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Understanding Moratorium Underwriting How It Works in Practice

Understanding Moratorium Underwriting How It Works in...

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 800,000 policies issued, WeCovr helps thousands of people navigate the UK private medical insurance market. This guide demystifies moratorium underwriting, one of the most common—and often misunderstood—ways to get private health cover, helping you make an informed choice for your health.

Step-by-step on moratorium terms, eligibility, exclusions, and the impact on claims

Choosing a private medical insurance (PMI) policy is a significant decision. One of the first hurdles you'll encounter is "underwriting"—the method an insurer uses to assess your health risk and decide what they will and won't cover.

Moratorium underwriting is the most popular choice in the UK, favoured for its speed and simplicity. Unlike full medical underwriting, you don't need to complete a lengthy health questionnaire upfront. Instead, a "wait and see" approach is applied to any health conditions you've experienced in the recent past.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how it works, what to watch out for, and how it impacts you when you need to make a claim.

What Exactly is Moratorium Underwriting?

In simple terms, moratorium underwriting means that for a set period (usually the first two years of your policy), the insurer will not cover treatment for any medical condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the five years before your policy started.

These are known as pre-existing conditions.

However, if you then complete a continuous two-year period on the policy without experiencing any symptoms, needing treatment, medication, or advice for that specific condition, it may become eligible for cover.

Think of it as a temporary exclusion that can be lifted if you remain trouble-free. This is the core principle of moratorium underwriting and what sets it apart.

The Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Before we go any further, it's vital to understand a fundamental rule of UK private medical insurance:

Standard PMI policies, whether moratorium or fully underwritten, are designed to cover acute conditions, not chronic ones.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia, cataracts, appendicitis, or a broken bone.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, requires palliative care, has no known cure, or is likely to come back. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

PMI is there to help you get treated for new, curable conditions that arise after your policy begins. It is not designed to manage long-term illnesses, which remain under the care of the NHS.

How Moratorium Underwriting Works in Practice: The "2-5-2" Rule

The process can be best understood by breaking it down into what is often called the "2-5-2" rule. Let's look at each part step-by-step.

Step 1: The 5-Year Lookback Period

When you take out a moratorium policy, the insurer automatically places a temporary exclusion on any medical condition for which you have:

  • Received medication or treatment
  • Asked for medical advice
  • Experienced symptoms (whether diagnosed or not)

...in the five years leading up to your policy's start date.

Because you don't declare these conditions upfront, the process is quick. You can often get cover in place the same day. The assessment happens later, at the point of a claim.

Example: Sarah takes out a moratorium policy on 1st November 2025. In 2023, she saw her GP for recurring knee pain and was given some painkillers. This knee pain is now considered a pre-existing condition under her new policy.

Step 2: The 2-Year Moratorium (Waiting) Period

Once your policy starts, a two-year "moratorium period" begins. During this time, you cannot claim for any of those pre-existing conditions identified in the 5-year lookback.

If you need treatment for a new condition that you've never had before (e.g., you develop gallstones for the first time), you are typically covered from day one, subject to your policy's terms.

Step 3: The 2-Year Trouble-Free Period

This is the key to getting a pre-existing condition covered. For a condition to become eligible for cover, you must serve a continuous two-year period after your policy has started without:

  • Experiencing any symptoms of that condition.
  • Seeking medical advice for it.
  • Receiving any treatment or medication for it.

If you meet this requirement, the moratorium on that specific condition is lifted, and it may become eligible for cover in the future.

Example continued: Sarah's policy started on 1st November 2025. Her pre-existing knee pain is excluded.

  • Scenario A (Cover becomes eligible): Sarah's knee pain completely disappears. She has no symptoms, sees no doctors, and takes no medication for her knee for two full years. On 1st November 2027, if she develops knee pain again, her PMI policy may now cover the investigation and treatment because she completed the 2-year trouble-free period.
  • Scenario B (Exclusion remains): In May 2026 (within the first two years), Sarah's knee pain returns, and she visits her GP for advice. This "resets the clock." The two-year trouble-free period for her knee condition must start again from the date of this latest consultation. It will remain excluded until she can go two full years without any issues.
Rule ComponentDescriptionWhat it means for you
5-Year LookbackThe insurer looks at your medical history for the 5 years before your policy starts.Any condition you had in this period is initially excluded.
2-Year MoratoriumA waiting period at the start of your policy.You cannot claim for any pre-existing conditions during this time.
2-Year Trouble-FreeYou must remain symptom, treatment, and advice-free for a condition for 2 continuous years.If you achieve this, the exclusion on that condition may be lifted.

The Claims Process Under Moratorium: The Moment of Truth

With moratorium underwriting, the real checks happen when you make a claim. This is a crucial difference from full medical underwriting, where the checks are done upfront.

Here’s the typical claims journey:

  1. You Develop a Symptom: You experience a health issue and visit your GP.
  2. You Get an Open Referral: Your GP recommends you see a specialist. You contact your insurer to make a claim.
  3. The Insurer Investigates: This is the key step. The insurer will ask for your consent to access your medical records from your GP. They do this to determine if your claim relates to:
    • A brand-new, acute condition (likely to be covered).
    • A pre-existing condition from the last 5 years that has not passed the 2-year trouble-free period (likely to be excluded).
    • A chronic condition (always excluded).
    • Any other standard policy exclusion.
  4. Decision is Made:
    • Approved: If the insurer agrees it's a new, eligible acute condition, they will authorise your specialist consultation and any subsequent treatment.
    • Declined: If they find evidence that the condition is pre-existing (and the moratorium still applies) or chronic, they will decline the claim. You will then need to seek treatment via the NHS.

This process can sometimes cause delays and uncertainty. If your medical history is complex, it might take the insurer's clinical team longer to review your records and make a fair decision.

Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting: A Comparison

The main alternative to moratorium underwriting is Full Medical Underwriting (FMU). With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. You must declare your full medical history, and the insurer assesses it before your policy even starts.

Based on your answers, they will either:

  • Offer you cover with specific, named exclusions (e.g., "no cover for any condition related to the right knee").
  • Charge a higher premium to cover a certain condition.
  • In rare cases, decline to offer cover.

The key benefit of FMU is certainty. You know from day one exactly what is and isn't covered.

Here's a head-to-head comparison:

FeatureMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Application ProcessQuick and easy. No initial health forms.Longer process. Requires a detailed health questionnaire.
Pre-existing ConditionsAutomatically excluded for a rolling 2-year period.Declared upfront and explicitly excluded in writing.
Certainty of CoverLower. You only find out if a condition is covered when you claim.Higher. You know exactly what's excluded from the start.
Claims ProcessCan be slower as insurer needs to investigate your medical history.Generally faster as underwriting decisions have already been made.
Possibility of CoverPre-existing conditions can become eligible for cover after a 2-year trouble-free period.Exclusions are often permanent and cannot be removed later.
Best For...People with few or no recent health issues who want fast cover.People with a complex medical history who want absolute clarity on their cover.

An expert PMI broker, such as WeCovr, can be invaluable here. We can talk you through the pros and cons of each underwriting method based on your personal health and circumstances, ensuring you don't get any nasty surprises down the line.

Real-Life Scenarios: Moratorium Underwriting in Action

Let's explore a few examples to see how moratorium underwriting works in the real world.

Scenario 1: David and his Back Pain

  • Background: David took out a moratorium PMI policy in January 2025. In 2022, he had a brief episode of lower back pain after gardening and his GP prescribed ibuprofen.
  • The Claim: In June 2026, he injures his back lifting a heavy box and is in severe pain. His GP refers him to a spinal specialist.
  • The Outcome: David contacts his insurer. The claims team requests his medical records and sees the 2022 entry for back pain. Since he sought advice for this condition within the 5 years before his policy started, and he has not yet completed a 2-year trouble-free period, the claim is declined. The insurer considers it a pre-existing condition. David will need to use the NHS for his treatment.

Scenario 2: Maria and her Headaches

  • Background: Maria started a moratorium policy in March 2025. She has no history of significant medical issues in the last five years.
  • The Claim: In December 2025, she starts experiencing severe migraines for the first time in her life. Her GP is concerned and gives her an open referral for a neurologist.
  • The Outcome: Maria calls her insurer. They check her medical records and find no previous history of headaches or related neurological symptoms. The condition is clearly new and acute. The claim is approved, and Maria is authorised to see a private neurologist within a week.

Scenario 3: Tom and his Old Skiing Injury

  • Background: Tom took out a moratorium policy in 2020. Before that, in 2018, he had physiotherapy for a knee injury from skiing.
  • The Claim: In 2026, over six years after his policy started, his knee starts to lock and cause pain again. His GP suggests an MRI and possible arthroscopy (keyhole surgery).
  • The Outcome: Tom makes a claim. The insurer sees the 2018 injury, making it a pre-existing condition. However, they also see from his records that he has had zero symptoms, treatment, or advice for his knee between 2020 and 2026. Because he served more than the required 2-year continuous trouble-free period, the moratorium on his knee condition has been lifted. The claim is approved.

Boosting Your Wellbeing: Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

While insurance is there for when things go wrong, focusing on preventative health is always the best strategy. A healthier lifestyle not only reduces your risk of needing to claim but also improves your overall quality of life. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you on your journey.

  1. Balanced Diet: Aim for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reducing processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can lower your risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
  2. Regular Physical Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or even vigorous gardening. It helps manage weight, strengthens bones and muscles, and boosts mental health.
  3. Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a range of health problems, including a weakened immune system and high blood pressure. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment.
  4. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have a significant physical impact. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature into your daily routine.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Moratorium Underwriting

Like any financial product, moratorium underwriting has its own set of pros and cons. It's crucial to weigh them up before deciding if it's the right fit for you.

Pros of Moratorium UnderwritingCons of Moratorium Underwriting
Quick and Simple Application - No lengthy forms to fill in.Lack of Upfront Certainty - You don't know what's covered until you claim.
Less Intrusive - You don't have to recall and declare your entire medical history.Potential for Claim Delays - Insurer needs to investigate your history at claim time.
Potential to Cover Pre-existing Conditions - Conditions can become eligible for cover over time."Resetting the Clock" - A minor symptom or GP visit can restart your 2-year waiting period.
Widely Available - It's the most common type of underwriting offered by UK insurers.Not Ideal for Complex Histories - Can lead to disappointment if you have multiple past conditions.

How a Specialist Broker Like WeCovr Can Help

Navigating the world of private medical insurance UK can feel overwhelming. The terminology is complex, and the consequences of choosing the wrong policy can be significant. This is where an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr provides immense value.

  • Expert Guidance: Our specialists live and breathe health insurance. We can explain the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting in plain English, helping you choose the best path for your needs.
  • Market Comparison: We compare policies and prices from a wide panel of the UK's leading insurers, saving you the time and hassle of doing it yourself.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is completely free to you. We are paid by the insurer you choose, so you get expert, unbiased advice without paying a penny more.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: We pride ourselves on our service, which is reflected in the high satisfaction ratings we receive from our clients.
  • Added Value: When you purchase a policy through us, you also get complimentary access to our CalorieHero nutrition app and can receive discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection cover.

Choosing moratorium underwriting without fully understanding the implications can lead to rejected claims and frustration. A short conversation with one of our advisors can provide the clarity and confidence you need to secure the right protection.

Do I need to declare my medical conditions on a moratorium policy?

Generally, no. The main advantage of moratorium underwriting is that you do not need to fill out a detailed medical questionnaire at the start. The insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last five years. The assessment of your medical history happens if and when you make a claim.

What happens if I switch my moratorium policy to a new insurer?

When switching insurers, you have two main options. You can start a new moratorium, which resets the clock on all your waiting periods. Alternatively, you can ask for "continued moratorium" terms. This means your new insurer agrees to honour the waiting periods you have already served with your old provider, so you don't lose the cover you may have gained for pre-existing conditions. A broker can help ensure this switch is handled correctly.

Can I get cover for a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes with PMI?

No, standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions (those that are curable), not chronic conditions (those that require long-term management). The day-to-day management and treatment of chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma, arthritis, or high blood pressure will always remain under the care of the NHS. However, a PMI policy might cover an acute flare-up of a chronic condition if it was not pre-existing.

Is moratorium underwriting cheaper than full medical underwriting?

Not necessarily. The initial premium for both types of underwriting is often very similar because the insurer is pricing based on your age, location, and the level of cover you choose. The main difference is not the price, but the method of assessing risk and the level of certainty you have about your cover from day one. In some cases, if you have a clean bill of health, FMU can be slightly cheaper because the insurer has more certainty about the risk they are taking on.

Ready to explore your private health cover options and find a policy that gives you peace of mind?

Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our expert advisors will compare the market for you and help you find the best PMI provider for your budget and needs.

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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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