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UK Inactivity Epidemic

UK Inactivity Epidemic 2026 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised expert that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr explains the UK's inactivity crisis and how private medical insurance offers a proactive solution. The latest data reveals a stark warning for the nation's health, but you have options to protect yourself and your future.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 3 Britons Face an Inactivity Epidemic, Fueling a Staggering £3.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Disease, Lost Productivity, and Eroding Life Quality – Discover Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Health & LCIIP Shielding Your Productive Future

The United Kingdom is facing a silent health emergency. New analysis, projecting forward from the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) and NHS Digital trends, paints a grim picture for 2025. It suggests more than one in three adults in the UK will be classified as 'physically inactive', creating a ticking time bomb of chronic illness, economic strain, and diminished quality of life.

This isn't just about feeling a bit sluggish. This inactivity epidemic is a direct pathway to a lifetime of health complications and a staggering financial burden. For some, particularly high-earning professionals, the combined cost of chronic disease, lost productivity, and private care could exceed a shocking £3.5 million over a lifetime.

In this definitive guide, we will unpack this crisis, explore its causes, and reveal how a modern Private Medical Insurance (PMI) policy is no longer just a safety net for illness, but a powerful tool for proactive health, helping you stay active, productive, and in control.

The Alarming Reality: Deconstructing the 2025 Inactivity Projections

When health experts talk about "inactivity," they aren't referring to missing the odd gym session. The official NHS definition of an 'inactive' adult is someone who does less than 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.

Projections based on current trends indicate that by 2025, over 33% of the UK adult population could fall into this category. This represents millions of people who are significantly increasing their risk of developing a host of preventable conditions.

The Health Consequences of a Sedentary Life:

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Inactivity is a primary driver of insulin resistance, the precursor to type 2 diabetes.
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Regular activity strengthens the heart muscle and improves circulation. A sedentary lifestyle does the opposite, leading to higher risks of heart attacks and strokes.
  • Certain Cancers: Consistent evidence links physical inactivity to an increased risk of colon, breast, and womb cancers.
  • Musculoskeletal Issues: "Use it or lose it" is a stark reality for our muscles, bones, and joints. Inactivity leads to back pain, osteoporosis, and joint stiffness.
  • Mental Health Decline: The link between physical activity and mental wellbeing is undeniable. Inactivity is strongly associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety.
  • Dementia: Studies increasingly show that regular physical exercise can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in later life.

This isn't a distant threat. It's a clear and present danger to the long-term health of millions of Britons, placing an unprecedented strain on our beloved NHS and compromising the personal wellbeing of individuals and their families.

The £3.5 Million+ Burden: How Inactivity Destroys More Than Just Health

The £3.5 million figure may seem astounding, but it becomes tragically plausible when you break down the lifetime impact of chronic illness on a high-earning individual whose career is cut short. It is a cautionary tale that illustrates the true value of our health.

This figure is not just about medical bills. It is a combination of direct costs, lost opportunities, and the erosion of your most valuable asset: your ability to earn and enjoy life. We call this the LCIIP - Loss of Critical Income & Illness Protection.

Let's look at a hypothetical example of a 40-year-old professional earning £150,000 per year who develops multiple chronic conditions due to a long-term inactive lifestyle.

Cost CategoryDescriptionPotential Lifetime Cost
Lost Future EarningsForced early retirement at 45 instead of 65 due to debilitating illness. 20 years of lost peak earnings.£3,000,000+
Reduced Pension Pot20 fewer years of pension contributions and investment growth.£300,000+
Private Care CostsNeed for domiciliary care or modifications to the home in later life, not fully covered by the state.£150,000+
Unforeseen Medical ExpensesCosts for specialised equipment, complementary therapies, or treatments not available on the NHS.£50,000+
Total Potential Burden£3,500,000+

While this is a high-end scenario, it powerfully illustrates that your health underpins your entire financial future. For everyone, regardless of income, the costs are significant. Lost days at work, reduced productivity (known as 'presenteeism'), and the emotional and financial strain on family members who may have to become carers all contribute to this devastating burden.

Why Are We So Inactive? The Culprits of Modern British Life

Understanding the problem requires looking at the systemic changes in our society that push us towards a sedentary default.

  1. The Rise of the Desk Job: Over 80% of UK office workers spend between four and nine hours a day sitting at their desks. This "occupational sitting" has become the norm, with our bodies remaining static for the majority of our working day.
  2. Commuting Culture: Whether stuck in traffic for hours in a car or seated on a train, the daily commute adds significant sedentary time to our days.
  3. The Digital Binge: From streaming services to social media and video games, our leisure time is increasingly screen-based and physically passive.
  4. Cost of Living Pressures: For many, rising costs have made gym memberships, sports club fees, and even healthier food choices feel like unaffordable luxuries.
  5. Urban Environment: A lack of safe cycling lanes, walkable green spaces, and accessible public sports facilities in many areas can discourage spontaneous physical activity.

It's a perfect storm of social, technological, and economic factors that makes being active a conscious, deliberate choice rather than a natural part of our day.

Your PMI Pathway: From Reactive Care to Proactive Health

Traditionally, people viewed health insurance as something you only use when you're ill. But today, the best private medical insurance providers have evolved. They are now powerful partners in your wellness journey, offering a suite of tools designed to keep you healthy and active in the first place.

This is where PMI becomes your shield against the inactivity epidemic.

Beyond the NHS: The Core Benefits for an Active Lifestyle

Even for the most active individuals, injuries and health issues can arise. Private health cover offers significant advantages that help you get back on your feet faster.

  • Speedy Diagnostics: If you pull a muscle playing football or develop a persistent backache from running, waiting weeks for an NHS MRI or physiotherapy appointment can be frustrating and detrimental to your recovery. PMI offers access to scans and consultations in days, not months.
  • Choice of Specialist: You get to choose the consultant and hospital that best suits your needs, ensuring you see an expert in sports injuries or musculoskeletal health.
  • Access to Advanced Treatments: PMI can provide access to therapies, surgical procedures, and drugs that may have limited availability on the NHS, accelerating your return to an active life.

The Wellness Revolution: How PMI Actively Supports Your Health

This is the game-changer. Modern PMI policies are packed with benefits that directly combat inactivity and promote a healthier lifestyle. These perks often save you more money than the policy costs, making it a financially savvy choice.

PMI Wellness BenefitHow It Helps You Stay Active & Healthy
Discounted Gym MembershipsMajor insurers partner with leading gym chains like Nuffield Health and Virgin Active, offering up to 50% off standard membership fees.
Wearable Tech IntegrationPolicies reward you for being active. Link your Apple Watch or Fitbit, track your steps, and earn rewards like free coffees, cinema tickets, or even lower premiums.
Digital GP AppointmentsGet medical advice 24/7 from the comfort of your home via video call, perfect for busy schedules.
Mental Health SupportAccess to therapy sessions, mindfulness apps like Headspace, and confidential support lines are often included, recognising the crucial link between mind and body.
Nutritionist ConsultationsGet professional advice on fuelling your body correctly for an active lifestyle.
Health & Lifestyle RewardsGet discounts on sports apparel, healthy food delivery services, and even spa breaks.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, making it easier than ever to manage your diet and health goals.

CRITICAL NOTE: Understanding the Limits of PMI

It is vitally important to be clear on one point: Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a joint injury, appendicitis, or a cataract.
  • Chronic Condition: 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. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions. If you are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes before taking out a policy, or it develops and is diagnosed as a chronic illness, its ongoing management will not be covered.

This is precisely why PMI is such a powerful preventative tool. By using the wellness benefits to stay active and healthy, you significantly reduce your risk of developing the very chronic conditions that PMI is not designed to cover.

Shield Your Future: The Vital Role of LCIIP

While PMI takes care of your medical bills, what happens to your income if a serious illness—often one linked to inactivity—prevents you from working? This is where a holistic approach to your financial and physical wellbeing is crucial.

LCIIP (Loss of Critical Income & Illness Protection) is a concept that combines health protection with financial security.

  • Income Protection: This insurance pays out a regular, tax-free portion of your salary if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. It's the foundation of any financial protection plan.
  • Critical Illness Cover: This pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific, serious illness listed on the policy, such as certain types of cancer, heart attack, or stroke. This lump sum can be used to pay off a mortgage, cover private treatment costs, or adapt your home.

At WeCovr, we believe in a 360-degree view of health. That's why clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us can often access valuable discounts on these other essential protection policies, creating a comprehensive shield for their future.

Your Action Plan: 10 Simple Steps to Beat Inactivity Today

You don't need to run a marathon tomorrow. Small, consistent changes have a massive impact. Here are some simple, practical steps you can start with right now.

  1. Embrace "Exercise Snacking": Break up activity into 10-minute chunks. A brisk walk at lunchtime, 10 minutes of stair climbing, and 10 minutes of stretching in the evening easily adds up to your 30-minute daily goal.
  2. Master the "Desk Rise": Set a timer to stand up, stretch, and walk around for 2 minutes every 30 minutes. It breaks up sedentary time and boosts circulation.
  3. Weaponise Your Commute: Get off the bus or train one stop early and walk the rest of the way. If you drive, park further from the office entrance.
  4. Find Your Fun: Exercise shouldn't be a chore. Hate running? Try dancing, hiking, badminton, or rock climbing. Find an activity you genuinely enjoy.
  5. Use Free Resources: The NHS has a fantastic library of free workout videos on its website, from pilates to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
  6. Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep saps your energy and makes you less likely to be active.
  7. Hydrate for Health: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can cause fatigue and headaches, killing your motivation to move.
  8. Fuel Your Body: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean protein, and vegetables. Use the CalorieHero app from WeCovr to track your intake and make smarter choices.
  9. Make it Social: Arrange a weekly walk with a friend, join a local sports team, or take a group class. Committing to others is a powerful motivator.
  10. Track Your Progress: Use a fitness tracker or a simple notebook. Seeing how far you've come is incredibly encouraging and helps you build momentum.

How to Find the Best Private Medical Insurance UK

Navigating the private health cover market can be complex. Different providers offer varying levels of cover, hospital lists, and wellness benefits. Using an expert PMI broker like WeCovr is the smartest way to find the right policy for your needs and budget.

Here’s what to consider:

  • Level of Cover: Do you want a comprehensive plan covering everything from diagnosis to treatment, or a more basic plan for cancer care and essential diagnostics?
  • Hospital List: Ensure the hospitals and clinics you'd prefer to use are included in the provider's list.
  • Excess: Choosing a higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) can significantly lower your monthly premium.
  • Underwriting: Decide between 'Moratorium' (which automatically excludes recent pre-existing conditions for a set period) or 'Full Medical Underwriting' (where you declare your full medical history).
  • Wellness Benefits: Compare the rewards and perks. If you're a keen gym-goer, a policy with a 50% gym discount could be a huge money-saver.

The team at WeCovr are specialists in the UK market. We compare policies from all the leading insurers to find the perfect fit for you, at no extra cost. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to providing clear, impartial, and expert advice.

Can I get private medical insurance if I'm already overweight or inactive?

Yes, absolutely. Insurers cannot decline you based on your weight or activity level. Your premiums may be slightly higher to reflect the increased statistical risk, but you will still be able to get cover. In fact, for someone who is currently inactive, a PMI policy with strong wellness benefits can be the perfect motivation and tool to begin a healthier lifestyle, potentially lowering your premiums at renewal if you become more active.

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

This is the most important distinction in UK private medical insurance. An acute condition is a short-term illness or injury that is expected to respond fully to treatment, like a bone fracture, appendicitis, or a hip replacement. PMI is designed to cover these. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that has no known cure and requires ongoing management, such as diabetes, arthritis, or asthma. The routine, long-term management of chronic conditions is not covered by standard PMI policies.

Do all private health insurance policies cover gym memberships and wellness rewards?

No, not all of them. While wellness benefits are becoming increasingly common, they are typically offered by the leading, more comprehensive providers like Vitality, Bupa, and AXA Health. More basic or budget-focused policies may not include these perks. This is why it's crucial to compare the whole market. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you weigh the cost of the premium against the value and potential savings of the wellness benefits to find the best value policy for your specific lifestyle.

Don't let inactivity dictate your future. Take the first proactive step towards protecting your health, your wealth, and your quality of life today.

Get your free, no-obligation Private Medical Insurance quote from WeCovr and start your journey to a more active and secure 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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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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