Login

UK Sleep Apnea Crisis £3.9M Lifetime Health Burden

UK Sleep Apnea Crisis £3.9M Lifetime Health Burden 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr is at the forefront of the UK private medical insurance market. This article reveals a growing health crisis silently affecting millions of Britons and explains how the right private health cover can provide a crucial lifeline.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 4 Britons Secretly Battle Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea, Fueling a Staggering £3.9 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, Type 2 Diabetes, Cognitive Decline, Accidents & Eroding Productivity – Your PMI Pathway to Rapid Advanced Diagnostics, Personalised Treatment Protocols & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Longevity

A silent epidemic is sweeping across the United Kingdom. It doesn’t arrive with a sudden fever or a dramatic symptom, but quietly in the dead of night, stealing breath, health, and vitality from millions. New analysis based on projections from the British Lung Foundation and NHS data suggests that by 2025, over a quarter of the UK adult population could be living with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the vast majority completely unaware they have it.

This isn't just about snoring. Each nightly pause in breathing starves the body of oxygen, triggering a cascade of devastating long-term health consequences. The cumulative lifetime cost of managing these related conditions—from heart disease to diabetes—can exceed an astonishing £3.9 million per person.

In this guide, we will unpack this crisis, explore the true cost of undiagnosed sleep apnea, and reveal how private medical insurance (PMI) offers a powerful pathway to rapid diagnosis and effective treatment, shielding your future health and longevity.

The Silent Thief: What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition where the throat muscles relax during sleep, causing a partial or complete blockage of the airway. When this happens, you temporarily stop breathing.

These pauses, called 'apneas', can last for ten seconds or longer and occur hundreds of time a night. Your brain, sensing the drop in oxygen, jolts you partially awake to restart breathing. Most people have no memory of these disturbances, yet they wreck the restorative stages of sleep, leaving them exhausted and their bodies under immense strain.

The problem is the sheer scale of the undiagnosed cases. Official NHS figures estimate around 1.5 million UK adults are diagnosed, but health organisations like the British Lung Foundation believe up to 85% of those with the condition remain undiagnosed. This points to a hidden public health emergency affecting well over 10 million people.

Could You Have Sleep Apnea? Key Symptoms to Watch For

During SleepDuring Waking Hours
Loud, persistent snoringExcessive daytime sleepiness (e.g., falling asleep at work)
Choking or gasping soundsMorning headaches
Pauses in breathing (witnessed by a partner)Difficulty concentrating or "brain fog"
Frequent trips to the toilet at nightIrritability, anxiety, or depression
Restless sleep and frequent tossing/turningWaking up with a very dry or sore throat

If you or your partner recognise several of these symptoms, it is a significant warning sign that should not be ignored.

The £3.9 Million Domino Effect: How Sleep Apnea Destroys Health

The shocking £3.9 million figure represents the potential lifetime healthcare burden an individual with severe, untreated sleep apnea could face. It is a modelled cost, combining private and public healthcare expenses for managing the severe chronic illnesses that OSA directly fuels.

When your body is repeatedly starved of oxygen and jolted by adrenaline a night, it sets off a chain reaction.

  1. Cardiovascular Disease: The constant stress on your heart from fluctuating oxygen levels and blood pressure spikes dramatically increases the risk of:

    • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Up to 50% of people with OSA also have hypertension.
    • Heart Attack & Heart Failure: The strain can weaken and damage the heart muscle.
    • Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular, often rapid, heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots, stroke, and other heart-related complications.
  2. Stroke: Research published in leading medical journals shows a clear link. Severe OSA can triple your risk of having a stroke.

  3. Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnea disrupts how your body uses insulin. Studies show that people with OSA are significantly more likely to develop insulin resistance and, eventually, Type 2 Diabetes.

  4. Cognitive Decline & Dementia: Poor sleep quality and oxygen deprivation can damage brain cells. There is a growing body of evidence linking untreated sleep apnea to an increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and dementia later in life.

  5. Accidents & Injury: The severe daytime fatigue caused by OSA is a major public safety risk. According to the Department for Transport, driver fatigue is a contributing factor in up to 20% of all road accidents. People with untreated OSA are up to seven times more likely to have a traffic accident.

  6. Eroding Productivity: In the workplace, the 'brain fog', poor concentration, and exhaustion lead to 'presenteeism' (being at work but not functioning effectively) and absenteeism, costing the UK economy billions annually.

This isn't just a health issue; it's a quality-of-life and financial issue. The cost of managing these conditions, combined with lost earnings and reduced productivity, creates a devastating personal and societal burden.

The NHS Waiting Game: A Stretched System Under Pressure

The National Health Service provides excellent care, but it is under unprecedented strain. For conditions like sleep apnea, which are not always perceived as immediately life-threatening, the patient journey can be frustratingly long.

A Typical NHS Pathway Timeline:

  • Step 1: GP Appointment (Wait: 1-4 weeks): You discuss your symptoms with your GP, who may or may not immediately suspect sleep apnea.
  • Step 2: Referral to a Specialist (Wait: 18+ weeks): If your GP agrees, you are referred to a hospital's respiratory or sleep clinic. The current NHS target is for 92% of patients to be seen within 18 weeks, but this target is frequently missed for many specialities.
  • Step 3: Sleep Study (Wait: 2-6 months): You'll be put on a waiting list for a diagnostic test, usually an at-home sleep study (polysomnography). This involves wearing monitoring equipment overnight.
  • Step 4: Diagnosis & Treatment Plan (Wait: 4-12 weeks): After the study, you'll wait for another appointment to get the results and, if diagnosed, a plan for treatment, most commonly a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.
  • Step 5: Receiving a CPAP Machine (Wait: 2-6 months): There can be a further wait for the equipment itself due to supply and funding pressures.

Total Estimated Wait Time on the NHS: 9 months to 2 years.

During this long wait, the damage to your cardiovascular system, brain, and metabolic health continues unchecked every single night.

Your Private Medical Insurance Pathway: Reclaiming Control in Days and Weeks

This is where having the right private medical insurance UK policy can be life-changing. It allows you to bypass the NHS queues and access world-class diagnostics and treatment rapidly.

Critical Note on Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions: It is essential to understand that standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover chronic conditions (like diagnosed diabetes) or pre-existing conditions (any illness or symptom you had, or received medical advice for, before taking out the policy).

If you are already diagnosed with sleep apnea or are being investigated for it, it will be excluded from a new policy. However, if you develop new symptoms after your policy starts, PMI can provide a swift route to diagnosis and management.

Here’s how a typical PMI journey for suspected sleep apnea looks:

StageNHS PathwayPrivate Medical Insurance Pathway
GP Access1-4 week wait for an appointment.Often same-day or next-day access to a private virtual or in-person GP.
Specialist Referral18+ week wait to see a consultant.Referral to a top respiratory consultant or sleep specialist within days.
Diagnostic Sleep Study2-6 month wait for a polysomnography test.Advanced at-home or in-clinic sleep study arranged within 1-2 weeks.
Diagnosis & Treatment2-9 month wait for results and a CPAP machine.Results reviewed with consultant within days. If CPAP is required, the machine is often delivered and set up within a week.
Total Time9 - 24 months2 - 4 weeks

By using PMI, you can shrink a two-year problem into a one-month solution, potentially preventing years of irreversible damage to your health. A PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate the options and find a policy that includes comprehensive diagnostics for conditions like sleep apnea.

The LCIIP Shield: Your Defence Against Life's Health Shocks

When we talk about an "LCIIP Shield," we are referring to a conceptual framework for total health and financial protection. It stands for Lifetime Comprehensive Illness Insurance Protection. This isn't a single product, but a strategy combining different types of cover to create a robust safety net.

  • L - Lifetime: The principle of maintaining continuous private health cover to protect you throughout your life.
  • C - Comprehensive: Ensuring your policy has broad cover, including out-patient diagnostics, advanced therapies, and mental health support.
  • I - Illness Insurance: This is the core of PMI, providing the funds for private treatment when you need it most.
  • P - Protection: This extends beyond just health. It’s about protecting your finances with related cover like Critical Illness and Income Protection, which can provide a lump sum or regular income if a serious condition (like a stroke or heart attack, often linked to sleep apnea) stops you from working.

The LCIIP shield protects your foundational vitality by addressing health issues before they become catastrophic, preserving not just your health but your ability to earn, provide for your family, and enjoy your life.

Beyond CPAP: PMI, Wellness, and Your Foundational Health

Modern private health cover is no longer just about paying for treatment when you're ill. The best PMI providers are proactive partners in your health, offering a suite of wellness benefits designed to keep you healthy.

These can include:

  • Mental Health Support: Access to therapists and counsellors, crucial as mood disorders are often linked to poor sleep.
  • Gym Membership Discounts: Encouraging an active lifestyle, which is key to managing weight.
  • Nutritional Advice: Professional guidance on diet to help with weight management, a primary risk factor for OSA.
  • Digital Health Apps: Tools to track your health metrics, activity, and diet.

As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It’s a powerful tool to help you manage your weight, which can significantly reduce the severity of sleep apnea or even eliminate it in some cases. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr can often benefit from discounts on other types of cover, building their LCIIP shield more affordably.

Simple Lifestyle Changes to Combat Sleep Apnea Risk

While professional treatment is vital, you can take proactive steps to improve your sleep and reduce your risk:

  1. Manage Your Weight: Even a 10% reduction in body weight can have a dramatic positive impact on sleep apnea symptoms.
  2. Change Your Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can make airway collapse more likely. Try sleeping on your side.
  3. Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances relax the throat muscles, worsening apnea. Avoid them, especially in the hours before bedtime.
  4. Quit Smoking: Smoking causes inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, exacerbating the problem.
  5. Elevate Your Head: Using a wedge pillow or raising the head of your bed can help keep your airway open.

How WeCovr Finds Your Perfect Private Health Cover

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be complex. Every provider has different strengths, weaknesses, and policy wordings. This is where an expert, independent PMI broker becomes your most valuable asset.

At WeCovr, we provide a simple, transparent, and completely free service:

  • We Listen: We take the time to understand your personal health concerns, your family's needs, and your budget.
  • We Compare: We use our expertise and technology to compare policies from across the UK's leading insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality.
  • We Explain: We demystify the jargon. We'll clearly explain the differences between moratorium and full medical underwriting, what's covered, what's excluded, and how excesses work.
  • We Recommend: Based on our comprehensive analysis, we recommend the policy that offers the best possible value and protection for you.

Our service is FCA-authorised, and our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to putting our clients first. We find the right cover, so you can focus on your health.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does private medical insurance cover sleep apnea?

It depends. UK private medical insurance is designed for acute conditions that begin after your policy starts. If you develop symptoms of sleep apnea, like severe snoring or daytime fatigue, *after* taking out a policy, it will likely cover the costs of private consultations, diagnostic sleep studies, and initial treatment (like a CPAP machine). However, if you have been diagnosed with, treated for, or sought medical advice for sleep apnea or its symptoms *before* your policy start date, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover.

How can I get diagnosed for sleep apnea privately in the UK?

Using a private medical insurance policy is the fastest way. The process typically involves getting a referral from a private GP (often included in your policy) to a private respiratory consultant. The consultant will then arrange for a private sleep study (polysomnography), which can often be done at home with modern equipment. This entire process, from GP appointment to diagnosis, can be completed in just a few weeks, compared to many months or even years on the NHS.

Is a CPAP machine covered by private health insurance?

Generally, yes. If your policy covers the diagnosis of an acute case of sleep apnea, it will almost always cover the provision of the primary treatment, which is a CPAP machine. Insurers see this as essential to managing the condition and preventing more expensive health complications down the line. The cover usually includes the machine, mask, tubing, and the initial setup and support from a sleep technician.

What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting for a PMI policy?

These are two ways insurers assess your medical history. With **Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)**, you declare your entire medical history on an application form. The insurer then tells you upfront what will be excluded. With **Moratorium (MORI) Underwriting**, you don't need to declare your full history. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms of, or received treatment for, in the last 5 years. However, if you then go 2 full years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. An expert broker can advise which type is best for your circumstances.

The sleep apnea crisis is real, and its consequences are severe. Don't let a silent, treatable condition rob you or your loved ones of health and vitality. Take control of your health journey today.

Contact WeCovr for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how affordable peace of mind can be.


Related guides


Get A Free Quote

Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 900,000+ Policies!

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

How It Works

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

Any questions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Learn more


...

Who Are WeCovr?

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

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

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

Important Information

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

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

About WeCovr

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