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UK Sedentary Crisis 1 in 4 Britons

UK Sedentary Crisis 1 in 4 Britons 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert insurance broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr is committed to helping UK families navigate their health and financial security. This article unpacks the UK’s inactivity crisis and explains how proactive tools, like private medical insurance, can form a vital part of your long-term wellbeing strategy.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 4 Britons Are Physically Inactive, Fueling a Staggering £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Illness, Lost Productivity, Premature Death & Eroding Family Prosperity – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Health Optimisation, Early Disease Detection & LCIIP Shielding Your Long-Term Vitality & Future Financial Security

A silent crisis is unfolding in our towns and cities. The latest 2025 data paints a stark picture: more than one in four adults in the UK are now classified as 'physically inactive'. This isn't just about missing a few gym sessions. This is a national health emergency, quietly contributing to a tidal wave of chronic disease, straining our beloved NHS, and creating a potential lifetime financial burden for families that can exceed a staggering £4.2 million.

This figure represents a worst-case scenario, but a frighteningly plausible one. It combines the spiralling costs of private care for long-term illness, catastrophic loss of earnings for a high-income individual, the collapse of a family business due to ill health, and the profound erosion of generational wealth.

But there is a pathway to a healthier, more secure future. By understanding the risks and embracing proactive health solutions, you can shield yourself and your loved ones. This guide explores the crisis and reveals how modern Private Medical Insurance (PMI) has evolved into a powerful tool for health optimisation, early diagnosis, and protecting your long-term vitality.

The Unseen Threat: What Does 'Physically Inactive' Truly Mean?

When we talk about being 'physically inactive', we're not referring to those who simply dislike running marathons. The official UK Chief Medical Officers' guidelines are clear and surprisingly modest. An adult is considered inactive if they do less than 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.

  • Moderate Intensity Activity: Anything that raises your heart rate, makes you breathe faster, and feel warmer. Think a brisk walk, cycling on level ground, or even pushing a lawnmower.
  • The Guideline: Adults aged 19-64 should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.

The latest Sport England Active Lives Survey reveals that over 11 million adults in England are failing to meet even the minimal 30-minute threshold. This isn't a fringe issue; it's a mainstream reality for a quarter of the population.

Who is Most Affected?

Demographic GroupKey Inactivity Trend (Based on ONS & Sport England Data)
AgeInactivity generally increases with age, with those aged 75+ being the most inactive group.
Socio-Economic StatusIndividuals in lower socio-economic groups are almost twice as likely to be inactive as those in more affluent groups.
DisabilityPeople with a long-term illness or disability are significantly more likely to be inactive.
GenderHistorically, women have reported slightly higher inactivity levels than men, though the gap is narrowing.
EthnicityPeople from Black and South Asian backgrounds tend to have higher rates of inactivity compared to White British groups.

This data shows that inactivity is a complex problem, deeply intertwined with social and economic factors. However, its consequences are universal.

The Alarming Domino Effect: How Inactivity Destroys Health and Wealth

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading drivers of preventable death and disease in the UK. It acts as a catalyst for a host of serious health conditions that place an immense burden on individuals, their families, and the NHS.

1. The Onslaught of Chronic Illness

Being inactive significantly increases your risk of developing numerous long-term (chronic) conditions, including:

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Including heart attacks and strokes.
  • Certain Cancers: Such as colon, breast, and womb cancer.
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders: Like chronic back pain and osteoarthritis.
  • Dementia and Cognitive Decline: Regular movement is crucial for brain health.

Crucial PMI Clarification: It is essential to understand that standard private medical insurance UK policies are designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses that are curable and arise after your policy begins. They do not cover pre-existing conditions or the routine, long-term management of chronic illnesses like diabetes or established heart disease. The power of PMI lies in preventing these conditions or catching related acute problems early.

2. The Drain on Productivity and Income

The impact on your ability to work and earn is profound.

  • Absenteeism: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that millions of working days are lost each year to sickness absence, with minor illnesses and musculoskeletal problems – both linked to inactivity – being major contributors.
  • Presenteeism: This is the hidden cost of working while unwell. Your productivity plummets, your work quality suffers, and your recovery is prolonged.
  • Career Stagnation: Chronic pain or illness can prevent you from seeking promotions, taking on demanding projects, or even staying in the workforce, leading to a lifetime of suppressed earnings.

3. The Erosion of Family Prosperity

This is where the potential £4.2 million+ lifetime burden becomes a terrifying reality for some. Consider this real-life scenario:

A 45-year-old self-employed consultant, the primary earner for their family, leads a sedentary life. They develop severe, chronic back pain, which is slow to be diagnosed on the NHS. The pain makes it impossible to sit at a desk or travel for work. Their income dries up. They use their savings to pay for private scans and treatment, but the business has already failed. The stress contributes to further health issues. Their family's financial security, retirement plans, and the inheritance they hoped to leave their children are completely wiped out over their lifetime.

This illustrates how a single health issue, exacerbated by inactivity, can trigger a catastrophic financial collapse.

The NHS in 2025: A System Under Unprecedented Strain

Our National Health Service is a national treasure, providing exceptional care to millions. However, it is facing immense pressure, particularly from the rising tide of lifestyle-related diseases and record-breaking waiting lists.

As of mid-2025, NHS England's referral-to-treatment (RTT) waiting list remains stubbornly high, with millions of people waiting for routine consultations and procedures.

  • Diagnostic Delays: Waiting weeks or months for a crucial MRI, CT scan, or specialist appointment can mean the difference between a manageable acute issue and a chronic, life-altering condition.
  • Treatment Backlogs: The wait for elective surgeries like hip replacements or knee operations can leave people in pain and immobile for extended periods, further compounding a sedentary lifestyle.

This is why a proactive approach to your health is no longer a 'nice-to-have'. Waiting for a problem to become severe enough for emergency care is a risky strategy. Taking control is essential, and private health cover can be a key part of that plan.

Your PMI Pathway: From Passive Patient to Proactive Health CEO

Modern private medical insurance is about far more than just skipping NHS queues. The best PMI providers have transformed their offerings into holistic health and wellbeing partnerships, designed to keep you healthy in the first place.

They actively incentivise you to break the sedentary cycle, providing tangible rewards and tools to build a healthier life.

Key Proactive Benefits Offered by Top UK Insurers:

Feature/BenefitHow It Fights Inactivity & Promotes HealthExample Providers
Discounted Gym MembershipsReduces the financial barrier to accessing quality fitness facilities.Vitality, Bupa, Aviva
Wearable Tech IntegrationEarn rewards (e.g., cinema tickets, coffee) for hitting daily step counts or activity goals tracked by your Apple Watch, Fitbit, or Garmin.Vitality
Digital GP AppointmentsGet fast, convenient access to a GP via your phone, often 24/7, for early advice on aches, pains, or health concerns.All major providers
Mental Health SupportProvides access to therapy sessions, counselling hotlines, and mindfulness apps (e.g., Headspace), tackling the mental barriers to being active.AXA Health, Bupa, Vitality
Nutrition ConsultationsAccess expert advice to complement your activity goals with a healthy diet.Often included in higher-tier plans
Online Health AssessmentsComplete detailed questionnaires to understand your personal health risks and get a tailored plan for improvement.Most major providers

At WeCovr, we go a step further. All our clients who purchase Private Medical or Life Insurance receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you manage your diet with ease.

The Power of Swift Diagnosis: Catching Problems Before They Escalate

One of the most valuable aspects of private health cover is speed of access to diagnostics.

Imagine you develop a persistent, nagging pain in your knee.

  • The NHS Route (non-urgent): You book a GP appointment (potential wait). The GP refers you to a physiotherapist (potential wait). If that doesn't work, you're referred for an MRI scan (potential long wait). Finally, you see a specialist to discuss the results. This process can take many months.
  • The PMI Route: You get a GP referral. Your PMI provider authorises an immediate private MRI scan and a consultation with a top orthopaedic specialist, often within days or weeks.

This speed is not about luxury; it's about clinical outcomes. Early and accurate diagnosis allows for prompt treatment, preventing an acute injury from becoming a chronic, debilitating condition that forces you into a sedentary life.

Unlocking Your LCIIP Shield: A Strategy for Lifelong Vitality

We refer to the protective power of this proactive approach as your LCIIP Shield. It's not a product, but a strategy you build to safeguard your future.

LCIIP = Lifetime Chronic Illness & Inactivity Protection

  • Lifetime: This is about playing the long game. The small, healthy choices you make today, encouraged by your PMI plan, compound over decades to build a resilient, healthier you.
  • Chronic Illness: By using the wellness tools and early diagnostics, you drastically reduce your risk of developing the chronic diseases that are overwhelmingly linked to inactivity.
  • Inactivity Protection: The core of the shield. Your PMI plan's rewards and benefits provide a constant, positive nudge to move more, sit less, and break free from a sedentary routine.

Building your LCIIP Shield is the ultimate investment in your future self and your family's financial security.

Practical, Simple Steps to Start Moving Today

You don't need to run a marathon tomorrow. Small, consistent changes have a massive impact.

  1. Embrace "Exercise Snacking": Break up activity into 10-minute chunks. A brisk 10-minute walk three times a day easily meets half your weekly goal.
  2. Master Your Desk:
    • Set a timer to stand up and stretch every 30 minutes.
    • Do chair squats or calf raises while on a phone call.
    • Walk to a colleague's desk instead of sending an email.
  3. Fuel for Success: A balanced diet is key. Use the NHS Eatwell Guide as a simple template. Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables. Use the CalorieHero app from WeCovr to track your intake effortlessly.
  4. Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep saps your energy and motivation to be active. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and avoid screens an hour before bed.
  5. Find Your Joy: Exercise shouldn't be a punishment. Hate the gym? Try dancing, hiking, paddleboarding, or a team sport. Find an activity you genuinely enjoy, and it will never feel like a chore.

How WeCovr Can Help You Build Your Health Shield

Navigating the world of private medical insurance UK can be complex. Policies, providers, and prices vary enormously. This is where an expert, independent PMI broker becomes your most valuable ally.

At WeCovr, we are an FCA-authorised broker with a proven track record and high customer satisfaction ratings. Our service is provided at no cost to you.

  • We Listen: We take the time to understand your personal health goals, your family's needs, and your budget.
  • We Compare: We use our expertise to compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, and Aviva, finding the best PMI provider for you.
  • We Explain: We cut through the jargon, explaining the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting, what's covered, and what's not.
  • We Save You Money: Not only is our service free, but we can often find exclusive deals. Plus, when you buy PMI or Life Insurance through us, we offer discounts on other types of cover, like home or travel insurance.

The UK's sedentary crisis is a clear and present danger to our nation's health and prosperity. But it is not an inevitability. By taking proactive steps today, you can choose a different path – one of vitality, security, and long-term wellbeing.


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

This is a critical distinction in UK private medical insurance. An **acute condition** is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a joint injury, appendicitis, or cataracts). PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. A **chronic condition** is an illness that cannot be cured, only managed over a long period (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure). The routine management of chronic conditions is not covered by standard PMI policies.

Can private medical insurance actually help me get fit and healthy?

Yes, absolutely. Modern private health cover has evolved far beyond just treatment. Leading insurers like Vitality, Bupa, and Aviva now include comprehensive wellness programmes. These offer tangible rewards for being active, such as discounted gym memberships, free coffees or cinema tickets for hitting step goals with your smartwatch, and access to mental health apps and nutrition support. They are specifically designed to motivate you to build and maintain a healthier, more active lifestyle.

How does a PMI broker like WeCovr help me?

An independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr acts as your expert guide in the complex insurance market. Instead of you spending hours researching and getting quotes from individual insurers, we do the work for you. We compare policies from across the market to find the right cover for your specific needs and budget. We explain the fine print and ensure there are no surprises. Our service is provided at no cost to you, and we work for you, not the insurance company, to get you the best possible outcome.

Is private health cover worth it if I'm young and healthy?

This is a common question. While you may feel invincible when you're young, this is often the best and most affordable time to get cover. Premiums are lower, and you're less likely to have pre-existing conditions that would be excluded. More importantly, it allows you to build healthy habits using the wellness benefits and gives you peace of mind that if an unexpected acute illness or injury occurs, you can get swift diagnosis and treatment, protecting your health and career momentum without long waits.

Take the first step towards protecting your health and financial future today. Contact WeCovr for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how the right private medical insurance can empower your journey to lifelong vitality.


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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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