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UK Inactivity Crisis 7 in 10 Working Britons At Risk

UK Inactivity Crisis 7 in 10 Working Britons At Risk 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with experience in over 800,000 policies, WeCovr offers clear guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This article unpacks the nation's inactivity crisis and explains how the right health cover can provide a vital pathway to protecting your long-term health and financial security.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 7 in 10 Working Britons Secretly Battle Chronic Inactivity, Fueling a Staggering £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Early Onset Chronic Diseases, Reduced Productivity & Eroding Retirement Security – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Health Optimisation, Specialised Rehabilitation & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Longevity

A silent crisis is unfolding across the UK's workforce. New analysis, based on projections from leading UK health bodies, reveals a startling picture for 2025: more than 70% of working-age Britons are not meeting the NHS-recommended guidelines for physical activity. This epidemic of "chronic inactivity" is not just about missing a few gym sessions; it's a hidden threat that is quietly paving the way for a tsunami of early-onset chronic diseases.

The consequences are devastating, both for individual health and national prosperity. This widespread sedentary behaviour is directly linked to a lifetime financial burden that can exceed £4.2 million for a group of just 100 individuals, driven by:

  • Early Onset Chronic Diseases: Increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Reduced Productivity: Higher rates of sickness absence and "presenteeism" (working while unwell) are costing the UK economy billions.
  • Eroding Retirement Security: Ill health forces many into early retirement, drastically reducing their pension pots and long-term financial stability.

But there is a clear path forward. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is evolving beyond a simple reactive measure. It is now a proactive tool for health optimisation, offering rapid access to diagnostics, specialised rehabilitation, and wellness benefits that empower you to take control. Understanding your options, from comprehensive plans to cost-effective LCIIP (Limited Cancer & Inpatient Included Plans), is the first step in shielding your vitality and securing your future.

The Silent Epidemic: Unpacking the UK's Inactivity Crisis

The term "inactive" might conjure images of someone who never leaves the sofa, but the reality is far broader and affects millions of hardworking people. The official NHS guidelines are clear: adults aged 19 to 64 should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity a week.

"Moderate intensity" means you're breathing faster but can still hold a conversation. Think of a brisk walk, cycling on a flat surface, or pushing a lawnmower. "Vigorous intensity" means you're breathing hard and fast, and can only speak a few words at a time. This includes activities like running, swimming laps, or playing football.

Based on the latest data from sources like Sport England's Active Lives Survey, the situation in 2025 looks stark:

Activity Level CategoryDefinition (Minutes of Moderate Activity/Week)Estimated % of UK Working Adults (2025)
Active150+ minutes29%
Fairly Active30 - 149 minutes42%
InactiveLess than 30 minutes29%

Source: Projections based on Sport England and Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.

When you combine the 'Inactive' and 'Fairly Active' groups, you see the scale of the problem: over 7 in 10 working Britons are falling short of the activity levels needed for optimal health. The shift to hybrid working, longer commutes for some, and the rising cost of living have created a perfect storm, making it harder than ever to prioritise physical movement.

The Domino Effect: How a Sedentary Life Erodes Your Health and Wealth

Sitting is often called the new smoking, and for good reason. A prolonged lack of physical activity triggers a cascade of negative health consequences that can dramatically impact your quality of life and financial wellbeing.

1. The Health Toll: A Gateway to Chronic Disease

Your body is designed to move. When it doesn't, critical systems begin to decline.

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Inactivity impairs your body's ability to regulate blood sugar, a primary driver of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. The NHS currently spends around 10% of its entire budget on treating diabetes.
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Regular activity strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves cholesterol levels. Inactivity does the opposite, significantly raising your risk of heart attacks and strokes. The British Heart Foundation estimates that healthcare costs related to heart and circulatory diseases are around £9 billion per year in the UK.
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders: Desk-based work and a lack of movement lead to weak core muscles, poor posture, and chronic back and neck pain. These are leading causes of long-term sickness absence in the UK.
  • Certain Cancers: A sedentary lifestyle is linked to an increased risk of bowel, breast, and womb cancers.
  • Mental Health Decline: Physical activity is a powerful antidepressant and anxiety-reducer. Inactivity is strongly associated with higher rates of depression and cognitive decline.

2. The Financial Burden: The £4.2 Million+ Black Hole

The cost of inactivity is not just physical. It creates a significant financial drain on individuals, businesses, and the nation. The £4.2 million figure represents the potential lifetime burden for a group of 100 individuals who develop early-onset chronic conditions due to inactivity.

Let's break down how these costs accumulate:

Cost CategoryDescriptionExample Individual Lifetime Impact
Direct Healthcare CostsPrescriptions, specialist appointments, potential therapies not fully covered by the NHS.A person with Type 2 diabetes can incur thousands in lifetime costs for medication, monitoring, and specialist care.
Lost Earnings (Sickness)Days off work due to illness, particularly for musculoskeletal pain or recovery from a cardiac event.The average UK worker takes 7.8 sick days per year (ONS, 2023), a figure significantly higher for those with chronic conditions.
Reduced Productivity"Presenteeism" – working while ill at a lower capacity. Estimated to cost UK businesses twice as much as sickness absence.An employee with chronic back pain may be 30-40% less productive, impacting performance and career progression.
Eroded Pension & SavingsBeing forced into early retirement due to ill health can slash a pension pot by tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.Retiring 5 years early could reduce a final defined contribution pension pot by over 25%.
Social Care CostsFuture need for assistance with daily living due to mobility issues or severe health complications.The cost of a care home place in the UK can exceed £50,000 per year.

When you multiply these individual costs across a cohort of people, the societal and personal financial impact quickly runs into millions, silently sabotaging long-term security.

Your Proactive Defence: The Role of Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

While the NHS provides excellent emergency care, it is under immense pressure, with waiting lists for diagnostics and elective treatments at record highs. This is where private medical insurance UK steps in, not as a replacement for the NHS, but as a complementary partner in your health journey.

It allows you to bypass these queues and get the expert attention you need, when you need it.

Critical Point: PMI is for Acute Conditions

It is vital to understand a core principle of UK private health insurance: standard policies do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. A chronic condition is one that is long-term and requires ongoing management, like diabetes or asthma. A pre-existing condition is any ailment you had symptoms or treatment for before your policy began.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions – diseases or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery, such as joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.

The power of PMI in the context of the inactivity crisis is its ability to intervene early. It helps you address the acute problems that arise from a sedentary lifestyle (like a bad back, a torn ligament, or early signs of heart trouble) before they escalate into irreversible chronic conditions.

Beyond the Basics: How Modern PMI Policies Support a Proactive Lifestyle

The best PMI providers today are not just waiting for you to get sick. They are actively investing in keeping you well. Modern policies are packed with proactive benefits designed to help you combat inactivity and build a healthier life.

  • Wellness and Prevention Programmes: Many top insurers offer substantial discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers (like Fitbit or Garmin), and regular health screenings. This incentivises you to get active and provides a clear picture of your current health status.
  • Rapid Access to Diagnostics: A persistent niggle in your knee? Worried about a back twinge? With PMI, you can often see a specialist and get an MRI or CT scan within days, not months. This allows for early diagnosis and treatment, preventing a minor issue from becoming a major one.
  • Specialised Rehabilitation: Fast access to high-quality physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic care is a cornerstone of most PMI plans. This is crucial for treating the musculoskeletal strains that are so common in a sedentary workforce.
  • Digital Health Tools: Policies often include access to digital GP services (24/7 video consultations), mental health support apps (like Headspace or Unmind), and nutritional advice platforms.
  • Rewarding Healthy Behaviour: Some insurers, like Vitality, have built their entire model around rewarding you for being active. By tracking your steps or workouts, you can earn points that lead to lower premiums, free cinema tickets, or coffee vouchers.

At WeCovr, we help our clients find policies that do more than just pay the bills. We also provide our life and health insurance clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to further support their wellness journey.

Shielding Your Future: Understanding LCIIP and Core PMI Options

Choosing a private health cover plan can feel overwhelming, but it boils down to matching the level of cover to your needs and budget. An expert PMI broker can be invaluable here.

Here's a simple overview of common policy types:

Policy TypeWhat it Typically CoversBest For
Comprehensive PlanInpatient, day-patient, and outpatient diagnostics and treatment. Often includes therapies, mental health, and alternative medicine.Individuals or families wanting the highest level of reassurance and access to the widest range of treatments.
Standard / Core PlanInpatient and day-patient treatment as standard. Outpatient cover is often an optional add-on.A solid mid-range option providing excellent cover for major medical events without the cost of a fully comprehensive plan.
LCIIP / Basic PlanLimited Cancer & Inpatient Included Plan. Focuses on the big-ticket items: hospital stays, surgery, and comprehensive cancer care. Outpatient cover is usually excluded or very limited.Those on a tighter budget who want a safety net against the most serious and costly medical conditions.

An LCIIP is an excellent entry point into the world of private medical insurance. It provides peace of mind that should you need major surgery or cancer treatment, you will have access to the private sector's speed and choice, without paying for benefits you may not need.

Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Vitality (Supported by Your PMI)

Breaking the cycle of inactivity doesn't require a dramatic overhaul of your life. Small, consistent changes can have a profound impact. Here’s how you can start today, using the tools your PMI policy may provide.

  1. Find Movement You Enjoy: You're more likely to stick with an activity if you love it.

    • Action: Try a dance class, join a local walking group, take up swimming, or explore countryside trails.
    • PMI Power-Up: Use your gym membership discount to try out different classes at a local fitness centre.

  2. Make Your Workday More Active: Combat the "desk-bound" effect.

    • Action: Set a timer to stand up and stretch every 30 minutes. Take walking meetings. Use the stairs instead of the lift. Do simple desk exercises like calf raises or shoulder rolls.
    • PMI Power-Up: If you develop back pain, use your PMI for a swift physiotherapy assessment to get targeted exercises and prevent it from becoming chronic.

  3. Fuel Your Body Correctly: Your diet is just as important as exercise.

    • Action: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Stay hydrated with water. Reduce processed foods, sugar, and excessive alcohol.
    • WeCovr Bonus: Use your complimentary access to the CalorieHero app to track your nutrition and make healthier choices effortlessly.

  4. Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is when your body repairs and recovers.

    • Action: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, and ensure your bedroom is dark and cool.
    • PMI Power-Up: If you're struggling with stress or anxiety that's affecting your sleep, use your policy's mental health support line or digital CBT service.

The UK private medical insurance market is complex, with dozens of providers and hundreds of policy combinations. Trying to navigate it alone can be confusing and time-consuming. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr becomes your most valuable asset.

  • Whole-of-Market Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies from across the market to find the one that truly fits your life and budget.
  • Expert Guidance at No Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert, unbiased advice without any extra fees.
  • We Speak Your Language: We explain complex terms like "moratorium underwriting" and "6-week wait option" in plain English, ensuring you are fully informed.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: Our clients consistently rate us highly for our clear, professional, and friendly service.
  • Added Value: When you purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us, we offer discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance, providing even greater value.

Don't let the threat of inactivity dictate your future. Take the first proactive step today.


Will my private medical insurance premium go up if I claim?

Generally, yes. Like car insurance, your premium is likely to increase at renewal if you've made a claim. Most insurers operate a No Claims Discount (NCD) system, where you earn a discount for each year you don't claim, up to a maximum level. Making a claim will typically reduce your NCD level, leading to a higher premium the following year. However, the increase is usually far less than the cost of the private treatment you received.

Can I get private health cover if I have a pre-existing condition?

Yes, you can still get a policy, but it's crucial to understand that the pre-existing condition itself, and any related ailments, will be excluded from cover. UK PMI is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after you join. When you apply, you will either go through 'Full Medical Underwriting' (declaring your history upfront) or 'Moratorium' underwriting, where any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the last 5 years is automatically excluded for an initial period (usually 2 years).

What is the '6-week wait' option and how does it affect my PMI?

The '6-week wait' option is a popular way to reduce the cost of your premium. If you include this option, it means that if the NHS can provide the inpatient treatment you need within six weeks of you being placed on a waiting list, you will use the NHS. If the NHS waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private medical insurance policy will activate, and you can proceed with private treatment. It's a pragmatic compromise that provides a private safety net for long waits while keeping costs down.

Take control of your health narrative. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how the right private health cover can shield your vitality and secure your 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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