WeCovr

Private Health Insurance for Limited Companies in the UK

As an insurance intermediary that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies, WeCovr understands the value of private medical insurance. This guide explains everything UK limited company directors need to know about providing this exceptional benefit, from tax implications to choosing the right PMI provider for your team.

Last updated Oct 7, 2026

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TL;DR

As an insurance intermediary that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies, WeCovr understands the value of private medical insurance. This guide explains everything UK limited company directors need to know about providing this exceptional benefit, from tax implications to choosing the right PMI provider for your team.

Key takeaways

  • Reduced Sickness Absence: This is perhaps the most direct financial benefit. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 185.6 million working days were lost because of sickness or injury in 2022. PMI helps employees get diagnosed and treated faster, meaning they can return to work quicker. This minimises project delays, reduces the cost of temporary staff, and maintains productivity.
  • Enhanced Recruitment and Retention: A quality health insurance package makes your company more attractive to high-calibre candidates. For existing staff, its a tangible benefit that fosters loyalty and makes them feel valued, reducing costly staff turnover.
  • Improved Employee Morale and Productivity: Knowing they have a safety net for their health reduces stress and financial worry for employees. A healthier, happier workforce is a more focused and productive one.
  • A Duty of Care: Providing health insurance demonstrates a strong commitment to your team's welfare, building a positive and supportive company culture.
  • Potential Tax Efficiencies: The cost of the insurance premiums is generally considered an allowable business expense, which can be offset against your company's corporation tax bill.

As an insurance intermediary that has helped arrange over 1,000,000 policies, WeCovr understands the value of private medical insurance. This guide explains everything UK limited company directors need to know about providing this exceptional benefit, from tax implications to choosing the right PMI provider for your team.

Comprehensive group PMI plans for company employees

Private Medical Insurance (PMI), often called business health insurance or group health cover when offered by an employer, is one of the most highly valued employee benefits in the UK. It gives your team access to private medical diagnosis and treatment for eligible acute conditions, helping them bypass long NHS waiting lists and get back to health, and work, sooner.

For a limited company, a group PMI plan is a powerful tool. It’s not just about healthcare; it’s a strategic investment in your most valuable asset: your people. By providing fast access to expert medical care, you demonstrate a genuine commitment to their wellbeing, which can boost morale, improve loyalty, and significantly reduce the impact of sickness absence on your business operations.

Why Should a Limited Company Offer Private Health Insurance?

Offering private health cover is a significant decision, but the advantages for both the company and its employees are compelling. In a competitive job market, it's a key differentiator that helps attract and retain top talent.

Benefits for the Employer

  • Reduced Sickness Absence: This is perhaps the most direct financial benefit. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 185.6 million working days were lost because of sickness or injury in 2022. PMI helps employees get diagnosed and treated faster, meaning they can return to work quicker. This minimises project delays, reduces the cost of temporary staff, and maintains productivity.
  • Enhanced Recruitment and Retention: A quality health insurance package makes your company more attractive to high-calibre candidates. For existing staff, it’s a tangible benefit that fosters loyalty and makes them feel valued, reducing costly staff turnover.
  • Improved Employee Morale and Productivity: Knowing they have a safety net for their health reduces stress and financial worry for employees. A healthier, happier workforce is a more focused and productive one.
  • A Duty of Care: Providing health insurance demonstrates a strong commitment to your team's welfare, building a positive and supportive company culture.
  • Potential Tax Efficiencies: The cost of the insurance premiums is generally considered an allowable business expense, which can be offset against your company's corporation tax bill.

Benefits for the Employee

  • Faster Access to Treatment: This is the core benefit. With NHS waiting lists for consultant-led elective care at record levels, PMI allows employees to bypass these queues for eligible conditions.
  • Choice and Convenience: Employees often get a choice of leading private hospitals and consultants. Appointments can be scheduled at times that suit them, minimising disruption to their work and personal lives.
  • Access to Specialist Care and Drugs: PMI can provide access to specialists, treatments, and drugs that may not be available on the NHS due to funding constraints.
  • Comfort and Privacy: Treatment is often in a private room with amenities like an en-suite bathroom, TV, and more flexible visiting hours, making a stressful time more comfortable.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that they and their families (if included in the policy) may be covered provides invaluable peace of mind.

Real-Life Example: Imagine a key member of your sales team, Sarah, needs a knee operation. The NHS waiting list is 14 months. For your company, that means over a year of Sarah being in pain, potentially on sick leave, and unable to travel to meet clients. With company PMI, she could be referred by her GP, see a specialist within a week, and have the operation in a private hospital within a month. She's back on her feet and back to driving business results in a fraction of the time.

Understanding How Group Private Medical Insurance Works

Navigating the world of PMI can seem complex, but the underlying principles are straightforward. The policy is designed to cover the cost of treating acute conditions that arise after you take out the cover.

The Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the most important concept to understand in UK private health insurance.

  • Acute Condition: An illness, disease, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair, or treatment for infections. PMI is designed for these.
  • Chronic Condition: An illness, disease, or injury that requires long-term management and has no known cure. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease. Standard UK PMI policies do not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.

Similarly, pre-existing conditions—any ailment you had before the policy started—are also typically excluded.

The Typical Patient Journey

  1. Visit the GP: An employee feels unwell and visits their NHS GP as usual. The PMI policy does not replace the need for a GP.
  2. Get a Referral: If the GP believes specialist treatment is necessary, they will provide an 'open referral' or a referral to a specific specialist.
  3. Contact the Insurer: The employee calls their PMI provider's claims line with the referral details.
  4. Authorise the Claim: The insurer checks that the condition and proposed treatment may be covered under the policy and provides an authorisation number.
  5. Book Treatment: The employee books their consultation and subsequent treatment at a private hospital from the list approved by their insurer.
  6. Direct Settlement: The hospital and specialists bill the insurance company directly, meaning the employee doesn't have to handle large invoices. The employee only pays the pre-agreed 'excess', if any.

Underwriting: How Insurers Assess Risk

For group schemes, especially for larger businesses, the underwriting options are more flexible than for individual policies.

Underwriting TypeHow it WorksBest For
Moratorium (Mori)The most common type for small groups. It automatically excludes treatment for any condition an employee had in the 5 years before joining. However, if they go 2 full years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.Small businesses (2-15 employees) wanting a quick and simple setup with no medical forms.
Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)Employees complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer reviews this and explicitly lists any conditions that will be permanently excluded from cover.Companies wanting absolute clarity from day one about what is and isn't covered. Can sometimes be cheaper if the team is in good health.
Medical History Disregarded (MHD)This is the more comprehensive (and expensive) option. The insurer agrees to cover eligible acute conditions, regardless of an employee's prior medical history. Pre-existing conditions may be covered.Larger companies (typically 20+ employees) looking to provide the highest level of cover as a premium benefit.
Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (CPME)For groups switching from another provider. The new insurer agrees to carry over the same exclusions from the previous policy, ensuring continuity of cover.Businesses wanting to switch insurers without their employees losing cover for conditions they were previously covered for.

A specialist at WeCovr or one of our broker partners can advise on the most suitable and cost-effective underwriting method for your company's specific size and needs.

Key Features and Options in a Company PMI Policy

A group PMI policy is not a one-size-fits-all product. You can tailor the cover to match your budget and the level of benefit you want to provide.

Core Cover (Included as Standard)

  • In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This is the foundation of any policy. It covers costs when an employee is admitted to hospital and requires a bed, either overnight (in-patient) or for the day (day-patient). This includes surgery, hospital accommodation, specialist fees, nursing care, and diagnostic tests.
  • Comprehensive Cancer Cover: Most policies offer extensive cancer cover, including diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Advanced options can include access to the latest cancer drugs and therapies not yet approved on the NHS.

Optional Add-ons for Enhanced Cover

  • Out-patient Cover: This is one of the most valuable additions. It covers diagnostic tests and consultations with a specialist before a hospital admission is needed. Without this, an employee would rely on the NHS for their initial diagnosis, which can involve long waits. You can often choose a limit, for example, £500, £1,000, or unlimited.
  • Mental Health Cover: With mental health being a leading cause of workplace absence, this is an increasingly popular option. It provides access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists to support employees with conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Therapies Cover: This adds cover for treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care, which are crucial for musculoskeletal issues—a major cause of sick days.
  • Dental and Optical Cover: This can be added to help employees with the costs of routine check-ups, dental treatment, and prescription eyewear.

Policy Levers to Manage Cost

  • Excess: This is the amount an employee pays towards their claim each policy year. A higher excess (e.g., £250 or £500) will significantly lower the company's premium. It encourages employees to think about whether a claim is necessary.
  • Hospital List: Insurers group hospitals into tiers based on cost. Choosing a more restricted list that excludes the most expensive central London hospitals can reduce the premium.
  • Six-Week Option: This is a clever way to reduce costs. The policy will only pay for private treatment if the NHS waiting list for that treatment is longer than six weeks. If the NHS can treat the employee within six weeks, they use the NHS. This provides a safety net while keeping premiums down.

How is the Cost of Company Health Insurance Calculated?

Insurers consider several factors to determine your company's premium. Understanding these can help you structure a policy that fits your budget.

FactorImpact on PremiumExplanation
Average Age of EmployeesHighYounger employees are generally lower risk and have cheaper premiums. The average age of the group is a key determinant of the base price.
Number of EmployeesMediumThe more employees on the scheme, the lower the average price per person, as the insurer's risk is spread. Larger groups also get access to better underwriting like MHD.
Level of CoverHighThe more options you add (e.g., outpatient, mental health, therapies), the higher the cost. Core cover is the most affordable.
Excess LevelHighA higher excess means a lower premium. An excess of £250 can reduce the premium by 10-20% compared to a zero excess policy.
Location of BusinessMediumPremiums are typically higher in London and the South East, where private hospital costs are more expensive.
Industry TypeLowSome physically demanding or higher-risk industries (e.g., construction) may attract slightly higher premiums than office-based roles.
Underwriting TypeHighMedical History Disregarded (MHD) is the most expensive, while Moratorium (Mori) is usually the most cost-effective starting point.

The Tax Implications of Company Health Insurance

For a limited company, understanding the tax treatment of PMI is essential. It’s a three-part equation involving the company, the employee, and HMRC.

  1. For the Company: Corporation Tax Relief The premiums your company pays for employee health insurance are typically considered a legitimate business expense. This means you can deduct the full cost from your company's profits before calculating your Corporation Tax bill. This makes the net cost to the business lower than the headline premium price.

  2. For the Employee: A P11D Benefit in Kind Because the employee is receiving a personal benefit paid for by their employer, HMRC classes it as a 'Benefit in Kind' (BIK). The value of the premium is treated as additional income for the employee, and they must pay income tax on it at their marginal rate (20%, 40%, or 45%). The employer reports this to HMRC on a P11D form at the end of the tax year.

  3. For the Company: National Insurance Contributions The company must pay Class 1A National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on the total value of the benefit provided. The current rate for Class 1A NICs is 13.8% (as of the 2024/25 tax year).

Simplified Example:

  • Illustrative estimate: A limited company pays a £600 annual premium for an employee's health insurance.
  • Illustrative estimate: The company can treat this £600 as a business expense, reducing its taxable profit.
  • Illustrative estimate: The employee is a basic-rate (20%) taxpayer. They may pay income tax on the benefit: 20% of £600 = £120 for the year (or £10 per month).
  • Illustrative estimate: The company pays Class 1A NICs on the benefit: 13.8% of £600 = £82.80 for the year.

Even with the tax implications, providing health insurance is often far more cost-effective and tax-efficient than simply giving an employee a pay rise of the equivalent amount. A specialist PMI broker can provide guidance, but you should always confirm your company's tax position with your accountant.

Comparing the main PMI Providers for UK Businesses

The UK market is home to several outstanding insurers, each with unique strengths. While the "best" provider depends entirely on your company's specific needs and budget, here is an overview of the main players.

ProviderKey Strengths & Focus Areas
AvivaOne of the UK's largest insurers. Known for its comprehensive 'Healthier Solutions' product, strong digital tools (including the Aviva DigiCare+ app), and excellent mental health pathways. Often praised for its clear policy documents.
AXA HealthA global health specialist with a strong focus on clinical expertise. Their 'Business Health' plan is highly flexible. They offer excellent support pathways and a 'Faster Appointments' service for musculoskeletal issues.
BupaPerhaps the most recognised name in UK health insurance. Bupa offers extensive cover through its 'Bupa By You' product and has a large network of its own hospitals and clinics. Known for its strong cancer cover and direct access services.
VitalityUnique in the market for its focus on rewarding healthy behaviour. Employees earn points for being active, which reduces their renewal premium and gives them access to rewards like cinema tickets and coffee. Excellent for companies wanting to build a proactive wellness culture.
WPAA not-for-profit insurer known for its exceptional customer service and flexible policies. They often offer unique benefits like shared responsibility, where the member co-pays a percentage of the claim, drastically reducing premiums.

Comparing these providers and their countless policy variations can be overwhelming. This is where using a regulated PMI broker is invaluable.

The Role of a WeCovr Specialist or Trusted Broker Partner

A specialist at WeCovr or one of our broker partners acts as your expert guide in the private medical insurance market. We work for you, not the insurance companies. Our role is to help you find the most suitable cover at the most competitive price, with a service that comes with no separate broker fee.

Here's how we help:

  1. Understand Your Needs: We take the time to learn about your business, your employees, and your budget.
  2. Scan the Market: We use our expertise and industry relationships to compare policies from all the leading UK insurers. We analyse the small print to find the cover that truly matches your requirements.
  3. Provide Regulated Advice: We'll present you with a clear, easy-to-understand comparison of your best options, explaining the pros and cons of each. We demystify the jargon and help you choose the right level of cover, excess, and underwriting.
  4. Handle the Admin: Once you've chosen a policy, we handle all the paperwork to get your scheme set up smoothly.
  5. Ongoing Support: A WeCovr specialist or trusted broker partner can help for the life of your policy. At renewal, we will re-scan the market to ensure you are still on the most suitable terms. If you need to make a claim, we can offer guidance.

With high customer satisfaction ratings and a commitment to transparent advice, WeCovr specialists or broker partners help hundreds of UK limited companies make a smart investment in their team's health.

Promoting Employee Wellbeing Beyond Insurance

A PMI policy is a fantastic reactive tool, but the best insurers also provide proactive wellness benefits. Modern group health insurance is about keeping people healthy, not just treating them when they're sick.

Many policies now include, as standard:

  • Virtual GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call, allowing employees to get medical advice without leaving their desk.
  • Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Confidential telephone support for a range of issues, from financial worries and legal questions to mental health and stress.
  • Health and Wellness Apps: Access to apps for mindfulness, fitness tracking, and nutrition advice.

WeCovr enhances this by providing all our health and life insurance clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. This helps your team take control of their diet and build healthier habits.

Furthermore, we believe in holistic protection. Clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through WeCovr are often eligible for discounts on other types of business or personal insurance, helping you protect your company and your life more affordably.

FAQs: Private Health Insurance for Limited Companies

Is company health insurance a taxable benefit in the UK?

Yes. For the employee, it is considered a 'Benefit in Kind' (BIK), and they may pay income tax on the value of the premium. For the employer, the premium is an allowable business expense, but the company must pay Class 1A National Insurance on the value of the benefit provided to the employee.

Does business health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance, whether for an individual or a group, is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after the policy begins. Most policies, particularly for smaller groups, will exclude pre-existing conditions. The main exception is for large corporate schemes with 'Medical History Disregarded' (MHD) underwriting, which may cover pre-existing conditions, but this is a much more expensive option.

Can I cover just the directors or do I have to cover all employees?

You have complete flexibility. You can set up a scheme to cover just the company directors, or senior management, or you can offer it to all employees. Many companies create different tiers of cover, providing a more comprehensive plan for senior staff and a core plan for other employees. A broker can help you structure this effectively.

What happens to an employee's health cover if they leave the company?

When an employee leaves the company, they will no longer be covered by the group scheme. However, most insurers will offer them the option to continue their cover on a personal basis without losing the underwriting terms they had. This is a valuable feature, as it means they can carry on being covered for conditions that arose while they were part of the group scheme.

Ready to Invest in Your Team's Health?

Providing private medical insurance is a clear signal that you are an employer who cares. It protects your business, attracts the best talent, and gives your team the peace of mind they deserve.

Navigating the market to find the perfect balance of cover and cost can be complex. Let WeCovr do the hard work for you. Our expert, regulated advice is free, and we're dedicated to finding a solution that's right for your limited company.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and find the right private medical insurance for your business.

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.

Important Information and Risks

No advice: This article is for general information only. It is not financial, legal, insurance, or tax advice, and it is not a personal recommendation. WeCovr does not assess your individual circumstances or recommend a specific product through this article.

Policy exclusions and underwriting: Insurance policies, including life insurance, private medical insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection, are subject to insurer underwriting, eligibility, acceptance criteria, terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. Pre-existing medical conditions may be excluded, restricted, or accepted on special terms unless an insurer confirms otherwise in writing.

Tax treatment: References to tax treatment, HMRC rules, or business reliefs are based on current UK legislation and guidance, which can change. Tax treatment depends on your personal or business circumstances and may differ from examples in this article.

Before you buy: Always read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID), policy summary, and full policy terms before buying, renewing, changing, or keeping cover. If you are unsure whether a policy is suitable for you, speak to an insurance adviser.

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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 experienced 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.

Private medical insurance is designed for conditions that start after your policy begins, so pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, at least at first. With moratorium underwriting, a pre-existing condition may become eligible for cover once you have gone two continuous years on the policy without symptoms, treatment or advice for it. With full medical underwriting, the insurer tells you upfront which conditions are excluded. If you are switching from another policy or leaving a company scheme, you may be able to keep your existing underwriting terms, and some larger company schemes use Medical History Disregarded underwriting, where pre-existing conditions aren't excluded. Chronic conditions that need long-term management aren't covered by standard policies.

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. Some policies can also cover treatments and drugs that aren't routinely available on the NHS.

There's no fee to get quotes through WeCovr. WeCovr and its broker partners are typically paid a commission by the insurer when you take out a policy. The cost of the policy itself depends on your age, where you live, the cover you choose and your excess.

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 may benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product, and policies differ in ways that matter. Speaking to a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners helps make sure your requirements are understood so you can choose the right cover.

WeCovr's broker partners are firms authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which requires them to treat customers fairly. You can check any firm on the FCA Register.

WeCovr and its broker partners are typically paid a commission by the insurer when a policy is taken out. The premium is set by the insurer, and you don't pay a separate fee for using the service. You can ask about the commission at any time.

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 eligible conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly or annual premium and can claim for private healthcare covered by your policy. Benefits can include quicker access to treatment than on the NHS and, on some policies, access to drugs or treatments that aren't routinely available on the NHS.

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, chronic conditions and conditions present before the policy started.

Usually not on a new personal policy: pre-existing conditions are generally excluded, whatever the premium. Depending on your underwriting, a condition may become eligible later, and if you are switching policies or leaving a company scheme you may be able to keep existing terms. If you have questions about what is covered, contact WeCovr and a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the options.

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. Depending on the insurer, it applies once per policy year or once per claim. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the excess options available.

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.

Some insurers have an upper age limit for new customers, while others don't, and age affects the price. Many insurers will renew an existing policy regardless of age. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find insurers that accept your age.

A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can compare health insurance plans from a range of insurers for you, with no fee to you. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing.

Usually, yes. Many insurers let you add a partner or dependent children, either at any time or at renewal, depending on the insurer. The cost depends on factors like their age, where you live and the cover you choose. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for help adding someone to your policy.

UK private medical insurance is designed for treatment in the UK, although some policies include limited cover abroad. If you live or work abroad, international health insurance may be more suitable, and WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you compare options. For holidays, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover usually includes more extensive benefits, such as fuller outpatient cover for consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy and mental health therapies, within the policy limits. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the different levels of cover.

Private health insurance typically does not cover routine dental treatment, although some insurers offer a dental option and there are standalone dental policies. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you compare policies with dental options.

Most private medical insurance policies include cover for cancer diagnosed after the policy starts, but the level of cover varies: some policies limit drugs, treatment time or cost. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you compare cancer cover between policies.

You can usually change your cover at renewal, and some insurers allow changes during the year. You also have a 14-day cooling-off period after receiving your policy documents, during which you can cancel. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help with changes.

Many policies include a digital GP service provided by the insurer, often with same-day or next-day appointments. Check what your policy includes.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

Yes. Insurers offer a range of cover levels to suit different budgets and needs, and a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can talk you through the options.

Your insurer can tell you which hospitals and specialists are included in your policy. For help comparing policies' hospital lists, tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a few details, and a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners will be in touch.

A fee-assured (or fee-approved) consultant has agreed to charge within your insurer's fee limits, so for eligible, authorised treatment you shouldn't have to pay a shortfall for their fees.

Many policies include some mental health cover, either as standard or as an option, usually with limits on therapy sessions or costs. Cover varies between insurers, so check the details.

Yes, children up to a certain age can usually be included on your policy, and some insurers offer discounts for children.

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. Tap a button below to get your own personalised quote through WeCovr.

Private health insurance can offer quicker access to consultations and treatment for eligible conditions, and more choice over when and where you are treated.

Many policies include physiotherapy, sometimes with limits on sessions or cost. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find plans that include it.

Services such as the insurer's digital GP app are usually available as soon as your policy starts.

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 eligible new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, chronic conditions aren't covered, and other exclusions apply.

Health insurance pays for eligible private healthcare, such as consultations and treatment, up to your policy limits. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you arrange cover.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Usually, yes: cover for eligible new conditions starts when your policy starts, and services like a nurse helpline or digital GP app are usually available straight away. If you make a claim soon after starting, the insurer may ask for a 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. Visit your insurer's website, or ask a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners, for details of member rewards.

You may be able to continue your cover with the same insurer on a personal policy, or take out a new policy. Continuing with the same insurer can mean keeping your existing underwriting, so conditions covered under the company scheme may stay covered. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can talk you through your options.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered, depending on the terms. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find the right level of cover.

Usually not, because employers often pay for or contribute to staff cover and group schemes are priced differently. Your cover level and age also affect the price. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can give you more detail.

There is usually a limited window after leaving, set by the insurer, so check as early as possible. Your personal policy can often start the day after your work cover ends, and a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain other options.

Have your leaving date and your current policy details ready, then contact WeCovr to discuss your options with a specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners.

Ongoing treatment may be covered if you continue with the same insurer on a personal policy, although it could affect the price. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain your options.

Your insurer will explain how to pay your excess when you contact them for treatment authorisation. Usually you pay it to the hospital or consultant.

Usually not: with most insurers, there's no excess for services such as a digital GP. Check your policy.

Excess changes are usually made at renewal, although some insurers allow changes at other times.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions usually aren't covered on a new personal policy. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the underwriting options.

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 are medical issues that existed before your policy started. Many insurers treat any condition you've had symptoms of, treatment for or advice about in the five years before the policy started as pre-existing. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's worth comparing policies when yours is due for renewal to check it still offers good value for the cover you need. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you compare.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but children can usually be included on a family policy. Some insurers have an upper age limit for new customers, and premiums typically increase with age. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain the age rules of different insurers.

Some insurers charge less if you pay annually, but this depends on the insurer. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can tell you whether paying annually would save you money.

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.

Usually not. With full medical underwriting you complete a medical questionnaire, and the insurer may occasionally ask your GP for a report. With moratorium underwriting there's no medical questionnaire upfront. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can explain 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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often get a GP appointment much more quickly, sometimes even on the same day, through the insurer's GP service. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find policies that include it.

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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance pays for eligible medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of the illnesses listed in the policy, which you can use however you choose, for example to replace lost income. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand the differences.

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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find appropriate cover.

If your employer pays for your health insurance, it's usually a taxable 'benefit in kind': you pay income tax on its value, normally through your tax code or payroll, and your employer pays Class 1A National Insurance. For the employer, the premiums are usually an allowable business expense. If you buy a personal policy, you pay for it from taxed income. For advice on your situation, speak to an accountant.

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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners 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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you understand the differences and choose the right option for you.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Each year you don't claim typically adds to your no-claims discount, which can reduce your premium at renewal. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the right health insurance for you, compare 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. A specialist at WeCovr or one of its broker partners can help you evaluate your options.

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, check your policy terms to see whether your insurer requires a GP referral first (many do). Some policies offer direct access without a referral for certain conditions, such as muscle and joint problems or counselling 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 published 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 practise privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant either way. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, usually a private room, and more flexible visiting. Some policies also give 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.

Usually, yes. If you have private tests or scans but then want NHS treatment, your GP or private consultant can refer you to the NHS and share your results, although the NHS team may want to repeat some tests.

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