Login

UK Executive Burnout The £4.2M Cost

UK Executive Burnout The £4.2M Cost 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies of various kinds arranged for our clients, WeCovr offers crucial insights into the UK private medical insurance market. This article explores the escalating crisis of executive burnout and how robust private health cover can provide a vital shield for your well-being and professional resilience.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 3 UK Business Leaders Secretly Battle Debilitating Executive Burnout, Fueling a Staggering £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Critical Health Collapse, Business Failure, Eroding Wealth & Lost Family Legacies – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Mental Well-being & LCIIP Shielding Your Professional Resilience

The relentless pressure of modern leadership is taking a devastating, often hidden, toll. The latest analysis of workplace health trends from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) paints a grim picture for 2025. An estimated 35% of UK directors, founders, and senior managers are now experiencing symptoms of severe burnout—a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion.

This isn't just about feeling tired. It's a silent epidemic dismantling lives, businesses, and futures. The cumulative financial impact of a single executive's burnout-induced collapse can exceed a staggering £4.2 million over a lifetime. This figure represents a catastrophic combination of lost earnings, business failure, healthcare costs, and the evaporation of personal wealth.

But there is a powerful, proactive solution. Private Medical Insurance (PMI), combined with specialist cover like Leadership Critical Illness and Income Protection (LCIIP), offers a strategic defence. It provides the tools not just to recover from a crisis, but to prevent one from happening in the first place.


The Alarming Reality: Deconstructing the Burnout Epidemic in UK Leadership

Burnout is more than a buzzword; it's a recognised occupational phenomenon. For UK business leaders, the "always-on" culture, coupled with economic uncertainty and intense competition, has created a perfect storm.

Recent data highlights the scale of the problem:

  • Work-Related Stress: The latest HSE statistics show that stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for a significant portion of all work-related ill health cases, with professionals and those in leadership roles being disproportionately affected.
  • Sickness Absence: ONS figures reveal that mental health conditions are a leading cause of long-term sickness absence in the UK, costing the economy billions annually. For a business, the absence of a key leader can be fatal.
  • The Secrecy Epidemic: A major challenge is the culture of silence. Many leaders feel they cannot show vulnerability, leading them to ignore symptoms until a crisis point is reached. They fear being perceived as weak or incapable, pushing themselves closer to the edge.

What Does Executive Burnout Look Like?

It's a gradual erosion of a person's physical and mental resources, often manifesting in three key ways:

  1. Overwhelming Exhaustion: A feeling of being completely drained, with no energy to face the professional or personal day.
  2. Cynicism and Detachment: A loss of enjoyment and a growing sense of negativity and detachment from your work and colleagues.
  3. Reduced Efficacy: A creeping feeling of incompetence and a lack of achievement, where tasks that were once routine feel insurmountable.

This isn't just a bad week at the office. It's a precursor to serious, long-term health consequences.


The £4.2 Million Catastrophe: How Burnout Obliterates Wealth, Health, and Legacy

The £4.2 million figure seems shocking, but when you deconstruct the lifetime financial impact of a single executive's health collapse, the numbers quickly add up. This is a modeled scenario for a successful business owner or senior executive whose burnout leads to a critical health event.

Let's break down this potential financial catastrophe.

Cost ComponentDescriptionEstimated Financial Impact
Lost Future EarningsA 50-year-old executive on £150,000 p.a. forced into early retirement by a burnout-related stroke or heart attack loses 15 years of earning potential.£2,250,000
Business Failure / Value ErosionThe leader's sudden absence or impaired decision-making leads to the failure of their SME or a significant drop in share value. This includes lost personal investment and intellectual property.£1,000,000
Lost Pension Growth15 years of lost employer and personal pension contributions, plus the compound growth on that capital.£750,000
Uninsured Health & Care CostsCosts for long-term rehabilitation, home modifications, or specialist care not fully covered by the NHS or a basic insurance plan.£200,000
Total Lifetime BurdenA conservative estimate of the total financial devastation.£4,200,000+

This table illustrates a worst-case scenario, but elements of this are a reality for thousands of families across the UK each year. Burnout is a direct threat not only to your health but to the entire financial legacy you have worked so hard to build.


Beyond the Balance Sheet: The Hidden Human Cost

The financial numbers are stark, but they don't capture the profound human suffering that burnout leaves in its wake. The ripple effects tear through families and personal lives.

Real-World Impact (Anonymised Examples):

  • The Founder's Collapse: A tech start-up founder in his late 30s ignored months of insomnia, anxiety, and chest pains. He suffered a major heart attack during a board meeting. While he survived, the company faltered during his six-month recovery, ultimately being sold for a fraction of its projected value. His personal wealth was wiped out, and his marriage ended under the strain.
  • The Director's Depression: A senior director at a FTSE 250 company developed severe depression, masked by a facade of high performance. Her decision-making became erratic, leading to a costly strategic error for her division. She eventually took long-term sick leave, battling a profound sense of failure and isolation that her family struggled to understand.

Burnout can directly trigger or worsen a range of severe health conditions:

  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Severe Anxiety and Depressive Disorders
  • Immune System Deficiencies
  • Insomnia and other Sleep Disorders

Without a plan, you are leaving your health, your business, and your family's future to chance.


Your First Line of Defence: How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Acts as a Proactive Shield

Many people think of private medical insurance as a tool for "when things go wrong." But modern PMI is increasingly about preventing things from going wrong in the first place. For a busy executive, it is an indispensable tool for managing the pressures of leadership and proactively protecting your health.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you find a policy that isn't just a safety net, but a comprehensive well-being toolkit.

Swift Access to Mental Health Support

The NHS is a national treasure, but waiting lists for mental health services can be tragically long. According to NHS England data, while urgent referrals are seen quickly, many people wait weeks or even months for therapies like CBT.

  • The PMI Advantage: A quality PMI policy can provide access to a qualified therapist or psychiatrist within days. This early intervention is critical. It can be the difference between managing stress effectively and spiralling into a serious depressive episode. Most top-tier plans offer a set number of therapy sessions without needing a GP referral.

Comprehensive Diagnostics to Catch Problems Early

Vague symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues are often the first whispers of burnout. It's easy to dismiss them.

  • The PMI Advantage: PMI gives you fast-track access to diagnostic tests and scans (MRIs, CTs, etc.). Instead of waiting weeks for an NHS appointment, you can get clarity quickly, ruling out serious conditions or catching them at their most treatable stage. This peace of mind is invaluable for a leader who needs to be focused and decisive.

Access to Leading Specialists and Hospitals

When a health issue does arise, you want the best possible care, at a time and place that suits your demanding schedule.

  • The PMI Advantage: Choose your specialist from a nationwide network of leading consultants and be treated in a clean, private hospital room where you can rest and recover without distraction. This control over your healthcare journey significantly reduces stress.

Digital GPs and Wellness Apps

Modern private health cover is digitally integrated, designed for a busy lifestyle.

  • The PMI Advantage: Most policies include 24/7 access to a digital GP service. You can have a video consultation from your office or home, getting prescriptions or referrals without taking hours out of your day. Many providers also offer a suite of wellness apps, guided meditations, and health resources to help you manage stress proactively.

At WeCovr, we also provide our clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you manage your diet and physical well-being.


A Practical Guide to Building Your Resilience Armour

Insurance is your shield, but building personal resilience is your armour. Proactive self-care is a non-negotiable leadership skill.

1. Master Your Sleep

Sleep is the foundation of cognitive performance and emotional regulation.

  • Action Plan: Aim for 7-9 hours. Banish screens from the bedroom an hour before sleep. Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet. Avoid caffeine after 2 pm and heavy meals late at night.

2. Fuel Your Brain and Body

Your diet directly impacts your mood and energy levels.

  • Action Plan: Prioritise a diet rich in whole foods: fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like those in fish, nuts, and avocados). Minimise processed foods, sugar, and excessive alcohol, which can exacerbate anxiety and disrupt sleep. Using an app like CalorieHero can make tracking your nutrition simple.

3. Move Every Day

Exercise is one of the most powerful antidepressants and anti-anxiety tools available.

  • Action Plan: You don't need to spend hours in the gym. A brisk 30-minute walk at lunchtime, a weekend cycle, or short, high-intensity workouts can make a huge difference. Schedule it in your diary like any other critical appointment.

4. Practise Strategic Disconnection

The "always-on" culture is the biggest driver of burnout. You must create boundaries.

  • Action Plan:
    • Set a "digital sunset" time each evening when you turn off work notifications.
    • Schedule "think time" in your diary—blocks of time with no meetings or calls.
    • Take your full holiday allowance. A proper break, especially one involving travel and new experiences, is essential for resetting your brain.

5. Cultivate Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgement.

  • Action Plan: Start with just five minutes a day. Apps like Calm or Headspace offer guided meditations. This practice can train your brain to react less intensely to stressful situations.

Choosing the Best PMI Provider: A WeCovr Expert Breakdown

The private medical insurance UK market can be complex. Policies vary hugely in their level of cover, especially for mental health and preventative wellness benefits. This is where an independent broker is invaluable.

Here’s a look at key features to compare when choosing a plan to combat burnout.

FeatureBasic CoverComprehensive Cover (Recommended for Leaders)
Outpatient CoverLimited or no cover for consultations and diagnostics.Full cover for specialist consultations, tests, and scans.
Mental Health CoverOften limited to a short course of therapy or excluded.Extensive cover for therapy, psychiatric care, and even in-patient treatment.
Wellness & Digital GPBasic or non-existent.24/7 Digital GP, wellness apps, health screenings, and discounts on gym memberships.
Cancer CareStandard cover for proven treatments.Access to the very latest drugs and therapies, even those not yet available on the NHS.
Hospital ChoiceA limited list of network hospitals.Nationwide choice, including premier London hospitals.

Instead of spending hours trying to decipher these options yourself, WeCovr can do the heavy lifting for you. We compare policies from across the market to find the one that best suits your specific needs and budget, at no cost to you.


The WeCovr Advantage: More Than Just a Policy

Choosing WeCovr as your PMI broker gives you a dedicated partner in your health and well-being journey.

  • Independent, Expert Advice: As an FCA-authorised firm, our loyalty is to you, not the insurer. We provide impartial advice to find the best possible fit.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: Our clients consistently rate our service highly on independent review platforms, praising our clarity, expertise, and support.
  • Value-Added Benefits: When you arrange a policy with us, you gain complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI nutrition app. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us can benefit from exclusive discounts on other types of cover, like home or travel insurance.
  • A Partner for Life: We are here to help not just at the point of sale, but also if you ever need to make a claim or review your cover as your needs change.

A Critical Note on Private Medical Insurance

It is vital to understand the limitations of PMI. UK policies are designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses that are short-term and likely to respond to treatment—that arise after you take out the policy.

PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions.

  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness or injury you have sought advice or treatment for in the years before your policy starts (typically the last 5 years).
  • Chronic Condition: A long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.

This is why it is so important to get cover in place before you need it. Once burnout leads to a diagnosed chronic condition, it will be excluded from a new policy.


How much does private medical insurance cost for an executive?

The cost of private medical insurance in the UK varies significantly based on your age, location, level of cover, and chosen excess. For a comprehensive policy suitable for a business leader, costs could range from £80 to over £200 per month. An independent PMI broker like WeCovr can provide personalised quotes from multiple insurers to find the most competitive price for your required level of cover.

Does PMI cover stress and burnout directly?

Generally, 'burnout' itself is not a diagnosable condition that a policy will pay out for directly. However, comprehensive PMI policies provide extensive cover for the *consequences* of burnout, such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Crucially, they offer rapid access to therapies, psychiatric consultations, and other treatments that can manage the symptoms and prevent a full-blown crisis. The key is the swift access to preventative and early-stage mental health support.

Do I need to declare I'm feeling stressed when I apply for PMI?

You must be honest during your application. Insurers will typically ask if you have sought medical advice or treatment for any conditions, including mental health issues like anxiety or stress, within the last five years. If you have, this may be classed as a pre-existing condition and excluded from cover. If you are simply feeling the pressure of work but have not been diagnosed or treated, this generally does not need to be declared, but you must answer all questions truthfully.

Secure Your Future Today

Executive burnout is not a sign of weakness; it's a rational response to unsustainable pressure. The risk it poses to your health, wealth, and legacy is too great to ignore.

Investing in a comprehensive private health cover plan is one of the most strategic decisions a leader can make. It provides the proactive tools to manage your well-being, the rapid access to care when you need it, and the peace of mind to focus on what you do best.

Don't wait for a crisis. Take control of your health and protect your future. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how the right PMI policy can be your ultimate professional shield.


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.