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UK Deskbound Health Crisis 2 in 3 Britons Affected

UK Deskbound Health Crisis 2 in 3 Britons Affected 2026

The UK is facing a silent health emergency. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we see the impact firsthand. This guide explores the deskbound crisis and how private medical insurance can be a vital tool to protect your health and financial future.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 2 in 3 Working Britons Will Face a Sedentary Lifestyle Health Crisis, Fueling a Staggering £3.7 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Pain, Metabolic Disease, Reduced Productivity & Premature Retirement – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Musculoskeletal Care, Metabolic Health Programs & LCIIP Shielding Your Productive Future

The way we work has changed forever. The shift to desk-based roles, accelerated by flexible and home working, has brought convenience but also a severe, creeping threat to our nation's health. The latest 2025 projections, based on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and UK health bodies, paint a stark picture: over two-thirds of the UK's working population are now classified as sedentary, spending an average of 9 hours a day sitting down.

This isn't just about feeling a bit stiff. This inactivity epidemic is a direct pathway to a lifetime of debilitating health problems, creating a colossal economic and personal burden. Let's break down what this means for you, your family, and your future.

The Scale of the Crisis: A Nation at a Standstill

When we talk about a "sedentary lifestyle," we're referring to any waking behaviour characterised by an energy expenditure of 1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs) or less, while in a sitting or reclining posture. For most office workers, this describes the vast majority of their working day.

  • The "2 in 3" Figure: Analysis of the ONS Labour Force Survey and data from Public Health England shows a consistent trend. By 2025, it's projected that over 67% of UK adults in employment will fall into the "high-risk" sedentary category.
  • The Staggering Lifetime Cost: The £3.7 million+ figure represents an illustrative lifetime economic burden for a cohort of 100 individuals suffering from the combined effects of sedentary-linked chronic conditions. This isn't a bill you receive; it's a combination of direct and indirect costs that drain your financial wellbeing over a lifetime.

Breaking Down the Lifetime Burden (Illustrative Model)

This table shows how the costs accumulate over a working lifetime for a group of individuals, demonstrating the immense financial impact of poor health.

Cost ComponentDescriptionEstimated Lifetime Cost per 100 People
Direct Healthcare CostsNHS & private treatments for pain, diabetes, heart conditions (not covered by PMI if chronic).£950,000+
Lost Productivity (Presenteeism)Working at reduced capacity due to chronic pain, fatigue, and poor mental health.£1,250,000+
Lost Earnings (Absenteeism)Days off work for appointments and sick leave.£650,000+
Premature RetirementLost income from being forced to leave the workforce 5-10 years early due to disability.£850,000+
Total Estimated BurdenA staggering cumulative financial impact.£3,700,000+

This crisis isn't just a headline; it's a direct threat to your quality of life and your financial security.

The Hidden Health Toll: How Sitting Harms Your Body and Mind

Your body is designed to move. When you remain seated for prolonged periods, a cascade of negative physiological changes begins.

1. Musculoskeletal (MSK) Mayhem

This is often the first sign that something is wrong. The human skeleton is not designed for hours of static posture.

  • Chronic Lower Back Pain: Sitting puts immense pressure on your spinal discs. Poor posture, common at makeshift home desks, compresses the lumbar spine, leading to persistent, nagging pain.
  • "Tech Neck": Hunching over a laptop or phone screen strains the muscles in your neck and upper back, causing headaches, stiffness, and long-term postural problems.
  • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): This affects your hands, wrists, and arms from repetitive motions like typing and using a mouse, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness.

Getting help for these conditions on the NHS can be a long wait. As of early 2025, waiting lists for NHS trauma and orthopaedic services—the department that deals with many MSK issues—can stretch for many months, leaving you in pain and unable to function at your best.

2. Metabolic Meltdown

Even if you exercise for 30 minutes a day, sitting for the other 9 hours can undo many of the benefits. This is because prolonged inactivity shuts down key metabolic processes.

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Inactivity impairs your body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, dramatically increasing your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Sitting reduces blood flow, allowing fatty acids to more easily clog arteries. It's linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Obesity: Your body's calorie-burning rate plummets when you sit. Combined with easy access to snacks at home, it's a recipe for weight gain.

3. The Mental Health Connection

The impact isn't just physical. A sedentary lifestyle is strongly linked to poorer mental health outcomes. Reduced physical activity can worsen symptoms of:

  • Anxiety: Movement is a natural anxiety-reducer. Without it, feelings of stress and unease can become amplified.
  • Depression: Lack of exercise, social isolation from remote work, and the chronic pain associated with a desk job can create a perfect storm for depressive episodes.

Your Proactive Defence: The Role of Private Medical Insurance UK

While the NHS is a national treasure, it is designed for emergency and reactive care. For the long-term, creeping problems caused by a sedentary life, you need a proactive strategy. This is where private medical insurance (PMI) becomes an invaluable tool.

It is vital to understand a core principle of UK private health cover: PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions that require ongoing management.

However, for the acute problems that flare up from a deskbound life, PMI provides a powerful solution.

Pathway 1: Rapid Access to Musculoskeletal (MSK) Care

Imagine your back seizes up. With PMI, you can bypass the long NHS queues and get immediate help.

  • Fast-Track Consultations: See a specialist consultant, physiotherapist, osteopath, or chiropractor within days, not months.
  • Advanced Diagnostics: Get quick access to MRI, CT, and X-ray scans to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain.
  • Comprehensive Treatment: Your policy can cover a course of physiotherapy, pain management injections, and even surgery if required.

NHS vs. Private Medical Insurance for Back Pain

FeatureNHS PathwayPrivate Medical Insurance Pathway
Initial ConsultationSee a GP, potential wait for referral.Direct access to a specialist (on some plans) or fast GP referral.
Wait for DiagnosticsCan be weeks or months for non-urgent MRI scans.Typically within days.
Wait for TreatmentMonths-long wait for physiotherapy or specialist treatment.Treatment can begin almost immediately after diagnosis.
Choice of SpecialistAssigned to the next available clinician/hospital.Choice of leading specialists and nationwide hospitals.

Pathway 2: Leveraging Modern Wellness and Metabolic Health Programmes

The best PMI providers now go beyond just treatment. They offer extensive wellness benefits to help you prevent problems from starting.

  • Digital Health Tools: Many policies now include subscriptions to wellness apps, digital GP services, and mental health support platforms.
  • Gym Discounts and Rewards: Get reduced membership fees at major UK gyms or even be rewarded with perks like free coffee or cinema tickets for staying active.
  • Health Screenings: Comprehensive policies can include preventative health screenings to catch issues like high cholesterol or blood sugar before they become serious problems.
  • Expert Nutritional Advice: Gain access to registered dietitians who can help you build healthy eating habits tailored to a desk-based lifestyle.

As a WeCovr client, you get an extra advantage. We provide complimentary access to CalorieHero, our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you stay on top of your dietary goals.

Pathway 3: Shielding Your Future with LCIIP and Critical Illness Cover

For those looking for a cost-effective safety net, a Limited Cancer & Inpatient Included Plan (LCIIP) can be an excellent option. These plans focus on covering the big-ticket items: inpatient surgery and comprehensive cancer care, while excluding most outpatient treatments to keep premiums lower. This ensures you're protected from the most financially devastating health shocks.

For ultimate peace of mind, many people choose to combine their PMI with a separate Critical Illness Cover policy. This pays out a tax-free lump sum if you're diagnosed with a specific serious illness, giving you the financial freedom to focus on your recovery without worrying about bills.

The Most Important Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This point cannot be stressed enough. Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover chronic conditions.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Example: A slipped disc causing sudden, severe back pain that can be fixed with physiotherapy or surgery. This is what PMI covers.
  • 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. Example: Type 2 diabetes or long-term arthritis that requires lifelong management. This is NOT covered by standard PMI.

You must declare any health problems you have had in the past when you apply. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand the underwriting process and find a policy that fits your personal medical history.

Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Health Today

Insurance is one part of the solution. The other part is making small, consistent changes to your daily routine.

  1. Optimise Your Workspace:

    • The 90-Degree Rule: Your elbows, hips, and knees should all be at a roughly 90-degree angle.
    • Monitor at Eye Level: The top of your screen should be at or slightly below eye level to prevent neck strain.
    • Invest in a Good Chair: A supportive, adjustable ergonomic chair is a non-negotiable investment in your health.
  2. Integrate Movement into Your Day:

    • The Pomodoro Technique: Work in 25-minute blocks, then take a 5-minute break to stand up, stretch, and walk around.
    • Take Calls Standing Up: If you don't need to be at your screen, pace around while you're on the phone.
    • "Exercise Snacking": Do 10 squats or push-ups against a wall every hour. It sounds small, but it adds up.
  3. Fuel Your Body Correctly:

    • Hydrate: Dehydration can cause fatigue and headaches. Keep a 2-litre bottle of water on your desk and aim to finish it.
    • Plan Your Snacks: Avoid the biscuit tin. Keep healthy options like fruit, nuts, or Greek yoghurt on hand.
    • Mindful Lunch: Step away from your desk to eat. This aids digestion and gives your mind a much-needed break. Use CalorieHero, the app we provide to WeCovr clients, to make tracking your intake simple.
  4. Prioritise Sleep and Recovery:

    • Consistent Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
    • Digital Sunset: Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. The blue light can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
    • Create a Restful Environment: Your bedroom should be dark, quiet, and cool.

How to Choose the Right Private Health Cover with WeCovr

Navigating the world of private medical insurance UK can feel overwhelming. With dozens of providers and policy options, how do you know which is right for you? This is where using an independent, expert PMI broker is essential.

At WeCovr, we are specialists in the UK health insurance market. Our service is completely free to you; we are paid a commission by the insurer you choose. Our role is to provide impartial, expert advice to help you find the best possible cover for your needs and budget. We enjoy high customer satisfaction ratings because we put our clients first.

Key Factors We Help You Consider:

  • Level of Cover: Do you need a comprehensive plan with full outpatient cover, or would a more budget-friendly inpatient-only plan suffice?
  • Hospital List: Do you want access to a nationwide network of hospitals, including premium central London facilities, or are you happy with a more local list?
  • Excess: How much are you willing to pay towards the cost of a claim? A higher excess will lower your monthly premium.
  • Underwriting: We will explain the difference between 'Moratorium' and 'Full Medical Underwriting' in plain English, helping you choose the best route based on your medical history.
  • Added Benefits: We compare the wellness programmes, mental health support, and digital tools offered by the UK's leading insurers like Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality.

When you purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy through WeCovr, you may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect your family and finances even more comprehensively.


The deskbound health crisis is real, but it doesn't have to define your future. By combining practical lifestyle changes with the powerful safety net of private medical insurance, you can take control, protect your ability to earn, and ensure you have fast access to the best possible care when you need it most.


Is private medical insurance worth it if I'm young and healthy?

Yes, it can be incredibly valuable. Getting a policy when you are young and healthy means your premiums will be lower, and you won't have pre-existing conditions to exclude. It acts as a proactive tool, giving you access to wellness benefits and ensuring that if an acute condition like a sports injury or sudden back pain occurs, you can get treated quickly and get back to your life without long waits.

Will my private health cover premium go up every year?

Premiums are typically reviewed annually and can increase for two main reasons. The first is age, as the statistical risk of needing medical care increases as you get older. The second is medical inflation – the rising cost of new drugs, technologies, and hospital charges, which generally runs higher than standard inflation. Making a claim can also impact your renewal premium, depending on your provider's terms. An expert broker can help you review your cover each year to ensure it still offers the best value.

Can I get private medical insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can still get private medical insurance, but it's crucial to understand that the policy will not cover your pre-existing conditions or any related issues. When you apply, you will go through underwriting. With 'Moratorium' underwriting, any condition you've had in the last 5 years is automatically excluded for an initial period (usually 2 years). With 'Full Medical Underwriting', you declare your history, and the insurer will state any specific exclusions from the start. PMI is for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

Ready to protect your health and productive future?

Don't let a sedentary lifestyle dictate your quality of life. Take the first step towards proactive health protection today.

[Get Your Free, No-Obligation PMI Quote from WeCovr Now]


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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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