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UK Business Burnout Crisis

UK Business Burnout Crisis 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

The UK is facing a business burnout crisis. WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker with over 800,000 policies of various types arranged for our clients, offers a crucial lifeline for business owners through private medical insurance, providing fast access to mental and physical healthcare to protect both your wellbeing and your enterprise.

The engine room of the UK economy is overheating. The nation’s 5.5 million small business owners, sole traders, and self-employed professionals are the lifeblood of our communities, driving innovation and employment. Yet, a silent epidemic is pushing them to the brink.

Fresh 2025 analysis reveals a stark reality: an overwhelming majority are facing unprecedented levels of stress and burnout. This isn't just about 'feeling tired'; it's a chronic state of physical and emotional exhaustion with devastating consequences. When a business owner burns out, the shockwaves are felt everywhere, threatening not just their health, but the very business they’ve poured their life into, their family’s financial security, and their future legacy.

What is Business Burnout? The Unseen Epidemic

The World Health Organisation (WHO) officially recognises burnout as an "occupational phenomenon." It's not just stress; it's a state of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. For a business owner, the 'workplace' is everywhere—your office, your home, your mind.

Burnout is characterised by three distinct dimensions:

  1. Exhaustion: Overwhelming feelings of being emotionally drained and having no energy left to face another day of work.
  2. Cynicism and Detachment: A growing mental distance from your job, feeling negative or cynical about your work, and losing your passion.
  3. Reduced Efficacy: A sense of incompetence and a lack of achievement in your work. You feel you're no longer effective.

Are You on the Path to Burnout? Key Warning Signs

Recognising the early signs is the first step to taking back control. Do any of these sound familiar?

Physical Symptoms:

  • Constant fatigue and feeling tired most of the time
  • Frequent headaches or muscle pain
  • Changes in appetite or sleep habits (insomnia is common)
  • Lowered immunity, leading to more frequent illnesses

Emotional Symptoms:

  • A sense of failure and self-doubt
  • Feeling helpless, trapped, and defeated
  • Loss of motivation and drive
  • An increasingly cynical and negative outlook
  • Feeling detached and alone in the world

Behavioural Symptoms:

  • Withdrawing from responsibilities and isolating yourself
  • Procrastinating and taking longer to get things done
  • Using food, alcohol, or drugs to cope
  • Taking out your frustrations on others; increased irritability

For a business owner, these symptoms can be catastrophic. Procrastination means missed deadlines and lost clients. Irritability damages relationships with staff and suppliers. Fatigue leads to poor decision-making.

The True Cost of Burnout: A £4.2 Million Domino Effect

The headline figure of a "£4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden" might seem shocking, but for a successful business owner, it's a tragically realistic calculation of what’s at stake when health fails. This isn't an official statistic but an illustration of the potential financial devastation.

Let's break down how the costs accumulate when a business owner is forced to stop working due to a stress-related illness.

Cost ComponentDescriptionIllustrative Potential Loss
Lost Business ValueYour business, which could have been sold for a significant multiple of its profit, collapses or is sold in a fire sale for a fraction of its worth.£1,500,000
Lost Future Income20+ years of potential salary and dividends you would have drawn from the business are gone.£2,000,000
Lost Pension ContributionsCompany and personal pension contributions cease, drastically reducing your retirement pot.£500,000
Personal Health CostsOngoing costs for treatments, therapies, and support not fully covered by the state.£100,000
Family Instability CostsThe financial and emotional toll on your family, potentially impacting a spouse's career or children's opportunities.£100,000+
Total Illustrative Lifetime Burden£4,200,000+

This isn’t scaremongering. It's a sobering look at the true value of your greatest asset: your health. Without it, the entire empire you've built is at risk. Statistics from the ONS consistently show that health-related reasons are a major factor in businesses ceasing to trade.

The NHS Is a National Treasure, But Can Your Business Afford the Wait?

The NHS provides incredible care, but it is under immense pressure. For a business owner, time is a luxury you simply don't have. Waiting weeks for a GP appointment, months for a diagnostic scan, and potentially years for specialist treatment is not a viable business continuity plan.

As of 2025, the situation remains challenging:

  • GP Appointments: Getting a timely appointment can be difficult, delaying the first step to diagnosis and treatment.
  • Mental Health Services: Waiting lists for psychological therapies (IAPT) can stretch for months. Access to psychiatrists is even more restricted. Recent NHS data shows that while more people are seeking help, the system is struggling to keep up, leaving many in limbo.
  • Diagnostic Scans: The wait for crucial MRI, CT, and ultrasound scans can be a significant source of anxiety and delay effective treatment.
  • Specialist Referrals: The total NHS waiting list in the UK remains stubbornly high, with millions of people waiting for routine and specialist procedures.

NHS vs. Private Healthcare: A Comparison for Business Owners

FeatureNHSPrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)
Waiting TimesCan be long; weeks for diagnostics, months or years for treatment.Minimal; often days for diagnostics and weeks for treatment.
Access to SpecialistsReferral from GP required; limited choice of consultant.Fast access to a wide network of specialists and consultants.
Mental Health SupportLong waits for therapy; high threshold for psychiatric care.Often includes access to digital GPs, telephone counselling, and a set number of therapy sessions.
Choice & ComfortLimited choice of hospital; often on a busy ward.Choice of hospital from an approved list; private room.
ControlTreatment timings are dictated by the system's capacity.Appointments and treatment can be scheduled around your business needs.

For a business owner, the speed and control offered by private medical insurance in the UK are not a luxury; they are essential tools for risk management.

Your Proactive Shield: How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Works

Private Medical Insurance is a policy you pay for that covers the cost of private healthcare for acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.

CRITICAL POINT: It's vital to understand that standard UK private health cover is designed for new, short-term, curable conditions (acute). It is not designed to cover long-term, incurable illnesses (chronic conditions) like diabetes or asthma. It also does not cover pre-existing conditions you had before the policy began, at least not for a specified period.

Think of it like this:

  • Acute Condition (Covered): You develop back pain, a PMI policy can get you a swift MRI scan and physiotherapy. Or you experience sudden anxiety, and the policy provides fast access to a therapist.
  • Chronic Condition (Not Covered): If you have been managing high blood pressure for years, a standard PMI policy won't cover your routine check-ups or medication for it.

Key PMI Benefits that Directly Combat the Burnout Crisis

  1. Rapid Access to Diagnostics: Stop the "wait and worry" cycle. If you have a concerning symptom, PMI can get you a private scan or consultation in days, giving you peace of mind or a quick diagnosis to act upon.
  2. Prompt Mental Health Support: This is perhaps the most crucial benefit. Most modern PMI policies include:
    • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call, perfect for a busy schedule.
    • Mental Health Helplines: Immediate access to trained counsellors for in-the-moment support.
    • Therapy Sessions: Cover for a course of sessions with a psychologist or therapist without a long NHS wait.
  3. Choice and Control: You can choose the specialist you want to see and the hospital you're treated in from an approved list. Crucially, you can schedule appointments at times that minimise disruption to your business.
  4. A Pathway to Better Habits: Many of the best PMI providers now include comprehensive wellness programmes, offering discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and health screenings. This encourages the proactive, healthy lifestyle needed to prevent burnout in the first place.

Fortifying Your Finances: Beyond Health Cover

While PMI is your first line of defence for your health, a resilient business owner needs a multi-layered shield. This is where other, often overlooked, insurance products play a vital role.

  • Income Protection (IP): If burnout or another illness stops you from working, what happens to your personal income? Income Protection pays you a regular, tax-free monthly sum (typically 50-70% of your gross income) until you can return to work, retire, or the policy term ends. It's your personal financial safety net.
  • Key Person Insurance: Is there one person (maybe you) whose absence would cause the business serious financial harm? Key Person Insurance is a policy taken out by the business on that individual. If they fall ill or pass away, the policy pays a lump sum to the business to cover lost profits or the cost of hiring a replacement.
  • Loan & Credit Insured Income Protection (LCIIP): This specialised cover is designed to meet specific business liabilities, like a director's loan or other credit agreements, if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. It protects the business's financial stability when you're not there to manage it.

At WeCovr, we can help you understand how these policies fit together. By purchasing your private medical insurance through us, you may also be eligible for discounts on other essential covers like Life Insurance or Income Protection, creating a comprehensive and cost-effective shield for your life and business.

Building Resilience: Your Practical Anti-Burnout Toolkit

Insurance is the safety net, but proactive lifestyle changes are the tightrope walker's balance pole. Here are four pillars of resilience you can start building today.

1. The Pillar of Sleep

For entrepreneurs, sleep is often the first thing to be sacrificed. This is a false economy. Poor sleep destroys focus, creativity, and emotional regulation.

  • Actionable Tip: Create a 'shutdown routine'. 30-60 minutes before bed, turn off work notifications, put away screens, and do something relaxing: read a physical book, listen to a podcast, or do some light stretching. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep.

2. The Pillar of Nutrition

When stressed, it's easy to reach for caffeine, sugar, and processed foods. These create energy spikes and crashes, worsening the burnout cycle.

  • Actionable Tip: Plan your fuel. Keep healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, and yoghurt on hand. Prioritise balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to stabilise your energy and mood. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracker, CalorieHero, to help you make smarter food choices effortlessly.

3. The Pillar of Movement

You don't need to run a marathon. Regular, moderate physical activity is one of the most powerful anti-stress tools available. It releases endorphins, improves mood, and clears your head.

  • Actionable Tip: 'Snack' on exercise. Can't fit in a full hour? Try a brisk 15-minute walk at lunchtime, take calls while walking, or do a 10-minute bodyweight circuit in the morning. Schedule it in your diary like any other important meeting.

4. The Pillar of Downtime

True downtime is not 'working on something less urgent'. It's actively disengaging from your business to allow your mind and body to recover.

  • Actionable Tip: Schedule 'non-negotiable' personal time. This could be a weekly dinner with your family where phones are banned, a weekend hobby, or even just 20 minutes a day of quiet contemplation or meditation. Protect this time fiercely. Travel, even a short weekend break, can be a powerful circuit-breaker.

How to Choose the Best PMI Policy for You

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can feel overwhelming. Policies vary hugely in price and coverage. Working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr can demystify the process at no extra cost to you. We are independent and work for you, not the insurers.

Here's what to consider:

  1. Level of Outpatient Cover: Do you want cover for just the initial consultation and diagnostics, or full cover for all outpatient treatments and therapies?
  2. Mental Health Cover: Check the specifics. Does it include therapy? Is there a limit on the number of sessions? Is psychiatric care included?
  3. Hospital List: Insurers have different tiers of hospital lists. Ensure the hospitals you'd want to use are included.
  4. The Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess will lower your monthly premium, but you need to be comfortable paying it if you claim.
  5. Underwriting Type: You'll typically choose between 'Moratorium' (which automatically excludes conditions you've had in the last 5 years) or 'Full Medical Underwriting' (where you declare your full medical history).

As an FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, our role at WeCovr is to understand your unique needs as a business owner and compare policies from the UK's leading insurers to find the one that offers the right protection at the right price.

Does private medical insurance cover stress and burnout?

Directly, no policy lists 'burnout' as a covered condition. However, most modern PMI policies provide excellent cover for the *consequences* of burnout, which are typically acute conditions. For example, a policy can provide fast access to talking therapies (like CBT), counselling for stress and anxiety, or consultations with a psychiatrist if needed. These mental health benefits are a key tool in both preventing and treating the symptoms of burnout. Always check the mental health cover limits on any policy.

Is PMI worth it for a self-employed person?

For a self-employed person or small business owner, your ability to work is your primary source of income. You cannot afford long waits for diagnosis or treatment. PMI is often considered a crucial business expense rather than a personal luxury. It provides a way to bypass NHS waiting lists, get treated quickly, and return to running your business with minimal disruption and financial loss. The monthly premium can be a small price to pay to protect your entire livelihood.

What is the difference between an acute and a chronic condition for PMI?

This is the most important distinction in UK health insurance. An **acute condition** is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a cataract, a hernia, a joint injury). PMI is designed to cover these. A **chronic condition** is an illness that cannot be cured but can be managed, often for life (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure). Standard PMI policies do not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.

Do I need to declare my full medical history to get PMI?

It depends on the type of underwriting you choose. With **'Full Medical Underwriting' (FMU)**, you will complete a detailed health questionnaire, and the insurer will tell you upfront what is and isn't covered. With **'Moratorium' underwriting**, you don't declare your history upfront, but the policy will automatically exclude any condition for which you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice in the 5 years before your policy started. An expert broker can help you decide which is best for your circumstances.

Your health is the most critical asset in your business. Don't wait for burnout to take hold and jeopardise everything you've worked for. Take proactive steps today to build your resilience and secure your safety net.

Ready to protect yourself, your business, and your family? Get a free, no-obligation private medical insurance quote from WeCovr today and let our experts find the perfect cover for you.

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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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