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Will Private Insurance Cover Cosmetic or Elective Surgery

Will Private Insurance Cover Cosmetic or Elective Surgery

It’s a common question we hear at WeCovr: will my policy pay for the surgery I want? As an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 800,000 policies, we know that understanding the nuances of private medical insurance in the UK is key to making an informed choice for your health.

Clarifying common cosmetic exclusions and when reconstruction procedures are eligible

One of the most significant points of confusion for those considering private health cover is the line between cosmetic surgery and medically necessary procedures. It's a crucial distinction that determines whether your insurer will cover the costs.

In simple terms, standard private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute medical conditions — unforeseen illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment. It is not designed to cover procedures undertaken purely for aesthetic reasons.

However, the picture becomes more detailed when we look at reconstructive surgery, which often uses the same techniques as cosmetic surgery but for a very different purpose. This guide will demystify the rules, explain the exceptions, and help you understand exactly what you can expect from your private health cover.

A critical point to remember from the outset: standard UK private medical insurance does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management, like diabetes or asthma. A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before your policy started. PMI is for new, acute conditions that arise after you are covered.

What is the Core Purpose of Private Medical Insurance?

Before diving into cosmetic exclusions, let's briefly recap what PMI is for. Its primary goal is to provide you with prompt access to high-quality private healthcare for eligible, acute conditions. This allows you to bypass potential NHS waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment.

According to the latest NHS England statistics, the median waiting time for consultant-led elective treatment was around 15 weeks, with hundreds of thousands of patients waiting over a year. PMI offers a valuable alternative for those who want peace of mind and faster access to care.

Core benefits of a typical PMI policy include:

  • Prompt consultations: Seeing a specialist quickly after a GP referral.
  • Advanced diagnostics: Access to MRI, CT, and PET scans without long waits.
  • Private hospital treatment: Choice of hospital and a private, en-suite room.
  • Cancer care: Comprehensive cover for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.
  • Mental health support: Increasing levels of cover for therapy and psychiatric care.

Procedures that are purely for cosmetic enhancement fall outside this scope because they are not treating an underlying medical condition.

The Crucial Distinction: Cosmetic vs. Medically Necessary Reconstruction

This is the most important concept to grasp. Insurers draw a hard line between surgery to improve appearance and surgery to restore function or correct a deformity caused by illness, injury, or a congenital abnormality.

Cosmetic Surgery (Generally Not Covered): This is any procedure where the primary goal is to change or enhance a physical feature you are unhappy with. The body part in question is functioning normally.

Reconstructive Surgery (Often Covered): This is a procedure to correct or restore form and function. It aims to repair damage caused by an accident, a disease (like cancer), or a condition you were born with.

Let's look at some real-life examples to make this clear.

Procedure TypePurely Cosmetic (Not Covered) ExampleMedically Necessary Reconstruction (Potentially Covered) Example
Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)Reshaping the nose to make it smaller or remove a bump for aesthetic reasons.Correcting a deviated septum to resolve severe breathing difficulties or rebuilding a nose damaged in a car accident.
Breast SurgeryBreast augmentation (enlargement) to increase cup size for cosmetic purposes.Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy due to breast cancer.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)Removing excess skin from the eyelids to create a more youthful appearance.Removing excess skin that droops over the eyelashes and significantly obstructs vision (a condition called ptosis).
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)Removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen after weight loss or pregnancy for a flatter stomach.Repairing separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) if it's causing a significant hernia. This is a high bar to clear.

The key question an insurer will always ask is: "Is this treatment intended to cure or relieve a disease, illness, or injury?" If the answer is no, it will almost certainly be classified as cosmetic and excluded from cover.

While some cases are clear-cut, others exist in a grey area where the line between cosmetic and medical necessity is blurred. In these situations, the approval process is more rigorous.

1. The Role of Psychological Distress

A common argument from patients is that a physical feature is causing them significant mental and emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression. Can a procedure be approved on these grounds?

The answer is: rarely, and only in extreme cases.

For an insurer to consider covering a procedure based on psychological impact, you would need:

  • A formal diagnosis of a significant psychiatric condition (e.g., severe depression, Body Dysmorphic Disorder) from a consultant psychiatrist.
  • A clear recommendation from that psychiatrist stating that the surgery is a necessary part of your treatment plan.
  • Evidence that other, less invasive treatments (like therapy or medication) have been tried and failed.

Even with this evidence, approval is not guaranteed. Insurers are cautious because it's a subjective area. A good example might be prominent ears (pinnaplasty) in a child who is experiencing severe, documented bullying and psychological trauma as a direct result. For an adult, this is much harder to get approved.

2. The Specialist's Recommendation is Key

Your GP cannot authorise a procedure. They can only refer you to a specialist. It is the consultant's report that forms the basis of the insurer's decision.

The consultant must provide a clear medical rationale for the procedure, outlining:

  • The underlying medical diagnosis.
  • The functional problem the procedure will solve (e.g., "restore breathing," "prevent chronic skin infections," "remove a pre-cancerous lesion").
  • Why this specific procedure is the most appropriate treatment.

If the consultant's report suggests the primary motivation is aesthetic, the claim will be denied.

An experienced PMI broker like WeCovr can be a great asset here. While we can't influence a medical decision, we understand the process intimately. We can help ensure your claim is submitted with all the necessary information, liaise with the insurer on your behalf, and help you understand the policy's specific terms and conditions before you even start the process.

Common Cosmetic Exclusions in UK Private Health Cover

All private medical insurance UK policies contain a list of general exclusions. Procedures related to cosmetic surgery are always on this list. While the exact wording varies, you can expect the following treatments to be explicitly excluded if performed for purely aesthetic reasons:

  • Facelifts, brow lifts, and neck lifts
  • Cosmetic rhinoplasty
  • Liposuction and body contouring
  • Abdominoplasty (tummy tucks)
  • Breast augmentation
  • Cosmetic dentistry (veneers, teeth whitening)
  • Hair transplants
  • Varicose vein treatment (unless causing significant medical symptoms like pain or ulcers)

Mole removal is another common query. If a dermatologist recommends removing a mole because it shows signs of being pre-cancerous (dysplasia) or cancerous (melanoma), this is a medical necessity and will be covered. If you want a mole removed simply because you don't like its appearance, you will have to pay for it yourself.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Reconstructive Procedure Approved

If you and your GP believe you need a procedure that could be considered reconstructive, here is the process you will need to follow:

  1. Visit Your GP: This is always the first step. Discuss your symptoms and medical issue. Your GP will decide if a referral to a private specialist is appropriate. Most PMI policies require a GP referral to activate cover.
  2. Contact Your Insurer for Pre-Authorisation: Before you even book a specialist appointment, call your insurer. Tell them your GP has recommended a referral and get a pre-authorisation number. This confirms your policy is active and that consultations for this type of issue are covered.
  3. Attend the Specialist Consultation: The consultant will examine you, perhaps order diagnostic tests (which should also be pre-authorised), and determine a diagnosis and treatment plan.
  4. Submit the Treatment Plan to the Insurer: The consultant's office will typically provide you or the insurer with a detailed plan, including the procedure name, the medical justification, and the estimated costs (procedure code).
  5. Await the Insurer's Decision: The insurer's clinical team will review the consultant's report and assess it against your policy's terms and conditions. They will check if the procedure is to treat a diagnosed medical condition and is not on the exclusions list.
  6. Receive Confirmation: If approved, you will receive confirmation of cover. The hospital and specialist will then bill the insurer directly. If denied, the insurer must provide a clear reason.

What About 'Elective' Surgery? A Common Misunderstanding

The term "elective surgery" often causes confusion. Many people think it means optional or cosmetic, but in a medical context, it has a different meaning.

Elective Surgery simply refers to any surgery that is not a medical emergency and can be scheduled in advance.

This means that a huge range of medically necessary procedures covered by PMI are technically "elective."

Surgery TypeDefinitionIs it Covered by PMI?Examples
Emergency SurgeryMust be performed immediately to save life or limb. Usually handled by the NHS A&E.No. PMI is not for emergencies. You should always call 999 or go to A&E.Surgery after a major car crash, ruptured appendix, heart attack.
Elective (Medically Necessary) SurgeryNon-emergency surgery to treat a diagnosed condition. Can be scheduled.Yes. This is the primary purpose of private health cover.Hip/knee replacement, cataract removal, hernia repair, cancer surgery.
Elective (Cosmetic) SurgeryNon-emergency surgery to improve appearance. Can be scheduled.No. This is a standard exclusion on all policies.Facelift, liposuction, breast augmentation.

So, when your PMI provider says they cover "elective surgery," they mean medically necessary procedures like a knee replacement or gallbladder removal, not a nose job or a tummy tuck.

Choosing the Right Private Medical Insurance UK Policy

Not all PMI policies are created equal. The level of cover you choose can impact the extent of benefits, especially for complex reconstructive procedures or related therapies.

  • Basic Policies: These often cover in-patient treatment only and may have stricter limits on hospital choice and cancer care. They will still cover eligible reconstruction but may not cover follow-up therapies as extensively.
  • Mid-Range Policies: These usually add out-patient cover, allowing for specialist consultations and diagnostics. This is the most popular level of cover and provides a good balance of benefits and cost.
  • Comprehensive Policies: These offer the highest level of cover, often including enhanced mental health support, dental and optical benefits, and more extensive therapies (physiotherapy, etc.). This can be beneficial for a long recovery process after major reconstructive surgery.

When choosing a policy, it's vital to read the "General Exclusions" section of the policy document carefully. This is where you will find the specific wording on cosmetic and aesthetic treatments.

This is where working with an independent broker like WeCovr makes a real difference. We can help you:

  • Compare the market: We search policies from all the leading UK insurers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
  • Understand the jargon: We explain the policy details in plain English, so you know exactly what is and isn't covered.
  • Find the right level of cover: We help you decide whether a basic, mid-range, or comprehensive plan is right for you.
  • Save you money: Our service is free to you, and we can often find exclusive deals. Plus, WeCovr clients get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, and can receive discounts on other insurance products like life or income protection cover.

Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing clear, impartial, and helpful advice.

A Note on Wellness and Prevention

While insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best strategy is always prevention. A healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing conditions that might require surgery in the first place.

  • Protect Your Skin: Using a high-SPF sunscreen daily is the single most effective way to prevent skin cancers like melanoma, which may require significant reconstructive surgery if left untreated.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being a healthy weight reduces the strain on your joints, lowering the likelihood you'll need a hip or knee replacement. It also reduces the risk of hernias. Our CalorieHero app can be a fantastic tool to help you manage your nutrition and weight effectively.
  • Stay Active: Regular, moderate exercise strengthens your muscles and bones, improving stability and reducing your risk of falls and injuries that could require surgical repair.

These simple steps contribute to your overall well-being and can help you avoid the need for medical intervention down the line.


Will my private medical insurance cover mole removal?

Generally, PMI will only cover mole removal if it is deemed medically necessary by a consultant dermatologist. If a mole is removed because it shows pre-cancerous or cancerous changes, the procedure will be covered. However, if you want a mole removed for purely cosmetic reasons because you dislike its appearance, this will be excluded from cover and you will have to fund it yourself.

Is breast reduction covered by private health insurance in the UK?

Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) can sometimes be covered, but it must be proven to be medically necessary. It is not covered if the reason is purely cosmetic. To be eligible, you would need a specialist to confirm that the size of your breasts is causing significant physical health problems, such as chronic back and neck pain, skin infections under the breasts, or postural issues that have not responded to other treatments like physiotherapy. The criteria for approval are very strict.

How do I prove a surgical procedure is medically necessary and not just cosmetic?

You don't have to prove it yourself; your consultant specialist does. After your GP refers you to a specialist, the consultant will assess your condition. If they recommend surgery, they will write a report for your insurer that details your medical diagnosis and explains why the procedure is required to treat your condition or restore function. The insurer's clinical team then reviews this report to make their decision based on the medical evidence and the terms of your policy.

The Final Word

Understanding the distinction between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery is the key to managing your expectations of private health cover. While PMI is an incredibly valuable tool for accessing prompt treatment for medical conditions, it is not a solution for aesthetic enhancements.

The rule is simple: if the surgery is to treat a disease, injury, or congenital defect, it may be covered. If it's to alter your appearance for cosmetic reasons, it will not be.

Ready to explore your options for private medical insurance and find a policy that gives you and your family peace of mind?

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will help you navigate the market and find the perfect cover for your needs.

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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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