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What is a 6-Week Wait Option in Health Insurance

What is a 6-Week Wait Option in Health Insurance 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr is dedicated to demystifying private medical insurance for UK consumers. This guide explores the 6-week wait option, a powerful tool for making private health cover more affordable without sacrificing peace of mind for significant health issues.

WeCovr explains how this option reduces your premium and how it works in practice

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) can feel complex, with various options available to tailor your cover. One of the most effective and popular ways to manage the cost of your premium is by including a "6-week wait" option on your policy.

In essence, the 6-week wait option is a simple agreement between you and your insurer. If you need inpatient or day-patient treatment and the NHS can provide it within six weeks of when it's deemed necessary, you will use the NHS. However, if the NHS waiting list for that specific treatment is longer than six weeks, your private health insurance policy will activate, allowing you to bypass the long wait and receive your treatment privately.

This clever feature creates a hybrid approach, blending the strengths of the NHS with the speed and choice offered by the private sector. It acts as a crucial safety net, ensuring you get prompt care when the NHS is under the most pressure, all while delivering a significant reduction in your monthly premiums.

What Exactly is a 6-Week Wait Option? A Simple Breakdown

Think of the 6-week wait option as a smart compromise. You agree to rely on the excellent, free-at-the-point-of-use NHS for treatments with shorter waiting times. In return, your insurer reduces your premium because their risk of paying for your treatment is lower. They will only have to pay out if the NHS cannot meet a specific timeframe.

Here’s the core principle:

  • The Trigger: The option is triggered only when you need inpatient (you are admitted to a hospital bed overnight) or day-patient (admitted for a planned procedure but do not stay overnight) treatment.
  • The Condition: The waiting list for your specific procedure at your local NHS hospital trust must be longer than six weeks.
  • The Outcome: If the wait is shorter, you use the NHS. If it's longer, you go private.

It's important to note that this option does not typically apply to initial consultations, diagnostic scans, or tests. This means you still benefit from the speed of private healthcare to find out what's wrong in the first place, which is often one of the most stressful parts of a health journey.

A Critical Rule of UK Health Insurance

Before we go further, it's vital to understand a fundamental principle of all standard private medical insurance in the UK. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions – diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.

PMI does not cover chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension that require ongoing management) or pre-existing conditions you had before taking out the policy. The 6-week wait option operates within this framework, applying only to new, eligible acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

How Does the 6-Week Wait Option Work in Reality? A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the practical steps can help you see how this would work for you. Let’s walk through a typical patient journey.

Scenario: David, a 45-year-old architect, develops persistent knee pain.

  1. GP Visit: David's knee pain is affecting his work. He visits his NHS GP, who examines him and suspects a meniscal tear.

  2. Referral to a Specialist: David's PMI policy includes outpatient cover. His GP provides an open referral letter. David calls his insurer, who authorises a private consultation with an orthopaedic specialist. He gets an appointment in just a few days, avoiding the potentially long NHS wait for a specialist.

  3. Diagnosis: The private specialist sends David for an MRI scan, which is also covered by his policy. The scan happens within a week and confirms a meniscal tear requiring arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery.

  4. Checking the NHS Waiting List (The Crucial Step): The specialist confirms that David needs inpatient surgery. Now, the 6-week wait option comes into play. David's insurer asks him to check the current NHS waiting time for this specific procedure at his local hospital. He can do this by contacting the hospital's admissions department or his GP's practice manager.

  5. The Decision Point:

    • Outcome A: NHS Wait is 4 Weeks. The waiting list is under six weeks. David is placed on the NHS list and has his surgery within a month. His PMI policy has already provided immense value by giving him a swift diagnosis, but the NHS performs the treatment itself.
    • Outcome B: NHS Wait is 14 Weeks. The waiting list is well over six weeks. David informs his insurer and provides evidence (e.g., a letter from the hospital or GP). The insurer authorises the surgery to be performed privately. David chooses a hospital from his insurer's approved list and has the surgery within a couple of weeks.

In both scenarios, David benefited from his policy. In Outcome B, he bypassed a lengthy and worrying wait, allowing him to get back on his feet sooner.

The Main Advantage: How Much Can You Save with a 6-Week Wait Option?

The primary motivation for choosing a 6-week wait option is the cost saving. By sharing the risk with the NHS, insurers can reduce your premiums, often by a considerable amount. The saving can range from 20% to as much as 40%, depending on the insurer, your age, and your location.

This makes it one of the most impactful choices you can make to control the cost of your private health cover, alongside increasing your excess or choosing a guided hospital list.

Let's look at some illustrative examples.

Policy Holder ProfileStandard Comprehensive Policy (Est. Monthly Premium)Policy with 6-Week Wait (Est. Monthly Premium)Potential Annual Saving
35-year-old, non-smoker, Bristol£70£52£216
50-year-old couple, non-smokers, Leeds£155£115£480
65-year-old, non-smoker, London£210£150£720

Disclaimer: These figures are for illustrative purposes only. Your actual premium will depend on your individual circumstances and chosen cover level. An expert broker like WeCovr can provide you with precise quotes.

Is the 6-Week Wait Option Right for You? Key Considerations

This option is an excellent choice for many, but it's not suitable for everyone. Your decision should be based on your budget, your expectations, and your attitude to using the NHS.

The 6-Week Wait is a Great Choice If:

  • You are on a budget: It's the perfect way to access the key benefits of private medical insurance (fast diagnosis, cancer care, choice of specialist) at a much lower price point.
  • You are happy to use the NHS: If you have confidence in the NHS for routine operations and see private cover as a back-up for long waits, this hybrid model is ideal.
  • You prioritise rapid diagnosis: The 6-week wait doesn't affect your ability to see a specialist and get scans quickly, which can provide huge peace of mind.
  • You live in an area with historically efficient NHS services: If your local trust typically has shorter waiting lists, you might find you rarely need to use the private inpatient option, making the premium saving even more valuable.

You Might Want to Reconsider If:

  • You want the absolute fastest treatment, no matter what: If your primary goal is to bypass the NHS entirely for all treatments, a comprehensive policy with no 6-week wait option is more suitable.
  • You dislike potential admin: You will be required to check and confirm the NHS waiting list time, which adds an extra step to the claims process.
  • You live where waiting lists are chronically long: In some parts of the UK, or for certain specialisms, waits are almost always over six weeks. In this case, you might find you are claiming for private treatment regularly. Whilst this is what the cover is for, it's worth weighing the premium saving against the cost of a fully comprehensive policy.

Understanding NHS Waiting List Data in 2025

The effectiveness of the 6-week wait option is directly linked to the state of NHS waiting lists. In recent years, these lists have grown significantly.

According to the latest available NHS England data from late 2024, the referral to treatment (RTT) waiting list stood at over 7.5 million treatment pathways. This headline figure represents the number of cases, not unique patients. The median waiting time was around 15 weeks, with hundreds of thousands of patients waiting over a year for treatment.

Key things to remember:

  1. It's Local, Not National: The "6-week wait" is determined by the waiting list for your specific procedure at your local NHS hospital, not the national average.
  2. It Varies by Speciality: An orthopaedic procedure might have a 9-month wait, while a dermatology procedure has a 5-week wait in the same hospital.
  3. Data Can Fluctuate: Waiting lists change constantly due to demand, staffing, and government initiatives.

Because of the current length of NHS waits for many common procedures (like hip replacements, knee surgery, and cataract operations), the 6-week wait option is more likely than ever to be triggered, offering fantastic value for policyholders.

The Fine Print: What Is and Isn't Included?

A common misconception is that a 6-week wait option puts all your private healthcare on hold. This is not true. The benefits you can still access promptly, regardless of NHS waits, are often the most valuable parts of a policy.

FeatureTypically Covered without a 6-Week Wait?Why This is Important
Initial ConsultationsYesSee a specialist within days, not months, to understand your condition.
Diagnostics (MRI, CT, PET scans)YesGet fast, accurate diagnostic tests to inform your treatment plan.
Cancer CoverYes (on most comprehensive policies)Insurers prioritise cancer care. You will get access to specialist treatment, drugs, and therapies without delay.
Outpatient Therapies (e.g., Physio)Yes (if included in your policy)Start your rehabilitation or therapy quickly to manage symptoms and aid recovery.
Mental Health SupportYes (if included in your policy)Access counselling or therapy sessions without being subject to the 6-week rule.

The 6-week wait is specifically targeted at the treatment phase for inpatient and day-patient procedures. The crucial diagnostic and initial support stages remain fast-tracked.

Comparing the 6-Week Wait Across Major UK PMI Providers

Most leading UK health insurers offer a version of the 6-week wait option, as it's a popular feature. While the core principle is the same, there can be subtle differences in how they apply it.

ProviderCommon Name for the OptionKey Features & Notes
AvivaNHS Six Week OptionA standard feature that can be added to most policies. Applies to inpatient and day-patient treatment.
AXA HealthNHS Cashback / Six Week OptionOften provides a cash benefit if you opt for NHS treatment. The 6-week option works as standard.
BupaNHS WaitBupa applies this option clearly to eligible inpatient treatment, reducing premiums significantly.
VitalityNHS Hospital CashbackCan be structured differently, often providing cashback if you use the NHS, alongside a wait option.

Working with an independent PMI broker like WeCovr is invaluable here. We have deep knowledge of each provider's specific terms and conditions and can help you compare them on a like-for-like basis, ensuring you get the policy that best suits your needs and budget at no extra cost to you.

WeCovr's Added Value: More Than Just a Policy

We believe that health insurance should be part of a wider approach to well-being. That's why, when you arrange your private medical insurance with us, you unlock extra benefits designed to support a healthy lifestyle.

  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: All WeCovr PMI clients receive free access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It's a simple, effective tool to help you manage your diet and achieve your health goals.
  • Discounts on Other Cover: We value your loyalty. When you take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy with us, you become eligible for exclusive discounts on other types of insurance you might need, such as income protection or home insurance.
  • Expert, Human Support: With high customer satisfaction ratings, our team is here to help you not just at the point of sale, but throughout the life of your policy. We can offer guidance during the claims process and help you review your cover each year to ensure it still offers the best value.

Optimising Your Health While You Wait: A WeCovr Wellness Guide

Whether you're on a short NHS list or a longer one, the time before a procedure is a crucial window to get your body and mind in the best possible shape for recovery.

  • Focus on Nutrition: Eating a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet can support your body's healing processes. Focus on whole foods: colourful fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce processed foods, sugar, and excessive alcohol.
  • Stay Gently Active (if appropriate): Unless your condition prevents it, gentle movement like walking or swimming can maintain muscle tone, improve circulation, and boost your mood. Always consult your GP or specialist about what level of activity is safe for you.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is when your body does most of its repair work. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a calming bedtime routine and make your bedroom a dark, quiet, and cool sanctuary.
  • Manage Stress: Waiting for treatment can be stressful. Practice mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or gentle yoga. Staying connected with friends and family is also a powerful way to manage anxiety.

Taking these proactive steps can improve your surgical outcome, speed up your recovery, and give you a sense of control during a challenging time.

Does the 6-week wait option apply to cancer treatment?

Generally, no. One of the most significant benefits of private medical insurance is fast-tracked cancer care. Most comprehensive UK PMI policies exempt cancer treatment from the 6-week wait option, meaning you will be covered for private consultations, tests, and treatments without delay as soon as cancer is suspected. It is always best to check the specific terms of your chosen policy.

What happens if the NHS cancels my operation which was scheduled within 6 weeks?

This is a great question and depends on the insurer's policy wording. In many cases, if your operation is cancelled and the new date offered by the NHS is now more than six weeks from the original decision-to-treat date, your insurer will authorise private treatment. You would need to provide evidence of the cancellation and the new, later date to start the claim.

Do I have to find the NHS waiting list information myself?

Typically, the policyholder is responsible for confirming the waiting time with their local NHS trust. However, your insurer's claims team will guide you on how to do this. The information can usually be obtained from the specialist's secretary, the hospital's admissions department, or your GP surgery. While it's an extra step, insurers make the process as straightforward as possible.

Is private medical insurance UK still worth it if I choose the 6-week wait option?

Absolutely. For many people, it represents the best of both worlds. You get a significantly lower premium whilst retaining the most valuable benefits of PMI: rapid access to specialist consultations and diagnostics to find out what's wrong quickly, comprehensive cancer cover, and a vital safety net to bypass long NHS waits for surgery. It makes private health cover accessible and affordable.

Ready to Find the Right Cover for You?

The 6-week wait option is a superb feature for making private medical insurance more affordable. By understanding how it works, you can make an informed decision about whether it's the right choice for your health and your wallet.

At WeCovr, our expert advisors provide free, no-obligation advice tailored to your unique needs. We compare policies from across the market to find you the best possible cover at the most competitive price.

Contact WeCovr today for your free, personalised health insurance quote and see how much you could save.


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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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