WeCovr.

Login

UK's Hidden Illness Tax

UK's Hidden Illness Tax 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr sees firsthand the impact of delayed healthcare. This article explores the UK's "hidden illness tax" on professionals and how private medical insurance provides a critical solution to protect your health, income, and future financial security.

How Undiagnosed & Delayed Health Conditions Are Costing UK Business Owners & Professionals Millions in Lost Income, Productivity, and Future Wealth – Discover How Private Medical Insurance & LCIIP Provide the Urgent Access You Cant Afford to Miss

For the driven business owner, the ambitious professional, the freelancer juggling multiple projects – your health is your greatest asset. But in the UK today, a silent, insidious "tax" is being levied on this very asset. It isn't a government charge, but the accumulating cost of delayed diagnoses, long waiting lists, and the personal and professional fallout that follows.

This hidden illness tax is measured in lost earnings, missed opportunities, declining productivity, and the erosion of your future wealth. While the NHS remains a national treasure for emergencies, the reality of securing routine diagnostics and elective treatment is a landscape of unprecedented waits. For those whose livelihood depends on their physical and mental sharpness, waiting is a luxury they simply cannot afford.

This guide will unpack the true cost of this hidden tax and reveal how two powerful tools – Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Limited Company Income Protection (LCIIP) – provide the essential defence to safeguard your career and financial future.

The "Hidden Illness Tax": Unpacking the True Cost of Waiting

The term "hidden illness tax" describes the cumulative financial and personal damage incurred when health issues are not addressed promptly. It's the sum of all the costs you bear while waiting for care – costs that go far beyond the medical issue itself.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), long-term sickness is a primary driver of economic inactivity, with over 2.8 million people out of the workforce due to ill health in early 2024, a record high. For business owners and key professionals, the impact is even more acute.

Let's break down the components of this tax:

Cost ComponentDescription & Impact for Professionals
Direct Lost IncomeTime taken off for appointments, feeling unwell, or recovery. For freelancers and business owners, if you don't work, you don't earn. A few weeks off can mean thousands in lost revenue.
Lost Productivity (Presenteeism)This is the silent killer of performance. You're at your desk, but pain, worry, or fatigue means you're operating at 50% capacity. An ONS survey highlighted that presenteeism can cost businesses up to twice as much as actual absence.
Missed Business OpportunitiesThat crucial client pitch you couldn't travel for? The networking event you missed due to chronic back pain? These are unrecoverable opportunities that directly impact growth and future earnings.
Erosion of Future WealthWhen income drops and you're battling illness, contributions to pensions and investments are often the first things to be paused. This has a devastating compounding effect on your long-term financial security.
Mental Health DeclineThe stress of waiting for a diagnosis, managing pain, and worrying about your business creates a vicious cycle of anxiety and depression, further impacting your ability to work and function.

Real-Life Example: The Consultant's Costly Wait

Consider Mark, a 45-year-old IT consultant. He develops persistent shoulder pain. His GP suspects a torn rotator cuff and refers him for an MRI scan on the NHS. The waiting list is 18 weeks. During this time:

  • He can't comfortably type for long periods, reducing his billable hours by 30%. (Lost Income: ~£3,000/month)
  • He has to turn down a lucrative 3-month project that requires travel. (Lost Opportunity: ~£25,000)
  • The constant pain disrupts his sleep, leading to fatigue and difficulty concentrating. (Lost Productivity)
  • The worry about his career and finances causes significant stress. (Mental Health Impact)

By the time he gets his scan and a subsequent referral to a surgeon (another 30-week wait), Mark has lost over a year of peak performance and tens of thousands in earnings. This is the hidden illness tax in action.

The NHS Reality Check: A System Under Unprecedented Strain

We must be clear: the NHS is world-class in handling emergencies and managing long-term chronic diseases. If you have a heart attack or need ongoing cancer care, the NHS is there for you.

However, the system is struggling under the sheer volume of demand for elective care and diagnostics.

  • Waiting Lists: In 2024, the NHS England waiting list for consultant-led elective care stood at over 7.5 million. Projections for 2025 suggest these numbers will remain stubbornly high.
  • Diagnostic Delays: Hundreds of thousands of patients are waiting more than the six-week target for key diagnostic tests like MRI scans, CT scans, and endoscopies.
  • The "18-Week" Target: The target for patients to start treatment within 18 weeks of a GP referral has not been met nationally since 2016.

This isn't a criticism; it's a statement of fact. For an acute condition – a health problem that is curable and arises unexpectedly – these waits can turn a manageable issue into a career-threatening crisis.

Procedure / ScanTypical NHS Waiting Time (Referral to Treatment)Typical Private Sector Waiting Time
MRI Scan6 - 18 weeks3 - 7 days
Hip Replacement40 - 60 weeks4 - 6 weeks
Cataract Surgery35 - 50 weeks3 - 5 weeks
Hernia Repair30 - 55 weeks2 - 4 weeks

Note: NHS waiting times are estimates based on 2024 data and can vary significantly by region.

This is where you must make a strategic decision. Do you join the queue, or do you create your own fast-track?

Your Proactive Defence: How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Works

Private Medical Insurance is not a replacement for the NHS. It is a complementary service designed to work alongside it, giving you speed, choice, and control when you need it most.

In simple terms, PMI is a policy you pay for that covers the costs of private diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions that develop after you take out the policy.

Critical Point: What PMI Does and Does Not Cover

It is vital to understand the key distinction that underpins the entire UK PMI market.

  • PMI COVERS: Acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health. Examples include joint pain requiring surgery, hernias, cataracts, and most conditions needing one-off specialist treatment.

  • PMI DOES NOT COVER:

    • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before your policy started.
    • Chronic Conditions: Illnesses that cannot be cured and need long-term management, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. The NHS is the primary provider for managing these conditions.
    • Emergencies: If you have a life-threatening emergency, you should always call 999 and go to A&E.

Think of PMI as your key to the fast lane for diagnosable, treatable problems, bypassing the long NHS waits for non-emergency care.

The Core Benefits of Private Health Cover

  1. Speed of Access: This is the number one reason people buy PMI. Go from GP referral to seeing a specialist in days, not months. Get diagnostic scans like MRIs and CTs within a week.
  2. Choice and Control: You can choose your consultant, your hospital, and schedule appointments at a time that suits your busy life, minimising disruption to your work.
  3. Advanced Treatment Options: Gain access to the latest licensed drugs, treatments, and surgical techniques that may not yet be available on the NHS due to cost or NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approval delays.
  4. Comfort and Privacy: Recover in a private room with an en-suite bathroom, more flexible visiting hours, and better food choices, allowing you to rest and get back to work sooner.
  5. Digital GP Services: Most modern PMI policies include a 24/7 digital GP service. Get a virtual appointment from your home or office, often within hours, for quick advice, diagnosis, and prescriptions.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare the best PMI providers in the UK, ensuring you get a policy that fits your specific needs and budget without you paying any extra for the advice.

Beyond Health: Protect Your Income with Limited Company Income Protection (LCIIP)

PMI is brilliant for covering your medical bills, but what about your salary or business revenue while you're unable to work? This is where a second, equally important policy comes in: Limited Company Income Protection (LCIIP).

LCIIP is specifically designed for company directors and small business owners. If you are signed off work by a doctor due to illness or injury, this policy pays a regular monthly benefit to your business. The business can then use this money to continue paying you a salary, cover business overheads, or hire a temporary replacement.

The key advantages for business owners are:

  • Tax Efficiency: The monthly premiums are typically considered a tax-deductible business expense, reducing your corporation tax bill.
  • Business Continuity: It provides the cash flow needed to keep the business stable while its key person recovers.
  • Personal Security: Ensures you can still pay your mortgage, bills, and personal expenses without draining your savings.

PMI vs. LCIIP: A Complete Safety Net

These two policies work together to protect both your health and your wealth.

FeaturePrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)Limited Company Income Protection (LCIIP)
PurposeTo pay for private medical treatment.To replace lost income if you can't work.
What it PaysPays the hospital, specialist, and diagnostic bills directly.Pays a monthly cash benefit to your limited company.
When it's UsedWhen you need diagnosis or treatment for an acute condition.When you are signed off work by a doctor due to illness/injury.
Key BenefitBypasses NHS waiting lists for fast care.Provides a financial lifeline to you and your business.

Combining PMI and LCIIP is the ultimate strategy for mitigating the "hidden illness tax." One gets you healthy faster, and the other ensures you don't go broke in the process.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover: A WeCovr Guide

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can feel complex, but it boils down to a few key choices. A broker can walk you through these, but here’s a primer:

  1. Level of Cover:

    • Comprehensive: Covers almost all inpatient (overnight stays) and outpatient (consultations, scans) costs. The premium option.
    • Mid-Range: Full inpatient cover but may have limits on outpatient treatments (e.g., a cap of £1,000 per year). A good balance of cover and cost.
    • Budget / Basic: Covers inpatient treatment only. Designed to protect you against the cost of major surgery.

  2. Underwriting Type:

    • Moratorium: Simpler to set up. The insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last 5 years. If you then go 2 continuous years without symptoms, advice, or treatment for it after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide a full medical history upfront. The insurer gives you a clear list of what is and isn't covered from day one. Often slightly cheaper and provides more certainty.

  3. Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim (e.g., the first £250). A higher excess will lower your monthly premium.

  4. Hospital List: Insurers have different tiers of hospital lists. A "National" list is standard, while adding access to premium Central London hospitals will increase the cost.

At WeCovr, our specialists demystify these options. We compare the UK's leading insurers – like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality – to find a policy tailored to you. There's no cost for our service; we are paid by the insurer you choose.

The Wellness Dividend: Proactive Steps Beyond Insurance

While insurance is your safety net, the best strategy is to not need it in the first place. Taking proactive steps to manage your health is the single best investment you can make.

  • Nutrition: You don't need a fad diet. Focus on a balanced intake of whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables. Small, consistent changes have the biggest impact. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to make this easier.
  • Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's essential for cognitive function, immune response, and stress management. Poor sleep is directly linked to lower productivity and burnout.
  • Movement: The ONS reports that around 20% of UK adults are physically inactive. You don't need to run marathons. A brisk 30-minute walk each day, taking the stairs, or incorporating simple stretches can dramatically improve your physical and mental health.
  • Stress Management: High-achievers often run on stress. Recognise the signs of burnout: exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy. Build downtime into your schedule. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or simply having a hobby outside of work are vital. Many PMI plans offer excellent mental health support pathways.

By purchasing PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr, you can also benefit from discounts on other types of cover, creating a holistic and cost-effective protection plan for you, your family, and your business.

Don't let the hidden illness tax dictate your future. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps with the right insurance and lifestyle choices, you can secure your most valuable assets: your health and your ability to generate wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute medical conditions that arise *after* your policy begins. Pre-existing conditions, which are any health issues you have sought advice or treatment for in the years before taking out cover (usually the last 5 years), are typically excluded. The same applies to chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, which require ongoing management rather than a short-term cure.

Is private health cover worth it if I'm young and healthy?

Yes, for two main reasons. Firstly, premiums are significantly lower when you are younger and healthier, allowing you to lock in comprehensive cover at a great price. Secondly, illness and injury can happen at any age. For a professional or business owner, an unexpected condition requiring surgery (like an ACL tear or hernia) could mean a year-long NHS wait, severely impacting your income and career momentum. PMI provides a vital safety net against that risk.

What's the difference between using a broker like WeCovr and going directly to an insurer?

Going direct gives you one price from one company. Using an expert, independent broker like WeCovr gives you access to the whole market. We compare policies and prices from all the leading UK insurers to find the best fit for your specific needs and budget. Our service is free to you, as we're paid by the insurer. We provide impartial advice, handle the paperwork, and can help you at the point of a claim, saving you time and potentially a lot of money.

How much does private medical insurance cost in the UK?

The cost of private health cover varies widely based on age, location, level of cover, and chosen excess. A basic policy for a healthy 30-year-old might start from as little as £30 per month, while a comprehensive plan for a 50-year-old with a low excess could be £100 or more. The best way to get an accurate figure is to get a personalised quote, which compares all your options.

Take Control of Your Health and Financial Future Today.

Stop paying the hidden illness tax. Protect your health, income, and future wealth with fast, expert care.

[Get your FREE, no-obligation private medical insurance quote from WeCovr today and discover the peace of mind that comes with urgent access to the care you can't afford to miss.]

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 800,000+ 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.

Insurance Products

Resources

Legal

© 2025 WeCovr. Made with in London