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Vitality vs WPA Best Value for Healthy Lifestyles

Vitality vs WPA Best Value for Healthy Lifestyles 2026

Choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK can feel like a marathon. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, we guide you through the field. This article compares two leading providers, Vitality and WPA, to see which offers the best value for those with a healthy lifestyle.

WeCovr compares Vitality's active rewards with WPA's flexible cover options

When it comes to private health cover, your lifestyle can significantly impact your choice of provider. Do you want an insurer that actively rewards your healthy habits with discounts and freebies? Or do you prefer one that offers straightforward, highly flexible cover with a focus on customer service and lower premiums?

This is the core difference between Vitality and WPA.

  • Vitality champions a 'shared value' model, using a sophisticated rewards programme to encourage healthy behaviour. The more active you are, the more you save.
  • WPA (Western Provident Association), a not-for-profit provider, focuses on 'shared responsibility'. They offer flexible, customisable policies and innovative excess options to keep cover affordable, trusting you to manage your health without daily tracking.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down their offerings to help you decide which approach aligns best with your health, budget, and personal preferences.

Understanding Private Medical Insurance (PMI) in the UK

Before we dive into the comparison, it's crucial to understand what private medical insurance is for. PMI is designed 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 conditions like cataracts, joint replacements, or hernias.

A Critical Note on Exclusions: Standard UK private medical insurance, including policies from Vitality and WPA, does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

  • Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. While PMI won't cover the day-to-day management of these, it may cover acute flare-ups depending on your policy.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, disease, or injury for which you have had symptoms, medication, advice, or treatment in the years before your policy starts (typically the last 5 years).

Understanding this distinction is the single most important step in managing your expectations and choosing the right cover.

Introducing the Contenders: Vitality and WPA

Let's get to know the two providers. While both are major players in the UK PMI market, their philosophies couldn't be more different.

Vitality: The Gamified Health Insurer

Vitality has disrupted the traditional insurance market by integrating wellness into its core product. Their proposition is simple: live a healthy life, and we'll reward you for it.

  • Philosophy: Shared Value. By helping you stay healthy, Vitality reduces the likelihood of claims, creating value for you (rewards), for them (lower costs), and for society (a healthier population).
  • Key Feature: The Vitality Programme. This is the engine of their model. Members earn points for activities like walking, going to the gym, and completing health checks. These points unlock rewards and can lead to lower premiums at renewal.
  • Target Audience: Tech-savvy, active individuals and families who are motivated by goals, data, and tangible rewards like free coffee and cinema tickets.

WPA: The Customer-First Provident Association

WPA has been a trusted name in UK health insurance for over 120 years. As a not-for-profit provident association, they don't have shareholders. Any surplus is reinvested into the business to benefit members, for example, through better cover or stable premiums.

  • Philosophy: Shared Responsibility & Customer Focus. WPA provides highly flexible and transparent cover, empowering you to choose the benefits you need. Their focus is on providing exceptional service and access to advanced medical care when you need it.
  • Key Feature: Flexibility and Choice. WPA's policies are highly modular. They also offer unique options like 'Shared Responsibility', where you pay a percentage of each claim, significantly reducing your premium.
  • Target Audience: Individuals, families, and self-employed professionals who value simplicity, quality service, and control over their policy and budget. They appeal to those who want solid insurance without the need for daily engagement.

Deep Dive: Vitality's Active Rewards Programme

The Vitality Programme is the main reason many healthy people are drawn to this provider. But how does it actually work, and what is the real value?

You earn 'Vitality Points' for a wide range of activities:

  1. Get Active: Track your steps with a linked fitness device, attend a partner gym (like Virgin Active or Nuffield Health), or join a Parkrun.
  2. Eat Well: Earn points for buying healthy food at partner supermarkets.
  3. Know Your Health: Complete online health reviews and get annual health checks to understand your 'Vitality Age'.

The more points you earn, the higher your 'Vitality Status' (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), which unlocks better rewards.

Table: Example Vitality Rewards

Reward TypeHow to Get ItPotential Value
Weekly RewardsEarn enough activity points in a weekA handcrafted drink from Caffè Nero or a cinema ticket at Odeon/Vue.
Gadget DiscountsAchieve activity goalsSignificant discounts on an Apple Watch or other fitness trackers.
Partner DiscountsSimply by being a memberUp to 50% off partner gym memberships, 40% off flights with British Airways.
Premium DiscountsMaintain a high Vitality StatusUp to 25% off your renewal premium based on engagement.

Real-Life Example: Sarah, a 35-year-old marketing manager, walks 10,000 steps a day and goes to the gym twice a week. With Vitality:

  • She easily earns her weekly cinema ticket, saving her around £10-£15 a week.
  • She got an Apple Watch for an initial upfront payment and pays nothing further as long as she hits her monthly activity targets.
  • Her premium is higher than some quotes, but after deducting the value of her cinema tickets and gym discount, she feels she gets excellent value.

The Catch? The Vitality model requires consistent engagement. If you stop tracking your activity or your healthy habits lapse, the rewards dry up, and the value proposition weakens. For some, it can feel like a chore.

Deep Dive: WPA's Flexible Cover Options

WPA's appeal lies in its simplicity and flexibility. They believe you are the best judge of your health needs and offer the tools to build a policy that reflects that.

Their standout feature for cost-conscious, healthy individuals is Shared Responsibility.

  • How it works: Instead of a traditional excess (e.g., you pay the first £250 of a claim), you agree to pay a percentage of each claim, typically 25%.
  • The benefit: This co-payment model dramatically lowers your monthly premium. WPA still covers 75% of all eligible costs, so you are protected from catastrophic expenses. It's a calculated risk for healthy people who don't expect to claim often but want robust cover for serious issues.

WPA's policies are built from a core foundation, with optional extras you can add or remove.

Table: WPA's Typical Policy Structure

Cover ComponentWhat It IncludesNotes for Healthy Lifestyles
Core Cover (Essentials)In-patient and day-patient treatment, comprehensive cancer cover.This is the safety net. Everyone gets this.
Out-patient CoverConsultations, diagnostics (like MRI scans), and therapies.You can choose your level: from a cash benefit up to full cover. Healthy people might opt for a lower level to save money.
TherapiesPhysiotherapy, osteopathy, etc.Often included with outpatient cover but can be tailored.
Dental CoverAn optional extra for routine and major dental work.A useful add-on to create a more comprehensive health plan.
NHS Hospital Top-UpA unique WPA option providing a cash benefit if you use the NHS for treatment.A fantastic, low-cost option for those happy to use the NHS but want a financial benefit if they do.

Why is this good for healthy people? You don't pay for benefits you don't think you'll need. You can construct a lean, affordable policy that provides excellent cover for major medical events while keeping monthly costs low. WPA's not-for-profit status also means they have a strong track record of keeping premiums stable.

As an expert PMI broker, we at WeCovr often find that clients who value straightforward protection over lifestyle perks are drawn to WPA's transparent and customisable approach.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Vitality vs WPA

FeatureVitalityWPA (Western Provident Association)
Underlying PhilosophyShared Value: Rewards for healthy living.Shared Responsibility: Flexible, member-focused cover.
Core StructureComprehensive policy with integrated wellness programme.Modular policy built from a core base with optional extras.
Wellness & RewardsExtensive programme of rewards, discounts, and points.Focus on providing access to treatment, not lifestyle perks.
Excess/Cost-SharingTraditional fixed excess options (e.g., £0, £250, £500).Traditional excess PLUS a unique 25% 'Shared Responsibility' option.
PremiumsCan appear higher initially, but value is reclaimed through rewards.Often lower and more transparent, especially with Shared Responsibility.
Mental Health CoverGood cover, often integrated with talking therapies and online support.Strong mental health cover available, with flexibility on treatment pathways.
Cancer CoverAward-winning, comprehensive 'Advanced Cancer Cover' as standard.Comprehensive cancer cover, including access to new and experimental drugs.
Provider StatusPublicly listed company (part of Discovery Limited).Not-for-profit provident association, owned by its members.
Best For...Active, data-driven individuals who will engage daily/weekly.People wanting simple, robust cover with low premiums and flexibility.

Cost Analysis: Which Offers Better Value for Money?

"Value" means different things to different people. For a Vitality member, value is the sum of the insurance protection plus the monetary worth of the rewards. For a WPA member, value is excellent protection at a highly competitive price.

Let's consider an illustrative example for a 35-year-old, non-smoking professional living in Manchester, seeking mid-level cover with a £250 excess.

  • Vitality Quote (Illustrative): £75 per month.
    • Potential Monthly Savings: If this person earns a weekly cinema ticket (£12) and gets a 50% gym discount (£30), their effective cost could be seen as much lower. However, this requires consistent effort.
  • WPA Quote (Illustrative - with £250 excess): £60 per month.
    • This is a straightforward cost for comprehensive cover.
  • WPA Quote (Illustrative - with 25% Shared Responsibility): £45 per month.
    • A significantly lower premium, but requires the member to co-pay 25% of any claim. For someone who is healthy and claims infrequently, the long-term savings can be substantial.

Important: These are estimates. Your actual premium will depend on your age, location, medical history, and chosen cover level. The best way to get an accurate comparison is to speak with an independent PMI broker like WeCovr. We can provide personalised quotes from both providers at no cost to you.

Our Added Value at WeCovr

When you choose to arrange your private medical insurance through WeCovr, you get more than just expert advice. We provide our PMI and Life Insurance clients with complimentary access to our exclusive AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It's the perfect tool to support your healthy lifestyle, whichever insurer you choose.

Furthermore, our clients enjoy exclusive discounts on other types of insurance, such as home, travel, or income protection, helping you save money across the board.

Who is Vitality Best For?

You might be a perfect fit for Vitality if:

  • You are already active and self-motivated: You walk, run, or go to the gym regularly and already use a fitness tracker.
  • You love data and gamification: The idea of earning points and reaching status levels excites you.
  • You will use the partner rewards: You live near a partner gym, drink coffee at Caffè Nero, and go to the cinema. If you leverage the ecosystem, the value is undeniable.

Who is WPA Best For?

WPA could be the ideal choice for you if:

  • You want insurance, not a lifestyle app: Your priority is having robust medical cover in place for when you need it, without daily admin.
  • You are budget-conscious: The Shared Responsibility option offers one of the most affordable routes to comprehensive private health cover in the UK.
  • You value flexibility and simplicity: You want to build a policy that fits your exact needs and not pay for frills you won't use.
  • You appreciate outstanding customer service: WPA is consistently praised for its UK-based, personal, and efficient service.

The WeCovr Verdict: A Choice of Philosophies

There is no single "best" provider. The right choice depends entirely on you.

  • Choose Vitality for an interactive, rewarding experience that can make your health insurance feel like a wellness membership. If you commit to the programme, it can offer outstanding financial value.
  • Choose WPA for straightforward, flexible, and affordable protection from a trusted, not-for-profit organisation. It's a "fit and forget" policy that delivers when it matters most.

The decision between Vitality's dynamic rewards and WPA's flexible simplicity is a personal one. The best way forward is to get tailored, like-for-like quotes and discuss the nuances with an expert.

At WeCovr, we specialise in helping you navigate these choices. Our friendly, expert advisors can compare the entire market for you, ensuring you find the best possible private medical insurance for your healthy lifestyle and budget.


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

Generally, UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions. An acute condition is an illness or injury that is short-lived and expected to respond quickly to treatment, such as a bone fracture or the need for a hernia operation. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that requires ongoing management rather than a cure, like diabetes or asthma. Standard PMI policies do not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.

Is WPA's 'Shared Responsibility' option just a high excess?

No, it works differently. A traditional excess is a fixed amount you pay at the start of a claim (e.g., the first £250). WPA's Shared Responsibility is a co-payment model where you pay a percentage (usually 25%) of the total eligible claim cost, and WPA pays the other 75%. For small claims, your contribution might be less than a fixed excess. For very large claims, it could be more, but it significantly reduces your monthly premium, making it a popular choice for healthy individuals who anticipate claiming infrequently.

Do I have to use the Vitality rewards to make the policy worthwhile?

To get the maximum value from a Vitality policy, you need to engage with the Vitality Programme and use the rewards. The premiums are often structured with the assumption that members will offset the cost through the discounts and benefits. If you don't plan on tracking your activity or using the partner perks like cheap gym memberships or cinema tickets, you might find better straightforward value with another provider like WPA.

Why does it matter that WPA is a 'not-for-profit' provider?

As a not-for-profit provident association, WPA has no shareholders to pay dividends to. Any financial surplus generated is reinvested back into the organisation. This can benefit members through more stable premiums, enhancements to cover, and investment in better customer service. It aligns the company's interests directly with those of its policyholders.

Ready to find out which provider is the perfect match for you?

Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts compare Vitality, WPA, and other leading insurers 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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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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