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Adapting to the Professional Era Growing Choices in Club-Backed Insurance

Adapting to the Professional Era Growing Choices in...

The landscape of professional sport in the UK is changing, and with it, the conversation around athlete welfare. As an FCA-authorised expert that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr is at the forefront of this evolution, helping athletes and clubs navigate the growing choices in private medical insurance.

As more clubs go pro, athletes gain bargaining power to negotiate better medical, maternity, and injury cover

For decades, the path to professional sport was a precarious one. Many athletes, particularly in newly professionalised leagues, had to accept basic insurance cover that barely addressed the unique physical demands of their careers. This cover often focused solely on catastrophic, career-ending injuries, leaving significant gaps in day-to-day medical care, mental health support, and family planning.

Today, the tide is turning. The rapid professionalisation of sports, especially visible in women's football, rugby, and cricket, has shifted the balance of power. Athletes are no longer just players; they are valuable assets and influential public figures. This newfound leverage, combined with a greater societal focus on duty of care, empowers them to demand and negotiate far more comprehensive health and wellbeing packages.

This article explores this exciting shift, breaking down what modern, club-backed insurance should look like and how athletes can secure the protection they deserve.

The Traditional Landscape: What Was "Standard" Athlete Cover?

In the semi-professional or early professional era, club-provided insurance was often a bare-bones affair. It was designed to protect the club's financial investment more than the athlete's long-term health.

Typical shortcomings of traditional cover included:

  • Injury-Only Focus: Policies would typically only trigger for injuries sustained directly during training or matches. Illnesses or injuries happening outside of sport were often excluded.
  • Limited Diagnostics: An athlete might get cover for an MRI scan on an injured knee, but not for investigating persistent migraines or digestive issues.
  • Minimal Rehabilitation: Cover might pay for the initial surgery but offer very limited funds for the extensive physiotherapy, specialist consultations, and psychological support needed for a full recovery.
  • No Cover for "Wear and Tear": The cumulative physical stress that leads to chronic pain or degenerative conditions was rarely covered.
  • Exclusion of "Non-Essentials": Dental and optical care were almost always excluded, despite their direct impact on an athlete's overall health and performance.
  • Zero Provision for Maternity/Paternity: The idea of supporting an athlete through pregnancy and their return to sport was, until very recently, virtually non-existent in contracts.

This created a precarious situation where an athlete's career could be jeopardised by an illness, a non-sporting injury, or the natural desire to start a family.

A Critical Note on Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

It's vital to understand a fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK. Standard policies, whether for athletes or the general public, are designed to cover acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.

PMI does not cover pre-existing conditions (ailments you already had before the policy started) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like asthma, diabetes, or arthritis that require ongoing management rather than a cure). This is a key reason why securing comprehensive cover early in a career is so important.

The Professional Shift: Why Are Athletes Gaining More Power?

Several factors are converging to give athletes a stronger voice in negotiating their health benefits.

  1. Increased Commercialisation: As leagues attract bigger broadcast deals, sponsorship, and larger crowds, the players become more valuable. Clubs are more willing to invest in keeping their star assets healthy and on the field.
  2. Media Spotlight & Public Opinion: High-profile cases of athletes struggling with inadequate support have drawn public and media attention. There is now a clear expectation that professional clubs have a moral and ethical "duty of care."
  3. The Rise of Players' Unions: Organisations like the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), the Rugby Players' Association (RPA), and the Women's Professional Cricketers' Association (WPCA) are instrumental in collective bargaining, setting minimum standards for contracts, including medical cover.
  4. Landmark Maternity Policies: The introduction of comprehensive maternity policies, such as the one agreed between The FA and the PFA for the Women's Super League, has been a watershed moment. It has normalised the conversation and set a benchmark for other sports to follow.
  5. Focus on Mental Health: A growing, welcome awareness of the immense psychological pressures on athletes has made mental health support a non-negotiable part of any serious wellbeing package.

Key Areas of Negotiation: What Does Better Cover Look Like?

When a club offers "private medical cover," it's crucial to understand the details. A modern, comprehensive package goes far beyond simple injury treatment. Here are the key pillars of a robust plan.

1. Comprehensive Medical and Diagnostic Cover

This is the foundation. It means moving beyond just "pitch-side" injuries to whole-body health.

  • Prompt Access to Specialists: The ability to see a consultant cardiologist, gastroenterologist, or endocrinologist within days, not months. The latest data from NHS England for 2025 often shows referral-to-treatment waiting times exceeding 18 weeks, a delay a professional athlete simply cannot afford.
  • Full Diagnostic Suite: Cover for not just MRI and CT scans, but also PET scans, detailed blood tests, genetic testing, and cardiac screening.
  • Second Medical Opinions: The right to get a second opinion from another leading expert to ensure the diagnosis and treatment plan are optimal.
  • Mental Health Support: This should be a standalone benefit, offering access to counselling, therapy (like CBT), and psychiatric consultations without long waiting lists.

2. Maternity and Paternity Cover: A Game-Changer

This is one of the most significant recent advancements in athlete welfare. It acknowledges that athletes have lives outside of sport and shouldn't be penalised for starting a family.

A strong maternity package should include:

  • At least 13 weeks of paid leave at 100% of salary, with subsequent leave at statutory pay.
  • The ability to take on other non-playing roles at the club during pregnancy or post-childbirth if desired.
  • Protection from contract termination due to pregnancy.
  • Medical support for pre-natal and post-natal care.
  • Consideration for partners, with provisions for paternity leave.

This isn't just a "women's issue." It's about creating a sustainable, inclusive, and professional environment for all.

3. Enhanced Injury Rehabilitation and Preventative Care

Getting an athlete back on the field is one thing; getting them back to their peak performance and preventing re-injury is another.

FeatureBasic Cover (The Old Way)Comprehensive Cover (The New Standard)
PhysiotherapyLimited to a set number of sessions (e.g., 10)Unlimited sessions as clinically required, including specialist physios.
Rehab FacilitiesUse of club's own facilities only.Access to leading national centres like St George's Park or Bisham Abbey.
to-play, with no long-term strategy.
Preventative CareMinimal focus.Proactive screening, biomechanical analysis, and personalised conditioning.
Alternative TherapiesUsually excluded.Cover for osteopathy, chiropractic, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture.

4. Dental, Optical, and Hearing Cover

Often dismissed as "extras," these are vital components of an athlete's health.

  • Dental: Poor oral health is linked to inflammation and can increase injury risk. Comprehensive dental cover for check-ups, hygiene appointments, and major restorative work is essential.
  • Optical: Elite sport requires exceptional vision. Cover for regular eye tests, prescription glasses/lenses, and even consultations for laser eye surgery can be a huge performance enhancer.
  • Hearing: While less common, auditory health is important for on-field communication and balance.

Structuring the Right Insurance: Group Schemes vs. Individual PMI

How this cover is provided can vary. Both clubs and athletes have options, and often a combination is best.

Group Private Medical Insurance for Clubs

This is the most common approach. The club takes out a single policy that covers the entire squad (and sometimes coaching staff).

Advantages for the Club:

  • Duty of Care: Demonstrates a clear commitment to player welfare.
  • Attracting Talent: A top-tier benefits package is a major draw for elite athletes.
  • Cost-Effective: Group schemes are generally cheaper per person than individual policies.
  • Reduced Absence: Faster treatment through PMI means less time on the sidelines and a quicker return to play.

Advantages for the Athlete:

  • Guaranteed Cover: Usually provided as a contractual benefit.
  • Often 'Medical History Disregarded': On larger schemes, the insurer may agree to cover pre-existing conditions, which is a huge benefit not available on individual plans.
  • Simplicity: The club's medical staff or HR department handles the administration.

Individual Private Health Cover for Athletes

Even with a good group scheme, many athletes choose to purchase their own private medical insurance in the UK. Why?

  • Topping Up Cover: The club's policy might have a cap on outpatient treatments or exclude therapies the athlete values. An individual policy can fill these gaps.
  • Covering Family: Most club schemes only cover the player. An individual or family policy is needed to protect a partner and children.
  • Continuity of Cover: What happens when you leave the club or retire? A club policy ends with your contract. An individual policy is portable and belongs to you, ensuring you have continuous cover into your post-playing career.
  • Choice and Control: An individual policy allows you to choose your insurer, your level of cover, and your preferred hospitals and specialists.

This is where an expert broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable. We can analyse your club's group scheme, identify any potential gaps, and compare dozens of individual policies from the UK's leading providers to find the perfect supplementary cover for you and your family, all at no cost to you.

The Broker's Role: Your Expert Guide in a Complex Market

The UK's private health insurance market is complex, with dozens of providers offering hundreds of policy variations. Trying to navigate this alone, especially with the unique demands of a sporting career, can be overwhelming.

A specialist PMI broker acts as your advocate and expert guide.

  1. Market Analysis: We have access to the whole market and understand the subtle differences between policies that could make a huge difference at the point of a claim.
  2. Needs Assessment: We take the time to understand your specific circumstances—your sport, your family, your existing cover, and your future goals—to recommend the most suitable options.
  3. Finding Value: Our goal is to find you the most comprehensive cover for your budget. We can often find better terms than if you went directly to an insurer.
  4. Application Support: We handle the paperwork and liaise with the insurer on your behalf, explaining complex terms like underwriting.
  5. Claims Assistance: If you need to make a claim, a good broker can provide guidance and support, helping to smooth the process.

At WeCovr, we are proud of our high customer satisfaction ratings. We also offer our PMI and Life Insurance clients complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, and discounts on other insurance products, providing holistic value beyond the policy itself.

Beyond Insurance: A Holistic Approach to Athlete Wellbeing

Top-tier medical cover is the cornerstone, but true athlete welfare embraces a 360-degree approach. Elite performance is built on a foundation of physical, mental, and financial health.

Nutrition for Peak Performance

You can't out-train a bad diet. What an athlete eats directly impacts energy levels, recovery, and injury resilience.

  • Macronutrient Balance: Work with a nutritionist to determine your optimal intake of protein (for muscle repair), carbohydrates (for fuel), and fats (for hormone function).
  • Micronutrient Density: Focus on a diet rich in vitamins and minerals from a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to fight inflammation and support immune function.
  • Hydration Strategy: Dehydration of just 2% can significantly impair performance. Monitor your fluid intake throughout the day, not just during training.
  • App Support: Tools like CalorieHero, which WeCovr provides to clients, can help you track your intake and ensure you're meeting your specific performance goals.

The Importance of Sleep and Recovery

Sleep is the most powerful recovery tool available to any athlete.

  • Aim for 8-10 Hours: The intense physical demands of professional sport increase your sleep needs.
  • Create a Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to regulate your body clock.
  • Optimise Your Environment: Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Avoid screens (phones, tablets, TV) for at least an hour before bed, as the blue light can disrupt sleep-inducing hormones.
  • Active Recovery: Incorporate light-intensity activities like stretching, yoga, or swimming on rest days to aid muscle recovery without adding stress.

Mental Resilience and Support

The pressure to perform is immense. Mental health is not a weakness; it's a component of performance.

  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Even 10 minutes a day can help reduce stress, improve focus, and regulate emotional responses.
  • Seek Professional Support: Utilise the mental health services provided by your club or PMI policy. Talking to a sports psychologist or therapist is a sign of strength.
  • Stay Connected: Maintain strong relationships with family and friends outside of your sport. This support network is crucial for maintaining perspective.

The Future of Athlete Insurance

The trend towards better, more comprehensive athlete care is only set to accelerate. We can expect to see:

  • Hyper-Personalisation: Using genetic data and wearables to create truly personalised insurance and preventative health plans.
  • Greater Focus on Mental Health: Policies will likely evolve to offer more proactive and accessible mental wellbeing tools and therapies.
  • Career Transition Support: More schemes may include provisions to help athletes with their health and financial planning as they transition out of their sport.
  • Data-Driven Prevention: Insurers and clubs will use data analytics to identify injury patterns and implement targeted prevention strategies.

The professional era demands a professional approach to athlete health. As an athlete, you have more power than ever to demand the comprehensive cover you need to protect your health, your career, and your family.


My club provides insurance. Do I still need my own private medical insurance?

It is highly recommended. A club's group policy is an excellent foundation, but it may have limitations. It typically ends when your contract does, leaving you without cover. It might not cover your family, and it may have caps on certain treatments. An individual PMI policy gives you continuous, portable cover that you control, allowing you to top-up any gaps and protect your family's health.

Does private medical insurance cover injuries I get from playing my sport?

Generally, yes. Most standard UK PMI policies will cover acute injuries, whether they happen at home or on the pitch. However, some insurers may place exclusions or load premiums for professional sportspeople. This is why it's vital to speak to a specialist broker. They can find insurers who have a positive appetite for professional athletes and ensure your policy provides the specific cover you need for your career. Always declare your profession and sporting activities during the application.

What is the difference between 'acute' and 'chronic' conditions for insurance?

This is a critical distinction for all private medical insurance in the UK. An **acute** condition is a new health problem that is expected to be cured with treatment, like a broken bone, a hernia, or a bacterial infection. PMI is designed to cover these. A **chronic** condition is a long-term illness that can be managed but not cured, such as diabetes, asthma, or arthritis. Standard PMI policies do not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.

Ready to secure the health cover your professional career deserves? Take control of your health and wellbeing. Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and expert advice tailored to your needs as a professional athlete.

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of 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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