Login

UK Burnout Crisis Preventative Health & Business Resilience

UK Burnout Crisis Preventative Health & Business Resilience

At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we understand that robust private medical insurance in the UK is no longer a luxury—it's an essential tool for personal and professional survival. This guide explores the escalating burnout crisis and how proactive health cover can safeguard your future.

The silent epidemic of burnout is crippling the UK's workforce. A confluence of economic pressure, an 'always-on' work culture, and the lingering effects of global instability has pushed millions to their breaking point. New analysis for 2025 suggests a devastating reality: nearly half of the UK's working population is experiencing symptoms of burnout, a condition that extends far beyond simple workplace stress.

This isn't just about feeling tired. It's a creeping erosion of cognitive function, emotional resilience, and physical health, culminating in what experts estimate can be a £4.5 million+ lifetime burden per individual. This staggering figure accounts for:

  • Lost Earnings: Due to reduced productivity, career stagnation, or forced exits from the workforce.
  • Business Failure: For entrepreneurs and directors whose cognitive fog and exhaustion lead to poor decision-making.
  • Long-Term Healthcare Costs: As unresolved burnout manifests in serious physical conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
  • Depleted Personal Wealth: Through lost pension contributions and the inability to build financial security.

The good news is that this trajectory is not inevitable. Strategic intervention, underpinned by comprehensive private medical insurance (PMI), offers a powerful defence. By providing rapid access to mental health support, executive wellness resources, and financial safety nets like Long-Term Career Interruption Insurance Plans (LCIIP), you can build a formidable shield around your health, career, and future prosperity.

The Alarming Scale of the UK's Burnout Crisis in 2025

The statistics paint a stark picture of a nation under immense strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognises burnout as an "occupational phenomenon," not a medical condition itself, but one that can lead to severe health consequences. It's defined by three core dimensions:

  1. Feelings of intense energy depletion or exhaustion.
  2. Increased mental distance from your job, accompanied by cynicism or negativity.
  3. A sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment.

According to the latest data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE 2025), work-related stress, depression, and anxiety are now the leading causes of work-related ill health in Great Britain, accounting for a record number of lost working days. This translates into billions of pounds of lost productivity for the UK economy, a cost borne by businesses and individuals alike.

StatisticSourceImplication for You
49% of UK Workers report experiencing burnout symptoms.UK Mental Health Foundation Study 2025You or your close colleagues are highly likely to be affected.
31.2 Million working days lost to work-related ill health.HSE Annual Statistics 2025Increased workloads for remaining staff, fueling a cycle of burnout.
78% Rise in demand for workplace mental health support since 2022.Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) 2025NHS and employer resources are stretched, leading to significant delays.

This isn't a problem confined to high-pressure City jobs. It affects teachers, NHS staff, small business owners, and remote workers across every sector. The digital age, while offering flexibility, has blurred the lines between work and home, making it harder than ever to truly switch off.

Beyond Stress: Recognising the Symptoms of Burnout

Burnout is a gradual process. It doesn't happen overnight. Recognising the early warning signs is the first step toward preventing a full-blown crisis.

A Real-Life Example: The Story of 'David'

David, a 45-year-old director of a successful tech start-up in Manchester, considered his 60-hour weeks a badge of honour. He thrived on the pressure. But slowly, things began to change. His passion for the business faded into a dull sense of obligation. He started making simple mistakes in financial projections. He was irritable with his family, felt constantly exhausted despite sleeping, and began experiencing persistent tension headaches.

He dismissed it as stress. But what David was experiencing was classic burnout. His cognitive edge was dulling, his decision-making was impaired, and his physical health was suffering. His story is a common one, a cautionary tale for any ambitious professional in the UK today.

Common Burnout Symptoms Checklist:

  • Physical Symptoms:
    • Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
    • Frequent headaches or muscle pain
    • Changes in appetite or sleep habits
    • Lowered immunity, frequent illnesses
  • Emotional Symptoms:
    • A sense of failure and self-doubt
    • Feeling helpless, trapped, and defeated
    • Detachment, feeling alone in the world
    • Loss of motivation and a 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

If several of these symptoms resonate with you, it's a critical signal to take proactive steps to protect your health and career.

The Crucial Insurance Distinction: PMI is for Acute, Not Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to understand when considering private medical insurance UK. Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint-replacement surgery, cataract removal, or a course of therapy for a sudden bout of anxiety.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, it has no known cure, it is likely to recur, or it requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and long-term, established depression.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any health issue you had, sought advice for, or experienced symptoms of before your policy's start date. These are typically excluded from cover, at least for an initial period.

Why does this matter for burnout?

PMI is your frontline defence. It allows you to access help early, when stress and anxiety are still acute issues. By seeing a therapist or psychiatrist quickly, you can treat the problem before it becomes a long-term, chronic mental health condition that would no longer be eligible for curative treatment under an insurance policy.

Waiting for NHS services, with delays often stretching for months, can mean an acute issue tragically becomes a chronic, uninsurable one. This is why private health cover is a cornerstone of preventative health and professional resilience.

Your PMI Pathway: A Proactive Toolkit for Mental and Executive Wellness

Modern private health cover is far more than just hospital beds and surgical procedures. The best PMI providers now offer a suite of services specifically designed to combat the causes and symptoms of burnout.

1. Fast-Track Mental Health Support

This is the most significant advantage. When you're struggling, you need help now, not in six months. PMI provides a direct route to professional support.

NHS vs. Private Mental Health Access Times (Illustrative)

ServiceTypical NHS Waiting TimeTypical PMI Access Time
Initial Assessment (IAPT)4-8 weeks1-7 days
Counselling / Psychotherapy3-12 months+1-2 weeks
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)4-18 months1-3 weeks
Psychiatrist Consultation6-24 months2-4 weeks

Source: NHS England waiting time data and industry analysis (2025).

With PMI, you can access treatments like CBT, counselling, and psychotherapy to develop coping mechanisms, build resilience, and address the root causes of your stress before they spiral.

2. Digital Health & 24/7 Support

Leading PMI policies include access to a range of digital tools that provide immediate support:

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Speak to a GP via video call or phone, often within hours. This is invaluable for getting a quick diagnosis, a referral, or a prescription for physical symptoms related to stress, like insomnia or digestive issues.
  • Mental Health Apps: Many insurers partner with apps like Headspace or Unmind, offering guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and therapy courses directly on your phone.
  • Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Often included, these provide confidential advice lines for not just mental health, but also financial, legal, and family issues that contribute to stress.

3. Executive Wellness & Preventative Health Checks

The best PMI providers understand that prevention is better than cure. Many premium policies include:

  • Full Health Screenings: Comprehensive "MOTs" that check key biomarkers for stress, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and hormone levels. Early detection of physical imbalances can be a game-changer.
  • Stress Management Workshops: Access to expert-led sessions on resilience, time management, and preventing burnout.
  • Nutritional and Lifestyle Guidance: Consultations with dietitians and lifestyle coaches to optimise your physical health to better withstand mental pressures.

As an expert PMI broker, WeCovr can help you identify policies that offer the most comprehensive and relevant wellness benefits for your specific professional needs.

Shielding Your Wealth: Income Protection & Critical Illness Cover

Burnout doesn't just damage your health; it threatens your financial stability. If severe burnout forces you to take extended time off work, your income stops, but your bills do not. This is where other forms of insurance, often available at a discount when purchased with PMI, become vital.

  • Long-Term Career Interruption Insurance (Income Protection): This is arguably as crucial as a pension for any professional. If you are unable to work due to any illness or injury, including diagnosed mental health conditions like severe anxiety or depression, an income protection policy pays you a regular, tax-free replacement salary. This allows you to recover without the catastrophic financial stress of losing your income.
  • Critical Illness Cover: This pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific serious illness listed in the policy (e.g., heart attack, stroke, cancer). As chronic stress is a major risk factor for many of these conditions, this cover provides a vital financial cushion to cover major expenses, adapt your home, or simply provide financial freedom during a difficult time.

At WeCovr, we can explore packaged deals that provide discounts on income protection or critical illness cover when you take out a private medical insurance policy, creating a holistic shield for your health and wealth.

Choosing the Best PMI Provider for Mental Health: A 2025 UK Market Overview

The UK PMI market is diverse, and the level of mental health support varies significantly between providers. Here is a brief comparison of some of the leading options.

ProviderKey Mental Health BenefitsUnique Feature
BupaStrong focus on mental health, often covering conditions without a lifetime limit on their comprehensive plans. Extensive network of therapists.Direct access to mental health support without needing a GP referral on some policies.
AXA Health"Stronger Minds" pathway provides fast access to therapists and counsellors. Excellent digital support via the Doctor@Hand app.Focus on proactive, structured support pathways for mental wellbeing.
AvivaGood core mental health cover, with options to extend psychiatric benefits. Well-regarded for their straightforward claims process.Strong value proposition with a good balance of benefits and competitive pricing.
VitalityTalking therapies included as standard. Their unique rewards program incentivises healthy living, which has proven benefits for mental health.The Vitality Programme actively rewards you for staying healthy (e.g., gym memberships, Apple Watch discounts).

Note: This is an illustrative overview. The exact cover, limits, and costs depend on your chosen policy level, age, location, and medical history. Using a specialist PMI broker like WeCovr is the most effective way to compare the intricate details of these policies and find the one that offers the best protection for your circumstances, at no extra cost to you.

Proactive Lifestyle Strategies: Your Personal Defence Against Burnout

While insurance provides a crucial safety net, your daily habits are your first line of defence.

  1. Fuel Your Brain, Not Your Stress: Your diet has a direct impact on your mood and cognitive function. Prioritise whole foods, omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish), and complex carbohydrates. Minimise sugar and processed foods that cause energy crashes. As a WeCovr client, you'll receive complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you track your intake and make healthier choices effortlessly.

  2. Protect Your Sleep Relentlessly: Sleep is non-negotiable for mental recovery. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a strict routine: no screens an hour before bed, a cool, dark room, and a consistent bedtime.

  3. Move Your Body to Clear Your Mind: Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful anti-anxiety and antidepressant tools available. Find something you enjoy, whether it's a brisk walk at lunchtime, a gym session, or a weekend hike.

  4. Enforce Digital and Work Boundaries: The "right to disconnect" is essential.

    • Set a firm "end of day" time and stick to it.
    • Turn off work notifications on your phone outside of hours.
    • Schedule "no meeting" blocks in your calendar for deep work.
  5. Schedule Genuine Rest: A holiday spent checking emails is not a holiday. Plan trips and time off where you can genuinely disconnect from work. True rest is an investment in your long-term productivity and health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about using private medical insurance for burnout and mental health.

1. Does private medical insurance cover therapy for burnout in the UK? Yes, most comprehensive PMI policies will cover treatment for the symptoms of burnout, such as anxiety, stress, and depression, provided they are diagnosed as acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. Cover is typically for a set number of therapy sessions (e.g., CBT, counselling) or up to a certain financial limit per policy year. It will not cover burnout if it's deemed a chronic or pre-existing condition.

2. Can I get private health cover if I've already experienced stress or anxiety? You can still get private health cover, but any past episodes of stress or anxiety will likely be classed as pre-existing conditions. This means they may be excluded from your cover, either permanently or for an initial period (typically two years). An expert broker like WeCovr can help you navigate moratorium and full medical underwriting options to find the most suitable policy.

3. Is mental health support a standard feature in all UK PMI policies? It is increasingly common, but it is not automatically standard on all plans, especially basic or budget-level policies. The level of cover varies dramatically, from limited outpatient benefits to comprehensive inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care. It is absolutely essential to check the policy details carefully to understand the limits and extent of the mental health cover provided.

4. How can WeCovr help me find the right private health insurance? As an independent, FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr provides impartial, expert advice at no cost to you. We compare policies from across the UK market, explaining the complex differences in mental health cover, wellness benefits, and claims processes. We do the hard work to find a policy that matches your specific needs and budget, ensuring you have the right protection in place to safeguard your health and career. Our clients consistently give us high satisfaction ratings for our clear, professional, and supportive service.


The burnout crisis is a clear and present danger to your long-term health, career, and financial wellbeing. But you are not powerless. By combining proactive lifestyle changes with a robust private medical insurance policy, you can build the resilience needed to thrive.

Don't wait until you're at a breaking point. Take control of your health and future today. Contact WeCovr for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how affordable peace of mind can be.


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.