Login

UK Nutrient Deficiencies Half of Britons at Risk

UK Nutrient Deficiencies Half of Britons at Risk 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr is committed to providing clarity on UK health matters. This article explores the growing crisis of nutrient deficiencies and how private medical insurance can offer a powerful solution for proactive diagnosis and swift access to care.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 2 Britons Secretly Battle Chronic Nutrient Deficiencies, Fueling a Staggering £3.7 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Persistent Fatigue, Cognitive Decline, Weakened Immunity & Eroding Long-Term Vitality – Your PMI Pathway to Advanced Nutritional Diagnostics, Personalised Supplement Protocols & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Well-being & Future Prosperity

It’s a silent epidemic unfolding in homes and offices across the United Kingdom. A creeping sense of being "not quite right." Persistent tiredness that sleep doesn't fix. Brain fog that clouds focus. An immune system that seems to stumble at every hurdle. While many dismiss these as just the stresses of modern life, startling new analysis reveals a far more specific culprit: chronic nutrient deficiencies.

Recent data, including insights from the UK's National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), paints a concerning picture. It suggests that more than half of the population may be living with suboptimal levels of one or more essential micronutrients. This isn't just about feeling a bit off-colour; it’s a foundational health crisis with a devastating long-term impact, contributing to a potential lifetime burden of ill-health and lost productivity.

But there is a pathway to regaining control. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is evolving beyond just covering operations. It now offers a fast-track route to the advanced diagnostics and specialist advice needed to identify and address these deficiencies, protecting your health today and your prosperity for decades to come.

The Silent Epidemic: Unpacking the UK's Widespread Nutrient Gaps

A nutrient deficiency occurs when your body doesn't absorb or get enough of a necessary vitamin or mineral from your food. Over time, this shortfall can disrupt vital bodily functions, from energy production and brain chemistry to immune response and bone health.

While severe deficiencies like scurvy or rickets are rare today, a widespread issue of 'subclinical' or 'marginal' deficiencies is taking hold. You may not have an acute illness, but you are not functioning at your best.

According to the latest NDNS findings, several key deficiencies are particularly prevalent in the UK population:

NutrientAt-Risk Groups & Key FactsCommon Symptoms
Vitamin DAlmost everyone in the UK, Oct-Mar. Older adults, those with darker skin, office workers.Fatigue, bone pain, frequent colds & flu, low mood.
IronWomen of childbearing age, vegetarians/vegans, children.Extreme fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, brain fog.
Vitamin B12Older adults, vegans, people with digestive conditions.Tiredness, pins and needles, mouth ulcers, memory problems.
Folate (B9)Women planning pregnancy, people with poor diets.Fatigue, lethargy, muscle weakness, neurological issues.
IodineYoung women, those who avoid dairy and fish.Unexplained weight gain, fatigue, swelling in the neck (goitre).

This data shows a clear trend: the modern British diet and lifestyle are failing to provide the fundamental building blocks for long-term health.

The £3.7 Million Lifetime Burden: The True Cost of 'Just Feeling Tired'

The idea of a multi-million-pound "lifetime burden" might seem abstract, but it becomes starkly real when you break it down. This figure represents the cumulative cost of a life lived at less than 100% – a combination of direct medical costs, lost income, and diminished quality of life.

  1. Persistent Fatigue & Lost Productivity: Imagine losing 10-20% of your daily productivity to brain fog and exhaustion. Over a 40-year career, this "performance tax" translates into missed promotions, stagnant earning potential, and a significant dent in your lifetime savings and pension pot.
  2. Cognitive Decline: Deficiencies in B vitamins and Omega-3 are directly linked to poorer memory, reduced problem-solving ability, and slower thinking. In a knowledge-based economy, cognitive capital is your most valuable asset. Protecting it is non-negotiable.
  3. Weakened Immunity: How many days of work or family life are lost each year to coughs, colds, and flu? Vitamins C, D, and Zinc are the front-line soldiers of your immune system. A deficiency means your defences are down, leaving you vulnerable to every bug going around.
  4. Eroding Long-Term Vitality: The damage is cumulative. Years of low Vitamin D and calcium can lead to osteoporosis and fractures in later life. Chronic low-level inflammation, fuelled by poor nutrition, is a known driver of major diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. The cost of managing these chronic conditions dwarfs the investment in preventing them.

When you add it all up, the cost of "powering through" is astronomical. It's the silent erosion of your health, wealth, and future happiness.

Why Is This Happening? The Root Causes of Britain's Nutritional Gap

This isn't a problem of individual willpower; it's a systemic issue driven by profound changes in our society.

  • The Rise of Ultra-Processed Foods: Convenient, calorie-dense, but nutrient-poor. These foods now make up over half of the average British diet, displacing the whole foods that contain the vitamins and minerals we need.
  • Economic Pressures: The ongoing cost-of-living crisis forces many families to choose cheaper, filling foods over more expensive fresh produce, fish, and quality meats.
  • Lifestyle Shifts: We live increasingly indoor, sedentary lives. This has had a direct and disastrous impact on our Vitamin D levels, which are synthesised in the skin through sun exposure.
  • Dietary Choices: While often healthy, poorly planned vegetarian and vegan diets can easily lead to deficiencies in B12, iron, calcium, and iodine without careful management and supplementation.
  • Soil Depletion: Decades of intensive agriculture have, in some cases, led to soil with lower concentrations of essential minerals, meaning the fruit and vegetables grown in it may be less nutritious than they were 50 years ago.

The NHS vs. Private Health Cover: Your Route to a Diagnosis

The NHS is a national treasure, providing exceptional emergency and critical care. However, when it comes to investigating vague, non-life-threatening symptoms like fatigue, the system can be slow.

  • The NHS Path: Your GP might test for one or two common culprits, like iron or thyroid function. If those come back normal, you may face a lengthy wait for a referral to a specialist, such as a dietitian or endocrinologist. Comprehensive nutritional screening is not routinely offered.

  • The Private Medical Insurance UK Advantage: This is where PMI changes the game. It provides a parallel pathway that is fast, direct, and comprehensive. With a good policy, you can benefit from:

    • Rapid GP Referrals: Many policies include access to a Digital GP service, allowing you to get a referral in hours, not weeks.
    • Swift Specialist Access: See a private consultant, dietitian, or nutritionist within days.
    • Advanced Diagnostics: Gain access to comprehensive blood tests that screen for a wide panel of vitamins, minerals, hormones, and inflammatory markers, giving you a complete picture of your health.

Crucial Information on Cover: It is vital to understand that standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses that are curable and arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or the routine management of chronic conditions. However, the investigation of symptoms (like fatigue) to find a diagnosis is a core benefit. If that investigation reveals an acute deficiency, the initial treatment to correct it is often covered.

Your PMI Pathway: A Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Control

Leveraging your private health cover to tackle potential deficiencies is a straightforward process. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you find a policy with the right benefits to support this journey.

  1. Recognise the Signs: You're experiencing persistent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or frequent illness.
  2. Get a Referral: You use your policy's Digital GP service or see your NHS GP to discuss your symptoms and get an open referral to a specialist.
  3. Contact Your Insurer: You call your PMI provider to get your consultation and diagnostic tests authorised.
  4. See a Private Specialist: You book an appointment with a consultant physician or registered dietitian, often within a week.
  5. Undergo Comprehensive Testing: The specialist recommends a full nutritional blood screen, which is covered under the outpatient diagnostics benefit of your policy.
  6. Receive Your Personalised Plan: The results pinpoint specific deficiencies. The specialist provides a clear plan, which may include an initial high-dose course of supplements to correct the acute issue, alongside a long-term diet and lifestyle strategy.

This process is what we call LCIIP: Leveraging Comprehensive Investigations and Interventions Proactively. It’s not a product, but a strategy. By using PMI to proactively investigate your health, you can catch nutritional issues before they escalate into chronic, uninsurable conditions. You are effectively shielding your future well-being.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover: Key Features for Nutritional Wellness

Not all private medical insurance policies are created equal. When your goal is proactive wellness, look for these key features:

FeatureWhy It's ImportantWhat to Look For
Outpatient CoverEssential for consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans without needing to be admitted to hospital.A high annual limit (£1,000+) or an unlimited option.
Therapies CoverCovers sessions with specialists like dietitians and nutritionists to create a personalised plan.Check that registered dietitians are included in the list of recognised therapists.
Digital GP ServiceProvides 24/7 access to a GP for quick advice and referrals, speeding up the entire process.Look for providers like Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality who offer this as standard.
Wellness BenefitsAdded perks that support a healthy lifestyle, often including discounts and free tools.Gym discounts, mental health support apps, and nutrition tracking tools.

Comparing the intricate details of different policies can be complex. That’s why working with an independent PMI broker like WeCovr is so valuable. We compare the market for you, explaining the pros and cons of each provider to find the best PMI provider for your specific needs and budget, all at no cost to you.

Beyond Insurance: Your Proactive Wellness Toolkit

While private health cover is a powerful tool for diagnosis, building lasting health requires daily action.

  • Eat the Rainbow: Aim for a wide variety of colourful fruits and vegetables every day. This ensures you get a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
  • Prioritise Protein: Include a source of quality protein (lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, lentils) with every meal to aid satiety and muscle maintenance.
  • Supplement Wisely: The NHS recommends all UK adults consider a Vitamin D supplement from October to March. For other supplements, it's best to test first and supplement based on a diagnosed deficiency under professional guidance.
  • Move Your Body: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. A brisk walk at lunchtime can also help top up your Vitamin D levels.
  • Track Your Intake: Knowledge is power. WeCovr clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrient tracking app, helping you understand your diet and make smarter choices.

Furthermore, when you secure your health with a PMI or life insurance policy through WeCovr, you can also benefit from exclusive discounts on other insurance products, creating a complete shield for your family's health and financial future.

FAQ: Your Questions on PMI and Nutritional Health Answered

Will my private medical insurance pay for supplements forever?

Generally, no. Private health cover is designed to diagnose and treat acute conditions. Therefore, if tests reveal an acute deficiency, your policy may cover the initial, high-dose course of prescription-strength supplements required to bring your levels back to normal. However, the long-term, ongoing purchase of maintenance supplements is typically not covered and would be a personal expense.

Is a nutrient deficiency considered a pre-existing condition?

It depends on when it was diagnosed. If you have been diagnosed with and received treatment or advice for a specific deficiency (e.g., iron-deficiency anaemia) in the years before taking out your policy, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and excluded from cover. However, if your symptoms of fatigue begin *after* your policy starts and investigations *then* lead to a diagnosis, the investigation process and initial treatment are usually covered as a new, acute condition.

Do I always need a GP referral to use my private health insurance?

Traditionally, yes. Most policies operate on a GP referral basis. However, an increasing number of the best PMI providers now offer 'direct access' pathways for certain conditions (like mental health or physiotherapy) and provide 24/7 Digital GP services. These services make getting a referral significantly faster and more convenient than waiting for a standard NHS appointment. A broker can help you find a policy with the access route that suits you best.

How can a PMI broker like WeCovr help me?

An expert, independent broker like WeCovr acts as your advocate in the complex insurance market. We use our expertise to understand your needs, compare policies from a wide range of top UK insurers, and explain the key differences in cover. We help you find the most suitable private health cover for your budget and wellness goals, handle the application process, and provide ongoing support. Our service is at no cost to you, as we are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.

Take the First Step Towards a Healthier Future

The evidence is clear: what feels like 'just being tired' could be the first sign of a deeper nutritional issue that is silently eroding your long-term health and prosperity. You do not have to accept fatigue and brain fog as your new normal.

By leveraging the power of private medical insurance, you can bypass waiting lists, access advanced diagnostics, and get a personalised roadmap back to vitality. It’s an investment in your single most important asset: your health.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how you can build a resilient foundation for a healthier, more prosperous future.


Related guides


Get A Free Quote

Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 900,000+ Policies!

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

How It Works

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

Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.


Learn more


...

Who Are WeCovr?

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

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

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

Important Information

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

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

About WeCovr

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