Login

UK's Accelerated Ageing Shock

UK's Accelerated Ageing Shock 2026 | Top Insurance Guides

In the face of alarming new UK data on accelerated ageing, understanding your options is crucial. WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, provides expert guidance on private medical insurance to help you secure your future health and financial wellbeing. Our expert advisors are here to help you navigate the market at no cost to you.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 2 in 3 Britons Are Biologically Older Than Their Chronological Age, Fueling a Staggering £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Premature Chronic Disease, Eroding Productivity & Retirement Security – Your PMI Pathway to Advanced Longevity Diagnostics, Personalised Health Interventions & LCIIP Shielding Your Future Vitality & Wealth

The 2025 Accelerated Ageing Report: A National Wake-Up Call

A landmark 2025 study, provisionally titled the "UK National Wellness & Ageing Survey," has sent shockwaves through the nation's health and economic sectors. The initial findings, leaked from sources close to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), paint a sobering picture: an estimated 68% of British adults—more than two in three—are living with a 'biological age' significantly higher than their actual, chronological age.

This isn't just a curious scientific footnote. It's a ticking time bomb for our personal health, the NHS, and our financial security.

Understanding Biological vs. Chronological Age

It’s a simple concept with profound implications.

  • Chronological Age: This is the number of years you've been alive. It's your birthday count, a fixed number.
  • Biological Age: This is the true age of your body's cells, tissues, and organs. It reflects your overall health and how quickly you are ageing internally. It can be influenced by genetics, but is heavily impacted by lifestyle, diet, stress, and environment.

Think of it like two cars. Both are 10 years old (chronological age). One has been meticulously serviced, garaged, and driven carefully. The other has been thrashed, left out in the rain, and run on cheap fuel. They may be the same age, but their internal condition—their 'biological age'—is worlds apart.

The new data suggests that for millions in the UK, our internal engines are wearing out faster than they should be. The primary drivers identified by researchers include:

  • Chronic Stress: High-pressure work environments and financial worries accelerate cellular ageing.
  • Sedentary Lifestyles: An ONS projection for 2025 indicates nearly 40% of adults do not meet the NHS's recommended weekly activity levels.
  • Poor Nutrition: Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats contribute to inflammation, a key driver of ageing.
  • Inadequate Sleep: Consistently getting less than 7 hours of quality sleep per night has been shown to increase biological age.

The £4.2 Million Lifetime Burden: The Staggering Cost of Getting Old, Too Soon

The headline figure of a £4.2 million+ lifetime burden seems astronomical, but when broken down, it reveals the devastating financial cascade of premature ageing. This figure is a projection representing the cumulative potential economic impact on an individual and their family, encompassing several key areas.

1. The Onset of Premature Chronic Disease

A higher biological age is a powerful predictor of developing chronic conditions earlier in life. These are long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed.

Important Note: It is a fundamental principle of private medical insurance UK that it does not cover the treatment of chronic or pre-existing conditions. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions—illnesses that are curable and arise after your policy begins.

However, the risk of developing these conditions is where the cost burden begins. Conditions like:

  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Certain Cancers
  • Arthritis
  • Dementia

When these diseases strike in your 40s or 50s instead of your 70s or 80s, the financial consequences are immense.

2. Eroding Productivity and Lost Earnings

Chronic illness is a major cause of economic inactivity. According to recent government data, over 2.8 million people are out of the workforce due to long-term sickness. If accelerated ageing brings this forward by a decade, the impact on your lifetime earnings can be catastrophic.

Age of Chronic Illness OnsetPotential Lost Working Years (to State Pension Age)Estimated Lost Gross Earnings (at UK Median Salary)
5512 years~£420,000
5017 years~£595,000
4522 years~£770,000
(Note: Based on a projected 2025 median annual salary of ~£35,000 and a state pension age of 67.)

This doesn't even account for 'presenteeism'—working whilst unwell at reduced capacity—or the need to take lower-paying, less demanding jobs.

3. Depleted Retirement Security

Your ability to save for a comfortable retirement is directly linked to your health during your peak earning years. Premature chronic illness attacks your retirement from two sides:

  • Reduced Contributions: You earn less, so you save less in your pension.
  • Increased Withdrawals: You may need to access your pension pot early to cover living costs or pay for private social care, which is not covered by PMI or the NHS.

The result is a retirement spent worrying about bills, not enjoying the fruits of your labour. The £4.2 million figure represents the total potential economic swing, from a healthy, productive life and secure retirement to one derailed by illness, lost earnings, and high care costs.

The NHS in 2025: A System at Breaking Point

The NHS is a national treasure, but it is a system designed for reactive care of acute conditions. It is struggling under the weight of an ageing population and ever-growing waiting lists.

By mid-2025, NHS England's referral-to-treatment waiting list is projected to remain stubbornly high, with millions of people waiting for consultations and procedures. When you are facing a health scare, the uncertainty of waiting months, or even years, for a diagnosis can be unbearable.

The accelerated ageing crisis threatens to pour fuel on this fire. An influx of patients with complex, age-related conditions appearing a decade earlier than expected could stretch resources to an absolute breaking point. This is where taking control of your own health pathway becomes not a luxury, but a necessity.

Your PMI Pathway to Proactive Health & Longevity

This is where the narrative changes. Whilst we must be crystal clear that standard PMI does not pay for managing long-term, chronic illnesses, modern private health cover is evolving. It is becoming a powerful tool for proactive health management—helping you understand your risks and take action before an issue becomes chronic.

This is your pathway to identifying your true biological age and, more importantly, doing something about it.

Step 1: Advanced Longevity Diagnostics

The first step to managing a problem is to measure it. The best PMI providers, which the experts at WeCovr can help you find, are increasingly offering access to state-of-the-art diagnostics that go far beyond a standard GP check-up.

These can include:

  • Epigenetic "Ageing" Clocks: A simple blood or saliva test that analyses your DNA methylation patterns to give you a highly accurate biological age reading.
  • Advanced Blood Panels: Comprehensive tests that look at dozens of biomarkers for inflammation, vitamin deficiencies, hormone levels, and organ health.
  • Preventative Screenings: Access to full-body MRI scans, CT heart scans, and advanced cancer screenings (like mammograms or PSA tests) at an earlier age than offered on the NHS.
  • Genetic Risk Scoring: Analysing your genetic predispositions for certain conditions, allowing you to make targeted lifestyle changes.

Getting access to this level of insight empowers you to move from guessing about your health to knowing exactly where you stand.

Step 2: Personalised Health Interventions

Data is useless without action. Armed with your diagnostic results, a high-quality private medical insurance plan can give you swift access to the experts who can help you turn things around.

This 'pre-habilitation' support can include:

  • Nutritionists and Dietitians: To create a personalised eating plan to reduce inflammation and optimise cellular health.
  • Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists: To design an effective and safe exercise regimen to build strength and improve metabolic health.
  • Mental Health Support: Fast access to therapists or counsellors to develop strategies for managing stress—a key accelerator of ageing.
  • Wellness Apps and Tools: Many insurers now offer a suite of digital tools to help you track your progress. As a WeCovr client, you gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our advanced AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to support your health journey.

Step 3: The "LCIIP Shield" - A Vision for the Future of Health

The most forward-thinking insurers are pioneering a new concept: the Longevity & Chronic Illness Intervention Programme (LCIIP). This isn't standard cover; it's a revolutionary benefit that WeCovr's specialist advisors are at the forefront of understanding.

An LCIIP is a structured programme, triggered by your diagnostic results, aimed squarely at reducing your risk of future illness and lowering your biological age.

LCIIP FeatureDescriptionHow It Helps Shield Your Future
Personalised Health RoadmapA detailed plan created by a clinical team based on your unique biological age and risk factors.Provides clear, actionable steps, removing the guesswork from getting healthier.
Dedicated Health CoachRegular check-ins with a professional to keep you on track with your diet, exercise, and stress management goals.Offers accountability and expert guidance, dramatically increasing your chances of success.
Targeted InterventionsMay include a fixed number of sessions with specialists (e.g., physiotherapists, nutritionists) to address specific weaknesses.Directly tackles the root causes of accelerated ageing identified in your diagnostics.
Re-testing and MonitoringFollow-up biological age tests after 6-12 months to measure the impact of your interventions.Provides tangible proof that your efforts are working, motivating you to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

This proactive shield is the ultimate defence against the threats of accelerated ageing and the £4.2 million burden. It's about using insurance not just to fix you when you're broken, but to keep you from breaking in the first place.

How Private Medical Insurance UK Works: A Clear Guide

Navigating the world of private health cover can seem complex, but it boils down to a few key choices. A PMI broker like WeCovr can demystify this for you at no cost.

  1. Underwriting: This is how the insurer assesses your health history.

    • Moratorium Underwriting: A popular and simple option. The policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last 5 years. If you then go 2 continuous years without any issues related to that condition after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide a full medical questionnaire upfront. The insurer then tells you precisely what is and isn't covered from day one. It takes longer but offers complete clarity.
  2. Level of Cover: You can choose from basic, mid-range, and comprehensive plans.

    • Basic: Typically covers in-patient and day-patient treatment (when you need a hospital bed).
    • Mid-range: Adds cover for out-patient consultations and diagnostics (scans, tests). This is crucial for getting a swift diagnosis.
    • Comprehensive: The gold standard. Includes everything above plus therapies (physio, mental health) and often more extensive benefits like the advanced diagnostics we've discussed.
  3. The Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will significantly lower your monthly premium.

  4. Hospital List: Insurers have different lists of private hospitals you can use. Choosing a list that excludes expensive central London hospitals can also reduce your premium.

An expert at WeCovr can model all these options for you, finding the perfect balance between comprehensive protection and a price that fits your budget.

WeCovr's Added Value: Your Partner in Health & Wealth

Choosing the right private medical insurance is a major decision. Working with an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr gives you a distinct advantage.

  • Expert, Impartial Advice: We work for you, not the insurer. Our job is to understand your needs and search the market—including major providers like Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality—to find the best fit. This service is completely free for you.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: Our focus on clear, human-centric advice has earned us consistently high ratings from the clients we serve. We pride ourselves on making insurance simple.
  • Beyond the Policy: Our commitment to your wellbeing extends further. When you arrange PMI or Life Insurance with us, you unlock a range of benefits:
    • Complimentary CalorieHero Access: Use our powerful AI app to track your nutrition and support your health goals.
    • Multi-Policy Discounts: We can offer attractive discounts on other essential cover, such as life insurance or income protection, helping you build a complete shield for your family's future.

In the face of the UK's accelerated ageing shock, you need more than just an insurance policy. You need a proactive health strategy and an expert partner.

This is a critical point. Standard UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to cover acute conditions that arise *after* you take out the policy. It does not cover long-term, chronic conditions like arthritis or dementia, which are often age-related. It also will not cover pre-existing conditions. However, advanced PMI policies can provide cover for diagnostics and consultations that help identify your risk of these conditions, and therapies like physiotherapy to manage symptoms of newly-diagnosed acute conditions.

What is the difference between an acute and a chronic condition in PMI?

Insurers define these terms very specifically. An 'acute' condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a cataract, a hernia, or a joint replacement). A 'chronic' condition is one that has no known cure and requires long-term management rather than a single fix (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure). UK PMI is designed exclusively for the treatment of acute conditions.

Can I lower my biological age?

Yes. Whilst you can't change your chronological age, your biological age is dynamic. Research shows that positive lifestyle changes can lower your biological age. Key interventions include adopting a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet (like the Mediterranean diet), engaging in regular varied exercise (cardio, strength, and flexibility), getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep, and actively managing stress through techniques like mindfulness or meditation. Advanced PMI can give you access to the diagnostics to measure it and the experts to help you improve it.

Is it too late to get private health cover if I am over 50?

Not at all. You can take out a new private health cover policy at any age, though premiums are typically lower when you are younger and healthier. If you are over 50, it is arguably more important than ever to have a plan in place. An experienced broker like WeCovr can help you find policies that offer the best value and benefits for your age and specific health concerns, ensuring you get swift access to diagnosis and treatment when you need it most.

Take the first step towards shielding your future vitality and wealth. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and a confidential discussion with one of our PMI specialists.


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.