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Understanding the Impact of Brexit on UK Private Medical Insurance

Understanding the Impact of Brexit on UK Private Medical...

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr is dedicated to demystifying the world of private medical insurance. This guide explores the impact of Brexit on the UK PMI market, helping you navigate the changes with confidence and find the right cover for your needs.

Exploring regulatory changes, cross-border cover implications, and opportunities for expats and international clients post-Brexit

The UK's departure from the European Union has reshaped many sectors, and the insurance industry is no exception. While the core benefits of a domestic private medical insurance (PMI) policy for UK residents remain robust, Brexit has introduced significant changes, particularly concerning cross-border healthcare, regulations, and the options available to British expats and international citizens.

This comprehensive article will explore:

  • The new regulatory environment for UK insurers.
  • The shift from the EHIC to the GHIC and what it means for your travels.
  • How your PMI policy's European cover may have changed.
  • The critical new challenges and solutions for UK expats living in the EU.
  • Opportunities for EU nationals in the UK and international clients seeking UK healthcare.

Understanding these shifts is crucial for ensuring you have continuous and appropriate health cover, wherever you are.

What is UK Private Medical Insurance? A Quick Refresher

Before diving into the specifics of Brexit, let's clarify what private medical insurance is and, just as importantly, what it isn't.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI), often called private health cover, is an insurance policy that pays for the costs of private healthcare treatment for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

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 conditions like cataracts needing surgery, joint pain requiring a hip replacement, or hernias.

The Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic and Pre-existing Conditions

This is the most important concept to understand about standard UK PMI:

  • Pre-existing Conditions: These are any illnesses or injuries you had before you took out the policy. Standard PMI policies will not cover them.
  • Chronic Conditions: These are long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Standard UK PMI is not designed to cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.

Essentially, PMI provides peace of mind that should you develop a new, treatable medical condition, you can bypass NHS waiting lists and receive prompt diagnosis and treatment in a private setting. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), their members paid out £2.76 billion in health and protection claims in 2022, demonstrating the vital role the sector plays.

The UK's Regulatory Landscape for Insurance After Brexit

For decades, UK insurers operated within a harmonised EU regulatory framework. Brexit marked the end of this era, establishing a new, independent path for the UK.

From EU "Passporting" to a UK-Focused Framework

Before Brexit, UK financial services firms, including insurers, benefited from "passporting" rights. This meant a company authorised by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) could sell its products and services across the entire European Economic Area (EEA) without needing separate authorisations in each country.

This system ceased on 31st December 2020. Now:

  1. UK Sovereignty: The UK has its own distinct regulatory regime, overseen by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
  2. Retained EU Law: Much of the existing EU law was copied into UK law to ensure a smooth transition, but the UK government and regulators are now actively diverging from it.
  3. Solvency UK: A prime example of this divergence is the move from the EU's 'Solvency II' directive to a new 'Solvency UK' regime. The government's aim with this reform is to create a more flexible and competitive system tailored to the UK market, potentially freeing up billions of pounds of capital for insurers to invest in the UK economy.

For a UK resident buying a domestic policy from a UK-based insurer, not much has changed in terms of protection. Your policy is still regulated by the FCA, and you are still protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The fundamental quality and security of your cover remain intact. The biggest impacts are felt at the borders.

Cross-Border Healthcare: The End of the EHIC and the Rise of the GHIC

For years, British travellers to Europe relied on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Post-Brexit, this has been replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Understanding the difference is vital for anyone travelling to the continent.

The EHIC allowed UK residents to access state-provided, medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in an EU country under the same conditions and at the same cost as people insured in that country.

The GHIC offers similar cover but with some key differences.

FeatureEuropean Health Insurance Card (EHIC)Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
Issuing CountryUK (pre-Brexit)UK (post-Brexit)
Geographic CoverEU countries, plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.Primarily EU countries only.
Type of CoverMedically necessary state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay.Medically necessary state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay.
CostFree for the patient (or at a reduced cost, same as a local resident).Free for the patient (or at a reduced cost, same as a local resident).
Private CareNot covered.Not covered.
RepatriationNot covered.Not covered.

Key Takeaway: Neither the EHIC nor the GHIC is a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance or a PMI policy with travel cover. They do not cover costs for private clinics, mountain rescue in ski resorts, being flown back to the UK (repatriation), or cancelled flights and lost luggage.

How Brexit Affects Your UK Private Medical Insurance Policy

While your core UK health cover is stable, Brexit's impact is most visible in policies that include cover for treatment abroad.

For UK Residents with Domestic PMI

If your policy is purely for treatment within the UK, you will have noticed very little direct change. The network of private hospitals, access to specialists, and range of treatments remain world-class.

The changes appear when you look at European travel cover options, which are often sold as an add-on to a core PMI policy.

  • Pricing Adjustments: Before Brexit, insurers knew that if a policyholder fell ill in an EU country, the initial emergency care would likely be covered by the state under the EHIC agreement. This reduced the insurer's potential liability. With the complexities of the new GHIC system and the loss of the EHIC's broad reach, some insurers may have adjusted their pricing for European travel extensions to reflect a slightly higher risk.
  • Network and Agreement Changes: UK insurers have had to review and sometimes renegotiate their arrangements with healthcare providers across Europe, as they can no longer operate under the assumption of a unified EU framework.

Real-Life Example:

Sarah, a 45-year-old marketing manager from Manchester, has a UK PMI policy with a European travel option. While on holiday in Portugal, she develops a severe abdominal pain.

Pre-Brexit: She would have gone to a local state hospital, shown her EHIC, and received initial treatment. Her PMI would then coordinate any necessary private follow-up care or transfer.

Post-Brexit: She should still go to a state hospital and present her GHIC for emergency care. She must also contact her PMI provider's 24/7 helpline immediately. They will guide her on whether to stay in the state system or if it's appropriate and covered to move to a specific private facility they have an agreement with. The process requires more active communication with the insurer from the outset.

UK Expats Living in the EU: A New Insurance Reality

For the estimated 1.3 million UK-born people living in the EU, Brexit has had the most profound impact on their healthcare options.

The end of "passporting" means a UK insurer regulated only by the FCA can no longer legally sell a new policy to a resident in, for example, Spain, France, or Germany.

ConsiderationBefore Brexit (Pre-2021)After Brexit (Post-2021)
Buying a PolicyA UK expat in France could easily buy a policy from a UK-based insurer.A UK expat in France must buy a policy from an insurer licensed to operate in France. This may be a local French insurer or a global insurer with the correct EU permissions.
Existing PoliciesExisting policies could be renewed and serviced without issue.Many UK insurers were forced to place expat policies into "run-off" (not renewing them) or transfer them to an EU-based subsidiary. Many expats had to find brand new cover.
Finding CoverRelatively straightforward through UK channels.More complex. Requires navigating local regulations and finding a provider with the right licence.

This has created significant challenges. Many expats found their long-standing UK PMI policies were not renewed, forcing them to seek new cover at an older age, potentially with new exclusions for conditions that had developed over the years.

This is where a specialist broker is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. An expert broker like WeCovr can navigate this fragmented market. We work with a wide range of global health insurance providers who are fully licensed and equipped to provide comprehensive cover to expats across the EU, ensuring you get a policy that is both compliant and tailored to your needs.

EU Nationals Living in the UK: Accessing PMI

The situation for EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals who are legally resident in the UK is much simpler.

Your ability to purchase a UK private medical insurance policy is based on your residency status, not your nationality. If you live in the UK, you can apply for a domestic PMI policy in the same way a British citizen can.

Brexit has not changed this fundamental principle. Insurers will want to confirm your UK address and your right to reside in the UK, but your application will be assessed on standard factors like age, medical history, and the level of cover you want.

International Clients & The UK as a Healthcare Destination

The UK, particularly London's Harley Street medical district, has long been a global hub for high-quality private healthcare. Brexit has not diminished this reputation.

International clients from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas continue to travel to the UK for specialist treatment. These individuals are not eligible for standard domestic UK PMI. Instead, they require international health insurance policies specifically designed for this purpose.

These plans are highly specialised and can be structured to:

  • Cover treatment in the UK only.
  • Cover treatment globally, including the UK.
  • Exclude treatment in high-cost countries like the USA to manage premiums.

Sourcing these plans requires specialist knowledge of the global insurance market. As an experienced PMI broker, WeCovr assists international clients in finding plans that provide access to the UK's best hospitals and specialists, handling the complexities of international cover.

In the post-Brexit landscape, the 'do-it-yourself' approach to finding health insurance is riskier than ever, especially if your circumstances involve more than one country.

A broker provides clarity in a complex market.

  • Expertise: We understand the regulatory nuances and how they affect your eligibility for different products.
  • Market Access: We compare policies from a huge panel of both UK domestic and global insurers, finding the right fit for your unique situation.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, so you get expert, impartial advice without paying a fee.
  • Added Value: When you arrange a policy through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. Furthermore, our clients often receive discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection cover.

Beyond Insurance: Maintaining Your Health While Travelling

Your insurance policy is a safety net, but the first line of defence is always your health. Here are some tips for staying well, particularly when travelling in a post-Brexit world.

1. Pre-Travel Checklist

  • Check a week before you go: Visit the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) website for the latest travel and health advice for your destination.
  • Get your GHIC: Apply for a free GHIC on the official NHS website. Beware of unofficial sites that charge a fee.
  • Pack a medical kit: Include basics like pain relief, antiseptic wipes, plasters, and any personal prescription medication (with a doctor's note if necessary).
  • Documents: Have digital and physical copies of your travel insurance, PMI details (including the 24/7 helpline number), and your GHIC.

2. Wellness on the Go

  • Hydration is key: Flying and warmer climates can dehydrate you. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine.
  • Eat safely: Embrace local cuisine but be mindful of food hygiene. Favour freshly cooked, hot food and avoid tap water or ice in countries where water quality is a concern.
  • Prioritise sleep: Adjusting to a new time zone can be tough. Try to adapt to the local schedule as quickly as possible and ensure your accommodation is conducive to good rest. A good night's sleep is fundamental to a strong immune system.

Taking these simple steps can significantly reduce your chances of needing to make a claim, leaving you to enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind.

Has Brexit made my UK private health cover more expensive?

For a standard UK private medical insurance policy that only covers treatment within the UK, Brexit has had no direct impact on cost. However, for policies that include an add-on for European travel, you may see a slight increase. This is because insurers can no longer rely on the old EHIC system to cover initial state-provided emergency care, which can increase their potential costs.

I'm a UK expat living in Spain. Can I still use my old UK PMI policy?

It is very unlikely. Due to the loss of 'passporting' rights after Brexit, most UK-based insurers are no longer legally permitted to sell or renew policies for customers who are resident in an EU country. You should contact your provider immediately to clarify. Most expats now need to purchase a new policy from either a local Spanish insurer or a global health insurer that is licensed to operate in Spain. An expert broker can help you find a suitable and compliant policy.

Do I still need travel insurance if I have a GHIC and private medical insurance?

Yes, absolutely. The three products cover completely different things. The GHIC provides access to state-run emergency healthcare in the EU. Your PMI covers private treatment for acute conditions, but may have limitations on overseas cover. A comprehensive travel insurance policy is essential as it covers medical repatriation (flying you home), trip cancellation, lost baggage, and other travel-related incidents that the other two do not.

What is the difference between private medical insurance and a health cash plan?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover the significant costs of diagnosis and treatment for new, acute medical conditions, such as surgery or cancer care. A health cash plan is different; it helps you budget for everyday healthcare costs. It pays you a fixed amount of cash back for routine appointments like dental check-ups, eye tests, physiotherapy, and specialist consultations, up to an annual limit. They are complementary products, not substitutes.

Take the Next Step Towards a Secure Future

The health insurance landscape has become more complex, but the value of having the right cover has never been greater. Whether you're a UK resident, an expat, or an international citizen seeking care in the UK, navigating your options with an expert is the smartest choice.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our friendly team will help you compare the best PMI providers and find a policy that gives you and your family security and peace of mind in this new era.


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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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