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UK Inactivity Crisis Half Britons at Risk

UK Inactivity Crisis Half Britons at Risk 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr is at the forefront of the UK’s health challenges. This article unpacks the national inactivity crisis, explaining how private medical insurance can be your first line of defence in protecting your long-term health and productivity.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 7 in 10 Working Britons Secretly Face the Silent Killer of Sedentary Living, Fueling a Staggering £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Debilitating Chronic Pain, Metabolic Disease, Cardiovascular Illness & Premature Ageing – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Health Screening, Personalised Exercise Protocols & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Productivity

The numbers are in, and they paint a stark picture of modern British life. A silent epidemic is unfolding not in our hospitals, but in our homes, offices, and cars. New analysis for 2025, based on the latest data from Sport England and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), reveals a deeply concerning trend: more than half of all UK adults are not meeting the NHS-recommended levels of physical activity.

Worse still, for the nation's workforce, the problem is intensified. Over 70% of working-age Britons are now classified as sedentary or insufficiently active. This prolonged inactivity is more than just a bad habit; it's a silent killer. It acts as a primary catalyst for a cascade of debilitating health issues, from chronic back pain and Type 2 diabetes to heart disease and certain cancers.

The cumulative cost is staggering. The £4.1 million figure represents the projected lifetime economic burden for a cohort of just 100 individuals who develop serious, inactivity-related chronic conditions. This includes direct NHS costs, private treatment, lost earnings from sick days and reduced productivity, and the need for long-term social care. For an individual, the financial and personal toll can be devastating.

This is where proactive health management becomes not a luxury, but a necessity. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is evolving from a simple tool for treating illness into a comprehensive system for preserving your health, vitality, and future productivity. It offers a clear pathway to early detection, personalised treatment, and the expert support you need to fight back against the dangers of a sedentary life.

The Anatomy of a Crisis: Why Are We So Inactive?

To understand the solution, we must first dissect the problem. The decline in physical activity is a complex issue woven into the fabric of 21st-century living.

  • The Desk-Bound Workforce: ONS data shows a significant shift towards service-based, office jobs. Millions of us spend eight hours or more per day sitting at a desk, followed by a seated commute.
  • The "Convenience" Economy: From online shopping to food delivery apps, modern life is engineered to minimise physical exertion.
  • Digital Dominance: Leisure time is increasingly spent on screens—streaming services, social media, and gaming—rather than engaging in active hobbies.
  • Post-Pandemic Habits: While the pandemic spurred some to embrace home workouts, for many, it entrenched remote working habits that blurred the lines between work and rest, often leading to longer, more static days.

According to the latest Health Survey for England, only 60% of men and 52% of women meet the recommended guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. That leaves a vast portion of the population at significant risk.

Age GroupPercentage Meeting Activity Guidelines (Estimate)Common Inactivity Drivers
19-3463%Desk jobs, digital entertainment, long commutes
35-5458%Demanding careers, childcare responsibilities, stress
55-6451%Established sedentary habits, early onset health issues
65+39%Mobility issues, chronic conditions, social isolation

Source: Analysis based on data from Sport England's Active Lives Survey and NHS Digital.

The Devastating Cost of Sitting Still: A Health and Wealth Breakdown

Inactivity is not a passive state; it is an active aggressor against your body and mind. The World Health Organisation identifies it as the fourth-leading risk factor for global mortality. Here’s how it quietly dismantles your health.

1. Metabolic Mayhem

Sitting for prolonged periods disrupts your body's metabolic function. Your ability to regulate blood sugar, process fats, and maintain healthy blood pressure is impaired. This directly fuels:

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Inactivity is a primary driver of insulin resistance, the precursor to full-blown diabetes.
  • Obesity: Burning fewer calories while disrupting metabolic hormones creates a perfect storm for weight gain.

2. Cardiovascular Collapse

Your heart is a muscle; without regular exercise, it weakens. Sedentary behaviour is directly linked to:

  • Coronary Heart Disease: The British Heart Foundation states that being inactive can increase your risk of a heart attack by around 50%.
  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): A leading cause of strokes and heart attacks.
  • Strokes: Inactivity contributes to the build-up of fatty plaques in your arteries, which can lead to life-altering strokes.

3. Musculoskeletal Misery

"Sitting is the new smoking" is a phrase often used in relation to back pain, and for good reason. Lack of movement leads to:

  • Chronic Lower Back Pain: Weak core muscles and poor posture from constant sitting place immense strain on the lumbar spine.
  • Neck and Shoulder Pain: The classic "tech neck" from hunching over screens.
  • Osteoporosis: Weight-bearing exercise is crucial for maintaining bone density. Inactivity accelerates its loss, increasing fracture risk.

4. The Mental Toll

The connection between physical and mental health is undeniable. Inactivity contributes to:

  • Depression and Anxiety: Exercise is a proven mood-booster, releasing endorphins and reducing stress hormones. A lack of it can exacerbate or trigger mental health struggles.
  • Cognitive Decline: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which is vital for memory, focus, and reducing the risk of dementia.

The NHS Under Pressure: A Long and Uncertain Wait

The National Health Service is a national treasure, providing world-class emergency care. However, when it comes to the chronic and elective conditions fuelled by inactivity, the system is under unprecedented strain.

As of 2025, NHS England waiting lists for consultant-led elective care remain stubbornly high, with millions of people waiting for treatment. The wait for diagnostic tests like MRI and CT scans can be months, and the wait for procedures like hip or knee replacements can stretch even longer.

This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a period of prolonged pain, reduced mobility, and potential loss of income. When you're suffering from debilitating back pain, you can't afford to wait six months for a diagnosis and another year for physiotherapy or treatment. This is the gap where private medical insurance UK becomes an invaluable asset.

Your Proactive Defence: How PMI Can Safeguard Your Health

Private health cover is no longer just for emergencies. The best PMI providers now offer a suite of proactive tools and benefits designed to keep you healthy, active, and out of the hospital in the first place.

Here’s how a modern PMI policy can be your partner in fighting the sedentary slide:

  1. Rapid Diagnostics and Specialist Access: If you develop back pain or a joint issue, PMI bypasses the long NHS queues. You can often see a specialist within days and get an MRI or other advanced scan within a week. Early diagnosis prevents an acute issue from becoming a chronic, life-limiting problem.

  2. Personalised Treatment Pathways: PMI policies excel at providing access to therapies that are often rationed on the NHS. This includes:

    • Physiotherapy: Comprehensive courses of treatment to address the root cause of musculoskeletal pain.
    • Osteopathy and Chiropractic Care: Expert hands-on treatment for spinal alignment and joint issues.
    • Podiatry: Addressing foot and gait problems that can cause a chain reaction of pain throughout the body.

  3. Advanced Health Screenings: Many comprehensive policies include regular health screenings. These assessments can detect the early warning signs of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers long before symptoms appear, giving you a crucial head start on prevention.

  4. Incentivised Wellness Programmes: Insurers like Vitality have pioneered a model that actively rewards you for staying healthy. By tracking your activity through a wearable device, you can earn rewards like cinema tickets, coffee, and significant discounts on your insurance premium. This turns health into a positive, engaging game.

  5. Mental Health Support: Recognising the deep link between physical and mental wellbeing, most PMI policies now offer excellent mental health cover. This includes fast access to counsellors, therapists, and psychiatrists, often through convenient digital platforms.

WeCovr Health & Wellness Bonus: When you arrange a PMI policy through us, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's the perfect tool to support your journey towards a healthier diet and lifestyle, working hand-in-hand with the benefits of your health cover.

A Critical Note on PMI Coverage

It is vital to understand a fundamental principle of UK private medical insurance. Standard policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.

  • 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 cataracts).
  • A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires ongoing management (e.g., diabetes, asthma, or arthritis).

PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions or the routine management of chronic conditions. However, it is invaluable for diagnosing symptoms and treating the acute flare-ups of some chronic illnesses, depending on your policy's terms.

Understanding LCIIP: Your Foundational Health Shield

For many, the cost of a fully comprehensive PMI policy can be a barrier. This is where a more focused type of plan, often called a Limited Cancer and Inpatient/In-Day Patient (LCIIP) plan, offers a powerful and affordable solution.

These "core" policies concentrate on the most significant health risks and expensive treatments:

  • Inpatient and Day-Patient Treatment: This covers you for any procedure or treatment that requires a hospital bed, even if just for a day. This includes surgeries, from major heart operations to routine hernia repairs.
  • Comprehensive Cancer Cover: This is the cornerstone of most LCIIP plans. It provides access to the latest cancer drugs and treatments, many of which are not yet available on the NHS due to cost.

An LCIIP plan acts as your ultimate safety net. It shields you from the longest waiting lists and ensures you have access to cutting-edge care for the most serious conditions, all at a much lower monthly premium than a comprehensive policy.

Finding Your Ideal PMI Pathway: A WeCovr Comparison

Navigating the UK private health insurance market can be complex. Each provider offers different benefits, network restrictions, and underwriting options. Using an expert broker like WeCovr ensures you get impartial advice tailored to your specific needs and budget, at no cost to you. We are proud of our high customer satisfaction ratings, which reflect our commitment to finding the right cover for every client.

Here is a simplified overview of what some of the UK's leading PMI providers offer in the fight against inactivity:

ProviderKey Feature / PhilosophyTypical Wellness BenefitsBest For
AXA HealthClinically-led, focusing on expert guidance and extensive treatment pathways.Access to the 'Proactive Health' hub, discounted gym memberships, large hospital network.Individuals seeking comprehensive cover with strong clinical support.
AvivaFlexible and trusted, with a strong focus on digital GP access and mental health.'Get Active' discounts on fitness equipment and gym memberships, stress counselling helpline.Families and those who value digital convenience and strong mental health support.
BupaOne of the UK's most recognised health brands, offering a wide range of plans and its own facilities.Health assessments, Bupa Be.Motivated platform, rewards for healthy habits.People wanting a trusted brand name with a wide network, including Bupa's own clinics.
VitalityUnique "shared value" model that actively rewards healthy behaviour.Heavily discounted gym memberships, Apple Watch deals, weekly rewards for activity.Active individuals who want to be financially rewarded for their healthy lifestyle.

As an independent broker, WeCovr can compare these policies and many more, helping you understand the fine print and find the perfect match. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us are often eligible for discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance.

Simple Steps to Reclaim Your Vitality Today

While PMI is a powerful tool, it works best when combined with positive lifestyle changes. You don't need to run a marathon to combat sedentary living. Small, consistent changes can have a profound impact.

  • Embrace "Movement Snacking": Every 30 minutes, get up and move for 2-3 minutes. Do some stretches, walk around the room, or do a few squats.
  • Weaponise Your Lunch Break: Use 20 minutes of your lunch break for a brisk walk. It clears your head and energises you for the afternoon.
  • The "Fake Commute": If you work from home, start and end your day with a 15-minute walk around the block. It creates a mental separation and adds 30 minutes of activity to your day.
  • Hydrate for Health: Dehydration can cause fatigue and headaches, encouraging you to stay static. Keep a water bottle on your desk at all times.
  • Optimise Your Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep. It's when your body repairs muscle, consolidates memory, and regulates the hormones that control appetite and energy.

By taking these small steps and backing them up with the safety net of a well-chosen private medical insurance policy, you can build a robust defence against the modern world's silent health crisis.


What is the difference between an 'acute' and a 'chronic' condition for private medical insurance?

In the context of UK private medical insurance, an **acute condition** is an illness or injury that is new, unexpected, and likely to be cured with treatment, such as a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract. PMI is specifically designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. A **chronic condition**, like diabetes, asthma, or arthritis, is long-term and requires ongoing management rather than a cure. Standard PMI policies do not cover the routine management of chronic conditions, although they may cover acute flare-ups.

Does private medical insurance cover gym memberships and wellness perks?

Many modern private health cover policies do offer benefits related to wellness. Some insurers, like Vitality, build their entire model around rewarding activity with heavily discounted gym memberships and other perks. Other providers, such as AXA Health and Aviva, often include discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and access to online health and wellbeing platforms as part of their member benefits. A broker like WeCovr can help you compare policies to find one with the wellness benefits that best suit your lifestyle.

Will my PMI premium go up if I claim for something like physiotherapy?

Your premium can be affected by claims, but it depends on your policy type. If you have a 'No Claims Discount' (NCD) on your policy, making a claim will likely reduce your discount level at your next renewal, which will increase the premium. However, some claims, often for benefits like dental, optical, or some wellness services, may not affect your NCD. It is crucial to check the specific terms of your policy. Community-rated schemes, often offered by employers, are not typically affected by individual claims.

Your health is your most valuable asset. In an age where inactivity poses a greater threat than ever, taking proactive steps to protect it is essential. Don't wait for a diagnosis. Invest in your wellbeing today.

Contact WeCovr for a free, no-obligation quote and let our expert advisors help you find the private medical insurance policy that will shield your health, vitality, and productivity for years to come.

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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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