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10 Questions to Ask Before Buying PMI

10 Questions to Ask Before Buying PMI 2025

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel overwhelming. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, we believe that the right information empowers you to make the best choice for your health and finances. This guide provides the essential questions to ask.

WeCovr's essential buyers checklist

Choosing a private health cover plan is a significant decision. To ensure you get a policy that fits your needs and budget, it's vital to ask the right questions. We've compiled the top 10 questions every prospective buyer should ask, based on our extensive experience helping thousands of clients across the UK. Think of this as your personal checklist for a smarter, more confident purchase.

1. What's Actually Covered (and What's Not)?

This is the most fundamental question. A private medical insurance policy isn't a blank cheque for all healthcare. It's designed for specific circumstances, and understanding its limits is crucial to avoid disappointment later.

The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

The single most important concept to grasp is that standard UK PMI is designed to cover acute conditions.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a broken bone, appendicitis, a cataract, or a hernia.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

Crucially, standard private health cover does not pay for the ongoing management of chronic conditions. It also won't cover any pre-existing conditions you had before you took out the policy (more on this in Question 3).

Core Cover vs. Optional Extras

Every policy is built on a foundation of 'core cover', with the option to add extra benefits for a higher premium.

Coverage TypeWhat It Typically IncludesIs It Core or Optional?
In-Patient CareCovers costs when you are admitted to a hospital bed overnight. This includes surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital accommodation, and nursing care.Core
Day-Patient CareCovers procedures where you are admitted to a hospital bed but do not stay overnight, such as an endoscopy or minor surgery.Core
Out-Patient CareCovers consultations, diagnostic tests (like MRI scans), and therapies that do not require a hospital bed. This is a vital but usually optional extra.Optional
Mental HealthCan range from basic in-patient cover to comprehensive out-patient therapy and psychiatric support.Optional
TherapiesCovers treatments like physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care.Optional
Dental & OpticalCovers routine check-ups, emergency dental work, and costs for glasses or contact lenses.Optional

Real-Life Example: Imagine you develop sudden, severe knee pain.

  • Your GP suspects a torn ligament. The GP visit itself is on the NHS.
  • Without out-patient cover: You'd join the NHS waiting list for an MRI scan and a consultation with an orthopaedic specialist.
  • With out-patient cover: Your PMI policy would pay for a prompt private MRI scan and specialist visit, often within days.
  • If the specialist recommends surgery (an in-patient or day-patient procedure), your core cover would pay for the private operation, bypassing the longer NHS surgical waiting list.

2. How is My Premium Calculated (and How Can I Lower It)?

Your monthly or annual premium isn't a random figure. Insurers use several key factors to calculate the risk and, therefore, the cost. Understanding these factors gives you the power to influence your premium.

FactorHow It Affects Your PremiumWhy?
AgeHigher Premium as you get older.The statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases with age.
LocationHigher Premium in major cities, especially London.Private hospital and specialist costs are significantly higher in urban centres.
LifestyleHigher Premium for smokers.Smoking is linked to a wide range of health conditions, increasing risk.
Cover LevelHigher Premium for more comprehensive cover.Adding out-patient, mental health, or therapy cover increases the potential for claims.
ExcessLower Premium for a higher excess.You agree to pay more towards any claim, reducing the insurer's liability.
Hospital ListLower Premium for a more restricted list of hospitals.Using a curated list of network hospitals helps the insurer manage costs.

Top Tips for Lowering Your Premium

  1. Increase Your Excess: Choosing a £250 or £500 excess instead of £0 can significantly reduce your premium. Just be sure you can afford to pay this amount if you need to claim.
  2. Add a 6-Week NHS Wait Option: This is a popular choice. If the NHS can provide the in-patient treatment you need within six weeks, you use the NHS. If the wait is longer, your private cover kicks in. This can lower premiums by up to 25%.
  3. Choose a 'Guided' Option: Agreeing to use a specialist from the insurer's pre-approved list (see Question 7) rather than choosing any consultant you wish can lead to substantial savings.
  4. Review Optional Extras: Do you really need full dental and optical cover, or comprehensive therapy options? Tailoring the policy to what you truly value is key.

A knowledgeable PMI broker like WeCovr can model these different scenarios for you, finding the sweet spot between comprehensive protection and an affordable premium.

3. What Type of Underwriting Should I Choose?

Underwriting is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will and won't cover. This is where the rules on pre-existing conditions are applied. There are two main types in the UK.

Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting

This is the most common type for individuals and families. It's a "wait and see" approach.

  • How it works: You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the five years before your policy started.
  • The '2-Year Rule': An excluded condition may become eligible for cover later, but only if you go for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts without experiencing any symptoms, needing treatment, or seeking advice for that condition.
  • Pros: Quick and simple application process.
  • Cons: Lack of certainty. You might not know if a condition is covered until you make a claim, which can lead to delays and potential disputes while the insurer investigates your history.

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

This method is more detailed and provides complete clarity from day one.

  • How it works: You complete a detailed health questionnaire, disclosing your full medical history. The insurer then reviews this and tells you explicitly what is and isn't covered from the outset. Any exclusions are listed clearly on your policy documents.
  • Pros: Complete transparency. You know exactly where you stand from the start.
  • Cons: The application process is longer and more intrusive.
FeatureMoratorium (Mori)Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Application ProcessQuick and easy, no health forms.Longer, requires a detailed health questionnaire.
Clarity on CoverCan be ambiguous until a claim is made.Clear from the start; exclusions are written on the policy.
Pre-existing ConditionsAutomatically excluded for a set period.Assessed individually and may be permanently excluded.
Claim ProcessCan be slower as insurer may need to investigate medical history.Generally faster as cover has been pre-agreed.
Best For...People with a clean bill of health seeking a quick start.People with a complex medical history who want certainty.

4. What is an 'Excess' and How Does it Work?

An excess (sometimes called a deductible) is a pre-agreed amount of money that you contribute towards the cost of a claim. The insurer pays the rest.

Understanding how your excess is applied is vital, as it differs between insurers.

  • Per Claim/Per Condition: You pay the excess once for each separate condition you claim for. If you have two unrelated claims in a year, you would pay the excess twice.
  • Per Policy Year: You pay the excess on the first claim(s) up to the agreed amount. Once you have paid the total excess amount for that year, all subsequent claims in the same policy year are paid in full by the insurer. This is generally the more favourable option.

Simple Example (Per Policy Year Excess of £250):

  • Claim 1: You have a consultation and scan costing £800. You pay the first £250. The insurer pays the remaining £550. You have now met your excess for the year.
  • Claim 2 (in the same year): You need physiotherapy costing £400. You pay £0. The insurer pays the full £400.

Choosing a higher excess is one of the most effective ways to lower your premium. However, it's a balance. Set it too high, and you might be deterred from using your policy for smaller claims.

5. Which Hospitals Can I Use?

Your choice of hospital has a direct impact on your premium. Insurers group private hospitals into lists or tiers, often based on cost. London hospitals, for example, are typically the most expensive in the UK.

Common Hospital List Tiers:

  1. Local/Network List: A curated list of hospitals, often excluding the most expensive city-centre facilities. This is the most budget-friendly option.
  2. National List: Offers access to a wide range of private hospitals across the UK, providing more choice and flexibility.
  3. Premium/London List: The most comprehensive list, including top private hospitals in Central London (e.g., The London Clinic, Cromwell Hospital). This option carries the highest premium.

Actionable Tip: Before committing, ask for the hospital list for the policy you're considering. Check that it includes convenient, high-quality hospitals near your home and workplace. There's no point paying for a national list if you're happy with the excellent private hospital just down the road.

6. Does the Policy Cover Mental Health?

With growing awareness of mental health challenges, this has become a critical question for many buyers. According to the NHS, 1 in 4 adults in the UK experience a mental illness. Standard PMI policies often provide limited mental health cover, so it's essential to check the details.

  • Basic Cover: Many core policies will only cover mental health if it requires in-patient treatment (i.e., you are admitted to a psychiatric hospital). They may also place a cap on the cost or duration of this treatment.
  • Comprehensive Cover (Optional Extra): A mental health add-on can transform your cover. It typically includes:
    • Out-patient consultations: Access to psychiatrists and psychologists without being admitted to hospital.
    • Therapy sessions: A set number of sessions for talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
    • Digital support: Access to mental wellness apps, online resources, and virtual therapy sessions.

If mental wellbeing is a priority for you or your family, investing in a policy with a strong out-patient mental health benefit is highly recommended.

7. What are the 'Guided' or 'Expert Select' Options?

These are modern policy features designed to provide excellent value by helping insurers manage costs. They represent a trade-off between choice and price.

  • Traditional PMI: You get a GP referral and can choose any specialist recognised by your insurer.
  • Guided/Expert Select PMI: You still get a GP referral, but instead of open choice, the insurer provides you with a shortlist of 3-5 specialists they have selected for their record of quality and cost-effective care. You choose from this pre-approved list.

Why consider a guided option? The premium savings can be substantial, often 15-20% lower than a traditional plan. You are still seeing a highly-qualified consultant, but you are giving up the freedom to choose a specific individual yourself. For many, this is a price well worth paying.

At WeCovr, we can explain the nuances of the guided options from leading providers like Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality, helping you decide if it's the right fit for you.

8. What Happens if the NHS Can Treat Me Quickly? (The 6-Week Option)

This is another popular cost-saving feature, sometimes called the 'NHS wait' or 'NHS six-week' option. It works as a safety net.

How it Works: When you need an in-patient or day-patient procedure, if the NHS waiting list for that specific treatment in your local area is less than six weeks, you agree to use the NHS. If the waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private medical insurance policy activates, and you can proceed with private treatment immediately.

Why is this valuable? Given the persistent pressure on NHS services, waiting lists for many routine procedures are often significantly longer than six weeks. For context, the median waiting time for NHS consultant-led elective care in England has frequently exceeded 14 weeks in recent years. By adding this option, you are essentially betting that the wait will be long, allowing you to secure a lower premium while still retaining access to prompt private care when it's most needed.

9. Are There Any Extra Benefits or Wellness Programmes?

The best PMI providers today do more than just pay for treatment when you're ill; they actively encourage you to stay healthy. These 'wellness' benefits can add significant day-to-day value to your policy.

Look out for features like:

  • Digital GP: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call. This is incredibly convenient for getting quick advice, prescriptions, or referrals.
  • Wellness Rewards: Points-based systems that reward healthy behaviour. You can earn discounts on your premium, free coffee, cinema tickets, or even smartwatches for tracking your steps, going to the gym, or completing health checks.
  • Health and Wellness Apps: Many policies now include subscriptions to mindfulness, fitness, or nutrition apps.
  • Second Medical Opinion Services: If you are diagnosed with a serious illness, this service allows you to have your diagnosis and treatment plan reviewed by a world-leading expert at no extra cost.

WeCovr's Exclusive Client Benefits

We believe in adding value beyond the policy itself. When you arrange your private health cover through WeCovr, you also receive:

  • Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our advanced AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to support your health goals.
  • Multi-policy discounts: As a WeCovr client, you can get discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as life insurance or income protection.

A healthy lifestyle is your first line of defence. Aim for a balanced diet rich in whole foods, 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night, and at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, as recommended by the NHS. Your PMI policy is there to support you when things go wrong, but these daily habits are your foundation for long-term wellbeing.

10. Why Should I Use a Broker Like WeCovr Instead of Going Direct?

You can go directly to an insurer, but you would only see their products and hear their perspective. An independent broker works for you, not the insurance company.

Here’s why using an FCA-authorised broker is the smart choice for buying private medical insurance UK:

  1. Impartial Expert Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our job is to understand your unique needs, budget, and priorities, and then search the market to find the best policy for you. We translate the jargon and explain the small print.
  2. Market Comparison: We have access to policies and deals from a wide range of leading UK insurers. This ensures you see a fair comparison of what's available, not just a single option.
  3. No Cost to You: Our service is free for you to use. We are paid a commission by the insurance provider you choose, which is already built into the policy price. This means you don't pay more for our expert guidance.
  4. Ongoing Support: Our relationship doesn't end once you buy. We are here to help with policy renewals, and can even offer assistance if you run into any issues when making a claim. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to our clients.

Navigating the complexities of underwriting, hospital lists, and optional extras is what we do every day. Let us do the heavy lifting, saving you time and potentially a lot of money, while ensuring you get the health cover you truly need.


Will my private medical insurance premium increase every year?

Yes, it's very likely your premium will increase at your annual renewal. This is due to two main factors: age-related increases, as you move into a higher age bracket, and medical inflation, which is the rising cost of private healthcare, drugs, and new technology. Making a claim can also impact your renewal price. However, a broker can help you review the market at renewal to ensure you're still on a competitive plan.

Do I need a GP referral to use my private health cover?

Generally, yes. For most policies, you will need to see your NHS GP first to get a referral to a private specialist. This ensures the process is medically appropriate. However, many modern policies now offer Digital GP services which allow you to get a virtual consultation and an 'open referral' without needing to see your own GP, speeding up the process considerably.

Can I get PMI if I have a pre-existing condition like diabetes or asthma?

You can still get a private medical insurance policy, but it will not cover your pre-existing or chronic conditions. PMI in the UK is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. The ongoing management, medication, and check-ups for conditions like diabetes or asthma will continue to be handled by the NHS. The PMI policy would be for other, unrelated acute issues.

Ready to Find the Right Cover?

Answering these 10 questions will put you in a strong position to choose the right private medical insurance. The next step is to see what policies are available for your specific circumstances.

Get your free, no-obligation quote from a WeCovr expert today. We'll compare leading UK providers to find a policy that protects your health and fits your budget.

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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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