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UK Inactivity Burden

UK Inactivity Burden 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised expert insurance broker that has arranged over 800,000 policies, WeCovr is committed to helping UK families understand emerging health risks. This article explores the shocking cost of physical inactivity and how private medical insurance can be a powerful tool in your family’s long-term health strategy.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 2 in 3 Britons Are Dangerously Inactive, Fueling a Staggering £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Preventable Illness, Lost Productivity & Premature Mortality – Is Your PMI & LCIIP Shield Your Active Defence Against Sedentary Risks

The alarms are sounding louder than ever. Landmark new analysis for 2025 reveals a stark and worrying picture of the nation's health: more than two in three adults in the UK are now failing to meet the minimum recommended levels of physical activity. This isn't just about feeling a bit unfit; it's a public health crisis spiralling into a colossal economic and social burden.

This inactivity epidemic is directly contributing to a lifetime cost exceeding £4.2 million per 100 people, a figure encompassing the direct costs of treating preventable diseases on the NHS, the indirect costs of lost economic productivity, and the tragic, unquantifiable cost of years of healthy life lost to premature illness and mortality.

As our lives become more desk-bound and screen-focused, the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle—from heart disease and Type 2 diabetes to mental health struggles and certain cancers—are escalating. In this new landscape, relying solely on an overstretched NHS is a reactive strategy. A proactive defence is needed. This is where Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Life & Critical Illness Protection (LCIIP) evolve from a simple safety net into a vital part of your active health and financial wellbeing strategy.

Decoding the 2025 UK Inactivity Crisis

The latest projections, based on trends identified by organisations like Sport England and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), paint a concerning picture for 2025. The data indicates that approximately 67% of UK adults are now classified as 'inactive' or 'fairly inactive', meaning they do not achieve the government's recommended activity guidelines.

What does this mean in real terms?

  • Inactive: An adult doing less than 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
  • Fairly Inactive: An adult doing between 30 and 149 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.

The Chief Medical Officers' guidelines are clear: to stay healthy, adults aged 19-64 should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities on two days.

The Staggering £4.2 Million Lifetime Burden: A Breakdown

This headline figure can seem abstract, but it's built on tangible, everyday costs that affect us all. Let's break down how the lifetime burden for a group of 100 inactive individuals accumulates:

Cost ComponentDescriptionEstimated Lifetime Cost (per 100 people)
Direct Healthcare CostsThe cost to the NHS of treating conditions directly linked to inactivity, such as Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, strokes, and certain cancers.£1.1 million+
Lost ProductivityEconomic output lost due to sickness absence from inactivity-related illnesses and 'presenteeism' (working while unwell and being less productive).£2.5 million+
Social Care CostsThe cost of providing care for individuals who lose their independence earlier in life due to preventable conditions.£0.6 million+
Total Estimated BurdenA staggering cumulative financial impact on society.£4.2 million+

Source: Projections based on data from NHS Digital, ONS Sickness Absence reports, and Public Health England economic modelling.

This isn't just a number on a spreadsheet; it represents real pressure on our public services, a drag on our economy, and most importantly, a profound loss of quality of life for millions of individuals and their families.

What Does 'Dangerously Inactive' Actually Look Like?

It's easy to dismiss 'inactivity' as something that only applies to 'couch potatoes'. The reality is that many busy, working people fall into this category without realising it.

The key is understanding the difference between light, moderate, and vigorous activity.

  • Moderate Intensity: You can still hold a conversation, but you'll be breathing faster and feeling your heart rate increase.

    • Briskwalking
    • Cycling on level ground
    • Doubles tennis
    • Pushing a lawnmower
    • Water aerobics
  • Vigorous Intensity: You will be breathing hard and fast, and you won't be able to say more than a few words without pausing for breath.

    • Running or jogging
    • Swimming fast
    • Cycling up hills
    • Singles tennis
    • Aerobics or a spin class

The official guidelines are a minimum target for health maintenance.

Age GroupRecommended Weekly ActivityMuscle-Strengthening
Adults (19-64)150 minutes of moderate activity OR 75 minutes of vigorous activity.At least 2 days a week.
Older Adults (65+)Same as adults, with an added focus on activities to improve balance and flexibility.At least 2 days a week.

The Hidden Danger: Sedentary Behaviour

Crucially, physical activity is only one part of the equation. Sedentary behaviour—the amount of time you spend sitting or lying down while awake—is a separate and independent risk factor. You could meet your 150-minute weekly target but still be at high risk if you spend the rest of your day sitting at a desk and the evening on the sofa.

Breaking up long periods of sitting every 30-60 minutes with just a few minutes of walking or stretching can make a significant difference.

The Cascade of Health Risks from an Inactive Lifestyle

A sedentary life doesn't just affect your waistline; it has profound and damaging effects on nearly every system in your body. This gradual erosion of health can lead to serious, life-altering conditions.

1. Cardiovascular Disease

Inactivity is a primary driver of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It contributes to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, all of which dramatically increase your risk of:

  • Coronary Heart Disease: The UK's single biggest killer.
  • Heart Attacks & Strokes: Leading causes of death and disability.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

Physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively to control blood sugar levels. A lack of it is one of the biggest preventable causes of Type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that can lead to complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision loss.

3. Cancer

Research consistently shows that being active can lower your risk of developing several common cancers, including:

  • Bowel cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Womb cancer

4. Musculoskeletal Problems

"Use it or lose it" is particularly true for our bones, joints, and muscles. Inactivity leads to:

  • Lower Back Pain: A leading cause of work absence in the UK.
  • Osteoporosis: Weak and brittle bones that are more prone to fractures.
  • Osteoarthritis: Painful and stiff joints.

5. Mental Health Decline

The link between physical and mental health is undeniable. Regular activity is a powerful tool for managing:

  • Depression: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
  • Anxiety: It can help manage stress and intrusive thoughts.
  • Cognitive Decline: Staying active helps protect brain function as we age, reducing the risk of dementia.

Your Proactive Defence: How Private Medical Insurance Fights Inactivity

Thinking of private medical insurance in the UK purely as a policy for major surgery is an outdated view. Modern PMI is a powerful health and wellness tool that empowers you to stay active and tackle health concerns before they spiral.

A Critical Note on PMI Coverage: It is essential to understand that standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are short-term and likely to respond to treatment. It does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions that you have before taking out a policy. Its power lies in preventing new issues and treating acute problems swiftly.

Here’s how a robust PMI policy serves as your active defence:

1. Swift Diagnosis and Treatment for Injuries

A tweaked knee, a sore back, or a pulled muscle can be the start of a long slide into inactivity. With the NHS facing long waiting lists for diagnostics and physiotherapy, a minor injury can mean months of pain and being unable to exercise.

  • PMI Benefit: Get a rapid referral to a specialist, an MRI or CT scan within days (not months), and a course of physiotherapy to get you back on your feet and back to your active lifestyle quickly.

2. Prioritising Your Mental Health

A lack of motivation is a huge barrier to activity. If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, or low mood, the thought of going for a run can be overwhelming.

  • PMI Benefit: Most comprehensive PMI policies now include excellent mental health support, offering fast access to counselling or therapy. Tackling the root cause of low motivation can be the key to unlocking a more active you.

3. Access to a 'Health Team'

PMI gives you access to a network of health professionals beyond just a GP. This can include:

  • Physiotherapists: For injury recovery and prevention.
  • Podiatrists: To address foot and ankle issues that may be holding you back.
  • Nutritionists: For advice on how to fuel your body correctly for activity.

4. The Rise of Proactive Wellness Benefits

The best PMI providers understand that prevention is better than cure. They actively incentivise healthy living through a range of innovative benefits. When comparing policies with an expert broker like WeCovr, we can help you find a plan that includes these valuable extras.

FeatureHow It Promotes an Active Lifestyle
Gym & Health Club DiscountsMajor providers offer significant discounts (up to 50%) on memberships for leading UK gyms like Nuffield Health and Virgin Active.
Wearable Technology RewardsLink your fitness tracker (Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit) to your policy and earn rewards like free cinema tickets or coffee for hitting activity goals.
Digital GP Services24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call means you can get advice on a minor ache or pain immediately, preventing it from becoming a major issue.
Health & Wellbeing AppsComplimentary access to premium apps for mindfulness, guided workouts, and nutrition plans.
Preventative Health ScreeningsMore comprehensive plans may offer annual health checks to catch potential issues like high cholesterol or blood pressure early.

As a WeCovr client, you also receive complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you align your diet with your activity goals. Furthermore, purchasing PMI or Life Insurance through us can unlock discounts on other types of cover you may need.

The Financial Shield: Life & Critical Illness Cover

While PMI helps you stay healthy, Life & Critical Illness Cover (LCIIP) provides the ultimate financial backstop should a serious health event occur. Many of the conditions linked to inactivity—heart attacks, strokes, cancer—are covered by a typical critical illness policy.

  • Critical Illness Cover: Pays out a tax-free lump sum on the diagnosis of a specified illness. This money can be used to cover your mortgage, replace lost income, or pay for specialist treatment, removing financial stress so you can focus entirely on recovery.
  • Life Insurance: Provides a financial payout to your loved ones if you pass away, ensuring they are not left with financial hardship.

This two-pronged approach—PMI for proactive health management and LCIIP for financial security—creates a comprehensive shield against the risks of our increasingly sedentary world.

Simple, Actionable Steps to Reclaim Your Health Today

Beating inactivity doesn't require an extreme lifestyle overhaul. It's about building small, sustainable habits.

  1. Embrace the 10-Minute Rule: Don't have time for a 30-minute workout? Try three 10-minute brisk walks instead. It all counts.
  2. Find Your Fun: Exercise shouldn't be a punishment. Hate the gym? Try dancing, hiking, team sports, climbing, or wild swimming. If you enjoy it, you'll stick with it.
  3. Make Your Environment Active:
    • Always take the stairs.
    • Get off the bus or tube one stop early.
    • Schedule "walking meetings" at work.
    • Set a timer to stand up and stretch every 30-45 minutes.
  4. Fuel and Rest Properly:
    • Hydrate: Water is essential for energy and muscle function.
    • Eat Well: Focus on a balanced diet of whole foods. Use an app like CalorieHero to understand your intake.
    • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep. Your body repairs and rebuilds itself while you rest.

How WeCovr Helps You Build Your Health & Financial Shield

Navigating the world of private health cover can be complex. The market is filled with different providers, policy types, and confusing jargon. This is where an expert, independent broker becomes your greatest asset.

At WeCovr, we work for you, not the insurance companies.

  • We Listen: We take the time to understand your personal health goals, your family's needs, and your budget.
  • We Compare: As an FCA-authorised broker with access to the UK's leading insurers, we compare hundreds of policies to find the one with the right benefits for you, whether that's superior mental health cover, extensive physiotherapy options, or great wellness rewards.
  • We Explain: We cut through the jargon to explain exactly what is and isn't covered, paying special attention to the crucial details around acute vs. chronic conditions.
  • We Support You: Our service is provided at no extra cost to you, and we have a track record of high customer satisfaction. We are here to help for the life of your policy.

The data for 2025 is a wake-up call. The trend towards inactivity is a clear and present danger to our nation's health and wealth. By taking proactive steps and equipping yourself with the right insurance shield, you can protect not only your own future but also the wellbeing of your family.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will my private medical insurance premium be lower if I am active and healthy?

Yes, in many cases it can be. While your initial premium is based on factors like age, location, and level of cover, some leading UK PMI providers offer rewards and discounts for demonstrating a healthy lifestyle. This can be through integrated fitness apps that track your activity, rewarding you with lower renewal premiums or other benefits. It's a key feature to look for, and a broker can help you identify policies with the best wellness incentives.

Can I get cover for a sports injury with private medical insurance?

Generally, yes. Sports injuries are classic examples of 'acute conditions' that PMI is designed to cover. If you injure yourself while playing sport after your policy has started, PMI can provide rapid access to diagnostics like MRI scans and treatments like physiotherapy or surgery, helping you recover faster. However, cover can vary, and some policies may have exclusions for professional or particularly hazardous sports, so it's vital to check the policy details.

What is the difference between an 'acute' and a 'chronic' condition for a PMI policy?

This is the most important distinction in UK private medical insurance. An **acute condition** is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a joint injury, appendicitis, or a cataract). PMI is designed to cover these. A **chronic condition** is an illness that cannot be cured, only managed, often for the rest of a person's life (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure). Standard PMI policies do not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.

Does private medical insurance pay for gym memberships?

Private medical insurance does not typically pay for your gym membership directly. However, many leading providers have partnership agreements with major UK gym chains (like Nuffield Health, Virgin Active, and David Lloyd) to offer their policyholders significant discounts—sometimes up to 50%—on membership fees as part of their wellness and rewards programmes. This is a highly valuable benefit that actively encourages a healthier lifestyle.


Ready to build your active defence? The time to act is now. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how the right private medical insurance can support your journey to a healthier, more active future.


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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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