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10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Private Health Insurance

10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Private Health Insurance

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 daunting. This expert guide simplifies the process, providing a clear checklist to help you make a confident and informed decision about your health cover.

WeCovr's checklist for making a confident PMI choice

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) can seem complex, with its unique terminology and myriad options. Yet, at its core, PMI is about giving you choice, control, and peace of mind over your health. With NHS waiting lists in the UK involving millions of treatment pathways, more people are considering private options for prompt access to high-quality care.

This checklist is designed to demystify the process. By asking these ten simple but crucial questions, you can cut through the noise, compare policies effectively, and find the cover that truly fits your life and budget.

1. What does PMI actually cover (and what does it exclude)?

This is the most fundamental question, and the answer is critical. Private medical insurance is designed to cover the cost of treatment for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

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 cataracts, joint replacements, or hernias.

Crucially, standard UK PMI policies do not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, received advice for, or were treated for before your policy start date.
  • Chronic Conditions: Illnesses that are long-lasting and cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. PMI will not cover the ongoing management of these conditions.

Understanding this distinction is key to managing your expectations. PMI is not a replacement for the NHS; it's a complementary service designed to handle specific, curable health issues quickly.

Typically Covered (Acute Conditions)Typically Excluded
In-patient & Day-patient Treatment: Surgery, hospital stays.Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness you had before the policy.
Cancer Care: Diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy.Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure.
Diagnostic Scans: MRI, CT, and PET scans.Routine GP Services: You still use your NHS GP for initial diagnosis.
Specialist Consultations: Seeing a consultant privately.Emergency Services: A&E visits, ambulance services.
Mental Health Support: (Varies by policy) Consultations, therapy.Cosmetic Surgery: Unless medically necessary after an accident.
Physiotherapy & Therapies: Post-operative or for acute injuries.Routine Maternity & Childbirth: Some policies offer complications cover.

Real-Life Example: If you develop knee pain after taking out your policy and a scan reveals a torn meniscus requiring surgery, PMI would likely cover the consultation, scan, and operation. However, if you have long-standing arthritis in that knee, PMI would not cover its ongoing management.

2. How does the underwriting process work?

'Underwriting' is how an insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they will and won't cover. It's a vital part of the application process. There are two main types in the UK:

Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: This is the most common and straightforward option.

  • You don't declare your full medical history upfront.
  • Instead, the policy automatically excludes any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the five years before your policy started.
  • However, if you remain free of symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition for a continuous two-year period after your policy begins, the exclusion may be lifted, and the condition could become eligible for cover.

Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): This involves a more detailed application.

  • You complete a full health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history.
  • The insurer assesses your information and then tells you exactly what is excluded from your policy from day one. These exclusions are typically permanent.
FeatureMoratorium UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Application ProcessQuick and simple. No health forms.Longer process with a detailed health questionnaire.
Clarity on CoverAmbiguity at first. Cover is determined at the point of claim.Complete clarity from day one. You know exactly what's excluded.
Cover for Pre-existingCan be covered after a 2-year clear period.Declared conditions are usually excluded permanently.
Best ForPeople with a clean bill of health or minor past issues.People with a more complex medical history who want certainty.

A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can provide invaluable guidance on which underwriting type is most suitable for your personal circumstances, ensuring there are no surprises when you need to make a claim.

3. What level of cover do I really need?

PMI isn't a one-size-fits-all product. Insurers offer different tiers of cover, allowing you to balance benefits with your budget. Think of it like choosing a car – do you need the basic model that gets you from A to B, or the comprehensive version with all the optional extras?

Here’s a breakdown of the typical levels:

  • Basic / In-patient Only: This is the entry-level cover. It typically pays for your treatment only when you are admitted to a hospital bed (as an in-patient or day-patient). It covers surgery, accommodation, and nursing care. Critically, it usually does not cover the initial diagnostic tests or consultations needed to find out what's wrong.
  • Mid-Range / In-patient & Out-patient: This is the most popular choice. It includes everything in a basic plan, plus a set amount of cover for out-patient diagnostics and consultations. This means the costs of seeing a specialist and having scans (like MRIs or CTs) are covered up to a certain limit (e.g., £1,000 or £1,500 per year).
  • Comprehensive: This is the top-tier level of cover. It provides extensive cover for in-patient and day-patient treatment, plus unlimited or very high limits for out-patient care. These policies often include more extensive mental health cover, alternative therapies, and other premium benefits.

How to Choose? Your choice depends on your priorities and budget. If your main concern is the cost of major surgery, a basic plan might suffice. If you want prompt access to diagnostics to skip NHS queues for scans and specialist appointments, a mid-range or comprehensive plan is a much better fit.

4. Which hospitals can I use?

Your choice of hospital has a direct and significant impact on your premium. Insurers group hospitals into lists or networks, and the broader the list, the higher the cost.

  • Local Hospital Lists: These lists include a curated selection of private hospitals in your local area, but might exclude premium-priced facilities, especially in Central London. This is often the most cost-effective option if you're happy to be treated locally.
  • National Hospital Lists: These offer a wide choice of private hospitals across the UK, giving you more flexibility. They usually include most major private hospital groups like Nuffield Health, Spire Healthcare, and Circle Health Group.
  • Premium / London Lists: These are the most comprehensive (and expensive) lists. They include everything on the national list plus the top-tier private hospitals in Central London, which are known for their high costs (e.g., The London Clinic, The Wellington Hospital).

Top Tip: If you live outside the South East and have no intention of travelling to London for treatment, you can make significant savings by choosing a hospital list that excludes these high-cost centres. Always check that your preferred local private hospital is on the list before you buy.

5. How can I control the cost of my premium?

Aside from your level of cover and hospital list, there are several other levers you can pull to make your private health cover more affordable.

1. The Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your eligible treatment costs £3,000, you pay the first £250 and the insurer pays the remaining £2,750. A higher excess will lower your monthly or annual premium. Excesses typically range from £0 to £1,000.

2. The 6-Week Option: This is a popular cost-saving feature. If you add a 6-week option to your policy, you agree to use the NHS for in-patient treatment if the NHS waiting list for that procedure is less than six weeks. If the wait is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in immediately. As this option introduces a chance you'll use the NHS, insurers reduce your premium significantly. It’s a pragmatic way to protect against long waits while keeping costs down.

3. No Claims Discount (NCD): Similar to car insurance, most PMI policies feature an NCD. For every year you don't make a claim, you receive a discount on your renewal premium, up to a maximum level (often 60-75%).

4. Using a Broker: An independent broker like WeCovr compares the entire market for you. We have access to deals and plans not always available direct, and our expert advice ensures you're not paying for cover you don't need. This service comes at no extra cost to you.

6. Does the policy include out-patient and diagnostic cover?

This question is so important it deserves its own section. For many people, the main benefit of PMI is avoiding the long waits for diagnostic tests and specialist appointments.

Let's clarify the terms:

  • In-patient: You are admitted to a hospital and stay overnight.
  • Day-patient: You are admitted for a procedure but do not stay overnight.
  • Out-patient: You visit a hospital or clinic for a consultation or test but are not admitted. This includes seeing a specialist, having blood tests, or undergoing scans like X-rays, CTs, and MRIs.

Without out-patient cover, you would rely on your NHS GP for a referral and then join the NHS waiting list to see a specialist and get diagnosed. Only then could your PMI cover the subsequent in-patient treatment.

Adding out-patient cover bridges this gap. It allows you to see a specialist and get diagnosed privately and quickly, often within days or weeks. Policies offer different levels of out-patient cover, from a few hundred pounds to fully unlimited. Carefully consider how important rapid diagnosis is to you when choosing your plan.

Out-patient Cover LevelWhat it Means for YouIdeal For
NoneYou use the NHS for all consultations and diagnostics.Those on a tight budget, primarily concerned with covering major surgery costs.
Limited (e.g., £1,000)Covers the cost of several consultations and key diagnostic scans.A good balance of cost and benefit, significantly speeding up the diagnostic pathway.
UnlimitedComplete peace of mind. All eligible out-patient costs are covered.Those who want the most comprehensive cover available, with no financial caps on diagnostics.

7. What about mental health support?

In an age of increasing awareness around mental wellbeing, this is a vital consideration. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), rates of depression and anxiety remain a significant public health issue in the UK.

PMI policies have evolved to offer much better mental health support than in the past, but the level of cover varies enormously.

  • Basic policies may offer minimal or no cover for mental health.
  • Mid-range policies often include a set number of out-patient therapy sessions (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy) and may provide access to digital mental health support apps and helplines.
  • Comprehensive policies can offer extensive support, including access to psychiatrists and psychologists and cover for in-patient psychiatric treatment if required.

When comparing policies, look specifically at the mental health section. Does it cover just diagnostics, or does it extend to treatment? Is there a financial limit or a cap on the number of therapy sessions? For many, strong mental health cover is a non-negotiable feature.

8. Are there any extra benefits or wellness programmes?

Modern health insurance is about more than just paying claims; it's about promoting a healthy lifestyle to prevent illness in the first place. Insurers now compete to offer the best wellness benefits and rewards.

Look out for valuable extras such as:

  • Discounted Gym Memberships: Savings at major UK gym chains.
  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call, often with the ability to get private prescriptions.
  • Health and Wellness Apps: Tools for tracking fitness, nutrition, and mental wellbeing.
  • Health Screenings: Discounts or cover for preventative health checks.
  • Second Medical Opinion Services: The ability to have your diagnosis and treatment plan reviewed by a world-leading expert.

At WeCovr, we enhance this further. All our PMI clients receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to support their health goals. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us are eligible for exclusive discounts on other insurance products, providing even greater value.

9. How does the claims process work?

Knowing you have cover is one thing; knowing how to use it is another. The claims process is generally straightforward, but it's vital to follow the correct steps to ensure your treatment is approved and paid for.

Here is the typical journey:

  1. Visit Your NHS GP: Your journey always starts with your GP. You discuss your symptoms, and if they feel you need specialist attention, they will provide you with an 'open referral'. This means they are referring you to a type of specialist (e.g., a dermatologist) rather than a named individual.
  2. Contact Your Insurer: With your open referral, you call your insurer's claims line. You'll provide details of your symptoms and the referral.
  3. Get Pre-authorisation: This is the most important step. The insurer will check your policy to confirm you are covered for the condition. They will then provide you with a list of approved specialists and hospitals from your hospital list and issue a pre-authorisation number. Never book a consultation or treatment without pre-authorisation, as your insurer may refuse to pay.
  4. Book Your Appointment: You can now book your appointment with the authorised specialist.
  5. Receive Treatment: The specialist will bill your insurer directly. You only need to pay your excess (if you have one).

A smooth claims process is a hallmark of a good insurer. Reading reviews and understanding this process upfront can save a lot of stress later.

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

In a complex market, expert guidance is invaluable. While you can go direct to an insurer, using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr offers several distinct advantages, at no extra cost to you.

  • Whole-of-Market Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. We compare policies from all the leading UK providers (like Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality) to find the best fit for you.
  • Expert Knowledge: We live and breathe private medical insurance. We understand the nuances of each policy, the pitfalls to avoid, and the best ways to structure your cover to maximise value. We translate the jargon into plain English.
  • Personalised Service: We take the time to understand your unique needs, budget, and health concerns before recommending a solution. This isn't a comparison website algorithm; it's tailored advice from a human expert.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is free. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the price of the policy whether you buy direct or through a broker. You get expert advice without paying a penny for it.
  • Support at Claim Time: Should you need to make a claim, we can be there to offer guidance and support, helping you navigate the process with your insurer.

Choosing the right private medical insurance is a significant decision. By working through these ten questions, you equip yourself with the knowledge to choose confidently, ensuring your policy delivers exactly what you need, when you need it most.

Do I need to declare my full medical history for PMI?

It depends on the type of underwriting you choose. With 'Moratorium' underwriting, you do not need to declare your history upfront; conditions from the last 5 years are automatically excluded for a 2-year waiting period. With 'Full Medical Underwriting', you must complete a detailed health questionnaire, and the insurer will specify any permanent exclusions from the start. A broker can help you decide which is best for you.

Can I add my family to my private health insurance policy?

Yes, absolutely. Most UK private medical insurance providers allow you to add your partner and dependent children to your policy. It's often more convenient and can sometimes be more cost-effective than taking out separate policies for each family member. You can tailor the cover for each person on the policy if needed.

Is private medical insurance worth it if I'm young and healthy?

For many young and healthy individuals, PMI is worth considering for several reasons. Firstly, premiums are significantly lower when you are younger. Secondly, it provides peace of mind and quick access to treatment for unexpected acute conditions, injuries, or illnesses, helping you get back to work and life faster. Finally, many policies include valuable wellness benefits like gym discounts and 24/7 digital GP access that you can use even when you're well.

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Take the guesswork out of private medical insurance. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our friendly experts will compare the UK's leading insurers to find a policy that protects your health and your wallet.

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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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