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What Happens to Your PMI If You Move Abroad

What Happens to Your PMI If You Move Abroad 2026

Planning a move abroad from the UK? Understanding what happens to your private medical insurance is crucial. As an FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr has helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds, and we're here to guide you through your options for health cover when you become an expat.

Steps for expats, portability options, and switching to global insurance policies

Moving to a new country is an exhilarating prospect, filled with new cultures, opportunities, and experiences. Amid the excitement of packing boxes and booking flights, one critical detail can be easily overlooked: your health insurance. Your UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed specifically for life in the UK, and once you become an expat, it's unlikely to provide the cover you need.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the limitations of UK PMI to the benefits of comprehensive international policies.

Understanding the Limitations of Your UK PMI

First, let's be crystal clear about what a standard UK private medical insurance policy is for. It is designed to cover the costs of treatment for acute conditions for residents of the United Kingdom, within the UK.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like joint replacement, cataract surgery, or treatment for a serious but curable infection.
  • Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-lasting and often has no known cure. It can be managed with medication and treatment but not resolved. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, disease, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before your policy began.

Crucial Point: Standard UK PMI does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. Its purpose is to provide fast access to private healthcare for new, eligible medical problems that arise after you take out the policy.

When you move abroad, you are no longer a permanent UK resident, which fundamentally changes your relationship with your UK insurer.

Does My UK PMI Cover Me If I Live Abroad?

The short answer is almost certainly no.

A standard private medical insurance UK policy is geographically limited. It's priced and designed based on the UK healthcare system, its costs, and its regulations. While many policies offer a "travel cover" extension, this is intended for short holidays, not for permanent or semi-permanent residency in another country.

  • Holiday Cover vs. Expat Life: A travel add-on might cover emergency medical treatment for a few weeks while you're on holiday. It is not designed to cover routine check-ups, planned treatments, or ongoing care in your new country of residence.
  • Residency Status: As soon as you are no longer considered a resident of the UK, your eligibility for a UK-based PMI policy is likely void. Continuing to pay for it could mean you're paying for a service you can no longer use.

Real-Life Example: Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, moved to Spain for a six-month "work-cation." She continued paying for her UK PMI, assuming the "overseas cover" clause would protect her. When she developed persistent back pain and needed to see a specialist, she was shocked to learn her claim was denied. Her insurer explained that her policy was invalid because she was residing outside the UK for an extended period, not just on a short holiday. She had to pay for her consultation and physiotherapy out of pocket.

Your Options When Moving Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're planning a move, you need to be proactive. Don't wait until you've already left. Here are the essential steps to take.

Step 1: Inform Your PMI Provider Immediately

This should be your first action. Contact your insurer at least a month or two before your move. You need to inform them of:

  • Your planned departure date.
  • Your new country of residence.
  • The intended length of your stay abroad.

Failure to do so can be considered non-disclosure, which could invalidate your policy entirely. Your provider will explain their specific rules and guide you on your options.

Step 2: Review Your Policy's 'Portability' Clause

'Portability' sounds promising, suggesting you can take your policy with you. In reality, true portability for standard UK PMI is extremely rare. More commonly, you might be offered a "transfer" to an international plan offered by the same parent company, but this is effectively a new policy.

Check your policy documents for terms like "portability," "moving abroad," or "geographical limits." If you're unsure, a PMI broker like WeCovr can help you interpret the small print at no extra cost.

Step 3: Consider Suspending Your Policy (For Temporary Moves)

If you are moving abroad for a fixed, relatively short period (e.g., a one-year work contract) and plan to return, some insurers may allow you to 'suspend' your policy.

Pros of SuspensionCons of Suspension
Locks in Your Terms: You maintain your original underwriting. This means any medical conditions that develop while you're away won't be classed as 'pre-existing' when you return and reactivate your policy.No Cover While Suspended: You will have no health cover from this policy during your time abroad. You'll need separate insurance.
Continuity of Cover: You avoid the hassle of applying for a new policy and undergoing a new medical assessment upon your return.May Incur a Fee: Some insurers charge a small administrative fee to keep the policy suspended.
Maintains 'No Claims Discount': You can often preserve your accumulated no claims discount.Time Limits: Suspensions are usually limited to a maximum of 12 or 24 months.

This option is ideal for those on secondment or taking a sabbatical, but not for permanent emigrants.

Step 4: Cancel Your UK PMI Policy

For most people making a permanent move, cancelling their UK PMI is the most logical and financially sensible step. Once you're no longer a UK resident, paying for a policy that won't cover you is a waste of money.

How to Cancel:

  1. Contact your insurer in writing (email or letter) to request cancellation from your moving date.
  2. Follow their specific cancellation procedure.
  3. Ensure you cancel any Direct Debit mandates with your bank to prevent further payments.
  4. Get written confirmation of the cancellation for your records.

Step 5: Switch to an International Health Insurance Policy

This is the most important step for safeguarding your health and finances as an expat. You must replace your UK-centric cover with a policy designed for global citizens: International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI).

Deep Dive: International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)

IPMI is the gold standard for expatriate health cover. It's specifically designed to provide comprehensive medical cover to people living and working outside their home country. It is far more robust than travel insurance and more flexible than domestic health insurance.

Let's break down the key differences.

FeatureUK PMITravel InsuranceInternational PMI (IPMI)
PurposeCover for acute conditions for UK residents within the UK.Emergency medical cover for short trips abroad.Comprehensive health cover for expats living abroad.
DurationAnnual, ongoing policy.Per-trip or annual (for multiple short trips).Annual, renewable, long-term policy.
Scope of CoverIn-patient, out-patient, diagnostics. Excludes chronic/pre-existing conditions.Emergency treatment, lost luggage, cancellations. Limited medical scope.In-patient, out-patient, wellness, dental, maternity, evacuation. Can sometimes include pre-existing conditions (subject to underwriting).
Geographical AreaPrimarily UK only.Specific country or region for a short duration.Choice of geographical areas (e.g., "Worldwide excluding USA" or "Worldwide").
RenewalAnnually renewable.Not renewable; a new policy is needed for each trip.Annually renewable, designed for continuity of care.

Key Features of a Good IPMI Policy

  • Global or Regional Coverage: You can choose a policy that covers you in a specific region (e.g., Europe) or worldwide. Policies that include the USA are typically more expensive due to higher healthcare costs there.
  • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: This is a critical feature. If you're in a country with inadequate medical facilities, IPMI can cover the cost of transporting you to the nearest centre of medical excellence or even back to your home country.
  • Direct Billing: Top-tier IPMI providers have vast networks of hospitals and clinics worldwide. They can often arrange to pay the hospital directly, so you aren't left with a huge bill to pay out-of-pocket and claim back later.
  • Choice of Currencies: You can often choose to pay your premium and receive claim payments in major currencies like GBP (£), EUR (€), or USD ($).
  • 24/7 Support: Global insurers provide multilingual support lines to help you in a medical emergency, wherever you are in the world.

Choosing the Right International Health Insurance

Navigating the IPMI market can be complex. As an independent broker, WeCovr can help you compare policies from leading global providers to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.

Here are the key factors you'll need to consider:

  1. Level of Cover:

    • In-patient only: Covers you for treatment that requires a hospital bed (e.g., surgery). This is the most basic level.
    • In-patient + Out-patient: Also covers consultations, diagnostic tests, and therapies that don't require an overnight hospital stay. This is the most popular choice.
    • Comprehensive: Includes the above plus benefits like dental, vision, maternity care, and wellness checks.
  2. Area of Cover:

    • Be realistic about your travel plans. If you will never need treatment in the USA, choosing a "Worldwide excluding USA" plan can save you a significant amount of money.
  3. Deductible / Excess:

    • This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer starts paying. Choosing a higher deductible will lower your monthly or annual premium.
  4. Underwriting Options:

    • Moratorium (MOR): You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer will apply a waiting period (typically 24 months) during which they won't cover any pre-existing conditions you've had in the past few years (usually 5 years).
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide your complete medical history on the application form. The insurer assesses it and may exclude certain conditions permanently or charge a higher premium to cover them. FMU provides more certainty about what is and isn't covered from day one.

What About Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions as an Expat?

This is where IPMI truly differs from UK PMI. While standard UK private health cover is strict about excluding chronic and pre-existing conditions, the international market is more flexible.

  • With Full Medical Underwriting, an IPMI provider might agree to cover a pre-existing condition, sometimes for an additional premium (a 'loading').
  • Some plans may offer cover for the management of chronic conditions, like diabetes or hypertension, up to a certain annual limit.

This is a crucial consideration for anyone with an ongoing health issue. It's essential to be completely honest during your application to ensure you have the cover you think you do.

Returning to the UK: Re-establishing Your Health Cover

Life as an expat may not be forever. If you decide to move back to the UK, you'll need to sort out your health cover again.

  • Re-register with the NHS: As a returning UK resident, you are entitled to use the NHS. You'll need to register with a local GP as soon as you have a permanent address. According to ONS data from 2020, Spain, Australia, and the USA are top destinations for UK expats, and the process for returning is similar regardless of where you've been.
  • Applying for New UK PMI: If you cancelled your old policy, you will have to apply for a new one. This is a critical point: You will be subject to new underwriting. Any medical conditions you developed while living abroad (e.g., high blood pressure, a new joint problem) will now be considered 'pre-existing' and will likely be excluded from your new UK policy.
  • The Benefit of Hindsight: This is where suspending your original policy, if possible, would have been highly advantageous. By reactivating a suspended policy, you could have retained your original underwriting terms, ensuring those new conditions were covered.

Wellness and Health Tips for Expats

Moving to a new country can be stressful, and it's easy to let your health and wellness routines slide. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy in your new home.

  • Understand the Local System: Before you have a medical need, research the local healthcare system. Find your nearest hospital, GP-equivalent, and pharmacy. Keep emergency numbers saved on your phone.
  • Stay Active: Explore your new surroundings on foot or by bike. Join a local gym or sports club—it's also a great way to meet new people.
  • Mind Your Diet: Trying new cuisines is a joy of expat life, but it's important to maintain a balanced diet. Use a calorie and nutrition tracking app to stay mindful of your intake. WeCovr is pleased to offer our PMI and Life Insurance customers complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie tracking app, to help you stay on track.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Jet lag and the stress of a move can disrupt sleep. Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a restful bedroom environment, and avoid caffeine and heavy meals late at night.
  • Build a Social Network: Combat feelings of isolation by actively building a community. Join expat groups on social media, attend local events, and connect with colleagues.

By purchasing your private medical insurance UK or Life Insurance through WeCovr, you may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect your family and finances more affordably.

The Final Word: Don't Leave Your Health to Chance

Moving abroad is a major life event. Your domestic private medical insurance is part of the life you're leaving behind. It is not fit for purpose for an expatriate.

The single most important takeaway is this: you must arrange a dedicated International Private Medical Insurance policy before you move. This ensures you have seamless, appropriate, and comprehensive cover from the moment you land in your new home. It protects you from potentially crippling medical bills and gives you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your new adventure.


Can I pause my UK private health insurance if I move abroad temporarily?

Yes, some UK insurers allow you to 'suspend' your policy for a fixed period (often 12-24 months) if you're moving abroad temporarily. This is beneficial because it allows you to retain your original underwriting terms. When you return to the UK and reactivate the policy, any conditions that developed while you were away will not be treated as new pre-existing conditions. You will not be covered by the policy while it is suspended, so you will need separate international cover for your time abroad.

What's the main difference between international health insurance and travel insurance?

The main difference is purpose and scope. Travel insurance is for emergencies during short trips and holidays; it covers things like lost baggage and flight cancellations alongside emergency medical treatment. International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) is comprehensive, long-term health cover for people living abroad. It covers routine doctor visits, planned surgery, wellness checks, and ongoing care, much like a domestic policy but on a global scale. It is designed for residency, not tourism.

If I return to the UK, will I have to be re-underwritten for PMI?

If you cancelled your UK PMI policy when you moved abroad, then yes, you will have to apply for a brand new policy upon your return. This involves a full new underwriting process. Any medical issues, symptoms, or treatments you had while living overseas will be considered pre-existing conditions by the new insurer and will almost certainly be excluded from your new cover. This is why suspending a policy, if possible for a temporary move, is so valuable.

Ready to explore your international health insurance options? The world of global health cover can be confusing, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

Contact WeCovr today. Our expert, FCA-authorised advisors will provide a free, no-obligation comparison of the best PMI providers to find the perfect policy for your new life abroad. Get your personalised quote now and move with confidence.


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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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