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UK Migraine Crisis 1 in 7 Britons Affected

UK Migraine Crisis 1 in 7 Britons Affected 2025

Struggling with the hidden costs of migraines in the UK? As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr explains how private medical insurance offers a lifeline, providing fast access to specialists and treatments to protect your health and career from this debilitating condition.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 7 Britons Will Secretly Battle Debilitating Migraines, Fueling a Staggering £3.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Lost Productivity, Career Stagnation, Unfunded Treatments & Eroding Quality of Life – Your PMI Pathway to Rapid Specialist Diagnosis, Advanced Therapies & LCIIP Shielding Your Professional Longevity & Future Prosperity

The figures are stark and paint a concerning picture of the nation's health. New analysis for 2025 confirms that migraine is not just a "bad headache" but a significant neurological condition affecting more than 10 million people in the UK. This silent epidemic, affecting one in every seven individuals, quietly sabotages careers, finances, and personal wellbeing on a colossal scale.

For many, particularly ambitious professionals, the cumulative impact is devastating. It's a creeping crisis measured in lost days, missed promotions, and spiralling private costs. The lifetime financial burden—a combination of lost earnings, career stagnation, private treatment costs, and reduced quality of life—can exceed an astonishing £3.5 million for high-earning individuals in demanding careers.

But there is a proactive solution. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) offers a powerful pathway to reclaim control. It provides the rapid diagnostics, advanced treatments, and specialist access needed to manage migraine effectively, shielding your professional life and future financial security.

The Silent Epidemic: Unmasking the True Scale of the UK's Migraine Problem

Migraine is one of the most prevalent and disabling neurological disorders in the world. In the UK, its impact is profoundly underestimated.

  • Prevalence: According to The Migraine Trust, approximately 10 million people aged 15-69 in the UK suffer from migraines. This makes it more common than diabetes, epilepsy, and asthma combined.
  • Working Days Lost: The UK economy loses an estimated 25 million days from work or school each year due to migraine. This staggering figure highlights the immense productivity drain on businesses and the public sector.
  • Demographic Impact: Migraine disproportionately affects women, who are three times more likely to experience it than men. It also peaks during the most productive working years (ages 30-50), precisely when individuals are building careers and families.

A 2025 Office for National Statistics (ONS) review of sickness absence data reveals that "headaches and migraines" consistently rank among the top reasons for short-term absence, contributing significantly to the UK's productivity puzzle.

"It's Not Just a Headache": Understanding the Four Stages of a Migraine Attack

To truly grasp the debilitating nature of migraine, it's essential to understand that it's a complex condition with distinct phases. Many sufferers experience some or all of the following:

  1. Prodrome (The Warning Stage): Occurring hours or even days before the headache, symptoms can include mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, and fatigue.
  2. Aura (The Sensory Disturbance): Affecting about one-third of sufferers, the aura phase involves temporary visual or sensory disturbances. This can include seeing flashing lights, blind spots, or feeling a pins-and-needles sensation in the limbs.
  3. Attack (The Headache Phase): This is the most acute phase, characterised by a severe, often one-sided, throbbing headache. It is frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. This phase can last from 4 to 72 hours.
  4. Postdrome (The "Migraine Hangover"): After the headache subsides, many people feel drained, exhausted, and confused for up to a day.

It is this multi-day, multi-symptom assault that makes migraine so much more than a simple headache and so destructive to a person's professional and personal life.

The £3.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden: Deconstructing the True Cost of Migraine

The headline figure of a £3.5 million lifetime burden may seem shocking, but for a high-achieving professional, the calculation is soberingly realistic when all factors are considered over a 40-year career. It is not just about sick days; it is a story of compounding losses.

Let's break down this potential lifetime cost for a City professional earning a six-figure salary:

Cost ComponentDescriptionEstimated Lifetime Impact (High-Earner Example)
Direct Productivity LossDays taken off sick due to severe attacks. Based on an average of 5-10 severe migraine days per year.£200,000 - £400,000
"Presenteeism" & Career StagnationWorking through an attack with drastically reduced cognitive function. This leads to missed deadlines, poor performance in key meetings, and being overlooked for promotions and pay rises. The compounding effect of this over decades is enormous.£1,500,000 - £2,500,000+
Unfunded Private TreatmentsCost of private neurologist consultations, advanced drugs (e.g., CGRPs), and therapies not easily accessible on the NHS.£80,000 - £150,000
"Wellbeing" CostsMoney spent on complementary therapies, specialist diets, stress-reduction programmes, and other out-of-pocket expenses in a desperate attempt to manage triggers.£40,000 - £75,000
Quality of Life ErosionThe intangible but significant cost of cancelled family holidays, missed social events, and the persistent anxiety of the next attack.Incalculable
Total Estimated Lifetime Burden£1,820,000 - £3,125,000+

This illustrates how the true financial damage from chronic migraine extends far beyond the direct cost of treatment. It systematically undermines earning potential and wealth creation over a lifetime.

The NHS Pathway for Migraine: A System Under Pressure

The NHS provides excellent care, but it is a system contending with unprecedented demand. For a condition like migraine, which is not immediately life-threatening, the pathway can be frustratingly long.

A Typical NHS Journey:

  1. GP Appointment: The first step is your GP, who will diagnose your condition and likely prescribe initial treatments like triptans or standard painkillers.
  2. Trying First-Line Treatments: You will usually be asked to try several different types of medication over a period of months, keeping a detailed diary.
  3. Referral to a Specialist: If first and second-line treatments fail, your GP may refer you to an NHS neurologist.
  4. The Waiting Game: This is where the most significant delay occurs. According to the latest NHS England data, the median wait time for a routine neurology appointment can be over 20 weeks, with some trusts having waits of more than a year.
  5. Further Delays for Diagnostics: If the neurologist requires an MRI or other scan to rule out other conditions, this can add further months to the timeline.

This entire process can easily take 6-18 months. During this time, your condition may worsen, and the negative impact on your career and mental health continues to mount.

Your PMI Lifeline: The Pathway to Rapid Diagnosis and Advanced Treatment

This is where private medical insurance (PMI) changes the narrative. For individuals who develop migraines after their policy begins, PMI provides a swift, efficient, and comprehensive alternative.

CRITICAL INFORMATION: PRE-EXISTING & CHRONIC CONDITIONS

It is vital to understand a fundamental rule of UK private medical insurance: standard policies do not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. Migraine is a chronic condition. This means if you have already been diagnosed with or have symptoms of migraine before you take out a policy, it will be excluded from your cover.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are new, unexpected, and likely to respond quickly to treatment. If you are healthy when you take out a policy and develop migraines afterwards, your PMI policy can be an invaluable asset for diagnosis and treatment. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand the specific terms and underwriting of your policy.

How PMI Transforms Your Migraine Journey

For a new-onset condition, here’s how PMI accelerates your path to relief:

FeatureStandard NHS PathwayPrivate Pathway with PMI
Initial ConsultationWait for a GP appointment.Access a Digital GP, often within hours.
Specialist ReferralGP referral to NHS neurologist.GP provides an open referral. You can book an appointment with a private neurologist of your choice.
Specialist Wait Time20+ weeks median wait.Typically within 1-2 weeks.
Diagnostics (e.g., MRI)Can involve further long waits.Arranged within days of the specialist consultation.
Access to TreatmentsRestricted by NICE guidelines and local NHS budgets.Access to a wider range of the latest licensed drugs and therapies.
Choice & ComfortLimited choice of hospital/specialist.Choice of leading specialists and comfortable private hospital facilities.

Unlocking Advanced Migraine Therapies Through Private Health Cover

One of the most significant advantages of private medical insurance UK is gaining access to cutting-edge treatments that may have limited availability or strict access criteria on the NHS.

1. CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) is a protein that plays a key role in transmitting pain signals during a migraine. A revolutionary new class of drugs, known as CGRP inhibitors, works by blocking this protein.

  • Examples: Erenumab, Fremanezumab, Galcanezumab.
  • How they work: These are self-administered monthly or quarterly injections that can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
  • NHS vs. Private: While available on the NHS, access is strictly controlled by NICE guidelines. Patients must have chronic migraine (15+ headache days per month) and have failed at least three previous preventative treatments. With PMI, a consultant can often prescribe them more readily if they deem it clinically appropriate.

2. Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA) Injections

Licensed specifically for chronic migraine, Botox involves a series of small injections into specific points on the head and neck every 12 weeks.

  • How it works: It is thought to block the release of pain-transmitting chemicals.
  • NHS vs. Private: Similar to CGRPs, NHS access is restricted to chronic migraine sufferers who have not responded to other treatments. A private policy can provide faster access without needing to exhaust all other options first.

3. Neuromodulation Devices

These innovative devices use electrical or magnetic pulses to stimulate nerves and disrupt pain signals.

  • Examples: Cefaly (external trigeminal nerve stimulation), sTMS (single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation).
  • NHS vs. Private: These are not routinely funded by the NHS, meaning patients would almost always have to pay for them privately. A comprehensive PMI policy may provide cover for these devices if recommended by a specialist.

Beyond Treatment: The Holistic Support from Modern PMI Policies

The best PMI providers understand that health management goes beyond just treating symptoms. Modern policies often include a suite of wellness benefits that can be instrumental in managing a condition like migraine.

  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call is perfect for getting immediate advice when a migraine starts or for arranging quick prescriptions.
  • Mental Health Support: Stress is a major migraine trigger. Many policies include access to counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you manage stress and anxiety.
  • Nutritionist and Dietetic Advice: Certain foods can be triggers for migraine. Some policies offer access to nutritionists who can help you identify and manage your dietary triggers.
  • Complementary Therapies: Depending on your level of cover, you may have an allowance for therapies like physiotherapy, osteopathy, or acupuncture, which some people find helpful for neck tension related to migraines.

At WeCovr, we go a step further. We believe in empowering our clients with tools for proactive health management. That's why clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. This can be a valuable tool for identifying potential food triggers and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce migraine risk. Furthermore, our clients often benefit from discounts on other types of insurance, providing comprehensive protection for their family and finances.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover: A WeCovr Guide

Navigating the private medical insurance market can be complex. With dozens of policies and providers, how do you choose the right one?

Here are key factors to consider:

  1. Level of Cover: Policies are often tiered (e.g., Basic, Mid-Range, Comprehensive). A comprehensive policy is more likely to cover the full pathway from diagnosis to advanced treatments and therapies.
  2. Hospital List: Insurers have different lists of approved hospitals. If you want access to a specific facility in London or another major city, ensure it's on your policy's list.
  3. Outpatient Limits: This determines how much cover you have for consultations and diagnostics before being admitted to hospital. For a condition like migraine, a generous outpatient limit is crucial.
  4. Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess will lower your monthly premium, but you'll pay more when you need to use the cover.
  5. Underwriting Type:
    • Moratorium: You don't declare your medical history upfront. The insurer automatically excludes conditions you've had symptoms of or treatment for in the last 5 years.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a full health questionnaire. The insurer will state any specific exclusions from the outset. FMU can provide more certainty.

This is where an independent PMI broker is indispensable. The team at WeCovr has years of experience and uses our expertise to compare the entire market on your behalf. We take the time to understand your needs and budget, explaining the small print in plain English to find a policy that offers robust protection. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to providing clear, impartial advice at no cost to you.


Does private medical insurance in the UK cover pre-existing migraines?

No, standard UK private medical insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, and migraine is classified as a chronic condition. If you have sought advice, had symptoms, or received treatment for migraines in the 5 years prior to taking out a policy, it will almost certainly be excluded from cover. PMI is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy has started.

Is private health cover worth it if I might get migraines in the future?

If you are currently in good health, getting a private health cover policy in place can be a very wise investment. Should you develop migraines or another neurological condition *after* your policy begins, it would provide you with fast access to leading neurologists, advanced diagnostic scans like MRI, and a wide range of the latest treatments that may not be easily accessible on the NHS. This can significantly shorten your path to an effective management plan and protect your career and quality of life.

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

An 'acute' condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is new, short-term, and likely to respond quickly to treatment (e.g., a cataract or a hernia). Private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions. A 'chronic' condition is one that is long-lasting and often has no cure, requiring ongoing management (e.g., diabetes, asthma, or migraine). UK PMI policies do not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions. They may cover an acute 'flare-up' of a chronic condition, but the underlying condition itself is excluded.

How can a PMI broker like WeCovr help me?

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr acts as your independent guide. We compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers to find the best PMI provider for your specific needs and budget. We explain the complex terms, such as underwriting and outpatient limits, in simple language. Our service is free to you, and we use our expertise to ensure you get the right level of protection, saving you time and potentially a great deal of money.

Don't let the risk of migraine or other neurological conditions threaten your future. Take control of your health and protect your professional longevity.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how the right private medical insurance can provide the peace of mind you deserve.

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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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