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UK Movement Crisis

UK Movement Crisis 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised expert insurance broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr is at the forefront of the UK’s private medical insurance market. This article explores a silent health emergency facing Britain and explains how modern private health cover can be a powerful tool for prevention.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 2 in 5 Britons Secretly Battle Chronic Physical Inactivity, Fueling a Staggering £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Heart Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Mental Health Crises, Musculoskeletal Disorders & Premature Mortality – Your PMI Pathway to Advanced Preventative Health, Personalised Lifestyle Support & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Prosperity

A hidden crisis is gripping the United Kingdom. Beneath the surface of our busy, modern lives, a profound and dangerous trend has taken hold: chronic physical inactivity. It’s not a headline-grabbing pandemic, but its consequences are just as severe, silently chipping away at our nation's health, wealth, and wellbeing.

Fresh analysis based on the latest data from leading UK health bodies like Sport England paints a stark picture for 2025. Over two in five adults in the UK are now classified as 'inactive' or 'fairly inactive', failing to meet the Chief Medical Officer's minimum recommended activity levels. This isn't about failing to run marathons; for millions, it means engaging in less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

This collective inertia is fuelling a cascade of preventable illnesses, placing an unsustainable burden on our cherished NHS and creating a devastating personal and societal cost. From cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes to debilitating mental health conditions and musculoskeletal disorders, inactivity is a root cause of the UK's biggest health challenges.

But what if there was a way to move from a reactive to a proactive approach? This is where modern private medical insurance (PMI) is rewriting the script. No longer just a safety net for when things go wrong, today's best PMI policies are evolving into powerful preventative health partnerships. They offer a direct pathway to advanced health screenings, personalised lifestyle support, and innovative wellness programmes designed to shield your vitality and secure your future prosperity.

Understanding the Scale of the UK's Inactivity Epidemic

To grasp the solution, we must first understand the problem. The term "chronic physical inactivity" refers to a persistent lifestyle lacking sufficient movement to maintain good health. The NHS recommends adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.

According to the most recent Sport England 'Active Lives' survey, the figures are alarming:

  • Inactive: Approximately 11.5 million adults (25%) are 'inactive', doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week.
  • Fairly Inactive: A further 5.5 million adults (12%) are 'fairly inactive', managing between 30 and 149 minutes a week.

Combined, this means more than 17 million adults—over 40% of the population—are not active enough to protect themselves from a host of preventable diseases. This isn't a moral failing; it's a symptom of modern life: sedentary jobs, long commutes, digital distractions, and time poverty.

Activity LevelDefinition (Minutes of Moderate Activity/Week)Approximate UK Adult Population
Active150+ minutes28.0 million (63%)
Fairly Inactive30 - 149 minutes5.5 million (12%)
InactiveLess than 30 minutes11.5 million (25%)

Source: Adapted from Sport England 'Active Lives Adult Survey' data.

The Staggering Cost: Unpacking the £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden

The headline figure of a "£4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden" can seem abstract. It's not a bill any single person will receive. Rather, it’s a powerful way to illustrate the enormous cumulative cost—to the NHS, the economy, and to families—generated by inactivity-related illnesses over a lifetime.

Think of it this way:

Public Health England has estimated that the direct cost of physical inactivity to the NHS across the UK is over £0.9 billion per year. When you factor in the indirect costs, such as productivity losses from sickness absence, this figure swells to over £7.4 billion annually.

Now, let's bring it down to a more human scale. Consider a hypothetical small community or a large workplace with just 100 chronically inactive individuals. Over their lifetimes, the combined cost of managing their preventable conditions can easily exceed £4.1 million.

Here’s a breakdown of how those costs accumulate:

Condition Linked to InactivityEstimated Lifetime Cost of Care (Per Person)Key Cost Drivers
Type 2 Diabetes£10,000 - £16,000+Medication, regular check-ups, specialist consultations (podiatry, ophthalmology), managing complications.
Major Cardiac Event (e.g., Heart Attack)£30,000 - £50,000+Emergency treatment, surgery (e.g., stents, bypass), cardiac rehabilitation, long-term medication.
Chronic Back Pain (MSK Disorder)£5,000 - £15,000+GP visits, physiotherapy, pain medication, specialist imaging (MRI), lost earnings.
Moderate to Severe Depression£8,000 - £20,000+Therapy/counselling sessions, medication, potential in-patient care, impact on employment.

Note: Figures are illustrative estimates based on various NHS and health charity economic models.

When you multiply these individual lifetime costs across a group of 100 people, it's clear how the total burden spirals into the millions. This is money spent on treating illnesses that, in many cases, could have been prevented or delayed through simple lifestyle changes.

A Cascade of Crises: How Inactivity Fuels Our Biggest Health Challenges

Physical inactivity is not a standalone issue. It is a powerful catalyst that accelerates the onset and severity of the UK's most pressing health problems.

The Heart of the Matter: Cardiovascular Disease

Your heart is a muscle, and like any muscle, it thrives on exercise. Inactivity leads to higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol—the three main risk factors for heart and circulatory diseases. The British Heart Foundation states that being inactive can increase your risk of having a heart attack by around 50%. Regular, moderate activity helps keep your arteries flexible, your blood pressure down, and your heart strong.

The Silent Epidemic: Type 2 Diabetes

Over 90% of the 5 million people living with diabetes in the UK have Type 2, a condition strongly linked to lifestyle. Physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively and manage blood sugar levels. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the single biggest preventable risk factors for developing the condition, which can lead to severe complications including blindness, kidney failure, and amputation.

The Toll on the Mind: Mental Health Crises

The link between movement and mood is undeniable. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood-lifters. It can reduce levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Countless studies, and official NHS guidance, confirm that regular physical activity can be as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression and is a powerful tool for managing anxiety and stress.

The Daily Ache: Musculoskeletal (MSK) Disorders

"Use it or lose it" is the golden rule for your bones, joints, and muscles. An inactive lifestyle weakens the supporting muscles around your joints, particularly in your back and knees, leading to chronic pain and instability. It also contributes to poor posture and a higher risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones) in later life. MSK problems are a leading cause of workplace absence in the UK, costing the economy billions in lost productivity.

Your PMI Pathway: Moving Beyond Treatment to Proactive Prevention

The NHS is a national treasure, world-class at treating acute emergencies and serious illness. However, its resources are finite and stretched to the limit, leaving little capacity for the kind of deep, personalised, and proactive wellness support needed to tackle the inactivity crisis at its source.

This is where private medical insurance in the UK is undergoing a revolution.

Crucially, it is vital to understand a fundamental principle of PMI: Standard policies are designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions that begin after your policy starts. They do not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you already have) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma that require ongoing management rather than a cure).

However, forward-thinking insurers now realise that the best way to manage future claims is to help their members stay healthy in the first place. This has given rise to a new philosophy we can call LCIIP: Long-term Chronic Illness Inactivity Prevention.

LCIIP isn't a specific product, but a framework of benefits and rewards integrated into modern PMI policies. The goal is to give you the tools, knowledge, and motivation to prevent the very conditions that PMI is designed to treat if they become acute.

AspectTraditional PMI (The Old Way)Modern PMI with LCIIP (The New Way)
FocusReactive: waits for you to get sick.Proactive: helps you stay well.
InteractionYou only engage when you need to make a claim.You engage regularly through apps, rewards, and wellness services.
ValuePeace of mind and access to treatment.Peace of mind, access to treatment, PLUS tangible day-to-day health benefits.
GoalTo cover the cost of private medical care.To cover costs and reduce your likelihood of needing care in the first place.

Unlocking Advanced Preventative Health with Your PMI Policy

So, what do these proactive benefits look like in practice? The best private health cover plans now come loaded with features that actively support a healthier, more active lifestyle.

1. Digital GPs and Advanced Health Screenings

Many policies offer 24/7 access to a digital GP service. This allows you to discuss concerns about your energy levels, joint pain, or mental health quickly and easily, getting early advice before a niggle becomes a major problem. Furthermore, premium plans often include comprehensive health screenings to check key biomarkers like cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, giving you a clear picture of your internal health.

2. Personalised Lifestyle Support & Wellness Programmes

This is where modern PMI truly shines. Insurers are now your partners in health, offering a suite of benefits:

  • Discounted Gym Memberships & Fitness Tech: Top providers like Vitality and Aviva have pioneered programmes that offer significant discounts on memberships at major gym chains (e.g., Nuffield Health, Virgin Active) and wearable tech like the Apple Watch or Garmin devices.
  • Rewards for Activity: These policies don't just give you the tools; they motivate you to use them. By linking your fitness tracker to the insurer's app, you can earn points for walking, running, or cycling. These points can be redeemed for rewards like free cinema tickets, coffee, or even lower insurance premiums the following year.
  • Access to Specialists: Many plans provide access to a set number of physiotherapy sessions without needing a GP referral, perfect for tackling back or knee pain early. They also offer access to nutritionists, smoking cessation programmes, and mental health support services, including counselling.

3. The WeCovr Advantage: Expert Guidance and Extra Value

Navigating the world of PMI can be complex. The features, benefits, and exclusions vary enormously between providers. This is why using an expert PMI broker like WeCovr is so valuable.

  • No Cost to You: Our service is free for our clients. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, so you get expert, impartial advice without paying a penny extra.
  • Whole-of-Market Comparison: We compare plans from across the UK market to find the one that best suits your personal health goals and budget.
  • Exclusive Benefits: As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our powerful AI-driven calorie and nutrition tracking app, to further support your health journey. Plus, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through us can often receive discounts on other types of cover they need. With high customer satisfaction ratings, our focus is on finding the right solution for you.

Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Vitality & Future-Proof Your Health

While PMI provides a fantastic support structure, the journey back to activity starts with small, personal steps. You don't need to go from the sofa to a marathon overnight.

Find Your Joyful Movement

  • The best exercise is the one you'll actually do. Hate the gym? Try a brisk walk in a local park, take up dancing, go for a swim, or try a team sport.

Start Small, Build Momentum

  • The 10-Minute Rule: If 150 minutes a week sounds daunting, start with just 10 minutes a day. A brisk 10-minute walk has proven health benefits. Once it becomes a habit, you can gradually increase the duration.
  • Incidental Activity: Look for ways to build movement into your day. Take the stairs instead of the lift, get off the bus one stop early, or do squats while waiting for the kettle to boil.

Fuel Your Body Correctly

  • You can't out-train a bad diet. Focus on a balanced plate with plenty of vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Reduce your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive saturated fats. Hydration is also key—aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day.

Prioritise Sleep and Recovery

  • Sleep is when your body repairs muscle, consolidates memory, and regulates hormones. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It is as crucial for your health as diet and exercise.

Does private medical insurance UK cover gym memberships and fitness apps?

Many modern private medical insurance (PMI) policies in the UK do not cover the full cost directly, but they offer significant benefits and incentives. Leading insurers like Vitality and Aviva provide heavily discounted gym memberships, rewards for physical activity tracked via apps and wearables (like Apple Watch), and access to a suite of digital health and wellness tools as part of their drive to promote preventative health.

Can I get private health cover if I am already inactive or overweight?

Yes, you can. Being inactive or overweight is considered a lifestyle factor, not typically a specific pre-existing condition that would prevent you from getting cover. In fact, for individuals in this situation, a modern PMI policy can be an incredibly powerful tool, providing the motivation, rewards, and support services (like access to nutritionists or health screenings) to help you embark on a healthier lifestyle. Insurers will not exclude you for these factors, but any existing diseases linked to them (like diagnosed high blood pressure) would be treated as a pre-existing condition.

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

This is the most critical distinction in UK private medical insurance. An **acute condition** is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a cataract, a hernia, or a broken bone). PMI is designed to cover these. A **chronic condition** is an illness that cannot be cured, only managed, often for the rest of your life (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, asthma, or multiple sclerosis). Standard PMI does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.

Why should I use a PMI broker like WeCovr instead of going directly to an insurer?

Using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr costs you nothing but offers significant advantages. We provide impartial, expert advice and compare policies from across the market to find the best fit for your specific needs and budget. Going direct only gives you one option. We help you understand the complex terms and conditions, ensuring there are no surprises, and can often highlight policies with the best preventative health and wellness benefits that you might have otherwise missed.

The movement crisis is a challenge, but it is one we can overcome. By understanding the risks and embracing the powerful preventative tools now available through modern private health cover, you can take decisive action to protect your most valuable asset: your health. Shield your vitality, secure your future prosperity, and start your journey to a more active life today.

Ready to explore how a private medical insurance policy can support your health goals? Contact WeCovr for a free, no-obligation quote and let our experts find the perfect plan for you.

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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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