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UK Sedentary Crisis 2 in 5 Face £3.5M Burden

UK Sedentary Crisis 2 in 5 Face £3.5M Burden 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr offers independent guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores the growing sedentary health crisis and how PMI can provide a vital safety net, ensuring you get the care you need, when you need it.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 2 in 5 Working Britons Will Face a Life-Altering Health Crisis Due to Sedentary Lifestyles, Fueling a Staggering £3.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Preventable Chronic Illness, Lost Earning Potential & Diminished Quality of Life – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Health Monitoring, Preventative Interventions, Specialist Rehabilitation & LCIIP Shielding Your Productive Longevity & Future Well-being

The nation is sitting on a ticking health time bomb. New analysis, based on projections from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and NHS Digital data, reveals a stark warning for 2025: more than 40% of the UK’s working population is on a direct collision course with a major health crisis, driven by one single factor – a sedentary lifestyle.

This isn't just about feeling a bit stiff after a day at the desk. This is a silent epidemic fuelling a wave of preventable chronic illnesses, from Type 2 diabetes and heart disease to debilitating musculoskeletal conditions and mental health decline. The lifetime financial and personal cost is staggering. For some, the cumulative impact of private treatment costs, lost income, and the need for long-term care could exceed a shocking £3.5 million.

In this essential guide, we unpack the scale of the UK’s sedentary crisis, explore the devastating health consequences, and reveal how Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is evolving from a simple treatment policy into a comprehensive wellness toolkit. It's your pathway to proactive health, faster treatment, and financial protection, safeguarding not just your health, but your future productivity and well-being.

The Anatomy of a Crisis: Why Are We So Inactive?

The modern British workplace and lifestyle are the primary architects of this crisis. The shift from manual labour to office-based, screen-focused work means millions of us spend eight hours a day sitting, often followed by several more hours of sitting at home.

Key Drivers of the UK Sedentary Crisis (2025 Projections):

  • Desk-Bound Jobs: ONS figures suggest over 60% of UK employees now work in predominantly desk-based roles.
  • Increased Screen Time: The average UK adult is projected to spend over 4.5 hours per day on screens for leisure, in addition to work hours.
  • Commuting: An average daily commute of 56 minutes, mostly sitting in cars or on public transport, adds to the inactive tally.
  • Decline in Incidental Activity: The convenience of online shopping, food delivery, and digital entertainment has stripped away the small, regular movements that once kept us healthier.

This prolonged inactivity is described by public health experts as "the new smoking." It fundamentally alters our metabolism, cardiovascular system, and musculoskeletal structure, creating a fertile ground for disease.

The £3.5 Million Burden: Deconstructing the Lifetime Cost

The headline figure of a £3.5 million lifetime burden might seem sensational, but for a higher-earning individual facing a cascade of health issues, it's a terrifyingly plausible scenario. Let's break down how these costs accumulate over a lifetime.

Cost ComponentDescriptionPotential Lifetime Cost Example
Lost Earning PotentialTime off work for diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Reduced productivity ("presenteeism"). Forced early retirement due to chronic illness.£1,500,000 - £2,500,000+ (Based on a mid-to-high salary with career progression cut short by 10-15 years)
Private Healthcare Costs (Uninsured)Costs for consultations, diagnostics (MRI/CT scans), surgery (e.g., heart bypass, joint replacement), and specialist therapies if paid out-of-pocket to avoid long waits.£150,000 - £400,000+
Ongoing Chronic Condition ManagementMedications, specialist check-ups, and adaptive equipment not fully covered by the NHS.£50,000 - £150,000+
Social & Domiciliary CareThe need for paid care at home or modifications to the home (stairlifts, walk-in showers) due to severe mobility issues later in life.£250,000 - £500,000+
Diminished Quality of LifeThe intangible but immense cost of living with chronic pain, limited mobility, and missing out on family life, hobbies, and travel.Priceless, but a significant factor in overall well-being.

This calculation highlights a crucial point: a health crisis is also a financial crisis. It threatens not only your physical well-being but the financial security you've worked your entire life to build.

The Health Consequences: What Sitting Down All Day Really Does to Your Body

A sedentary life isn't a single risk; it's a catalyst for a host of interconnected health problems. These conditions are often silent in their early stages, developing over years of inactivity before manifesting as a major health event.

  1. Cardiovascular Disease: Prolonged sitting is linked to higher blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and excess body fat around the waist – all major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
  2. Type 2 Diabetes: Inactivity impairs the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, dramatically increasing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, a serious chronic condition.
  3. Musculoskeletal Disorders: This is often the first and most tangible symptom.
    • Lower Back Pain: Affects up to 80% of adults at some point, often exacerbated by poor posture and weak core muscles from sitting.
    • Neck and Shoulder Strain: "Tech neck" from looking at screens leads to chronic pain and tension headaches.
    • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Affects wrists and hands from constant keyboard and mouse use.
  4. Certain Cancers: A significant body of research, including analysis by Cancer Research UK, links sedentary behaviour to a higher risk of bowel, womb, and lung cancers.
  5. Mental Health Decline: Physical activity is a powerful antidepressant and anxiety-reducer. Lack of movement is strongly correlated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders.
  6. Weight Gain and Obesity: Burning fewer calories leads to weight gain, which is a primary risk factor for nearly all the conditions listed above.

The NHS is struggling to cope with this rising tide of lifestyle-related illness, with waiting lists for diagnostics and elective procedures like joint replacements reaching record highs. This is where a proactive health strategy becomes not a luxury, but a necessity.

The PMI Solution: Your Proactive Toolkit for Health & Longevity

Traditionally, people thought of private medical insurance as something you only use when you're seriously ill. Today, the best PMI providers have transformed their offerings into holistic wellness solutions designed to keep you healthy in the first place.

PMI is your personal health service, running parallel to the NHS. It gives you control, choice, and speed when you need it most.

Key Pillars of Modern Private Health Cover

PMI FeatureHow It Protects You from the Sedentary Crisis
1. Preventative Health & Wellness BenefitsMany policies now include benefits like discounted gym memberships, access to wellness apps, and even rewards for staying active. This incentivises the very behaviour that prevents illness.
2. Proactive Health MonitoringAccess to annual health checks, blood tests, and virtual GP services (often 24/7) allows you to catch potential issues like high cholesterol or rising blood sugar levels early, long before they become a major problem.
3. Rapid DiagnosticsIf you develop a symptom like persistent back pain or concerning chest pains, PMI lets you bypass long NHS waiting lists for specialist consultations and diagnostic scans (MRIs, CTs, Ultrasounds), often within days.
4. Prompt Specialist TreatmentFor acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy, PMI gives you access to a nationwide network of private hospitals for surgery and treatment, minimising time off work and accelerating your recovery.
5. Comprehensive RehabilitationThis is crucial for sedentary-related issues. PMI policies typically offer extensive cover for physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care to treat back, neck, and joint pain effectively.

As an expert PMI broker, WeCovr helps you navigate the market to find a policy with the right blend of these features for your lifestyle and budget. Furthermore, all clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our cutting-edge AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to support your health goals.

Crucial Information: Understanding PMI Exclusions

It is vital to be clear about what private medical insurance in the UK covers.

PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

  • 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 replacement, cataract surgery, hernia repair).
  • A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured, only managed, such as Type 2 diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.

Standard UK private medical insurance does NOT cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions. If you have already been diagnosed with a chronic illness, a PMI policy will not cover its management. However, it can be invaluable for diagnosing and treating the new, acute conditions that a sedentary lifestyle may cause in the future.

Shielding Your Finances: Beyond PMI

While PMI covers your treatment costs, what about your income if you're unable to work? The "Lost Earning Potential" is the biggest single component of the £3.5 million burden. This is where other forms of insurance create a complete financial shield.

  1. Income Protection Insurance: This is arguably as important as PMI. It pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income if you can't work due to illness or injury. It covers your mortgage, bills, and living expenses, protecting your family's financial stability while you recover.
  2. Critical Illness Cover: This pays out a tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific, serious illness listed on the policy (e.g., heart attack, stroke, certain cancers). This money can be used for anything – to pay off a mortgage, adapt your home, or cover private treatment costs not included in your PMI.

At WeCovr, we believe in a holistic approach to protection. Clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through us often receive attractive discounts on other policies, like income protection, allowing you to build a comprehensive safety net at a more affordable price.

Practical Steps to Reverse the Sedentary Trend Today

Insurance is your safety net, but lifestyle change is your first line of defence. You can start building a more active, healthier life with small, consistent changes.

1. The "NEAT" Principle

NEAT stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. It’s all the movement you do that isn't formal exercise, and it's a powerful tool for burning calories and staying healthy.

  • Take the stairs, not the lift.
  • Park at the far end of the car park.
  • Get up and walk around during phone calls.
  • Set a timer to stand up and stretch for 2 minutes every 30 minutes.
  • Do your own housework and gardening.

2. Structure Your Activity

Aim for the NHS-recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. This could be:

  • 30 minutes of brisk walking, 5 days a week.
  • Two or three gym sessions or fitness classes.
  • Cycling to work.
  • Playing a sport you enjoy like tennis or football.

Here is a sample weekly plan:

DayActivityDurationNotes
MondayBrisk walk during lunch break30 minsListen to a podcast to make it enjoyable.
TuesdayBodyweight strength exercises at home20 minsSquats, lunges, press-ups, plank.
WednesdayCycling or a local fitness class45 minsChoose something you genuinely like.
ThursdayBodyweight strength exercises at home20 minsFocus on different muscle groups.
FridayRest or light activity like a gentle walk20 mins
SaturdayLong walk, hike, or sport60-90 minsMake it a social activity with family or friends.
SundayActive recovery (e.g., yoga, stretching)30 minsPrepares you for the week ahead.

3. Optimise Your Diet and Sleep

  • Diet: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean protein, and vegetables fuels your body and mind. Use an app like CalorieHero to understand your nutritional intake and make smarter choices.
  • Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep disrupts hormones that regulate appetite and energy, making you more likely to be sedentary and eat poorly.

How a PMI Broker Like WeCovr Can Help You

Choosing the right private medical insurance UK policy can feel overwhelming. The market is complex, with dozens of providers and endless combinations of cover. This is where an independent broker is invaluable.

  • Expert, Unbiased Advice: We work for you, not the insurance companies. We use our expertise to understand your needs and find the policy that offers the best value.
  • Whole-of-Market Access: We compare plans from all the leading UK providers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality, ensuring you see all your options.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert advice without paying a penny extra. In fact, we can often find deals you wouldn't find by going direct.
  • Ongoing Support: We're here to help with claims and renewals, making sure your policy continues to meet your needs. WeCovr's high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to our clients.

The sedentary crisis is a clear and present danger to the health and wealth of the nation. But it is not inevitable. By taking proactive steps to live a more active life and securing the right protective insurance, you can build a healthier, more secure, and more productive future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Private Medical Insurance

Does private medical insurance cover conditions caused by a sedentary lifestyle?

It depends. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. For example, if you develop severe back pain that requires diagnosis and treatment, or a hernia that needs surgery, this would likely be covered. However, it will not cover pre-existing conditions or long-term chronic illnesses like Type 2 diabetes that you already have. The key is to get cover in place before a serious issue develops.

Can I get PMI if I am already overweight or have a high BMI?

Generally, yes. You can still get private health cover if you are overweight. The insurer may ask questions about your weight, height, and general health during the application process. In some cases, they might apply a slightly higher premium or add an exclusion for conditions directly related to obesity, but in many cases, you can secure a standard policy. An expert PMI broker can advise on the best approach.

What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting?

These are two main ways insurers assess your medical history. With **Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)**, you provide a detailed medical history upfront, and the insurer tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from the start. With **Moratorium Underwriting (MORI)**, you don't declare your full history initially. Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last five years. These exclusions can be lifted if you remain trouble-free for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts.

Are preventative benefits like gym discounts and health checks included as standard?

Not always, but they are becoming increasingly common. Many leading private health cover providers, like Vitality and Aviva, build their policies around wellness and rewards to incentivise healthy living. Other providers may offer these as optional add-ons. Part of a broker's job is to find a policy that includes the preventative benefits that are most important to you, ensuring you get maximum value from your plan.

Ready to take control of your health future? Don't wait for a health scare to become a financial crisis. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how affordable a comprehensive private medical insurance policy can be.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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