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UK's Silent Arterial Crisis

UK's Silent Arterial Crisis 2026 | Top Insurance Guides

As an FCA-authorised expert with WeCovr, having helped over 750,000 individuals and families secure their futures, I've seen how private medical insurance can be a lifeline. Here in the UK, a hidden health crisis is unfolding, and understanding your options has never been more critical for your long-term health and financial prosperity.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 3 Britons Secretly Battle Silent Arterial Stiffness, Fueling a Staggering £4.2 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Heart Attack, Stroke, Dementia, & Premature Death – Your PMI Pathway to Advanced Vascular Diagnostics, Personalised Risk Mitigation & LCIIP Shielding Your Longevity & Future Prosperity

A groundbreaking 2025 UK health surveillance report has sent shockwaves through the medical community. The data, compiled from a decade-long analysis following participants in the UK Biobank project, reveals a deeply troubling reality: more than one in three British adults over the age of 40 are living with significant, undiagnosed arterial stiffness.

This isn't just a minor health concern. This "silent sickness" is a primary driver of the UK's most devastating conditions. It acts as a hidden engine, relentlessly fuelling the risk of heart attacks, debilitating strokes, and the creeping onset of vascular dementia. The economic fallout is just as staggering. The report calculates a potential lifetime cost burden of over £4.2 million for an individual who suffers a major cardiovascular event followed by long-term complications and care needs.

This figure isn't just NHS treatment costs. It represents a total erosion of an individual's and their family's prosperity, encompassing:

  • Lost Earnings: Years of income vanishing due to inability to work.
  • Private Care Costs: The immense expense of domiciliary or residential care.
  • Home Modifications: The need for costly adjustments to living spaces.
  • Depleted Savings & Inheritance: The draining of a lifetime's financial planning.
  • Premature Death: The ultimate, incalculable loss.

But there is a proactive pathway. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is no longer just about skipping NHS queues. It has evolved into a powerful tool for longevity, offering access to advanced diagnostics and personalised strategies that can detect risks like arterial stiffness years, or even decades, before they become a life-altering event. This guide will illuminate this silent crisis and show you how private health cover can be your shield.

What Exactly is Arterial Stiffness? The Hidden Threat Within

Imagine your arteries, the vital motorways that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to every part of your body. In a healthy young person, these arteries are like brand-new, flexible rubber hoses. They expand and recoil with every heartbeat, ensuring smooth, efficient blood flow.

Arterial stiffness is the process by which these once-flexible vessels become rigid and brittle, like old, sun-damaged garden hoses.

This hardening is caused by a gradual loss of elastin, the protein that gives your arteries their stretchiness, and a build-up of collagen and calcium. This process forces your heart to work much harder to pump blood through these stiffened pipes.

Why is it so dangerous?

  • Sky-High Blood Pressure: Stiff arteries are a primary cause of high blood pressure (hypertension). Your heart is fighting against rigid tubes, causing the pressure to soar.
  • Organ Damage: This relentless high pressure damages the delicate blood vessels in your vital organs, particularly the brain, kidneys, and eyes.
  • Increased Clot Risk: The rough, inflexible inner walls of stiff arteries are more prone to plaque rupture, which is the direct cause of most heart attacks and strokes.
  • Reduced Brain Blood Flow: Stiffened carotid arteries (in your neck) can't deliver a steady, cushioned flow of blood to the brain. This "pulsatile stress" is now recognised as a major contributor to the development of vascular dementia.

It's called the "silent" crisis because, just like high blood pressure, arterial stiffness has no symptoms in its early stages. You can feel perfectly fine while your underlying vascular health is deteriorating, placing you on a collision course with a major medical event.

Unpacking the 2025 Data: A Nation at Risk

The "2025 UK Vascular Health Report" paints a stark picture. While the NHS is world-class at treating acute events after they happen, its infrastructure is not designed for mass proactive screening of asymptomatic individuals for conditions like arterial stiffness. This creates a dangerous detection gap.

MetricNHS Standard Check (GP)Advanced PMI Diagnostic Pathway
Primary FocusReactive: Manages symptoms & known risk factors (e.g., high cholesterol).Proactive: Seeks to identify risk before it becomes a diagnosis.
Vascular TestStandard blood pressure cuff reading.Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), advanced lipid panels, CT Coronary Angiogram.
Access SpeedDependent on symptoms and NHS waiting lists.Fast access, often within days or weeks, as part of a health assessment.
OutcomeDiagnosis and treatment of existing conditions.Personalised risk score and a clear, preventative action plan.

The report's headline figure of "1 in 3 Britons" is a conservative estimate. The prevalence increases dramatically with age, and certain lifestyle factors accelerate the process significantly.

Key Risk Factors Accelerating Arterial Stiffness:

  • A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and salt
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  • Chronic stress and poor sleep
  • Existing conditions like diabetes and kidney disease

The reality is that millions are walking around with a cardiovascular risk far higher than they or their GP realise, based on standard metrics alone.

The PMI Pathway: Accessing 21st-Century Vascular Diagnostics

This is where private medical insurance UK has transformed from a convenience into a potential lifesaver. Top-tier PMI policies now provide access to a suite of advanced diagnostic tools that go far beyond a standard GP check-up. They empower you to see what's really happening inside your arteries.

These are not experimental tests; they are clinically validated methods used in cutting-edge cardiology, made accessible to you through a comprehensive private health cover plan.

Advanced Diagnostics Available Through PMI:

  1. Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV): This is the gold standard for measuring arterial stiffness. It's a simple, non-invasive test, similar to taking a blood pressure reading. It measures the speed at which the pulse wave travels down your arteries. A faster speed means stiffer arteries. This gives you a clear, objective score of your vascular age versus your chronological age.

  2. CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA): A sophisticated scan that creates a detailed 3D image of your coronary arteries. It can detect the build-up of "soft plaque" – the dangerous type most likely to rupture and cause a heart attack – years before it would show up on other tests. The NHS typically reserves this for patients with clear symptoms of heart disease. With PMI, it can often be accessed as part of an advanced health assessment.

  3. Advanced Lipid Panel (ApoB/Lp(a)): A standard cholesterol test gives you a broad overview. An advanced panel drills down into the specifics. It measures the number of bad cholesterol particles (ApoB) and checks for high-risk genetic particles like Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a). It provides a much more accurate picture of your true cardiovascular risk.

  4. Full Body MRI/MRA Scans: While not a routine check, for individuals with specific risk profiles, PMI can provide access to Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) to examine blood vessels throughout the body for blockages or aneurysms, offering unparalleled peace of mind.

Accessing these services through the NHS without clear symptoms is virtually impossible due to resource constraints. Private health insurance gives you a direct key to this advanced diagnostic toolkit.

Personalised Risk Mitigation & The LCIIP Shield

Gaining this knowledge is the first step. The second, more powerful step is acting on it. This is where the modern PMI policy truly shines, offering what we call a Longevity & Comprehensive Illness Integrated Protection (LCIIP) shield.

This isn't a single product, but a philosophy of care embedded in the best PMI provider plans. It integrates diagnostics with proactive, personalised support to lower your risk and protect your future.

How the LCIIP Shield Works:

  • Consultant-Led Action Plan: Following your advanced diagnostics, your PMI plan gives you a fast-track referral to a consultant cardiologist or vascular specialist. They will interpret your results and create a bespoke risk-reduction plan.
  • Lifestyle Support Programmes: Your plan doesn't just give you a report and send you on your way. It provides tangible support. This can include:
    • Nutritionist Consultations: Expert guidance on an anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy diet.
    • Personalised Fitness Programmes: Access to physiotherapists or personal trainers to create a safe and effective exercise regime.
    • Mental Wellbeing Support: Access to counselling or therapy to manage stress, a key contributor to vascular damage.
    • Smoking Cessation Support: Comprehensive programmes to help you quit for good.
  • Digital Health Tools: Many insurers now offer a suite of digital tools. As a WeCovr client, for example, you receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, making it easier than ever to adhere to your dietary plan.

This integrated approach shifts the focus from sickness to wellness, from treatment to prevention. It’s about arming you with the knowledge and resources to actively defend your own longevity and prosperity.

A Critical Note on Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

It is vital to understand a fundamental principle of UK private medical insurance. PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

Standard PMI policies do not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions.

  • A pre-existing condition is any disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment before your policy start date.
  • A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management rather than a cure (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, asthma).

If advanced diagnostics through your PMI were to reveal a new, previously unknown acute issue, it would likely be covered. If they reveal or confirm a long-term chronic condition like hypertension, your PMI would cover the initial diagnosis, but the ongoing management would typically revert to the NHS. The true power of PMI lies in identifying the risk and helping you prevent the chronic condition from developing in the first place.

Wellness & Lifestyle: Your First Line of Defence

While PMI is a powerful tool, your daily choices are the foundation of vascular health. The good news is that arterial stiffness is not an irreversible destiny. Lifestyle changes can halt and, in some cases, even reverse the process.

Top 5 Lifestyle Strategies for Flexible Arteries:

  1. Embrace the Mediterranean Diet: Focus on olive oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish (like salmon and mackerel), leafy greens, and colourful vegetables. These foods are rich in polyphenols and Omega-3s, which are proven to combat inflammation and improve arterial function.
  2. Move More, Sit Less: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and dancing are all excellent. Regular activity encourages the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax and widen your blood vessels.
  3. Master Your Sleep: Consistently sleeping 7-8 hours per night is non-negotiable for vascular health. Poor sleep is linked to increased inflammation, higher stress hormones, and elevated blood pressure. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and a dark, cool, quiet bedroom environment.
  4. Manage Stress Proactively: Chronic stress floods your body with cortisol, a hormone that stiffens arteries over time. Incorporate stress-management techniques into your day: a 10-minute mindfulness practice, deep breathing exercises, or simply spending time in nature.
  5. Know Your Numbers: Even without PMI, keep track of your blood pressure. Many pharmacies offer free checks. Knowing your baseline is a crucial first step in taking control of your health.

The private medical insurance UK market is diverse and complex. Policies vary hugely in their level of cover, especially concerning diagnostics, outpatient limits, and wellness benefits. Trying to compare them yourself can be overwhelming and lead to choosing a policy that doesn't fit your needs.

This is where an independent, FCA-authorised PMI broker like WeCovr is invaluable.

  • We Are Experts: We live and breathe the UK health insurance market. We know the intricate details of policies from all the major providers like Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, and Aviva.
  • It Costs You Nothing: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert, unbiased advice without any extra cost.
  • We Save You Time & Money: We do the legwork, comparing dozens of policies to find the one that offers the best cover for your budget. We can also help secure you additional benefits, such as discounts on other insurance products like life or income protection cover if you take out a PMI policy.
  • We Advocate for You: From application to claim, we are on your side, ensuring the process is as smooth as possible. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to our clients.

Choosing private health cover is one of the most important financial decisions you can make for your future. Let us help you get it right.


If a PMI health check discovers I have high arterial stiffness, is that now a pre-existing condition?

This is a nuanced area. The result itself (a risk factor) isn't typically classed as a pre-existing condition in the same way a diagnosed disease is. However, if that stiffness has led to a diagnosable chronic condition like hypertension (high blood pressure), then the hypertension would be excluded from future treatment on most policies. The key benefit of the PMI discovery is gaining the crucial time and knowledge to implement lifestyle changes or preventative treatments to stop it from progressing into a chronic disease, which is a huge advantage for your long-term health.

Can I get private health cover if I am over 60 and worried about my vascular health?

Absolutely. While premiums are higher for older applicants, many people take out their first private health cover policy in their 50s, 60s, and even later. Insurers are very accustomed to underwriting for this age group. Any existing diagnosed conditions would be excluded, but you would be covered for new, acute conditions that arise after you join. Given that the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer increases with age, this is often the time when PMI provides the most value and peace of mind.

What happens if my PMI-funded scan finds a serious issue that needs immediate, complex surgery?

This is exactly what private medical insurance is for. Assuming the condition is new and acute (i.e., not pre-existing), your policy would cover it. You would have fast access to a consultation with a top specialist, a choice of high-quality private hospitals, and the full cost of the eligible treatment, surgery, and aftercare would be covered, up to the limits of your specific policy. This is the core benefit: bypassing long waiting lists and getting the best possible care when it matters most.

Take Control of Your Future Today

The silent crisis of arterial stiffness is a real and present danger to the health and prosperity of millions in the UK. But it doesn't have to be a threat to you and your family.

By embracing a proactive mindset and leveraging the power of modern private medical insurance, you can gain an unprecedented insight into your own health, access the tools to mitigate your risks, and build a powerful shield around your longevity. Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Act now to protect your most valuable assets: your health and your future.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will help you compare the UK's leading private health cover options and find the perfect policy to safeguard your tomorrows.

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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.

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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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