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What Happens if You Miss PMI Premium Payments

What Happens if You Miss PMI Premium Payments 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that life can be unpredictable. This guide explains what happens if you miss your private medical insurance payments in the UK, ensuring you know your options and can protect your health cover.

WeCovr explains the consequences of missing health insurance payments

Private medical insurance (PMI) is your key to unlocking fast access to high-quality private healthcare, bypassing long NHS waiting lists for eligible conditions. It acts as a contract between you and your insurer: you pay a regular premium, and in return, they cover the costs of private treatment for new, acute medical conditions that arise after your policy begins.

But what happens if financial pressures mount and you miss a payment? It’s a common worry, but understanding the process can prevent a temporary setback from becoming a long-term problem. Missing a premium doesn't automatically mean your cover is gone forever, but it does trigger a specific sequence of events that you need to act on quickly.

Why Paying Your PMI Premiums On Time is Crucial

Think of your PMI policy as a safety net. It's there to catch you when you need it most, providing peace of mind and swift medical care. Consistent premium payments keep this safety net strong and in place.

The core purpose of private medical insurance in the UK is to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint pain requiring a hip replacement, cataracts, or hernias.
  • Chronic Condition: A long-term condition that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.

Crucially, standard UK private health cover does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions (illnesses or symptoms you had before your policy started). Keeping your policy active is essential to ensure that any new acute conditions that develop are covered without interruption.

According to NHS England data from spring 2024, the waiting list for consultant-led elective care stood at over 7.5 million treatment pathways. PMI offers a valuable alternative, but only if your policy is active when you need it.

The Grace Period: A Short Window of Opportunity

Insurers understand that mistakes happen. A payment might be missed due to a simple administrative error, a change in bank details, or a temporary cash flow issue. For this reason, all insurance providers offer a 'grace period'.

A grace period is a short, defined amount of time after your premium's due date during which you can pay what you owe without your policy being cancelled.

  • Typical Length: The grace period is usually between 14 and 30 days, but this varies between insurers. You must check your policy documents to find the exact duration.
  • Cover During the Grace Period: This is a critical point. While your policy isn't cancelled yet, your insurer will likely suspend your cover. This means you cannot make a new claim or authorise treatment until the outstanding premium is paid. If you have ongoing treatment, it may be paused.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which regulates insurers in the UK, expects firms to treat customers fairly, especially those in financial difficulty. This includes communicating clearly and providing a reasonable opportunity to get back on track.

What Happens Immediately After a Missed Payment?

If your Direct Debit fails or a payment is missed, a clear process begins. Here’s a typical timeline:

TimeframeInsurer's ActionYour Status
Day 1 (Due Date)The insurer attempts to collect the premium. The payment fails.The payment is now officially missed.
Day 1 - 7You will receive an initial notification via email, text, or letter informing you of the missed payment.Your grace period has started. Your cover is likely suspended.
Day 7 - 14The insurer may attempt to collect the payment again automatically. They will send further reminders.You cannot make claims. You should contact your insurer immediately.
Day 15 - 30You will receive a final notice, often called a 'default notice', warning you that your policy is at risk of cancellation.This is your last chance to pay and reinstate your cover without major consequences.
Day 31+If the premium remains unpaid after the grace period, the insurer will cancel the policy.Your policy is terminated. You are no longer covered.

Real-Life Example: Sarah has a PMI policy with a £100 monthly premium due on the 1st of the month. In August, she changed bank accounts and forgot to update her Direct Debit.

  • 1st August: The payment fails.
  • 3rd August: She receives an email from her insurer about the missed payment.
  • 10th August: She develops sudden, sharp back pain. She calls her insurer to get a GP referral authorised for a private MRI scan. The insurer informs her that her cover is suspended due to the missed payment. They cannot authorise the scan until she pays the outstanding £100.
  • 11th August: Sarah pays the £100 premium online. Her cover is immediately reinstated, and the insurer authorises the MRI scan.

In this case, Sarah acted quickly within the grace period and avoided cancellation. Had she waited, the consequences would have been far more severe.

The Severe Consequences of Continued Non-Payment

Letting your policy get cancelled due to non-payment is not like simply ending a streaming subscription. It has significant, long-lasting consequences that can affect your future health and finances.

1. Policy Cancellation and Complete Loss of Cover

This is the most immediate and obvious result. Once the grace period ends, your insurer will send you a final letter confirming the policy has been cancelled. From that date, you have no private health cover.

This means:

  • You cannot make any new claims.
  • Any ongoing treatment that was being funded by the policy will stop.
  • You lose access to all the policy benefits, such as digital GP services or mental health support lines.

If you need medical treatment, your only option will be the NHS, where you will face the standard waiting times.

2. The Critical Impact on Future Insurance

A cancelled policy is a red flag for insurers. When you apply for a new PMI policy in the future, you will almost certainly be asked: "Have you ever had an insurance policy cancelled by an insurer?"

Answering 'yes' can lead to:

  • Higher Premiums: You may be viewed as a higher risk, leading to more expensive quotes.
  • Refusal of Cover: Some insurers may decline to offer you a policy altogether.
  • Stricter Terms: You might be offered a policy with more exclusions or limitations.

This doesn't just apply to health insurance. It can sometimes affect applications for other types of insurance, like life or income protection, as it can be seen as an indicator of financial unreliability.

3. Loss of 'No Claims Discount' (NCD)

Many PMI policies include a No Claims Discount, which rewards you with lower premiums for every year you don't make a claim. This can build up to significant savings, often as high as 60-70% off your base premium.

When your policy is cancelled, you lose your entire accumulated NCD.

If you start a new policy, you start back at zero. This means your new premium will be substantially higher than your old one, even for like-for-like cover.

4. The Peril of New Underwriting

This is arguably the most damaging consequence. When you take out a PMI policy, it is 'underwritten'. This is the process the insurer uses to assess your health and decide what they will and will not cover.

If your policy is cancelled and you later decide to take out a new one, you have to go through underwriting all over again.

Crucially, any medical conditions you developed or had symptoms for while your old policy was active will now be considered pre-existing conditions under the new policy.

Since standard UK PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions, this means you would lose cover for those issues forever.

Scenario: The Devastating Cost of a Policy Lapse

Let's compare two scenarios to see the real-world impact.

FeatureScenario A: Continuous CoverScenario B: Lapsed & Re-applied
Initial PolicyMark, 45, has a PMI policy started in 2022.Mark, 45, starts a PMI policy in 2022 but misses payments in 2025, and it's cancelled.
Health EventIn 2024, Mark develops knee pain. His PMI covers scans and physiotherapy. The issue is ongoing.In 2024, Mark develops knee pain, covered by his PMI. His policy is then cancelled in 2025.
New ApplicationMark's policy continues. His knee pain remains covered as it started while the policy was active.In 2026, Mark, now 47, applies for a new policy. He must declare the knee pain from 2024.
OutcomeIf the pain worsens and he needs surgery, his active policy will cover the c.£13,000 cost.The new insurer excludes his knee from cover as a pre-existing condition. If he needs surgery, he must pay for it himself or join the NHS waiting list. His premium is also higher due to his age and loss of NCD.

This example shows how a short-term financial issue leading to a cancelled policy can result in a permanent loss of valuable cover and potentially huge future costs.

A Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do if You Miss a Payment

If you receive a notification about a missed premium, the key is to act decisively and communicate openly.

  1. Don't Panic or Ignore It: Burying your head in the sand is the worst thing you can do. The problem will not go away; it will only get worse.
  2. Contact Your Insurer Immediately: As soon as you are aware of the issue, call your provider. Their contact details will be on the letter and their website. Be honest and upfront about the situation.
  3. Explain Your Circumstances: If you are facing financial hardship, tell them. The FCA's 'Consumer Duty' rules mean insurers have a responsibility to support vulnerable customers. They may have specialist teams who can help.
  4. Discuss Your Options: You may have more options than you think:
    • Short-Term Payment Plan: They might agree to spread the cost of the missed premium over the next couple of months.
    • Change Payment Date: Aligning the payment date with your payday could solve the problem permanently.
    • Review Your Cover: You could reduce your premium by adjusting your policy. Options include increasing your excess, adding a 6-week NHS wait option, or reducing your outpatient cover.
  5. Contact Your Broker: If you arranged your policy through an expert broker like WeCovr, get in touch with us. We can speak to the insurer on your behalf, provide impartial advice on your options, and help you find a solution. We know the market and can often negotiate outcomes you might not achieve on your own.

Managing Your Premiums: How to Avoid Missing Payments

Prevention is always better than cure. Setting up your policy correctly from the start is the best way to ensure it remains affordable and active.

  • Set Up a Reliable Payment Method: Direct Debit is the most common and reliable way to pay. Ensure the account you use always has sufficient funds around the payment date.
  • Choose a Sustainable Premium: When first buying cover, don't be tempted to over-stretch your budget. Use an independent broker like WeCovr to compare the market. We can help you find a policy that provides the cover you need at a price you can comfortably afford long-term.
  • Annual Policy Review: Your circumstances change. Review your policy each year at renewal. Is it still the right level of cover? Is it still affordable? A quick review can prevent future financial strain.
  • Inform Your Insurer of Changes: If you know you're going to face financial difficulty, be proactive. Contacting your insurer before you miss a payment is always looked upon more favourably.
  • Take Advantage of Wellness Benefits: Many modern PMI policies include wellness programmes and incentives. Engaging with these can not only improve your health but sometimes lead to premium discounts. As a WeCovr customer, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you stay on top of your health goals.
  • Bundle Your Insurance: When you buy your PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr, you may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, helping you manage your overall protection budget more effectively.

A Note on Health and Wellbeing

While insurance is a financial tool, its purpose is to support your health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the most powerful thing you can do to reduce your long-term need for medical treatment.

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Good nutrition is the foundation of good health.
  • Regular Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, as recommended by the NHS. This could be brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
  • Quality Sleep: Prioritise 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's vital for physical repair, mental health, and immune function.
  • Stress Management: Chronic stress can contribute to a host of health problems. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or simply make time for hobbies you enjoy.

By investing in your health, you lower your risk of developing acute conditions, reducing the likelihood of needing to claim on your insurance and helping to keep your future premiums manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will my premium go up if I miss one payment but pay within the grace period?

Generally, no. If you pay the outstanding amount within the official grace period, your policy will be reinstated as if the payment was never missed. It should not have a direct impact on your renewal premium. However, repeated missed payments, even if they are all eventually paid, could be noted by the insurer and might be a factor they consider, though this is uncommon. The main penalty is the temporary suspension of your cover.

Can I just stop my Direct Debit to cancel my PMI policy?

You should never cancel a policy this way. While stopping the payment will eventually lead to cancellation for non-payment, it is recorded differently from a customer-initiated cancellation. As detailed in this guide, a cancellation for non-payment can negatively affect your ability to get insurance in the future. The correct way to cancel your policy is to contact your insurer or broker directly and follow their official procedure.

What's the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting?

These are the two main ways insurers underwrite a new policy. With **Moratorium (MORI)** underwriting, you don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the 5 years before the policy started. These exclusions can be lifted if you then go a continuous 2-year period on the policy without any symptoms, treatment or advice for that condition. With **Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)**, you complete a detailed health questionnaire at the start. The insurer then gives you a definitive list of what is and isn't covered from day one. A policy cancellation and restart means going through one of these processes again, where recent health issues would now be excluded.

Your Health is Your Wealth: Let WeCovr Help You Protect It

Missing a premium payment can feel stressful, but it doesn't have to lead to a crisis. The key is to communicate early and understand your options. Your private medical insurance is a vital tool for protecting your health and wellbeing, and preserving your continuity of cover is paramount.

At WeCovr, our expert advisors are here to provide clear, independent advice. We can help you find the best PMI provider for your needs and budget, ensuring you have a policy that's both comprehensive and affordable. With high customer satisfaction ratings and a commitment to fair, transparent service, we make navigating the world of private health cover simple.

Ready to find the right private medical insurance UK policy? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts help you secure your peace of mind.

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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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