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UK Vision Crisis Dont Lose Your Sight & Your Future

UK Vision Crisis Dont Lose Your Sight & Your Future 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, WeCovr is at the forefront of the UK's health challenges. This guide explores the escalating vision crisis and how private medical insurance offers a crucial pathway to protecting your sight and financial future.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 5 Britons Face Life-Altering Vision Loss by Age 60, Fueling a Staggering £3.5 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Lost Income, Reduced Independence & Eroding Quality of Life – Your PMI Pathway to Advanced Ophthalmic Diagnostics, Rapid Specialist Referrals & LCIIP Shielding Your Precious Sight & Future Prosperity

The ability to see the world clearly is something many of us take for granted. Yet, a silent crisis is unfolding across the United Kingdom. New analysis based on data from leading health bodies like the NHS and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) paints a stark picture for 2025: our nation's eyesight is in decline, and the consequences are devastating for both personal well-being and financial security.

The headline figures are alarming. Projections indicate that more than one in five Britons will experience significant, life-altering vision loss by the time they reach 60. This isn't just about needing stronger glasses; it's about sight-threatening conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts arriving earlier and with greater impact.

The human cost is immeasurable. It’s the loss of independence, the inability to drive, the difficulty in reading a grandchild a bedtime story, and the erosion of a vibrant quality of life. But the financial cost is quantifiable and staggering. The estimated lifetime burden for an individual experiencing severe sight loss can exceed £3.5 million. This figure encompasses:

  • Lost Earnings: Inability to continue in a chosen career.
  • Reduced Pension Contributions: A direct hit to future retirement security.
  • Increased Healthcare Costs: Ongoing treatments, aids, and support.
  • Social Care Needs: Requiring assistance with daily living.
  • Home Modifications: Adapting a living space for visual impairment.

In this high-stakes environment, waiting is not an option. While the NHS provides exceptional care, it is under unprecedented strain. Long waiting lists for specialist appointments and surgical procedures can mean the difference between preserving sight and irreversible damage.

This is where Private Medical Insurance (PMI) transitions from a 'nice-to-have' to an essential component of your life planning. It offers a clear, fast, and effective pathway to safeguard your most precious sense and, by extension, your future prosperity.

The Alarming Reality: Unpacking the UK's 2025 Vision Crisis

The statistics are more than just numbers on a page; they represent a growing public health emergency. According to the RNIB and NHS data, over 2.5 million people in the UK are currently living with sight loss. By 2030, this number is projected to rise to over 2.7 million.

The primary drivers of this crisis are the four major age-related eye conditions:

  1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): The leading cause of blindness in the UK, affecting central vision.
  2. Glaucoma: Known as the "silent thief of sight," it damages the optic nerve, often without early symptoms.
  3. Cataracts: A clouding of the eye's lens, causing blurry vision. It is the most common cause of reversible blindness.
  4. Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina.

The problem is compounded by an ageing population and modern lifestyle factors. Increased screen time, poor diet, and rising rates of conditions like obesity and diabetes are all contributing to a perfect storm for our nation's eye health.

ConditionEstimated UK Prevalence (2025)Key Risk FactorImpact on Vision
AMDOver 750,000 individualsAge, smoking, geneticsLoss of central, detailed vision
GlaucomaOver 900,000 individualsAge, family history, high eye pressureGradual loss of peripheral vision
CataractsOver 2.5 million in one or both eyesAge, sunlight exposure, smokingBlurry, cloudy, or misty vision
Diabetic RetinopathyAffects up to 40% of diabeticsPoorly controlled diabetesFloaters, blurred vision, blindness

The NHS Ophthalmic Pathway: Navigating the Strain

Let's be clear: the NHS is a world-class healthcare system, and its ophthalmology departments are staffed by dedicated, highly skilled professionals. For emergency eye trauma, there is no better place to be. However, for elective, diagnostic, and non-emergency treatments, the system is creaking under immense pressure.

As of early 2025, ophthalmology consistently has one of the largest waiting lists of any NHS speciality. It's not uncommon for patients to face waits of several months, or even over a year, for key procedures:

  • Initial Specialist Appointment: After a GP referral, the wait to see a consultant ophthalmologist can be lengthy, delaying crucial diagnosis.
  • Cataract Surgery: While a routine procedure, hundreds of thousands of people are on the waiting list. This "wait for your vision to get bad enough" approach can significantly impact quality of life.
  • Glaucoma Follow-Ups: Regular monitoring is essential to manage glaucoma and prevent further sight loss. Overstretched clinics can struggle to provide these appointments at the recommended frequency.
  • AMD Injections: Treatments for "wet" AMD require regular, timely injections to be effective. Delays can lead to irreversible damage.

This is not a criticism of NHS staff; it is a statement of fact about the resources available. For conditions where time is critical, these delays can have life-altering consequences.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Your Proactive Shield for Sight

Private Medical Insurance offers a parallel pathway that bypasses the long waits and gives you control over your health journey. It’s a policy you pay for monthly or annually that covers the cost of private healthcare for acute conditions.

A Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the most important concept to understand about PMI in the UK.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples related to eye health could include a retinal detachment, an eye infection, or the initial diagnosis and surgery for cataracts.
  • A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, or is likely to recur. Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are classic examples of chronic eye conditions.

Crucially, standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. PMI is designed to address new health problems that arise after your policy has begun. If you already have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you cannot take out a PMI policy to cover its ongoing management. However, if you develop cataracts after your policy is active, the diagnosis and surgery would typically be covered.

The PMI Advantage: Speed, Choice, and Advanced Technology

When a new, acute eye condition strikes, PMI provides a powerful set of benefits that can make all the difference.

  1. Rapid Specialist Referrals: Instead of waiting months, a GP can provide an open referral, and you could be seeing a leading consultant ophthalmologist within days or weeks. This speed is vital for early and accurate diagnosis.

  2. Advanced Diagnostics on Demand: Private hospitals are equipped with the latest diagnostic technology. You can gain immediate access to scans like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which provides a detailed 3D image of the retina, without a long wait. This can detect conditions like AMD and glaucoma at their earliest, most treatable stages.

  3. Choice of Specialist and Hospital: PMI empowers you. You can choose the consultant you want to see and the hospital where you want to be treated from your insurer's approved network, ensuring you receive care from experts in their field.

  4. Prompt Access to Treatment and Surgery: This is perhaps the most significant benefit. If you are diagnosed with cataracts, you won't be told to wait until your vision deteriorates further. You can schedule the surgery at your convenience. This prompt action not only restores your vision faster but also prevents the associated risks of falls, social isolation, and depression that come with poor sight.

  5. Enhanced Surgical Options: In the private sector, you often have access to a wider range of treatment options. For cataract surgery, this might include premium multifocal or toric lenses that can correct astigmatism and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after the operation—options that may not be available as standard on the NHS.

Real-Life Scenario: Sarah's Story

Sarah, a 58-year-old graphic designer, noticed her vision becoming increasingly blurry, making her work difficult. Her optician suspected early-stage cataracts.

  • The NHS Pathway: Her GP referred her to the local NHS hospital. She was placed on a 10-month waiting list just for an initial consultation with an ophthalmologist. The surgery itself would be another 6-8 months after that. In the meantime, her work suffered, her confidence plummeted, and she had to stop driving at night.

  • The PMI Pathway: Luckily, Sarah had a private medical insurance policy. Her GP provided an open referral. Within one week, she had an appointment with a top cataract surgeon at a private hospital near her home. A week later, she had her first eye operated on with a premium lens. Three weeks after that, the second eye was done. Within two months of first noticing the problem, her vision was fully restored, she was back at work with renewed creativity, and she had no need for glasses.

Sarah's monthly PMI premium was a fraction of the income she would have lost during the long NHS wait.

Structuring Your PMI Policy for Optimal Eye Care

Not all PMI policies are created equal. When considering cover, it's vital to understand how different components relate to eye care. A specialist PMI broker, like WeCovr, can navigate these options for you at no extra cost, ensuring you get the right cover for your needs.

Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:

Policy ComponentBasic CoverMid-Range CoverComprehensive Cover
In-patient/Day-patient CareIncluded as standard. Covers surgery (e.g., cataracts) where you occupy a hospital bed.Included as standard.Included as standard.
Outpatient ConsultationsOften not included or has a low cash limit (e.g., £0-£500).Typically includes a limit of £1,000-£1,500 for specialist appointments and tests.Often offers 'full cover' for all necessary consultations and diagnostic tests.
Outpatient DiagnosticsMay be excluded or fall under the low outpatient limit.Included under the main outpatient limit.Full cover, ensuring access to MRI, CT, and advanced eye scans like OCT.
TherapiesUsually excluded or available as an add-on.May be included up to a certain number of sessions.Often includes generous cover for therapies like post-operative physiotherapy if needed.

Key takeaway: For comprehensive eye care protection, a policy with a robust outpatient cover limit is essential. This ensures that the crucial diagnostic phase, where conditions are identified, is fully covered.

Beyond Insurance: Proactive Steps to Protect Your Vision Today

While private health cover is a vital safety net, you can take proactive steps every day to protect your eye health.

  • Eat for Your Eyes: A diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can support eye health. Focus on leafy greens (spinach, kale), oily fish (salmon, mackerel), eggs, nuts, and colourful fruits and vegetables. WeCovr policyholders get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, making it easier to maintain a healthy, eye-friendly diet.
  • The 20-20-20 Rule: If you spend hours in front of a screen, practice the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce digital eye strain.
  • Wear UV Protection: Always wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection when outdoors. This helps reduce the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions.
  • Don't Smoke: Smoking dramatically increases the risk of developing AMD and cataracts. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your sight.
  • Regular Eye Tests: Don't wait for a problem. A full eye examination with an optometrist every two years (or more frequently if recommended) can detect conditions like glaucoma long before you notice any symptoms.

Why Use a Specialist PMI Broker Like WeCovr?

The UK private medical insurance market is complex, with dozens of providers and hundreds of policy variations. Trying to navigate it alone can be overwhelming. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr provides immense value.

  1. Market Expertise: We understand the nuances of each insurer's policies, including their specific definitions and limits for ophthalmic care. We know which providers offer the best outpatient cover or have the most extensive hospital networks.
  2. Personalised Advice: We take the time to understand your personal circumstances, health concerns, and budget. We then search the market to find the policy that offers the best value and protection for you.
  3. No Cost to You: Our service is free. We receive a commission from the insurer if you decide to proceed, but this does not affect the price you pay. Your premium is the same as if you went direct.
  4. Ongoing Support: We are here to help not just at the start, but throughout the life of your policy, especially when it comes time to claim or review your cover.
  5. Added Value: When you arrange your PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr, you may also be eligible for discounts on other types of insurance, providing even greater value and simplifying your financial protection. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to putting our clients first.

Your sight is arguably your most important sense. It is intrinsically linked to your ability to work, your independence, and your enjoyment of life. With the UK facing a growing vision crisis and NHS services under pressure, taking proactive steps to protect it has never been more critical. Private medical insurance is not a luxury; it is a strategic investment in your health, well-being, and future prosperity.


Will UK private medical insurance cover my routine eye tests, glasses, or contact lenses?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of new, acute medical conditions. Routine check-ups, glasses, and contact lenses are considered predictable expenses and are therefore excluded. However, some insurers offer separate dental and optical cash plans as an add-on, which can provide a cash benefit towards these costs.

I've just been diagnosed with early-stage glaucoma. Can I take out PMI to cover my treatment?

Unfortunately, no. Glaucoma would now be considered a pre-existing condition. All UK PMI policies exclude pre-existing conditions at the point of joining. Furthermore, as glaucoma requires long-term management to prevent progression, it is also a chronic condition, which standard PMI policies do not cover. PMI is for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

What is the difference between an 'acute' and 'chronic' eye condition for a PMI claim?

An 'acute' condition is one that is expected to respond to treatment and resolve, such as cataracts (which are cured with surgery) or a sudden retinal detachment. These are typically covered by PMI if they are not pre-existing. A 'chronic' condition is one that is long-term and has no definitive cure, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy. Standard PMI is not designed to cover the long-term management of chronic conditions.

If my optician spots a problem, how quickly can I see a specialist with private medical insurance?

The speed is a key advantage of PMI. After your optician recommends you see a specialist, you would typically visit your GP for a referral letter. With this letter, you can contact your insurer, who will approve the claim. You could then book an appointment with a private consultant ophthalmologist, often within a matter of days or 1-2 weeks, compared to the many months you might wait on the NHS.

Don't wait for your vision to fade. Take control of your eye health and secure your future. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our expert advisors find the best private medical insurance UK policy for you.

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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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