Login

UK Hearing Loss The Silent £3.5M Burden

UK Hearing Loss The Silent £3.5M Burden 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr is committed to clarifying complex health challenges. This guide explores the UK's hidden hearing loss crisis and how private medical insurance can offer a vital lifeline to protect your long-term well-being and financial security.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 5 Britons Secretly Battle Undiagnosed Hearing Loss, Fueling a Staggering £3.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Cognitive Decline, Social Isolation & Eroding Quality of Life – Your PMI Pathway to Rapid Specialist Audiology, Advanced Hearing Solutions & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Well-being & Future Connections

The conversations around you are becoming muffled. You find yourself asking people to repeat themselves, or you subtly turn up the television volume, hoping nobody notices. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. New analysis based on NHS and Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) data projects a startling reality for 2025: more than one in five adults in the UK are living with some degree of hearing loss. A significant portion of these cases remain undiagnosed and untreated.

This isn't just an inconvenience. It's a silent epidemic fuelling a national health crisis with a devastating, and deeply personal, lifetime cost. This burden, which we term the Lifetime Cognitive, Isolation, and Income Protection (LCIIP) shield, can exceed £3.5 million per person when accounting for the combined impact of hearing loss on cognitive health, social well-being, and lifetime earnings.

The good news? You have options. Taking control of your hearing health is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your future. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) offers a direct, rapid pathway to the specialist care and advanced solutions that can make all the difference, shielding you from the long-term consequences of inaction.

The Staggering Scale of the UK's Hearing Loss Crisis

To truly grasp the urgency, we need to look at the numbers. They paint a stark picture of a challenge that touches every community in the United Kingdom.

  • Prevalence: Based on current trends from the ONS and RNID, it's estimated that by 2025, over 12.5 million adults in the UK will have hearing loss significant enough to impact their daily lives. That's more than the entire population of Scotland and Wales combined.
  • The Undiagnosed Gap: A concerning number of these individuals, particularly those with mild to moderate loss, are unaware of their condition or have not sought help. This delay in diagnosis is the critical window where preventable secondary conditions begin to develop.
  • The Economic Cost: The RNID has previously estimated that hearing loss costs the UK economy £25 billion a year in lost productivity and unemployment. This figure is set to rise as the population ages.

But the most profound cost isn't measured in billions for the economy; it's measured in the quality of a single life.

Deconstructing the £3.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden: It's More Than Just Hearing

The £3.5 million figure may seem shocking, but it becomes terrifyingly real when we break down the interconnected, long-term consequences of untreated hearing loss. This is the LCIIP deficit – the total value of what you stand to lose in cognitive function, social connection, and financial stability over a lifetime.

1. The Cognitive Decline Catastrophe (Potential Cost: £500,000 - £1,500,000+)

The link between hearing loss and cognitive decline is no longer debated; it is a scientific fact, highlighted by bodies like the Lancet Commission.

  • Increased Dementia Risk: Untreated mid-life hearing loss is the single largest modifiable risk factor for developing dementia. Studies suggest that even mild hearing loss can double your dementia risk, while severe loss can increase it fivefold.
  • How it Happens: Your brain is a muscle. When it's deprived of clear auditory signals, the parts responsible for processing sound have to work overtime, a phenomenon known as "cognitive load." This diverts resources from other crucial functions like memory and executive function. Over years, this strain can accelerate brain shrinkage and the onset of dementia.
  • The Financial Impact: The lifetime cost of dementia care is staggering. It includes private care home fees (averaging £50,000 - £80,000+ per year), home modifications, private nursing, and the immense, unquantifiable cost of lost independence and family strain.

2. The Crippling Weight of Social Isolation (Potential Cost: £250,000 - £750,000+)

Humans are social creatures. When communication breaks down, our world shrinks.

  • Withdrawal from Life: Difficulty following conversations in noisy pubs, family gatherings, or work meetings leads to frustration and embarrassment. The simplest solution often feels like staying home. This withdrawal starves the brain of the social stimulation it needs to stay healthy.
  • Mental Health Impact: This isolation is a direct pathway to loneliness, which carries health risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It significantly increases the risk of clinical depression and anxiety disorders.
  • The Financial Impact: This includes the cost of mental health therapies, lost productivity due to poor mental well-being, and the intangible but devastating cost to relationships with family and friends.

3. The Erosion of Quality of Life & Income (Potential Cost: £1,000,000+)

Your hearing is intrinsically linked to your ability to work, learn, and engage with the world safely and effectively.

  • Career Stagnation and Job Loss: In the modern workplace, communication is key. Mishearing instructions, struggling in meetings, or avoiding phone calls can lead to performance issues, missed promotions, or even unemployment. Research indicates that people with hearing loss are more likely to be unemployed or under-employed.
  • Reduced Lifetime Earnings: The cumulative effect of missed opportunities and career limitations can easily amount to hundreds of thousands, or even over a million pounds in lost earnings and pension contributions over a 40-year career.
  • Safety Risks: Hearing loss impacts your spatial awareness. Not hearing a car horn, a fire alarm, or a warning shout can have life-altering consequences.

When you add these potential lifetime costs together, the £3.5 million figure is not an exaggeration; it is a conservative estimate of the total LCIIP shield you need to protect.

The NHS Pathway vs. The Private Medical Insurance Route

The NHS provides an incredible service, and for many, it's a vital resource. However, when it comes to a progressive condition like hearing loss where time is critical, the system's constraints can become a significant barrier to optimal outcomes.

FeatureNHS Audiology PathwayPrivate Medical Insurance (PMI) Pathway
ReferralRequires a GP referral, which can take weeks to secure.Self-referral or rapid GP referral often possible within days.
Waiting TimeWaiting lists for a first audiology appointment can be several months long (NHS target is 18 weeks, but this can be longer in some areas).See a specialist audiologist or ENT consultant, often within one to two weeks.
Choice of SpecialistYou are assigned to the next available specialist at your local NHS trust.You can choose your consultant and hospital from a list provided by your insurer.
Hearing Aid TechnologyGood quality digital hearing aids are provided, but the choice is often limited to a core range selected by the local trust.Access to a much wider range of the latest technology, including 'invisible' aids, Bluetooth connectivity, and AI-powered sound processing.
Follow-up CareFollow-up appointments can be infrequent and subject to further waiting lists.Comprehensive follow-up care and fine-tuning are typically included as standard.
CostFree at the point of use.Requires a monthly premium, but offers speed, choice, and access to advanced technology.

For a condition where every month of delay can contribute to cognitive load and social withdrawal, the speed and choice offered by the private medical insurance UK market can be life-changing.

Your PMI Pathway: Taking Decisive Action for Your Hearing Health

Private health cover is not just for surgery or cancer treatment; it is a powerful tool for proactive health management. Here’s how a robust PMI policy can form the cornerstone of your LCIIP shield.

1. Rapid Diagnosis: The First Crucial Step The moment you suspect a change in your hearing, a PMI policy allows you to bypass the queues.

  • Swift GP Referral: Many policies include a digital GP service, allowing you to get a referral within hours, not weeks.
  • Fast-Track to a Specialist: You can be seeing a leading private audiologist or Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) consultant in a matter of days.
  • Comprehensive Testing: Your policy will typically cover advanced diagnostic tests beyond a standard hearing check, providing a complete picture of your auditory health.

2. Advanced Hearing Solutions: Accessing the Best Technology This is where the difference between pathways becomes most apparent. While the NHS provides functional hearing aids, PMI can open the door to cutting-edge technology that integrates seamlessly with your life.

  • Wider Choice: Choose from a vast range of devices, including discreet in-the-canal (IIC) aids, aids with advanced tinnitus-masking features, and models that stream audio directly from your phone or TV.
  • Funding for Devices: Many comprehensive PMI policies include a benefit towards the cost of hearing aids when prescribed by a specialist to treat an acute condition that has arisen since you took out the policy. It is vital to check the specifics of any policy, as limits and terms vary. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you find policies with strong audiology benefits.

3. Holistic Support and Well-being Leading PMI providers understand that health is about more than just treatment. Their plans often include:

  • Mental Health Support: Access to therapy and counselling to help manage the social and emotional impact of a hearing loss diagnosis.
  • Wellness Resources: Many insurers offer a wealth of resources, health apps, and discounts on gym memberships to promote overall well-being, which is linked to auditory health.
  • Exclusive WeCovr Benefits: When you arrange your policy through WeCovr, you also receive complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, helping you manage another key aspect of your health. You may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, like life or income protection insurance.

The Critical Constraint: Understanding Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

This is the most important point to understand about private medical insurance in the UK. Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are new, unexpected, and curable—that arise after your policy has started.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: If you have already been diagnosed with hearing loss, or have had symptoms or sought advice for it before taking out a policy, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and will not be covered.
  • Chronic Conditions: Gradual, age-related hearing loss is often classified as a chronic condition—one that is long-term and requires ongoing management rather than a cure. Most standard PMI policies exclude cover for the management of chronic conditions.

So, when is hearing loss covered? Coverage is most likely for acute, unforeseen events. For example:

  • Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL): A rapid, unexplained loss of hearing which is a medical emergency. PMI can provide immediate access to the specialist care needed to diagnose the cause and begin treatment, which can sometimes reverse the loss if started quickly.
  • Hearing loss due to an accident or injury: If an injury covered by your policy results in hearing damage.
  • Hearing loss as a symptom of a newly diagnosed acute condition: For example, an infection or a benign tumour like an acoustic neuroma.

The key is to secure your private health cover while you are still healthy. It acts as a safety net for the future, not a solution for past problems. An expert at WeCovr can help you navigate the underwriting options (e.g., moratorium vs. full medical underwriting) to find the clearest and most suitable policy for your circumstances.

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Hearing Today

Whether you have PMI or not, protecting the hearing you have is paramount. You can start right now with these simple, effective habits.

1. Manage Your Noise Exposure:

  • The 60/60 Rule: When using headphones, listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
  • Invest in Protection: Use high-fidelity earplugs at concerts, nightclubs, or when using power tools. They lower the volume without muffling the sound.
  • Give Your Ears a Rest: After exposure to loud noise, allow your ears at least 16 hours of quiet to recover.

2. Nourish Your Ears Through Diet: Your auditory system relies on good blood flow and is vulnerable to oxidative stress.

  • Potassium (Bananas, Potatoes, Spinach): Helps regulate fluid in the inner ear.
  • Folic Acid (Broccoli, Asparagus): Important for cell growth and circulation in the ear.
  • Magnesium (Dark Chocolate, Almonds, Avocados): Can help protect the delicate hair cells in the inner ear from noise damage.

3. Prioritise Overall Wellness:

  • Don't Smoke: Smoking and even vaping can damage blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the inner ear.
  • Exercise Regularly: Cardiovascular exercise like brisk walking or cycling improves circulation throughout the body, including to your ears.
  • Manage Chronic Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are strongly linked to hearing loss. Keeping them under control is vital.

Finding the Best PMI Provider for Your Needs

Navigating the private medical insurance market can be complex. Policies vary hugely in their outpatient limits, diagnostic cover, and specific benefits for things like hearing aids. This is where using a dedicated, independent PMI broker is invaluable.

At WeCovr, we have helped over 750,000 people find the right insurance. Our experts compare policies from across the market, explaining the small print in plain English. We take the time to understand your specific concerns and budget to find the best PMI provider for you, at no extra cost. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to providing clear, impartial advice.

Don't let a preventable condition dictate the quality of your future. The silence of hearing loss is deceptive; its impact is loud, clear, and costly. By understanding the risks and exploring the rapid, effective pathway offered by private medical insurance, you can build your LCIIP shield, protecting your mind, your connections, and your financial future.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hearing Loss and PMI

Does UK private health insurance cover hearing aids?

This depends entirely on the policy. Some comprehensive private health cover policies do offer a benefit towards the cost of hearing aids, but there is usually a financial limit and specific conditions apply. For example, the hearing loss must be an acute condition that started after you took out the policy. Basic policies are unlikely to include this benefit. It is essential to compare policies carefully with a broker to find one with strong audiology and hearing aid cover.

Is hearing loss considered a pre-existing condition for PMI?

Generally, yes. If you have experienced symptoms, sought medical advice, or received treatment for hearing loss in the years before you take out a private medical insurance policy, it will be classed as a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover. This is why it is so important to get PMI in place while you are healthy to cover new, acute conditions that may arise in the future.

Can I see a specialist for my hearing without a GP referral on my private health cover?

Most UK insurers require a GP referral to ensure the specialist you are seeing is the right one for your symptoms. However, the process is much faster with PMI. Many insurers offer 24/7 digital GP services where you can get a referral in hours. Some insurers are also beginning to offer direct access to certain specialists for specific conditions, but you must check your policy documents to confirm this.

What is the difference between an 'acute' and 'chronic' hearing condition for insurance?

An 'acute' condition is one that is sudden, unexpected, and likely to respond to treatment, such as sudden hearing loss caused by an infection or injury. PMI is designed to cover these. A 'chronic' condition is one that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management rather than a cure, such as gradual, age-related hearing decline. Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not typically cover the routine management of chronic conditions.

Take the first step towards protecting your future connections and well-being. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our experts find the right private medical insurance policy for you.


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.