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Understanding Outpatient Cover in Private Medical Insurance

Understanding Outpatient Cover in Private Medical Insurance

TL;DR

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr knows that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. One of the most critical—and often confusing—components is outpatient cover. This guide breaks it all down for you.

Key takeaways

  • Specialist Consultations: This is the cost of seeing a private consultant, such as a cardiologist, dermatologist, or orthopaedic surgeon, after a GP referral. It covers the initial appointment and any follow-up visits needed to diagnose or monitor your condition.
  • Diagnostic Tests and Scans: This is a major benefit. It includes advanced imaging and tests that help your specialist understand what's wrong. Common examples are:
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans
  • CT (Computerised Tomography) scans
  • PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr knows that navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. One of the most critical—and often confusing—components is outpatient cover. This guide breaks it all down for you.

What treatments are included and how they differ between providers

Outpatient cover is the part of your private health insurance that pays for diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions where you are not admitted to a hospital bed. Think of it as the "getting to the bottom of it" part of your healthcare journey. It covers the costs of seeing specialists, having diagnostic tests, and receiving therapies without needing an overnight stay.

Without outpatient cover, your policy would typically only kick in once a specialist has recommended you for surgery or treatment that requires admission as a day-patient or inpatient. Outpatient cover bridges the gap between your GP visit and hospital admission, often significantly speeding up the entire process.

A Closer Look: What's Typically Included in Outpatient Cover?

While policies vary, a comprehensive outpatient plan will generally include:

  • Specialist Consultations: This is the cost of seeing a private consultant, such as a cardiologist, dermatologist, or orthopaedic surgeon, after a GP referral. It covers the initial appointment and any follow-up visits needed to diagnose or monitor your condition.
  • Diagnostic Tests and Scans: This is a major benefit. It includes advanced imaging and tests that help your specialist understand what's wrong. Common examples are:
    • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans
    • CT (Computerised Tomography) scans
    • PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans
    • X-rays
    • Ultrasounds
    • Blood tests and pathology
  • Therapies: This covers treatment from recognised practitioners to help you recover from an injury or manage symptoms of an acute condition. It usually includes:
    • Physiotherapy
    • Osteopathy
    • Chiropractic treatment
    • Sometimes includes podiatry, speech therapy, or dietetics.
  • Minor Outpatient Procedures: Some minor surgical procedures that can be performed in an outpatient clinic without general anaesthetic may be covered, such as the removal of small skin lesions.

Important Note: Private medical insurance in the UK is designed for acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are short-term and likely to respond to treatment. It does not cover the management of chronic conditions (like diabetes or asthma) or any medical conditions you had before taking out the policy (pre-existing conditions).

Inpatient vs. Day-patient vs. Outpatient: Clarifying the Key Differences

Understanding these three terms is fundamental to grasping how any private health cover works. They define the type of hospital admission and are the building blocks of every policy.

Cover TypeWhat It MeansReal-Life Example
InpatientYou are admitted to a hospital and stay overnight for one or more nights for treatment, monitoring, or surgery. This requires a hospital bed.Having a knee replacement surgery and staying in the hospital for three nights to recover.
Day-patientYou are admitted to a hospital or clinic for a planned medical procedure or test and occupy a bed, but you do not stay overnight.A cataract removal operation, a colonoscopy, or chemotherapy administration.
OutpatientYou visit a hospital or clinic for a consultation, test, or therapy but are not formally admitted and do not require a hospital bed.Seeing a dermatologist about a mole, having an MRI scan on your back, or attending a physiotherapy session.

Most entry-level PMI policies cover inpatient and day-patient treatment as standard. Outpatient cover is typically offered as an optional add-on that you can tailor to your needs and budget.

The Different Levels of Outpatient Cover Explained

Insurers know that one size doesn't fit all. That's why they offer different tiers of outpatient cover, allowing you to balance the level of protection with the cost of your premium.

Here are the common options you'll encounter:

  1. No Outpatient Cover: This is the most basic form of private medical insurance UK. It covers you only for inpatient and day-patient procedures. You would rely on the NHS for all your initial consultations and diagnostic tests. This keeps premiums low but means you'll still face NHS waiting lists for diagnosis.
  2. Limited Outpatient Cover: This is a popular middle-ground option. The policy will cover outpatient costs up to a set financial limit per policy year. Common limits are £500, £1,000, or £1,500. This is often enough to cover a few specialist consultations and some basic diagnostics, giving you a significant head start compared to relying solely on the NHS.
  3. Full/Comprehensive Outpatient Cover: This is the highest level of cover. It pays for all eligible outpatient consultations, tests, and therapies in full, without an annual financial cap (though individual therapy sessions might still be limited). This offers the most complete peace of mind and the fastest possible diagnostic pathway but comes with the highest premium.
Level of CoverWhat It's Good ForPotential Downside
No Outpatient CoverKeeping your monthly premium as low as possible while still having cover for major surgery.You will face NHS waiting times for diagnosis and specialist appointments.
Limited (e.g., £1,000)A cost-effective balance. Speeds up diagnosis for most common issues without the cost of full cover.A complex issue requiring multiple scans and consultations could exceed your annual limit.
Full CoverComplete peace of mind. Ideal for those who want the fastest possible access to any specialist or test without worrying about cost.This is the most expensive option and will significantly increase your premium.

Choosing the right level is a personal decision. A skilled PMI broker, like our team at WeCovr, can walk you through the options and provide quotes to help you see how each level impacts the price.

How Major UK PMI Providers Approach Outpatient Cover

The UK's leading health insurers—AXA Health, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality—all offer flexible outpatient options, but their approaches and terminology can differ. Understanding these nuances is key to finding the best PMI provider for your circumstances.

Here's a general overview of how their outpatient cover is typically structured:

ProviderTypical Outpatient OptionsUnique Features / Focus
AXA HealthOften offers set financial limits (e.g., £500, £1,000) or a comprehensive "Full Outpatient" option. May also have options covering diagnostics only.Strong focus on mental health pathways and access to their online GP service (Doctor at Hand). Often provides good cover for therapies.
AvivaProvides a "Standard" outpatient option (often around £1,000) and a "Full" outpatient option. They clearly separate consultations, diagnostics, and therapies.Known for their "Expert Select" hospital list option to manage costs and a strong digital offering through the Aviva DigiCare+ A&E app.
BupaOffers "Bupa By You" with clear choices: No outpatient cover, a limited option (e.g., £1,000), or "Full" cover.Bupa has its own network of clinics and hospitals, which can provide a seamless experience. They often have strong cancer cover add-ons.
VitalityStructures cover differently, often with "Core Cover" and then options to add "Consultant Select" and "Full Outpatient Cover". Diagnostics are often generous even on lower tiers.Unique wellness-based model. You can earn rewards and reduce your premium for staying active (e.g., tracking steps). This can make comprehensive cover more affordable for active individuals.

This table provides a general market overview and is for illustrative purposes only. Policy features and limits change, so it's essential to compare detailed quotes.

Is Outpatient Cover Really Worth the Extra Cost?

This is the question at the heart of the decision. While it increases your premium, the value of outpatient cover becomes clear when you need it most.

Let's use an example. Imagine 45-year-old Mark starts experiencing persistent, sharp back pain.

Scenario 1: Mark has a basic PMI policy with NO outpatient cover.

  1. Mark visits his NHS GP. The GP recommends trying painkillers and rest.
  2. The pain continues. Mark goes back to his GP, who refers him to an NHS musculoskeletal (MSK) service for physiotherapy. The waiting list is 8 weeks.
  3. Physio provides some relief, but the underlying issue persists. The physiotherapist refers him to an NHS orthopaedic consultant. According to NHS England data for mid-2024, the median wait from referral to treatment was over 15 weeks.
  4. After waiting nearly four months, Mark sees the consultant, who orders an MRI scan. The wait for a routine NHS MRI can be another 6-8 weeks.
  5. Total time from first GP visit to diagnosis: Potentially 6-7 months of pain and uncertainty.

Scenario 2: Mark has a PMI policy with FULL outpatient cover.

  1. Mark visits his NHS GP, who agrees the issue needs investigation and provides an open referral letter.
  2. Mark calls his insurer, who approves a consultation. He books an appointment with a private orthopaedic consultant for the following week.
  3. The consultant sees him and immediately refers him for a private MRI scan, which he has two days later at a local private hospital.
  4. A week after his first GP visit, Mark has his follow-up consultation where the specialist reviews the scan, diagnoses a slipped disc, and recommends a course of specialist physiotherapy and injections, all covered by his policy.
  5. Total time from first GP visit to diagnosis: Around 1-2 weeks.

The difference is stark. Outpatient cover transforms your private medical insurance from a passive safety net for major surgery into an active tool for rapid diagnosis and treatment. For many, avoiding months of pain, worry, and potential time off work is well worth the additional monthly cost.

The Power of Fast Diagnostics: MRI, CT, and PET Scans

One of the most valuable parts of outpatient cover is fast access to advanced diagnostic imaging. In the NHS, while urgent scans happen quickly, the waiting list for routine diagnostic tests for conditions like back pain, joint problems, or unexplained headaches can be lengthy.

As of July 2024, NHS England figures showed that over 1.6 million diagnostic tests were conducted, but around 33,000 people were waiting six weeks or more for one of these key tests. While this is an improvement, a six-week wait can feel like an eternity when you're in pain or worried about your health.

Private outpatient cover allows you to bypass these queues entirely. Once a specialist authorises a scan, you can typically have it done within a few days at a time and location convenient for you. This speed is not just about convenience; it's about getting the right treatment plan in place as quickly as possible, which can lead to better health outcomes.

A Focus on Wellbeing: Therapies and Mental Health

Modern private health cover is about more than just fixing you when you're broken; it's also about supporting your overall wellbeing.

Complementary Therapies

Most outpatient plans include a set number of sessions for therapies like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment. This is invaluable for recovering from sports injuries, accidents, or post-operative rehabilitation. Insurers typically require you to use a practitioner they recognise, and policies may have a limit on the number of sessions (e.g., up to 10 sessions per condition per year).

Mental Health Support

In recent years, insurers have significantly improved their mental health offerings. Many outpatient plans now include cover for:

  • Consultations with a psychiatrist or psychologist.
  • Sessions of therapy or counselling (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - CBT).

This is often capped at a certain number of sessions or a financial limit. Given the long waiting times for mental health support on the NHS, this can be a lifeline for individuals struggling with conditions like anxiety, stress, or depression.

As an added benefit, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. This tool can help you manage your diet and weight, which are key factors in both physical and mental wellbeing.

Understanding the Exclusions: What Outpatient Cover Won't Pay For

It's just as important to know what isn't covered to avoid any unwelcome surprises. All UK private medical insurance policies have exclusions.

The most important ones to remember are:

  • Chronic Conditions: PMI does not cover the routine management of long-term conditions like diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, or asthma. It is designed for acute conditions that can be resolved with treatment.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Insurers will not cover you for any medical condition you have sought advice or treatment for in the years leading up to your policy start date (typically the last 5 years).
  • Routine Check-ups: General health screenings, eye tests, and dental check-ups are not covered.
  • Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures that are not medically necessary are excluded.
  • Pregnancy and Childbirth: Routine maternity care is not covered, though complications may be.
  • Emergency Treatment: A&E visits are handled by the NHS. PMI is for planned, non-emergency care.

An expert broker can help clarify the specific exclusions on any policy you're considering.

How WeCovr Helps You Choose the Right Cover

With so many providers, cover levels, and hospital lists to choose from, picking the right policy can be overwhelming. That's where we come in.

WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised insurance broker. Our service is provided at no cost to you. Our role is to:

  1. Listen to Your Needs: We take the time to understand your health priorities, your family's needs, and your budget.
  2. Scan the Market: We use our expertise and technology to compare policies from a wide range of top UK insurers, saving you the time and effort of doing it yourself.
  3. Explain the Differences: We translate the jargon and clearly explain the pros and cons of each option, focusing on critical details like outpatient limits, hospital access, and underwriting terms.
  4. Find the Best Value: We help you find the most suitable cover at a competitive price. Plus, clients who buy a policy through us can often get discounts on other insurance products, such as life or home insurance.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to make a confident decision about your health. With high customer satisfaction ratings, we pride ourselves on providing clear, impartial advice.

Is outpatient cover a standard part of every private medical insurance policy?

No, it is not. Most entry-level UK private medical insurance policies cover inpatient and day-patient treatment as standard, but outpatient cover is usually an optional add-on. You can choose to have no outpatient cover, a limited amount (e.g., up to £1,000 per year), or comprehensive cover, which impacts your premium.

Do I need a GP referral to use my outpatient cover?

Generally, yes. Almost all UK insurers require a referral from your NHS or private GP before you can see a specialist. This ensures that your treatment is medically necessary and helps manage costs. Some providers offer direct access to certain services like physiotherapy or mental health support without a GP referral, but you should always check your policy details first.

What happens if I have a limited outpatient cover and my costs exceed the limit?

If you have a policy with a set financial limit for outpatient treatment, for example, £1,000, you are responsible for paying any costs that go above this amount. However, once you are diagnosed and recommended for inpatient or day-patient treatment (like surgery), your core policy cover would kick in, and those costs would be covered separately, subject to your policy's terms.

Does outpatient cover include prescriptions and medication?

This varies. Medication administered during an outpatient procedure (e.g., chemotherapy) is typically covered. However, the cost of take-home drugs prescribed by your specialist for you to collect from a pharmacy is often not covered or may be subject to a separate, limited benefit. It is a common exclusion, so you should always review the policy documents carefully.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Health Cover?

Understanding outpatient cover is the key to unlocking the full potential of private medical insurance. It provides the speed, choice, and peace of mind you need when facing a health concern.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will compare the market for you and help you build a policy that fits your life and your budget.

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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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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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