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UK Sleep Apnea Crisis 1 in 10 Face Undiagnosed Threat

UK Sleep Apnea Crisis 1 in 10 Face Undiagnosed Threat 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies arranged, WeCovr is at the forefront of helping UK families navigate their health choices. This article explores the growing sleep apnea crisis and how private medical insurance can provide a vital lifeline to rapid diagnosis and treatment, safeguarding your long-term wellbeing.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 10 Britons Secretly Battle Undiagnosed Severe Sleep Apnea, Fueling a Staggering £4.1 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, Accidents & Eroding Productivity – Your PMI Pathway to Rapid Sleep Diagnostics, Specialist Therapies & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Vitality & Future Prosperity

A silent health emergency is unfolding in bedrooms across Britain. New analysis for 2025, based on startling data from leading health organisations, reveals a crisis of unrecognised and untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It's estimated that as many as 10 million Britons, over one in ten of the adult population, may be affected, with the vast majority—a staggering 85%—completely unaware they have the condition.

This isn't just about snoring. Each night, millions of people are unknowingly fighting for breath, their airways collapsing repeatedly, starving their brains and bodies of oxygen. The cumulative toll is immense. The Sleep Apnoea Trust Association (SATA) and Deloitte's landmark report projects the annual economic cost to the UK to be in the billions, driven by a devastating cascade of consequences:

  • Increased Cardiovascular Disease: A sky-high risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and atrial fibrillation.
  • Elevated Stroke Risk: Oxygen deprivation and high blood pressure create a perfect storm for strokes.
  • Road and Workplace Accidents: Chronic daytime fatigue makes driving or operating machinery up to 12 times more dangerous.
  • Lost Productivity: A £1.2 billion annual dent in the UK economy from 'presenteeism'—being at work but too exhausted to function effectively.
  • Mental Health Decline: A strong link to depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.

For individuals, the lifetime burden of managing these associated chronic illnesses can easily run into the tens of thousands of pounds, impacting not just health but financial prosperity. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting lists for sleep studies and specialist consultations can stretch for many months, leaving individuals in a dangerous limbo. This is where Private Medical Insurance (PMI) emerges as a powerful tool, offering a rapid pathway from suspicion to solution.

Are You at Risk? Recognising the Silent Symptoms of OSA

Because the most dramatic events of sleep apnea happen while you're unconscious, many people have no idea they are affected. Often, it's a partner, spouse, or family member who first notices the warning signs.

Could you or a loved one be living with undiagnosed sleep apnea? Look out for these common red flags.

Symptom CategoryKey Warning Signs
During SleepLoud, persistent snoring that disrupts others.
Audible gasping, choking, or snorting sounds.
Pauses in breathing observed by a partner.
Upon WakingWaking up with a dry mouth or sore throat.
Morning headaches.
Feeling unrefreshed, even after a full night's sleep.
During the DayExcessive daytime sleepiness (e.g., falling asleep at work, while watching TV, or even when driving).
Difficulty concentrating or "brain fog".
Irritability, mood swings, or symptoms of depression.

Who is Most at Risk?

While anyone can develop OSA, certain factors significantly increase your chances:

  • Excess Weight: This is the single biggest risk factor. Fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing.
  • Age: OSA is more common in middle-aged and older adults.
  • Gender: Men are two to three times more likely to have sleep apnea than women. However, women's risk increases after menopause.
  • Neck Circumference: A larger neck size (over 17 inches for men, 16 for women) often means a narrower airway.
  • Anatomical Factors: Having large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jaw can contribute.
  • Family History: A genetic predisposition can play a role.
  • Lifestyle Choices: Regular alcohol consumption, smoking, and the use of sedatives can relax throat muscles and worsen the condition.

Real-Life Example: Consider David, a 52-year-old manager from Manchester. For years, his wife complained about his deafening snoring. David dismissed it, blaming long hours at work for his constant daytime fatigue and irritability. He started needing two strong coffees just to get through the morning meetings. It was only after a near-miss on the M60, when he momentarily dozed off at the wheel, that he finally sought help. David’s story is incredibly common—a silent struggle that only becomes apparent after a crisis point is reached.

The NHS Pathway vs. The Private Route: A Tale of Two Timelines

Getting a diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea is a multi-step process. While the quality of care on the NHS is high, access can be slow due to immense demand. This is where the speed of private medical insurance UK can be life-changing.

Let's compare the typical journeys:

Stage of CareTypical NHS PathwayTypical PMI Pathway
1. Initial ConcernBook a GP appointment (can take 1-3 weeks).Book a GP appointment (often same-or-next-day via an included Digital GP app).
2. GP ReferralGP refers you to a local NHS sleep clinic.GP provides an open referral to a private specialist.
3. Specialist WaitWait for a specialist consultation. This is often the longest delay, with NHS waiting times for respiratory medicine pouvant atteindre several months.Appointment with a private consultant is typically available within 1-2 weeks.
4. Diagnostic TestPlaced on a waiting list for a sleep study (polysomnography), which can take another few months.Sleep study (often a convenient at-home kit) is arranged within days of the consultation.
5. Diagnosis & TreatmentResults are reviewed, and a treatment plan (e.g., CPAP) is initiated. Total time from GP to treatment can be 6-12+ months.Results are reviewed promptly. Treatment can be initiated almost immediately. Total time from GP to treatment can be 2-4 weeks.

The difference is stark. For a condition that impacts your health every single night, reducing the wait from over a year to under a month can prevent months of cardiovascular strain, exhaustion, and unacceptable risk.

How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Unlocks Rapid Relief

This is the most critical point for anyone considering private health cover: standard UK PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

It does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions you already have.

So, how does this work for sleep apnea?

Imagine you take out a comprehensive PMI policy with WeCovr. Six months later, you start experiencing symptoms like heavy snoring and daytime fatigue for the first time. Here’s how your private health cover would kick in:

  1. Fast GP Access: You use the 24/7 virtual GP service included in your policy. You speak to a doctor the same day who notes your symptoms and agrees they need investigating.
  2. Specialist Referral: The GP provides an open referral. You or your PMI provider's care team book you an appointment with a leading private respiratory consultant, often within a week.
  3. Rapid Diagnostics: The consultant suspects OSA and immediately arranges for a sleep study. A diagnostic kit is sent to your home, which you wear for one night. The costs for the consultation and the test are covered by your policy's outpatient limits.
  4. Confirmed Diagnosis: The results come back a few days later, confirming a diagnosis of moderate OSA.
  5. Treatment Covered: The consultant prescribes a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. If your policy has the appropriate level of cover for therapies and equipment, the insurer will fund the device, allowing you to start treatment immediately.

This streamlined process, facilitated by a good PMI policy, bypasses NHS waiting lists entirely, putting you on the path to recovery in weeks, not months or years.

Understanding Your PMI Cover: What to Look For

Not all private medical insurance policies are created equal. When considering cover, especially with potential issues like sleep apnea in mind, you need to look for specific features. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare policies to ensure you have the right protection.

Here are the key elements to check:

Policy FeatureWhy It's Important for Sleep ApneaWeCovr's Insight
Outpatient CoverThis is crucial. It pays for your initial specialist consultation and the all-important diagnostic tests (sleep studies). Some policies have a low limit (£500-£1,000) or none at all; others offer full cover.We always recommend policies with generous outpatient cover, as this is where the diagnostic journey begins. Skimping here can undermine the value of your policy.
Therapies CoverThis covers treatments prescribed by a specialist. For OSA, this could include funding for a CPAP machine or a custom-made Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD).Check the policy wording carefully. Some insurers cover the hire of a CPAP machine, while others may contribute to the purchase. This detail matters.
Hospital ListThis determines which hospitals and clinics you can use. A comprehensive list ensures you have access to centres with dedicated sleep medicine departments.The best PMI providers have extensive national hospital lists, giving you choice and access to top specialists wherever you are in the UK.
Digital GPProvides instant access to a GP for that initial referral, saving you weeks of waiting for an NHS appointment.This is now a standard feature on most quality policies and is one of the most-used benefits. It's the gateway to your private healthcare journey.

As independent brokers, we compare plans from leading insurers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality to find the perfect blend of cover and cost for your specific needs.

The 'Pre-existing Condition' Clause: A Critical PMI Consideration

We cannot stress this enough: if you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or have been seeking medical advice for symptoms like snoring or breathing difficulties before taking out a policy, it will be classed as a pre-existing condition and will not be covered by new standard insurance.

Insurers use two main methods to handle pre-existing conditions:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. The policy automatically excludes any condition for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the 5 years before your policy start date. However, if you remain completely free of symptoms, treatment, and advice for that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy begins, the exclusion may be lifted.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): This involves completing a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer assesses your medical history and explicitly lists any conditions that will be permanently excluded from cover from day one. It provides certainty but is less flexible than a moratorium.

Navigating these clauses can be complex. The team at WeCovr provides clear, jargon-free advice to ensure you understand exactly what you are and are not covered for before you commit.

Beyond CPAP: Lifestyle Changes & Wellness Support

Treating sleep apnea isn't just about a machine. Lasting improvement comes from a holistic approach to health and wellness. Many modern PMI policies actively support this.

1. Weight Management: Losing even 10% of your body weight can dramatically reduce the severity of OSA or, in some cases, cure it completely.

  • WeCovr Benefit: To support your health journey, WeCovr provides complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, when you take out a policy.

2. Improved Sleep Hygiene: Creating a better sleep environment can support the effectiveness of your treatment.

  • Stick to a regular sleep-wake schedule.
  • Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
  • Avoid caffeine and heavy meals late at night.
  • Switch off electronic screens at least an hour before bed.

3. Reduce Alcohol and Sedatives: Alcohol is a major culprit in worsening sleep apnea as it relaxes the throat muscles. Avoid it, especially in the hours before sleep.

4. Positional Therapy: For some, apnea only occurs when sleeping on their back. Simple solutions, like pillows that encourage you to sleep on your side, can make a big difference.

Many of the best PMI providers now include a wealth of wellness benefits, from gym discounts to mental health support and nutritional advice, empowering you to take control of your foundational health.

WeCovr: Your Expert Guide to Navigating the PMI Market

Choosing the right private medical insurance can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. WeCovr is a leading UK health and protection insurance brokerage, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Why choose WeCovr?

  • Expert, Independent Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our goal is to find the best policy for you from across the market.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert guidance without any extra fees.
  • Highly-Rated Service: We pride ourselves on clear communication and exceptional customer support, earning us high satisfaction ratings from our clients.
  • We Understand the Details: From outpatient limits to underwriting clauses, we translate the jargon so you can make an informed decision.
  • Exclusive Benefits: As well as complimentary access to our CalorieHero app, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us can get discounts on other types of cover.

We have helped arrange over 900,000 policies, giving us the experience and market knowledge to secure the right protection for you and your family.

Do I need to declare snoring to a private medical insurance provider?

Generally, simple snoring on its own is not something you need to declare. However, if your snoring is accompanied by other symptoms like gasping for air, daytime sleepiness, or if you have sought medical advice for it, you absolutely must declare it. This is because it could be a symptom of a pre-existing condition like sleep apnea, which would affect your cover. Honesty and transparency during your application are crucial.

If I get diagnosed with sleep apnea while I have PMI, is it covered for life?

This is a critical point. Private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover the diagnosis and initial treatment of acute conditions. Sleep apnea is considered a chronic (long-term) condition. Therefore, your PMI policy will typically cover the acute phase—the consultations, diagnostics, and initial stabilisation on a treatment like CPAP. However, the day-to-day management, ongoing supplies, and long-term costs will usually transition back to the NHS or self-funding. The huge benefit of PMI is getting that rapid diagnosis and starting treatment months or even years earlier than you might otherwise.

Can private health cover pay for a CPAP machine?

Yes, many comprehensive private health cover policies can pay for a CPAP machine if it is prescribed by a specialist as part of treating a newly diagnosed condition. However, the level of cover varies. Some policies may cover the full cost of purchase, while others may cover the hire of the machine for an initial period (e.g., 6 months). It is vital to check the 'therapies' or 'medical devices' section of your policy wording. A broker like WeCovr can help you find a policy with strong cover for such treatments.

Don't let an undiagnosed condition dictate your future. Take control of your health and protect your vitality.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation private medical insurance quote and discover how you can secure fast access to the UK's best healthcare.

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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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