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UK PMI Market Concentration Analysis

UK PMI Market Concentration Analysis 2026

Market share and competition in 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has assisted with over 900,000 policies, WeCovr offers expert insight into the UK's private medical insurance market. This analysis explores the competitive landscape for 2026, examining the key players and what their market dominance means for your health and your wallet.

The UK's private medical insurance (PMI) sector is a dynamic and highly concentrated market. For consumers, understanding who the major players are, how they compete, and what trends are shaping the future is crucial for making an informed decision. With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant concern for millions, more people than ever are considering private health cover as a way to gain control over their healthcare.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the market share, identifies the key competitors, and explains how the structure of the market impacts the price, quality, and innovation of the policies available to you.

Understanding the UK Private Health Insurance Landscape

Before we dive into market share, let's clarify what private medical insurance is and what it does.

PMI, also known as private health cover, is an insurance policy that covers the cost of private medical treatment for new, acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. It's designed to complement the NHS, not replace it.

Key benefits typically include:

  • Faster access to specialists: Bypassing long NHS waiting lists for consultations and diagnostic tests.
  • Prompt treatment: Quicker access to surgery and other eligible treatments.
  • Choice and comfort: The ability to choose your surgeon and hospital, often with the comfort of a private room.
  • Access to specialist drugs: Coverage for certain cancer drugs and treatments not readily available on the NHS.

The Golden Rule of PMI: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the most important concept to understand about private medical insurance in the UK.

  • 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, cataracts, or a broken bone. PMI is designed to cover these.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, it has no known cure, it comes back or is likely to come back, or it requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Standard UK PMI does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition you had symptoms of, received advice for, or were treated for before your policy started. These are also typically excluded, at least for an initial period.

Understanding this distinction is vital. PMI provides peace of mind for new health problems, ensuring you get treated quickly and can return to your normal life.

The 'Big Four' Insurers: A Deep Dive into Market Dominance

The UK PMI market is highly concentrated, meaning a small number of large companies hold the majority of the market share. These are often referred to as the 'Big Four'. Their scale allows them to operate extensive hospital networks, invest heavily in technology, and offer a wide range of policy options.

1. Bupa

A household name in UK healthcare, Bupa is a provident association, meaning it has no shareholders and reinvests its profits back into the business. It is one of the oldest and largest players, known for its comprehensive cover and extensive network of hospitals and clinics, including its own Bupa Cromwell Hospital.

  • Strengths: Brand recognition, large direct-to-consumer presence, integrated healthcare services (care homes, dental).
  • Focus: Comprehensive policies, strong cancer care propositions, and a growing focus on mental health and wellness.

2. AXA Health

Part of the global AXA Group, AXA Health is a major force in both the individual and corporate PMI markets. Known for its strong clinical expertise and innovative approach, it offers a broad range of products, from basic diagnostics-only plans to fully comprehensive cover.

  • Strengths: Backed by a global insurance giant, strong focus on technology and digital health (e.g., Doctor at Hand virtual GP service), extensive specialist and hospital directory.
  • Focus: Flexible and modular policies, advanced cancer cover options, and proactive health support.

3. Aviva

As the UK's largest general insurer, Aviva brings immense brand trust and a huge customer base to the PMI market. It leverages its scale to offer competitive pricing and integrates its health insurance offerings with its other financial products.

  • Strengths: Strong brand trust, competitive pricing, large distribution network through financial advisers and brokers.
  • Focus: Value-driven policies, strong digital GP service, and clear, easy-to-understand policy language.

4. Vitality

Known for its disruptive and innovative 'shared value' model, Vitality has rapidly gained market share by incentivising healthy behaviour. Policyholders can earn rewards, such as cinema tickets, coffee, and discounts on smartwatches, for being active.

  • Strengths: Unique wellness-linked model, highly engaging app and rewards programme, strong appeal to younger, health-conscious demographics.
  • Focus: Promoting preventative health, integrating wellness with insurance, and offering significant premium discounts for active members.

Market Share Breakdown: Who Owns the UK PMI Market?

Based on the latest available industry analysis from sources like LaingBuisson, the market share for private medical cover is concentrated among the 'Big Four', who collectively account for over 85% of the UK's privately insured lives, both on individual and corporate schemes.

While exact figures fluctuate quarterly, the landscape heading into 2026 looks like this:

ProviderEstimated Market Share (by Lives Covered)Key Characteristics
Bupa~30-35%Market leader, strong brand, comprehensive cover
AXA Health~25-30%Major global player, innovative, strong clinical focus
Aviva~15-20%Trusted UK brand, competitive pricing, broad distribution
Vitality~10-15%Disruptive wellness model, rewards for healthy living
Others~5-10%Niche specialists, friendly societies

Source: Figures are estimates based on publicly available data and established market analysis reports from recent years.

This concentration means that any decision you make about private health insurance UK will almost certainly involve considering at least one of these major providers.

The Challenger Brands: Nipping at the Heels of the Giants

While the 'Big Four' dominate, a number of smaller, specialist insurers play a vital role in the market. They often compete by focusing on specific customer segments, offering exceptional service, or providing unique policy features.

Key challenger brands include:

  • The Exeter: A friendly society known for its excellent customer service and focus on the self-employed and those with complex health histories. They are often more flexible with underwriting.
  • WPA (Western Provident Association): A not-for-profit insurer with a reputation for transparent pricing and a commitment to customer care. They offer innovative policies, including some that can be used to co-pay for treatment within the NHS.
  • Freedom Health Insurance: Offers a modular approach, allowing customers to build a policy that precisely fits their needs and budget, which can be a cost-effective solution.
  • National Friendly: Another friendly society with a long history, offering straightforward and affordable health insurance products.

These insurers keep the market competitive and provide excellent alternatives for consumers whose needs may not be met by the larger providers. An expert PMI broker can help you identify if one of these specialists is a better fit for you.

How Market Concentration Affects You, the Consumer

A market dominated by a few large players has both pros and cons for customers.

Potential Advantages:

  1. Stability and Trust: Large, established companies like Aviva and AXA are financially robust, providing peace of mind that they can pay claims.
  2. Economies of Scale: Big insurers can negotiate favourable rates with private hospitals, which can help keep premium inflation in check.
  3. Investment in Technology: They have the capital to invest in useful tools like digital GP apps, online policy management portals, and wellness platforms.
  4. Comprehensive Networks: The 'Big Four' have contracts with nearly every private hospital and specialist in the country, giving you maximum choice.

Potential Disadvantages:

  1. Less Price Competition: With fewer major players, there can be less pressure to compete aggressively on price, although the market remains highly competitive.
  2. 'One-Size-Fits-All' Approach: Some larger insurers may have less flexibility in their underwriting and policy terms compared to smaller, specialist providers.
  3. Innovation Focus: Innovation can sometimes be incremental, focusing on adding features rather than fundamentally new approaches (with Vitality being a notable exception).

This is why using a whole-of-market broker is so important. A broker like WeCovr can compare policies from all the major providers and the specialist challengers, ensuring you get the best combination of price and benefits for your specific circumstances.

The private medical insurance market is not static. Several powerful trends are influencing what policies look like and how insurers operate.

1. Soaring NHS Waiting Lists

This is the single biggest driver of PMI demand. As of late 2025, NHS waiting lists in England remain historically high, with millions of people waiting for routine treatment. The ONS (Office for National Statistics) has reported a significant increase in people citing "to avoid long waiting lists" as their reason for choosing private healthcare. This trend is expected to continue, fuelling growth in the individual PMI market.

2. The Rise of 'Added-Value' Services

Modern PMI is about more than just paying for surgery. Insurers are competing to become holistic health partners. This includes:

  • 24/7 Digital GP Access: Now a standard feature, allowing you to speak to a GP via video call within hours.
  • Mental Health Support: Expanded cover for therapy and psychiatric treatment is becoming common, with many policies offering access to a set number of counselling sessions without needing a GP referral.
  • Wellness Programmes: As pioneered by Vitality, more insurers are offering rewards and discounts for healthy living, gym memberships, and health tracking.
  • Nutrition and Physio Support: Digital access to dietitians and physiotherapists is another growing area.

For example, when you arrange a policy through WeCovr, you not only get expert advice but also gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-driven calorie and nutrition tracking app, to support your health goals.

3. Technology and Personalisation

Insurers are using technology to create a more personalised experience. AI and data analytics help them to:

  • Streamline the claims process.
  • Offer more tailored pricing (underwriting).
  • Proactively suggest health interventions.
  • Personalise wellness journeys through dedicated apps.

4. An Ageing Population

The UK has an ageing population with more complex health needs. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for insurers. They are developing more products tailored to the over-60s and focusing on conditions prevalent in older age groups, such as joint replacements and cataract surgery.

The Role of a PMI Broker in a Concentrated Market

In a market dominated by a handful of powerful brands, you might wonder if you can just go to them directly. While you can, you'll almost certainly miss out. An independent PMI broker is your expert guide.

Here’s why using a broker like WeCovr is the smart choice:

  1. Whole-of-Market View: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies from the 'Big Four' and the specialist challengers to find the perfect fit for you.
  2. Expert Knowledge: We understand the complex jargon and the subtle differences between policies. What does a "guided hospital list" really mean for you? Which insurer has the best cancer cover for your needs? We have the answers.
  3. No Cost to You: Our service is free. Brokers are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium. You don't pay more for our expert advice; you just get a better outcome.
  4. Personalised Recommendation: We take the time to understand your health, budget, and priorities before recommending a policy. This isn't a comparison website algorithm; it's tailored human advice.
  5. Ongoing Support: We are here to help you at renewal or if you need to make a claim, ensuring you continue to have the right cover at the best possible price.

What to Look for in a Private Medical Insurance UK Policy

When comparing policies, it's easy to get lost in the details. Focus on these key areas:

FeatureWhat to Consider
Level of CoverInpatient vs. Outpatient: Do you want cover just for treatment that requires a hospital bed (inpatient), or also for specialist consultations and tests (outpatient)?
Hospital ListLocal vs. Nationwide: Does the list include your local private hospital? A "guided" or "limited" list will be cheaper but restricts your choice.
ExcessHow much you pay: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will significantly lower your monthly premium.
Underwriting TypeMoratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting: Moratorium is quicker (no health questions upfront) but automatically excludes conditions from the last 5 years. FMU is more detailed but can provide more certainty.
Cancer CoverThe gold standard: Look for comprehensive cancer cover that includes surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and access to specialist drugs not always available on the NHS.
Mental HealthIncreasingly important: Check the limits on outpatient therapy sessions and inpatient psychiatric care.
Added BenefitsDigital GP, wellness apps, etc.: Consider which of these value-added services you will actually use.

An expert can help you balance these factors to design a policy that gives you robust protection without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts: Competition is Strong, but Choice Requires Guidance

The UK private medical insurance market in 2026 remains a competitive arena, but one heavily influenced by the 'Big Four'. Their dominance ensures a stable market with high-quality, innovative products. However, the presence of nimble challenger brands provides vital competition and specialist options.

For you, the consumer, this landscape offers a fantastic amount of choice. But choice can be overwhelming. The key takeaway is that the "best PMI provider" is entirely personal. It depends on your age, your location, your budget, and what you value most—be it comprehensive cancer care, a low premium, or rewards for staying active.

Navigating this concentrated market successfully requires independent, expert advice. By understanding the key players and working with a trusted broker, you can secure the right protection and gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can access first-class healthcare when you need it most.


What is the main difference between an 'acute' and a 'chronic' condition for health insurance?

An acute condition is a new illness or injury that is short-lived and expected to respond quickly to treatment, like a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract. UK private medical insurance is specifically designed to cover the treatment of these conditions. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. Standard private health cover does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.

Can I get private health cover if I have a pre-existing condition?

Generally, standard private medical insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions, which are any medical issues you have had symptoms of or treatment for in the years before your policy starts (typically five years). However, under 'moratorium' underwriting, if you remain free of symptoms, treatment, and advice for that condition for a continuous period after your policy starts (usually two years), it may become eligible for cover. An expert broker can help you find the most suitable underwriting option.

Why is the UK private health insurance market dominated by a few large insurers?

The market is dominated by the 'Big Four' (Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality) due to several factors. These include immense brand recognition and trust built over decades, the financial scale needed to operate vast hospital networks and negotiate rates, and the ability to invest millions in technology and marketing. This creates high barriers to entry for new companies, leading to a concentrated but stable and competitive market.

How does an independent broker like WeCovr help me find the best PMI provider?

An independent broker like WeCovr acts as your expert representative. We are not tied to any single insurer. We use our knowledge of the whole market—including the major providers and smaller specialists—to compare policies on your behalf. We explain the complex differences in cover, help you tailor a policy to your budget and needs, and our service is provided at no extra cost to you. This ensures you get the most suitable cover at a competitive price, without the hassle of doing the research yourself.

Ready to navigate the UK's private health cover market with an expert guide? Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and find the right policy 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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