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UK Inactivity Burden 2 in 3 Britons at Risk

UK Inactivity Burden 2 in 3 Britons at Risk 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr is at the forefront of the UK’s private medical insurance landscape. This article unpacks a looming national health crisis, exploring how a sedentary lifestyle impacts your future and how private health cover offers a proactive solution.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 2 in 3 Britons Face a Staggering £3.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Lost Income, Chronic Illness & Premature Aging Fueled by Sedentary Lifestyles – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Health Diagnostics, Integrated Wellness Programs & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Prosperity

A silent crisis is unfolding across the United Kingdom. It doesn’t arrive with a sudden crash but with the quiet hum of a computer, the comfort of a sofa, and the convenience of a four-wheeled commute. New analysis reveals a shocking forecast for 2025: more than two in three Britons are failing to meet recommended physical activity levels, placing them on a direct path towards a lifetime burden of ill health with staggering financial consequences.

This isn't just about feeling a bit unfit. This is a multi-faceted threat to your future prosperity and wellbeing. The potential £3.5 million+ lifetime burden is a calculated culmination of several factors:

  • Lost Lifetime Income: Chronic illness often leads to extended sick leave, reduced productivity (known as 'presenteeism'), and, in severe cases, early retirement, potentially wiping hundreds of thousands of pounds from your lifetime earnings.
  • Reduced Pension Accumulation: Less time in work means a smaller pension pot, impacting your quality of life in retirement.
  • Private Healthcare & Social Care Costs: As we live longer, the need for care in later life increases. The cost of private care for conditions like dementia or severe arthritis can easily exceed £100,000.
  • Impact on Family: The financial strain often extends to family members who may have to reduce their working hours to become carers.
  • Diminished Quality of Life: The "cost" isn't just financial. It's measured in missed moments, hobbies given up, and a loss of independence due to poor health.

This forecast isn’t scaremongering; it's a data-driven wake-up call. But there is a clear pathway to mitigate these risks. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is evolving beyond a simple emergency backstop. It is now a powerful tool for proactive health management, offering you the diagnostics, wellness support, and fast-track care needed to protect your most valuable assets: your health and your future.

The Silent Epidemic: How a Sedentary Life Rewrites Your Health Story

What does being "sedentary" or "inactive" actually mean? It's not just about avoiding the gym. The Chief Medical Officers' guidelines for the UK recommend adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week.

Moderate intensity means you're breathing faster and feeling your heart beat faster, but you can still hold a conversation. Think of:

  • Brisking walking
  • Cycling on level ground
  • Pushing a lawnmower
  • Playing doubles tennis

Worryingly, the latest data from the Health Survey for England shows that around 63% of adults are not meeting this target. This widespread inactivity is directly fuelling a rise in preventable, long-term health conditions.

The Health Risks of an Inactive Lifestyle

Health RiskImpact & Key Statistics (based on NHS & BHF data)
Type 2 DiabetesInactivity is a leading driver. There are over 5 million people living with diabetes in the UK, with 90% having Type 2. It can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
Cardiovascular DiseaseA sedentary lifestyle can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Heart and circulatory diseases cause around a quarter of all deaths in the UK.
Certain CancersRegular physical activity is proven to lower the risk of several cancers, including bowel cancer (by 30-40%) and breast cancer (by 20%).
Musculoskeletal PainProlonged sitting weakens core muscles and puts pressure on the spine, leading to chronic back and neck pain – a major cause of UK workplace absence.
Mental WellbeingPhysical activity is a powerful antidepressant. Inactivity is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression, with exercise proven to boost mood and cognitive function.
OsteoporosisWeight-bearing exercise is crucial for bone density. A lack of it increases the risk of weak, brittle bones and fractures in later life.

A Real-Life Example: David's Story David, a 52-year-old software developer from Manchester, spent over a decade working long hours at his desk. His daily "exercise" was the walk from his car to his office. Gradually, he gained weight, his blood pressure crept up, and he developed persistent lower back pain. A routine check-up, delayed for years, revealed he had pre-diabetes. The diagnosis was a shock, forcing him to confront how his sedentary lifestyle had silently chipped away at his health, putting his future at risk.

The NHS Under Strain: Why Proactive Health Can't Be Delayed

The National Health Service is a cherished UK institution, but it is operating under unprecedented pressure. As of 2025, waiting lists for routine treatments and diagnostic tests remain historically high. While the NHS excels at emergency and critical care, the wait for elective procedures—the very treatments that can restore quality of life and prevent conditions from worsening—can stretch for many months, even years.

This creates a critical gap. When you're dealing with a painful joint, a worrying symptom that needs investigating, or a condition that stops you from working, waiting is not just an inconvenience; it's a detriment to your health, your career, and your finances.

This is where the philosophy of proactive health becomes essential. Instead of waiting for a health issue to become severe enough to require treatment (reactive care), you take steps to prevent it or catch it at the earliest possible stage. This is a mindset shift that a comprehensive private medical insurance UK policy is designed to support.


Critical Information: Understanding PMI Coverage

It is vital to understand what private medical insurance is for.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for infections.

Standard UK PMI policies DO NOT cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. A chronic condition is one that is long-term and cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, arthritis). A pre-existing condition is any ailment you had before your policy began.

This distinction is fundamental. PMI gives you control over new, eligible health concerns, helping you stay healthy and productive.


Your PMI Pathway: A Modern Toolkit for Foundational Vitality

Modern private health cover is much more than a 'get out of jail free' card for NHS queues. The best PMI providers have invested heavily in becoming holistic health partners, empowering you to take control. This is what we call the Lifestyle Change and Illness Prevention (LCIIP) shield—a combination of benefits that protect your health from the ground up.

Here’s how it works:

1. Proactive Health Diagnostics & Screenings

Many top-tier policies include regular health check-ups. These aren't just for when you feel ill. They are designed to provide a baseline snapshot of your health, measuring key indicators like:

  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol levels
  • Blood sugar (for diabetes risk)
  • Body Mass Index (BMI)

Catching a rising cholesterol level or pre-diabetic blood sugar early allows you to make lifestyle changes before it becomes a chronic, uninsurable condition.

2. Integrated Wellness and Rewards Programmes

This is where PMI has truly revolutionised. Insurers now actively incentivise you to be healthier. These programmes are often app-based and integrate with wearable technology like your Apple Watch or Fitbit. They reward you for hitting activity goals.

Common rewards include:

  • Free weekly coffees
  • Cinema tickets
  • Significant discounts on gym memberships (often 40-50%)
  • Discounts on healthy food at major supermarkets
  • Reduced premiums for staying active

This creates a positive feedback loop: you exercise, you get rewarded, which motivates you to continue exercising.

3. Fast-Track Access to Specialists and Diagnostics

If you develop a new, acute symptom—like the back pain David experienced—PMI allows you to bypass long waiting lists. You can typically see a specialist consultant within days or weeks, not months. This leads to:

  • A quicker diagnosis: Reducing worry and uncertainty.
  • Faster treatment: Getting you back on your feet and back to work sooner.
  • Choice: You can often choose the hospital and specialist who treats you.

A Look Inside Top UK PMI Wellness Programmes

The quality of a wellness programme can be a deciding factor when choosing a private medical insurance provider. While a PMI broker like WeCovr can provide a detailed comparison based on your specific needs, here is a general overview of what the leading insurers offer.

ProviderWellness Programme NameKey Features & IncentivesHow it Fights Inactivity
VitalityVitality ProgrammePoints-based system. Apple Watch offer, discounted gym memberships (Virgin Active, Nuffield Health), cinema tickets, weekly coffees, cashback.Directly rewards daily steps and workouts tracked via apps and wearables. The more active you are, the greater the financial rewards.
AvivaAviva WellbeingApp-based service offering health MOTs, personalised coaching, and access to mental health resources. Discounts on gym memberships and health tech.Focuses on setting and achieving personal health goals, with a strong emphasis on preventative health habits and mental resilience.
BupaBupa TouchDigital health hub providing access to health information, remote GP appointments, and symptom checkers. Often includes discounts on health assessments.Empowers users with information and easy access to medical advice, encouraging early intervention for any health concerns.
AXA HealthActivePlusAccess to a network of health and wellbeing services, including gym discounts, online fitness classes, and mental health support lines.Provides the infrastructure and discounts needed to make an active lifestyle more accessible and affordable for its members.

Choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle. Are you motivated by tangible rewards like coffee? Or do you value digital health tools and coaching? An expert broker can help you weigh these options objectively.

WeCovr's Added Value: Your Health, Your Choice, Our Expertise

Navigating the private health cover market can be complex. At WeCovr, we simplify the process and add significant value at no extra cost to you.

  • Independent, Expert Advice: As an FCA-authorised broker, we are not tied to any single insurer. Our loyalty is to you. We compare policies from across the market to find the cover that offers the best value and benefits for your unique circumstances.
  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: All our PMI and Life Insurance clients receive complimentary access to our powerful AI calorie-tracking app, CalorieHero. It's the perfect tool to complement your new active lifestyle, helping you understand nutrition and make healthier food choices effortlessly.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: We believe in rewarding loyalty. When you take out a private medical insurance or life insurance policy with us, you can unlock discounts on other types of cover you may need.
  • Exceptional Customer Service: We pride ourselves on our high customer satisfaction ratings. Our team is here to support you not just at the point of sale, but throughout the life of your policy.

Simple Steps to Reclaim Your Vitality (Even If You Hate the Gym)

Tackling inactivity doesn't require an expensive gym membership or punishing workout routines. It's about building small, sustainable habits into your daily life.

1. Master Your Movement

Think "movement snacking." Instead of one long workout, sprinkle short bursts of activity throughout your day.

  • The 5-Minute Rule: Every hour, get up from your desk and walk around for five minutes.
  • Take the Stairs: It's a classic for a reason. It's a brilliant cardiovascular and leg-strengthening exercise.
  • Walk and Talk: Take work calls while walking around your office or home.
  • Embrace "NEAT": This stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. It’s the energy you burn doing everyday things—fidgeting, cleaning, gardening, carrying shopping. Maximise it!

2. Fuel Your Body Wisely

Your diet is just as important as activity.

  • Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water. Sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger.
  • Focus on Whole Foods: Aim for a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Track Your Intake: Use an app like CalorieHero to get a clear picture of your eating habits without the stress of manual logging.

3. Prioritise Your Sleep

Sleep is when your body repairs itself. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.

  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
  • Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
  • Avoid screens (phones, tablets) for at least an hour before bed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get private medical insurance in the UK if I already have a health condition?

Yes, you can still get a policy, but it's important to understand the limitations. Standard private medical insurance is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. Any pre-existing conditions you have, and any related issues, will typically be excluded from cover. When you apply, you will be asked about your medical history to determine these exclusions.

What is the main difference between private health cover and income protection insurance?

This is a common point of confusion. Private health cover (or PMI) pays directly for the costs of private medical treatment, such as specialist fees and hospital bills. It does not provide you with a replacement salary. Income Protection Insurance, on the other hand, is a separate policy that pays you a tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, helping you cover your living expenses like your mortgage and bills.

Why should I use a private medical insurance broker like WeCovr instead of going directly to an insurer?

Using an expert broker like WeCovr costs you nothing extra but provides immense value. We offer impartial, expert advice and compare the entire market to find a policy that truly fits your needs and budget. We understand the complex details of different policies, from wellness benefits to excess options, saving you time and potentially a lot of money. We work for you, not the insurance company.

Will my private medical insurance premium increase every year?

It is likely your premium will increase at your annual renewal. This is due to a combination of factors. Firstly, as you get older, your risk of needing medical treatment increases. Secondly, medical inflation—the rising cost of new drugs, treatments, and technologies—means the cost of healthcare generally goes up each year. Making a claim can also impact your renewal premium, similar to car insurance.

Shield Your Future Prosperity Today

The evidence is clear: a sedentary lifestyle poses one of the greatest threats to our long-term health and financial security. The potential burden of lost income, chronic illness, and a diminished quality of life is too significant to ignore.

Taking proactive steps now is the most powerful investment you can make in your future. A modern private medical insurance policy is your ally in this journey, providing the tools, incentives, and fast-track access to care you need to build and protect your foundational vitality.

Don't wait for a health scare to force your hand. Let the expert, FCA-authorised team at WeCovr help you navigate your options and find the perfect private health cover to shield your wellbeing and prosperity.

Get your free, no-obligation PMI quote from WeCovr today.


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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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