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UK's Silent Killer Undiagnosed Hypertension Threat

UK's Silent Killer Undiagnosed Hypertension Threat 2025

As FCA-authorised private medical insurance experts in the UK, WeCovr has helped over 800,000 clients secure their health and financial futures. We are seeing a disturbing trend that demands urgent attention: a silent health crisis brewing beneath the surface of daily life, with profound implications for millions.

UK 2025 Shock New Data Reveals Over 1 in 3 Britons Secretly Battle Undiagnosed High Blood Pressure, Fueling a Staggering £4.0 Million+ Lifetime Burden of Heart Attack, Stroke, Kidney Failure & Premature Death – Your PMI Pathway to Early Detection, Advanced Monitoring & LCIIP Shielding Your Foundational Health & Future Financial Security

A health timebomb is ticking across the United Kingdom. New analysis based on the latest NHS and British Heart Foundation data projects a stark reality for 2025: more than 4.2 million adults in the UK are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, completely unaware of the danger.

This isn't a minor health issue. It's a "silent killer" responsible for over half of all strokes and heart attacks. The long-term consequences are devastating, not just for individual health but for family finances. The cumulative lifetime cost associated with the most severe outcomes—major stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and long-term care—can create a financial burden exceeding £4.0 million for a cohort of affected individuals through lost earnings, private care costs, and NHS resources.

In this essential guide, we will unpack this national health threat and illuminate the powerful role that private medical insurance (PMI) and associated protection can play. This isn’t just about treatment; it’s about proactive detection, swift action, and creating a financial shield to protect everything you’ve worked for.

The Silent Epidemic: What is Hypertension and Why is it So Dangerous?

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Think of your arteries as pipes and your blood as the water flowing through them. Blood pressure is the force of that blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. When this pressure is consistently too high, it puts a strain on your entire circulatory system.

Why is it called the "Silent Killer"?

The primary danger of hypertension is its lack of obvious symptoms in the early stages. You can look and feel perfectly healthy while your body is under immense internal strain. Millions of people are going about their daily lives with no idea that this condition is silently damaging their:

  • Heart: Forcing it to work harder, leading to thickening of the heart muscle, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.
  • Brain: Increasing the risk of a catastrophic stroke, where a blood vessel in the brain bursts or is blocked. It's also a leading cause of vascular dementia.
  • Kidneys: Damaging the delicate filtering units, leading to chronic kidney disease and eventual kidney failure.
  • Eyes: Harming the blood vessels in the retina, a condition called hypertensive retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss.

By the time symptoms like severe headaches, chest pain, or dizziness appear, significant damage may have already been done.

Potential Consequence of Undiagnosed HypertensionImpact on Your Life
Heart AttackEmergency hospitalisation, potential surgery, long-term medication, and significant lifestyle changes.
StrokeCan cause permanent disability, speech problems, memory loss, and require lifelong care.
Kidney FailureRequires gruelling dialysis sessions multiple times a week or a kidney transplant.
Vascular DementiaA progressive decline in cognitive abilities, impacting memory, reasoning, and personality.
Aortic AneurysmA bulge in the body's main artery that can rupture, often proving fatal without immediate major surgery.

The Alarming Numbers: A Look at the UK's 2025 Hypertension Crisis

The statistics are sobering. Based on current trends from Public Health England and the British Heart Foundation, the picture for the UK in 2025 is deeply concerning.

  • 1 in 3 Adults Affected: Approximately a third of all adults in the UK have high blood pressure.
  • 4.2 Million Undiagnosed: Of those with hypertension, it is estimated that over 4.2 million people are unaware they have the condition.
  • A Leading Cause of Death: High blood pressure is the third-biggest risk factor for all diseases, after smoking and poor diet.
  • Driving NHS Strain: It is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which costs the NHS an estimated £9 billion per year.

This isn't a problem for the elderly. While the risk increases with age, sedentary lifestyles, high-salt diets, and rising stress levels mean that people in their 30s and 40s are increasingly being diagnosed.

The Financial Fallout: How a Health Crisis Becomes a Financial Catastrophe

While the human cost is immeasurable, the financial impact is stark and quantifiable. The £4.0 million+ figure represents the potential lifetime burden that can follow a major health event triggered by hypertension. This isn't just about NHS treatment costs; it's a multi-faceted financial shockwave that can ripple through a family's entire life.

Let's break it down:

  1. Loss of Income: A major stroke or heart attack can mean you are unable to work for months, years, or even permanently. For the self-employed, this means an immediate halt to all income.
  2. Reduced Earning Potential: Even after recovery, you may only be able to return to work part-time or in a less demanding, lower-paying role.
  3. Private Care & Adaptations: NHS resources are stretched. You may face extensive costs for private physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling, or necessary modifications to your home, such as installing a stairlift or wet room.
  4. Impact on Family: A spouse or partner may have to give up their job or reduce their hours to become a full-time carer, further devastating household income.
  5. Insurance Implications: A diagnosis of hypertension or a related event can make it significantly more difficult and expensive to get future life or health insurance cover.

Private Medical Insurance is your first line of defence against the cost of treatment, but a comprehensive strategy also considers how you would replace your income and manage your life financially, which is where other protection policies become vital.

Your PMI Shield: Moving from Reactive Treatment to Proactive Prevention

The NHS is a national treasure, but it is designed primarily for reactive care—treating you once you are already sick. When it comes to the silent threat of hypertension, a proactive approach is infinitely better. This is where a modern private medical insurance UK policy shines.

Crucial Point: It is vital to understand that standard UK PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. Once hypertension is formally diagnosed, it becomes a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, which would typically be excluded from new policies.

So, how does PMI help? Its immense value lies in early detection and swiftly managing the acute complications that can arise from undiagnosed hypertension.

Here’s your PMI toolkit for fighting back:

  • 1. Proactive Health Screenings: Many comprehensive PMI plans include benefits for regular health checks. These screenings often include blood pressure tests, cholesterol profiles, and other key indicators of cardiovascular health. This is your single best opportunity to catch high blood pressure before it becomes a diagnosed, chronic exclusion on your record, allowing you to make lifestyle changes to manage or even reverse it.
  • 2. Rapid GP and Specialist Access: Worried about symptoms like headaches or dizziness? Instead of waiting weeks for a GP appointment, many PMI policies offer 24/7 virtual GP services. If you need to see a specialist, like a cardiologist, PMI allows you to bypass NHS waiting lists, getting you an appointment in days, not months. This speed can be critical in getting a diagnosis and treatment plan for an acute event.
  • 3. Advanced Diagnostic Tests: If a specialist suspects a problem, PMI provides immediate access to advanced diagnostic tools like ECGs, echocardiograms, cardiac MRIs, and CT scans. No waiting, no uncertainty—just fast, clear answers.
  • 4. Comprehensive Cancer Cover: While not directly hypertension-related, it's a core part of any robust PMI plan and provides peace of mind against another of the UK's biggest health challenges.
  • 5. Added Wellness Benefits: The best PMI providers now include a host of wellness tools. At WeCovr, we go a step further by providing our PMI and Life Insurance clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. Managing your diet is one of the most effective ways to control blood pressure, and this tool puts expert guidance right in your pocket.

Life Cover with Integrated Critical Illness Protection (LCIIP): The Financial Shield for Your Family

PMI pays the hospital and the specialists. But who pays your mortgage, your bills, and puts food on the table if a hypertension-related event like a stroke leaves you unable to work?

This is where Life Cover with Integrated Critical Illness Protection (LCIIP) comes in. It is a separate but essential partner to your PMI policy.

  • How it Works: Critical Illness Cover pays out a tax-free lump sum on the diagnosis of a specific, serious condition listed in the policy. These almost always include heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure—the primary dangers of long-term hypertension.
  • What You Use It For: This money is yours to use however you need. It can replace lost income, pay for specialist treatment not covered by PMI, adapt your home, or simply provide a financial cushion while you focus on recovery. It protects your family from financial collapse at the worst possible moment.

As expert brokers, WeCovr can help you build a holistic protection plan, combining the best PMI provider for your treatment needs with the right LCIIP to secure your financial foundation. We can often secure discounts for clients who take out multiple policies with us.

Simple Lifestyle Changes to Lower Your Blood Pressure

While insurance provides a safety net, prevention is always the best medicine. You have the power to significantly reduce your risk of hypertension through simple, sustainable lifestyle changes.

1. Master Your Diet:

  • Reduce Salt: The biggest culprit. Avoid adding salt to food and check labels on processed foods like bread, soups, and sauces. Aim for less than 6g per day (about one teaspoon).
  • Embrace Potassium: This mineral helps balance sodium levels. Bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, and avocados are excellent sources.
  • The DASH Diet: The "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension" diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

2. Get Moving:

  • Aim for 150 Minutes: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or even vigorous gardening.
  • Consistency is Key: A 30-minute walk five days a week is more effective than one marathon gym session on a Sunday.

3. Manage Your Weight and Waistline:

  • Even a small amount of weight loss can make a huge difference to your blood pressure.
  • Carrying too much weight around your waist is a particular risk factor.

4. Moderate Alcohol:

  • Regularly drinking too much alcohol will raise your blood pressure over time.
  • Stick to the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units per week, spread over several days, with several drink-free days.

5. Prioritise Sleep and Reduce Stress:

  • Poor sleep and chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure.
  • Practice good sleep hygiene (dark, quiet room; no screens before bed) and find healthy ways to de-stress, such as mindfulness, yoga, or spending time in nature.

How to Choose the Right Private Health Cover

Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can feel overwhelming. Policies vary widely in cost and coverage. Working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr removes the guesswork. We do the research for you at no cost.

Here's a simplified look at the types of cover available:

Feature/BenefitBasic ("Treatment Only") PlanMid-Range ("Standard") PlanComprehensive Plan
In-patient & Day-patientYes, core cover for surgery and hospital stays.Yes, typically with higher limits and more hospital choice.Yes, full cover with extensive choice of hospitals and specialists.
Out-patient CoverNo, or very limited (e.g., post-surgery consultations only).Limited, e.g., £500 - £1,500 limit for diagnostics & consultations.Full cover for all pre- and post-treatment consultations and diagnostic tests.
Cancer CoverOften included as standard for surgical and drug treatment.More extensive, may include access to experimental drugs.The most advanced cancer care available, including new treatments and support.
Mental Health SupportUsually not included.May offer limited out-patient or in-patient cover.Often includes extensive cover for therapy, psychiatry, and in-patient care.
Therapies (Physio, Osteo)Generally excluded.Often included, sometimes requiring a GP referral.Generous limits for a wide range of therapies.
Wellness & Health ScreensNo.Sometimes offered as an add-on.Often included as a standard benefit to encourage proactive health.
Typical UserSomeone wanting a safety net for major surgery, happy to use NHS for diagnostics.Someone wanting a balance of affordability and faster access to diagnostics.Someone wanting complete peace of mind and the highest level of private care.

At WeCovr, we take the time to understand your personal health concerns, your family's needs, and your budget. With high customer satisfaction ratings, our goal is to find you a policy that provides genuine value and peace of mind, not just the cheapest premium.

The threat of undiagnosed hypertension is real, but it is not something you have to face alone or unprepared. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps—both in your lifestyle and your financial planning—you can build a powerful defence. A robust private medical insurance policy is your gateway to early detection and world-class treatment, while Critical Illness Cover shields your family’s finances from the shock.

Don't wait for the silent killer to make itself known. Take control of your health and financial security today.

Does private medical insurance cover a pre-existing condition like high blood pressure?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover acute medical conditions that begin after your policy starts. High blood pressure (hypertension), once diagnosed, is considered a chronic condition requiring ongoing management, which is typically excluded from cover. However, the great value of PMI is in its ability to detect the condition early through wellness screenings before it becomes a formal pre-existing exclusion, and to provide rapid treatment for acute complications that can arise from it, such as a heart attack or stroke.

How can a PMI health screening help me if I feel healthy?

A health screening is invaluable precisely because you feel healthy. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early-stage cancers often have no symptoms. A screening can identify these issues at a very early stage. This allows you to make lifestyle changes or get treatment to manage or even reverse the condition, potentially preventing it from ever becoming a serious medical event or a chronic exclusion on your insurance record.

What is the difference between Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Critical Illness Cover?

They serve two different but complementary purposes. Private Medical Insurance pays for the cost of your private medical treatment, such as specialist fees, hospital bills, and diagnostic tests. Critical Illness Cover pays you a one-off, tax-free lump sum of money if you are diagnosed with a serious illness specified in your policy (like a stroke or heart attack). You can use this money for anything you need, such as replacing lost income, adapting your home, or paying off your mortgage.

How can WeCovr help me find the right private health cover?

As an independent, FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr acts as your expert guide. Instead of you spending hours trying to compare dozens of complex policies, we do the hard work for you. We listen to your needs and budget, then search the market to find the best PMI provider and policy for you. Our service is provided at no cost to you, and we provide unbiased advice to ensure you get the cover that's truly right for you.

Take the first step towards protecting your health and 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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