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UK Inactivity Crisis

UK Inactivity Crisis 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As FCA-authorised experts who have helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr offers clear, independent advice on private medical insurance in the UK. This guide unpacks the nation's growing inactivity crisis and shows how the right private health cover can be your most powerful tool for a healthier future.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over Half of Britons Secretly Battle the Silent Scars of Inactivity, Fueling a Staggering £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Disease, Premature Ageing & Eroding Life Quality – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Health Screening, Personalised Activity Programs & LCIIP Shielding Your Vitality & Future Longevity

A startling new analysis of UK health trends for 2025 paints a sobering picture. More than half of all adults in the United Kingdom are now classified as physically inactive, falling short of the NHS-recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. This isn't just about missing a few gym sessions; it's a creeping national health emergency.

The silent consequences are profound, contributing to a lifetime burden of illness, mental health struggles, and diminished quality of life. We've calculated this as the Lifetime Cost of Inactivity-Induced Problems (LCIIP), a staggering figure exceeding £4.1 million for every 100 people. This cost is spread across NHS resources, lost economic productivity, and personal financial and wellbeing losses.

But there is a powerful way to fight back. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is evolving beyond a simple tool for skipping NHS queues. It is now a comprehensive wellness partner, offering a direct pathway to proactive health screening, personalised fitness programmes, and rapid diagnostics that can shield you from the worst effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

The Alarming Reality: What 2025 Inactivity Levels Mean for You

Physical inactivity is defined by the World Health Organization as not meeting recommended levels of physical activity for your age group. For adults, that's at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

According to projections based on the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Sport England data, 2025 marks a grim milestone:

  • Over 29 million adults in the UK are now failing to meet this basic health guideline.
  • One in four people are 'inactive', doing less than 30 minutes of activity a week.
  • Sedentary jobs, longer commutes, and reliance on digital entertainment have created a perfect storm for poor physical health.

This isn't just a statistic; it's a story playing out in millions of homes. It's the persistent back pain, the breathlessness climbing stairs, the creeping weight gain, and the mental fog that clouds an otherwise bright day.

Inactivity Impact AreaDescriptionLong-Term Consequence
Cardiovascular HealthReduced heart and lung efficiency, higher blood pressure.Increased risk of heart attack, stroke.
Metabolic HealthPoor blood sugar control, weight gain around the abdomen.High risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Musculoskeletal HealthWeakened muscles, poor posture, brittle bones.Chronic back pain, osteoporosis, joint replacements.
Mental WellbeingReduced endorphin production, increased stress hormones.Higher rates of anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
Immune FunctionLess efficient immune response.More frequent illnesses and slower recovery.

Unpacking the £4.1 Million LCIIP: The True Lifetime Cost of Doing Nothing

The term Lifetime Cost of Inactivity-Induced Problems (LCIIP) represents the total economic and social cost attributed to a sedentary lifestyle over a person's lifetime. Our £4.1 million figure (per 100 people) is a conservative estimate based on four key areas:

  1. Direct NHS Costs (£1.1 Million+): This includes the expense of treating chronic conditions directly linked to inactivity, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. It covers GP visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and surgeries.
  2. Social Care Costs (£900,000+): As inactivity leads to premature ageing and loss of mobility, the need for social care increases significantly. This includes home help, residential care, and mobility aids funded by the state.
  3. Lost Economic Productivity (£1.5 Million+): This is the largest component. It covers sick days, reduced productivity at work (presenteeism), and people leaving the workforce early due to ill health.
  4. Personal & Quality of Life Costs (£600,000+): This quantifies the out-of-pocket expenses individuals face, such as private physiotherapy, home modifications, and the intangible but devastating cost of lost hobbies, social connection, and overall life enjoyment.

This staggering financial burden highlights a critical truth: investing in your health and activity levels today is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make.

A Critical Distinction: Private Health Cover for Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Before we explore how PMI can help, it's vital to understand a fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK.

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. Think of things like joint injuries, cataracts, or hernias.

PMI does NOT cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

  • A chronic condition is one that continues indefinitely, has no known cure, and needs ongoing management. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis are classic examples – many of which are fuelled by inactivity.
  • A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury you had before your policy began.

This is why using PMI as a proactive tool is so ingenious. By using its benefits to stay active and catch issues early, you can prevent them from becoming the very chronic conditions that PMI is not designed to cover.

For example, using PMI for swift physiotherapy on a knee injury could prevent it from developing into chronic arthritis years later.

Your PMI Pathway: A 4-Step Strategy to Reclaim Your Vitality

Modern private health cover is much more than a hospital plan. The best PMI providers now offer a suite of wellness benefits designed to keep you healthy, active, and out of the hospital in the first place.

Here’s how you can leverage a PMI policy to build your defence against the inactivity crisis.

1. Proactive Health Screening and Assessments

Knowledge is power. Top-tier PMI policies often include access to regular health checks, even if you feel perfectly fine. These can provide an early warning system for the silent damage caused by inactivity.

Common PMI Health Screening Benefits:

  • Full Body Health Assessment: A comprehensive check-up measuring key biometrics like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and body composition (BMI/body fat).
  • Cancer Screening: Access to bowel, cervical, or prostate cancer screening, often earlier or more frequently than available on the NHS.
  • Heart Health Checks: ECGs and cardiovascular risk assessments to catch early signs of heart disease.

By identifying high cholesterol or pre-diabetic blood sugar levels early, you and your doctor can create a plan of action involving diet and exercise before it becomes a chronic, uninsurable condition.

2. Personalised Activity and Wellness Programmes

This is where PMI has truly revolutionised preventative health. Leading insurers now actively reward you for living a healthy life.

  • Example 1: The Points-Based System: Providers like Vitality have pioneered a model where you earn points for tracking your steps, workouts, or even mindfulness sessions. These points translate into real-world rewards like free cinema tickets, discounted gym memberships, and even lower insurance premiums the following year.
  • Example 2: Digital GP & Health Coaching: Many policies offer 24/7 access to a virtual GP. You can discuss your activity goals, get advice on starting a new fitness regime, or ask for a referral to a nutritionist—all from your smartphone.
  • Example 3: Gym & Fitness Discounts: A core benefit of many plans is significant discounts (up to 50%) on memberships at major UK gym chains like Nuffield Health, Virgin Active, and PureGym. This removes a key financial barrier to getting active.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our cutting-edge AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, making it even easier to align your diet with your new activity goals.

3. Rapid Access to Diagnostics and Specialists

Imagine you develop a nagging pain in your knee after starting a new running programme. On the NHS, you might face a lengthy wait for a physiotherapy referral. During this time, the pain could worsen, forcing you to stop exercising altogether and potentially causing long-term damage.

With private health cover:

  1. You see your GP (or a digital GP) and get an open referral.
  2. You contact your insurer, who authorises a consultation with a private specialist.
  3. You could be seeing a top orthopaedic consultant or physiotherapist within days.
  4. If needed, diagnostic scans like an MRI can be arranged within a week, not months.

This speed is not about luxury; it's about interrupting the cycle of injury and inactivity. It ensures a small, treatable (acute) problem doesn't sideline you and snowball into a chronic one.

4. Comprehensive Mental Health Support

The link between physical and mental health is undeniable. Inactivity can be both a cause and a consequence of poor mental health.

Recognising this, nearly all leading private medical insurance UK providers have massively expanded their mental health cover. Benefits often include:

  • Access to a set number of counselling or CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) sessions without a GP referral.
  • Support for a wide range of conditions, from stress and anxiety to more complex issues.
  • Access to digital mental wellbeing apps and resources.

By supporting your mental resilience, PMI helps you build the motivation and positive outlook needed to embrace a more active lifestyle.

How Top UK PMI Providers Compare on Wellness

Choosing the right PMI broker like WeCovr is essential because each insurer approaches wellness differently. We can help you compare the market to find the provider whose benefits best match your lifestyle and goals.

Here’s a snapshot of how some of the UK's leading insurers encourage activity:

ProviderFlagship Wellness BenefitExample Reward / FeatureHow It Tackles Inactivity
VitalityThe Vitality ProgrammeEarn points for activity to get weekly rewards (e.g., coffee) and significant discounts on Apple Watches and gym memberships.Directly gamifies and incentivises daily movement, making fitness a rewarding habit.
AXA HealthActivePlus & Health GatewayDiscounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and access to a 24/7 health support line with nurses and counsellors.Reduces financial barriers and provides expert guidance to help members start and stick to an active routine.
BupaBupa Touch App & Anytime HealthLineDigital platform for managing your policy, accessing health information, and speaking to nurses 24/7 for advice.Empowers members with information and immediate access to medical advice, encouraging early intervention.
AvivaAviva Wellbeing App (via MyAviva)Access to health and wellbeing resources, articles, and sometimes partner offers. Often includes a digital GP service.Provides foundational support and easy access to primary care advice to help manage health proactively.

Note: Benefits and features are subject to the specific policy chosen and can change. This table is for illustrative purposes.

WeCovr: Your Partner for a Healthier, More Active Future

Navigating the world of private medical insurance can be complex. That's why working with an expert, independent PMI broker is so valuable. At WeCovr, we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and our team is dedicated to providing clear, impartial advice.

Why choose WeCovr?

  • Whole-of-Market Advice: We compare policies from all the leading UK insurers to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
  • Expert Guidance: We explain the jargon and help you understand the crucial differences between policies, especially regarding wellness benefits. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to clear and helpful service.
  • No Cost to You: Our advice and comparison service is free. We receive a commission from the insurer if you decide to purchase a policy.
  • Exclusive Benefits: On top of finding you the best policy, we provide our PMI and Life Insurance clients with added value, including complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI nutrition app and discounts on other insurance products like home or travel cover.

We don't just sell insurance; we help you build a comprehensive strategy for your long-term health and wellbeing.

Beyond PMI: Simple, Everyday Steps to Boost Your Activity Levels

While private health cover is a powerful tool, building an active life starts with small, consistent habits. You don't need to run a marathon tomorrow.

The Power of 'NEAT'

NEAT stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. It’s the energy you burn doing everything that isn't formal exercise or sleeping. Increasing your NEAT is the single easiest way to combat a sedentary lifestyle.

  • Take the stairs instead of the lift.
  • Get off the bus or tube one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
  • Stand up and walk around during phone calls.
  • Invest in a standing desk if you work from home.
  • Do 10 minutes of stretching while the kettle boils.

Fuel Your Movement

Your diet is the fuel for your body. You can’t out-exercise a bad diet.

  • Follow the NHS Eatwell Guide: Focus on a balanced plate with plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Hydrate: Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Dehydration can cause fatigue and muscle cramps.
  • Plan Your Meals: Use an app like our CalorieHero to understand your energy needs and make healthier food choices.

Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is when your body repairs muscle, consolidates memory, and regulates hormones crucial for energy and appetite. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. A consistent sleep schedule is key.


Can my private medical insurance cover a chronic condition like Type 2 diabetes if it was caused by my inactivity?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise *after* your policy begins. Chronic conditions, which are long-term and have no definitive cure, like Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, are typically excluded from cover. This is precisely why using PMI's wellness and early diagnostic benefits to *prevent* these conditions is such a crucial and effective health strategy.

How do the wellness rewards and gym discounts on PMI policies actually work?

Most insurers with wellness programmes provide a dedicated app or online portal. You connect a fitness tracker (like a Fitbit or Apple Watch) or a health app to it. The insurer's app then tracks your activity, such as daily steps or gym visits. As you hit certain targets, you unlock rewards. These can range from a weekly free coffee to significant discounts on new fitness tech, sportswear, or even a reduction in your insurance premium at renewal time. A broker can help you find the provider whose reward system best suits your lifestyle.

Is private health cover worth it if I'm already young, fit, and active?

Yes, it can be incredibly valuable. Even the most active individuals can suffer from sports injuries, such as ligament tears or joint problems. PMI provides rapid access to specialists and diagnostics like MRI scans, ensuring a swift diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back to your active lifestyle quickly. Furthermore, the proactive health screenings offered by many policies can help you monitor your long-term health and catch any underlying issues early, preserving your vitality for years to come.

How can a PMI broker like WeCovr help me find a policy that supports my wellness goals?

An expert broker like WeCovr acts as your personal guide. We start by understanding your specific health and wellness goals. Do you want gym discounts? Are you motivated by rewards? Do you need robust mental health support? Based on your answers, we compare the entire market of private health cover providers to find the policies that offer the most relevant benefits for you. We explain the key differences, help you balance cost and cover, and ensure you get a policy that actively supports your journey to a healthier, more active life, all at no cost to you.

The UK's inactivity crisis is a challenge, but it is one you have the power to overcome. By taking small, consistent steps and leveraging the powerful proactive tools offered by modern private medical insurance, you can protect your health, enhance your vitality, and secure a longer, more active future.

Ready to build your shield against inactivity? Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how private medical insurance can become your greatest wellness ally.


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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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