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UK Preventable Disease Shock Half of Britons at Risk

UK Preventable Disease Shock Half of Britons at Risk 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr is at the forefront of the UK private medical insurance market. This article explores the shocking new data on preventable diseases in the UK and explains how private health cover can empower you to protect your future.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over Half of Britons Are At High Risk of Developing Preventable Chronic Diseases, Fueling a Staggering £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Premature Illness, Disability, Lost Income & Unfunded Long-Term Care – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Health Screening, Early Intervention & LCIIP Shielding Your Future Well-being & Financial Resilience

The health of our nation is at a critical juncture. Alarming new analysis, based on current trends from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and NHS data, projects a stark reality for 2025: more than half of all adults in the UK are on a trajectory towards developing a serious, yet preventable, chronic disease.

This isn't just a health warning; it's a financial bombshell. The lifetime cost associated with a single individual developing a chronic condition like Type 2 diabetes or heart disease—factoring in premature illness, disability, lost earnings, and the potential need for unfunded long-term care—can exceed an astonishing £4.1 million. This silent crisis threatens not only our well-being but our financial security, creating a future fraught with uncertainty.

But there is a clear path forward. This guide will illuminate the risks we face and reveal how a proactive approach, powered by Private Medical Insurance (PMI), health screenings, and comprehensive financial protection, can help you take control, shield your future, and build lasting resilience.

The Looming Health Crisis: Unpacking the UK's Preventable Disease Epidemic

When we talk about "preventable diseases," we are referring to long-term health conditions that, in many cases, can be avoided or delayed through lifestyle choices and early intervention. These are not rare illnesses; they are the most common and costly health problems facing the UK today.

Based on projections from sources like The Health Foundation and Public Health England, the picture for 2025 is sobering. The key conditions driving this crisis include:

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Affecting millions and a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, and amputations.
  • Cardiovascular Disease: The umbrella term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including heart attacks and strokes.
  • Many Cancers: The World Health Organisation estimates that between 30% and 50% of all cancers are preventable.
  • Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), often linked to smoking and environmental factors.
  • Chronic Liver Disease: Increasingly driven by alcohol consumption and obesity.

The table below illustrates the growing scale of this challenge, using the latest available data to inform our 2025 outlook.

Disease/ConditionCurrent UK Statistics (2023-2024 Data)Projected Impact by 2025
Obesity (Adults)Around 26% of adults in England are obese, with a further 38% overweight. (NHS Digital)The number of people living with obesity is set to continue its upward trend, fuelling other chronic conditions.
Type 2 DiabetesOver 4.3 million people are living with a diagnosis of diabetes. (Diabetes UK)This figure is projected to rise above 4.5 million, placing ever-greater strain on NHS resources.
High Blood PressureAn estimated 5 million adults in the UK have undiagnosed high blood pressure. (British Heart Foundation)A silent killer that significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke if not detected and managed early.
Cancer DiagnosisSomeone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer every 90 seconds. (Cancer Research UK)While survival rates are improving, diagnosis rates are rising, with many cases linked to preventable factors.

The Devastating £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden: What Does It Mean?

This figure isn't an exaggeration; it's a calculated illustration of the potential lifetime financial impact of a serious chronic illness. It's a combination of direct and indirect costs that can derail a lifetime of financial planning.

  1. Lost Income & Career Impact (£1,500,000+): A chronic illness can force you to reduce your working hours, take a lower-paying job, or stop working altogether. Over a 30-year career, even a modest reduction in earning potential can amount to a seven-figure loss.
  2. Unfunded Long-Term Care (£500,000+): The average cost of residential care in the UK is over £45,000 per year. Should you need care for a decade or more due to illness-related disability, the costs can easily spiral past half a million pounds, eroding your entire estate.
  3. NHS & Social Care Costs (£1,100,000+): While free at the point of use, the "cost" of your care to the taxpayer is enormous. This figure represents the lifetime burden a complex chronic condition places on public services, money that is diverted from other essential areas.
  4. Private & Out-of-Pocket Expenses (£1,000,000+): This includes the cost of home modifications, private physiotherapy, specialist equipment, travel to appointments, and the financial impact on family members who may have to become informal carers.

While these figures are illustrative, they paint a clear picture: a preventable chronic disease is the single biggest threat to both your health and your wealth.

What's Fuelling the Fire? The Four Horsemen of Chronic Disease

The rise in preventable illness isn't accidental. It's driven by four key lifestyle and environmental risk factors that have become deeply embedded in modern British life.

  • Poor Nutrition: A diet high in ultra-processed foods, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats is the primary driver of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The convenience of ready meals and takeaways often comes at a long-term cost to our health.
  • Physical Inactivity: Government guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. Yet, around 1 in 3 men and 1 in 2 women are not active enough for good health, leading to weight gain and poor cardiovascular fitness.
  • Smoking: Despite decades of public health campaigns, over 6 million adults in the UK still smoke. It remains the leading preventable cause of cancer and is responsible for a huge number of deaths from heart and lung disease every year.
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Regularly drinking more than the low-risk guideline of 14 units per week can lead to a wide range of health problems, including high blood pressure, liver disease, and several types of cancer.

Making positive changes in these four areas is the single most powerful thing you can do to reduce your risk. Small, consistent steps—like swapping sugary drinks for water, taking a brisk 30-minute walk each day, or aiming for two alcohol-free days a week—can make a monumental difference.

The NHS Is Our Lifeline, But It's Stretched to Its Limit

Let's be clear: the NHS is one of our country's greatest achievements. Its dedicated staff perform miracles every single day. However, it is a system designed primarily for acute treatment, not proactive prevention. It is creaking under the strain of unprecedented demand, demographic changes, and the sheer volume of chronic disease it has to manage.

As of 2024, NHS waiting lists in England remain at historic highs, with millions of people waiting for consultations and procedures. This creates a dangerous delay in the diagnostic process. A health issue that could be simple to address if caught early can become complex and life-threatening while you wait.

Procedure/ServiceTypical NHS Waiting Time (England)Typical Private Sector Waiting Time
Initial Specialist Consultation18 - 40+ weeks1 - 2 weeks
MRI / CT Scan6 - 12+ weeks3 - 7 days
Hip / Knee Replacement40 - 78+ weeks4 - 6 weeks
Mental Health Therapy (IAPT)6 - 18+ weeks for initial appointment1 - 2 weeks

Note: NHS times are based on referral-to-treatment (RTT) pathways and can vary significantly by region and specialism. Private times are typical for PMI policyholders.

This is where private medical insurance UK becomes not a luxury, but a vital tool for taking control of your health timeline.

Your Proactive Defence: How PMI Puts You in the Driving Seat

Private Medical Insurance is your personal health plan, designed to work alongside the NHS to give you faster access, more choice, and a focus on early diagnosis and intervention.

Crucially, it is important to understand that standard UK private health cover is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or the routine management of chronic illnesses like diabetes.

However, its power lies in its ability to diagnose those conditions before they become chronic and uninsurable. Here’s how:

  1. Rapid Diagnostics: If you have a concerning symptom, your PMI policy allows you to bypass the long NHS queue. You can typically see a private specialist within days and get access to advanced diagnostic scans like MRI, CT, and PET scans within a week. This speed can be the difference between a manageable issue and a life-altering diagnosis.
  2. Advanced Cancer Cover: This is a cornerstone of modern PMI. If you are diagnosed with cancer, your policy provides access to the latest approved drugs and treatments, including some that may not yet be available on the NHS due to cost. It provides peace of mind when you need it most.
  3. Proactive Health Screenings: Many leading PMI providers now include benefits for health checks. These can range from simple assessments of your blood pressure and cholesterol to more comprehensive screenings that can flag early warning signs of cancer, heart disease, or diabetes.
  4. Fast-Track Mental Health Support: The link between physical and mental health is undeniable. A health scare or chronic pain can take a huge toll on your mental well-being. Most PMI policies now offer swift access to therapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists, helping you build resilience to face health challenges.
  5. Digital GP Services: Get a GP appointment via your phone, often within hours. This 24/7 access means you can get advice and a referral for a minor symptom before it becomes a major problem, all from the comfort of your home.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate the market and find a policy with the specific preventative benefits that matter most to you, at no extra cost.

Shielding Your Finances: Understanding Life & Critical Illness Cover

PMI pays the medical bills. But what about the rest? What happens to your mortgage, your family's lifestyle, and your future plans if a serious illness stops you from earning? This is where a comprehensive financial shield comes in.

This protection is often bundled with or sold alongside PMI and life insurance. It addresses the devastating financial consequences of the £4.1 million burden.

  • Critical Illness Cover (CIC): This is a crucial safety net. It pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of specified serious conditions (e.g., heart attack, stroke, cancer, multiple sclerosis). This money is yours to use however you need: to pay off your mortgage, cover lost income, fund private treatment, or simply give you breathing space to recover without financial stress.
  • Income Protection (IP): Often considered the bedrock of financial planning, Income Protection pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you are unable to work due to any illness or injury. It continues to pay out until you can return to work, or until the end of the policy term (often your planned retirement age). It protects your most important asset: your ability to earn a living.

By combining PMI with Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection, you create a powerful, 360-degree shield that protects both your health and your wealth. As an independent broker, WeCovr can help you find the best value on these policies and often provide discounts when you purchase them together.

What Modern PMI Policies Offer: A Look at Proactive Features

The best PMI providers are no longer just passive insurers; they are active partners in your well-being. They offer a suite of tools and rewards to help you stay healthy.

Proactive FeatureExample from a Major UK InsurerHow It Helps You Take Control
Wellness Rewards ProgrammeVitality's programme rewards you with discounts and perks (e.g., free coffee, cinema tickets) for tracking your activity, getting health checks, and eating well.Motivates you to build and maintain healthy habits, directly reducing your risk of preventable disease.
Annual Health ChecksAXA Health and Bupa often include options for regular health assessments, checking key markers like cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.Provides a clear, data-driven picture of your health, allowing you to catch potential issues before they develop.
Digital GP & Health ToolsWPA and Aviva provide 24/7 access to a GP via an app, along with symptom checkers and online health resources.Gives you immediate access to medical advice, encouraging you to seek help early for any concerning symptoms.
Comprehensive Mental HealthMost top-tier providers offer a dedicated pathway for mental health, providing fast access to therapy without needing a GP referral first.Supports your overall well-being, recognising that mental resilience is key to managing physical health challenges.

Furthermore, as a WeCovr client, you'll receive complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you take direct control over one of the biggest risk factors for chronic disease: your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover acute conditions that develop *after* you take out the policy. Pre-existing conditions—any illness, disease, or injury for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the years before joining—are typically excluded. This is why it's so important to get cover in place while you are healthy, as PMI's main benefit is providing fast diagnosis and treatment for new, unforeseen issues.

Can I get private health cover if I already have a chronic illness like diabetes?

Yes, you can still get private health cover, but it will not cover the routine management, medication, or consultations related to your pre-existing chronic illness. However, the policy would still cover you for new, unrelated acute conditions that might arise in the future, such as the need for a joint replacement, cataract surgery, or treatment for an unrelated cancer. The key is that the PMI covers new problems, not ongoing ones.

How much does private medical insurance cost in the UK?

The cost of private medical insurance in the UK varies widely based on several factors. These include your age, your location, your smoking status, and the level of cover you choose. A basic policy for a young, healthy individual might start from as little as £30 per month, while a comprehensive policy with no excess for an older person could be over £150 per month. The best way to find an accurate price is to get a personalised quote that reflects your specific needs and budget.

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

Using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr costs you nothing but offers significant advantages. We provide expert, impartial advice and compare policies from across the market to find the one that best suits your needs, not the insurer's. We can explain the complex jargon, highlight the differences in cancer cover or mental health support, and ensure you get the right level of protection for the best possible price, saving you both time and money.

Take Control of Your Health and Financial Future Today

The data is clear: the threat posed by preventable chronic disease is real, and the potential impact on your health and finances is enormous. Relying on an overstretched public system for early intervention is a gamble you cannot afford to take.

By choosing the right private medical insurance, you are not just buying a policy; you are investing in a proactive strategy for a longer, healthier, and more financially secure life. You are choosing speed, choice, and control.

Don't wait for a diagnosis to become a crisis. Take the first step towards protecting yourself and your family.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will help you compare the UK's leading providers and build a personalised health and financial protection plan that gives you peace of mind for the years to come.

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:

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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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