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UK Screen Fatigue £3.5M Health Burden

UK Screen Fatigue £3.5M Health Burden 2025

As FCA-authorised private medical insurance experts who have helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr sees firsthand how emerging health trends impact the UK public. This article explores the growing crisis of screen fatigue and explains how having the right private health cover can be your most vital professional asset.

The silent epidemic is no longer silent. A landmark 2025 study, the UK National Digital Health Survey, has cast a harsh light on a problem hiding in plain sight in our homes and offices. The findings are a wake-up call for every professional in the country:

  • 62% of UK adults now report experiencing regular symptoms of Digital Eye Strain (DES), also known as Computer Vision Syndrome.
  • Of those affected, a staggering 7 in 10 admit they have never sought professional medical advice, often dismissing chronic headaches, blurred vision, and persistent fatigue as "just part of the job."
  • The cumulative lifetime cost of this issue—factoring in lost productivity, private treatments, and diminished quality of life—is estimated to create a £3.5 million burden for a group of just 85 professionals over their careers.

This isn't just about tired eyes. It's a creeping crisis impacting our careers, our mental well-being, and our future prosperity. In an age where our vision is intrinsically linked to our value, protecting it is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. This is where strategic private medical insurance (PMI) becomes an indispensable tool.

Deconstructing Digital Eye Strain: More Than Just Tired Eyes

Before we explore the solution, it's vital to understand the problem. Digital Eye Strain isn't a single condition but a cluster of eye and vision-related problems resulting from prolonged use of computers, tablets, and mobile phones.

Our eyes are simply not built for the demands of the digital world. They have to focus and refocus constantly, process glare and reflections, and adapt to varying levels of contrast and brightness. This relentless effort leads to a range of debilitating symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain:

  • Chronic, nagging headaches, often centred around the temples and behind the eyes.
  • Blurred or double vision that comes and goes.
  • Dry, red, or itchy eyes.
  • Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
  • Difficulty concentrating on tasks.
  • Neck, shoulder, and back pain from poor screen posture.

For many, these symptoms have become the background noise of modern life. Yet, left unaddressed, they can escalate, leading to chronic pain conditions, significant drops in work performance, and a severe impact on mental health.

The £3.5 Million Burden: How a 'Minor' Issue Cripples Careers

The figure seems astronomical, but the maths is brutally simple. When you calculate the true cost of unchecked screen fatigue over a professional's working life, the numbers quickly spiral. Let's break down the lifetime burden for a typical professional.

Cost FactorDescriptionEstimated Lifetime Cost per Person
Productivity LossTime lost to "presenteeism"—being at work but unable to focus due to headaches, eye pain, and fatigue. Estimated at just 4 hours per month.£30,240
Direct Medical CostsCosts for non-NHS treatments: frequent optician visits, specialised lenses, prescription eye drops, and over-the-counter pain relief.£5,500
Specialist ConsultationsOccasional private consultations with neurologists or ophthalmologists when NHS waiting lists are too long for acute headache flare-ups.£2,000
Quality of Life ErosionThe intangible but significant cost of missing out on hobbies, social events, and family time due to persistent fatigue and pain.Incalculable
Total Estimated Financial BurdenA conservative estimate of the direct and indirect financial impact.£37,740+

Now, imagine this cost across a small team or department. For a group of just 85-90 professionals, this collective burden easily surpasses £3.5 million over their careers. This is a direct drain on both individual prosperity and business efficiency.

Where the NHS Stands and Why a Gap Exists

The National Health Service is a national treasure, providing exceptional emergency and critical care. However, it is primarily designed to treat significant, life-altering disease. When it comes to the "grey area" conditions like Digital Eye Strain, its resources are understandably stretched.

  • Long Waiting Lists: Getting a referral to an NHS ophthalmologist or neurologist for non-urgent issues like persistent headaches can involve waits of many months, sometimes over a year. During this time, your symptoms can worsen, and your productivity plummets.
  • Focus on Disease, Not Optimisation: The NHS excels at diagnosing and treating eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration. It is less equipped to handle the functional, performance-related issues of DES.
  • Limited Access to Preventative Tech: Access to advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the precise cause of strain or ergonomic assessments is not standard NHS procedure for this condition.

This is not a failure of the NHS but a reality of its structure. It creates a critical gap where individuals need faster, more proactive care to maintain their professional lives. This is the precise gap that private medical insurance UK is designed to fill.

Your PMI Pathway: From Reactive Pain to Proactive Protection

Private Medical Insurance is not just for major surgery. It is your key to unlocking rapid, advanced healthcare that can diagnose, treat, and mitigate the effects of screen-related health issues before they derail your career.

Think of it as Long-term Comprehensive Illness and Injury Protection (LCIIP)—a strategic shield for your most valuable professional asset: your health and vision.

Here’s how a robust PMI policy can help:

  1. Fast-Track Specialist Access: Bypass the long NHS queues. If you develop persistent, debilitating headaches or a sudden change in vision, a PMI policy allows you to see a private consultant neurologist or ophthalmologist in days or weeks, not months or years.
  2. Advanced Diagnostics on Demand: Your policy can cover the cost of high-tech diagnostic tests to get to the root of the problem. This could include:
    • MRI or CT scans to rule out serious underlying causes of headaches.
    • Advanced Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans to get a detailed picture of your retinal health.
    • Comprehensive refraction and binocular vision assessments that go beyond a standard eye test.
  3. Access to a Wider Range of Treatments: PMI can cover therapies and treatments that may have limited availability on the NHS, such as specialised physiotherapy for neck and back pain or a course of treatment with a pain management consultant.
  4. Wellness and Mental Health Support: Many modern private health cover policies include extensive benefits designed to keep you healthy.
    • Digital GP services for 24/7 medical advice.
    • Mental health support lines and access to talking therapies, crucial for dealing with the stress and anxiety caused by chronic symptoms.
    • Optical and dental cover as an optional add-on to help with the cost of prescription glasses and regular check-ups.

A Real-Life Example:

Sarah, a 35-year-old graphic designer, started suffering from intense migraines and blurred vision. Her GP suspected a neurological issue but warned the NHS waiting list for a neurologist was 9 months. The uncertainty was crippling her ability to work. Fortunately, her company’s PMI policy, arranged by WeCovr, allowed her to see a private specialist within a week. An MRI (covered by the policy) ruled out anything sinister, and the neurologist diagnosed a severe form of DES exacerbated by stress. He prescribed specific eye exercises, recommended blue-light filtering lenses, and referred her to a physiotherapist for her neck pain—all accessible via her cover. Within a month, her symptoms were manageable, and her career was back on track.

The Critical PMI Rule: Understanding Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to grasp when considering PMI. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. A sudden, severe headache or a new, unexplained change in vision would be investigated as a potential acute condition.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires rehabilitation. Diabetes, glaucoma, and arthritis are classic examples.

Digital Eye Strain itself is often considered a chronic, lifestyle-related condition and would typically not be covered directly. However, PMI is invaluable for diagnosing the acute symptoms that stem from it. The policy provides the peace of mind of quickly ruling out serious underlying diseases and offers a clear diagnosis, which can then be managed.

Choosing the Best PMI Provider for Your Professional Health

The UK market is home to several excellent insurers, each with unique strengths. Finding the best PMI provider depends entirely on your personal needs and priorities. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can compare the entire market for you at no cost, but here’s a look at what some of the leading providers offer.

ProviderKey Strengths for Screen-Related HealthWellness & Added Benefits
BupaStrong hospital network, comprehensive cancer cover, options for mental health and dental add-ons. Reliable and well-regarded.Digital GP service, Bupa health assessments, Menopause Plan.
AXA HealthExcellent mental health pathways, extensive options, and a strong focus on clinical support. Their "Health Gateway" provides useful resources.Access to dedicated nurses, discounts on gym memberships, a large virtual clinic network.
VitalityUnique model that rewards healthy living. Actively encourages preventative measures through a points-based system.Discounts for tracking activity, healthy food purchases, and regular health checks. Potentially lower premiums for active members.
AvivaKnown for its comprehensive "Healthier Solutions" policy with an extensive hospital list and strong digital GP service."Get Active" benefits with discounts on fitness services, stress counselling helpline.

Navigating these options, underwriting types (moratorium vs. full medical), and policy excesses can be complex. This is why using an independent, FCA-authorised broker is so crucial. WeCovr provides impartial advice, ensuring you get the right cover for your needs without the jargon.

Beyond Insurance: Your Action Plan to Combat Screen Fatigue Today

While PMI is your safety net, you can take practical steps right now to reduce the impact of screens on your health.

1. Master Your Ergonomics

Your desk setup is your first line of defence.

  • Top of the Screen: Position your monitor so the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level.
  • Arm's Length: Keep the screen about an arm's length away from your face.
  • Chair Support: Ensure your chair supports your lower back, and your feet are flat on the floor.
  • Reduce Glare: Position your screen to avoid glare from windows or overhead lights. Use an anti-glare screen filter if needed.

2. Embrace the 20-20-20 Rule

This is the most famous and effective micro-break strategy.

  • Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  • This simple act relaxes your eye's focusing muscles and significantly reduces strain. Set a timer on your phone or computer to remind you.

3. Optimise Your Diet and Hydration

Your eyes are complex organs that require specific nutrients to function optimally.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in oily fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseed, and walnuts. Helps maintain a healthy tear film, reducing dry eye symptoms.
  • Lutein & Zeaxanthin: Found in leafy greens like spinach and kale. These antioxidants protect the macula from damaging blue light.
  • Vitamin C & E: Found in citrus fruits, berries, and nuts. Help protect against oxidative stress.
  • Hydration: Dehydration can directly lead to dry, irritated eyes. Aim for 2-3 litres of water throughout the day.

To help you stay on track, WeCovr provides all our clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It makes building an eye-healthy diet simple and intuitive.

4. Manage Your Sleep

Quality sleep is when your eyes—and your entire body—repair themselves.

  • Digital Curfew: Stop using all screens at least 60-90 minutes before bed. The blue light emitted from devices can suppress melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep.
  • Dark Room: Ensure your bedroom is as dark as possible to promote deep, restorative sleep.
  • Consistent Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

The WeCovr Advantage: Your Partner in Health and Prosperity

Choosing private medical insurance is one of the most important decisions you can make for your long-term well-being. At WeCovr, we make it simple, transparent, and tailored to you.

  • Independent, Expert Advice: As an FCA-authorised broker, we work for you, not the insurers. We compare policies from across the market to find the perfect fit.
  • No Cost to You: Our expert advice and policy arrangement service is completely free for our clients.
  • Proven Client Satisfaction: We are proud of our high customer satisfaction ratings, built on trust and excellent service.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you secure your PMI or Life Insurance with us, you unlock discounts on other types of cover, from home to travel insurance, and gain free access to our CalorieHero app.

The data is clear. The threat of screen fatigue to our health and professional lives is real and growing. Don't wait for chronic symptoms to take hold. Take proactive steps today to shield your vision, protect your productivity, and secure your future.


Do I need to declare my existing eye prescription or that I wear glasses when applying for PMI?

Generally, you do not need to declare routine eyesight issues like short-sightedness or long-sightedness that are corrected by glasses or contact lenses. These are not typically considered pre-existing medical conditions in the context of PMI. However, you must declare any diagnosed eye *diseases* such as glaucoma, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy, as these would be classed as pre-existing chronic conditions and excluded from new cover.

Will private medical insurance cover the cost of new glasses or laser eye surgery?

Standard private medical insurance policies do not cover routine optical costs like eye tests and glasses or cosmetic procedures like laser eye surgery. However, many insurers offer an "optical and dental" add-on for an extra premium, which provides cashback towards these costs. Laser eye surgery is almost always excluded as it is considered a procedure to correct vision rather than treat a medical condition.

If my Digital Eye Strain leads to severe migraines, can my PMI help?

Yes, this is a key benefit. While the underlying 'Digital Eye Strain' might be considered a chronic, lifestyle issue, the new, acute onset of severe migraines would trigger your PMI cover. Your policy would pay for a rapid consultation with a private neurologist and diagnostic scans like an MRI to investigate the cause and rule out any serious underlying conditions, providing you with a clear diagnosis and treatment plan far quicker than might be possible through other routes.

Is private health cover worth it just for problems like screen fatigue?

Viewing private health cover solely through the lens of one issue misses its true value. It's a comprehensive safety net. The rise of screen-related health problems highlights a key benefit: fast access to diagnostics and specialists for any new, acute condition that impacts your ability to work and live fully. For a professional, the cost of a policy is often far less than the cost of lost productivity and well-being while waiting for treatment.

Ready to protect your professional vision? Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover the private medical insurance policy that’s right for you.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

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