TL;DR
WPA is a non-profit organisation specialising in health insurance based in Taunton, Somerset. They partner with individuals and companies sharing their values to offer personal and business health insurance policies in the UK.
Key takeaways
- WPA Health App: Manage your account and claims conveniently.
- Remote GP Services: Access to private GP consultations by phone or video.
- Health and Wellbeing Helpline: Telephone support provided by experts covering various areas.
- In-patient and Day Patient Treatment: Hospital fees, specialists fees, critical care, diagnostic tests, therapy, and more.
- Out-patient Treatment: Specialist consultations up to £250 a year as standard, with full MRI, CT, and PET scan cover.
WPA Health Insurance
Introduction to WPA
WPA is a non-profit organisation specialising in health insurance based in Taunton, Somerset. They partner with individuals and companies sharing their values to offer personal and business health insurance policies in the UK.
History of WPA
In 1901, workers founded the Reading Work People's Voluntary Hospital Contributory Fund to support members' health care costs. In 1939, the fund merged with the Bristol Hospital Fund, becoming the Western Provident Association (WPA). WPA relocated from Bristol to Taunton, Somerset, in 1992.
WPA was recognised by the World Health Organisation for pioneering coinsurance or shared responsibility policies, where patients contribute a portion of the liability up to an agreed limit.
WPA Insurance Policy Review
WPA exclusively focuses on health insurance. Their current individual and family PMI product is Complete Health. Older references to Complete Health relate to a product that closed to new sales in July 2023 and should not be used as the basis for a new recommendation.
This review therefore focuses on WPA's current Complete Health proposition: core hospital cover, out-patient options, cancer cover, remote GP support, and cost-control features such as Shared Responsibility where selected.
WPA Key Benefits
- WPA Health App: Manage your account and claims conveniently.
- Remote GP Services: Access to private GP consultations by phone or video.
- Health and Wellbeing Helpline: Telephone support provided by experts covering various areas.
- Structured Counselling: Up to six sessions of brief counselling if referred through the helpline.
WPA has received multiple awards, including being a Which? Recommended Provider and Health Insurance Provider of the Year from 2020 to 2023.
WPA Core Cover
Included base benefits with WPA health insurance:
- In-patient and Day Patient Treatment: Hospital accommodation, theatre fees, and specialist charges for eligible treatment.
- Out-patient Treatment: Specialist consultations up to £250 a year as standard, plus full MRI, CT, and PET scan cover.
- Remote GP Services: Private GP helpline, video consultations, prescriptions.
- NHS Hospital Cash Benefit: Financial support during NHS treatment.
- Home Nursing: Four weeks covered.
- Private Ambulance: Full cover when medically necessary.
- Parent and Child Accommodation: Support for a parent accompanying a child during treatment.
WPA Optional Extras
Additional optional extras to enhance your policy:
- Extra Out-patient Consultations
- Out-patient Diagnostic Tests
- Cancer Care
- Therapies
- Mental Health Treatment
- Dental Care
- Cash Extras
- Overseas Emergency Treatment
- Premium Hospitals
What Isn't Covered?
WPA health insurance covers acute conditions, excluding chronic conditions like diabetes. All exclusions are listed in policy documents. Standard exclusions include:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Long-term chronic conditions
- Emergency treatment
- Preventative or screening-only treatment
- Pregnancy and fertility
- Injuries from winter sports
- Dangerous activities and substance misuse
Underwriting & Excess Options
WPA offers different underwriting options and excess choices to tailor your policy:
- Underwriting Options: Moratorium, Full Medical Underwriting (FMU), and continued switch terms from some previous insurers.
- Excess Options: £0, £100, £250, or £500 excess, plus Shared Responsibility where selected.
- Other Important Terms: A 14-day deferment applies for new symptoms arising at the start of cover, and new joiners aged 66 or over generally need FMU with at least a £500 excess.
How to Make a Claim
- Visit your GP.
- Contact WPA for pre-authorisation.
- WPA will advise on covered and authorised treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Still Use the NHS with WPA Insurance?: Yes, NHS treatment is available alongside WPA insurance.
- Can I Choose Where I Am Treated?: WPA offers hospital access options and recognised specialist pathways, subject to your chosen cover and policy terms.
- Do I Need Health Insurance?: Health insurance provides access to private services and avoids NHS waiting times.
- Does WPA Offer Cancer Care Cover?: WPA offers comprehensive cancer cover within its current Complete Health proposition, with the exact scope depending on selected benefits and policy terms.
- Can I Tailor My Cover?: Yes, optional extras are available for additional premium.
- Does WPA Offer Family Health Insurance?: Yes, you can add your partner and children to your plan.
This guide provides an overview of WPA's health insurance offerings, benefits, and answers to common questions. For personalised advice and quotes, contact WPA directly.
Terms and conditions apply to all offerings mentioned.
Sources
- NHS England: Waiting times and referral-to-treatment statistics.
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Health, mortality, and workforce data.
- NICE: Clinical guidance and technology appraisals.
- Care Quality Commission (CQC): Provider quality and inspection reports.
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Public health surveillance reports.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Health and protection market publications.
Disclaimer: This is general guidance only and does not constitute formal tax or financial advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances, policy terms, and HMRC interpretation, which cannot be guaranteed in advance. Whenever applicable, businesses and individuals should always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before arranging such policies.
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