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Understanding Private Medical Insurance Exclusions

Understanding Private Medical Insurance Exclusions 2025

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a powerful tool for taking control of your health in the UK. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we believe that understanding your cover is the first step towards making an informed choice. This guide demystifies PMI exclusions.

Common treatments usually not covered and how to plan around them

Private medical insurance is designed to work alongside the NHS, not replace it. Its primary purpose is to cover the costs of diagnosis and treatment for acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.

Think of it like this: your PMI is for new, unexpected health issues that can be resolved. It is not designed for ongoing management of long-term illnesses or conditions you already have. Understanding this core principle is key to having the right expectations and making your policy work for you.

The Big Two: Chronic and Pre-existing Conditions

This is the most critical exclusion to understand. Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness, disease, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment before your policy start date.
  • Chronic Conditions: An illness that cannot be cured but can be managed through medication and treatment. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

Insurers exclude these to keep premiums affordable for the collective pool of members. Covering long-term, predictable costs for pre-existing and chronic conditions would make private health cover prohibitively expensive for most people.

Condition TypeCovered by PMI?ExampleWhy?
AcuteYesA hernia requiring surgery, cataracts, joint replacement for osteoarthritis.The condition has a clear treatment path and is expected to be resolved.
ChronicNoOngoing management of Type 2 diabetes, asthma inhalers, regular check-ups for hypertension.The condition requires continuous, long-term management rather than a one-off cure.
Pre-existingNoSeeking treatment for back pain you saw a GP about two years before your policy began.The condition existed before your insurance contract started.

Important Note: While PMI won't cover the day-to-day management of a chronic condition, it may cover an acute flare-up if that flare-up can be treated and resolved, returning you to your previous state of health. This is a nuanced area, and cover depends entirely on your specific policy wording.

A Detailed Look at Standard PMI Exclusions

Beyond chronic and pre-existing conditions, most UK PMI policies have a standard list of exclusions. While specifics vary between insurers, you can generally expect the following not to be covered:

1. Accident & Emergency (A&E) Visits

Private hospitals in the UK are not equipped with A&E departments. Any emergency, life-threatening situation, or major accident requires an immediate visit to an NHS A&E. PMI is for planned, non-emergency treatment.

2. Normal Pregnancy and Childbirth

Routine antenatal appointments, scans, and a standard, uncomplicated birth are not covered. The NHS provides excellent maternity care. However, some comprehensive policies may offer cover for complications that arise during pregnancy or childbirth, so it's worth checking the policy details if this is a concern.

3. Cosmetic and Aesthetic Surgery

Procedures done purely for cosmetic reasons, such as a nose job, facelift, or liposuction, are almost always excluded. However, reconstructive surgery following an accident or for a medical reason (like breast reconstruction after a mastectomy for cancer) is often covered.

4. Organ Transplants

The complex logistics, donor sourcing, and extensive aftercare involved in organ transplants are managed exclusively by the NHS.

While initial diagnosis might be covered, the long-term management of HIV/AIDS is considered a chronic condition and is handled by specialist NHS services.

6. Management of Addictions

Treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, including rehabilitation and detoxification programmes, is typically excluded.

7. Self-Inflicted Injuries

Injuries resulting from dangerous hobbies (unless declared and accepted), substance abuse, or attempted suicide are not covered.

8. Mobility Aids

The cost of wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other aids for daily living is not included.

9. Experimental or Unproven Treatments

Insurers will only pay for treatments that are established and have a strong evidence base for their effectiveness. This is determined by bodies like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

10. Preventative and Screening Services

Routine health check-ups, screening programmes (unless part of a specific policy benefit), and vaccinations are usually not part of a standard policy.

Why Do Private Health Insurance Exclusions Exist?

Exclusions aren't there to catch you out. They are a fundamental part of the insurance model that allows private health cover to remain viable and affordable. There are two main reasons for them:

  1. Managing Risk and Cost: The core purpose of insurance is to protect you against unforeseen events. By excluding predictable, long-term, or non-essential treatments, insurers can keep the monthly premiums at a level that is accessible to more people. If PMI covered everything, including chronic care for millions, the cost would be astronomical.

  2. Complementing the NHS: The UK's private healthcare system is designed to work in partnership with the National Health Service. The NHS excels at emergency care, chronic disease management, and public health services. PMI fills the gap by providing faster access to diagnostics and elective treatment for new, acute conditions, helping to relieve pressure on NHS waiting lists.

According to NHS England data, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective care was around 14.5 weeks as of mid-2024. A PMI policy can often reduce this wait to just a few weeks.

Planning Around Your Exclusions: Your Proactive Health Strategy

Knowing what isn't covered is just as important as knowing what is. It allows you to build a comprehensive health plan that uses all the resources available to you.

1. Leverage the NHS: Your Universal Safety Net

The NHS is and will remain your primary source of care for emergencies, chronic conditions, and anything not covered by your PMI policy.

  • Your GP is Key: Your NHS GP is the gatekeeper for all healthcare, whether through the NHS or private routes. They will provide referrals for both.
  • Chronic Condition Management: Rely on your GP and NHS specialist clinics for the ongoing management of conditions like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. They have the systems and expertise for long-term care.
  • Emergency Care: For any accident or emergency, always go straight to your nearest NHS A&E.

2. Consider Self-Funding for Minor Procedures

For some treatments that are excluded or fall under your policy excess, paying for it yourself (self-funding) can be a viable option. Private hospitals offer fixed-price packages for common procedures. This can be a good choice for treatments where the NHS waiting list is long, but the cost isn't prohibitively high.

Example Self-Pay Costs (Estimates for 2025)

ProcedureEstimated Private Cost (UK)Potential NHS Wait
MRI Scan£300 - £7004 - 8 weeks
Cataract Surgery (per eye)£2,500 - £4,0006 - 9 months
Hernia Repair£3,000 - £5,0004 - 6 months
Initial Consultation£200 - £35012 - 18 weeks

Source: Internal market research and private hospital websites. Costs are estimates and vary by location and provider.

3. Explore Specialist Insurance Products

For specific needs not covered by PMI, other insurance products can fill the gaps:

  • Dental Insurance: Covers routine check-ups, hygiene appointments, and restorative work like fillings and crowns.
  • Optical Cover: Often included in dental plans or health cash plans, this contributes towards eye tests, glasses, and contact lenses.
  • Health Cash Plans: A low-cost alternative or supplement to PMI. You pay a monthly premium and can then claim back cash for a variety of healthcare costs, such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, and prescriptions, up to an annual limit.

An expert PMI broker, such as WeCovr, can advise you on these complementary products. As a WeCovr client, you may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover when you purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us.

4. Prioritise Wellness and Prevention

The best way to manage healthcare costs and avoid needing treatment is to stay healthy. Many modern PMI providers actively encourage this by offering wellness benefits.

  • Diet and Nutrition: A balanced diet is the cornerstone of good health. Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you stay on track.
  • Regular Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, as recommended by the NHS. This could be brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
  • Quality Sleep: Good sleep is vital for physical and mental recovery. Aim for 7-9 hours per night and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
  • Stress Management: Chronic stress can contribute to a host of health problems. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, or even simple hobbies can make a big difference.

Understanding Underwriting: How Insurers Assess Your Medical History

When you apply for PMI, the insurer will "underwrite" your policy. This is the process they use to assess your health and medical history to decide what they will and won't cover. There are two main types in the UK:

1. Moratorium Underwriting (The "Wait and See" Approach)

This is the most common and simplest type. You don't have to declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically applies a temporary exclusion for any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the past five years.

This exclusion can be lifted for a specific condition if you then go for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts without having any symptoms, treatment, medication, or advice for it.

2. Full Medical Underwriting (The "Full Disclosure" Approach)

With this method, you complete a detailed health questionnaire, disclosing your entire medical history. The insurer assesses this information and then tells you from day one exactly what is and isn't covered. Any pre-existing conditions will be explicitly listed as exclusions on your policy documents.

Comparing Underwriting Methods

FeatureMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting
Application ProcessQuick and simple, no forms.Lengthy health questionnaire.
Clarity of CoverLess certainty at the start; claims can be slower as history is checked.Complete clarity from day one; you know exactly what's excluded.
Cover for Past ConditionsA condition can become eligible for cover after a 2-year clear period.Exclusions are usually permanent and cannot be added later.
Best ForPeople with a clean bill of health or minor past issues who want a quick start.People with a complex medical history who want absolute certainty about their cover.

Reading the Fine Print: How to Spot Exclusions in Your Policy

Your policy documents are your contract with the insurer. It's vital to read them carefully.

  1. Key Features / IPID (Insurance Product Information Document): This is a short, standardised summary of the policy. It will list the main benefits and significant exclusions in plain English. Start here.
  2. Policy Wording / Terms and Conditions: This is the full, detailed document. Look for a section titled "Exclusions," "What's Not Covered," or similar. Read this section line by line.
  3. Your Personal Schedule: If you had full medical underwriting, this document will list any specific exclusions applied just to you based on your health declaration.

This can be daunting, which is why working with an FCA-authorised broker is so beneficial. At WeCovr, we don't just find you a price; we help you understand the policy. We've helped thousands of clients navigate complex policy wording to ensure there are no surprises when it's time to claim. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to this transparency.

Can Exclusions Ever Be Covered?

While standard exclusions are fixed, you do have some flexibility to enhance your cover:

  • Policy Add-ons: Most insurers offer optional add-ons to cover areas typically excluded from a basic policy. Common options include:
    • Mental Health Cover: Provides access to psychiatrists and therapists. This is an increasingly popular and valuable add-on.
    • Dental and Optical Cover: Contributes towards routine check-ups and treatments.
    • Therapies Cover: Extends cover for physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment.
  • Lifting Moratorium Exclusions: As mentioned, with moratorium underwriting, a pre-existing condition from more than five years ago can become eligible for cover if you remain symptom-free for two years after your policy begins.

Choosing the right level of cover and add-ons is a personal decision based on your priorities and budget. A good PMI broker will help you compare the best PMI providers and tailor a package that fits your needs perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions about PMI Exclusions

Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions at all?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed for acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. However, if you choose 'moratorium' underwriting, a pre-existing condition may become eligible for cover if you go for a continuous two-year period without experiencing symptoms or needing treatment, advice, or medication for it.

What is the difference between a chronic and an acute condition?

An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and from which you are expected to make a full recovery (e.g., a bone fracture, hernia, or cataract). A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, or arthritis). UK PMI covers acute conditions but excludes the long-term management of chronic ones.

Will my PMI cover me if I have an accident?

It depends on the situation. For the initial, emergency treatment following an accident, you must use an NHS Accident & Emergency department, as private hospitals are not equipped for this. However, your private medical insurance would typically cover subsequent eligible treatment, such as reconstructive surgery or physiotherapy, needed to help you recover after the emergency has been dealt with.

Can I add cover for things like dental treatment or mental health?

Yes, most UK PMI providers offer optional benefits that you can add to a core policy for an additional premium. The most common add-ons include comprehensive mental health cover, dental and optical benefits, and extended cover for therapies like physiotherapy. This allows you to tailor the policy to your specific needs and priorities.

Understanding your policy is the key to peace of mind. By knowing the boundaries of your private health cover, you can plan effectively, using both the NHS and your private benefits to their full potential.

Ready to find a policy that's right for you?

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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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