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Why UK Employers Are Increasingly Offering Private Medical Insurance

Why UK Employers Are Increasingly Offering Private Medical...

In the competitive UK job market, businesses are searching for meaningful ways to attract and retain top talent. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we at WeCovr have seen a dramatic rise in employers offering private medical insurance (PMI) to their staff.

The landscape of UK healthcare is changing. While the National Health Service (NHS) remains a cherished institution, it is facing unprecedented pressure. As of mid-2024, the waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England stood at a staggering 7.54 million cases, according to NHS England data. This figure represents millions of individuals, many of them employees, waiting for procedures that could alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance their quality of life.

This reality has a direct impact on the UK workforce:

  • Prolonged Absences: Employees waiting for diagnostics or treatment are often unable to work, leading to long-term sickness absence.
  • Reduced Productivity ('Presenteeism'): Many others continue to work while dealing with discomfort or anxiety, a phenomenon known as 'presenteeism'. They are physically present but mentally and emotionally distracted, leading to a significant drop in productivity and engagement.
  • Increased Anxiety: The uncertainty of waiting for healthcare can take a severe toll on an employee's mental health, compounding the physical issue.

This challenging environment has fuelled a surge in employee demand for faster healthcare solutions. A recent survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that health and wellbeing benefits are now a top priority for job seekers, second only to salary. Employees increasingly view private medical insurance not as a luxury, but as a vital lifeline to prompt medical care.

Employers are responding to this demand, recognising that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce. This has sparked a significant trend: the growth of the group private medical insurance UK market as a cornerstone of modern employee benefits packages.

The Business Case: Why Employers are Investing in Employee Health

Offering private health cover is no longer just a perk for senior executives. It has become a strategic investment for forward-thinking organisations of all sizes. The business case is compelling and multifaceted.

1. Combating Absenteeism and Presenteeism

Sickness absence comes at a significant cost. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that in 2023, an estimated 185.6 million working days were lost because of sickness or injury. For a business, this translates to lost output, project delays, and increased pressure on remaining staff.

Private medical insurance directly tackles this by:

  • Speeding up diagnosis: Employees can often access diagnostic tests like MRI and CT scans within days, rather than waiting weeks or months.
  • Accelerating treatment: Once a diagnosis is made, PMI provides rapid access to specialist consultations and surgical procedures.

By cutting down waiting times, employers can significantly reduce the duration of sickness absences, getting their valuable team members back to health and work sooner.

2. A Powerful Tool for Recruitment and Retention

In a candidate-driven job market, a competitive benefits package is essential. Private health cover is a high-impact benefit that signals to potential hires that a company genuinely cares for its employees' wellbeing.

  • Attraction: For top talent weighing multiple job offers, a comprehensive PMI plan can be the deciding factor.
  • Retention: When employees feel cared for and valued, their loyalty and engagement increase. Knowing they and their families can access fast medical care if needed provides immense peace of mind, making them less likely to look for opportunities elsewhere.

3. Boosting Productivity and Morale

The benefits extend beyond just physical health. The psychological security that PMI provides can have a profound impact on the workplace atmosphere.

  • Reduced Stress: Employees are less worried about potential health issues and long NHS waits.
  • Increased Focus: With health concerns addressed promptly, employees can focus better on their roles.
  • Positive Company Culture: Offering PMI demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare, fostering a positive and supportive culture that boosts overall morale.

For a modern business, investing in employee health is investing in the company's most valuable asset: its people.

What Does a Typical UK Group PMI Policy Cover?

It's crucial for both employers and employees to understand what private medical insurance is designed for.

The Golden Rule: Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., joint-pain requiring a hip replacement, cataracts, hernias).
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure).

Standard PMI policies do not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any ailment for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the years leading up to your policy start date.

Here’s a breakdown of what is typically included and excluded:

Typically Covered (for Acute Conditions)Typically Excluded
In-patient & Day-patient Treatment: Surgery and tests requiring a hospital bed.Pre-existing Conditions: Ailments you had before the policy began.
Out-patient Cover: Specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, X-rays).Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension.
Cancer Cover: Comprehensive cover for diagnosis and treatment is a core feature.Emergency Services: A&E visits are handled by the NHS.
Mental Health Support: Access to therapists, psychiatrists, and counselling.Routine Pregnancy & Childbirth: Though complications may be covered.
Therapies: Physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment (often up to a set limit).Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures that are not medically necessary.
Virtual GP Services: 24/7 access to a doctor via phone or video call.Routine Dental & Optical Care: Usually available as an add-on, not standard.

Understanding Underwriting

When setting up a group scheme, an insurer will use one of two main methods to assess risk:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common for small groups. The insurer doesn't ask for medical history upfront. Instead, they apply a 'moratorium' period (usually two years). If an employee makes a claim, the insurer will check if it relates to a condition they had in the five years before joining. If they go two continuous years on the policy without needing treatment, advice, or medication for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): Employees complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then reviews this and explicitly lists any conditions that will be excluded from cover from the outset. This provides more certainty but requires more admin.

For larger companies, insurers may offer 'Medical History Disregarded' (MHD) underwriting, which agrees to cover pre-existing conditions. This is a premium option typically available for groups of 20+ employees.

The Tangible Benefits for Employees: Beyond Just Skipping the Queue

For an employee, the advantages of having company-provided private health cover are life-changing.

1. Faster Access to Specialists

This is the cornerstone benefit. Instead of a potentially lengthy wait for an NHS consultation after a GP referral, an employee with PMI can often see a private specialist within days. This rapid access reduces anxiety and allows for a treatment plan to be put in place almost immediately.

2. Choice and Control

PMI puts the employee in the driver's seat. They often have a choice over:

  • The Specialist: They can choose a specific consultant based on reputation or recommendation.
  • The Hospital: They can select from a nationwide network of high-quality private hospitals.
  • The Timing: Appointments and procedures can be scheduled at their convenience, minimising disruption to work and family life.

3. Comfort and Privacy

Treatment in a private hospital typically includes a private en-suite room, better food menus, and more flexible visiting hours. This comfortable and calm environment can significantly aid recovery.

4. Access to Advanced Treatments and Drugs

Some PMI policies provide access to newer, innovative drugs or treatments that may not yet be approved for widespread use on the NHS due to cost or other factors. This can be particularly crucial in areas like cancer care.

5. Comprehensive Mental Health Support

Modern PMI is about treating the whole person. Recognising the UK's growing mental health crisis, leading insurers now offer extensive mental health benefits as standard, including:

  • Direct access to counselling and therapy sessions without a GP referral.
  • Cover for psychiatric treatment, including in-patient care if needed.
  • Access to digital mental wellbeing platforms, such as mindfulness apps and computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT).

How Digital Health and Wellness Programmes are Reshaping PMI

The best PMI providers are no longer just passive payers of claims. They are proactive partners in an employee's health journey. This evolution is driven by technology.

  • Virtual GP Services: Most policies now include 24/7 access to a private GP via phone or video call. This is incredibly convenient for getting quick advice, prescriptions, or referrals without leaving home or the office.
  • Wellness Apps and Incentives: Insurers like Vitality have pioneered a model that rewards healthy behaviour. Employees can earn points and discounts for hitting step counts, going to the gym, or completing health checks. This gamified approach encourages proactive health management.
  • Proactive Health Management Tools: Some brokers enhance this further. For example, clients who arrange their private medical insurance through WeCovr get complimentary access to CalorieHero, an AI-powered nutrition app. This helps employees proactively manage their diet and fitness, potentially preventing health issues from arising in the first place.

These digital tools make healthcare more accessible, engaging, and preventative, delivering even greater value to both the employer and the employee.

Choosing the Right PMI Plan for Your Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the market for company health insurance can seem daunting. Here’s a simple process to follow.

Step 1: Assess Your Workforce and Budget Consider the demographics of your team. A younger workforce might prioritise mental health and virtual GP services, while an older workforce may be more focused on comprehensive cancer care and therapies. Determine a realistic monthly budget per employee.

Step 2: Understand the Levels of Cover Policies are not one-size-fits-all. They can be tailored to your needs.

Level of CoverDescriptionBest For
BasicCovers in-patient and day-patient treatment only. Diagnostics and consultations must be done via the NHS.Businesses on a tight budget wanting to cover major medical events.
IntermediateAdds some out-patient cover, typically with a financial limit (e.g., £1,000 per year for consultations and tests).A good balance of cost and comprehensive cover for most common needs.
ComprehensiveProvides full cover for in-patient and out-patient treatment, usually with extensive therapy and mental health benefits.Companies wanting to offer a top-tier benefit to attract and retain senior talent.

Step 3: Consider Key Policy Options

  • Excess: This is the amount an employee pays towards a claim (e.g., the first £100). A higher excess lowers the overall premium.
  • Hospital List: Insurers have different lists of hospitals. A more limited list can reduce the cost.
  • 6-Week Wait Option: A popular cost-saving measure. With this option, the PMI will only cover treatment if the NHS waiting list for that procedure is longer than six weeks. If the NHS can treat the employee within six weeks, they will use the NHS.

Step 4: Use an Expert PMI Broker This is the most crucial step. A specialist independent broker, like WeCovr, can save you time, money, and hassle.

  • Whole-of-Market Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies from all the leading providers to find the best fit for your specific needs and budget.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is free for you to use. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the policy price.
  • Expert Negotiation: We leverage our industry knowledge and relationships to negotiate the best possible terms and premiums for your business.
  • Admin Support: We handle the paperwork and application process, making it seamless for you and your team.
  • Added Value: When you purchase PMI or life insurance through us, we can often provide discounts on other types of business or personal insurance you may need.

The Cost of Company Health Insurance: What to Expect

The cost of a group PMI policy is influenced by several factors:

  • Average age of employees: Premiums are higher for older workforces.
  • Level of cover: Comprehensive plans cost more than basic ones.
  • Location: Premiums are typically higher in Central London due to higher private hospital costs.
  • Industry: Higher-risk occupations may have slightly higher premiums.
  • Policy excess: A higher excess reduces the monthly cost.

As a rough guide, a mid-range policy for a small business outside of London might cost between £35 and £70 per employee per month. However, the only way to get an accurate figure is to get a tailored quote.

Tax Implications

It's important to note that company health insurance is considered a 'benefit-in-kind'. This means the employee will have to pay income tax on the value of the benefit (the premium), and the employer will pay Class 1A National Insurance contributions on the cost of the premiums. The cost is, however, a tax-deductible business expense for the company.


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

An acute condition is a disease or injury that is short-term and likely to be cured with treatment, such as a hernia, cataracts, or a joint injury requiring surgery. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions. A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured but can be managed, like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. Chronic conditions are not covered by standard PMI.

Do employees have to pay tax on company health insurance?

Yes. In the UK, private medical insurance provided by an employer is treated as a 'benefit-in-kind'. This means the value of the insurance premium is added to the employee's income, and they will pay income tax on it. The employer also pays Class 1A National Insurance contributions on the premium amount. The business can, however, claim the cost of the policy as a tax-deductible expense.

How does a specialist PMI broker like WeCovr help a business?

An expert broker like WeCovr provides impartial, whole-of-market advice at no cost to your business. We compare policies and premiums from all leading UK insurers to find the optimal plan for your company's specific needs and budget. We handle the application process, explain the complex terms in plain English, and can often negotiate better terms than if you went direct. Our goal is to save you time and money while ensuring your team gets the best possible cover.

The decision to offer private medical insurance is a powerful statement about the kind of employer you want to be. It’s an investment in your people’s health, your company’s productivity, and your organisation’s future success.

Ready to explore how private medical insurance can transform your employee benefits package? Contact the friendly, expert team at WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover the best private health cover for your business.

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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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