Login

UK Lifestyle Diseases £4.1M Burden

UK Lifestyle Diseases £4.1M Burden 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies of various kinds issued, WeCovr helps you navigate the crucial choices around private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores the growing challenge of lifestyle diseases and how a proactive health strategy, supported by the right PMI, is your best defence.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 2 in 5 Working Britons Are Developing Silent Lifestyle Diseases, Fueling a Staggering £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Illness, Premature Ageing & Eroding Financial Security – Your PMI Pathway to Advanced Preventative Diagnostics, Personalised Lifestyle Interventions & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Prosperity

The health of our nation is at a tipping point. New analysis based on ONS and NHS data projects a startling reality for 2025: more than two in five working-age Britons are on a trajectory towards developing a "silent" lifestyle disease. These aren't sudden illnesses, but slow-burning conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, often developing unnoticed for years.

This silent epidemic carries a devastating lifetime cost. For a cohort of just 1,000 individuals developing a serious chronic condition at age 45, the combined lifetime burden of direct healthcare costs, social care, and lost earnings can exceed a staggering £4.1 million. This figure represents not just a strain on the NHS, but a direct threat to your personal financial security, career progression, and the quality of your retirement.

The good news? The vast majority of these conditions are preventable. This guide illuminates the scale of the problem and reveals how Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is evolving beyond simple treatment into a powerful tool for proactive health management, offering a pathway to shield your long-term vitality and prosperity.

The £4.1 Million Ghost: Unpacking the UK's Lifestyle Disease Crisis

What exactly are we talking about when we say "lifestyle diseases"? These are non-communicable diseases (NCDs) where personal habits and environmental factors are significant contributors. Think of them as the slow, cumulative result of modern life.

Common UK Lifestyle Diseases:

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Often linked to diet and lack of physical activity.
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Including heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure (hypertension).
  • Certain Cancers: Such as bowel, breast, and lung cancer, where risk is elevated by factors like diet, smoking, and alcohol.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Primarily caused by smoking.
  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A growing concern linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome.

The "silent" aspect is what makes them so dangerous. You can feel perfectly fine while your blood pressure creeps up, your arteries slowly harden, or your insulin resistance worsens. By the time symptoms appear, significant damage may have already occurred, turning a preventable issue into a lifelong chronic condition.

The £4.1 million figure is a stark illustration of the long-term economic impact. It's a calculation that includes:

  1. Direct NHS Costs: Decades of medication, specialist appointments, and potential hospital stays.
  2. Social Care Costs: The need for assistance in later life due to disability.
  3. Lost Income & Productivity: Increased sick days, reduced performance at work, or being forced into early retirement, drastically cutting your lifetime earning potential.

This isn't just a number; it's the potential erosion of your pension, your savings, and the financial security you've worked so hard to build.

How Chronic Illness Accelerates Ageing and Drains Your Finances

Developing a long-term health condition does more than just make you feel unwell; it fundamentally alters your life's trajectory, both biologically and financially.

The Toll on Your Body: Premature Ageing

Chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease are states of chronic inflammation. This constant, low-grade stress on your body's systems accelerates the natural ageing process. It can lead to:

  • Reduced Energy Levels: Constant fatigue that isn't solved by a good night's sleep.
  • Cognitive Decline: "Brain fog," memory issues, and an increased risk of dementia.
  • Physical Frailty: Loss of muscle mass and bone density at an earlier age.
  • Compromised Immunity: Making you more susceptible to other infections and illnesses.

Essentially, a chronic condition at 50 can give you the biological profile of someone a decade older, shortening not just your lifespan but your "healthspan" – the number of years you live in good health.

The Toll on Your Wallet: A Lifetime of Costs

The financial drain of a chronic illness is relentless and multifaceted. It's what we refer to as the need for LCIIP (Lifetime Chronic Illness Income Protector) shielding – a strategy to protect your income and assets from the long-term costs of illness.

Financial Impact AreaDescription of CostReal-Life Example
Reduced Earning PowerMore sick days, inability to take on promotions, or forced early retirement can slash your income by 25-50% or more.A 52-year-old project manager has a heart attack. After recovery, they can only work part-time, losing their senior role and significantly reducing their pension contributions.
Increased Out-of-Pocket SpendingPrescription charges, travel to hospital appointments, home modifications, and paying for private physio or care.A person with diabetes might spend hundreds of pounds a year on specialist footwear, blood monitoring supplies, and healthier, more expensive foods.
Impact on FamilyA partner may need to reduce their working hours to become a carer, creating a double blow to household income.The spouse of a stroke survivor gives up their job to provide full-time care, eliminating one salary and increasing household stress.
Insurance PremiumsOnce you have a diagnosed chronic condition, securing new life or health insurance becomes extremely difficult and expensive, if not impossible.Attempting to get travel insurance after a cancer diagnosis can result in premiums that are ten times higher, or with total exclusion for anything cancer-related.

The NHS Is Struggling: Why a "Wait and See" Approach Is a Gamble

The National Health Service is a national treasure, providing incredible care for acute emergencies and life-threatening situations. However, the system is under unprecedented strain. According to the latest NHS England data, the waiting list for routine consultant-led treatment stands at over 7.5 million.

This isn't just about waiting for a hip replacement. It's about the crucial diagnostic stage.

  • The Problem: You see your GP with vague symptoms like fatigue and mild abdominal pain. They suspect it could be anything from stress to something more serious.
  • The NHS Pathway: You might be referred for a non-urgent ultrasound or to a gastroenterologist. This referral could take months. During this waiting period, a manageable condition could progress.
  • The Gamble: You are betting that your condition isn't worsening while you wait. For silent, progressive lifestyle diseases, this is a risk that can have irreversible consequences.

When it comes to prevention and early diagnosis of non-urgent symptoms, the system is simply too overloaded to provide the rapid, proactive response that modern healthcare demands.

Your PMI Pathway: From Reactive Treatment to Proactive Prevention

This is where private medical insurance changes the game. But first, a critical point must be understood.

Important Note: Private medical insurance UK does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses or injuries that are new, short-term, and likely to respond to treatment – which arise after your policy has started.

So, how can it help with the chronic disease crisis?

The power of PMI lies in its ability to prevent an issue from becoming chronic in the first place. It achieves this by providing swift access to two key areas: Advanced Preventative Diagnostics and Personalised Lifestyle Interventions.

1. Swift Access to Advanced Diagnostics

When your GP suspects something is wrong, PMI allows you to bypass the long NHS queues for diagnostic tests. This speed is critical.

Diagnostic TestTypical NHS Wait (Non-Urgent)Typical PMI Wait TimePotential Health Outcome
MRI Scan8-12+ weeks5-10 daysQuickly identifies a potential tumour or soft tissue injury before it worsens.
Endoscopy10-18+ weeks1-2 weeksCan detect pre-cancerous polyps in the bowel, allowing for removal before they become malignant.
Cardiology Consultation4-6+ months1-2 weeksAssesses heart palpitations or chest pain quickly, allowing for early intervention to prevent a major cardiac event.
Specialist Blood TestsVaries; can be delayedA few daysProvides a detailed picture of your metabolic health, catching pre-diabetes or high cholesterol early.

Getting a diagnosis in two weeks instead of six months can be the difference between a simple intervention and a lifelong battle with a chronic disease.

2. Personalised Lifestyle Support and Interventions

The best private health cover providers have evolved. They are no longer just passive payers of hospital bills; they are active partners in your health. Most top-tier policies now include a wealth of value-added services designed to keep you healthy.

  • 24/7 Digital GP: Get a virtual appointment within hours, not weeks. Perfect for getting a quick referral or peace of mind.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to therapy and counselling sessions without a long wait, tackling the stress and anxiety that can contribute to poor physical health.
  • Nutrition & Dietician Services: Expert advice to help you build a sustainable, healthy eating plan tailored to your needs.
  • Physiotherapy: Quick access to treatment for musculoskeletal issues, keeping you active and preventing minor injuries from becoming chronic problems.
  • Wellness Programmes: Many insurers, like Vitality, offer rewards (like cheap gym memberships or free coffees) for staying active, directly incentivising healthy habits.

WeCovr: Your Expert Partner in Building a Healthier Future

Navigating the world of private health insurance can feel overwhelming. With dozens of providers and complex policy documents, it's hard to know where to start. That's where an expert, independent PMI broker like WeCovr comes in.

We provide a no-cost service to you, comparing policies from across the market to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. Our team understands the nuances of each provider, ensuring you get the right cover for your peace of mind.

As a WeCovr client, you also get exclusive benefits designed to support your proactive health journey:

  • Complimentary CalorieHero Access: All our clients receive free access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It's a powerful tool to help you take control of your diet and make healthier choices every day.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: When you protect your health with us, we help protect your finances too. We offer discounts on other policies, like life or income protection insurance, when purchased alongside your PMI.

With high customer satisfaction ratings and a commitment to clear, honest advice, WeCovr is your trusted partner in shielding your foundational vitality.

Actionable Lifestyle Tips for Immediate Impact

While PMI is a powerful tool, your daily choices are the foundation of good health. Here are four evidence-based pillars you can start working on today.

  1. Nourish Your Body:

    • Embrace Colour: Aim for a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein (fish, chicken), and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado).
    • Cut the Ultra-Processed: Reduce your intake of foods that come in shiny packets with long ingredient lists. These are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt.
    • Hydrate Smartly: Drink plenty of water. Limit sugary drinks and excessive alcohol.
  2. Move Your Body:

    • Aim for 150: The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk, cycling, or swimming) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (like running or HIIT) per week.
    • Add Strength: Include muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. This could be lifting weights, yoga, or even heavy gardening.
    • Stay Consistent: The best exercise is the one you enjoy and will stick with. Find an activity you love.
  3. Prioritise Your Sleep:

    • The 7-9 Hour Rule: Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night for optimal physical and mental health.
    • Create a Routine: Go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day, even on weekends.
    • Digital Detox: Avoid screens (phones, tablets, TVs) for at least an hour before bed. The blue light can interfere with your body's production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
  4. Manage Your Stress:

    • Practice Mindfulness: Even 5-10 minutes of meditation or deep breathing exercises a day can lower cortisol levels and reduce stress.
    • Connect with Others: Make time for friends and family. Strong social connections are a powerful buffer against stress.
    • Get Outside: Spending time in nature has been proven to lower blood pressure and improve mood.

By integrating these habits, you dramatically lower your risk of developing a lifestyle disease, laying the groundwork for a long, healthy, and prosperous life. Private medical insurance acts as your safety net and your accelerator, ensuring that if you do need help, you get the best care, fast.

Does private medical insurance cover chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease?

No, this is the most critical point to understand. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) does not cover the management of chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension) or any pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy. PMI is specifically for acute conditions – new medical problems that are short-term and can be resolved with treatment, which arise after your policy begins. Its value lies in rapidly diagnosing symptoms to help prevent a condition from becoming chronic. For more information on policy specifics, please see:

Is private health cover worth it in the UK with the free NHS?

This depends entirely on your personal priorities and financial situation. While the NHS provides excellent emergency care, it faces significant waiting lists for diagnostics, specialist consultations, and elective surgery. Private health cover is "worth it" for those who value speed of access, choice over their specialist and hospital, and comfort (e.g., a private room). It provides peace of mind that you can bypass long waits, get a diagnosis quickly, and start treatment sooner, which is crucial for maintaining your health and ability to work. You can read more about this on the following page:

How much does private medical insurance cost in the UK?

The cost of a private medical insurance UK policy varies widely based on several factors: your age, your location, your smoking status, and the level of cover you choose. A basic policy for a young, healthy individual might start from £30-£40 per month, while a comprehensive policy for an older person with extensive cover could be £150+ per month. Key choices that affect price include the policy excess (the amount you pay towards a claim), outpatient cover limits, and the list of hospitals you have access to. An expert broker can help find a plan that fits your budget. For more details on this topic, please check out:

Don't let your health and financial future be a matter of chance. Take control today.

Click here to get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr and build your personalised shield against the rising tide of lifestyle diseases.


Get A Free Quote

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:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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.


Learn more


...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.