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UK's Hidden Vision Crisis

UK's Hidden Vision Crisis 2025 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised expert insurance broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr is committed to providing clear, authoritative guidance on private medical insurance. This article explores the UK's escalating vision crisis and how a private health policy can be your most powerful tool for protecting your sight and financial future.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 4 Britons Will Face a Sight-Threatening Condition, Fueling a Staggering £3.9 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Lost Independence, Eroding Quality of Life & Unfunded Care – Your PMI Pathway to Rapid Advanced Ophthalmic Diagnostics, Specialist Treatments & LCIIP Shielding Your Future Vision & Financial Security

A silent crisis is unfolding across the United Kingdom. It doesn’t make daily headlines, but its impact is profound, personal, and permanent. By 2025, new projections indicate that more than one in every four people in the UK will be living with a common, potentially sight-threatening condition. This isn't a distant threat; it's a statistical reality that will touch millions of families.

The consequences extend far beyond blurred vision. The cumulative lifetime cost associated with significant sight loss—factoring in medical care, the need for social support, lost earnings, and home modifications—can create a devastating financial burden. Research from leading charities like the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) quantifies the economic cost of sight loss to the UK at over £36 billion annually. When broken down, this translates into a lifetime of challenges that erode independence, diminish quality of life, and create unfunded care needs that the state system is increasingly unable to meet.

Against this backdrop, long NHS waiting lists for ophthalmology have become the norm, with delays in diagnosis and treatment directly contributing to irreversible vision damage. This is where Private Medical Insurance (PMI) emerges not as a luxury, but as a crucial pathway to safeguarding your most precious sense. It offers a lifeline of rapid access to specialist care, advanced treatments, and the financial peace of mind to protect both your vision and your security.

The Alarming Scale of the UK's Vision Crisis: A Closer Look at the Numbers

The "1 in 4" statistic is not hyperbole. It's a stark warning based on the rising prevalence of four main age-related eye conditions. As our population ages, the number of people affected is set to surge.

According to NHS and RNIB data projections for 2025 and beyond:

  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Affecting over 750,000 Britons, AMD is the leading cause of blindness in adults. It attacks the central vision used for reading, driving, and recognising faces.
  • Glaucoma: Known as the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma affects more than 700,000 people, many of whom are undiagnosed. It slowly damages the optic nerve, causing irreversible peripheral vision loss.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes, this condition is the primary cause of blindness in the UK's working-age population, affecting an estimated 1.7 million people to some degree.
  • Cataracts: While highly treatable, cataracts (the clouding of the eye's lens) affect around 2.5 million people over 65, causing significant vision impairment and impacting daily life.

The waiting list for NHS ophthalmology treatment in England is one of the longest of any specialty. As of mid-2025 projections, over 650,000 people are waiting for appointments and procedures. For conditions like "wet" AMD, where treatment with injections is needed every 4-8 weeks to save sight, any delay can mean the difference between stable vision and permanent blindness.

The Personal and Financial Cost of Sight Loss: A Lifetime Burden

The true cost of sight loss cannot be measured in pounds and pence alone. It's the loss of independence, the inability to drive, the difficulty in continuing a cherished hobby, and the mental health toll of social isolation.

However, the financial impact is stark and measurable:

Cost CategoryDescriptionEstimated Financial Impact
Loss of EarningsInability to continue working or the need to reduce hours.Can result in a loss of over £15,000 per year for an individual on the average UK salary.
Informal CareThe value of care provided by family and friends.Estimated at over £20,000 per person, per year.
Health & Social CareDirect costs for NHS treatment, social services, and care home support.Varies widely but can easily exceed £30,000 annually for residential care.
Aids & AdaptationsCost of mobility aids, home modifications, and assistive technology.An initial outlay of thousands, with ongoing costs.

When these factors are combined over a lifetime, the financial burden on an individual and their family can be overwhelming. This is the reality that a proactive approach to eye health, supported by robust private health cover, seeks to prevent.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Your Proactive Defence

Private Medical Insurance is designed to work alongside the NHS, giving you more control and faster access to healthcare when you need it most. It is a monthly or annual premium-based policy that covers the cost of private treatment for acute conditions.

Crucial Point: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the most important concept to understand in UK PMI:

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and allow you to return to your previous level of health. Examples include a cataract requiring surgery or the initial diagnosis of glaucoma.
  • A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, control, or relief of symptoms; it has no known cure; it is likely to come back. Glaucoma and AMD, once established, are considered chronic.

Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover the routine, long-term management of chronic conditions or any pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy.

So, how does it help with vision? PMI is invaluable for the acute stages—the critical window of diagnosis and initial treatment that can prevent or dramatically slow the progression into a debilitating chronic state.

Your PMI Pathway: How Private Health Cover Shields Your Vision

A comprehensive PMI policy can provide a powerful suite of benefits specifically for your eye health.

  1. Rapid Advanced Ophthalmic Diagnostics: Instead of waiting months for an NHS specialist referral, PMI can give you access within days. This includes consultations with a consultant ophthalmologist and access to high-tech diagnostic equipment like:

    • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Scans: A 3D scan of the back of your eye, essential for the early detection and monitoring of glaucoma and AMD. Many high-street opticians now offer this, but PMI covers its use in a specialist setting for diagnosis.
    • Fluorescein Angiography: An advanced imaging test to examine blood flow in the retina, critical for diagnosing conditions like wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy.

  2. Prompt Specialist Treatments: Once diagnosed, you can bypass NHS queues for sight-saving treatments.

    • Cataract Surgery: The NHS provides excellent standard cataract surgery. However, with PMI, you can have the procedure done in a matter of weeks, not months or years. Crucially, many policies offer enhanced lens options, such as multifocal or toric lenses, which can correct astigmatism and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after surgery—an option often not available on the NHS.
    • AMD Injections: For wet AMD, timely injections of anti-VEGF drugs (like Lucentis or Eylea) are essential. PMI ensures these treatments are administered without delay, preserving central vision.
    • Glaucoma Management: While the long-term management is chronic, PMI can cover the initial diagnosis, laser treatments (e.g., SLT), or surgery (e.g., a trabeculectomy) needed to stabilise eye pressure and prevent further nerve damage.

  3. Unrivalled Choice and Comfort: PMI gives you control over your care. You can choose your specialist based on their reputation and expertise, select a hospital that is convenient for you, and benefit from the comfort and privacy of a private room.

Building Your Shield: What Does a Good Ophthalmic PMI Policy Include?

When considering private medical insurance for eye care, it's vital to look at the details. A knowledgeable PMI broker, like WeCovr, can help you navigate the options at no extra cost to you. WeCovr's experts analyse the market to find the policy that best fits your needs and budget.

Here’s a simplified look at what different levels of cover might offer:

FeatureBasic PMI PolicyComprehensive PMI Policy
Consultant AccessOften requires NHS GP referral.Fast access via private GP referral.
Outpatient DiagnosticsMay have a low annual limit (£0 - £500).Generous or full cover for scans and tests.
Cataract SurgeryCovered as standard inpatient procedure.Covered, often with choice of advanced lenses.
Hospital ChoiceLimited to a specific network of hospitals.Extensive nationwide network, including premier London hospitals.
Advanced TherapiesMay have limits on specific drugs or treatments.Fuller cover for NICE-approved advanced treatments.

LCIIP: A Holistic Approach to Shielding Your Future

The headline for this article mentions "LCIIP" – Lifetime Care and Independent Income Protection. This isn't a single product, but a concept for total protection. While PMI is your first line of defence for your health, a truly robust plan considers your financial security too.

  • PMI - The Health Shield: Your policy provides the medical care to diagnose and treat conditions early, preserving your vision and preventing the need for extensive lifetime care.
  • Income Protection / Critical Illness Cover - The Financial Shield: These are separate insurance products. If, despite the best medical care, your vision deteriorates to a point where you can no longer work, these policies provide a financial safety net.
    • Income Protection pays a monthly, tax-free replacement for your salary.
    • Critical Illness Cover pays a one-off, tax-free lump sum on diagnosis of a specific serious condition (some policies include blindness).

As an expert broker, WeCovr can not only find you the best PMI provider but also advise on creating a complete protective shield. Clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us often receive discounts on other types of cover, creating an affordable, holistic safety net.

Beyond Insurance: Simple, Powerful Steps to Protect Your Vision

Insurance is a safety net, but proactive care is your first defence. You can take simple steps today to lower your risk of developing a serious eye condition.

  • Eat for Your Eyes: A diet rich in leafy greens (spinach, kale), oily fish (salmon, mackerel), citrus fruits, and nuts provides essential vitamins and antioxidants (Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Omega-3s) that support macular health. As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you track your diet and make healthier choices.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking dramatically increases the risk of developing both AMD and cataracts. Smokers are up to four times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers.
  • Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses: Just as you protect your skin, you must protect your eyes. Cumulative UV exposure contributes to the formation of cataracts and may worsen AMD.
  • Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: If you spend hours in front of a screen, take regular breaks. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps to reduce digital eye strain and fatigue.
  • Have Regular Eye Tests: An eye test is not just about getting new glasses. It is a vital health check. An optometrist can spot the early signs of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and even other health issues like high blood pressure, long before you notice any symptoms. Adults should have a test at least every two years.

Choosing Your Partner: Why WeCovr is the Smart Choice for Your PMI

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be complex. Policies have different terms, limits, and hospital lists. This is where an independent, expert broker is invaluable.

WeCovr acts as your advocate.

  • Expert & Unbiased: We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our advice is impartial and focused solely on your needs.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, so you get expert guidance without paying a penny extra.
  • Market Access: We compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers, including AXA, Bupa, Aviva, and Vitality, ensuring you see the best options available.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: Our clients consistently rate our service as excellent, valuing our clear, no-jargon approach and dedicated support.
  • Added Value: We believe in holistic wellbeing. That’s why our PMI clients get free access to the CalorieHero app and discounts on wider insurance products to complete their financial protection.

The threat to our nation's vision is real and growing. But with proactive lifestyle choices and the powerful safety net of the right private health cover, you can face the future with confidence. Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Protect your sight, your independence, and your financial security today.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will private medical insurance cover my regular eye tests and glasses?

Generally, standard UK private medical insurance does not cover routine optical appointments, glasses, or contact lenses. These are typically paid for out-of-pocket or through separate, specialised dental and optical cash plans. PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute medical conditions affecting the eye, such as cataracts or glaucoma, rather than routine vision correction.

I've been diagnosed with glaucoma. Can I take out a PMI policy to cover my treatment?

Unfortunately, no. Glaucoma would be considered a pre-existing and chronic condition. Standard private medical insurance policies in the UK explicitly exclude pre-existing conditions and the long-term management of chronic illnesses. PMI is designed for new, acute conditions that arise *after* your policy has started. However, if you have PMI in place *before* a diagnosis, it can be instrumental in covering the initial specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and acute treatments (like laser therapy or surgery) to stabilise the condition.

Is laser eye surgery covered by private health cover?

Laser eye surgery for purely cosmetic reasons (i.e., to correct long or short-sightedness) is typically not covered by most standard PMI policies. It is usually seen as an elective procedure. However, some more comprehensive or high-end policies may offer it as an added-cost benefit. More commonly, PMI would cover laser treatments that are medically necessary, such as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) for glaucoma or laser procedures to repair a torn retina. It is vital to check the specific terms of any policy.

How does a PMI broker like WeCovr help me find the best policy for eye care?

An expert broker like WeCovr helps by first understanding your specific needs and budget. We then compare policies from across the market, focusing on the details that matter for ophthalmic care, such as outpatient cover limits, cataract surgery terms (including lens options), and access to specialist hospital networks. We translate the complex jargon into plain English, saving you time and ensuring you don't get caught out by the small print. Our service is at no cost to you and ensures you get the most suitable and cost-effective cover.

Take the first step to securing your vision and your future. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how affordable peace of mind can be.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

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