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What Happens If You Go Abroad During Treatment

What Happens If You Go Abroad During Treatment 2026

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies of various types arranged for our clients, we at WeCovr know that navigating private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. A common question we encounter is what happens to your treatment if you need to travel abroad. This guide clarifies the rules.

Policyholders need to inform their insurer; interruptions or exclusions are common if you leave the UK. Check if your cover still applies for overseas trips. — Insurer and blogger advice

Planning a trip abroad while undergoing medical treatment can feel like juggling two very important priorities: your health and your travel plans. It’s a situation many UK residents with private medical insurance (PMI) face. Whether it’s a much-needed holiday, an urgent family matter, or a work commitment, leaving the country mid-treatment raises a critical question: what happens to my private health cover?

The answer is not always straightforward. UK private health insurance is primarily designed to provide access to private healthcare within the United Kingdom. When you step on a plane, the terms of your policy can change dramatically. The golden rule is to communicate with your insurer before you travel. Failing to do so can lead to suspended treatment, rejected claims, and significant financial and health-related stress.

This comprehensive article will walk you through everything you need to know, from your obligations as a policyholder to the potential outcomes for your treatment plan.

The Core Purpose of UK Private Medical Insurance

Before we explore the impact of travel, it’s vital to understand what a standard UK PMI policy is designed for. Grasping this helps clarify why travelling during treatment can be so problematic for insurers.

At its heart, private medical insurance is for acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for infections.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, or is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.

Crucially, standard UK PMI policies do not cover chronic conditions or pre-existing conditions (any ailment you had before your policy began). The insurance is there to help you bypass NHS waiting lists for eligible, acute conditions, providing prompt diagnosis and treatment within the UK’s private healthcare network.

Think of it like car insurance: your policy covers unexpected accidents (an acute condition), but it doesn't pay for the car's routine MOT or fix a faulty engine that was broken when you bought it (a chronic or pre-existing issue).

This UK-centric model allows insurers to manage costs, oversee the quality of care through their approved network of hospitals and specialists, and ensure treatment aligns with UK medical standards. When you go abroad, they lose that control.

The Most Important Step: Inform Your Insurer Before You Travel

If there is one takeaway from this entire guide, it is this: you must inform your insurance provider before you travel abroad if you are undergoing investigation or treatment.

This isn't just a courtesy; it's a contractual obligation under most policies. Insurers need to know your travel plans to assess the risk and determine how it affects your ongoing care.

Why You Must Tell Your Insurer

  1. To Validate Your Cover: Your insurer needs to confirm whether your policy remains active and if your ongoing treatment will be waiting for you upon your return. They may need to liaise with your UK consultant to ensure travel is medically advisable.
  2. To Avoid Claim Rejection: If you travel without informing them and a complication arises—either abroad or upon your return—the insurer could argue that you broke the terms of your policy. This could give them grounds to reject current or future claims related to the condition.
  3. To Prevent Policy Cancellation: In serious cases, failing to disclose a material fact (like travelling against medical advice or during a critical treatment phase) could be seen as non-disclosure, potentially leading to your entire policy being voided.
  4. To Understand the Financial Consequences: Your insurer will clarify who pays for what. They will confirm that any treatment you seek overseas related to your ongoing condition will almost certainly not be covered.

What to Tell Your Insurer: A Checklist

When you call your provider, have the following information ready:

  • Your Destination(s): Where are you going?
  • Duration of Your Trip: Exact dates of departure and return.
  • Reason for Travel: Is it a holiday, for work, or a family emergency?
  • Current Stage of Treatment: Are you awaiting a diagnosis, in the middle of a course of treatment (like chemotherapy or physiotherapy), or in a post-operative recovery phase?
  • Your Consultant's Opinion: Have you discussed your travel plans with your specialist? Do they consider you "fit to travel"?

Always ask for any decision or confirmation from your insurer in writing via email or post. This written record is your proof of what was agreed.

Potential Consequences of Travelling Abroad Mid-Treatment

Once you inform your insurer, they will review your case. The outcome depends on your policy, your medical condition, and the stage of your treatment. Here are the most common scenarios.

1. Treatment Suspension or Interruption

This is the most likely outcome. Most insurers will agree to pause your treatment authorisation while you are away.

  • Example: Sarah's Physiotherapy Sarah is undergoing a course of six physiotherapy sessions for a shoulder injury. After two sessions, she plans a two-week holiday to Spain. She informs her insurer, who agrees to suspend the treatment. Her authorisation is paused, and she can resume her remaining four sessions when she returns, provided her condition hasn't materially changed.

The key here is that the insurer is not cancelling the treatment, merely putting it on hold. However, they are not responsible for any care you receive while in Spain.

2. Loss of Continuity of Care

A significant risk of interrupting treatment is the loss of momentum. Medical care is often time-sensitive.

  • Clinical Risks: Pausing treatment could impact its effectiveness. For example, delaying a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, even by a couple of weeks, can have clinical implications. Your UK consultant may advise against the trip for this reason.
  • Logistical Hurdles: When you return, you may not be able to see your original consultant immediately or get a new slot at the hospital. This could create further delays, prolonging your recovery.

3. Claim Invalidation and Financial Loss

Travelling without notifying your insurer, or travelling against their or your doctor's advice, is a major breach of policy terms.

  • Example: David's Emergency Trip David is scheduled for knee surgery in three weeks. He has to fly to Canada for a family emergency and doesn't tell his insurer. While in Canada, he has a fall and injures the same knee further. His UK PMI will not cover his emergency treatment in Canada. When he returns, his insurer discovers he travelled without notification. They launch an investigation and could potentially refuse to cover the now more-complex surgery, as his condition changed while he was abroad in breach of their terms. He may have to pay for the surgery himself or return to the NHS waiting list.

Table: Insurer Actions Based on Your Situation

Your SituationCommon Insurer ResponsePotential Risks for You
You inform your insurer about a short holiday during non-critical treatment (e.g., physiotherapy).Likely to agree to suspend and resume treatment upon return.Minimal, as long as the break doesn't affect your recovery.
You need to travel during a critical treatment phase (e.g., chemotherapy).The insurer will strongly defer to your consultant's advice. If the advice is not to travel, they may warn you that travelling could invalidate your claim.High clinical risk. Risk of claim invalidation if you travel against medical advice.
You travel without informing your insurer.They may view this as a breach of contract. Claims could be rejected, and the policy could be at risk.Severe financial and health risks. You may have to cover all costs yourself.
You miss a scheduled consultation or surgery because you are abroad.The insurer will likely require a new referral, and you will lose your place in the queue. You may be liable for any cancellation fees from the hospital or consultant.Delays in treatment, potential cancellation fees.

Does UK PMI Ever Cover Treatment Abroad? The "Travel Add-On" Explained

This is a source of major confusion. Some PMI policies offer an "overseas cover" option, but its function is widely misunderstood.

A travel add-on to a UK PMI policy is not designed to let you continue your planned UK treatment in another country. Instead, it functions like travel insurance, providing cover for new, unforeseen medical emergencies that occur while you are temporarily abroad.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

FeatureStandard UK PMIPMI with Travel Add-onStandalone Travel Insurance
Primary PurposePlanned treatment for eligible acute conditions in the UK.Adds emergency medical cover for trips abroad to a standard UK PMI policy.Solely for covering unforeseen events during travel (medical emergencies, cancellations, lost baggage).
Covers Ongoing UK Treatment?Yes, within the UK.Yes, within the UK.No.
Lets You Continue UK Treatment Abroad?No.No.No.
Covers New Medical Emergencies Abroad?No.Yes, typically for emergency treatment to stabilise you until you can return to the UK.Yes, this is its primary function.
Medical Repatriation to UK?No.Often included.A standard and crucial feature.
Ideal For...UK residents wanting fast access to private healthcare at home.UK residents who travel occasionally and want their health and travel cover under one roof.Anyone travelling abroad. It is essential, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

Important Note on Travel Insurance: Even with a comprehensive standalone travel insurance policy, you must declare all pre-existing medical conditions and the fact that you are currently undergoing treatment. Failure to do so will likely invalidate your travel insurance policy.

How an Expert PMI Broker Can Help You Navigate

Understanding the nuances of different policies and their rules on travel can be overwhelming. This is where an independent, expert PMI broker like WeCovr provides immense value.

  1. Finding the Right Policy: If you are a frequent traveller, we can help you compare policies from across the market to find one with a suitable travel add-on or more flexible terms from the outset. We do the research so you don't have to.
  2. Clarifying the Small Print: We help you understand exactly what is and isn't covered, explaining the jargon in plain English. We'll highlight the specific clauses about travel so there are no surprises later on.
  3. Support at No Extra Cost: Our advisory service is completely free to you. We earn a commission from the insurer you choose, so you get expert, impartial guidance without paying a penny more.

With high customer satisfaction ratings, WeCovr is committed to helping you find the best private medical insurance UK for your specific needs, ensuring you feel confident and protected.

Health and Wellness Tips for Travelling During a Recovery Period

If your consultant and insurer have given you the green light to travel, it’s crucial to take extra care of your health while away.

  • Medication Management:

    • Carry enough medication for your entire trip, plus extra in case of delays.
    • Keep medication in its original packaging with the prescription label.
    • Carry a letter from your doctor detailing your condition and the medication you take.
    • Split your medication between your hand luggage and checked baggage in case one goes missing.
  • Stay Hydrated and Eat Well:

    • Flying can be dehydrating. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight.
    • Stick to a balanced diet. While it's tempting to indulge on holiday, try to incorporate fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support your recovery. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI calorie tracking app to help you stay on track.
  • Listen to Your Body:

    • Don't overdo it. You are still recovering, so build plenty of rest time into your itinerary.
    • Avoid strenuous activities unless they have been explicitly approved by your doctor. Gentle walking is often beneficial, but avoid extreme sports or heavy lifting.
  • Sleep and Jet Lag:

    • Prioritise sleep to aid your body's healing processes.
    • If crossing time zones, try to adjust to the local time as quickly as possible. Expose yourself to daylight in the morning and avoid long naps during the day.
  • Know Who to Call:

    • Have your UK insurer's number, your travel insurance emergency helpline, and the details of your UK consultant saved in your phone.

Final Thoughts: Communication is Key

The relationship between your health, your treatment, and your travel plans is a delicate one. The UK private health insurance market is built to provide outstanding care within a defined geographical and clinical framework. Stepping outside that framework by travelling abroad mid-treatment requires careful management and, above all, transparent communication.

Always speak to your medical team and your insurer before booking any travel. They can provide the essential advice you need to make an informed decision that protects both your health and your financial investment in your policy.

By working with a knowledgeable broker, like WeCovr, you can ensure you have the right private health cover in place from day one. We can also help you secure discounts on other policies, such as life or home insurance, when you purchase a health policy through us, providing even greater value.


Do I need to tell my PMI provider about every short trip, like a weekend in Paris?

Yes, it is always the safest policy. If you are not undergoing any active treatment, investigation, or awaiting results, a weekend trip is unlikely to be an issue. However, if you are in the middle of a claim or a course of treatment, you absolutely must inform them. A quick phone call provides peace of mind and ensures you are complying with your policy's terms and conditions.

Will my UK private health cover pay for my treatment if I move abroad permanently?

No. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed for UK residents receiving treatment in the UK. If you move abroad permanently, your policy will be invalidated as you no longer meet the residency requirements. You would need to purchase a specific international health insurance policy designed for expatriates in your new country of residence.

What is the difference between emergency overseas cover and continuing my planned treatment abroad?

Emergency overseas cover, often available as a PMI add-on, is for new, unforeseen medical problems that occur while you are on a temporary trip abroad (e.g., a broken leg from a skiing accident). It is designed to stabilise you before you can return to the UK. It will not cover the costs of continuing a pre-planned UK treatment (like a course of chemotherapy) in an overseas clinic. Standard UK PMI policies almost never cover planned treatment outside the UK.

Can an expert broker like WeCovr help me switch to a policy that's better for frequent travel?

Absolutely. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can conduct a full market review to find a policy that better suits your lifestyle. We can compare providers that offer robust travel add-ons or have more flexible terms. It's important to note, however, that switching providers will mean undergoing medical underwriting again, and your existing conditions will likely be excluded by the new insurer. We can advise you on whether switching is the right move for your specific circumstances at no cost to you.

Ready to find a private medical insurance policy that fits your life? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts guide you to the right cover.


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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.

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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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