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UK Osteoporosis Crisis £3.9M Burden

UK Osteoporosis Crisis £3.9M Burden 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with insight into over 800,000 policies, WeCovr offers this guide to the UK's silent health crisis and how private medical insurance can offer a vital shield. The statistics are stark, but understanding your options provides a clear path to protecting your health and financial future.

A silent epidemic is unfolding across the United Kingdom. New analysis for 2025 reveals a looming public health crisis: osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones from the inside out, is set to affect millions more Britons, with devastating personal and economic consequences. The headline figure, representing a lifetime of costs for the most severe cases, underscores a wider national emergency. According to the Royal Osteoporosis Society, fractures already cost the UK a staggering £4.5 billion every year, a figure dominated by expensive hip fracture care.

For the individual, a single fracture can trigger a cascade of challenges: chronic pain, a permanent loss of independence, and the unforeseen costs of care and home adaptations. Yet, amidst these alarming statistics lies a powerful solution. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) offers a proactive and responsive pathway to safeguard your health, providing rapid access to the diagnostics, specialists, and treatments needed to manage osteoporosis and its consequences effectively.

The Scale of the Crisis: Understanding the 2025 Projections

Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because it progresses without symptoms until the first, often catastrophic, fracture occurs. The latest data paints a sobering picture of its prevalence in the UK.

  • Prevalence: It's estimated that 3.5 million people in the UK are currently living with osteoporosis.
  • Fracture Rate: This leads to over 500,000 fractures annually – one every single minute.
  • The 50+ Age Group: The risk escalates dramatically with age. One in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The 2025 projections suggest this will worsen, with over one in three of all Britons aged 50+ expected to suffer a fracture in their remaining lifetime.

The "burden" of osteoporosis extends far beyond the initial hospital visit. It's a lifelong journey that can encompass:

  • Chronic Pain: Many fractures, particularly spinal fractures, lead to persistent, debilitating pain.
  • Loss of Mobility & Independence: A hip fracture is a life-altering event. 40% of people who suffer a hip fracture are unable to walk independently a year later, and a shocking 33% end up in a care home or requiring long-term care within that year.
  • Financial Costs: These include private physiotherapy, occupational therapy, home modifications (stairlifts, walk-in showers), paid carers, and lost income from being unable to work.

This is the reality the statistics represent – a future where your mobility, independence, and financial security are put at risk by brittle bones.

What is Osteoporosis? A Look Inside Your Bones

Imagine your bone is like a honeycomb. In healthy bone, the structure is dense and strong. With osteoporosis, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb grow much larger, weakening the bone's internal framework. This makes it fragile and susceptible to breaking from a minor fall, a sneeze, or even just bending over.

Key Risk Factors for Osteoporosis:

CategoryRisk Factors
UnavoidableBeing female, getting older, a family history of osteoporosis, early menopause (before 45), certain medical conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease).
MedicalLong-term use of high-dose steroid tablets, certain cancer treatments, low levels of oestrogen or testosterone.
LifestyleSmoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle (lack of weight-bearing exercise), a diet low in calcium and Vitamin D.

Because you can't feel your bones weakening, early detection is paramount. Unfortunately, many people only discover they have osteoporosis after they've already suffered a painful fracture.

The NHS Pathway: World-Class Care Under Immense Pressure

The National Health Service provides excellent and dedicated care for osteoporosis patients. The gold standard for diagnosis is a DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), which measures bone mineral density. The NHS also has Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) in many hospitals, which are designed to identify and assess patients who have had a fracture to prevent future ones.

However, the system is under undeniable strain:

  • Waiting Lists for Diagnostics: Getting a non-urgent GP referral for a DEXA scan can involve a significant wait, delaying a crucial diagnosis.
  • Specialist Delays: Waiting times to see a consultant rheumatologist or endocrinologist to discuss treatment plans can stretch for months.
  • Physiotherapy Access: Post-fracture rehabilitation is vital for recovery. NHS physiotherapy sessions may be limited in number and have long waiting lists, potentially slowing down your return to mobility.
  • The "Postcode Lottery": The availability and quality of Fracture Liaison Services vary significantly across different regions of the UK.

While the NHS is a national treasure, these delays can mean the difference between a swift recovery and the onset of long-term complications.

Your PMI Pathway: Taking Control with Private Medical Insurance UK

This is where private health cover becomes an indispensable tool. It empowers you to bypass NHS waiting lists and access the best possible care exactly when you need it.

A Crucial Note: PMI and Chronic vs. Acute Conditions

It is critical to understand a fundamental principle of private medical insurance UK. Standard policies are designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses or injuries that are new, unexpected, and likely to respond to treatment. They do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis before you take out a PMI policy, the routine management of the condition itself will not be covered.

However, PMI provides immense value in two key areas:

  1. Diagnosing the "Unknown": If you develop symptoms (like a fragility fracture) after your policy starts, PMI can cover the costs of the investigations to find the cause.
  2. Treating the Acute Event: A fracture is an acute medical event. PMI is designed to cover the treatment of fractures swiftly and comprehensively.

Here’s how a PMI policy can build a protective shield around your bone health:

1. Rapid Diagnostics

Imagine you suffer a minor fall and break your wrist. Your GP suspects it might be a fragility fracture.

  • NHS Pathway: You may face a wait of several weeks or even months for a DEXA scan to confirm if you have low bone density.
  • PMI Pathway: With a comprehensive outpatient plan, your private GP can refer you for a DEXA scan within days. This early diagnosis allows you and your specialist to formulate a preventative treatment plan immediately, helping to avert a more serious future fracture, like one of the hip or spine.

2. Elite Specialist Access

Once diagnosed, getting the right expert advice is crucial.

  • NHS Pathway: You will be referred to a specialist, but the wait to see them could be lengthy.
  • PMI Pathway: You can be seeing a leading UK rheumatologist or endocrinologist of your choice in a private hospital within a week or two. They can conduct a thorough assessment, discuss medication options (like bisphosphonates), and create a personalised lifestyle plan to protect your bones.

3. Comprehensive Fracture Treatment & Rehabilitation

If you do suffer a serious fracture, the speed and quality of your treatment are paramount.

  • Surgery: PMI gives you access to a top surgeon of your choice for procedures like a hip replacement, ensuring you get the best possible outcome without the long wait.
  • Pain Management: You can access advanced pain management clinics and therapies to handle post-surgical or chronic pain more effectively.
  • Intensive Rehabilitation: This is where PMI truly shines. Instead of a limited number of physiotherapy sessions, your policy can cover an extensive course of private physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and occupational therapy, dramatically accelerating your recovery and helping you regain maximum mobility and independence.

NHS vs. Private Pathway: A Hip Fracture Scenario

Stage of CareTypical NHS PathwayTypical PMI Pathway
Initial SurgeryExcellent surgical care, but you will be treated by the on-call team in an NHS hospital.Choice of leading surgeon and private hospital. A private room enhances comfort and reduces infection risk.
Waiting TimeSurgery is typically performed within 48 hours.Surgery is performed immediately, often by your chosen specialist.
Post-Op PhysioSessions may be limited (e.g., 6-8 sessions) with potential waiting lists for community physio.Extensive, tailored physiotherapy begins immediately in hospital and continues post-discharge for as long as needed.
Specialist Follow-upFollow-up appointments may have long waits.Rapid access to your consultant for follow-up care and progress monitoring.
Mental Health SupportAccess via GP referral, often with long waiting times for services like CBT.Many policies include mental health cover, providing fast access to therapy to cope with the trauma and life changes.

The WeCovr Advantage: Finding Your Perfect Policy

Navigating the world of private medical insurance can be complex. Every provider – from Bupa and AXA Health to Aviva and Vitality – offers different plans with varying levels of cover. This is where an expert, independent PMI broker like WeCovr becomes your most valuable asset.

At WeCovr, we are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and have helped over 800,000 clients find the right cover. Our service is provided at no cost to you. We take the time to understand your personal health concerns, your budget, and your priorities. We then compare the entire market to find a policy that offers the best protection for your needs, ensuring you have robust cover for diagnostics, outpatient consultations, and comprehensive therapies.

Proactive Wellness: Your First Line of Defence

While insurance provides a crucial safety net, you can take powerful steps today to build and maintain strong bones for life. Think of this as your personal pre-emptive strike against osteoporosis.

Diet: The Building Blocks of Bone

  • Calcium: Aim for 700mg-1200mg per day. This is the primary mineral for bone strength.
  • Vitamin D: Essential for your body to absorb calcium. The sun is the best source, but in the UK, a supplement (10 micrograms per day) is recommended, especially from October to March.

Top Food Sources for Bone Health:

NutrientBest Food Sources
CalciumMilk, cheese, yoghurt, tofu, sardines (with bones), fortified plant milks, leafy green vegetables (kale, broccoli - but not spinach).
Vitamin DOily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), egg yolks, red meat, fortified foods (some breakfast cereals, spreads).

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our advanced AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's the perfect tool to help you monitor your calcium and Vitamin D intake, ensuring your diet is fully optimised for bone health.

Exercise: Putting Positive Stress on Your Skeleton

Your bones respond to stress by growing stronger. The best exercises for this are:

  1. Weight-Bearing Exercise with Impact: These are activities where you support your own body weight. Examples include:
    • Brisk walking or jogging
    • Dancing or Zumba
    • Tennis or badminton
    • Stair climbing
  2. Strength/Resistance Training: This involves working your muscles against resistance, which pulls on the bones and strengthens them.
    • Lifting weights
    • Using resistance bands
    • Bodyweight exercises like press-ups and squats

Aim for at least 30 minutes of mixed exercise most days of the week.

Lifestyle Adjustments: Small Changes, Big Impact

  • Quit Smoking: Smoking reduces the blood supply to the bones and slows down bone-forming cells.
  • Moderate Alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake interferes with the body's ability to absorb calcium.
  • Prevent Falls: As you get older, simple home modifications can be life-saving. Check your home for trip hazards like loose rugs, poor lighting, and trailing wires.

Your Shield for the Future

The threat of osteoporosis is real, but it is not a diagnosis of despair. By combining a proactive approach to your lifestyle with the intelligent safety net of a tailored private health cover plan, you can face the future with confidence.

A policy sourced through a PMI broker like WeCovr gives you more than just medical treatment; it gives you control, choice, and peace of mind. It ensures that should a fracture occur, your primary focus can be on your recovery, not on waiting lists or worrying about the quality of your rehabilitation. Furthermore, when you purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, you may be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, creating a holistic protective shield for you and your family.

The 2025 data is a wake-up call for everyone over 50. Don't wait for the silence to be broken by a fracture. Take action today to protect your foundational vitality and ensure your future is defined by mobility and independence, not by the limitations of osteoporosis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will private medical insurance cover my pre-existing osteoporosis?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Osteoporosis is considered a chronic condition, and pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from cover. However, if you suffer a fragility fracture *after* your policy has started, PMI can be invaluable for covering the acute treatment of that fracture, including surgery and extensive rehabilitation, as well as the initial diagnostics to determine the underlying cause if it was previously unknown.

Can PMI get me a faster diagnosis for osteoporosis?

Yes, absolutely. If you have no prior diagnosis but develop symptoms that require investigation (such as a fracture from a minor incident), a PMI policy with outpatient cover can provide a fast-track route. A private GP can refer you for a DEXA scan, the gold-standard diagnostic test, often within a few days, bypassing long NHS waiting lists. This allows for a much earlier diagnosis and the swift implementation of a preventative treatment plan.

How does a PMI broker like WeCovr help?

An independent PMI broker like WeCovr acts as your expert guide. Instead of you having to research dozens of complex policies from providers like Aviva, Bupa, and AXA, we do the work for you. We assess your individual needs, health concerns, and budget, then compare the market to find the policy that offers the best value and the most appropriate cover – for instance, ensuring you have strong benefits for diagnostics and therapies. Our service is impartial and comes at no cost to you.

What is the main benefit of PMI for someone worried about fractures?

The single biggest benefit is the speed and quality of post-fracture rehabilitation. While the NHS provides excellent acute surgery, recovery is determined by the quality of your physiotherapy. PMI can cover extensive, one-to-one physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and occupational therapy for as long as it takes to get you back on your feet. This intensive rehabilitation can dramatically speed up recovery, improve your final outcome, and help you regain your independence far more quickly.

Don't leave your future mobility to chance. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our experts find the perfect private medical insurance plan to protect you and your family.

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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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