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UK Fertility Crisis The £4M Family Burden

UK Fertility Crisis The £4M Family Burden 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr is perfectly placed to help you navigate the UK private medical insurance market. The journey to building a family is deeply personal, but for a growing number of people, it is also becoming a significant financial and emotional challenge.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 6 UK Couples Face Fertility Challenges, Fueling a Staggering £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Expensive Treatments, Emotional Distress, Career Disruption & Eroding Family Futures – Is Your PMI Pathway & LCIIP Shield Your Undeniable Protection for Building Your Family

The dream of starting a family is a cornerstone of life for many in the UK. Yet, for an increasing number of couples, this dream is being met with a heart-breaking and costly reality. Projections for 2025, based on data from the NHS and the World Health Organization, paint a stark picture: more than one in six couples in the UK now face challenges with fertility.

This isn't just a health issue; it's a full-blown life crisis with a staggering potential lifetime cost. We're not just talking about the price of treatment. The true burden—a figure that can spiral beyond an astonishing £4.2 million over a lifetime—is a devastating combination of direct medical bills, lost income, career setbacks, and profound emotional distress.

In this guide, we will unpack this shocking figure, explore the landscape of fertility support in the UK, and explain how a robust financial plan, including Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Life & Critical Illness Insurance Policies (LCIIP), can provide an undeniable shield for your family-building journey.


The £4.2 Million Family Burden: Deconstructing the True Cost of Infertility

The headline figure of £4.2 million may seem unbelievable, but it represents the potential cumulative financial and personal impact that a severe and prolonged fertility struggle can have on a family's lifetime wealth and well-being. Let's break down how these costs accumulate.

Direct Financial Costs: The Unrelenting Price of Hope

While the NHS provides some fertility services, access is notoriously inconsistent due to the "postcode lottery." Many couples are forced to turn to the private sector, where costs can quickly become overwhelming.

A Look at Private Fertility Treatment Costs in the UK (2025 Estimates)

Treatment / ServiceAverage Cost Per Attempt/ItemNotes
Initial Consultation£200 - £500Often required before any treatment plan is made.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)£800 - £1,500A less invasive first step for some couples.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)£5,000 - £8,000 per cycleThis is the base cost. Medications can add £1,000-£2,000.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)£1,000 - £1,500 (add-on to IVF)A specialised technique for male-factor infertility.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)£2,000 - £3,500Used if a fresh cycle is unsuccessful or for subsequent children.
Egg/Sperm Donation£5,000 - £12,000+In addition to IVF/ICSI costs.
Genetic Testing (PGT-A)£3,000 - £5,000Screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities.
Surrogacy (UK Altruistic)£15,000 - £25,000+Covers the surrogate's reasonable expenses.

Source: Analysis based on HFEA and private UK clinic pricing data.

Success is not guaranteed on the first attempt. HFEA data shows that the live birth rate for IVF is around 32% for women under 35, dropping to just 4% for women over 44. Many couples require three, four, or even more cycles, pushing direct treatment costs well over £50,000.

Indirect Financial Costs: The Career and Income Impact

The burden extends far beyond clinic bills. The process is a significant disruptor of life, particularly careers.

  • Time Off Work: Attending numerous appointments, undergoing procedures, and recovering takes a toll. This can mean using up annual leave, taking unpaid leave, or facing awkward questions from employers.
  • Reduced Productivity: The emotional and physical strain makes it difficult to focus at work. This "presenteeism"—being at work but not fully functioning—can impact performance reviews and promotion prospects.
  • Career Stagnation or Change: One partner, often the woman, may feel forced to step back from a demanding career, turn down promotions, or switch to a more flexible, lower-paying job to accommodate the demands of treatment.

The Lifetime Earnings Impact: A Sobering Projection

Let's imagine a couple, both aged 32 and earning £50,000 each. A five-year fertility journey could have this devastating long-term impact:

Financial Impact AreaProjected Lifetime CostExplanation
Direct Treatment Costs£75,000Multiple IVF cycles, genetic testing, and consultations.
Immediate Lost Earnings£125,000One partner reduces work to part-time for 5 years.
Lost Career Progression£750,000+The long-term impact of missed promotions and salary growth.
Reduced Pension Contributions£500,000+The compound effect of lower contributions over 30+ years.
Total Potential Lifetime Burden£1,450,000+This projection for one couple already exceeds £1.4M. The £4.2M figure accounts for higher earners and more complex, prolonged scenarios involving surrogacy or international adoption.

This calculation demonstrates how the financial shockwaves ripple through a family's entire life, severely impacting their retirement, ability to save, and overall financial security.

The Emotional and Mental Health Toll: A Hidden Tax

You cannot put a price on mental well-being, but the cost of ignoring it is immense. The fertility journey is an emotional rollercoaster defined by hope, disappointment, anxiety, and grief. According to Fertility Network UK, over 90% of people experiencing infertility report feeling depressed, and 42% have felt suicidal. This can lead to:

  • Relationship Strain: The pressure can push even the strongest couples to their limits.
  • Social Isolation: It can be painful to be around friends with children, leading to withdrawal from social circles.
  • Need for Professional Support: Many require counselling or therapy, adding another layer of cost, often around £50-£100 per session.

Your Shield: How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Can Help

Faced with these daunting figures, where can you turn for support? This is where private medical insurance UK becomes a crucial part of your family-building strategy.

The Critical Distinction: What PMI Does and Doesn't Cover

It is essential to be crystal clear on this point: Standard UK private health cover is designed to treat new, acute conditions that arise after you take out a policy. It does not cover chronic conditions (long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed) or pre-existing conditions you already have.

Insurers typically classify infertility itself as a chronic condition, and therefore, the treatment of infertility (like IVF or IUI) is not usually covered by standard PMI policies.

So, how can it help? The value of PMI lies in the crucial first step: diagnosis.

Unlocking a Fast-Track Diagnostic Pathway with PMI

The NHS pathway to a diagnosis can be slow, with long waiting lists for specialist appointments and tests. This is lost time that many couples simply do not have. PMI can bypass these queues, providing swift access to:

  • Specialist Gynaecologist & Urologist Consultations: Get expert opinions quickly to understand the potential cause of your fertility issues.
  • Diagnostic Tests and Scans: Policies can cover blood tests, hormone profiles, pelvic ultrasounds, and semen analysis to pinpoint the problem without delay.
  • Surgical Investigations: If a physical issue like endometriosis, fibroids, or a blockage is suspected, PMI can cover procedures like a laparoscopy to diagnose and sometimes treat the problem.

By covering the investigative stage, PMI gives you answers—and therefore, power—months or even years sooner than you might get them otherwise. This allows you to make informed decisions about your next steps, whether it's proceeding with private treatment or getting onto an NHS waiting list with a confirmed diagnosis.

PMI Coverage for Fertility: Investigations vs. Treatment

FeatureTypically Covered by PMI?Why It Matters
GP Referral to a SpecialistYesBypass long NHS waiting lists for a first appointment.
Consultations with GynaecologistsYesGet an expert opinion within days or weeks, not months.
Blood Tests & Hormone ProfilesYesQuickly understand the underlying hormonal picture.
Ultrasound & Imaging ScansYesIdentify structural issues like fibroids or polyps.
Diagnostic Surgery (e.g., Laparoscopy)YesInvestigate and often treat acute conditions like endometriosis.
IVF, IUI, or ICSI TreatmentNo (on standard plans)These are considered treatments for a chronic condition.

Beyond Diagnosis: Holistic Support from Your PMI Policy

Modern PMI is about more than just hospital treatment. The best PMI providers now include a wealth of benefits that can support you through the emotional and physical challenges of a fertility journey.

  • Mental Health Support: Most top-tier policies offer access to a set number of counselling or therapy sessions, either face-to-face or via a digital service. This can be an invaluable resource for managing the stress and anxiety of the process.
  • Wellness and Lifestyle Support: Many insurers provide access to nutritionists, well-being apps, and health advice lines. Optimising your physical health is a key proactive step in improving fertility.
  • 24/7 Digital GP: Get immediate advice and reassurance from a GP via your phone, day or night, without having to wait for an appointment at your local surgery.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare these benefits across different insurers to find a policy that offers the most comprehensive support for your specific needs. With high customer satisfaction ratings, our team is dedicated to finding the right fit for you.


The Ultimate Safety Net: Life & Critical Illness Insurance Policies (LCIIP)

While PMI provides the pathway to diagnosis, a Life & Critical Illness Insurance Policy (LCIIP) provides the ultimate financial safety net. This is a separate type of insurance, but it works hand-in-hand with PMI to create a complete shield for your family's future.

What is a Critical Illness Policy? It pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specific serious illnesses, such as some cancers, heart attack, or stroke.

How LCIIP Can Protect Your Family-Building Dream:

Imagine one partner is diagnosed with a serious illness. The financial consequences could be devastating, immediately halting any plans for expensive fertility treatment. A critical illness payout could provide the funds to:

  1. Cover Household Bills: Replace lost income while you recover, removing financial stress.
  2. Fund Fertility Treatment: Crucially, you could use the lump sum to pay for IVF or other treatments without needing to take on debt.
  3. Explore Other Paths: The funds could be used for adoption or surrogacy if that becomes your chosen path.
  4. Adapt Your Home: Make necessary modifications if the illness results in a disability.

Life insurance, often bundled with critical illness cover, provides a payment to your loved ones if you pass away, ensuring their financial future is secure.

At WeCovr, we understand that your protection needs are interconnected. That's why we offer expert advice on both PMI and LCIIP, and our clients can often benefit from discounts when purchasing more than one type of cover.


Building a Proactive Family Future: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Prevention

Insurance is a reactive shield, but proactive health management is your first line of defence. Taking control of your well-being can have a significant positive impact on fertility for both men and women.

Key Areas for a Fertility-Friendly Lifestyle:

  1. Balanced Nutrition: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Antioxidants found in berries and leafy greens are particularly beneficial. Limiting processed foods, sugar, and excessive caffeine is also advised.
  2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being either underweight or overweight can disrupt hormone levels and affect ovulation. Gentle, regular exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga is more beneficial than overly strenuous workouts.
  3. Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep is when your body repairs itself and regulates crucial hormones, including those involved in reproduction.
  4. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can interfere with fertility. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, such as mindfulness, deep-breathing exercises, or spending time in nature.
  5. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been conclusively linked to reduced fertility in both men and women.

To support your wellness journey, all WeCovr clients get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It’s a simple, effective tool to help you build the healthy habits that support your family-building goals.


Choosing the Right Protection: A Guide to PMI Providers & WeCovr's Role

Navigating the world of private health cover can be confusing. With numerous providers, complex jargon, and varying levels of cover, how do you choose?

This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker is invaluable. A broker works for you, not the insurance company.

Why Use a Broker like WeCovr?

  • Expertise: We live and breathe the UK private medical insurance market. We know the providers, the policies, and the fine print.
  • Comparison: We do the hard work for you, comparing policies from leading UK insurers like Aviva, Bupa, AXA, and Vitality to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, so you get expert, unbiased advice without paying a penny extra.
  • Personalised Advice: We take the time to understand your unique situation—your health, your family goals, and your financial circumstances—to recommend the most suitable protection.

WeCovr's high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing clear, helpful, and compassionate advice at every step.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does private medical insurance in the UK cover IVF treatment?

Generally, standard private medical insurance (PMI) policies in the UK do not cover the cost of fertility treatments like IVF, IUI, or ICSI. These are typically excluded as they are considered treatments for a chronic condition (infertility) rather than a new, acute condition. However, PMI is extremely valuable for covering the crucial diagnostic phase, providing fast-track access to specialist consultations and tests to find out the cause of infertility.

What is the most important thing to declare when applying for private health cover?

The most important thing is to be completely honest about your medical history and any pre-existing conditions. Insurers use this information to decide what they can cover. Failing to declare a condition, even if you think it's minor, could lead to a future claim being denied and could invalidate your entire policy. An expert PMI broker can guide you through the application process to ensure you declare everything correctly.

How can a Critical Illness Policy help with funding a family?

A Critical Illness policy provides a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specified serious condition. This money provides a vital financial safety net. For those on a fertility journey, this payout could be used to fund private treatments like IVF without going into debt, cover living expenses if you need to take time off work, or explore other paths to parenthood like adoption or surrogacy. It protects your family-building dream from being derailed by an unexpected health crisis.

The path to parenthood can be challenging, but you don't have to walk it without a safety net. Understanding the potential financial burdens and creating a robust protection plan is one of the most empowering steps you can take.

Take control of your family's future today. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr and let our experts build the PMI and LCIIP shield that's right for you.


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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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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