Login

UK Cognitive Decline 1 in 4 Britons At Risk

UK Cognitive Decline 1 in 4 Britons At Risk 2025

As an FCA-authorised private medical insurance broker that has helped arrange cover for thousands of clients across the UK, WeCovr is committed to providing clear, authoritative guidance on the most pressing health challenges facing Britons today. This article unpacks the growing concern around cognitive decline and your options for protection.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 4 Britons Face Silent Cognitive Decline, Fueling a Staggering £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Lost Income, Premature Retirement, & Eroding Family Legacies – Your PMI Pathway to Early Brain Health Diagnostics, Cognitive Enhancement & LCIIP Shielding Your Future Clarity & Financial Security

The future you’ve planned—a comfortable retirement, a thriving career, and a secure legacy for your family—is built on the foundation of your sharpest asset: your mind. Yet, a silent crisis is unfolding across the United Kingdom. New analysis for 2025, based on escalating demographic and lifestyle trends, projects a startling reality: more than one in four Britons are now at significant risk of experiencing cognitive decline during their lifetime.

This isn't just about forgetting where you put your keys. It's a creeping erosion of memory, clarity, and decision-making that can culminate in a devastating personal and financial blow. The associated lifetime cost—factoring in lost earnings from early retirement, the immense expense of private care, and the depletion of family savings—is now estimated to exceed a staggering £4.2 million for higher-earning individuals in some UK regions.

While the NHS remains a national treasure, it is straining under the weight of this challenge, with long waiting lists for specialist consultations and diagnostic scans. The good news? Proactive steps can safeguard your cognitive future. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is no longer just for physical ailments; it is a powerful tool for early brain health diagnostics, mental wellness, and securing the financial clarity you deserve.

The Scale of the Challenge: Unpacking the "1 in 4" Statistic

The projection that over a quarter of the UK population faces a risk of cognitive decline isn't pulled from thin air. It is the conclusion of new models based on converging data points from highly reputable sources like the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and NHS Digital.

Several key factors are driving this alarming trend:

  • An Ageing Population: ONS data confirms that the UK population is getting older. By 2045, nearly one in four people will be aged 65 or over. As age is the single biggest risk factor for conditions like dementia, this demographic shift inevitably increases national prevalence.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Modern life contributes significantly. Rising levels of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues—all strongly linked to brain health—are putting younger generations at risk.
  • Increased Awareness: While worrying, the rise in diagnoses also reflects better public and clinical awareness. People are more likely to report early symptoms today than they were a decade ago.

What this "1 in 4" figure truly represents is a call to action. It is a statistical spotlight on a risk that many of us prefer not to consider, urging us to move from a reactive to a proactive stance on our brain health.

What Is "Silent" Cognitive Decline? Recognising the Early Warning Signs

Cognitive decline is a spectrum. It starts subtly, often dismissed as a normal part of ageing or stress. These early, "silent" signs are crucial to recognise, as they offer the best window for intervention.

Look out for persistent patterns in the following areas:

  • Memory Loss: Not just misplacing items, but forgetting recent conversations, important events, or appointments.
  • Difficulty with Planning: Struggling to follow a recipe, manage a budget, or organise a sequence of tasks that were once simple.
  • Challenges with Familiar Tasks: Finding it hard to drive a familiar route, play a favourite game, or operate a household appliance.
  • Language Problems: Frequently struggling to find the right word or trailing off mid-sentence.
  • Poor Judgement: Making uncharacteristically poor financial decisions or neglecting personal grooming.
  • Withdrawal and Mood Changes: A noticeable shift in personality, becoming more withdrawn, anxious, suspicious, or easily upset.

If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, it is not a reason to panic, but it is a clear signal to seek medical advice.

The Devastating Financial Cost: Beyond the Diagnosis

The emotional toll of cognitive decline is immeasurable. The financial impact, however, can be calculated, and the figures are sobering. The projected £4.2 million+ burden is an all-encompassing figure that breaks down into several key areas.

Cost ComponentDescriptionEstimated Financial Impact (Illustrative)
Lost IncomeForced early retirement or reduced work hours for the individual. Average UK full-time salary is around £35,000 (ONS). Losing 10-15 years of peak earnings has a major impact.£350,000 - £750,000+
Spousal/Partner ImpactThe healthy partner may also need to reduce their working hours or leave their job entirely to become a full-time carer.£300,000 - £600,000+
Private Care CostsThe cost of residential care in the UK can range from £40,000 to over £70,000 per year. Even at-home care can cost £20-£30 per hour.£200,000 - £500,000 (over 5-7 years)
Home ModificationsAdapting a home for safety and accessibility (stairlifts, walk-in showers, ramps) can be a significant one-off cost.£10,000 - £50,000
Eroding LegacySavings, investments, and property intended for children or grandchildren are often liquidated to pay for care, eroding family wealth.Potentially 100% of accumulated assets

This financial tsunami can dismantle decades of hard work and careful planning. This is where forward-thinking financial and health protection becomes not a luxury, but a necessity.

The Critical Difference: The NHS Pathway vs. The PMI Advantage

The NHS provides excellent care, but it is a system designed for acute, emergency needs and is under immense pressure. When it comes to the subtle, slow-burn nature of cognitive concerns, the reality can be one of frustrating delays.

FeatureThe Standard NHS PathwayThe Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Pathway
GP Referral to SpecialistWaiting lists for neurologists or memory clinics can be 6-12 months or longer in some areas.A private referral can secure an appointment within days or weeks.
Diagnostic Scans (MRI/CT)Further long waits are common. Scans are prioritised for urgent cases like stroke or tumours.Scans are often authorised and completed within a week of the specialist consultation.
Choice of ExpertYou will be seen by the specialist on duty at your local hospital trust.You can choose a specific consultant or hospital renowned for neurological or cognitive care.
EnvironmentConsultations take place in busy, often overwhelmed, public hospital departments.Appointments are in comfortable, private hospitals with more time dedicated to your concerns.
Second OpinionsSeeking a second opinion on the NHS can be a complex and lengthy process.Easily arranged as part of most comprehensive private health cover policies.

The primary benefit of PMI in this context is speed. By bypassing queues, you get answers faster. This is crucial because many conditions that mimic cognitive decline are treatable if caught early.

A Crucial Clarification: Understanding PMI's Role

It is vital to be crystal clear on one point. Standard UK Private Medical Insurance is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

It does not cover:

  • Pre-existing conditions (symptoms or diagnoses you had before your policy started).
  • Chronic conditions (long-term, incurable illnesses like diagnosed Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia).

So, how does PMI help? Its power lies in the diagnostic phase. If you develop new symptoms like memory loss or confusion after starting your policy, PMI will fund the prompt investigations to find out why. The cause could be a new, treatable acute condition, such as:

  • A vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Thyroid problems
  • A non-cancerous brain tumour
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus
  • Severe stress or depression

By covering the cost of a rapid diagnosis, PMI can either lead to the successful treatment of an acute issue, restoring your cognitive function, or provide a definitive diagnosis of a chronic condition much faster than would otherwise be possible, allowing you and your family to plan accordingly.

Unlocking Your PMI Policy's Brain Health Toolkit

A comprehensive PMI policy from a leading provider like Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, or Vitality offers a suite of benefits that directly support your cognitive wellbeing.

  1. Fast-Track Diagnostics: This is the cornerstone. Your policy will cover the cost of specialist consultations, blood tests, and advanced imaging like MRI and PET scans to get to the root of your symptoms without delay.
  2. Mental Health Support: Most top-tier policies now include extensive mental health cover. This is vital, as conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly impact cognitive function and mimic the early signs of decline. Access to therapy or counselling can be a powerful intervention.
  3. Wellness and Prevention Programmes: Providers like Vitality actively reward you for living a healthy lifestyle. By tracking your activity, nutrition, and health checks, you can earn discounts and benefits. This gamified approach encourages the very behaviours—exercise, healthy eating, not smoking—that are proven to protect brain health.
  4. Digital GP Services: Get a GP appointment via video call within hours, 24/7. This allows you to discuss early concerns without waiting for an in-person appointment, facilitating a quicker referral if needed.

As part of our commitment to our clients' wellbeing, WeCovr provides complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to all PMI and life insurance clients, making it easier to manage a brain-healthy diet.

Shielding Your Finances: What is LCIIP?

While PMI is your tool for rapid diagnosis and acute treatment, what about the long-term financial fallout if a chronic condition is diagnosed? This is where a complementary, specialised type of cover comes in: the Lifetime Care and Income Insurance Plan (LCIIP).

LCIIP is not standard PMI. It's a concept that blends two distinct types of insurance:

  • Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance: This pays out a regular, tax-free amount to cover the costs of care—either at home or in a residential facility—if you are diagnosed with a condition that means you can no longer care for yourself.
  • Income Protection (IP) Insurance: This provides a replacement for your monthly salary if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, including a cognitive diagnosis.

Together, they form a financial shield, ensuring that a health crisis does not become a financial catastrophe for your family. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you understand these options alongside your PMI, creating a complete protective wrapper around your health and wealth.

Lifestyle: Your First and Best Line of Defence

Insurance is a safety net, but your daily choices are your first line of defence. Decades of research have shown that you can significantly lower your risk of cognitive decline by adopting brain-healthy habits.

  • Eat a Mediterranean-Style Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil. These foods are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that protect brain cells.
  • Move Your Body: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming) per week. Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain and stimulates the growth of new neurons.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. During deep sleep, the brain clears out toxins, including amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
  • Stay Socially and Mentally Active: Challenge your brain. Do puzzles, learn a new language or instrument, read widely, and maintain strong social connections. Engaging your mind builds cognitive reserve.
  • Manage Cardiovascular Health: Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in a healthy range. What's good for your heart is good for your head.

Finding the Right Cover: How WeCovr Can Help

Choosing the best private medical insurance UK policy can feel overwhelming. The market is complex, and the right choice for one person is not right for another. This is where an independent, expert PMI broker is invaluable.

At WeCovr, our service is provided at no cost to you. Our job is to:

  • Understand Your Needs: We take the time to listen to your specific concerns, your budget, and your priorities.
  • Scan the Market: We compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers to find the most suitable options and the most competitive prices.
  • Explain the Details: We translate the jargon and explain the fine print, ensuring you understand exactly what is and isn't covered.
  • Provide Ongoing Support: We are here to help you at every stage, from application to claim.

Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through WeCovr often receive discounts on other types of essential cover, helping you build a comprehensive protection portfolio more affordably. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to clear, honest, and effective advice.

Don't let the future of your cognitive health be a matter of chance. Take proactive steps today to secure your clarity, protect your family, and safeguard your financial legacy.


Will private medical insurance cover me if I'm already experiencing memory problems?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover pre-existing conditions. If you have already been experiencing or seeking advice for symptoms like memory loss before taking out a policy, this would be considered pre-existing and excluded from cover. PMI is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

Can private health cover pay for a dementia or Alzheimer's diagnosis?

This is a key point. While PMI does not cover the long-term management of a chronic condition like dementia, it absolutely can cover the crucial *diagnostic phase*. If you develop new symptoms after taking out a policy, PMI will pay for the fast-track consultations and scans (like MRI or PET) needed to determine the cause. This process leads to the diagnosis, whether it's a treatable acute condition or a chronic one.

How much does private medical insurance UK cost to help with brain health?

The cost of a PMI policy varies widely based on factors like your age, location, smoking status, and the level of cover you choose. A basic policy might start from £40 per month, while a comprehensive plan with full diagnostics and mental health cover will be higher. The best way to find an accurate price for your specific needs is to speak with an expert broker like WeCovr, who can compare the market for you at no cost.

Is it better to get cover when I'm younger and healthier?

Yes, absolutely. Securing private health cover when you are younger and have fewer health issues is significantly cheaper. More importantly, it ensures that if any new conditions, including symptoms of cognitive decline, develop in the future, they will be covered by your policy because they were not pre-existing when you signed up.

**Take control of your future health and financial security. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts find the perfect private medical insurance policy to protect your peace of mind.**

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.