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UK Inactivity Shock

UK Inactivity Shock 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As FCA-authorised experts who have helped arrange over 800,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr is committed to providing clear, authoritative guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This article unpacks the nation's growing inactivity crisis and explores how proactive health cover can be your most powerful ally in safeguarding your future.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 2 Britons Fail to Meet Minimum Physical Activity Guidelines, Fueling a Staggering £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Illness, Mental Health Decline & Early Retirement – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Lifestyle Support, Specialised Preventative Care & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Well-being & Future Resilience

The latest figures paint a stark picture of the UK's health. New data released in 2025 reveals a concerning trend: more than half of all adults are not meeting the minimum physical activity levels recommended by the NHS. This isn't just about feeling a bit sluggish; it's a silent epidemic fuelling a cascade of long-term health crises.

The societal cost is immense. Health economists now model the lifetime burden of inactivity-related illness at a staggering £4.1 million for every 100 inactive individuals, factoring in direct NHS treatment, lost economic productivity, and long-term social care needs. For individuals, it translates to a higher risk of chronic disease, worsening mental health, and the prospect of being forced into early retirement due to ill health.

But there is a proactive path forward. Modern Private Medical Insurance (PMI) has evolved far beyond simply covering treatment. It now offers a powerful toolkit for preventative care, lifestyle support, and rapid access to specialists, helping you build resilience against these growing threats.

Unpacking the UK's Inactivity Crisis: The Alarming Statistics

The numbers from sources like the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and NHS Digital are clear. A sedentary lifestyle is now the norm for a significant portion of the population.

  • The 150-Minute Target: The NHS recommends that adults aged 19 to 64 engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.
  • The Reality: Over 55% of UK adults are currently failing to meet this basic guideline. For some demographics, particularly those in lower-income brackets or with demanding desk jobs, this figure is even higher.
  • Strength is Neglected: The guidelines also advise muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. This is the most neglected aspect, with estimates suggesting fewer than 25% of adults meet this target.

So, what do these activity levels actually look like in practice?

Activity LevelDescriptionReal-World ExamplesRecommended Duration
Moderate IntensityYou can still talk, but not sing. Your breathing and heart rate are noticeably elevated.Brisk walking, cycling on level ground, doubles tennis, pushing a lawnmower, water aerobics.150+ minutes per week
Vigorous IntensityYou have difficulty speaking more than a few words without pausing for breath.Jogging or running, swimming laps, cycling fast or on hills, singles tennis, aerobics.75+ minutes per week
Strength TrainingActivities that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, arms).Lifting weights, using resistance bands, bodyweight exercises (press-ups, sit-ups), heavy gardening.2+ sessions per week

The reasons for this decline are complex and deeply woven into the fabric of modern life: desk-bound jobs, long commutes, the convenience of technology, and time pressures that push physical well-being to the bottom of the priority list.

The True Cost: How Inactivity Erodes Your Health and Wealth

The £4.1 million+ societal burden is not an abstract figure. It represents the real-world consequences that ripple through individuals' lives, impacting their physical health, mental state, and financial security.

1. The Onslaught of Chronic Illness

A lack of regular physical activity is a primary risk factor for a host of debilitating long-term conditions. It's crucial to understand that standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed for acute conditions (illnesses that are curable and short-term) and does not cover the management of pre-existing or chronic conditions.

This makes prevention absolutely vital. Inactivity significantly increases your risk of developing:

  • Cardiovascular Disease: Including heart attacks and strokes. Regular activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively, a key factor in preventing and managing this condition. Rates in the UK have more than doubled in the last 15 years.
  • Certain Cancers: Strong evidence links physical activity to a lower risk of several cancers, including breast, bowel, and womb cancer.
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders: Conditions like back pain, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis are exacerbated by weak muscles and poor joint support. Sedentary behaviour is a leading cause of the 30 million workdays lost to these conditions annually in the UK.

2. The Decline in Mental Well-being

The mind-body connection is undeniable. Physical activity is a powerful, natural antidepressant and anti-anxiety tool.

  • Endorphin Release: Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which have mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects.
  • Stress Reduction: It helps regulate cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. A brisk walk can be more effective at calming the nerves than many other coping mechanisms.
  • Improved Sleep: Regular activity promotes better sleep quality, which is foundational to good mental health.
  • Increased Self-Esteem: Achieving fitness goals and feeling physically capable has a profound impact on confidence and self-worth.

Failing to stay active leaves you more vulnerable to stress, anxiety, depression, and brain fog, creating a vicious cycle where low mood reduces the motivation to exercise.

3. The Threat of Involuntary Early Retirement

One of the most devastating financial consequences of long-term ill health is being forced to leave the workforce prematurely. Recent ONS data shows a record number of people who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness.

This creates a perfect storm:

  • Income Stops: Your primary source of earnings disappears.
  • Pension Pot Shrinks: You cease contributing to your pension, significantly reducing your retirement funds.
  • State Support is Limited: While benefits are available, they are often insufficient to maintain your previous standard of living.

Good health is your most valuable asset for a long and productive working life. Inactivity directly jeopardises it.

The PMI Evolution: From Reactive Treatment to Proactive Well-being

For too long, health insurance was seen as something you only use when you're already ill. That model is changing. The best PMI providers now understand that it's better to keep you healthy than to treat you when you're sick. This has led to a revolution in policy benefits, transforming PMI into a comprehensive well-being partnership.

A Critical Clarification: It is essential to repeat that UK private health cover does not pay for the ongoing management of chronic illnesses like diabetes or conditions you had before you took out the policy. Its power lies in two areas:

  1. Preventing these conditions by giving you the tools and incentives to live a healthier life.
  2. Providing rapid diagnosis and treatment for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts, preventing them from becoming chronic problems.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate the market to find a policy that excels in these proactive benefits.

Your PMI Pathway: Tangible Tools for a Healthier Life

So, how exactly does a modern private medical insurance plan help you combat inactivity and build resilience? It's about providing tangible, everyday value that encourages positive habits.

1. Wellness Programmes and Rewards

This is the game-changer. Leading insurers now actively reward you for being healthy.

  • Gym Membership Discounts: Get significant savings (up to 50%) on memberships at major UK chains like Nuffield Health, Virgin Active, and PureGym.
  • Wearable Technology Integration: Link your policy to your Apple Watch, Garmin, or Fitbit. The insurer tracks your activity (steps, workouts) and rewards you with points.
  • Rewards for Points: These points can be redeemed for real-world benefits like free cinema tickets, complimentary coffee, Amazon vouchers, or even discounts on your next year's premium.
  • Healthy Food Savings: Some providers partner with supermarkets like Waitrose to offer cashback on healthy food purchases.

This creates a powerful positive feedback loop: the more active you are, the more you save, making a healthy lifestyle more affordable and rewarding.

2. Fast-Track Mental Health Support

Recognising the link between physical and mental health, comprehensive PMI plans offer robust mental health support, often without needing a GP referral.

  • Digital CBT & Therapy Apps: Gain access to leading platforms like SilverCloud or Living-Life-to-the-Full for self-guided cognitive behavioural therapy.
  • 24/7 Support Lines: Speak to a trained counsellor anytime you need immediate support.
  • Direct Access to Therapists: Policies can cover a set number of sessions with accredited therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists, bypassing long NHS waiting lists.

3. Preventative Health Screenings

The most comprehensive private health cover plans include proactive health checks. These screenings can catch potential issues long before they become serious problems. Depending on the level of cover, this could include:

  • Full blood work analysis
  • Bowel cancer screening
  • Prostate cancer checks (PSA test)
  • Cervical cancer screening
  • Cardiovascular risk assessment

4. Digital GP and Specialist Access

Feeling a niggle in your knee or a twinge in your back? The thought of a long wait for a GP appointment can put you off seeking help. Modern PMI solves this.

  • 24/7 Digital GP: Get a video or phone appointment with a private GP, often within hours. You can get advice, a diagnosis, or a prescription quickly and conveniently.
  • Rapid Specialist Referrals: If the digital GP believes you need to see a specialist (like a physiotherapist for a sports injury or a cardiologist for chest pains), your PMI policy allows them to make an immediate private referral, skipping the NHS queue which can take months.

WeCovr's Added Value: Your Complete Well-being Partner

When you arrange your private medical insurance through WeCovr, you get more than just a policy. We provide additional tools to support your health journey at no extra cost:

  • Complimentary CalorieHero Access: All our clients receive free access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It's an easy-to-use tool to help you manage your diet, which works hand-in-hand with your fitness goals.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: We value your loyalty. When you take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy with us, you become eligible for exclusive discounts on other types of cover you may need.

Shielding Your Future: Understanding LCIIP and Core PMI

For many, the thought of "comprehensive" private health cover can seem expensive. But there are more affordable options that provide a crucial safety net. One of the most popular starting points is what's known in the industry as LCIIP (Limited Cancer and In-Patient Cover).

FeatureLCIIP / Core PMI PlanComprehensive PMI Plan
Primary FocusIn-patient & day-patient treatment (when you need a hospital bed). Cancer cover is often included.In-patient, day-patient & extensive out-patient cover (consultations, diagnostics).
Out-Patient CoverUsually not included or is a limited add-on. Diagnostics like MRI/CT scans are only covered if they lead to an in-patient stay.Extensive cover for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and therapies (e.g., physiotherapy).
Wellness BenefitsGenerally not included. The focus is on treatment, not prevention.A core feature. Includes gym discounts, wearable tech rewards, and other lifestyle incentives.
Mental HealthBasic cover, if any. Usually focused on in-patient psychiatric treatment.Integrated support with access to therapists, digital apps, and out-patient care.
Best ForA cost-effective safety net to bypass NHS waiting lists for major surgery or cancer treatment.Proactive individuals who want comprehensive health management and lifestyle support.

An LCIIP or core plan acts as a "shield" for your foundational well-being. It ensures that if you are diagnosed with a serious new acute condition requiring surgery or hospitalisation, you can access private treatment quickly. This prevents a health shock from becoming a life-derailing crisis.

Finding the Best PMI Provider for You

The UK private medical insurance market is competitive, with several excellent providers offering a range of plans. Key players include:

  • Bupa: A household name with a huge network of hospitals and clinics.
  • AXA Health: Known for its comprehensive cover and strong customer service.
  • Vitality: The pioneer of the wellness-based reward model, excellent for those motivated by incentives.
  • Aviva: A major UK insurer offering a wide range of flexible health policies.
  • WPA: A not-for-profit provider known for its flexible plans and high customer satisfaction.

The "best" provider is entirely dependent on your individual needs, budget, and health goals. This is where using an independent PMI broker is invaluable. At WeCovr, we compare plans from across the market to find the perfect fit for you, explaining the complex jargon and ensuring there are no hidden surprises. Our advice comes at no cost to you.

The inactivity crisis is a challenge, but it's one you can meet head-on. By understanding the risks and embracing the proactive tools available through modern private medical insurance, you can invest in your long-term health, protect your financial future, and build the resilience to live a longer, healthier, and more active life.

Does private medical insurance cover conditions caused by an inactive lifestyle?

This is a critical point. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses that are short-term and curable, which arise after your policy begins. It does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes or long-term back pain, even if they developed from an inactive lifestyle. However, PMI is invaluable for 1) providing wellness benefits and rewards to prevent these conditions from developing, and 2) providing rapid diagnosis and treatment for new, acute issues (like a heart condition requiring surgery or a joint injury needing repair) to stop them from becoming chronic.

Can I get private health cover if I already have a health condition?

Yes, you can still get private health cover. However, the pre-existing condition (any illness or injury you had symptoms of or received advice/treatment for in the years before your policy started) will be excluded from cover. Insurers use two main methods for this: Moratorium underwriting, which automatically excludes conditions from the past 5 years for an initial period (usually 2 years), or Full Medical Underwriting, where you declare your medical history upfront and the insurer specifies any exclusions from the start.

How much does private medical insurance UK cost?

The cost of private medical insurance in the UK varies widely based on several factors. These include your age, your location (premiums are often higher in London), the level of cover you choose (e.g., a basic in-patient plan versus a comprehensive plan with out-patient and wellness benefits), and the excess you agree to pay (a higher excess lowers your premium). A basic plan for a healthy 30-year-old might start from £30-£40 per month, while a comprehensive plan for a 50-year-old could be £90+ per month. The best way to get an accurate price is to get a personalised quote.

What are the main benefits of using a PMI broker like WeCovr?

Using an expert, independent PMI broker like WeCovr offers several key advantages at no extra cost to you. We provide:
  • Whole-of-Market Comparison: We compare policies from all leading UK insurers to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
  • Expert Advice: We explain the complex terms and policy differences in plain English, ensuring you understand exactly what you are buying.
  • Personalised Service: We tailor our recommendations to your specific health goals, whether that's preventative wellness or a simple treatment safety net.
  • Time and Hassle Saving: We handle the research and application process for you, making it simple and straightforward.

Take the first step towards protecting your health and future. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how a private medical insurance plan can become your partner in proactive well-being.

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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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