover the costs of treatment at a private psychiatric hospital, providing an intensive, therapeutic environment for recovery.

A Critical Note on Pre-Existing & Chronic Conditions It is vital to understand a core principle of UK PMI. Standard private medical insurance does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. It is designed for acute conditions that begin after your policy starts. If you have received treatment, medication, or advice for a mental health condition in the years before taking out a policy, it will likely be excluded from cover. This is why securing a policy before a crisis hits is so important. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand the underwriting options (e.g., moratorium vs. full medical underwriting) to find the clearest path to cover.

Comparing Mental Health Support in PMI Policies

The level of mental health cover can vary significantly between providers and policy tiers. Here is an illustrative example of what you might find:

Policy TierTypical Mental Health CoverDigital SupportIdeal For
Entry-LevelLimited out-patient cover (e.g., £500 limit), or none. Focus is on diagnostics.Basic 24/7 helpline.Individuals on a tight budget wanting a basic safety net.
Mid-RangeFull out-patient cover for therapies (often a set number of sessions, e.g., 8-10).Advanced apps, online courses, 24/7 helpline.Most professionals seeking robust protection against burnout.
ComprehensiveFull out-patient cover, often with no session limits. Full cover for in-patient psychiatric care.Premium access to all digital tools and wellness programmes.Those wanting the most extensive mental health safety net available.

Beyond Therapy: Holistic Wellbeing and Financial Security

The best private health cover providers understand that tackling burnout requires a holistic approach that goes beyond therapy sessions. They empower you to build a healthier, more resilient lifestyle.

Integrated Wellness Programmes

Many top-tier PMI policies include benefits designed to proactively manage stress:

  • Discounted Gym Memberships & Fitness Trackers: Providers like Vitality famously reward you for being active, directly incentivising a key pillar of mental health.
  • Nutrition and Diet Support: Access to registered dietitians or nutrition plans to help you fuel your body and mind correctly.
  • Sleep Improvement Programmes: Tools and advice to tackle the insomnia that so often accompanies burnout.
  • Complimentary App Access: WeCovr is proud to offer its policyholders complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you easily manage your diet for better energy and mental clarity.

LCIIP: The Financial Armour Your Career Needs

What happens if burnout becomes so severe that you are signed off work for months, or even years? This is where your salary stops, but your bills do not. Private Medical Insurance pays for your treatment, but it doesn't pay your mortgage.

This is why Loss of Career & Income Insurance Protection (LCIIP), also known as Income Protection, is the other half of the equation.

How LCIIP Works:

  • It pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income (typically 50-70% of your gross salary) if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
  • Crucially, "illness" includes mental health conditions like burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • The payments continue until you are able to return to work, or until the end of the policy term (often your planned retirement age).

Pairing a robust PMI policy with LCIIP creates a comprehensive shield. PMI gets you better, faster. LCIIP ensures that while you recover, your financial life remains stable, removing a huge source of secondary stress.

WeCovr: Your Expert Partner in Building Resilience

Navigating the complex world of private medical insurance UK can be daunting. With dozens of providers, different underwriting options, and complex policy documents, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's where WeCovr comes in.

We are not an insurer; we are your independent, expert guide. As an FCA-authorised broker, our duty is to you, the client.

  • Expert, Human Advice: We take the time to understand your unique needs, concerns, and budget. We then search the market to find the policy that offers the best possible cover for you.
  • Access to Leading Providers: We work with the UK's most respected insurers, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and Vitality, giving you unparalleled choice.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert advice without paying a penny extra.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: Our clients consistently rate our service as exceptional, valuing our clear, no-jargon approach.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange your PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr, we can offer you discounts on other essential insurance products, providing even greater value.

Actionable Steps to Fight Burnout Starting Today

While insurance provides a critical safety net, you can also take proactive steps to build your resilience.

  1. Set Firm Boundaries: Learn to say "no." Log off at a set time each day. Do not check emails in the evening or on weekends. Reclaim your personal time—it is not a luxury, it is a necessity.
  2. Prioritise "Micro-breaks": Step away from your desk for 5-10 minutes every hour. Stretch, look out of a window, or make a cup of tea. These small pauses prevent mental fatigue from building up.
  3. Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Mind: Avoid relying on caffeine and sugar for energy. Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean protein, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated with water.
  4. Move Your Body Every Day: You don't need to run a marathon. A brisk 30-minute walk at lunchtime can dramatically improve mood and reduce stress hormones. Find an activity you enjoy.
  5. Master Your Sleep Hygiene:
    • Create a relaxing pre-sleep routine.
    • Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
    • Avoid screens (phones, tablets, TVs) for at least an hour before bed. The blue light disrupts melatonin production.
  6. Reconnect with Your "Why": Find meaning outside of your job description. Reconnect with hobbies, spend quality time with loved ones, or volunteer for a cause you care about. This provides perspective and reminds you that your job is not your entire identity.

Burnout is a serious threat to your health, career, and financial future. But by understanding the risks, taking proactive steps, and putting the right protective measures in place with Private Medical Insurance and LCIIP, you can build a resilient, secure, and fulfilling professional life.


Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing mental health conditions like anxiety or depression?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover 'acute' conditions that arise *after* you take out your policy. Most policies will exclude mental health conditions for which you have sought advice, medication, or treatment in the five years prior to your start date. This is why it is so beneficial to secure cover when you are healthy, as a proactive measure against future issues like burnout.

How quickly can I see a therapist or a psychiatrist with PMI?

The speed is a key benefit of PMI. After getting a GP referral (which can often be done in hours via a digital GP service included in your policy), you can typically get an appointment with a private specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, within days or a couple of weeks at most. This is significantly faster than the typical waiting times for equivalent services on the NHS, which can be many months.

Is burnout itself a condition that PMI will pay to treat?

While burnout is classified by the WHO as an "occupational phenomenon" rather than a distinct medical condition, PMI policies will cover the treatment for the medical conditions that result from it. This includes acute episodes of anxiety, stress, and depression that are diagnosed by a consultant after your policy has started. The policy pays for the treatment of these diagnosed conditions, which in turn helps you recover from the state of burnout.

What is the difference between Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Income Protection (LCIIP)?

They serve two different but complementary purposes. Private Medical Insurance pays for the cost of your private medical treatment, such as seeing a specialist or having therapy, to help you get better faster. Income Protection (LCIIP) pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are too ill to work. PMI pays the hospital and doctors; Income Protection pays you, helping you cover your mortgage, bills, and living costs while you recover.

Ready to build your resilience against burnout? Talk to a WeCovr expert today for a free, no-obligation quote and find the private health cover that's right for your career and your peace of mind.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

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