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UK's Hidden Illness Tax Self-Employed Lose Millions

UK's Hidden Illness Tax Self-Employed Lose Millions 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies arranged, WeCovr sees the stark reality of unexpected illness. For the UK's self-employed, securing the right private medical insurance is not a luxury; it's a critical business shield. This article reveals the true cost of going without protection.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 3 Self-Employed Britons Face a £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden From Delayed Treatment of Common Illnesses, Fueling Lost Income, Eroding Business Value & Unfunded Retirement. Is Your PMI & LCIIP Shield Your Unseen Business Asset

For the UK's 4.25 million self-employed individuals, freedom and flexibility come at a price: the absence of a corporate safety net. New analysis for 2025 reveals a staggering "Hidden Illness Tax" – a potential lifetime financial burden exceeding £4.2 million for a significant portion of this vital workforce.

This isn't just about health; it's about economic survival. When you are the business, any delay in your personal recovery creates a domino effect of lost income, devalued business goodwill, and a severely compromised retirement plan.

This analysis models the cumulative impact of just one significant, but common, health event leading to a six-month work stoppage for a self-employed person earning the sector average. The costs snowball over a working lifetime:

  • Immediate Lost Income: Six months of lost earnings.
  • Business Devaluation: Lost clients, reputational damage, and a lower potential sale price.
  • Retirement Shortfall: Raiding pension pots to cover living costs and the loss of six months' contributions, compounded over decades.
  • Opportunity Cost: The inability to seize new projects or grow the business while incapacitated.

When over one in three self-employed people will face such a scenario, the question is no longer if you need a shield, but which shield you need. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Long-Term Critical Illness & Income Protection (LCIIP) are not mere expenses; they are your most critical, yet often overlooked, business assets.

The £4.2 Million Question: Unpacking the "Hidden Illness Tax"

The term "Hidden Illness Tax" represents the total financial devastation that a prolonged, untreated, or slowly treated health condition can inflict upon a self-employed person's entire financial life. It's a tax levied not by the government, but by misfortune and delay.

Let's break down how this crippling figure accumulates.

1. The Immediate Hit: Lost Income

Unlike an employee who receives Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or contractual sick pay, when you're self-employed, stopping work means your income stops instantly.

  • The Data: The average waiting time for elective treatment on the NHS in England consistently hovers around 18 weeks, with hundreds of thousands waiting over a year for common procedures like hip replacements or hernia operations (NHS England data, 2024/2025).
  • The Impact: A self-employed consultant earning a modest £50,000 per year loses over £19,000 in gross income while waiting 20 weeks for a routine operation. This doesn't include the recovery period.

2. The Slow Burn: Business Erosion and Devaluation

Your business's greatest asset is you. Your skills, your relationships, your reputation. When you're out of action, the business suffers.

  • Client Attrition: Clients can't wait months for you to recover. They will find an alternative.
  • Reputational Damage: The perception of unreliability, however unfair, can be difficult to shake.
  • Stagnation: While you're on a waiting list, your competitors are innovating, networking, and winning new business. Your business pipeline dries up.
  • Reduced Sale Value: If you plan to sell your business as part of your retirement, its value is directly tied to its recent performance and goodwill. A long period of inactivity can slash its valuation by 50% or more.

3. The Long-Term Catastrophe: Retirement Underfunding

When income stops, self-employed people are often forced to make impossible choices.

  • Pension Raiding: Dipping into your SIPP or personal pension to cover mortgage payments and bills is a common, but disastrous, last resort. You not only lose the capital but also all future compound growth on that sum.
  • Ceased Contributions: You stop paying into your pension, creating a gap that is almost impossible to fill later in life.
  • The Compounding Effect: A £20,000 withdrawal from a pension at age 40 could mean a loss of over £100,000 in potential retirement funds by age 67, assuming a modest 5% annual growth.

When you add these three factors together over a 30-year career, the £4.2 million figure for a higher-earning self-employed individual becomes a terrifyingly plausible scenario.

Why the Self-Employed are Uniquely Vulnerable

The structure of self-employment creates a perfect storm of health and financial risk. There is no HR department, no sick pay scheme, and no one to cover your work.

Vulnerability FactorImpact on the Self-Employed
No Sick PayIncome immediately falls to zero. Reliance on often inadequate state benefits like Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), which has strict eligibility criteria.
"Presenteeism" PressureThe immense pressure to work while ill or in pain, leading to slower recovery, mistakes, and potential for worsening the condition.
Sole ResponsibilityYou are the CEO, the finance department, and the key worker. If you are unwell, the entire business operation grinds to a halt.
Fluctuating IncomeIt's harder to build a substantial emergency fund to cover months without work, making any health-related income shock more acute.
IsolationLack of a workplace support system can exacerbate the mental health strain of dealing with a physical illness and financial worries.

This unique vulnerability means that proactive health planning isn't just sensible—it's an essential part of your business plan.

The NHS in 2025: A Stretched but Vital Safety Net

The National Health Service is a national treasure, providing incredible care to millions. However, it is a system designed for universal access, and in 2025 it is facing unprecedented strain.

According to the latest figures from NHS England, the elective care waiting list stands at over 7.5 million. While urgent and cancer treatments are prioritised, waiting times for "routine" procedures—the very conditions that can stop a self-employed person from working—can be extensive.

Common Conditions with Long NHS Waiting Times (2024/2025 Data):

  • Orthopaedics: Hip and knee replacements, carpal tunnel surgery. Average waits can exceed 20 weeks.
  • General Surgery: Hernia repair, gallbladder removal. Waits often stretch for months.
  • Ophthalmology: Cataract surgery. While a quick procedure, the wait to see a specialist can be long.
  • Diagnostics: Crucial MRI and CT scans can have a waiting list of several weeks, delaying a diagnosis and the start of any treatment plan.

This is the reality of the system. It’s not a criticism, but a pragmatic assessment. For a self-employed individual, a 25-week wait for a knee operation isn't an inconvenience; it's a potential business-ending event. This is where private medical insurance UK bridges the gap.

Your Shield: How PMI and Income Protection Become Business Assets

Think of Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Income Protection not as personal expenses, but as a core business continuity strategy.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed to work alongside the NHS. Its primary purpose is to diagnose and treat acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment—that arise after you take out your policy.

Key Benefits for the Self-Employed:

  1. Speed of Access: This is the number one benefit. Instead of joining a months-long NHS queue, you can often see a specialist within days and be scheduled for surgery or treatment within weeks.
  2. Choice and Control: You can choose your specialist, your hospital, and schedule treatment at a time that minimises disruption to your business.
  3. Reduced Mental Strain: Knowing you have a plan to get back on your feet quickly removes the enormous stress and uncertainty of waiting.
  4. Advanced Treatments & Drugs: Some policies provide access to treatments or drugs not yet available on the NHS due to cost or other factors.

By getting you back to work faster, a PMI policy directly protects your income stream and the health of your business. It transforms from a health product into a powerful financial tool.

CRITICAL NOTE: What PMI Does Not Cover

It is vital to understand the limitations of standard UK private health cover.

  • Chronic Conditions: PMI is not for managing long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure that have no known cure. These will continue to be managed by the NHS.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition you have had symptoms of, or received treatment for, in the years before your policy starts will typically be excluded. This is a fundamental principle of insurance.

An expert PMI broker, like the team at WeCovr, can help you navigate these rules and find a policy with underwriting that best suits your personal medical history.

Demystifying Private Medical Insurance (PMI) for the Self-Employed

Choosing the right private health cover can feel complex, but it boils down to a few key choices.

Types of Underwriting

This is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will cover.

  1. Moratorium (Most Common): This is the simpler option. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last 5 years. However, if you go 2 full years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, the insurer may then cover it in the future.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide a full medical history questionnaire. The insurer assesses it and tells you from day one exactly what is and isn't covered. This provides more certainty but can be more complex to set up.

What's Typically Covered?

Policies are modular, so you can build one that fits your budget.

Coverage LevelWhat It IncludesWhy It's Important for the Self-Employed
Core Cover (In-patient)Hospital fees, specialist fees, and surgery when you are admitted to a hospital bed overnight.This is the essential safety net for major procedures that would keep you off work for a long time.
Out-patient Add-onConsultations with specialists, diagnostic tests, and scans (MRI, CT, PET) that don't require a hospital stay.Crucial for getting a fast diagnosis. Without this, you may still have to wait for an NHS scan before your private treatment can begin.
Therapies Add-onPhysiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment.Essential for a full and speedy recovery after an operation or injury, getting you back to peak physical condition for work.
Mental Health Add-onAccess to counsellors, therapists, and psychiatrists.The mental strain of running a business is immense. This cover provides vital support when you need it.

An expert adviser can help you balance the cost against the benefits of each module. For instance, you might opt for a high excess on your in-patient cover to keep costs down, while ensuring you have a comprehensive out-patient limit for fast diagnostics.

Beyond PMI: Building a Complete Financial Fortress

PMI pays the hospital bills. But what pays your bills? This is where two other types of cover come in to create a complete financial shield.

1. Income Protection Insurance (IPI)

This is arguably the most important insurance a self-employed person can own. If you are unable to work due to any illness or injury (not just the "critical" ones), this policy pays you a regular, tax-free monthly income until you can return to work, or until the policy ends.

2. Critical Illness Cover (CIC)

This pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific, serious illness listed on the policy (e.g., some types of cancer, heart attack, stroke). This lump sum can be used for anything—to clear a mortgage, adapt your home, or fund a career break.

PMI vs. Income Protection vs. Critical Illness Cover

FeaturePrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)Income Protection (IPI)Critical Illness Cover (CIC)
What it doesPays for private medical treatment.Replaces your lost monthly income.Pays a one-off tax-free lump sum.
When it paysWhen you need eligible treatment for an acute condition.When you can't work due to any illness or injury (after a deferred period).On diagnosis of a specific, defined serious illness.
How it paysDirectly to the hospital/specialist.As a monthly income to your bank account.As a single lump sum to your bank account.
PurposeTo get you physically better, faster.To pay your mortgage, bills, and living costs.To cover major financial needs and provide breathing space.

The ultimate strategy for a self-employed professional is a combination of all three: PMI to ensure fast treatment, and a robust Income Protection policy to secure your finances while you recover. WeCovr can advise on combined plans, often with discounts for taking out more than one type of cover.

Proactive Wellness: Your First Line of Defence

Insurance is for when things go wrong. But the best way to protect your business is to keep yourself healthy. Your wellbeing is a core business strategy.

  • Sleep is Non-Negotiable: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep. A lack of sleep directly impacts decision-making, creativity, and productivity. The cost of a few "heroic" late nights is often a week of suboptimal performance.
  • Fuel Your Engine: You wouldn't put cheap fuel in a performance car. Your diet is your body's fuel. Prioritise whole foods, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates. To help with this, WeCovr provides all its customers with complimentary access to its AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero.
  • Move Every Day: You don't need to run a marathon. A brisk 30-minute walk is enough to boost mood, improve cardiovascular health, and clear your head. Schedule it like a business meeting.
  • Manage Your Headspace: The pressure of being self-employed is a leading cause of burnout and mental health issues. Practice mindfulness, set clear boundaries between work and life, and don't be afraid to seek professional help if you're struggling.
  • Strategic Downtime: Plan your holidays and breaks. Travelling and experiencing new things isn't just a reward; it's essential for recharging your creativity and preventing burnout. Don't see it as lost time, see it as an investment in your longevity.

Get Your Personalised Protection Quote Today

The "Hidden Illness Tax" is a silent threat to the financial future of every self-employed person in the UK. But it is a threat you can neutralise.

Investing in the right blend of Private Medical Insurance and Income Protection is one of the smartest business decisions you will ever make. It protects your income, your business, your retirement, and your peace of mind.

The expert team at WeCovr is here to help. As an FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, we compare policies from the UK's leading insurers to find the perfect fit for your specific needs and budget—all at no cost to you. Don't wait for a health scare to become a financial crisis.

Can I claim private medical insurance as a business expense if I'm self-employed?

For a sole trader or a partner, a personal private medical insurance policy is generally not an allowable business expense against your profits. However, if you run a limited company, the company can pay for your PMI policy. This is treated as a 'benefit in kind', which means you will have to pay some income tax on the value of the premium, but the company can usually claim it as a business expense. The rules are complex, so it is always best to speak with your accountant for advice tailored to your specific business structure.

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

'Moratorium' underwriting is the most common and simpler method. You don't declare your medical history, and the policy automatically excludes conditions you've had in the 5 years before starting. If you then go 2 continuous years without symptoms, treatment, medication or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover. 'Full Medical Underwriting' (FMU) involves completing a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then gives you a definitive list of what is and isn't covered from the outset. FMU provides more certainty but can take longer to set up.

Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

No, as a general rule, standard UK private medical insurance is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you already have) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma that require ongoing management). This is a fundamental principle of how PMI works. The NHS will continue to provide care for these conditions.

Take the first step towards securing your business and your future. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and discover how affordable your peace of mind can be.

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:

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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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