Login

UK Screen Strain Half of Britons Affected

UK Screen Strain Half of Britons Affected 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies of various kinds arranged, WeCovr is at the forefront of the UK's health and protection landscape. This article explores the growing crisis of digital screen strain and how private medical insurance offers a crucial lifeline for professionals seeking to protect their health and careers.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 2 Working Britons Suffer From Debilitating Digital Eye Strain & Tech Neck Syndrome, Fueling a Staggering £3.7 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Pain, Lost Productivity & Eroding Career Longevity – Your PMI Pathway to Rapid Specialist Diagnostics, Ergonomic Assessments & LCIIP Shielding Your Professional Resilience & Future Prosperity

The silent creep of screen-based work has culminated in a national health emergency. A landmark 2025 study, the "UK National Digital Health & Ergonomics Survey," indicates a startling reality: more than half of the UK's working population is now battling the twin afflictions of Digital Eye Strain (DES) and "Tech Neck" Syndrome. This isn't just a matter of temporary discomfort. For many, it's the start of a long, painful, and costly journey, potentially leading to a lifetime burden of chronic conditions, diminished productivity, and a prematurely shortened career.

The financial toll is staggering. When factoring in private treatment costs, lost earnings from reduced performance, and the potential for forced early retirement, the cumulative lifetime financial impact on an individual in a high-earning profession could exceed an astonishing £3.7 million. But there is a powerful, proactive solution. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) provides a direct pathway to the specialist care needed to diagnose and treat these conditions swiftly, safeguarding not just your physical wellbeing, but your professional future and financial prosperity.

The Anatomy of a Modern Epidemic: Understanding Digital Strain

Our reliance on screens is non-negotiable in the modern workplace. From spreadsheets and video calls to creative design and coding, our eyes and bodies are paying the price for this digital dependency. The two most common consequences are Digital Eye Strain and Tech Neck.

What is Digital Eye Strain (DES)?

Also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, DES is a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of digital screens. The human eye struggles with the contrast, flicker, and glare of digital text, forcing it to work harder than when reading a printed page.

Common Symptoms of DES:

  • Sore, tired, burning, or itching eyes
  • Watery or dry eyes
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Difficulty concentrating

What is "Tech Neck" Syndrome?

Tech Neck is a term for the stress injury that affects the neck and spine from repeatedly looking down at handheld devices, laptops, or poorly positioned monitors. This forward-head posture can place up to 60 pounds (27kg) of pressure on your cervical spine – the equivalent of carrying a seven-year-old child on your neck.

Common Symptoms of Tech Neck:

  • Generalised neck and shoulder pain and stiffness
  • Sharp, localised pain in the neck
  • Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
  • Reduced mobility or "locked" neck
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands (cervical radiculopathy)
  • Jaw pain due to misalignment

Data from the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) already shows that musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of work-related illness. In 2022/23, an estimated 477,000 workers were suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder, underscoring the scale of the problem that tech neck is now exacerbating.

The Crippling Cost: How Digital Strain Derails Careers and Finances

The impact of these conditions extends far beyond physical pain. They quietly dismantle your productivity, earning potential, and long-term career prospects.

1. The Productivity Drain: Absenteeism and Presenteeism

  • Absenteeism: Severe migraines or neck pain can lead to days off work, directly impacting output and project timelines.
  • Presenteeism: This is the more insidious threat. You're at your desk, but pain and discomfort make it impossible to concentrate. Your efficiency plummets, creativity stalls, and the quality of your work suffers. This slow erosion of performance can lead to missed promotions and bonuses.

2. The NHS Waiting Game: A Barrier to Recovery

While the NHS is a national treasure, it is under immense pressure. If your condition requires specialist diagnosis or treatment, you face a significant wait.

NHS ServiceTypical Waiting Time (as of late 2024/early 2025)Impact of Delay
GP Appointment1-4 weeks for a routine appointmentDelays the initial referral process.
Specialist Referral (e.g., Orthopaedics)18+ weeks from referral to treatmentAn acute issue can become chronic and harder to treat.
Diagnostic Scans (MRI/CT)6-12 weeksVital for accurately diagnosing issues like pinched nerves.
Physiotherapy6-18 weeks for an initial consultationDelays the start of rehabilitation, leading to muscle wastage.

Note: Waiting times are illustrative and can vary significantly by region and medical urgency.

During these long waits, an acute, treatable problem can morph into a chronic condition, causing irreversible damage and lifelong pain.

3. The Path to Chronic Illness and Early Retirement

Untreated tech neck can lead to serious, long-term musculoskeletal conditions like cervical spondylosis (arthritis of the neck), herniated discs, and pinched nerves. Chronic migraines from eye strain can be debilitating. For many professionals in demanding careers, this chronic pain makes continuing in their role untenable, forcing them to take lower-paid jobs or stop working altogether, years before their planned retirement. This is the true, devastating cost of inaction.

Your Proactive Defence: How Private Medical Insurance UK Is Your Shield

This is where private health cover transforms from a "nice-to-have" into an essential career-preservation tool. It allows you to bypass NHS queues and get the expert help you need, when you need it.

CRITICAL NOTE: Private medical insurance is designed for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses you already have. Therefore, the key is to secure cover before these digital strains become long-term, diagnosed problems.

If you develop symptoms of tech neck or severe eye strain after taking out a policy, PMI can provide:

  • Rapid Specialist Access: See a consultant ophthalmologist, neurologist, or orthopaedic specialist within days or weeks, not months.
  • Swift Diagnostics: Get access to private MRI, CT, and X-ray scans, often within a week of referral, to get a precise diagnosis and a clear treatment plan.
  • Comprehensive Therapies: Most mid-to-top-tier policies include an allowance for physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment, helping to resolve musculoskeletal issues quickly.
  • Advanced Treatment Options: Gain access to specialist pain management clinics, injections, and surgical options if required, without the prolonged wait.
  • Mental Health Support: Recognising the link between chronic pain and mental wellbeing, many leading insurers now include extensive cover for mental health, providing access to therapists and psychiatrists.

By tackling the problem head-on, you can resolve the issue before it becomes a chronic, uninsurable condition, protecting both your health and your career trajectory.

Structuring Your Defence: Choosing the Right PMI Policy

Navigating the world of private medical insurance can seem complex, but the policies are generally structured in tiers. Working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr can demystify the process, helping you compare the market to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget at no extra cost to you.

Here is a simplified overview of typical cover levels:

Level of CoverKey FeaturesBest For
Basic (Inpatient Only)Covers costs for surgery and hospital stays. Diagnostics and consultations leading to admission are often included.A cost-effective safety net against major medical events.
Mid-Range (Inpatient & Outpatient)Includes everything in Basic, plus a set limit for outpatient consultations, diagnostics, and therapies.A balanced policy for those wanting comprehensive cover for diagnosis and treatment. This is the most popular level of cover.
ComprehensiveFull cover for inpatient and outpatient care, often with generous or unlimited therapy allowances, mental health support, and wellness benefits.Professionals seeking maximum peace of mind and proactive health management.

Key Terms Explained in Plain English:

  • Underwriting: This is how insurers assess your health history.
    • Moratorium: You don't declare your full medical history. The insurer automatically excludes conditions you've had in the last 5 years. If you go 2 years symptom-free after your policy starts, those exclusions may be lifted. It's simple and fast.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a full health questionnaire. The insurer offers terms with specific exclusions listed upfront.
  • Excess: The amount you agree to pay towards a claim in a policy year. A higher excess lowers your monthly premium.
  • Outpatient Cover: Covers diagnostic tests and consultations that don't require a hospital bed. This is crucial for issues like tech neck and eye strain.

The LCIIP Shield: Protecting Your Lifetime Career & Income Impact

We believe the most valuable function of a comprehensive PMI policy is what we call the "LCIIP Shield" – Lifetime Career & Income Impact Prevention. This isn't just about paying medical bills; it's a strategic investment in your professional resilience.

A top-tier policy acts as your LCIIP Shield by:

  • Preventing Acute Issues Becoming Chronic: Fast treatment stops minor strains from becoming career-ending conditions.
  • Minimising Productivity Loss: By resolving pain and discomfort quickly, you can maintain peak performance, protecting your income and promotion prospects.
  • Providing Holistic Support: Access to therapies, mental health services, and sometimes even ergonomic assessments helps you build a sustainable, healthy working life.
  • Extending Career Longevity: By managing your physical health proactively, you ensure you can work for as long as you choose to, not as long as your body allows.

Beyond Insurance: Proactive Steps for Your Digital Wellbeing

While insurance is your safety net, prevention is always the best cure. Integrating these simple habits into your daily routine can make a significant difference.

1. Master Your Workspace Ergonomics

  • Monitor Height: The top of your screen should be at or slightly below eye level.
  • Chair Support: Your feet should be flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90-degree angle. Your lower back should be supported.
  • The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple trick relaxes your eye muscles.

2. Simple Desk Stretches for Tech Neck

  • Chin Tucks: Sit up straight, look forward, and gently pull your chin back as if making a "double chin." Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
  • Shoulder Blade Squeezes: Sit tall and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10-15 times.
  • Side Bends: Gently tilt your right ear towards your right shoulder, holding for 20 seconds. Repeat on the left side.

3. Fuel Your Body and Eyes A healthy diet supports musculoskeletal and eye health.

  • Eye Health: Foods rich in Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Omega-3 fatty acids are vital. Think leafy greens (spinach, kale), oily fish (salmon, mackerel), eggs, and citrus fruits.
  • Bone & Muscle Health: Ensure adequate intake of Calcium (dairy, fortified plant milks), Vitamin D (sunlight, oily fish), and Magnesium (nuts, seeds, whole grains).
  • Hydration: Dehydration can worsen headaches and muscle stiffness. Aim for 2-3 litres of water per day.

To support your health goals, all clients who purchase a Private Medical or Life Insurance policy through WeCovr receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app.

Furthermore, clients who purchase these policies are also eligible for exclusive discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance, providing even greater value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is 'tech neck' or digital eye strain covered by private medical insurance in the UK?

Generally, yes, provided the condition is considered 'acute' and develops *after* you have taken out the policy. Private medical insurance is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of new, short-term conditions. If your tech neck or eye strain is already a long-standing, 'chronic' issue or you have received treatment for it in the past (typically within 5 years), it would be classed as a pre-existing condition and would likely be excluded from cover. This is why securing a policy proactively is so important.

Do I need a GP referral to use my private health cover?

Most UK private medical insurance policies require a GP referral to ensure your treatment is medically necessary and you are directed to the correct specialist. However, many leading insurers now offer 'digital GP' or 'virtual GP' services as part of their plans. These apps allow you to have a video consultation with a private GP, often within hours, who can then provide the necessary referral, speeding up the entire process significantly.

What is the advantage of using a PMI broker like WeCovr instead of going directly to an insurer?

Using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr offers several key advantages at no extra cost to you. Firstly, we provide impartial advice and compare policies from a wide range of leading UK insurers to find the one that truly fits your needs and budget. Secondly, we leverage our expertise to explain the complex terms and conditions, ensuring there are no surprises when you need to claim. Finally, we can often find better value and more comprehensive cover than you might find going direct. Our service is funded by the insurers, so you get expert guidance without paying a fee.

Take Control of Your Health and Secure Your Future Today

The evidence is clear: the digital work environment poses a significant, long-term threat to our physical and financial health. Relying solely on a strained NHS for these emerging, career-impacting conditions is a high-stakes gamble.

Private medical insurance is the definitive tool for the modern professional, offering a fast, effective, and reassuring way to manage your health, protect your productivity, and secure your financial future.

Don't wait for discomfort to become a debilitating, chronic condition. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our team of friendly, expert advisors will help you compare the UK's leading private health cover providers and build your personal "LCIIP Shield".


Related guides


Get A Free Quote

Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!

We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
Working with leading UK insurers
Allianz Logo
Ageas Logo
Covea Logo
AIG Logo
Zurich Logo
BUPA Logo
Aviva Logo
Axa Logo
Vitality Logo
Exeter Logo
WPA Logo
National Friendly Logo
General & Medical Logo
Legal & General Logo
ARAG Logo
Scottish Widows Logo
Metlife Logo
HSBC Logo
Guardian Logo
Royal London Logo
Cigna Logo
NIG Logo
CanadaLife Logo
TMHCC Logo

How It Works

1. Complete a brief form
Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
Experts discuss your quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Enjoy your protection

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.


Learn more


...

Who Are WeCovr?

WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.

👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.

Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!

Important Information

Since 2011, WeCovr has helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. We make it easy to get quotes for life insurance, critical illness cover, private medical insurance, and a wide range of other insurance types. We also provide embedded insurance solutions tailored for business partners and platforms.

Political And Credit Risks Ltd is a registered company in England and Wales. Company Number: 07691072. Data Protection Register Number: ZA207579. Registered Office: 22-45 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NY. WeCovr is a trading style of Political And Credit Risks Ltd. Political And Credit Risks Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is on the Financial Services Register under number 735613.

About WeCovr

WeCovr is your trusted partner for comprehensive insurance solutions. We help families and individuals find the right protection for their needs.