TL;DR
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 900,000 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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
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 900,000 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 Extra | What It Covers | Who Is It For? |
|---|---|---|
| Out-patient Cover | Consultations 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. |
| Therapies | Physiotherapy, 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 Cover | A 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 Benefits | Provides 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 Treatment | The 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?
| Feature | WPA Shared Responsibility | Traditional Excess (Other Insurers) |
|---|---|---|
| How it Works | You 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 Claims | You 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 Claims | Your contribution is capped, protecting you from huge bills. | Once your excess is paid, the insurer covers the rest (up to policy limits). |
| Impact on Premium | Significantly reduces your monthly premium. | A higher excess reduces your premium, but you pay more upfront when you claim. |
| Best For | People 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.
- Age: As with all health insurance, premiums increase with age as the statistical likelihood of needing treatment rises.
- Location: Treatment costs vary across the UK. Hospital charges in Central London, for example, are significantly higher than in other parts of the country.
- 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.
- 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 Level | Estimated 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 Level | Estimated 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?
What is WPA 'Shared Responsibility' and how does it work?
Is WPA cheaper than other insurers like Bupa or Axa?
Can I choose my own hospital and specialist with WPA?
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.
