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UK Movement Crisis

UK Movement Crisis 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies of various kinds issued, WeCovr is at the forefront of helping UK families navigate the complex world of private medical insurance. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to protect your health, wealth, and future against today's growing challenges.

UK 2025 Shock Over 2 in 5 Britons Face a £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden from Inactivity, Fueling Chronic Disease, Premature Death, Lost Income & Eroding Family Futures – Is Your PMI Pathway & LCIIP Shielding Your Active Longevity

The silent alarm is ringing across the United Kingdom. New projections for 2025 reveal a startling future: more than two in five Britons are on a trajectory towards a lifetime of challenges shaped by a single factor – physical inactivity. This isn't just about missing a weekly gym session; it's a creeping national crisis with a devastating personal price tag estimated at over £4.2 million per person in lost income, healthcare costs, and diminished quality of life.

This "Movement Crisis" is quietly fuelling an epidemic of preventable chronic diseases, contributing to premature deaths, and systematically eroding the financial and emotional bedrock of families. The question is no longer if this will affect you, but how you can build a shield to protect your future. This guide explores the true cost of inactivity and how strategic tools like Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Long-Term Care and Income Protection (LCIIP) can form your essential pathway to a long, healthy, and prosperous life.

The £4.2 Million Question: Deconstructing the Lifetime Cost of Inactivity

The headline figure is staggering, but what does a £4.2 million burden truly mean for an individual and their family? This isn't a bill that arrives in the post. It's a slow, compounding cost that dismantles futures through direct expenses, lost opportunities, and a tragic loss of vitality.

Based on projections from UK health economic models, this figure can be broken down into three core areas:

  1. Lost Income & Productivity: This is the silent giant of the £4.2 million figure. Chronic illness, from back pain to heart conditions, is a leading cause of long-term sickness absence, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This translates to:

    • Reduced Earnings: More sick days, lower performance, and missed promotions.
    • Forced Early Retirement: Being unable to continue in a chosen career, leading to a drastic cut in lifetime earning potential.
    • Pension Gaps: A shorter working life means significantly smaller pension pots, impacting retirement security.

  2. Direct Healthcare & Social Care Costs: While the NHS provides incredible care, a lifetime of chronic illness brings substantial personal costs.

    • Prescriptions & Top-Ups: The cumulative cost of medications over decades.
    • Specialist Equipment: Mobility aids, home modifications, and other necessary equipment.
    • Social Care: The most significant threat to family assets. The need for paid home care or a residential facility can cost tens of thousands of pounds per year, rapidly depleting savings and property wealth.

  3. The Unseen Cost to Families: The burden isn't just financial. When a person's health declines prematurely, a spouse or adult child often becomes an informal carer. This has a profound economic and emotional impact, frequently forcing loved ones to reduce their own working hours, sacrifice their careers, and face immense personal stress.

Cost ComponentDescriptionEstimated Lifetime Impact (Per Person)
Lost Earnings & PensionReduced working hours, early retirement, lower career progression due to ill-health.£1.5 million - £2.0 million
Direct Medical & Care CostsPrescriptions, home modifications, paid carers, and residential care fees.£1.0 million - £1.7 million
Impact on Family/Informal CareValue of care provided by family, lost earnings of spouse or children.£500,000 - £700,000+

Disclaimer: Figures are illustrative projections based on economic modelling of a high-risk sedentary individual from age 30, factoring in inflation, lost investment growth, and social care costs.

The Critical Distinction: PMI is for Acute Conditions, Not Chronic Illness

Before we explore the solution, it is vital to understand a fundamental principle of the UK private health cover market. This is the single most important fact to grasp:

Standard Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to cover ACUTE conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia repair, cataract surgery, or treatment for a joint injury.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and most forms of heart disease.

PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions. The chronic diseases fuelled by inactivity, such as type 2 diabetes or coronary heart disease, would not be covered by a new PMI policy.

So, how can PMI help? It helps by keeping you active and healthy in the first place, tackling the small problems before they become big, life-altering ones.

Your PMI Pathway: How Private Health Cover Keeps You Moving

While PMI doesn't cover chronic illness, it is an incredibly powerful tool for preventing the slide into inactivity that so often leads to it. Its primary value lies in speed, access, and proactive wellness support.

Think of it this way: a minor sports injury, if left untreated on a long NHS waiting list, can force you into a sedentary lifestyle for months. This period of inactivity can lead to weight gain, muscle loss, and low mood, starting a negative spiral.

A good private medical insurance UK policy short-circuits this risk.

1. Rapid Access to Diagnostics and Treatment

An NHS waiting list for an MRI scan or a consultation with an orthopaedic specialist can be months long. With PMI, you can often be seen in days or weeks.

  • Real-Life Example: Sarah, a 45-year-old marketing manager and keen runner, twists her knee. The NHS wait for an MRI is 12 weeks, followed by another wait for treatment. In that time, she can't run, her fitness declines, and she gains weight. With her PMI policy, she gets an MRI within a week, is diagnosed with a torn meniscus, and has keyhole surgery two weeks later. She is back to gentle jogging within two months, preventing the long-term negative health impact.

2. Extensive Wellness and Prevention Benefits

Modern PMI is no longer just about being ill. The best PMI providers now include a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to keep you healthy and active. These value-added services are often the key to unlocking long-term health.

Benefit TypeExamples of What's OfferedHow It Promotes an Active Life
Digital GP Services24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call.Get quick advice on minor injuries or health niggles without waiting, preventing them from becoming bigger issues.
Fitness DiscountsReduced membership fees at major UK gym chains (e.g., Nuffield Health, Virgin Active).Makes staying active more affordable and accessible.
Mental Health SupportAccess to counselling, therapy sessions, and mindfulness apps.Addresses the psychological barriers to activity, like stress and low motivation.
Health ScreeningsSubsidised or included health checks to catch early warning signs of disease.Empowers you with knowledge about your body, motivating proactive lifestyle changes.
Physiotherapy & ChiropracticFast access to physical therapies for musculoskeletal problems.Resolves the back, neck, and joint pain that stops millions of people from being active.
Wearable Tech DealsDiscounts on devices like Apple Watch or Fitbit.Encourages daily movement tracking and helps you set and achieve fitness goals.

A knowledgeable PMI broker like WeCovr can be invaluable here. We help you compare not just the core cover and price, but these crucial wellness benefits, ensuring you choose a policy that actively supports your lifestyle goals.

The LCIIP Shield: Protecting Your Finances if Chronic Illness Strikes

PMI is your first line of defence – keeping you active and addressing acute issues swiftly. But what happens if, despite your best efforts, a chronic condition does develop and impacts your ability to work and live independently?

This is where your financial shield comes in: Long-Term Care and Income Protection (LCIIP). These are separate types of insurance that work alongside PMI to provide a complete safety net.

  • Income Protection (IP): This policy pays you a regular, tax-free replacement income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It covers your mortgage, bills, and living expenses, removing financial stress so you can focus on your health. It can be a lifeline if a condition like severe arthritis or heart disease prevents you from doing your job.

  • Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC): This is designed to cover the costs of care if you can no longer look after yourself due to illness or disability. It can pay for carers to visit you at home or cover the fees of a residential care facility, protecting your home and savings from being used to pay for care.

At WeCovr, we believe in a holistic approach to protection. That’s why clients who take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy with us can often access discounts on these other vital forms of cover, building a comprehensive shield for their family's future.

Building Your Personal Resilience Plan: Practical Steps to Counter Inactivity

Insurance is your safety net, but personal action is your foundation. Integrating more movement and healthier habits into your life doesn't require a radical overhaul. Small, consistent changes have a massive cumulative effect.

1. Redefine "Exercise" as "Movement"

Forget the "all or nothing" mindset of hour-long gym sessions. Focus on increasing your NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) – the energy you burn doing everything except sleeping, eating, or formal exercise.

  • Take the stairs: Every single time.
  • Walk and talk: Take work calls while pacing around your home or office.
  • Active commute: Park further away or get off the bus one stop early.
  • Set a movement timer: Get up and stretch or walk for 2 minutes every 30 minutes you're at a desk.

2. Fuel Your Body for Energy, Not Lethargy

What you eat directly impacts your energy levels and desire to move. A diet high in processed foods and sugar leads to energy crashes and inflammation.

  • Prioritise Protein: Include a source of protein (eggs, Greek yoghurt, lean meat, lentils) with every meal to keep you full and stabilise blood sugar.
  • Hydrate for Health: Dehydration can masquerade as tiredness. Aim for 2 litres of water per day.
  • Track for Awareness: Understanding your calorie and nutrient intake is the first step to improving it. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to make this simple and effective.

3. Master Your Sleep

The ONS has highlighted poor sleep as a major public health concern. It's the foundation of physical recovery, mental resilience, and hormonal balance. Lack of sleep saps your energy and willpower to be active.

  • Consistent Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
  • Create a Sanctuary: Your bedroom should be dark, quiet, and cool. No screens for at least an hour before bed.
  • Limit Caffeine & Alcohol: Avoid caffeine after 2 pm and limit alcohol, as it severely disrupts sleep quality.

4. Find Your "Why"

Motivation is fleeting; purpose is durable. Why do you want to be active?

  • To play with your grandchildren without getting out of breath?
  • To travel the world in retirement with energy and vitality?
  • To be a role model for your children?
  • To keep your mind sharp and reduce the risk of dementia?

Connect your daily actions to this deeper purpose. This is what will keep you going when motivation wanes.

Case Study: The Diverging Paths of Alex and Ben

Let's imagine two 40-year-old office workers, Alex and Ben. Both have similar jobs, families, and a tendency to be sedentary.

ScenarioBen (The Unprepared)Alex (The Proactive Planner)
The InjuryBen develops persistent back pain from sitting. He faces a 6-month NHS wait for a specialist. The pain makes him inactive, he gains weight, and his mood plummets.Alex feels a twinge in his back. He uses his PMI's Digital GP service, is referred to a physiotherapist within 3 days, and gets a personalised exercise plan. He misses no work.
WellnessBen continues his sedentary habits. He sees gym memberships as an unaffordable luxury.Alex uses his PMI's gym discount to join a local health club. He enjoys the classes and feels more energetic and productive at work. He also uses the CalorieHero app to lose a few kilos.
The DiagnosisAt 55, Ben is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure. He now has a chronic condition, requiring daily medication and management. He frequently feels tired.At 55, Alex's PMI health screening flags slightly elevated cholesterol. Motivated by the result, he refines his diet and increases his activity, bringing it back to a healthy level.
The OutcomeAt 60, Ben suffers a minor stroke, forcing him into early retirement. His pension is smaller than planned. He relies on his wife for care, straining their relationship and finances. His lifetime burden is accumulating.At 60, Alex is fit and healthy. He's excelling in his career and looking forward to an active retirement. His PMI, Income Protection, and LTC policies provide peace of mind that his family is protected, no matter what.

This simplified story illustrates a powerful truth: the small choices and strategic preparations we make today dictate the quality and security of our lives tomorrow.

How to Choose the Best Private Health Cover for Your Future

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be confusing. Policies vary widely in cover, price, and, crucially, in the wellness benefits they offer.

Using an independent, expert PMI broker like WeCovr is the simplest way to find the right fit. We are not tied to any single insurer. Our job is to understand your needs and search the market to find the policy that offers you the best value and the most relevant benefits. Our service comes at no extra cost to you. We are remunerated by the insurer you choose.

Here's what to consider:

  • Level of Cover: Do you want a basic policy for major issues or a comprehensive one that includes outpatient consultations, therapies, and mental health support?
  • Hospital List: Which private hospitals are included? Is there a network near your home and work?
  • Excess: How much are you willing to pay towards the cost of each claim? A higher excess lowers your monthly premium.
  • Underwriting: Will you opt for 'Moratorium' (where recent pre-existing conditions are excluded for a set period) or 'Full Medical Underwriting' (where you declare your full history upfront)?

Our team at WeCovr, known for high customer satisfaction, can walk you through these options in plain English, ensuring you make a confident and informed decision.


Does Private Medical Insurance get more expensive as you get older?

Yes, generally PMI premiums increase with age. This is because the statistical risk of needing medical treatment rises as we get older. Insurers adjust prices at your annual renewal to reflect this increased risk. However, proactive engagement with wellness benefits offered by your policy can help maintain good health, potentially mitigating some long-term health risks.

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

You can still get private health cover, but it is a fundamental rule of the UK market that your pre-existing conditions will be excluded from the policy. PMI is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. When you apply, the insurer will either ask you to declare your medical history (Full Medical Underwriting) or apply a general exclusion for any condition you've had symptoms of or treatment for in the last few years (Moratorium Underwriting).

Are the wellness benefits like gym discounts and health screenings really worth it?

Absolutely. For many people, the value of these benefits can exceed the monthly premium. A discounted gym membership alone could save you hundreds of pounds a year. More importantly, these benefits are powerful tools to motivate you to build and maintain a healthier, more active lifestyle. They shift the focus of insurance from simply treating illness to proactively preventing it, which is the best way to secure your long-term health and wellbeing. An expert broker can help you find a policy where the benefits perfectly match your lifestyle.

The UK's movement crisis is a challenge, but it is not a destiny. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps—combining personal action with the powerful safety nets of Private Medical Insurance and financial protection—you can build a resilient future. You can choose a path of active longevity, financial security, and a life lived to its fullest potential.

Take the first step today. Protect your future and your family's. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr and let our experts find the perfect health and protection pathway 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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