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Advanced Cancer Cover in Private Health Insurance (2026)

Advanced Cancer Cover in Private Health Insurance (2026)

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr provides this in-depth guide to advanced cancer cover within private medical insurance in the UK. We explain how it offers a crucial lifeline for accessing treatments that may not yet be available through the NHS.

WeCovr explains access to drugs and treatments not available on the NHS

A cancer diagnosis is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face. While the UK is fortunate to have the National Health Service (NHS), which provides excellent cancer care to millions, the world of oncology is moving at an incredible pace. Ground-breaking new drugs, targeted therapies, and innovative treatments are developed every year.

The challenge is that it can take time for these new treatments to be approved for widespread use on the NHS. This is where advanced cancer cover, a specialist feature of private medical insurance (PMI), becomes so vital.

It is designed to bridge the gap between what the NHS can offer and what the very latest medical science can provide. This type of cover gives you and your family the option to access licensed, evidence-based cancer drugs and treatments that may not be funded by the NHS, often because they haven't yet been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) or are not available via the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF).

In essence, it’s about giving you more choices and faster access to hope when you need it most.

What is Advanced Cancer Cover and Why is it So Important?

Standard private health insurance policies in the UK almost always include some level of cancer care. However, "Advanced Cancer Cover" (or a similarly named benefit) is a specific, enhanced feature that goes a significant step further.

Advanced Cancer Cover is an insurance benefit that pays for eligible cancer drugs and treatments that are licensed for use in the UK but are not routinely available on the NHS.

Why does this matter? According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 375,000 new cancer cases in the UK every year (based on 2017-2019 data). While survival rates have doubled in the last 50 years, access to the latest treatments plays a huge part in improving outcomes.

The journey for a new drug to become available on the NHS is complex:

  1. Licensing: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) must first license the drug, confirming it is safe and effective for use in the UK.
  2. NICE Appraisal: NICE then assesses the drug's clinical and cost-effectiveness. It weighs the health benefits against the cost to the NHS.
  3. Approval: If NICE approves the drug, NHS England is legally obligated to fund it, usually within 90 days.

This process can take months, or even years. Sometimes, a drug that is proven to be effective is not deemed cost-effective enough for the entire population and is not approved by NICE. This creates a difficult situation where a potentially life-extending treatment exists but is not accessible through the public health system. Advanced cancer cover is designed to fill this specific void.

The NHS vs. Private Cancer Care: A Head-to-Head Comparison

To understand the value of advanced cancer cover, it's helpful to compare the patient journey in the NHS with the private sector. Both systems have their strengths, but they offer very different experiences.

FeatureNHS Cancer CarePrivate Cancer Care (with Advanced Cover)
CostFree at the point of use.Paid for via monthly insurance premiums and any policy excess.
Waiting TimesSubject to national waiting time targets (e.g., 62-day target from urgent referral to first treatment). These can sometimes be missed during periods of high demand.Significantly shorter. Consultations, diagnostics, and treatment can often begin within days.
Choice of SpecialistYou are typically referred to a specialist and hospital in your local NHS trust.You can choose your consultant and hospital from a nationwide list provided by your insurer.
Access to New DrugsAccess is generally limited to drugs approved by NICE or available through the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF).Access to all licensed drugs, including those not yet approved by NICE or on the CDF, if included in your policy.
DiagnosticsComprehensive diagnostics (scans, biopsies) are provided, but you may face waits for appointments.Fast-track access to the latest diagnostic technology like MRI, CT, and PET scans, often within 48 hours.
Hospital EnvironmentUsually treated in an NHS ward, which may be shared with other patients.A private, en-suite room is standard, offering more comfort, quiet, and privacy for you and your visitors.
Support ServicesExcellent support from NHS cancer nurse specialists. Mental health support is available but may have waiting lists.Access to a dedicated case manager or nurse, 24/7 medical helplines, and often includes benefits like counselling and nutritional therapy.
Experimental TreatmentsAccess is generally only possible through participation in a formal NHS clinical trial.Some top-tier policies may cover costs associated with experimental treatments or clinical trials if there is a strong evidence base.

A Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions in PMI

This is one of the most important principles to understand about private medical insurance in the UK. Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions, not chronic or pre-existing ones.

  • 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, or a cataract. In the context of cancer, the initial diagnostic and treatment phase is considered acute.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, requires ongoing management, or is likely to recur. Diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure are classic examples.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before your policy start date. These are typically excluded from new policies for a set period (usually 24 months) or entirely.

How does this apply to cancer? When you are first diagnosed with cancer after taking out a policy, the insurer will treat it as an acute condition. They will cover the costs of diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and any advanced drug treatments included in your plan.

However, if your cancer goes into remission and then requires long-term monitoring or palliative care, it may be reclassified as a chronic condition. At this point, your insurer may state that this ongoing management should be handled by the NHS. The best policies offer clear "cancer promises," guaranteeing they will continue to cover your care, so it is vital to check the policy wording. A PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these crucial differences between providers.

How Does Advanced Cancer Cover Work in Practice?

Let's walk through a hypothetical but realistic scenario to see how this cover makes a difference.

Real-Life Example: David's Story

David, a 52-year-old architect from Manchester, has a comprehensive private medical insurance policy with advanced cancer cover. He visits his GP with a persistent cough and is referred for a chest X-ray.

  1. Speedy Diagnosis: Instead of waiting for an NHS appointment, David uses his PMI. He sees a private respiratory consultant within three days and has a CT scan the next day. Sadly, he is diagnosed with a specific type of lung cancer.
  2. Expert Treatment Plan: His private oncologist uses genetic testing on the tumour to identify its specific mutation. The oncologist recommends a new form of targeted therapy drug that directly attacks cancer cells with this mutation.
  3. The NHS vs. Private Dilemma: The oncologist informs David that this new drug was licensed by the MHRA six months ago and has shown excellent results in clinical trials. However, it is still under review by NICE and is not yet available on the NHS or the Cancer Drugs Fund.
  4. Using Advanced Cancer Cover: David contacts his insurer. His dedicated cancer nurse specialist liaises with his oncologist to get the clinical evidence for the treatment. The insurer's medical panel reviews the request and, seeing that the drug is licensed and clinically appropriate for David's condition, approves the full course of treatment.
  5. The Outcome: David begins the targeted therapy in a private hospital a week later. The treatment is more effective and has fewer side effects than the standard chemotherapy he would have received on the NHS. His policy covers the entire cost of the drug, which would have been tens of thousands of pounds to self-fund.

This example highlights the four key advantages: speed, choice, access, and support.

Key Features of Comprehensive Cancer Cover Policies in 2026

When you compare private medical insurance in the UK, you'll find that cancer cover isn't a "one size fits all" feature. Here are the components to look for:

  • Full Cancer Cover (Standard): This is the foundation. It should cover the entire patient journey from diagnosis through to treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for as long as your specialist deems it necessary. Look for policies with no financial or time limits.
  • Advanced Cancer Cover (Enhanced Drug Cover): This is the core topic of our guide. It provides access to licensed drugs not available on the NHS. This is often an optional add-on, so you must actively choose it.
  • Monitoring and Follow-up Care: Good policies will cover regular check-ups and scans for a period after your initial treatment has finished to monitor for any recurrence.
  • Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care: This covers treatment focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life if a cure is not possible. Some policies offer hospice care or charitable donations to a hospice of your choice.
  • Genetic Testing and Screening: Increasingly important for identifying the most effective "targeted" therapies. Some policies may also cover preventative screening if you have a strong family history of cancer.
  • Prostheses and Wigs: Covers the cost of prosthetics (e.g., after a mastectomy) and wigs if you lose your hair during chemotherapy.
  • Holistic Support Services: These non-medical benefits can make a huge difference to your wellbeing:
    • A dedicated cancer nurse or case manager.
    • 24/7 mental health support and counselling services.
    • Nutritional advice from registered dietitians.
    • Second opinion services.
    • Access to complementary therapies like acupuncture for pain or nausea relief.

Which UK Insurers Offer the Best Advanced Cancer Cover?

The UK's leading health insurers all provide excellent cancer care, but they structure their "advanced" or "enhanced" drug cover in slightly different ways. It's crucial to compare the details. As expert PMI brokers, WeCovr can give you a personalised comparison at no cost.

Below is a general overview of the offerings from major providers as of late 2025.

ProviderName of Benefit / FeatureKey Features of Advanced Cancer Cover
BupaFull Cancer CoverBupa's standard cover is very comprehensive. They promise to cover any eligible cancer treatment as long as it's evidence-based and from a recognised specialist, including drugs not on the NHS.
AXA HealthComprehensive Cancer Cover with Extended Cover OptionTheir core cover is robust. The "Extended Cover" option specifically adds access to licensed cancer drugs not available via the NHS. They often provide access to their dedicated oncology team.
Aviva"Expert Select" with full Cancer CoverAviva's "Cancer Care" benefit is extensive. They cover licensed cancer drugs even if not NICE-approved. They highlight their "no time limit" promise for cancer treatment.
VitalityFull Cover Promise & Advanced Cancer CoverVitality's standard promise covers diagnosis and treatment in full. Their "Advanced Cancer Cover" benefit specifically provides access to cutting-edge treatments and promising drug trials.
The ExeterFull Cancer CoverThe Exeter is known for its clear and comprehensive cover. They provide full cover for cancer diagnosis and treatment, including licensed drugs that are not routinely funded by the NHS.

Disclaimer: Policy features and names are subject to change. This table is for illustrative purposes only. Always check the latest policy documents before purchasing.

Understanding the 'Small Print': Exclusions and Limitations

While advanced cancer cover is powerful, it is not a blank cheque. Understanding the limitations is key to having the right expectations.

  1. Pre-existing Conditions: To be absolutely clear, if you have had cancer or symptoms of cancer before taking out a policy, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and will not be covered.
  2. Chronic vs. Acute Shift: As mentioned, once your condition is stable and requires only long-term monitoring, your insurer may transition your care back to the NHS. Check the policy for a "cancer promise" that may extend this cover.
  3. Financial or Time Limits: While most top-tier policies now offer unlimited cover for cancer, some cheaper or older policies may have annual financial caps or limits on how long they will fund treatment.
  4. Experimental and Unproven Treatments: Insurers will only cover treatments that are licensed by the MHRA and have a solid evidence base. They will not cover purely experimental or alternative therapies that have not been scientifically proven. Access to clinical trials may be included but will have strict criteria.
  5. Geographical Limits: Your cover will typically only apply to treatment received within the UK.

Beyond Treatment: The Holistic Benefits of Private Cancer Care

A cancer journey is not just about medical procedures. It's an emotional and psychological marathon. Private health cover excels in providing wraparound support that looks after your overall wellbeing.

  • Your Personal Health Team: Insurers provide access to dedicated nurses who can answer your questions, coordinate appointments, and help you understand your treatment plan. This single point of contact is invaluable and reduces a significant amount of stress.
  • Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: Most policies now include access to mental health support, including telephone counselling or sessions with a therapist. This can help you and your family cope with the anxiety and emotional strain of a diagnosis.
  • Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle: A diagnosis can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. Insurers often provide resources to support this:
    • Diet: Access to registered dietitians can help you manage treatment side effects and maintain strength.
    • Activity: Advice on gentle exercise like walking or yoga can improve both physical and mental health during and after treatment.
    • Sleep: Good quality sleep is crucial for recovery. The quiet and privacy of a private room can contribute significantly to better rest.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you manage your diet effectively. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through us are eligible for discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect your family's future more affordably.

Is Advanced Cancer Cover Worth It?

The NHS provides a high standard of cancer care, and no one should feel they must have private insurance. However, PMI with advanced cancer cover is not about replacing the NHS; it's about supplementing it with more options, speed, and control.

You might consider it worth the cost if you value:

  • Peace of mind: Knowing you have a plan in place for the worst-case scenario.
  • Rapid access: The ability to bypass potential NHS waiting lists for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Choice: The freedom to choose your leading specialist and a comfortable private hospital.
  • Access to innovation: The possibility of receiving a life-extending drug that you couldn't get otherwise.

The cost of private medical insurance varies widely based on your age, location, lifestyle, and the level of cover you choose. Working with an independent broker like WeCovr is the best way to navigate the market. We are not tied to any single insurer, so our focus is on finding the policy that truly meets your needs and budget, at no extra cost to you. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to putting our clients first.

Is cancer considered a pre-existing condition for health insurance?

Yes. If you have been diagnosed with, treated for, or had symptoms of cancer before taking out a new private medical insurance policy, it will be classed as a pre-existing condition and will not be covered. UK PMI is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

What happens if my cancer becomes chronic while on a PMI policy?

This is a key detail in policy terms. Standard private medical insurance covers acute conditions. If your cancer treatment is successful and your condition becomes stable, requiring only long-term monitoring, it may be classified as chronic. At this stage, some insurers may state that this ongoing care should be managed by the NHS. However, many leading insurers now offer a 'full cancer promise' to continue covering your care, which is a vital feature to look for.

Does private health insurance cover all types of cancer?

Generally, yes. If you are diagnosed with cancer after your policy has started, comprehensive cancer cover will pay for the treatment of any type of cancer. The key difference between policies is not the type of cancer, but the types of treatments they will fund, particularly whether they include advanced cover for drugs not available on the NHS.

How does WeCovr help me find the right cancer cover?

As an FCA-authorised independent broker, WeCovr compares policies from across the UK's leading insurers. We take the time to understand your specific needs, concerns, and budget. We then explain the crucial differences in cancer cover between providers in plain English, helping you choose the policy that offers the best protection for you and your family at a competitive price, with no fee for our service.

Ready to explore your options?

Navigating the complexities of cancer cover can be daunting. Let our expert, friendly team help you make sense of it all.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and find the peace of mind you deserve.


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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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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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