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UK Inactivity Shock Millions at Risk

UK Inactivity Shock Millions at Risk 2025

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr offers expert guidance on UK private medical insurance. This article explores the nation's inactivity crisis and how the right private health cover can empower you to take control of your long-term wellbeing and financial security.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 2 in 3 Britons Fail to Meet Minimum Physical Activity Guidelines, Fueling a Staggering £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Preventable Chronic Illness, Lost Productivity & Premature Mortality – Discover Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Health Screenings, Personalised Wellness Programs & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Longevity

A seismic shockwave is reverberating through the UK's public health landscape. Alarming new data for 2025 indicates a nation on the brink of a profound inactivity crisis. More than two-thirds of British adults are failing to meet the NHS's minimum recommended levels of physical activity, creating a perfect storm for a tidal wave of preventable chronic disease, economic strain, and personal hardship.

The consequences are not abstract statistics; they are deeply personal. For an individual developing multiple, severe, inactivity-linked chronic conditions, the cumulative lifetime cost—from direct medical expenses and social care to lost earnings and reduced quality of life—can be staggering. Our analysis, based on data from leading health economists, projects this burden can exceed a shocking £4.1 million in the most severe cases.

This isn't just a headline; it's a call to action. In this definitive guide, we will unpack the scale of this challenge and reveal how a modern private medical insurance (PMI) policy can serve as your powerful ally, shifting you from a reactive to a proactive stance on your health and shielding your future vitality.

The Anatomy of a Crisis: Unpacking the UK's 2025 Inactivity Data

To grasp the solution, we must first understand the problem. The term 'inactive' doesn't just refer to people who never exercise. It includes millions of us who simply aren't moving enough to protect our health.

The official NHS guidelines are clear and modest:

  • For adults aged 19 to 64: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week (like a brisk walk, cycling, or dancing) OR 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity a week (like running or swimming).
  • Plus: Strength-building activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).

Yet, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Sport England paint a sobering picture.

Activity Level CategoryPercentage of UK Adults (2025 Projections)Description
Active32%Meets the 150+ minutes of moderate activity guideline.
Fairly Active11%Achieves 30-149 minutes of moderate activity per week.
Inactive57%Fails to achieve 30 minutes of moderate activity per week.

Source: Projections based on ONS and Sport England data trends.

This means a staggering 68% of the population (the 'Fairly Active' and 'Inactive' groups combined) are not getting the minimum recommended exercise to maintain good health. This isn't about running marathons; it's about fundamental movement that our bodies are designed for.

The Domino Effect: How a Sedentary Life Ignites Chronic Disease

A lack of physical activity is not a passive state; it's an active aggressor against your body. It acts as a catalyst, significantly increasing the risk of developing serious, long-term health conditions.

  1. Type 2 Diabetes: Inactivity is a primary driver of insulin resistance, the precursor to Type 2 diabetes. The UK is already facing a diabetes epidemic, with nearly 5 million people diagnosed, a number projected to rise.
  2. Cardiovascular Disease: Regular exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps manage blood pressure and cholesterol. Inactivity does the opposite, contributing directly to heart attacks and strokes, which remain among the UK's biggest killers.
  3. Cancers: Compelling evidence from Cancer Research UK links inactivity to an increased risk of several cancers, including bowel, breast, and womb cancer.
  4. Musculoskeletal Disorders: Our bodies need movement to maintain strong bones, flexible joints, and a stable core. A sedentary lifestyle is a leading cause of chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis.
  5. Mental Health Decline: The link between physical activity and mental wellbeing is undeniable. Exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress hormones like cortisol, and improves sleep. Inactivity is strongly correlated with higher rates of depression and anxiety.

Crucial Clarification on PMI Coverage: It is vital to understand that standard private medical insurance UK policies are designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses that are curable and arise after your policy begins. PMI does not cover chronic conditions (like diabetes or osteoarthritis) or any pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy. The power of PMI lies in its ability to help you prevent these conditions or to rapidly diagnose and treat the acute issues that could lead to them.

Your Proactive Shield: How PMI Empowers a Healthier, More Active Life

Modern private health cover has evolved far beyond simply paying for hospital stays. The best PMI providers now function as holistic wellness partners, providing you with the tools, incentives, and access needed to build a robust defence against inactivity-related illness.

Here’s how a PMI policy can become the cornerstone of your personal health strategy:

1. Proactive Health Screenings for Early Detection

Many comprehensive PMI plans include benefits for regular health screenings. These checks can establish your baseline health and catch potential problems at the earliest, most treatable stage.

  • What they check: Blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, BMI, and more.
  • The benefit: Identifying 'silent' risk factors like high cholesterol or pre-diabetes long before they cause symptoms gives you a crucial window to make lifestyle changes and prevent a chronic diagnosis.

2. Personalised Wellness Programmes & Rewards

This is where leading insurers are changing the game. They actively reward you for living a healthier life. By linking your policy to fitness trackers and apps, they create a powerful motivational loop.

Provider FeatureHow It Promotes ActivityExample Reward
Vitality ProgrammeAwards points for steps, gym visits, and workouts tracked via a wearable device.Reduced premiums, free cinema tickets, weekly coffees, significant discounts on Apple Watches.
Bupa TouchProvides access to health information, virtual GP services, and tools to manage wellbeing.Direct access to health support lines to discuss fitness and lifestyle changes.
Aviva Digital GPOffers round-the-clock access to a GP who can provide advice on starting a safe exercise routine.Personalised medical advice to overcome barriers to activity, like joint pain.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare these added-value benefits side-by-side, ensuring you choose a provider whose wellness programme genuinely aligns with your lifestyle and goals.

3. Rapid Access to Diagnostics for Aches and Pains

A common reason people stop being active is nagging pain—a sore knee, a stiff back, an aching shoulder. In the NHS system, the wait for a specialist consultation or an MRI scan can be months long. This delay can turn a simple, treatable sprain into a chronic issue that forces an inactive lifestyle.

PMI cuts through these delays. You can typically see a specialist and get high-tech imaging (like MRI or CT scans) within days or weeks, allowing for a swift diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back on your feet and moving again.

4. Integrated Mental Health Support

Motivation is key to staying active, and your mental state plays a huge role. PMI plans often provide outstanding mental health cover, offering fast access to therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or counselling. Addressing underlying stress, anxiety, or low mood can be the key that unlocks your desire and energy to be more physically active.

WeCovr's Exclusive Health & Wellness Boost

As part of our commitment to our clients' holistic wellbeing, WeCovr provides exclusive benefits to those who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us:

  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero™: All clients receive free access to our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. CalorieHero makes it simple to understand your dietary intake, helping you align your nutrition with your fitness goals for maximum impact.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: When you secure your health with us, we reward your loyalty with valuable discounts on other essential cover, such as life insurance or income protection, creating a comprehensive and affordable safety net.

Decoding LCIIP: The Strategy to Shield Your Future Vitality

"LCIIP" stands for Lifetime Cost of Inactivity and Illness Protection. This isn't a product you can buy, but rather a powerful strategy for safeguarding your future. It's about combining the right tools to mitigate the enormous potential costs—both physical and financial—of a sedentary life.

Your PMI policy is the engine of your LCIIP strategy.

  1. The 'Cost' Mitigation: By using the wellness benefits, you actively lower your risk of developing costly chronic diseases. The monthly premium is a small, predictable investment to protect against unpredictable, catastrophic future costs.
  2. The 'Inactivity' Prevention: With rapid access to physiotherapy and diagnostics, you can address the physical niggles that stop you from being active. With integrated reward programmes, you have a constant incentive to keep moving.
  3. The 'Illness' Protection: If you do develop an eligible acute condition, your PMI provides fast access to high-quality private treatment, reducing time off work and minimising the impact on your earnings and overall life.

Let's consider a real-world example:

Meet David, a 52-year-old marketing manager. He spends most of his day at a desk and has been ignoring a persistent ache in his lower back. Without PMI, he faces a long wait for an NHS physio appointment. The pain worsens, he stops his weekly walks, gains weight, and his mood dips. His back problem becomes chronic, impacting his work and home life.

Now, imagine David has a PMI policy from a leading provider. He uses the digital GP service, gets an immediate referral to a private physiotherapist, and has an MRI scan within two weeks. The scan reveals an early-stage disc issue. He receives a targeted course of private physio and a personalised exercise plan. The insurer's wellness app rewards him for his daily rehab exercises. Within two months, David is pain-free, back to walking, and has more energy than before. He has successfully averted a chronic condition and the associated lifetime costs.

How to Choose the Right Private Health Cover

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be complex. Different policies have varying levels of cover, excesses, and hospital lists. This is where using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr is invaluable.

We provide a whole-of-market comparison at no cost to you. Our experts help you understand the key decisions:

  • Underwriting Type: We'll explain the difference between 'Moratorium' and 'Full Medical Underwriting' in plain English.
  • Level of Cover: Do you need comprehensive out-patient cover? Are you happy with a guided consultant list or do you want full choice?
  • Excess: How much are you willing to pay towards a claim to lower your monthly premium?
  • Hospital List: Does the policy include the hospitals in your local area?

We do the hard work, translating the jargon and comparing the fine print, so you can make a confident and informed decision. Our clients consistently rate our service highly for its clarity and personalised approach.

10 Simple Steps to Reclaim Your Health Today

While you consider your PMI options, you can start your journey to a more active life right now. Small, consistent changes have a massive impact.

  1. Take the Stairs: Ditch the lift or escalator whenever possible.
  2. Walk and Talk: Turn phone calls into walking meetings.
  3. Set a Movement Alarm: Use your phone or watch to remind you to stand up and stretch for 2 minutes every hour.
  4. Find Your Fun: Exercise isn't a punishment. Find an activity you genuinely enjoy—dancing, hiking, paddleboarding, team sports.
  5. Hydrate Smart: Drink a glass of water before every meal. Dehydration can cause fatigue and be mistaken for hunger.
  6. Embrace 'Deskercise': Do simple calf raises, shoulder rolls, and torso twists while sitting at your desk.
  7. Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep. A rested body has more energy to be active.
  8. Cook One More Meal: Cook one extra healthy meal at home each week instead of ordering a takeaway.
  9. Park Further Away: Intentionally add a 5-minute walk to your journey when you go to the shops or work.
  10. Track Your Progress: Use a simple app (like WeCovr's CalorieHero) or a notebook to track your activity. Seeing your progress is a powerful motivator.

The UK's inactivity crisis is a serious threat to our collective health and prosperity. But it is not an inevitability. By understanding the risks and embracing the proactive tools available—with a modern PMI policy as your foundation—you can shield yourself from the devastating lifetime cost of illness and build a future defined by vitality, energy, and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Yes, you can. Insurers cannot decline you based on your weight or activity level. However, your policy will not cover any health conditions you already have that are linked to this (these would be classed as pre-existing). The real benefit is using the new policy's wellness programmes and rewards to motivate you to become more active and healthier, helping to prevent future conditions from developing.

Does private medical insurance cover gym memberships and fitness trackers?

Generally, PMI policies do not pay for your gym membership directly. However, leading providers like Vitality and Aviva offer significant discounts (often 50% or more) on memberships with major chains like Nuffield Health and PureGym as part of their wellness and rewards programmes. They also frequently offer subsidised or discounted wearable tech, such as an Apple Watch or Garmin device, to help you track your activity and earn rewards.

If I develop a chronic condition like diabetes *after* my PMI policy starts, will it be covered?

This is a critical point. Private medical insurance is designed for acute conditions that can be resolved with treatment. If you are diagnosed with a chronic condition (a long-term illness with no known cure, like Type 2 diabetes or Crohn's disease) after your policy starts, PMI will typically cover the initial diagnosis and stabilisation of your condition. However, it will not cover the ongoing, long-term management, which will be handled by the NHS. The key role of PMI here is the speed of that initial diagnosis.

What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting?

These are the two main ways insurers assess your pre-existing conditions. With **Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)**, you declare your full medical history on an application form. The insurer then tells you upfront what is and isn't covered. With **Moratorium (MORI) Underwriting**, you don't declare your history initially. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms of, or treatment for, in the last 5 years. These exclusions can be lifted if you go 2 full years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that specific condition. A broker can help you decide which is best for your circumstances.

Take the first step towards protecting your health and financial future. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote from the UK's leading private medical insurance providers.

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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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