UK Private Hospital Pricing: The Complete Analysis

The UK private healthcare market has become increasingly opaque, with patients facing wildly inconsistent pricing for identical procedures. At WeCovr, we investigated the full scale of price variation across the nation's private hospitals, analysed what is driving these costs, and are publishing our findings so that patients, employers, and advisors can make truly informed decisions.

What we uncovered is revealing: identical operations cost up to 99% more at premium hospitals than value providers. London prices command a 22.9% premium over the national average. And over just three years (2022-2025), private healthcare costs have surged 20-24% due to energy crises, labour shortages, and inflation—though the pace is now slowing.

This is our most comprehensive analysis to date, examining 35+ procedures across all major hospital groups, regional pricing variations, historical cost movements, and forward projections. For those considering how to fund their care, understanding these variances highlights exactly why securing the right private medical insurance coverage through an expert broker like WeCovr is essential for long-term financial protection.

The State of UK Private Healthcare

The UK private healthcare market reached roughly £13.8 billion in 2025, yet remains remarkably fragmented. Five major hospital groups dominate the sector, each with a distinct market position:

HCA Healthcare UK operates a network concentrated heavily in Central London (including The Portland, The Wellington, and The Princess Grace), positioning itself as the super-premium provider. Their consultation fees range from £200 to £500+, and their procedures command 30-50% premiums over the national average. This is the destination for complex, high-acuity cases and world-class specialists.

Spire Healthcare runs the most extensive network with 38 hospitals nationwide. They position themselves as a mid-premium provider with pricing 10-20% above the national average. Their strength lies in geographic diversity and a consistent consultant base across all regions, from Manchester to Bristol.

Nuffield Health operates 37 hospitals and uniquely maintains not-for-profit charitable status. This model allows them to invest in integrated wellbeing centres. While they are often a value choice, their pricing in some regions (like Cardiff and Guildford) can rival premium providers. They are highly transparent with published pricing.

Circle Health Group (formerly BMI) operates 50+ hospitals nationwide. Following their acquisition by PureHealth, they are aggressively growing market share through fixed-price packages. Their pricing typically sits 10-20% above the national average, positioned closely alongside Spire.

Practice Plus Group is the market disruptor, operating hospitals primarily in the Southwest and Midlands. Their revolutionary approach involves a flat £95 consultation fee and fixed, transparent bundled pricing that is significantly lower than the market average. They effectively set the "floor" price for self-pay surgery in the UK.

The Price Variation Shock: Up to 99% Differences

Our research reveals startling disparities. For identical procedures performed by qualified consultants, pricing varies dramatically based solely on which hospital group and which region you choose.

Hip Replacement: The £12,000+ Decision

Hip replacement surgery is the benchmark for private pricing. Here is the reality of what you will pay:

Value Option: Practice Plus Group charges a fixed £12,549.
National Average: Approximately £15,370.
Regional Premium: Spire Healthcare and Circle Health Group average between £14,500 and £16,500 depending on the location.
London Super-Premium: HCA Healthcare UK in Central London quotes £18,000 to £25,000+.

The spread: From £12,549 to over £25,000 represents a price difference of nearly 100% for the identical procedure. For a patient willing to travel from London to a regional hub, the savings can exceed £10,000—equivalent to the cost of a small car.

WeCovr Insight: For self-pay patients, this variance is a financial minefield. However, for those with comprehensive private medical insurance, these costs are typically settled directly by the insurer. WeCovr's brokers can help you find a policy that includes access to both regional hubs and premium London facilities, ensuring you aren't restricted by cost when choosing your surgeon.

Knee Replacement & Orthopaedics

Knee replacement follows the same pattern. Practice Plus charges £13,149, while Nuffield averages £16,585 in Bristol, and HCA facilities exceed £22,000. We also found significant variance in soft tissue procedures; an ACL reconstruction can cost £7,049 at a value provider but over £11,600 at major national groups.

Cataract Surgery: The Retail Price War

Cataract surgery for a single eye shows where transparency has disrupted the market. High-street providers and Practice Plus Group charge roughly £1,995 for a standard monofocal lens. In contrast, traditional private hospitals average £2,800–£3,500, and premium London clinics can charge over £4,000 per eye.

The Geography Premium: Why London Costs 23% More

London's private healthcare market operates at a 22.9% premium to the national average. Central London (Harley Street and the West End) commands even higher premiums—up to 40% above the national average for diagnostics and surgery.

Why?

Real Estate & Overheads: Central London property costs translate directly into facility fees.
Consultant Concentration: The density of world-renowned specialists allows for higher professional fees (£400-£500+ for initial visits).
HCA Dominance: HCA's significant market share in London limits price competition compared to the regions.

Strategic Insight: A patient in London needing a hip replacement could travel to Spire Manchester or Nuffield Leeds and save £4,000–£6,000, receiving care from top regional consultants in excellent facilities.

WeCovr Insight: Many insurance policies have specific "London upgrade" options. If you live within the M25, WeCovr can advise on whether the additional premium for London hospital access offers better value than traveling to high-quality regional centres like Reading or Guildford.

The Cost Explosion and Current Slowdown

From 2022 to 2024, private healthcare experienced cost inflation of roughly 20-24%.

Energy: Hospitals are energy-intensive; rising utility costs forced price hikes.
Labour: Wage inflation for nursing and clinical staff has been a primary driver.
Supply Chain: The cost of prosthetics and surgical consumables rose by 3-5% annually.

However, 2025 data suggests a moderation. Inflation in the sector has slowed to 4-7%, with some competitive segments (like ophthalmology and diagnostics) actually seeing price deflation due to intense competition.

The Self-Pay Revolution: 33% of Hospital Revenue

One of the most significant structural changes is the growth of self-pay patients. Pre-pandemic, this was a smaller segment; today, it accounts for approximately one-third of private hospital revenue.

NHS Wait Lists: With NHS waiting times for routine orthopaedics often exceeding 18 months, patients are using savings or finance to "buy time."
Fixed Price Packages: Hospitals have responded with "all-inclusive" bundles (surgery, stay, aftercare), removing the fear of open-ended medical bills.
Finance: 0% finance options (e.g., over 10-12 months) are now standard across all major groups, making a £14,000 surgery accessible via monthly payments.

WeCovr Insight: While financing options make self-pay more accessible, a single major surgery often costs more than a decade of insurance premiums. WeCovr helps clients calculate the long-term value of insurance versus self-pay, ensuring you are protected against the unpredictable costs of complex or chronic conditions that fixed-price surgery packages do not cover.

Comprehensive Price Reference: Top 35 Operations (2025)

The following table provides the detailed pricing analysis for the most common private procedures across the UK's leading hospital groups.

1. Orthopaedic Surgery

Operation	HCA Healthcare (London)	Spire Healthcare	Nuffield Health	Circle Health Group	Ramsay Health Care	Practice Plus Group
Total Hip Replacement	£18,000 - £25,000+	£14,055 - £14,810	£15,785 - £16,928	£14,193 - £16,775	£14,995 - £15,990	£12,549
Total Knee Replacement	£19,000 - £26,000+	£14,588 - £15,500	£16,585 - £18,923	£14,888 - £17,350	£14,995 - £17,446	£13,149
Knee Arthroscopy	£6,000 - £8,000	£3,636 - £4,000	£4,375 - £5,770	£4,300 - £5,300	£4,210 - £4,999	£5,599*
ACL Reconstruction	£8,300 - £12,000	£7,530 - £8,655	£7,177 - £9,140	£8,057 - £11,620	£10,300+	£7,049
Shoulder Replacement	£15,000 - £18,000	£13,500 - £15,000	£14,000+	£14,200	£12,990	£13,669
Rotator Cuff Repair	£7,500 - £9,000	£7,492 - £7,599	£7,000+	£7,500+	£7,500+	£6,500+
Carpal Tunnel Release	£2,650 - £3,500	£2,126 - £2,400	£1,846 - £3,205	£1,800 - £2,427	£2,100+	£2,427
Bunion Surgery	£5,000 - £7,000	£4,599 - £5,200	£5,208 - £7,985	£5,260	£5,618	£4,599
Lumbar Decompression	£11,000 - £15,000	£8,878 - £10,530	£9,769	£12,645 - £13,200	£10,338 - £12,645	£9,769
Dupuytren's Fasciectomy	£2,500 - £4,000	£2,200+	£1,827 - £3,172	£2,200+	£2,400+	N/A

*Note: Practice Plus Group pricing for arthroscopy is higher in some lists, but generally bundles more aftercare.

2. General Surgery & Gastroenterology

Operation	HCA Healthcare (London)	Spire Healthcare	Nuffield Health	Circle Health Group	Ramsay Health Care	Practice Plus Group
Inguinal Hernia Repair	£4,800 - £6,500	£3,315 - £4,016	£3,690 - £4,373	£3,250 - £4,300	£3,150+	£3,299
Gallbladder Removal	£6,900 - £8,500	£7,010 - £8,020	£8,595 - £9,128	£7,658 - £8,000	£7,500+	£6,349
Colonoscopy	£2,800 - £3,500	£2,528 - £2,743	£3,060 - £3,165	£1,795 - £2,627	£1,758+	£2,421
Gastroscopy	£2,000 - £2,500	£1,831 - £2,163	£2,295 - £2,455	£1,720 - £2,241	£1,500+	£1,942
Umbilical Hernia Repair	£4,500+	£3,299	£3,500+	£3,200+	£3,200+	£3,299
Haemorrhoidectomy	£3,500+	£3,249	£2,800 - £4,630	£3,000+	£3,000+	£3,249
Anal Fissure Surgery	£3,000+	£2,000+	£2,200+	£2,183	£2,000+	£1,999
Varicose Veins (EVLA)	£3,500 - £5,000	£3,405 - £4,016	£2,720 - £4,682	£3,500+	£2,609	£3,489

3. Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

Operation	Spire Healthcare	Nuffield Health	Circle Health Group	Ramsay Health Care	Specialists (e.g. Optical Express)	Practice Plus Group
Cataract (Monofocal)	£2,600 - £3,188	£3,260 - £4,060	£2,800 - £3,018	£2,800+	£1,995 - £2,995	£1,995
Cataract (Multifocal)	£3,045 - £3,500	£4,500+	£3,895 - £4,400	£3,500+	£3,195 - £3,895	£3,045
YAG Laser Capsulotomy	£749 - £850	£685 - £800	£1,030	£700+	£695	£749
Eyelid Cyst Removal	£1,500+	£1,535 - £1,670	£1,200+	£1,000+	£1,000+	£3,599 (bundled)

4. Women's Health & Cosmetics

Operation	HCA / Portland	Spire Healthcare	Nuffield Health	Circle Health Group	Ramsay Health Care
Hysterectomy	£10,000 - £12,000+	£7,948 - £8,894	£9,780 - £10,752	£9,074 - £9,900	£8,500+
Breast Augmentation	£8,000+	£6,500 - £8,800	£5,250 - £8,635	£5,800 - £7,635	£5,500 - £8,589
Breast Reduction	£10,000+	£8,840 - £10,000	£8,685 - £10,959	£7,200 - £8,500	£8,500 - £10,870
Abdominoplasty	£12,000+	£8,500 - £10,000	£9,600 - £10,600	£7,052 - £10,934	£10,934+
Rhinoplasty	£9,000+	£7,195 - £9,000	£7,593 - £9,240	£4,955 - £8,000	£7,000+

5. Diagnostics (Self-Pay)

Procedure	HCA (London)	Spire Healthcare	Nuffield Health	Circle Health Group	Vista Health / Specialists
MRI Scan (1 Part)	£800 - £1,200+	£334 - £700	£395 - £620	£450 - £725	£249 - £380
CT Scan (1 Part)	£600 - £850	£334 - £662	£600 - £750	£600+	£350+
Ultrasound Scan	£425+	£200 - £350	£330 - £440	£250+	£150+
X-Ray	£189 - £300	£100 - £150	£135	£120+	£80+

Key Conclusions

For Patients

Location is destiny: The same procedure costs 30-50% more in London. Geographic flexibility—travelling to regional centres—represents your largest savings opportunity.
Get transparent quotes: Fixed-price packages are now the standard. Always demand a written quote that includes consultant fees and aftercare to avoid "surprise billing."
Shop around: For diagnostic scans (MRI/CT), using a specialist provider like Vista Health or a value-tier hospital can save you £500+ compared to a premium hospital.

WeCovr Insight: If navigating these price differentials feels overwhelming, contacting WeCovr can simplify the process. We help individuals secure private medical insurance that acts as a financial shield against these high costs, providing peace of mind that you can access the care you need without depleting your savings.

For Employers and Insurers

Tiered networks: Implementing tiered networks that guide routine procedures to high-value providers can reduce claim costs by 15-25%.
Self-Pay as a benchmark: The transparency of self-pay pricing creates a new benchmark for negotiating insurer rates.
Cost moderation: While costs have risen, the stabilization of inflation in 2025 improves budget predictability for corporate schemes.

The market is evolving. Transparency is increasing, and the gap between "value" and "premium" providers has never been wider. For those willing to research and compare, the UK private healthcare market offers exceptional access, provided you know where to look.

About WeCovr
WeCovr is the UK's leading private medical insurance broking firm, specializing in helping individuals, employers, and corporate schemes navigate private healthcare costs and access. Our research team analysed pricing across the entire UK private hospital system—examining 40+ procedures across five major hospital networks, all regions, and three years of historical cost data—to produce this comprehensive analysis.
Whether you're an individual seeking procedure guidance, an employer designing corporate health benefits, or a broker seeking competitive positioning, our expertise and research can help you make better decisions.

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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.

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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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