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10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Health Insurance

10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Health Insurance 2025

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr understands that choosing private medical insurance in the UK can feel complex. This guide simplifies the process, providing you with the essential questions to ensure you find the right cover for your needs and budget.

WeCovr's checklist of key questions every buyer should ask

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) requires a bit of homework. To make an informed decision, you need to look beyond the monthly premium and understand the intricacies of the policy. Think of it as investing in your future health and peace of mind. Getting it right means having a safety net you can rely on when you need it most.

This comprehensive checklist is designed to empower you. We'll walk through the ten most important questions, demystifying the jargon and highlighting the details that truly matter.

1. What does the policy actually cover?

This is the most fundamental question. At its heart, private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover the cost of treatment for acute conditions that arise after your policy has started.

An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of conditions like hernias, cataracts, or joint problems requiring replacement.

CRITICAL POINT: Standard UK private medical insurance does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

  • Chronic Condition: A condition that continues long-term and cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before taking out the policy.

The core of any PMI policy is built around three types of care:

Type of CareDescriptionReal-Life Example
In-patientYou are admitted to a hospital and stay overnight for one or more nights for treatment.Having a planned hip replacement surgery and staying in hospital for several days to recover.
Day-patientYou are admitted to a hospital or clinic for a planned procedure but do not stay overnight.Undergoing cataract surgery or an endoscopy and going home the same day.
Out-patientYou visit a hospital or clinic for a consultation, diagnosis, or treatment but are not admitted.Seeing a specialist consultant, having diagnostic tests like an MRI scan, or attending a physiotherapy session.

Most entry-level policies cover in-patient and day-patient care as standard. Comprehensive plans will also include extensive out-patient cover. Understanding this distinction is key to managing your budget and expectations.

2. What are the exclusions and limitations?

Knowing what isn't covered is just as important as knowing what is. Every policy has a list of general exclusions. While these vary slightly between insurers, they almost always include:

  • Chronic Conditions: As mentioned, long-term management of conditions like diabetes or arthritis is not covered.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical issues you had before the policy began.
  • Emergency Services: Treatment in an Accident & Emergency (A&E) department. The NHS provides emergency care for everyone in the UK. PMI is for planned, non-emergency treatment.
  • Normal Pregnancy & Childbirth: Routine maternity care is excluded, though some comprehensive policies may cover complications.
  • Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures that are not medically necessary.
  • Self-inflicted Injuries: Including those related to substance abuse.
  • Mobility Aids: Items like wheelchairs or stairlifts.
  • Experimental Treatment: Therapies or drugs that are not yet approved by mainstream medical bodies.

Don't let this list put you off. The purpose of PMI is to complement the NHS, not replace it. It gives you control and choice over eligible, acute conditions, helping you bypass long waiting lists. According to NHS England data for 2025, the number of people on waiting lists for consultant-led elective care remains a significant concern, reinforcing the value of having a private alternative.

3. How does the underwriting process work?

'Underwriting' is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide the terms of your policy. In the UK, there are two main types.

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. You must declare your full medical history. The insurer then assesses this information and will state clearly from the outset which conditions, if any, will be excluded from your cover.

  • Pros: Certainty from day one. You know exactly what is and isn't covered.
  • Cons: A more time-consuming application process.

Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting

This is the most common and simpler option. You don't need to provide your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition for which you've had symptoms, medication, or advice in the 5 years before your policy started.

However, if you then go for a set period without any treatment, advice, or symptoms for that condition (usually 2 continuous years after your policy starts), the insurer may add it to your cover.

  • Pros: Quick and easy to set up.
  • Cons: Less certainty. A condition you thought was minor could be excluded when you come to claim.

Here’s a simple comparison:

FeatureFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting
ApplicationLong health questionnaire required.No initial medical questions.
ExclusionsClearly defined in your policy documents from the start.General exclusions for conditions from the last 5 years.
ClarityHigh. You know what's covered immediately.Lower. The claims process can be slower as history is checked then.
Best ForPeople who want absolute clarity and have a complex medical history.People in good health who want a quick and simple start.

A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can explain these options in detail and help you decide which is the right fit for your circumstances.

4. What is the excess and how does it affect my premium?

An 'excess' is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim. For example, if your policy has a £250 excess and your eligible treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the remaining £2,750.

The excess is usually payable once per policy year, per person. You can choose your excess level, and this has a direct impact on your monthly premium.

The rule is simple: a higher excess leads to a lower premium.

Excess LevelExample Monthly Premium*How it Works
£0£85You pay nothing towards your claim; premiums are highest.
£250£70A popular, balanced option.
£500£60A good way to reduce premiums if you can afford the initial outlay.
£1,000£45Offers the lowest premiums but requires a significant contribution at claim time.

*Premiums are illustrative for a 40-year-old non-smoker and will vary based on many factors.

Choosing the right excess is about balancing affordability with risk. Consider how much you could comfortably pay if you needed to make a claim tomorrow.

5. Which hospitals can I use?

Insurers don't provide access to every private hospital in the country on every policy. They group hospitals into lists or tiers, and your choice of list affects your premium.

  • Local/Trust Hospital Lists: These offer access to a selection of local private hospitals or private patient units within NHS hospitals. This is the most budget-friendly option.
  • National Lists: A broader choice of hospitals across the UK, excluding the most expensive facilities (often in Central London). This is the most common choice.
  • Premium/London Lists: Includes all hospitals in the national list plus the top-tier private hospitals in Central London, which are known for their high costs. This is the most expensive option.

When getting a quote, think about where you would want to be treated. Do you need access to a specific specialist hospital, or are you happy with the options in your local area? WeCovr’s advisors can help you compare policies based on which hospitals are most important to you, ensuring you don’t pay for access you don’t need.

6. Are there limits on treatments like therapies or diagnostics?

While the best private health cover provides generous benefits, almost all policies have limits. These can be:

  • An Overall Annual Limit: A maximum amount the policy will pay out in a single year (e.g., £1 million or often 'unlimited').
  • Per-Treatment Limits: Specific limits on certain types of care, especially for out-patient cover.

It’s crucial to check the small print for limits on:

  • Diagnostics: The number of MRI, CT, and PET scans covered.
  • Therapies: The number of sessions for physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic treatment (e.g., up to £1,000 per year or a set number of sessions).
  • Mental Health: Cover for talking therapies or psychiatric treatment is often an add-on and may have its own financial or session-based limits.
Policy TierOut-patient Cover LimitComplementary Therapies LimitMental Health Cover
Entry-Level£0 or up to £500Often not includedUsually an add-on
Mid-Range£1,000 - £1,500Up to £500Often included with limits
ComprehensiveFully CoveredFully CoveredMore extensive cover included

These limits are a key way insurers differentiate their products. A cheaper policy might look appealing, but if its out-patient limit is too low, you could end up paying for consultations and scans yourself.

7. What extra benefits are included?

The UK private medical insurance market is highly competitive, so providers often include valuable extra benefits to stand out. These can significantly enhance the value of your policy. Look out for:

  • Digital GP / Virtual GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call. This is incredibly convenient, allowing you to get medical advice, prescriptions, and referrals without leaving your home.
  • Wellness Programmes & Discounts: Many insurers offer rewards for healthy living, such as discounted gym memberships, wearable tech, or even cinema tickets.
  • Mental Health Support: Beyond formal treatment, many policies now include access to 24/7 helplines, stress counselling sessions, and mental wellbeing apps.
  • Second Opinion Services: Access to world-leading specialists to review your diagnosis and treatment plan.

When you buy a policy through WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to support your health goals. Furthermore, customers who purchase PMI or life insurance with us are often eligible for discounts on other types of cover, providing even greater value.

8. How will my premium change over time?

Your initial premium is not fixed for life. It's important to understand why your payments will likely increase each year at renewal. There are three main drivers:

  1. Age: As we get older, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases. Most insurers use age-based pricing bands, so your premium will go up each year as you move into a new band.
  2. Medical Inflation: The cost of medical technology, new drugs, and specialist expertise rises faster than standard inflation. This is factored into your renewal price to ensure the insurer can cover the cost of future treatments. Typically, this adds 5-8% per year.
  3. Claims History: Some, but not all, insurers use a No-Claims Discount (NCD) system, similar to car insurance. If you don't make a claim, your discount increases. If you do claim, your discount may be reduced, leading to a higher premium the following year.

It’s also worth noting that all premiums are subject to Insurance Premium Tax (IPT), a government tax currently set at 12%. Any changes to IPT will affect your premium.

9. What is the claims process like?

A policy is only as good as its claims service. You want a process that is simple, quick, and stress-free. The typical claims journey looks like this:

  1. Visit your GP: If you have a medical concern, your first port of call is usually your NHS GP. They will assess you and, if necessary, provide an 'open referral' to a specialist.
  2. Contact your Insurer: Before you book any appointments or treatment, you must call your insurer’s claims line. This is called pre-authorisation.
  3. Get Authorisation: You will provide your insurer with your symptoms and referral details. They will check your cover and confirm if the condition and proposed treatment are eligible. They will give you an authorisation number and a list of approved specialists or hospitals.
  4. Book Your Treatment: You can now book your consultation or procedure with the authorised specialist.
  5. Direct Settlement: The best part of PMI is that the bills are handled for you. The hospital or specialist will send their invoice directly to your insurer for payment. You only need to pay your excess (if applicable).

A smooth claims process is a hallmark of the best PMI providers. High customer satisfaction ratings on independent review websites are a good indicator of a company that looks after its members.

10. Why should I use a broker instead of going direct?

While you can buy private medical insurance direct from an insurer, using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr offers several significant advantages, at no extra cost to you.

FeatureUsing a Broker (like WeCovr)Going Direct to an Insurer
ChoiceCompare policies from a wide range of leading UK insurers.Limited to the products offered by that one company.
AdviceExpert, impartial guidance to find the policy that best suits your specific needs and budget.Advice is biased towards their own products.
PriceBrokers can find the most competitive prices across the market.You may not get the best value available.
SimplicityWe do the hard work of comparing features, limits, and hospital lists for you.You have to do all the research and comparison yourself.
SupportOngoing support, including help at renewal or if you have issues with a claim.Support is limited to that insurer's customer service team.
CostThe service is free. Brokers are paid a commission by the insurer you choose.The price is the same, but without the expert guidance.

Using a broker ensures you get a holistic view of the market. We can explain the subtle but crucial differences between policies that you might otherwise miss, helping you avoid costly mistakes and securing a private health cover plan that truly protects you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is private medical insurance worth it if I have the NHS?

For many people in the UK, the answer is yes. While the NHS provides excellent emergency and critical care, private medical insurance offers a valuable complement. Its main benefits are speed, choice, and comfort. You can bypass long NHS waiting lists for eligible treatments, choose your specialist and hospital, and recover in a private room. It provides peace of mind that you can access prompt care for acute conditions when you need it most.

Can I get health insurance for a pre-existing condition?

Generally, standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover pre-existing conditions. These are any medical issues for which you have experienced symptoms or sought advice or treatment before your policy starts. The purpose of PMI is to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you join. Some specialist policies may exist, but they are rare and expensive. It's vital to be transparent about your medical history during the application process.

Can I add my family to my health insurance policy?

Yes, absolutely. Most insurers allow you to add your partner and dependent children to your policy. It's often more convenient to have everyone on one plan, and some insurers offer a small discount for family or couple policies compared to buying individual plans separately. Each person on the policy will have their own cover, and claims made by one family member will not affect the cover for others.

Ready to Find the Right Cover?

Answering these ten questions will put you in a strong position to choose the right private medical insurance. The next step is to see what's available.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert advisors will compare leading UK providers for you, answer all your questions, and help you find the perfect policy for your peace of mind.

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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.
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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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