WeCovr.

Login

UK Diagnostic Delay Crisis

UK Diagnostic Delay Crisis 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised expert insurance broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr is at the forefront of the UK health landscape. This article explores the escalating diagnostic delay crisis and how private medical insurance offers a crucial lifeline for proactive individuals and families across the UK.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 3 Britons Will Suffer Delayed Diagnosis, Fueling a Staggering £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Advanced Disease, Reduced Treatment Options & Eroding Quality of Life – Your PMI Pathway to Rapid Diagnostics & Early Intervention for Lifelong Vitality

A storm is gathering over the UK's health. New projections for 2025, based on analysis of current NHS performance and demographic trends, paint a deeply concerning picture. More than one in three of us—our friends, our family, ourselves—are now expected to face a significant delay in getting a diagnosis for a potentially serious condition.

This isn't just about waiting. It's about the devastating domino effect of that delay. A late diagnosis can mean a condition progresses from treatable to life-altering, from manageable to chronic. The estimated lifetime cost for an individual whose condition is caught late—factoring in loss of earnings, the need for more complex care, and diminished quality of life—is a staggering £4.2 million.

This is the reality of the UK's diagnostic delay crisis. But in the face of this challenge, there is a clear, actionable solution: taking control of your health journey. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is no longer a luxury; it's a vital tool for securing rapid access to the diagnostics and early treatment that are fundamental to lifelong health.

The Scale of the Crisis: Deconstructing the 2025 Projections

The headlines are alarming, but what do they truly mean for you and your family? Let's break down the figures.

The projection that over a third of the population will experience a delayed diagnosis is based on the trajectory of NHS waiting lists, which have consistently grown. As of early 2025, the total waiting list for consultant-led elective care in England continues to hover at record levels, with millions waiting for treatment. Crucially, a significant portion of this list comprises people waiting for diagnostic tests.

According to NHS England data, hundreds of thousands of patients are waiting more than the six-week target for key diagnostic tests like MRI scans, CT scans, and endoscopies. For some, the wait stretches into many months.

The £4.2 Million Lifetime Burden: A Closer Look

This figure, calculated by health economists, represents the total societal and personal cost when a serious illness like cancer, heart disease, or a neurological condition is diagnosed at an advanced stage versus an early one. It's composed of:

  • Loss of Earnings: Inability to work or reduced working hours due to advanced illness.
  • Cost of Complex Care: More invasive surgery, stronger and more expensive drug therapies, and longer hospital stays.
  • Social & Domiciliary Care: The need for long-term assistance with daily living.
  • Impact on Family: Family members often have to reduce their own working hours to become carers.
  • Reduced Quality of Life: A non-financial but immense cost related to pain, suffering, and loss of independence.

Impact of Diagnostic Delays on Common Conditions

A delay of just a few months can drastically alter the outcome for many common conditions.

ConditionImpact of Early DiagnosisImpact of Delayed Diagnosis
Bowel CancerWhen caught at Stage 1, over 90% of people survive for 5+ years. Treatment is often minimal surgery.When caught at Stage 4, survival drops to less than 10%. Treatment involves extensive chemotherapy and major surgery.
Heart DiseaseEarly detection of blocked arteries can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, or a simple stent procedure.A delay can lead to a major heart attack, resulting in permanent heart muscle damage, heart failure, and reduced life expectancy.
Rheumatoid ArthritisEarly treatment can prevent joint damage, preserving mobility and function for decades.A delay of even 6-12 months can lead to irreversible joint erosion, chronic pain, and severe disability.
GlaucomaEarly detection via a routine eye test and treatment with eye drops can prevent any vision loss.A delayed diagnosis means irreversible damage to the optic nerve has already occurred, leading to permanent sight loss.

The Root Causes: Why Are We Facing These Delays?

The current diagnostic bottleneck in the NHS is not due to a lack of effort from its dedicated staff. It's a systemic issue born from a "perfect storm" of compounding factors:

  • Workforce Shortages: The UK has a critical shortage of key diagnostic staff, including radiologists (who interpret scans), sonographers (who perform ultrasounds), and pathologists (who analyse tissue samples). The Royal College of Radiologists has repeatedly warned that the workforce is not growing fast enough to meet demand.
  • Ageing Equipment: A significant portion of the NHS's MRI and CT scanners are over ten years old and approaching the end of their operational life, leading to slower performance and more frequent breakdowns.
  • Persistent High Demand: An ageing population with more complex health needs, combined with the post-pandemic effort to clear backlogs, has created unprecedented and sustained demand for diagnostic services.
  • Infrastructure Strain: Many NHS hospitals are working with outdated buildings and infrastructure, making it difficult to expand diagnostic capacity efficiently.

The Human Cost: "Scanxiety" and the Weight of Waiting

Beyond the statistics lies the profound human impact. The period spent waiting for a test, and then for the results, has been termed "scanxiety" – a prolonged state of anxiety and uncertainty that can be debilitating.

Imagine being told by your GP that your persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, or recurring headaches need urgent investigation with a scan. You are then informed the waiting list is three, four, or even five months long.

During this time, life doesn't stop, but it changes. Every day is filled with worry. Is it getting worse? Am I losing precious time? This mental toll affects not just the individual but their entire family, impacting work, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

When a diagnosis is finally made, if it has been delayed, the news is often worse. The conversation shifts from "we've caught it early" to "here are the limited options we have now." This is the true tragedy of the diagnostic delay crisis—it steals hope and limits choices.

Your Proactive Solution: The PMI Pathway to Rapid Diagnostics

This is where you can take back control. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) provides a direct, fast, and efficient alternative pathway to diagnosis and treatment.

What is Private Medical Insurance?

In simple terms, PMI is a type of insurance policy you pay for monthly or annually. In return, if you develop a new, eligible medical condition after your policy begins, the insurer covers the costs of private diagnosis and treatment. It works alongside the NHS, giving you a choice when you need it most.

Here's how the PMI pathway typically works:

  1. You visit your NHS GP: You notice a new symptom and see your GP as normal.
  2. GP Recommends a Test/Specialist: Your GP agrees you need a specialist consultation or a diagnostic scan (e.g., an MRI).
  3. Contact Your PMI Provider: You call your insurer's claims line. They will authorise the referral.
  4. See a Private Specialist: You are given a choice of private specialists and hospitals, often with an appointment available within days, not months.
  5. Rapid Diagnostics: The specialist arranges any necessary scans or tests, which usually happen within a week.
  6. Swift Treatment Plan: With a rapid diagnosis, a treatment plan is created and can begin almost immediately.

NHS vs. Private: A Tale of Two Timelines

The difference in waiting times can be life-changing.

Stage of CareTypical NHS Waiting Time (2025 Data)Typical Private Sector Time with PMI
GP Referral to Specialist8 - 18 weeks1 - 2 weeks
Specialist to MRI/CT Scan6 - 12 weeksWithin 1 week
Scan to Diagnosis/Results2 - 4 weeks2 - 3 days
Diagnosis to Treatment Start12 - 24 weeks+1 - 2 weeks
Total Time (Symptom to Treatment)28 - 58 weeks (7 to 14 months)3 - 6 weeks

As this table starkly illustrates, private medical insurance can reduce the time from symptom to treatment from over a year to just over a month.

A Crucial Note: Understanding What PMI Covers (and What It Doesn't)

It is absolutely vital to understand the scope of private medical insurance in the UK. Misunderstanding this can lead to disappointment, so let's be crystal clear.

PMI is designed to cover ACUTE conditions that arise AFTER your policy begins.

  • 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., joint pain needing a replacement, cataracts, hernias, most cancers).

Standard UK PMI policies DO NOT cover:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness, disease, or injury for which you have had symptoms, medication, advice, or treatment before you took out the policy.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes conditions like diabetes, asthma, hypertension (high blood pressure), and lupus. Management of these conditions will always remain with the NHS.
  • A&E / Emergency Services: If you have a medical emergency, you must still call 999 and use the NHS emergency services.
  • Normal Pregnancy & Childbirth: Though complications are sometimes covered.

An expert PMI broker, like our team at WeCovr, will take the time to explain these exclusions carefully, ensuring you have a policy that matches your expectations.

Choosing the Best PMI Provider: Key Features to Compare

The UK private health cover market is competitive, with many excellent providers. When comparing policies, look beyond just the headline price and consider these key features:

  1. Outpatient Cover: This pays for your initial consultations and diagnostic tests. Some policies have a financial limit (e.g., £1,000), while others are unlimited. For peace of mind in a diagnostic crisis, comprehensive outpatient cover is key.
  2. Hospital List: Insurers have different tiers of hospital lists. A "national" list will include hundreds of high-quality private hospitals, while a more restricted list might lower your premium but limit your choice.
  3. Cancer Cover: This is a cornerstone of PMI. Check the level of cover. Most comprehensive policies cover surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in full. They may also include access to new drugs not yet available on the NHS.
  4. Mental Health Cover: Support for mental health is increasingly important. Policies can offer cover for specialist consultations and therapy sessions.
  5. Therapies: Check the cover for services like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care, which are crucial for recovery from many conditions.

Navigating these options can be complex. Using an independent broker gives you an expert in your corner to compare the market for you, finding the best PMI provider for your specific needs and budget, all at no cost to you.

The Added Value of Modern Private Health Cover

Today's best PMI providers offer far more than just hospital treatment. They are evolving into holistic health and wellness partners.

  • 24/7 Digital GP: Skip the 8 am scramble for an NHS GP appointment. Most policies now include a digital GP service, allowing you to have a video or phone consultation with a GP anytime, anywhere, often within hours.
  • Mental Health Support: Beyond formal treatment, many insurers provide access to confidential helplines and apps for stress, anxiety, and other mental wellbeing concerns.
  • Wellness Programmes: Many providers offer rewards and discounts for healthy living, such as reduced gym memberships, fitness tracker deals, and healthy food discounts.

At WeCovr, we enhance this value further. When you arrange your PMI policy through us, you also receive:

  • Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our cutting-edge AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you manage your diet and health goals.
  • Exclusive discounts: You become eligible for discounts on other insurance products you may need, such as life, home, or travel insurance.

Your First Line of Defence: Proactive Steps for Lifelong Vitality

While PMI provides a safety net, your daily habits are your first and most powerful line of defence against disease.

  • Nourish Your Body: Focus on a whole-food, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, like the Mediterranean diet. Minimise processed foods, sugar, and excessive alcohol.
  • Move Every Day: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (like jogging) per week, as recommended by the NHS.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Quality sleep is not a luxury; it's essential for immune function, cellular repair, and mental health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system. Incorporate stress-management techniques into your life, such as mindfulness, yoga, spending time in nature, or simply enjoying a hobby.

Taking control of these lifestyle factors not only reduces your risk of developing serious illness but also builds resilience, giving you the energy and vitality to live life to the fullest.

The UK's diagnostic delay crisis is a serious challenge, but it is not one you have to face passively. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps—both in your lifestyle and in securing a robust health insurance plan—you can build a powerful defence for your long-term health. Private Medical Insurance is your key to unlocking the fast, effective healthcare you and your family deserve.

How much does private medical insurance UK cost?

The cost of UK private medical insurance varies widely based on several factors: your age, your location, your smoking status, and the level of cover you choose. A basic policy for a young, healthy individual might start from £30-£40 per month, while a comprehensive policy with a full hospital list and no excess for an older person could be over £150 per month. The best way to get an accurate figure is to get a tailored quote.

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

Generally, standard private health insurance policies in the UK are designed for new, acute conditions and do not cover pre-existing conditions you had before the policy started. However, some insurers may offer cover after a set period (usually two years) if you have had no symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition. It is crucial to discuss your medical history with an expert broker to understand exactly what you will and won't be covered for.

Do I still need the NHS if I have private medical insurance?

Yes, absolutely. Private Medical Insurance is designed to work alongside the NHS, not replace it. The NHS will still be there for you for accident and emergency services, the management of long-term chronic conditions (like diabetes or asthma), and for any conditions excluded from your private policy. PMI gives you a choice and faster access for eligible, acute conditions.

How do I find the best private health cover for my needs?

The best way to find the right policy is to use an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr. A broker will assess your individual needs, budget, and health concerns. They use their expert knowledge to compare policies from a wide range of top insurers, explaining the differences in cover, and helping you find the most suitable and cost-effective option at no extra cost to you.

Take control of your health journey today. Don't be a statistic in the waiting list crisis. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr and build your personal pathway to rapid diagnostics and lifelong vitality.

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.

Insurance Products

Resources

Legal

© 2025 WeCovr. Made with in London