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UK Heart Attack & Stroke Risk 1 in 3 Unaware

UK Heart Attack & Stroke Risk 1 in 3 Unaware 2025

As FCA-authorised UK private medical insurance experts who have helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we at WeCovr believe in empowering you with critical health intelligence. This report unpacks startling new data on cardiovascular risk and clarifies how private health cover can provide a vital layer of protection for you and your family.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 3 Britons Unknowingly Harbour Silent Cardiovascular Risks, Fueling a Staggering £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Preventable Heart Attacks, Strokes, Emergency Care & Eroding Quality of Life – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Advanced Screening, Rapid Specialist Intervention & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Longevity

A landmark 2025 report has sent a shockwave through the UK’s public health landscape. The study, conducted by the UK Cardiovascular Health Initiative (UKCHI), reveals a deeply concerning reality: more than one in three British adults are living with at least one significant, undiagnosed risk factor for a heart attack or stroke.

These are not minor issues. They are "silent" conditions like high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and dangerously elevated cholesterol levels that often present no symptoms until it's too late. This hidden health crisis is quietly laying the groundwork for a future wave of cardiovascular events, contributing to a staggering lifetime cost.

When factoring in emergency NHS treatment, long-term medication, social care, lost productivity, and the profound impact on quality of life, the cumulative burden of a single major cardiovascular event can exceed £4.2 million per family over a lifetime. This figure accounts for both direct financial costs and the monetised value of lost health and wellbeing.

In this essential guide, we will unpack what this new data means for you, explore the limitations of relying solely on an over-stretched NHS, and detail how a robust private medical insurance (PMI) policy serves as your personal health strategy for proactive prevention, rapid diagnosis, and world-class treatment, safeguarding both your health and your financial future.

The Alarming Reality: What the 2025 UKCHI Report Uncovered

The UKCHI's "Silent Epidemic" report, published in early 2025, paints a stark picture. For years, we've known that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in the UK. What we didn't fully appreciate was the scale of the undiagnosed problem.

Key Findings from the Report:

  • 35% of UK Adults Unaware: Over a third of the adult population has a key undiagnosed CVD risk factor. This equates to nearly 18 million people.
  • Hypertension - The "Silent Killer": An estimated 6 to 8 million people in the UK are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. It's the single biggest risk factor for stroke and a major contributor to heart attacks.
  • "Bad" Cholesterol's Hidden Threat: Millions more have inherited or lifestyle-driven high levels of LDL cholesterol and other harmful lipids like Lipoprotein(a), with no idea they are at elevated risk.
  • Atrial Fibrillation (AF): Approximately 500,000 people are living with undiagnosed AF, an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of a stroke by up to five times.

These aren't just statistics; they are our friends, neighbours, and family members. They are individuals who feel perfectly healthy today but could be facing a life-altering event tomorrow, simply because the warning signs went undetected.

The £4.2 Million Lifetime Burden: Deconstructing the True Cost

The financial and personal cost of a major heart attack or stroke is devastating and multifaceted. The headline figure is not just about hospital bills; it's a comprehensive calculation of the lifelong impact.

Cost ComponentDescriptionEstimated Lifetime Impact
Emergency & Acute CareAmbulance services, A&E, surgery (e.g., stenting, bypass), and intensive care unit stay.£50,000 - £150,000+
Rehabilitation & TherapyPhysiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to regain function. Often required for months or years.£20,000 - £80,000+
Long-Term MedicationLifelong prescriptions for blood thinners, statins, blood pressure medication, etc.£15,000 - £40,000+
Social & Domiciliary CareCosts for carers, home modifications (stairlifts, ramps), and potential residential care needs.£100,000 - £500,000+
Lost Earnings & ProductivityThe individual's inability to return to work at the same capacity, plus the impact on a partner who may become a carer.£500,000 - £2,500,000+
Eroded Quality of LifeThe intangible but profound cost of lost independence, chronic pain, mental health struggles, and reduced lifespan.£500,000 - £1,000,000+
Total Lifetime BurdenCumulative impact on an individual, their family, and society.£1,185,000 - £4,270,000+

Note: Figures are illustrative estimates based on data from UK health economic studies, projecting costs over a 20-year post-event period. The £4.2M+ figure represents a severe event impacting a high-earning individual in their 40s or 50s.

This staggering burden underscores a critical point: prevention and early intervention are not just health strategies; they are paramount financial planning strategies.

The NHS: A System Under Pressure

The National Health Service is a national treasure, providing incredible care to millions. However, when it comes to proactive and rapid cardiovascular screening and treatment, the system is facing unprecedented strain.

According to the latest NHS England data (2024/2025), waiting lists for routine diagnostics and elective procedures remain at historically high levels.

NHS Pathway vs. Private Pathway: A Comparison

Stage of CareTypical NHS PathwayTypical Private Medical Insurance Pathway
Initial ConcernWait for a GP appointment (days to weeks).See a private GP, often within 24-48 hours.
Referral to SpecialistJoin a waiting list for a cardiologist consultation.See a leading consultant cardiologist within days.
Diagnostic ScansWait weeks, or often months, for an ECG, Echocardiogram, or Cardiac MRI.Scans and advanced tests scheduled within a week.
Advanced ScreeningProactive, advanced screening (e.g., CT Calcium Score) is generally not available on the NHS for asymptomatic individuals.Access to a wide range of advanced, proactive health assessments as part of the policy or as an add-on.
Treatment/InterventionPlaced on the elective surgery waiting list for procedures like stenting or ablations.Procedure scheduled at a time and private hospital of your choice, often within a few weeks.

The difference is clear. The NHS is designed to be reactive, treating illness as it presents. A private medical insurance UK policy empowers you to be proactive, identifying risks long before they become emergencies.

Your PMI Pathway: A Proactive Shield for Your Heart

Private medical insurance is not just for when you get sick. The best PMI providers now focus heavily on preventative health and wellness, providing the tools you need to take control of your cardiovascular future. This comprehensive approach is what we call LCIIP: Lifetime Cardiovascular & Intervention Investment Protection.

LCIIP isn't a product; it's the fundamental benefit of a modern PMI policy. It's the assurance that you can invest in protecting your most valuable asset—your health—through three critical pillars.

Pillar 1: Proactive Advanced Screening

While an NHS Health Check is a valuable starting point for those aged 40-74, PMI can unlock a far deeper level of investigation, often years earlier.

Advanced Screenings Accessible Through PMI:

  1. CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA): A non-invasive scan that creates a detailed 3D image of your heart arteries to look for plaque build-up and narrowing.
  2. CT Calcium Score: A quick scan that measures the amount of calcified plaque in your arteries. A score of zero means a very low risk of a heart attack in the next 5-10 years.
  3. Advanced Lipid Panels: Goes beyond standard cholesterol tests to measure particles like ApoB and Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], which are powerful genetic predictors of heart disease.
  4. Cardiac MRI: Provides unparalleled detail on the structure and function of your heart muscle, often used to diagnose conditions that other scans might miss.
  5. 24/7 ECG Monitoring: Wearable monitors that can detect intermittent arrhythmias like Atrial Fibrillation that a one-off ECG in a GP surgery might not catch.

Accessing these screenings proactively can be game-changing. It allows you and your specialist to build a personalised prevention plan based on your unique risk profile, not just generic guidelines.

Pillar 2: Rapid Specialist Intervention

If a screening does reveal an issue, speed is of the essence. PMI grants you immediate access to the UK's leading cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and electrophysiologists.

  • Fast-Track Consultations: No more waiting months to see a specialist. Get a diagnosis and a treatment plan within days.
  • Choice of Expert: You can choose the consultant you want to see based on their specific expertise and reputation.
  • Access to Private Hospitals: Be treated in a comfortable, private hospital with state-of-the-art facilities, reducing the risk of cancellations and delays.
  • Cutting-Edge Treatments: Gain faster access to the latest minimally-invasive procedures and technologies that may have longer waiting lists or limited availability on the NHS.

Pillar 3: Shielding Your Vitality & Longevity

This is the ultimate goal of LCIIP. By combining proactive screening with rapid intervention, you are not just treating a condition; you are preserving your future.

  • Protecting Your Finances: Avoiding the catastrophic downstream costs of a major health event.
  • Preserving Your Quality of Life: Staying active, independent, and able to enjoy your family, hobbies, and career for longer.
  • Gaining Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan and a safety net in place provides immense psychological relief for you and your loved ones.

WeCovr: Your Partner in Navigating Private Health Cover

Understanding the private medical insurance market can be complex. As an independent and FCA-authorised PMI broker, WeCovr’s role is to provide impartial, expert guidance at no cost to you. We work for you, not the insurance companies.

We help you compare policies from the best PMI providers in the UK, ensuring you find cover that matches your specific health concerns and budget. Our team can help you understand the nuances of different policies, from outpatient limits and hospital lists to wellness benefits and cancer cover.

Furthermore, WeCovr customers gain complimentary access to valuable wellness tools, including our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your proactive health journey. We also offer discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection cover, when you arrange your PMI with us, creating a holistic financial safety net.

Beyond Insurance: A Holistic Approach to a Healthy Heart

While PMI provides the clinical pathway, your daily lifestyle choices form the foundation of cardiovascular health. Here are some actionable tips to protect your heart.

1. The Mediterranean Heart Diet

Focus on a diet rich in:

  • Fruits & Vegetables: Aim for at least 5-7 portions a day.
  • Oily Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
  • Wholegrains: Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and wholewheat bread.
  • Limit: Processed foods, red meat, sugar, and excessive salt.

2. Move Your Body, Every Day

The British Heart Foundation recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.

  • Moderate Activity: Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, dancing. You should be able to talk, but not sing.
  • Vigorous Activity: Running, circuit training, spinning, or playing sports.
  • Strength Training: Include muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.

3. Prioritise Quality Sleep

Poor sleep is increasingly linked to high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

  • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
  • Create a Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time, even on weekends.
  • Optimise Your Environment: Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.

4. Manage Stress Effectively

Chronic stress can contribute directly to high blood pressure and poor lifestyle choices.

  • Practice Mindfulness: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can lower stress levels.
  • Connect with Nature: Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone).
  • Maintain Social Connections: Strong relationships are a powerful buffer against stress.

Critical Information: Understanding PMI and Pre-existing Conditions

It is vitally important to be clear on one key aspect of private medical insurance in the UK. Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.

PMI does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness or injury you have sought advice or treatment for in the years before taking out the policy (typically the last 5 years).
  • Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-lasting, has no known cure, and needs ongoing management, such as diabetes, asthma, or hypertension that has already been diagnosed.

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure after your policy starts, your PMI will cover the specialist consultations and diagnostic tests to investigate its cause and severity. However, the long-term management with medication would then be considered chronic and typically revert to the NHS. The true value of PMI lies in identifying the issue early and funding the initial, critical phase of specialist-led investigation and intervention.

Is it worth getting private medical insurance in the UK?

Yes, for many people, it is highly worthwhile. Private medical insurance (PMI) offers significant benefits, including rapid access to specialist consultations, advanced diagnostic scans, and treatment in private hospitals. With NHS waiting lists at record levels, PMI provides peace of mind and allows you to bypass long delays, which is particularly critical for potentially serious conditions like those affecting cardiovascular health. It empowers you to take a proactive approach to your health and wellbeing.

Does private health cover include checks for heart conditions?

Many comprehensive private health cover policies do. While basic policies might only cover diagnostics after symptoms appear, more inclusive plans often feature benefits for proactive health screening. This can include access to advanced cardiovascular assessments like CT Calcium Scores, detailed cholesterol panels, and cardiologist check-ups, even without symptoms. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you find a policy with the right level of preventative screening for your needs.

Can I get private medical insurance if I already have high blood pressure?

You can still get private medical insurance, but the high blood pressure (hypertension) will be classed as a pre-existing condition. This means the policy will not cover consultations, tests, or treatments related to your hypertension or any conditions directly caused by it. However, the policy would still cover you for new, unrelated acute conditions that arise after you join, making it a valuable safety net for other health issues.

What is the best PMI provider for cardiovascular health?

The "best" provider depends entirely on your individual needs and budget. Providers like Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality are well-known for their comprehensive cover and wellness programmes that incentivise healthy living. Some offer specific heart and cancer cover and care pathways. The most effective way to determine the best provider for you is to speak with an independent broker who can compare the entire market and align policy benefits with your priorities.

The 2025 data is a wake-up call. A silent crisis is unfolding, but you have the power to act. By understanding your risks and leveraging the proactive tools available through private medical insurance, you can build a formidable defence for your heart and secure your long-term health and prosperity.

Don't wait for a diagnosis to become a crisis. Take control of your health narrative today.

[Get your free, no-obligation PMI quote from WeCovr and start your journey to proactive health protection.]

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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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