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UK Private Surgery Price List 2026

UK Private Surgery Price List 2026 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr is a leading expert in the UK private medical insurance market. This guide explores the rising interest in private surgery, providing estimated costs for common procedures and explaining how private health cover can offer a vital financial safety net.

WeCovr's guide to the average costs of common private procedures

Navigating healthcare choices can be daunting. With NHS waiting lists reaching record highs, many people in the UK are now looking at private healthcare as a way to get treated faster. But what does it actually cost?

This guide is designed to give you a clear, honest, and realistic overview of private surgery prices in the UK. We'll break down the factors that influence the cost, provide estimated price ranges for common operations, and explain how private medical insurance (PMI) can make this level of care affordable and accessible.


Why are UK residents considering private surgery?

The primary driver behind the surge in people choosing private healthcare is the strain on the National Health Service. While the NHS provides exceptional care, it is currently facing unprecedented demand.

According to the latest data from NHS England, the waiting list for routine consultant-led hospital treatment stands at over 7 million people. For many, waiting months or even years for a procedure like a hip replacement or cataract surgery can mean a significant decline in their quality of life, affecting their ability to work, socialise, and stay active.

Choosing private surgery offers several key advantages:

  • Speed: The most significant benefit is bypassing long waiting lists. Diagnosis and treatment can often happen within weeks, not months or years.
  • Choice: You can choose your specialist consultant and the hospital where you receive your treatment.
  • Convenience: Appointments and surgery dates can be scheduled to fit around your life and work commitments.
  • Comfort: Private hospitals often offer private en-suite rooms, more flexible visiting hours, and other amenities that can make your stay more comfortable.

For many, these benefits provide not just physical relief but also invaluable peace of mind.


How much does private surgery cost in the UK? Understanding the variables

There isn't a simple, fixed "price list" for private surgery in the UK. The final bill is a package deal, and the cost can vary dramatically based on a combination of factors. Understanding these variables is the first step to managing your expectations.

Here are the key elements that determine the final cost:

  • The Procedure: A complex heart operation will naturally cost far more than a routine cataract removal. The surgeon's time, the equipment needed, and the complexity of the surgery are the biggest cost factors.
  • The Hospital: Where you have your surgery matters. Hospitals in Central London and the South East are generally more expensive than those in the North of England, Scotland, or Wales. Renowned, specialist hospitals also command higher prices.
  • The Consultant: A leading surgeon with decades of experience and a world-class reputation will charge higher fees than a less experienced consultant.
  • Anaesthetist's Fees: This is a separate charge from the surgeon's fee and can vary depending on the length and type of anaesthesia required.
  • Diagnostics and Tests: Any pre-operative tests, such as MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, or blood tests, will be added to your bill.
  • Hospital Stay: The cost per night in a private hospital can be several hundred pounds. The longer your recovery requires you to stay, the higher the cost.
  • Medication and Consumables: The cost of drugs, dressings, and any implants (like an artificial hip joint or a lens for your eye) are included in the total.
  • Post-Operative Care: Follow-up consultations and essential rehabilitation, such as physiotherapy after a knee replacement, also contribute to the final price.

A reputable private hospital will provide you with a "package price" or a detailed estimate upfront, which bundles most of these costs together. However, it's crucial to check what is and isn't included.


UK Private Surgery Price List 2026: An Overview of Common Procedures

To help you understand the potential costs, we've compiled a list of common private procedures with estimated price ranges for 2026.

Important Disclaimer: These figures are estimates based on 2024/2025 market data and projected medical inflation. Prices vary significantly by location and provider. These are "pay-as-you-go" or "self-pay" prices, which you would pay without insurance.

ProcedureAverage Cost (Low End)Average Cost (High End)Notes / Typically Includes
Orthopaedics
Hip Replacement£12,500£18,000Surgeon/anaesthetist fees, hospital stay, implant, initial physio.
Knee Replacement£13,000£19,500Surgeon/anaesthetist fees, hospital stay, implant, initial physio.
ACL Reconstruction£6,500£10,000Day-case or one-night stay, surgeon fees, follow-up care.
Carpal Tunnel Release£1,800£3,000Outpatient procedure, local anaesthetic, surgeon fees.
Ophthalmology
Cataract Surgery (per eye)£2,500£4,500Surgeon fees, lens implant, follow-up appointment. Premium lenses cost more.
General Surgery
Hernia Repair (Inguinal)£3,000£5,000Day-case procedure, surgeon/anaesthetist fees.
Gallbladder Removal£6,000£9,000Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, one or two-night stay.
Gynaecology
Hysterectomy£7,500£12,000Cost depends on type (e.g., abdominal vs. laparoscopic), hospital stay.
ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)
Tonsillectomy (Adult)£3,500£5,500Surgeon/anaesthetist fees, typically a one-night stay.
Diagnostics
MRI Scan (one part)£400£900Price varies by location and complexity (e.g., with contrast dye).
CT Scan (one part)£500£1,000Price varies by location and complexity.
Endoscopy / Gastroscopy£1,500£2,500Outpatient procedure, includes sedation and consultant fees.

As you can see, even a relatively minor procedure can cost thousands of pounds. A more serious, unexpected condition requiring major surgery could easily run into tens of thousands, a sum most UK households would struggle to find at short notice.


Can Private Medical Insurance (PMI) cover these costs?

Yes, this is precisely what private medical insurance is for. Instead of facing a daunting bill for a single treatment, you pay a manageable monthly or annual premium to an insurer. In return, if you develop an eligible medical condition after your policy begins, the insurer covers the costs of your private diagnosis and treatment, up to the limits of your policy.

However, it is absolutely essential to understand what standard UK private health cover is designed for.

The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia, cataracts, a broken bone, or appendicitis. Most of the surgical procedures in our price list fall into this category.

PMI is not designed to cover chronic conditions or pre-existing conditions.

  • A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, requires palliative care, has no known "cure," or is likely to come back. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. While PMI won't cover the long-term management of these conditions, it may cover acute flare-ups depending on your policy.
  • A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury you have had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, in the years before you took out the policy (typically the last 5 years). Standard PMI policies exclude these.

This distinction is the single most important concept to grasp when considering private health cover. It’s a safety net for new, curable conditions that arise after you join.


How WeCovr helps you find the right private health cover

The UK PMI market is complex, with dozens of providers and hundreds of policy combinations. Trying to navigate it alone can be overwhelming. That’s where an independent broker like WeCovr comes in.

As an FCA-authorised broker, we are not tied to any single insurer. Our loyalty is to you, the client. Our job is to understand your needs and budget, and then search the market to find the best PMI provider and policy for you.

Here’s how we help:

  1. Expert, Unbiased Advice: We explain the jargon and help you understand the crucial differences between policies, such as hospital lists, outpatient limits, and underwriting options.
  2. Whole-of-Market Access: We work with a wide panel of the UK’s leading insurers, giving you a comprehensive view of your options.
  3. Personalised Comparison: We don't just find the cheapest plan; we find the one with the right value and benefits for your specific circumstances.
  4. No Cost to You: Our service is completely free for you to use. We receive a commission from the insurer if you decide to proceed with a policy, but this doesn’t affect the premium you pay.

Our expert advisors are here to provide clarity and confidence, ensuring you get the cover that truly protects you.


Factors that affect your private medical insurance premium

The cost of a PMI policy is tailored to you. Insurers calculate your premium based on the level of risk, which depends on several key factors:

  • Age: This is the most significant factor. The older you are, the higher the likelihood of needing medical treatment, so premiums increase with age.
  • Location: As with surgery costs, insurance premiums are higher if you live in London and the South East, where hospital costs are greater.
  • Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan with unlimited outpatient diagnostics and therapies will cost more than a basic plan that only covers surgery and in-patient care.
  • Hospital List: Insurers offer different tiers of hospital networks. Choosing a plan with a more limited list of local hospitals, and excluding expensive Central London facilities, can significantly reduce your premium.
  • Excess: This is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards the first claim you make in a policy year. Choosing a higher excess (e.g., £250 or £500) will lower your monthly premium.
  • Underwriting Type:
    • Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. The policy automatically excludes any condition you've had in the 5 years before joining. However, if you remain symptom-free and need no treatment or advice for that condition for 2 continuous years after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide a full medical history when you apply. The insurer assesses it and may place permanent exclusions on specific conditions. This provides certainty from day one but can be more complex to set up.
  • Lifestyle: Some insurers offer lower premiums for non-smokers.

A WeCovr advisor can walk you through these options, helping you build a policy that balances comprehensive cover with an affordable premium.


Beyond Surgery: The Added Value of Modern PMI Policies

Today’s private medical insurance is about more than just covering surgery. The best PMI providers now include a wealth of additional benefits designed to support your everyday health and wellbeing, often before you even need to see a specialist.

These valuable perks can include:

  • Digital GP Services: Get a GP appointment from your sofa, 24/7. These services, accessible via phone or video call, provide incredible convenience for consultations, getting prescriptions, and onward referrals.
  • Mental Health Support: Most leading policies now offer dedicated support for mental health, providing access to a set number of counselling or therapy sessions without needing a GP referral.
  • Wellness and Lifestyle Rewards: Many insurers actively encourage a healthy lifestyle by offering discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and health screenings.
  • Expert Second Opinions: If you are diagnosed with a serious condition, some policies provide access to a world-leading expert to review your diagnosis and treatment plan.

At WeCovr, we go a step further. When you arrange your health insurance through us, you also get:

  • Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our proprietary AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you manage your diet and health goals.
  • Exclusive Discounts: We can offer you discounts on other types of essential cover, such as life insurance or income protection, when you take out a PMI policy with us.

These benefits add huge day-to-day value and transform your policy from a simple safety net into a proactive tool for managing your health.


Self-Pay vs. Private Medical Insurance: A Comparison

Is it better to save up and pay for surgery if you need it, or invest in an insurance policy? Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide.

FeatureSelf-Pay (Pay-as-you-go)Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
Upfront CostVery high. You must have the full amount (£3,000 - £20,000+) available.Low. You pay a predictable, manageable monthly premium.
Financial RiskHigh and unpredictable. Complications can lead to unexpected extra costs.Low and predictable. The insurer covers eligible costs, protecting your savings.
Scope of CoverCovers one specific procedure at a time.Covers a wide range of eligible new conditions that may arise.
Peace of MindLimited. You may worry about the cost of future, unknown health issues.High. Provides a long-term safety net against the financial shock of illness.
Value for MoneyCan be cost-effective for a single, planned, minor procedure.Excellent value for comprehensive, long-term protection against the unexpected.

The Verdict: While self-pay can be a viable option for those who need a specific, relatively low-cost procedure and have the funds readily available, it leaves you exposed to future health problems. Private medical insurance offers a far more robust and sustainable solution for securing long-term peace of mind and access to private healthcare.


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

An acute condition is a medical issue that is short-term and expected to be resolved with treatment, such as a broken bone, appendicitis, or a cataract. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover these. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that has no known cure and requires ongoing management, like diabetes, asthma, or arthritis. The day-to-day management of chronic conditions is not covered by private health insurance.

Does UK private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance policies in the UK do not cover conditions for which you have experienced symptoms, or sought advice or treatment, in the 5 years before your policy started. This is a fundamental principle of how PMI works. It is designed to cover new, eligible conditions that arise after you take out the policy.

Is it cheaper to pay for private surgery myself or get insurance?

Paying for a single, minor procedure yourself (self-pay) might seem cheaper in the short term if you have the savings. However, private medical insurance provides much greater financial protection and peace of mind. For a manageable monthly premium, it covers you for a wide range of potential new conditions, protecting you from unexpected surgical bills that could cost tens of thousands of pounds. For most people, insurance is the more financially sensible long-term strategy.

How can a PMI broker like WeCovr help me?

An independent PMI broker like WeCovr acts as your expert guide. We are not tied to any one insurer, so our advice is completely unbiased. We use our market knowledge to compare policies from leading UK providers to find the one that best fits your needs and budget. We explain all the options clearly, help you with the application, and our service is completely free for you to use.

Take the next step towards peace of mind

The world of private healthcare can seem expensive and complex, but it doesn't have to be. With the right guidance, you can secure access to fast, high-quality treatment and protect your health and finances.

The expert, friendly advisors at WeCovr are here to help you navigate your options. We'll provide a free, no-obligation comparison of the UK's leading private medical insurance providers to find the perfect cover for you.

Get Your Free, No-Obligation PMI Quote Today and invest in your future health.


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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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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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