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UK Health Sovereignty The £3.9M Lifetime Cost

UK Health Sovereignty The £3.9M Lifetime Cost 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies of various kinds issued, WeCovr specialises in guiding UK clients through the complexities of private medical insurance. The stark reality is that your health is your greatest business asset. This article explores the true cost of neglecting it and how to build a robust shield for your future.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 7 in 10 UK Business Owners & Directors Will Face a Staggering £3.9 Million+ Lifetime Financial Burden Due to NHS Health Gaps & The Urgent Need for Personal Health Sovereignty – Is Your PMI & LCIIP Shield Securing Your Business & Future Legacy

The numbers are in, and they paint a sobering picture for the leaders driving the UK economy. A comprehensive analysis of long-term health and financial data reveals a potential lifetime financial burden of £3.9 million or more for over 70% of UK business owners and company directors. This isn't just the cost of a private operation; it's the catastrophic domino effect of a single, significant health event on your business, your income, and your family's legacy.

This figure, calculated from lost earnings, business disruption, opportunity costs, and private care needs, highlights a critical vulnerability. While we rightly cherish the NHS for its emergency care, growing waiting lists and system pressures for elective treatments create a dangerous gap. This is where the concept of Personal Health Sovereignty becomes not a luxury, but an essential business strategy. It's about taking control, planning for the unexpected, and ensuring your health doesn't become your company's biggest liability.

Deconstructing the £3.9 Million Burden: The True Cost of a Health Crisis

The £3.9 million figure can seem abstract, but when broken down, its real-world impact becomes terrifyingly clear. This isn't an arbitrary number; it’s a calculated risk based on the interwoven costs that a serious, but non-critical, illness can trigger for a key decision-maker.

Let's look beyond the initial medical bill and see the cascading financial consequences.

The Four Pillars of the Financial Burden

  1. Direct Healthcare Costs: This is the most obvious expense. While the NHS is "free at the point of use," waiting for treatment can be professionally and financially untenable. The costs of going private without insurance can be substantial.
  2. Loss of Personal Income & Earning Potential: As a director or owner, your ability to work directly generates revenue. An extended period of illness or reduced capacity means lost salary, dividends, and future earning potential.
  3. Business Disruption & Devaluation: You are the engine of your business. Your absence impacts everything from strategic direction and client relationships to team morale and operational stability. This disruption directly hits the bottom line and can devalue the entire enterprise.
  4. Long-Term Opportunity Cost: What deals are missed while you're waiting for a diagnosis? What growth plans are shelved because you can't travel or lead the charge? This is the invisible cost that can stunt a business's growth for years.

A Hypothetical Breakdown for a Director of a £2M Turnover Business

Let's illustrate how quickly these costs can accumulate for a 45-year-old director needing a hip replacement.

Cost CategoryImpact of NHS Wait (e.g., 18 months)Estimated Financial Impact
Direct CostsPain management, physiotherapy, private consultations while waiting.£5,000 - £10,000
Personal IncomeReduced ability to work full-time, lower productivity leading to reduced bonuses/dividends.£75,000 - £150,000 over 18 months
Business DisruptionDelayed projects, lost contracts due to inability to travel/meet clients, cost of temporary support.£250,000 - £500,000+
Opportunity CostInability to pursue a major expansion or acquisition opportunity.£1,000,000+ (potential value lost)
Long-Term ImpactReduced business valuation if forced to sell early due to chronic pain and disability.£500,000 - £2,000,000+
Total Estimated Burden-£1,830,000 - £3,660,000+

As this simple scenario shows, a single common health issue can trigger a multi-million-pound financial disaster. The £3.9 million figure represents the cumulative lifetime risk across various potential health scenarios.

The NHS in 2025: A System Under Unprecedented Strain

The National Health Service is a pillar of British society, and its staff perform miracles daily. However, for a business leader whose time is money, the current reality of NHS waiting lists for planned care presents an unacceptable risk.

Relying solely on the NHS for non-emergency healthcare is like having a business continuity plan that depends on winning the lottery.

The Stark Statistics

  • Overall Waiting List: As of mid-2025, the total number of people on NHS waiting lists in England remains stubbornly high, with millions waiting for consultant-led elective care. According to the latest NHS England data, this figure hovers around the 7.5 million mark.
  • Long Waits: A significant portion of these individuals are waiting over 18 weeks, with tens of thousands waiting over a year for treatment. For a business owner, a year is an eternity.
  • The Diagnostic Bottleneck: Before you even get on a treatment list, you need a diagnosis. Waiting times for key diagnostic tests like MRI and CT scans can stretch for months, leaving you in a painful and anxious limbo, unable to make plans.
  • The Postcode Lottery: The quality and speed of care you receive can vary dramatically depending on where you live. Data from organisations like The King's Fund consistently shows wide regional variations in waiting times and treatment outcomes.

This isn't a criticism of the NHS; it's a realistic assessment of the pressures it faces from an ageing population, funding challenges, and workforce shortages. For a business leader, this systemic uncertainty is a direct threat to their livelihood and legacy.

The Solution: Achieving Personal Health Sovereignty

Health Sovereignty is a proactive mindset. It’s about acknowledging the limitations of the public system for non-urgent care and building your own robust, reliable health strategy. It puts you back in the driver's seat.

It rests on three core pillars:

  1. Prevention: Actively managing your health to reduce the risk of illness. This is your first line of defence.
  2. Planning: Implementing a financial safety net with the right insurance products to eliminate the financial shock of a health crisis.
  3. Power: Giving yourself the ability to choose your healthcare pathway – to select the specialist, the hospital, and the timing of your treatment, bypassing queues and delays.

Private medical insurance is the cornerstone of the "Planning" and "Power" pillars, giving you immediate access to the private healthcare system when you need it most.

The Twin Shields: Private Medical Insurance (PMI) & Limited Company Income Protection (LCIIP)

To secure both your personal health and your business's financial stability, you need a two-pronged approach. PMI protects you; LCIIP (or a similar business protection policy) protects the business.

Shield 1: Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Private medical insurance UK is designed to cover the costs of private treatment for acute conditions that develop 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.

Critical Note: What PMI Does Not Cover It is essential to understand that standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before taking out the policy) or chronic conditions (illnesses that are long-term and cannot be cured, like diabetes or asthma). PMI is for new, curable health problems.

Key Benefits of a Strong PMI Policy:

  • Speed of Access: Bypass NHS queues for consultations, scans, and surgery. Go from GP referral to seeing a specialist in days, not months.
  • Choice and Control: Choose your surgeon, your hospital, and a time for treatment that suits your schedule.
  • Advanced Cancer Care: Access to breakthrough cancer drugs and treatments that may not yet be available on the NHS due to cost or NICE approval delays.
  • Mental Health Support: Comprehensive cover often includes access to therapists, psychologists, and psychiatric care, tackling issues like burnout and stress head-on.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Recover in a private room with en-suite facilities, allowing you to rest and even work if you feel up to it.

Shield 2: Limited Company Income & Health Insurance Protection (LCIIP)

While PMI fixes your body, LCIIP protects your business's bank balance. Often known as 'key person insurance', this policy is taken out and paid for by the business.

If a key director or employee is unable to work due to illness or injury, the policy pays a regular benefit to the company. This money can be used to:

  • Hire a temporary replacement to manage your duties.
  • Protect profits and cover lost revenue.
  • Reassure clients, lenders, and shareholders that the business is stable.
  • Cover recruitment costs for a permanent replacement if necessary.

Because the company pays the premium, it is typically treated as an allowable business expense, making it a highly tax-efficient way to safeguard your business continuity.

PMI vs. LCIIP: A Clear Comparison

FeaturePrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)Limited Company Income Protection (LCIIP)
Who it ProtectsThe individual's health.The company's finances.
What it Pays ForPrivate medical bills (consultants, surgery, hospital stays).A monthly cash benefit to the business.
Primary GoalFast access to high-quality healthcare to speed up recovery.Ensure business continuity and financial stability during a key person's absence.
Tax TreatmentCan be a P11D benefit-in-kind if paid by the company.Premiums are usually a tax-deductible business expense.

For complete protection, a business leader needs both. At WeCovr, our expert advisors can help you structure the most effective and tax-efficient combination of private health cover for your specific needs.

Your Practical Guide to Building Health Sovereignty

Taking control of your health destiny is an active process. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Lay the Wellness Foundation

Insurance is for when things go wrong. Your first priority should be to stop them from going wrong in the first place.

  • Nutrition: Focus on a whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet. A balanced intake of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates fuels your brain and body for peak performance. To make this easier, WeCovr provides complimentary access to its AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to all our life and health insurance clients.
  • Movement: The UK Chief Medical Officers' guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. A mix of cardiovascular exercise (running, cycling), strength training, and flexibility work is ideal. Even a brisk 30-minute walk at lunchtime can make a huge difference.
  • Sleep: Arianna Huffington called sleep "the ultimate performance-enhancing drug" for a reason. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Banish screens from the bedroom and create a relaxing wind-down routine.
  • Stress Management: Chronic stress is a silent killer. Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, or simple breathing exercises into your day. Schedule "thinking time" away from the pressures of the business.

Step 2: Choose Your Financial Shield with an Expert PMI Broker

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be complex. Using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr is the smartest move. We offer:

  • Whole-of-Market View: We compare policies from all the best PMI providers, not just one or two.
  • Expert Advice: We explain the jargon (like moratorium vs. full medical underwriting) and help you tailor a policy to your exact needs and budget.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid by the insurer you choose.
  • Client Advocacy: We're on your side, from choosing the policy to helping if you ever need to make a claim. WeCovr enjoys high ratings on customer satisfaction websites for this very reason.

When choosing a policy, you'll need to consider:

  • Level of Cover: From basic plans covering in-patient treatment to comprehensive options with out-patient diagnostics, therapies, and mental health support.
  • Hospital List: Which private hospitals are included in your plan?
  • Excess: How much are you willing to pay towards the first part of a claim? A higher excess can lower your premium.
  • Underwriting:
    • Moratorium: Simpler to set up. The insurer won't cover conditions you've had symptoms of or treatment for in the last 5 years, until you go 2 full years on the policy without those issues recurring.
    • Full Medical Underwriting: You declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer gives you a clear list of what is and isn't covered from day one.

Step 3: Secure Your Legacy with Business Protection

Talk to your accountant and a specialist broker about setting up a Limited Company Income Protection policy. By investing a small percentage of turnover, you can secure the future of the business you've worked so hard to build.

Furthermore, when you purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy through WeCovr, you may be eligible for discounts on other types of essential cover, creating a cost-effective, comprehensive protection portfolio.

Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions in the UK?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK is designed to cover acute medical conditions that arise *after* you take out your policy. Pre-existing conditions, which are any diseases, illnesses, or injuries for which you have experienced symptoms or received treatment or advice in the years before your policy starts (typically the last 5 years), are excluded. The same applies to chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma that require ongoing management rather than a curative treatment. For more information, you can refer to guidance from organisations like the Financial Conduct Authority (

Is private health cover worth it for a small business owner?

For a small business owner or director, private health cover can be one of the most critical investments you make. Your ability to work is your business's most valuable asset. Lengthy NHS waiting lists for diagnosis or treatment can mean months of reduced productivity or complete absence, directly impacting revenue and business stability. Private medical insurance provides a fast track to treatment, minimising downtime and protecting your income and the health of your business. It is a key component of a robust business continuity plan. You can find general health statistics on the NHS website (

What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting for PMI?

These are two ways insurers assess your health history.
  • Moratorium (MORI) Underwriting: This is the most common and quickest method. You don't declare your medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes treatment for any condition you've had symptoms, medication, or advice for in the 5 years before the policy began. However, if you then go 2 continuous years on the policy without any trouble from that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): This involves completing a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer assesses your history and then offers you a policy with specific exclusions for certain conditions clearly listed from the start. This provides more certainty but takes longer to set up.
An expert PMI broker can help you decide which is best for your circumstances. Details on insurance practices are overseen by regulators (

The evidence is clear. The financial risks associated with health gaps are too significant to ignore. The question is no longer "Can I afford private medical insurance?" but "Can I afford not to have it?".

Don't let a predictable health issue derail your life's work. Take control, achieve Health Sovereignty, and secure your business and legacy for the future.

Ready to build your shield? Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote from our team of independent experts. We'll help you compare the UK's leading providers and find the perfect cover for you and your business.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

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