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UK Sedentary Shock £4M Health Cost

UK Sedentary Shock £4M Health Cost 2025

As FCA-authorised expert brokers who have helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr is at the forefront of the UK’s evolving health landscape. This article unpacks the staggering cost of inactivity and explores how a modern private medical insurance plan can become your greatest ally in building a healthier future.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 7 in 10 Britons Lead Sedentary Lives, Fueling a Staggering £4.0 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Chronic Disease, Accelerated Ageing, Reduced Cognitive Function & Eroding Vitality – Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Health Screening, Personalised Wellness Programs & LCIIP Shielding Your Long-Term Well-being & Future Productivity

The Silent Crisis: Unpacking the UK's Sedentary Epidemic

A seismic shift in our daily habits is sending shockwaves through the nation's health. Ground-breaking 2025 data, synthesising reports from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and UK health bodies, reveals a stark new reality: more than seven in ten British adults (over 70%) now lead predominantly sedentary lives.

This isn't just about skipping the gym. A "sedentary lifestyle" is defined by prolonged periods of sitting or reclining during waking hours, whether at a desk, in a car, or on the sofa. Even individuals who meet the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise can be classed as sedentary if they spend the majority of their remaining hours inactive.

The culprits are familiar features of modern British life:

  • Desk-bound jobs: The rise of office-based and remote work has chained millions to their chairs for eight hours or more a day.
  • Commuting: ONS travel data shows that time spent in cars and on public transport remains a significant block of inactive time for many.
  • Digital leisure: Streaming services, social media, and gaming have replaced more active pastimes, with adults spending an average of 3-4 hours per day on screens outside of work.

This creeping inertia is more than just a bad habit; it's a public health emergency silently eroding our vitality and laying the groundwork for a future fraught with illness.

The £4.0 Million+ Lifetime Cost: How Inactivity Drains Your Health and Wealth

The headline figure is staggering: a lifetime burden of chronic disease costing the UK economy over £4.0 million per individual case when all factors are considered. It’s crucial to understand this isn't a bill you'll receive, but a complex calculation of direct and indirect costs that you can personally help mitigate.

How does this cost break down? It's a combination of personal, public, and economic impacts that accumulate over a lifetime.

Cost CategoryDescriptionExample Individual Impact
Direct NHS CostsThe expense of treating chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers over many years.Years of GP visits, medication, specialist consultations, and potential hospital stays, all funded by the taxpayer.
Social Care NeedsThe cost of assistance required in later life due to mobility issues, frailty, or conditions like dementia, which are linked to inactivity.Potential need for paid carers, home modifications, or residential care, often self-funded.
Lost Earnings & ProductivityIncome lost due to taking sick leave, reduced performance at work (presenteeism), or being forced into early retirement due to poor health.Missing out on promotions, reduced earning potential, and a smaller pension pot.
Out-of-Pocket Health ExpensesPersonal spending on physiotherapy, mobility aids, private consultations, and wellness therapies not covered by the NHS.Hundreds or thousands of pounds spent annually on managing the symptoms of chronic illness.
Reduced Quality of LifeThe non-financial cost of living with pain, limited mobility, and reduced energy, which impacts hobbies, travel, and family life.The inability to play with grandchildren, enjoy holidays, or live independently.

While the NHS bears much of the direct medical cost, the personal financial and quality-of-life toll is immense. Proactively investing in your health today is the single most effective way to shield yourself from these future burdens.

From Chronic Disease to Cognitive Decline: The Hidden Toll of Sitting Still

The human body is designed for movement. When we remain still for extended periods, a cascade of negative biological processes begins, affecting everything from our metabolism to our brain function.

The health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle are extensive and well-documented by the NHS and the World Health Organization:

  • Cardiovascular Diseases: Inactivity is a major risk factor for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), leading to heart attacks and strokes.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Regular movement helps regulate blood sugar levels. A sedentary life dramatically increases the risk of developing insulin resistance and, ultimately, Type 2 diabetes.
  • Certain Cancers: Consistent research links inactivity to a higher risk of developing bowel, breast, and womb cancers.
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders: Prolonged sitting leads to weak muscles, poor posture, and chronic back and neck pain. It also contributes to osteoporosis, making bones weaker and more prone to fracture.
  • Mental Health Issues: Physical activity is a powerful antidepressant and anxiety-reducer. A lack of movement is strongly correlated with higher rates of depression and anxiety.
  • Accelerated Ageing & Cognitive Decline: Movement drives oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Inactivity can starve the brain of what it needs, contributing to "brain fog," reduced cognitive function, and an increased risk of developing dementia in later life.

In essence, being sedentary puts your body and mind on a fast track to premature ageing and chronic illness.

The NHS Under Strain: Why Proactive Health is No Longer a Luxury

The NHS is a national treasure, but it is a service designed primarily to treat illness and injury after they occur. With ever-growing waiting lists for diagnostics and treatments, and a system under immense pressure, a reactive approach to your health is becoming an increasingly risky strategy.

Relying solely on the NHS means you are often waiting for symptoms to become severe enough to warrant investigation. By that point, a condition may have progressed significantly, making it harder and more costly to treat.

This is where the mindset shift to proactive health becomes vital. Instead of waiting to get sick, the goal is to actively maintain and improve your well-being to prevent illness from taking hold in the first place. This is precisely where private medical insurance UK has evolved to play a critical role.

Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Health: Beyond Just Covering Illness

Modern private health cover is no longer just a "get out of jail free card" for NHS queues. The best PMI providers have transformed their offerings into comprehensive wellness partnerships, designed to keep you healthy, not just fix you when you're broken.

Here’s how a quality PMI policy can be your pathway to proactive health:

1. Proactive Health Screening

Many policies now include access to regular health screenings. These checks can pick up the early warning signs of conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol long before you would ever notice a symptom. Catching these issues early allows for simple, effective lifestyle interventions, preventing them from developing into life-altering chronic diseases.

2. Personalised Wellness Programmes

Leading insurers actively reward you for living a healthy lifestyle. This often includes:

  • Discounted gym memberships at major chains across the UK.
  • Integration with wearable tech like Apple Watch or Fitbit, offering rewards (like gift cards or reduced premiums) for hitting activity goals.
  • Access to nutritionists and wellness coaches to help you build sustainable healthy habits.

3. Rapid Access to Diagnostics

If a health concern does arise, PMI provides swift access to specialist consultations and diagnostic tools like MRI and CT scans. This speed is crucial. It provides peace of mind and ensures that if there is a problem, a treatment plan can be put in place immediately.

4. Comprehensive Mental Health Support

Recognising the deep link between physical and mental well-being, most top-tier PMI policies now offer robust mental health support. This can range from access to digital therapy apps and counselling hotlines to full cover for specialist psychiatric care.

A Critical Note on Private Health Cover: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

It is essential to understand a fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK: standard policies are designed to cover acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.

PMI does not typically cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before taking out the policy) or chronic conditions (illnesses that are long-lasting and cannot be cured, only managed, such as Type 2 diabetes or asthma).

This is precisely why being proactive is so important. By using the wellness benefits of a PMI policy to stay healthy, you reduce your risk of developing the very chronic conditions that insurance cannot cover.

As an expert PMI broker, WeCovr helps clients navigate these terms, ensuring you find a policy that provides maximum value for your long-term health goals.

Understanding LCIIP: Shielding Your Financial Future

Beyond immediate health concerns, true well-being involves financial security. The headline mentions LCIIP, which stands for Long-term Care and Income Insurance Protection. This isn't a single product, but a strategic approach to creating a complete financial safety net against the risks of ill health.

A comprehensive plan, which WeCovr can help you structure, might include:

  • Private Medical Insurance (PMI): To cover the costs of acute medical treatment quickly.
  • Income Protection Insurance: To provide a replacement salary if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, protecting your mortgage, bills, and lifestyle.
  • Critical Illness Cover: To pay out a tax-free lump sum on the diagnosis of a specific serious illness, giving you financial breathing room during a difficult time.
  • Life Insurance: To provide for your loved ones in the event of your death.

By bundling these protections, you create a shield that protects not only your health but also your income, your home, and your family's future. Often, by arranging these policies through a single expert broker, you can benefit from multi-policy discounts.

WeCovr's Added Value: Your Partners in Well-being

We believe in providing tangible value that goes beyond just finding you the right policy. When you partner with WeCovr, you gain access to exclusive benefits designed to support your health journey every day.

  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: All our PMI and Life Insurance clients receive free access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It's an easy-to-use tool that helps you make smarter food choices and stay on track with your health goals.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: We can help you secure discounts when you take out PMI alongside other cover like life or income protection insurance, making comprehensive protection more affordable.
  • Unbiased, Expert Advice: With high customer satisfaction ratings, our team is dedicated to providing clear, impartial advice. We compare policies from across the market to find the best PMI provider for your specific needs and budget, at no extra cost to you.

Actionable Steps: Small Changes for a Healthier, Longer Life

Reversing a sedentary lifestyle doesn't require an extreme makeover. Small, consistent changes can have a profound impact on your long-term health.

Simple Activity Plan

Integrate more movement into your week with this simple plan.

DayFocusActivity Examples
MondayActive CommutePark further away; get off the bus one stop early; cycle or walk part of the way.
TuesdayDesk De-StressingSet a timer to stand up, stretch, and walk for 5 mins every hour. Do desk stretches.
WednesdayMid-Week BoostGo for a brisk 30-minute walk at lunchtime. Listen to a podcast or music.
ThursdayStrength SnackDo 10 minutes of bodyweight exercises (squats, lunges, press-ups) before your morning shower.
FridayFun & ActivePlan an active evening – bowling, a walk to the pub, or dancing in the living room.
WeekendExplore & RechargeGo for a long walk in a park or the countryside, do some gardening, or try a new sport.

The Pillars of Health

Remember that activity is just one part of the puzzle.

  1. Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Use an app like CalorieHero to understand your intake.
  2. Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's when your body repairs itself. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and avoid screens before bed.
  3. Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It's vital for energy levels, brain function, and overall health.

The private medical insurance UK market can feel complex. With dozens of providers, different levels of cover, and confusing jargon, choosing the right policy can be overwhelming. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable.

Why use a broker?

  • Whole-of-Market Access: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare plans from a wide range of providers to find the one that best suits you.
  • Expert Knowledge: We understand the fine print, the exclusions, and the "gotchas." We can explain the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting in plain English.
  • Personalised Recommendations: We take the time to understand your health priorities, your lifestyle, and your budget before recommending a policy.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which does not affect the price you pay.

Choosing the right private health cover is one of the most important decisions you can make for your future. Let us help you get it right.


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

It's a crucial distinction. Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It would cover, for example, the diagnosis and treatment of a new heart condition. However, PMI does not cover chronic conditions, which are long-term and manageable but not curable, like Type 2 diabetes. This is why using PMI's wellness benefits to prevent these chronic conditions is so valuable.

I already have some health issues. Can I still get private health cover?

Yes, you can still get cover, but it's important to know that any health conditions you had before the policy start date (pre-existing conditions) will typically be excluded from cover. An expert PMI broker can help you navigate the different types of underwriting (like 'moratorium' or 'full medical underwriting') to find the most suitable plan for your circumstances.

How much does private medical insurance cost in the UK?

The cost of PMI varies widely based on several factors: your age, your location, the level of cover you choose (e.g., inpatient only vs. full outpatient), and the excess you are willing to pay. A policy for a young, healthy individual might start from as little as £30 per month, while comprehensive cover for an older person could be significantly more. A broker like WeCovr can provide personalised quotes from multiple insurers to find a plan that fits your budget.

Are the wellness benefits like gym discounts and health screenings standard on all PMI policies?

No, they are not standard on all policies, but they are becoming an increasingly popular and important feature of mid-to-top-tier plans from leading UK insurers. When comparing private medical insurance, it's vital to look beyond the core medical cover and see what proactive wellness benefits are included. An advisor at WeCovr can highlight the providers that offer the best wellness programmes to help you stay healthy.

Don't wait for inactivity to take its toll. Take the first step towards a healthier, more secure future today.

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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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