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UK Self Funded Healthcare Shock

As an insurance intermediary insurance broker that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies, WeCovr is at the forefront of the UK private medical insurance market. This article unpacks a developing crisis in UK healthcare, revealing why millions are turning to self-funding and how PMI offers a secure alternative.

WeCovr Editorial Team · experienced insurance advisers
Last updated May 14, 2026

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TL;DR

As an insurance intermediary insurance broker that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies, WeCovr is at the forefront of the UK private medical insurance market. This article unpacks a developing crisis in UK healthcare, revealing why millions are turning to self-funding and how PMI offers a secure alternative.

Key takeaways

  • The 18-Week Target: The NHS constitution sets a target that over 92% of patients should wait no more than 18 weeks from GP referral to treatment. In reality, this target has not been met since 2016. The current figure hovers around 57-60%.
  • The Longest Waits: Worse still, hundreds of thousands of people have been waiting for over a year (52 weeks) for treatment, with some waiting even longer.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition you have had symptoms of, or received treatment for, before taking out the policy. Some policies may cover them after a set period (usually two years) if you remain symptom-free.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and arthritis. The NHS remains the primary provider for managing these conditions.
  • Emergency Care: A&E services are provided by the NHS.

As an insurance intermediary insurance broker that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies, WeCovr is at the forefront of the UK private medical insurance market. This article unpacks a developing crisis in UK healthcare, revealing why millions are turning to self-funding and how PMI offers a secure alternative.

UK Self Funded Healthcare Shock

A seismic shift is underway in how Britons manage their health. Faced with unprecedented NHS waiting lists, a silent but significant portion of the population is making a difficult choice: wait in pain or pay out-of-pocket for private treatment. New analysis for 2025 indicates that over a third of UK adults are now forced to self-fund some form of private healthcare each year, from consultations and diagnostics to major surgery.

This trend isn't just about skipping a queue; it's creating a parallel system of healthcare funded by life savings, credit cards, and remortgaged homes. The cumulative effect is a potential lifetime financial burden exceeding £3.5 million for a typical family, a staggering figure that threatens not just health outcomes but the very foundations of financial security for generations.

This article unpacks this hidden crisis. We will explore the data, reveal the true costs of self-funding, and present Private Medical Insurance (PMI) as the strategic, affordable, and proactive solution to safeguard your health and your wealth.

The Unseen Crisis: Deconstructing the Lifetime Healthcare Burden

The headline figure of a £3.5 million+ lifetime burden may seem abstract, but it is rooted in the harsh reality of escalating private medical costs and the knock-on effects of health-related financial shocks. This isn't about a single catastrophic bill; it's about a lifetime of smaller, unplanned expenses that erode wealth, derail retirement plans, and impact your family's future. (illustrative estimate)

How does this figure accumulate? Consider a typical family's journey over several decades:

  1. Minor Procedures & Diagnostics: A diagnostic MRI scan for a persistent back problem (£500-£1,000), a consultation with a specialist for a skin condition (£250-£400), physiotherapy sessions after a sports injury (£60 per session). These "small" costs add up quickly.
  2. Common Surgeries: As we age, the need for procedures like hip replacements, knee replacements, or cataract surgery becomes more common. A single private hip replacement can cost upwards of £15,000.
  3. Lost Income: A prolonged wait for NHS treatment isn't just a health issue; it's an economic one. Being unable to work due to pain or immobility can lead to significant lost earnings, especially for the self-employed or those in physically demanding jobs.
  4. Compounded Impact: An initial £10,000 spent on a procedure is not just £10,000 lost. It's £10,000 that is no longer in your pension pot, no longer earning interest, and no longer available for your children's education or a house deposit. Over 30-40 years, the opportunity cost is immense.

Let's look at a plausible scenario for how these costs can build up over a lifetime for a family.

Table: Illustrative Lifetime Self-Funded Healthcare Costs for a Family

Age BracketPotential Health Events & Costs (Illustrative)Lost Income & Opportunity Cost (Estimated)Cumulative Total
30s-40sDiagnostics (MRIs, Scans): £2,500
Minor procedures (e.g., hernia repair): £4,000
Physiotherapy/Chiropractic: £1,500		Lost earnings during recovery: £5,000
Pension contribution loss: £10,000		£23,000
50s-60sJoint replacement (e.g., knee): £16,000
Cataract surgery (both eyes): £5,000
Cardiology consultations: £3,000		Extended time off work: £15,000
Depleted savings impact: £50,000		£112,000
70s+Second joint replacement (e.g., hip): £15,000
Spinal surgery consultation & treatment: £12,000
Ongoing private care needs: £8,000		Impact on retirement fund: £100,000+
(Funds used for care instead of growth)		£247,000+

Disclaimer: This table is for illustrative purposes only. Costs are estimates based on typical 2024/2025 private UK hospital charges. The "£3.5 Million+" figure from the headline represents a maximum potential burden when considering multiple family members over a lifetime, severe conditions, the use of high-cost cancer drugs, and the profound, compounded loss of investment growth and earnings over 40+ years.

This is the spiralling cost of reactive healthcare. Private Medical Insurance is the tool designed to turn this unpredictable, escalating burden into a manageable, predictable monthly premium.

Why Are So Many Britons Turning to Self-Funding?

The primary driver behind this healthcare exodus is the immense pressure on the NHS. While it remains a cherished institution providing excellent emergency and critical care, its capacity for elective (planned) treatments is severely strained.

According to the latest NHS England data (mid-2024), the referral to treatment (RTT) waiting list stands at a staggering 7.54 million cases. This means millions of people are waiting for consultations and procedures.

  • The 18-Week Target: The NHS constitution sets a target that over 92% of patients should wait no more than 18 weeks from GP referral to treatment. In reality, this target has not been met since 2016. The current figure hovers around 57-60%.
  • The Longest Waits: Worse still, hundreds of thousands of people have been waiting for over a year (52 weeks) for treatment, with some waiting even longer.

For someone suffering from debilitating joint pain, deteriorating vision from cataracts, or the anxiety of an undiagnosed lump, a wait of months or even years is not a viable option. It affects their ability to work, care for family, and enjoy life. This is the moment they dip into their savings and join the growing ranks of the "self-funded."

The Proactive Alternative: How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Works

Private Medical Insurance, also known as private health cover, is an insurance policy that pays for the cost of private healthcare for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

Think of it like car insurance for your body. You pay a monthly or annual premium. If you develop a new medical condition that needs treatment, instead of joining a long NHS queue, you can be diagnosed and treated quickly in a private hospital.

Crucially, it is vital to understand what PMI does not cover:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition you have had symptoms of, or received treatment for, before taking out the policy. Some policies may cover them after a set period (usually two years) if you remain symptom-free.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and arthritis. The NHS remains the primary provider for managing these conditions.
  • Emergency Care: A&E services are provided by the NHS.
  • Normal Pregnancy: Routine maternity care is an NHS service.

PMI is designed specifically to tackle the exact problem pushing people to self-fund: getting faster access, where available, to treatment for new, curable medical issues.

A Typical PMI Journey

  1. You feel unwell. You visit your NHS GP as normal.
  2. GP Referral. Your GP recommends you see a specialist for diagnosis or treatment.
  3. Contact Your Insurer. You call your PMI provider and give them the details of the referral.
  4. Authorisation. The insurer confirms your condition may be covered and authorises the claim.
  5. Choose Your Specialist. You get access to a network of private specialists and hospitals, often with the flexibility to choose who you see and where.
  6. Rapid Treatment. You are diagnosed and treated quickly, in a private room with en-suite facilities.
  7. Bills Are Paid. The insurer settles the bills directly with the hospital and specialists. You simply focus on getting better.

Decoding Your PMI Policy: Core Cover vs. Optional Extras

Not all private medical insurance UK policies are the same. They are built around a core offering with optional extras, allowing you to tailor the cover to your needs and budget. A specialist at WeCovr or one of our broker partners can help you navigate these options to find the perfect balance.

Coverage TypeWhat It Typically IncludesIs It Worth It?
Core Cover (Standard)In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: Costs for surgery, hospital beds, nursing care, specialist fees, and drugs when you are admitted to hospital.Essential. This is the foundation of any PMI policy and protects against the largest medical bills, such as the cost of an operation.
Optional: Out-patient CoverDiagnostics & Consultations: Specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI, CT, PET scans), and X-rays that don't require a hospital stay.Highly Recommended. This is key to getting a fast diagnosis. Without it, you may still rely on the NHS for initial tests, which can involve long waits.
Optional: TherapiesPhysiotherapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic: A set number of sessions to aid recovery after an injury or operation.Very Useful. Especially for those with active lifestyles or jobs that are physically demanding. Speeds up recovery and return to work.
Optional: Mental Health CoverAccess to Psychiatrists & Therapists: Covers consultations and treatment for mental health conditions.Increasingly Important. Provides fast access to vital support, bypassing long waiting lists for services like CBT or counselling.
Optional: Dental & OpticalRoutine Check-ups, Treatment & Glasses: A cashback benefit towards your regular dental and optical bills.A 'Nice-to-Have'. Can be cost-effective if you have significant dental or optical needs, but less critical than core medical cover.

Beyond Treatment: The Wellness Revolution in PMI

Modern private health cover is about more than just reacting to illness; it's about proactively supporting your well-being. Many well-known insurers now include a wealth of benefits designed to help you stay healthy.

  • 24/7 Virtual GP: Speak to a GP by phone or video call anytime, anywhere. Perfect for getting quick advice, prescriptions, or referrals with potentially shorter waits for an NHS appointment.
  • Wellness Programmes: Get rewarded for being healthy. Insurers like Vitality offer discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, and even healthy food, incentivising an active lifestyle.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to telephone helplines, online therapy courses, and stress-management resources is often included as standard.
  • Nutrition and Health Advice: Many policies provide access to regulated guidance on diet, exercise, and healthy living.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our partner AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you take control of your diet. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us can receive exclusive discounts on other policies, such as home or travel insurance, creating a holistic shield of protection.

The WeCovr Advantage: Your Expert PMI Broker

Choosing the right private medical insurance can feel overwhelming. With dozens of providers and countless policy options, it's hard to know where to start. This is where a regulated, specialist at WeCovr or one of our broker partners becomes your most valuable asset.

  • We Work For You, Not the Insurer: Our loyalty is to you, our client. We are FCA-authorised and committed to finding the policy that suits your needs and budget.
  • Market-Wide Comparison: We compare plans from all the UK's well-known providers, including Axa, Aviva, Bupa, The Exeter, and Vitality, saving you hours of research.
  • Expert, Jargon-Free Advice: We explain the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting, what an excess is, and which hospital list is right for you.
  • no separate broker fee where applicable To You: Our service is completely free. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, so you get regulated guidance without paying a penny extra.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: Our clients consistently rate our service highly, praising our friendly, professional, and knowledgeable team.

The Ultimate Shield: Understanding LCIIP for Total Prosperity

The shock of a health crisis extends beyond medical bills. It can jeopardise your income, your home, and your family's entire financial future. The ultimate strategy for security is not just PMI, but a Lifetime Comprehensive Income & Illness Protection (LCIIP) plan.

This isn't a single product, but a strategic combination of insurances that create a safety net around your life:

  1. Private Medical Insurance (PMI): To cover the cost of treatment and get you back on your feet quickly.
  2. Income Protection: To replace a portion of your salary if you're unable to work due to any illness or injury. This pays the mortgage and bills while you recover.
  3. Critical Illness Cover: To pay out a potentially tax-efficient lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific serious illness (like some cancers, heart attack, or stroke). This gives you financial breathing room to make life adjustments.

A specialist at WeCovr or one of our broker partners can provide regulated guidance on how to structure this protective shield, ensuring all your bases may be covered. This is the pathway from reactive, anxious self-funding to proactive, confident well-being.

Do I still need the NHS if I have private medical insurance?

Absolutely. Private medical insurance is designed to work alongside the NHS, not replace it. The NHS will still provide care for emergencies (A&E), managing chronic long-term conditions like diabetes or asthma, and routine GP services. Your PMI policy gives you a choice for planned, acute treatments, allowing you to use a private pathway, subject to policy terms and availability for eligible conditions. You can learn more about how they work together at

What is moratorium underwriting and is it better?

Moratorium underwriting is one of the most common ways to get a PMI policy. With a moratorium, you do not have to declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms of, or treatment for, in the five years before your policy starts. However, if you then go two full, consecutive years on the policy without any symptoms, advice, or treatment for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. It's often quicker to set up than 'Full Medical Underwriting', which requires a detailed health questionnaire. An expert broker can advise which is best for your circumstances. For more details on consumer rights in insurance, see the FCA guidance at

How much does private health cover cost in the UK?

The cost of a private medical insurance UK policy varies significantly based on several factors: your age, your location, your smoking status, the level of cover you choose (e.g., adding out-patient or therapy cover), and the excess you agree to pay. A basic policy for a healthy 30-year-old might start from as little as £30 per month, while comprehensive cover for a 55-year-old could be £100 per month or more. one way to get an accurate figure is to get a personalised quote that reflects your specific needs.

Don't let the fear of NHS delays force you into a future of financial uncertainty. Take control of your health and protect your prosperity.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will compare the UK insurer panel to find suitable private health cover for you, securing your peace of mind.

Sources

  • NHS England: Waiting times and referral-to-treatment statistics.
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS): Health, mortality, and workforce data.
  • NICE: Clinical guidance and technology appraisals.
  • Care Quality Commission (CQC): Provider quality and inspection reports.
  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Public health surveillance reports.
  • Association of British Insurers (ABI): Health and protection market publications.

Important Information and Risks

No advice: This article is for general information only. It is not financial, legal, insurance, or tax advice, and it is not a personal recommendation. WeCovr does not assess your individual circumstances or recommend a specific product through this article.

Policy exclusions and underwriting: Insurance policies, including life insurance, private medical insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection, are subject to insurer underwriting, eligibility, acceptance criteria, terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. Pre-existing medical conditions may be excluded, restricted, or accepted on special terms unless an insurer confirms otherwise in writing.

Tax treatment: References to tax treatment, HMRC rules, or business reliefs are based on current UK legislation and guidance, which can change. Tax treatment depends on your personal or business circumstances and may differ from examples in this article.

Before you buy: Always read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID), policy summary, and full policy terms before buying, renewing, changing, or keeping cover. If you are unsure whether a policy is suitable for you, speak to an insurance adviser.

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WeCovr is an FCA‑regulated insurance broker. We may earn a commission if you purchase a policy via us. This guide is written to be impartial and informational.

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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 experienced 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 a strong fit for your needs 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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