Why Using WeCovr Beats Going Direct to Bupa or AXA
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr offers expert, impartial advice on private medical insurance in the UK. This guide reveals why using a specialist broker provides significant advantages over approaching insurers like Bupa or AXA directly, helping you secure superior cover at a better price.
Discover why independent brokers like WeCovr often secure better deals than going direct to insurers
When searching for private health cover, your first thought might be to go straight to a household name like Bupa or AXA. It seems logical. They are the providers, after all. However, this direct route can often mean you pay more for a policy that isn't perfectly suited to your needs.
The world of private medical insurance (PMI) is complex. Policies are filled with jargon about underwriting, hospital lists, and benefit limits. By going direct, you are navigating this maze alone, with advice only from a representative whose job is to sell you their company's product.
An independent broker, like WeCovr, works differently. Our allegiance is to you, the client. We provide a whole-of-market view, comparing policies from a wide panel of insurers to find the optimal combination of cover and cost for your unique circumstances. It's a service that costs you nothing but could save you hundreds of pounds and ensure you have the right protection when you need it most.
The UK Private Health Insurance Landscape: A 2025 Snapshot
Understanding why a broker is beneficial requires a quick look at the current UK healthcare climate. The NHS remains a national treasure, providing incredible care to millions. However, it is facing unprecedented pressure.
As of late 2024, NHS England's referral-to-treatment (RTT) waiting list stood at approximately 7.54 million cases. This means millions of people are waiting for routine consultations and procedures. The median waiting time was over 14 weeks, with a significant number waiting much longer.
This reality has led to a surge in interest for private medical insurance in the UK. PMI is not a replacement for the NHS—it works alongside it. It's designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions, which are curable illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment.
Key Players in the UK PMI Market:
- The Insurers: These are the large companies that underwrite and provide the policies. Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality are the "big four," but there are many other excellent specialist insurers, such as The Exeter, WPA, and National Friendly. Each has its own strengths, hospital networks, and policy features.
- The Brokers: Independent intermediaries like WeCovr are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We act as a bridge between you and the insurers. Our role is to provide expert advice, compare the market on your behalf, and help you find the most suitable policy at a competitive price.
Going Direct to an Insurer: The Apparent Simplicity
It’s easy to see the appeal of going straight to a big-name insurer. Their adverts are on television, their brands are familiar, and their websites seem straightforward. You can get a quote in minutes. But this convenience comes with hidden drawbacks.
Limitations of Going Direct:
- A Biased View: When you speak to Bupa, they will only tell you about Bupa's policies. They will not tell you if an equivalent policy from Aviva is cheaper or if a plan from Vitality offers better wellness rewards for your lifestyle. Their goal is to sell their product, not to find the best product on the market for you.
- You Do All the Work: To properly compare the market yourself, you would need to get individual quotes from Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, and several other insurers. This means filling out multiple long forms and trying to compare complex, non-identical policy documents side-by-side—a confusing and time-consuming task.
- Risk of Overpaying: You might assume going direct cuts out the "middleman" and saves money. The opposite is often true. Insurers offer brokers preferential rates and exclusive deals because brokers bring them a large volume of well-matched customers. You cannot access these deals as an individual.
- Misunderstanding the Small Print: A direct sales agent may not have the time or impartiality to explain the intricate details. Do you understand the difference between moratorium underwriting and full medical underwriting? Do you know which hospitals are on their 'standard' list versus their 'extended' list? A small misunderstanding can lead to a declined claim later on.
A Real-Life Example: Sarah's Story
Sarah, a 45-year-old freelance graphic designer, decided she needed private health cover. She went directly to a major insurer's website and bought a policy for £70 per month. A year later, she needed physiotherapy for a shoulder injury. She was dismayed to find her policy had a very low outpatient limit of £500, which barely covered her initial consultation and two follow-up sessions. She had to pay for the rest herself.
Had Sarah used a broker, they would have identified that as a designer who relies on her physical wellbeing, a higher outpatient limit was crucial. The broker could have found a policy from a different insurer with a £1,500 outpatient limit for just £75 per month, providing far greater value and peace of mind.
The Independent Broker Advantage: Why WeCovr Excels
Using an expert, independent PMI broker like WeCovr transforms the process of buying health insurance from a confusing chore into a simple, confident decision.
Unbiased, Whole-of-Market Advice
Our first duty is to you. We are not tied to any single insurer. We partner with a carefully selected panel of the UK's leading health insurance providers, giving us a comprehensive view of the entire market.
When you speak with a WeCovr adviser, our process is to:
- Listen: We take the time to understand your personal situation, your family's needs, your budget, and what's most important to you in a health plan.
- Analyse: We use our expert knowledge and sophisticated tools to scan the market, comparing dozens of policies.
- Recommend: We present you with a shortlist of the most suitable options, explaining the pros and cons of each in plain English. We'll tell you why one policy might be better for you than another, even if it's slightly more expensive.
This impartial guidance is the single biggest difference between using a broker and going direct. You get the full picture, not just one chapter of the book.
Access to Exclusive Deals and Better Premiums
Because brokers introduce a significant volume of business to insurers, we have negotiating power that individuals simply don't. This often translates into tangible benefits for our clients.
How WeCovr Secures Better Deals:
- Special Broker Rates: Many insurers offer special pricing schemes available only through their broker partners.
- Enhanced Cover: We can sometimes negotiate enhanced benefits at no extra cost, such as adding travel cover or increasing an outpatient limit.
- Market Leverage: Insurers are competing for our business. This healthy competition drives prices down and encourages them to offer more attractive terms.
Let's look at a typical cost comparison for a healthy, non-smoking 40-year-old in London seeking a mid-range policy with a £250 excess.
| Approach | Insurer(s) Considered | Typical Monthly Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Going Direct to Insurer A | Insurer A Only | £85 | Limited to one provider's options and standard pricing. |
| Using WeCovr Broker | Insurer A, B, C, D, E+ | £72 | Broker found a near-identical policy with Insurer C at a lower price, plus a higher outpatient limit. |
Note: These are illustrative prices for comparison purposes only. Your actual premium will depend on your age, location, health, and chosen cover level.
Expert Guidance Through Complex Jargon
Private medical insurance has its own language. Without a translator, it's easy to get lost. A WeCovr adviser acts as your personal guide.
Key Terms We Demystify for You:
- Underwriting: This is how insurers assess your medical history. The two main types are:
- Moratorium (Mori): The most common type. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer automatically excludes treatment for any pre-existing conditions you've had in the last 5 years. This exclusion can be lifted if you remain symptom-free for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide your full medical history at the start. The insurer assesses it and tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from day one. This provides more certainty but can be a longer process.
- Excess: The amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will significantly lower your monthly premium. We can help you find the sweet spot between a manageable excess and an affordable premium.
- Hospital List: Insurers have different lists of approved hospitals. A cheaper policy might use a more restricted list that doesn't include the top private hospital in your area. We ensure your chosen policy includes the facilities you'd want to use.
- Outpatient Limit: This is the maximum amount your policy will pay per year for consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI scans), and therapies that don't require a hospital bed. Limits can range from zero to unlimited, and choosing the right level is crucial.
A Personalised Service Tailored to You
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for health insurance. Your needs are unique.
- For the Family: You might want a policy that includes your children, perhaps with specific cover for paediatric care.
- For the Self-Employed: You need a policy that gets you back to work quickly, with strong diagnostic and outpatient cover.
- For the Retiree: You might be more focused on comprehensive cancer care and a hospital list that includes facilities near you.
A WeCovr adviser considers all these factors. We don't just sell you a policy; we help you build a protection plan that fits your life. This includes ongoing support—if you need to make a claim or review your cover at renewal, we are here to help.
No Cost to You: How Do Brokers Get Paid?
This is the best part. Our expert advice and market comparison service is completely free for you.
How does it work? If you decide to purchase a policy through us, the insurer pays us a commission. This commission is built into the insurer's overall pricing structure, whether you buy direct or through a broker. Because of the discounts we secure, the final premium you pay is often lower than if you had gone direct, even after our commission is accounted for.
You get expert, impartial advice and a better price, at no extra cost. It's a win-win.
A Critical Point: Understanding Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
This is one of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of private medical insurance in the UK. It is vital to be clear:
Standard PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
- Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for a hernia.
- Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, it has no known cure, it is likely to recur, or it requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
PMI does not cover the treatment of chronic conditions. It also generally excludes pre-existing conditions—any ailment for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice in the 5 years before your policy starts.
A good broker will always make this crystal clear. Our job is to ensure you have no surprises and fully understand what you are covered for.
WeCovr's Added Value: More Than Just a Broker
We believe in supporting our clients' overall wellbeing. When you choose WeCovr for your private medical insurance, you gain more than just a policy—you get access to a suite of benefits designed to help you live a healthier life.
- Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: All our PMI and Life Insurance clients receive free access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It's a fantastic tool to help you manage your diet, understand your nutritional intake, and work towards your health goals.
- Discounts on Other Insurance: We value your loyalty. When you take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy with us, we offer attractive discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as income protection or critical illness cover. This allows you to build a comprehensive financial safety net for less.
- Trusted by Customers: While we don't chase awards, we are incredibly proud of the high satisfaction ratings we consistently receive on independent customer review websites. Our clients value our clear, friendly, and professional service, which is the greatest endorsement we can have.
A Practical Comparison: Going Direct vs. Using WeCovr
To make the choice even clearer, here is a side-by-side comparison of the two approaches.
| Feature | Going Direct (e.g., to Bupa or AXA) | Using an Independent Broker (WeCovr) |
|---|---|---|
| Choice of Insurers | One. You only see their products. | Whole of market. Compare dozens of policies from all leading UK insurers. |
| Advice Quality | Biased. The adviser works for the insurer. | Impartial. The adviser works for you, the client. Regulated by the FCA. |
| Price | Standard public rates. Often more expensive. | Access to broker-exclusive deals and preferential rates. Often cheaper. |
| Personalisation | Limited. Based on a narrow product set. | Highly personalised. Policy is built around your specific health, budget, and life needs. |
| Time & Effort | High. You must research multiple insurers yourself. | Minimal. We do all the research and comparison for you. |
| Clarity & Jargon | Risk of confusion. You interpret complex policy documents alone. | Fully explained. Your adviser demystifies the jargon and ensures you understand everything. |
| Claims & Renewal Support | You deal with a large call centre. | Personal support from your adviser who can assist with claims and ensure you get the best deal at renewal. |
| Cost of Advice | N/A | Free. Our service costs you nothing. |
Beyond Premiums: A Holistic Approach to Your Wellbeing
Having private health cover is about more than just treating illness; it's about investing in your long-term health. Many modern PMI policies actively reward healthy living. We encourage our clients to adopt a holistic view of their wellbeing, focusing on four key pillars.
The Four Pillars of Health
- A Balanced Diet: What you eat is the foundation of your health. Focus on a diet rich in whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Using an app like our CalorieHero can help you track your intake and make informed choices without the stress of constant counting.
- Restful Sleep: The UK is a sleep-deprived nation. According to the ONS, nearly half of UK adults report feeling tired from lack of sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's essential for immune function, mental clarity, and physical recovery.
- Regular Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be a brisk walk, a bike ride, swimming, or dancing. Regular exercise lowers the risk of chronic diseases, boosts mood, and improves energy levels.
- Mental Resilience: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Many PMI policies now offer excellent mental health support, from counselling sessions to access to therapy apps. Don't be afraid to use these resources. Taking time for mindfulness, hobbies, and social connection is also vital.
By focusing on these areas, you not only improve your quality of life but can also benefit from lower insurance premiums and wellness rewards offered by providers like Vitality.
Is it really cheaper to use a health insurance broker like WeCovr?
What does private medical insurance not cover?
How do I choose the right PMI policy for my family?
Do I have to pay the broker for their service?
Your Next Step to Better Health Cover
Choosing private medical insurance is a significant decision. By going direct to an insurer, you are limiting your options and likely paying more for the privilege.
By partnering with an expert independent broker like WeCovr, you gain an advocate who works for you. We provide a clear, unbiased view of the entire market, leverage our negotiating power to find you a better price, and offer personalised advice to ensure your policy is a perfect fit.
Ready to discover the right private health cover at the best price?
Related guides
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!
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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Who Are WeCovr?
WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.
Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!