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WPA Private Medical Insurance Who Should Choose WPA

WPA Private Medical Insurance Who Should Choose WPA 2025

With NHS waiting lists remaining a significant concern for many in the UK, exploring private medical insurance is a prudent step. As an FCA-authorised broker that has assisted with over 800,000 policies, we at WeCovr know that choosing the right provider is key. This guide delves into WPA, a unique and respected name in the UK health insurance market.

Features, costs, and unique selling points of WPA's policies for individuals and families

Western Provident Association, or WPA, isn't your average insurance company. As a not-for-profit provident association with a history stretching back over 120 years, their entire structure is built around serving their members, not shareholders.

This fundamental difference shapes everything they do, from their policy features to their customer service ethos. If you value transparency, flexibility, and a provider with a strong ethical compass, WPA could be the perfect fit for you and your family.

Who is WPA Private Medical Insurance Best For?

WPA’s unique approach appeals to specific types of customers. While they offer excellent corporate schemes, their policies for individuals and families are particularly compelling for those who:

  • Value a Partnership Approach: WPA's 'Shared Responsibility' model (which we'll explore in detail) fosters a sense of partnership. You co-pay a small portion of your claim, which significantly reduces your monthly premium. This is ideal for those who want comprehensive cover without a hefty price tag and are comfortable contributing when they need treatment.
  • Want Freedom of Choice: Unlike some insurers who have restrictive hospital lists or require you to use their approved specialists, WPA prides itself on offering greater freedom. They generally allow you to choose your preferred specialist and hospital, provided the costs are reasonable and customary.
  • Prefer a Not-for-Profit Ethos: Knowing that any company profits are reinvested back into the service, technology, and benefits for members is a huge draw for many. It provides peace of mind that the organisation's primary goal is your health, not a shareholder's dividend.
  • Are Individuals or Families Seeking Flexible Cover: WPA’s ‘Flexible Health’ policy is modular. You start with a core foundation and add the extras you need, like dental cover or therapy options. This prevents you from paying for benefits you’ll never use.
  • Are Self-Employed or Small Business Directors: While this guide focuses on personal policies, it's worth noting WPA has a strong reputation in this sector. Their understanding of the needs of small enterprises often translates into their individual policies, offering practicality and value.

A Deep Dive into WPA's 'Flexible Health' Policies

WPA’s main policy for individuals and families is called Flexible Health. It's designed to be built around your specific needs and budget. The structure is based on a core component with optional extras.

Core Cover: The Essentials

Every Flexible Health policy begins with the 'Essentials' cover. This is the foundation that protects you against the most significant medical costs.

What's typically included in WPA Essentials:

  • In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs when you are admitted to a hospital bed, either overnight (in-patient) or for a planned procedure during the day (day-patient). This includes hospital fees, specialist fees, and anaesthetist charges.
  • Extensive Cancer Cover: WPA is renowned for its comprehensive cancer care. This includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. They also have a reputation for being more open to funding new or experimental drug treatments that may not be available on the NHS.
  • NHS Hospital Cash Benefit: If you choose to have your treatment in an NHS hospital, WPA will pay you a daily cash amount. This can help cover incidental costs like travel, parking, or loss of earnings.
  • Home Nursing: Professional nursing care at home following eligible private hospital treatment.
  • Private Ambulance: Covers the cost of a private ambulance when medically necessary.
  • Parent and Child Hospital Stays: If your child needs treatment, the policy often covers the cost of one parent staying with them in the hospital.

Building Your Policy: The Optional Extras

This is where WPA's flexibility truly shines. You can choose to enhance your policy with a range of add-ons to create a plan that perfectly matches your priorities.

Optional ExtraWhat It CoversWho Is It For?
Out-patient CoverConsultations with specialists, diagnostic tests, and scans that do not require a hospital bed.Essential for most people. It's the key to getting a fast diagnosis and skipping long NHS queues for specialist appointments.
TherapiesPhysiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment, and sometimes acupuncture.Highly recommended for active individuals, those with recurring musculoskeletal issues, or anyone who wants fast access to physical rehab.
Dental CoverA specified level of cover for routine dental check-ups, restorative work, and dental emergencies.A great-value addition for those who want to budget for their dental health and avoid large, unexpected bills.
Cashback BenefitsProvides money back for routine health expenses like prescriptions, dental check-ups, and optical tests, up to an annual limit.Perfect for families and anyone who wants to claim back money on everyday healthcare spending.
Overseas TreatmentThe option to have planned treatment in a hospital abroad.A niche but potentially useful option for those who are open to medical tourism or have connections in other countries.

An expert broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these options, ensuring you only pay for the cover you truly need. We can model different combinations to find the sweet spot between comprehensive protection and an affordable premium.

The Unique Selling Points of WPA

Every insurer has its strengths, but WPA stands out from the crowd with a few key features that define its service.

1. The Not-for-Profit Advantage

As a provident association, WPA has no shareholders to pay. Any surplus funds are reinvested to benefit members. This can translate into:

  • Better Value: Premiums can be more competitive as there is no profit margin built in for external investors.
  • Member-First Decisions: The company's decisions are guided by what's best for policyholders, not by short-term profit targets.
  • Enhanced Benefits: Surpluses can be used to improve cover, invest in new health technology, or introduce new member benefits.

2. 'Shared Responsibility': WPA's Smart Co-payment Model

This is perhaps WPA’s most distinctive feature and a major reason why their premiums are often so competitive.

What is it? Instead of a traditional excess (where you pay a fixed amount, e.g., £250, at the start of a claim), WPA uses a co-payment model. With Shared Responsibility, you agree to pay 25% of the cost of each eligible claim.

Crucially, this is capped. You will never pay more than a pre-agreed annual limit, which you choose when you take out the policy. Common cap levels are £250, £500, or £1,000.

A Real-Life Example:

Let's say you have a Shared Responsibility cap of £500.

  • Claim 1: Specialist Consultation & MRI Scan

    • Total Cost: £1,200
    • You pay 25%: £300
    • WPA pays: £900
    • You have now used £300 of your £500 annual cap.

  • Claim 2: Knee Surgery

    • Total Cost: £6,000
    • Your 25% share would be £1,500.
    • However, you only have £200 left on your annual cap (£500 - £300).
    • You pay: £200 (to reach your annual cap)
    • WPA pays: £5,800
    • Your annual cap is now reached.

For any further claims in that policy year, WPA pays 100%.

This model encourages members to be mindful of treatment costs without exposing them to huge financial risk, helping to keep premiums down for everyone.

How Does Shared Responsibility Compare to a Traditional Excess?

FeatureWPA Shared ResponsibilityTraditional Excess (Other Insurers)
How it WorksYou pay 25% of each claim until you reach an annual cap.You pay a fixed amount (e.g., £250) for the first claim(s) in a policy year.
Small ClaimsYou contribute a small amount (25%) to every claim.You may have to pay the full cost of a small claim if it's less than your excess.
Large ClaimsYour contribution is capped, protecting you from huge bills.Once your excess is paid, the insurer covers the rest (up to policy limits).
Impact on PremiumSignificantly reduces your monthly premium.A higher excess reduces your premium, but you pay more upfront when you claim.
Best ForPeople who want the lowest possible premium and are happy to co-pay for treatment.People who prefer to pay a predictable, fixed amount when they claim, even if the premium is higher.

3. Advanced Cancer Care

While all major UK private medical insurance providers offer good cancer cover, WPA is frequently praised for its comprehensive and flexible approach. This often includes:

  • No financial or time limits on eligible cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
  • Access to a wider range of licensed cancer drugs, including some that may not yet be approved for widespread NHS use due to cost.
  • Proton beam therapy (on a case-by-case basis).

Important Note: The Limits of Private Medical Insurance It is vital to understand what private medical insurance is for. It is designed to cover acute conditions – diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health.

PMI does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.

  • Pre-existing Condition: Anything you have had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before your policy starts.
  • Chronic Condition: An illness that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

Your PMI policy is there for new, acute health problems that arise after you join.

Understanding WPA Insurance Costs

The cost of a WPA policy is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these will help you see how your quote is calculated.

  1. Age: As with all health insurance, premiums increase with age as the statistical likelihood of needing treatment rises.
  2. Location: Treatment costs vary across the UK. Hospital charges in Central London, for example, are significantly higher than in other parts of the country.
  3. Level of Cover: A basic 'Essentials' policy will be much cheaper than an 'Elite' policy with all the optional extras. The biggest price jump usually comes from adding full out-patient cover.
  4. Shared Responsibility Cap: The higher your annual co-payment cap (e.g., £1,000 vs £250), the lower your monthly premium will be.

Example WPA Monthly Premiums (Illustrative)

These are guide prices only. Your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances. For an accurate, personalised comparison, speak to an expert adviser at WeCovr.

Profile 1: Single Person, age 35, living in Manchester Policy with £500 Out-patient Cover and a £500 Shared Responsibility Cap

Cover LevelEstimated Monthly Premium
Essentials (Core Cover)£35 - £50
With Therapies£40 - £55
With Therapies & Dental£55 - £70

Profile 2: Family of Four (ages 40, 38, 10, 8), living in Bristol Policy with Full Out-patient Cover and a £1,000 Shared Responsibility Cap

Cover LevelEstimated Monthly Premium
Essentials + Full Out-patient£120 - £160
With Therapies£140 - £185
With Therapies & Dental£180 - £230

Choosing Your Underwriting

When you apply, you'll need to choose an underwriting method. This determines how WPA assesses your pre-existing conditions.

  • Moratorium (Most Common): You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, advice, or treatment for in the 5 years before joining. However, if you go 2 full, continuous years on the policy without any issues relating to that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer reviews your medical history and explicitly states what will and will not be covered from day one. This provides certainty but can take longer to set up.

Enhancing Your Wellbeing with WeCovr

Choosing a private medical insurance policy is a major step towards taking control of your health. At WeCovr, we believe in supporting your wellbeing journey beyond just the policy itself.

That's why when you arrange your WPA policy through us, you receive:

  • Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our advanced AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you manage your diet and health goals.
  • Exclusive Discounts: You'll be eligible for discounts on other types of insurance you may need, such as life insurance or income protection.

Our team of FCA-authorised experts can compare WPA against other leading providers like Bupa, Axa, and Vitality, ensuring you get the best possible cover for your needs and budget, all at no cost to you.

WPA: The Verdict for Individuals and Families

WPA offers a compelling and refreshing alternative in the UK private health cover market. Its not-for-profit status and innovative Shared Responsibility model make it a standout choice for the cost-conscious consumer who doesn't want to compromise on the quality of cover.

You should seriously consider WPA if:

  • You want a lower monthly premium and are comfortable with a co-payment model.
  • You value having the freedom to choose your own hospital and specialist.
  • An ethical, member-focused organisation appeals to you more than a large, profit-driven corporation.
  • You need excellent cancer cover.

However, if you prefer the predictability of a fixed excess or want a policy packed with lifestyle rewards and gym discounts (like Vitality), another provider might be a better fit. The best way to know for sure is to compare them side-by-side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does WPA cover pre-existing conditions?

No, like all standard UK private medical insurance policies, WPA does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. PMI is designed to cover new, acute medical conditions that arise after your policy has started. A pre-existing condition is anything you have had symptoms of, or received treatment or advice for, in the years leading up to your policy start date.

What is WPA 'Shared Responsibility' and how does it work?

'Shared Responsibility' is WPA's unique co-payment model. Instead of a traditional excess, you pay 25% of the cost of each eligible claim. This contribution is capped at an annual limit that you choose when you buy the policy (e.g., £500). Once you have paid that total amount in a policy year, WPA pays 100% of all subsequent eligible claims. This model helps to significantly lower your monthly premiums.

Is WPA cheaper than other insurers like Bupa or Axa?

WPA can often be more cost-effective, particularly if you opt for their 'Shared Responsibility' model, as this significantly reduces the base premium. However, the "cheapest" provider depends entirely on your age, location, and the level of cover you choose. A direct comparison from an independent broker like WeCovr is the only way to find the best value for your specific circumstances.

Can I choose my own hospital and specialist with WPA?

Generally, yes. WPA is known for offering more freedom of choice than some other insurers. While they have a list of recognised hospitals, it is extensive. They typically allow you to choose your own specialist, provided they are recognised by WPA and their fees are within reasonable and customary limits. It is always best to check with WPA before beginning any treatment.

Ready to see if WPA is the right choice for you? Get a fast, free, and no-obligation quote from our expert team at WeCovr today. We'll compare WPA with other leading UK providers to find the perfect cover for you and your family.

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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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