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Angina Causes and Treatment

Angina Causes and Treatment 2025 | Free Tailored Quotes

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert insight into navigating health concerns with private medical insurance in the UK. This guide explores angina, a common heart condition, explaining its causes, symptoms, and how private health cover can provide rapid access to specialist care.

WeCovr explains angina, diagnosis, and access to private cardiology services

Feeling a sudden, tight pain in your chest can be alarming. For over 2 million people in the UK, this sensation is a sign of angina. While it's a warning signal from your heart, understanding what it is, why it happens, and your treatment options is the first step towards managing the condition effectively and living a full life.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about angina. We'll cover the symptoms, the underlying causes, and the journey from diagnosis to treatment, comparing the standard NHS pathway with the speed and choice offered by private cardiology services accessed through private medical insurance.

What Exactly is Angina? A Closer Look at the Symptoms

Think of angina as a cramp in your heart muscle. It happens when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. This is usually due to the narrowing of the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply your heart. The pain or discomfort is your heart's way of telling you it's under strain.

The symptoms of angina can vary from person to person but typically include:

  • Chest Pain: Often described as a feeling of pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness in the centre of the chest.
  • Pain Radiating to Other Areas: The discomfort can spread to the arms (usually the left), neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.
  • Shortness of Breath: You might feel breathless, especially during physical activity.
  • Nausea: A feeling of sickness in your stomach.
  • Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired.

It's crucial to distinguish between the two main types of angina: stable and unstable.

FeatureStable AnginaUnstable Angina
TriggerUsually predictable. Occurs during physical exertion (like climbing stairs) or emotional stress.Unpredictable. Can happen even at rest.
PatternSymptoms are familiar and last for a short time (usually under 5 minutes).Symptoms are new, more severe, or last longer (up to 30 minutes).
ReliefPain typically eases with rest or medication (like a GTN spray).Rest or medication may not relieve the pain.
UrgencyA warning sign that you have heart disease.A medical emergency. It indicates a high risk of a heart attack. Call 999 immediately.

If you experience chest pain and are unsure of the cause, always seek urgent medical attention.

The Root Causes: Why Does Angina Happen?

The overwhelming cause of angina is coronary artery disease (CAD). This is a condition where your coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked by a build-up of fatty substances called plaques. This process is known as atherosclerosis.

Imagine your arteries are like smooth pipes. Over time, factors like high cholesterol can cause sticky plaques to form on the inside walls, making the pipe narrower. This restricts blood flow, and when your heart needs more oxygen—like during exercise—it simply can't get enough, triggering angina symptoms.

Several risk factors increase your chances of developing atherosclerosis and, consequently, angina:

  • High Cholesterol: Excess "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in your blood contributes directly to plaque formation.
  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Puts extra strain on your arteries, making them more prone to damage and narrowing.
  • Smoking: Damages the lining of your arteries, accelerates atherosclerosis, and reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood.
  • Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage your arteries over time.
  • Being Overweight or Obese: Linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.
  • Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to many other risk factors.
  • Family History: Having a close relative (father/brother diagnosed before 55, mother/sister before 65) with heart disease increases your own risk.
  • Age: The risk naturally increases as you get older.

Angina in the UK: A Look at the Statistics

Angina is not a rare condition. According to the British Heart Foundation, it is estimated that around 2.3 million people in the UK are living with coronary artery disease, the primary cause of angina. Every year, the NHS sees thousands of hospital admissions where angina is the main diagnosis.

These figures highlight the importance of prompt diagnosis and effective management to prevent more serious events like a heart attack. While the NHS provides excellent cardiac care, waiting times for diagnostics and specialist appointments can be a source of anxiety. This is where private medical insurance UK can offer a valuable alternative.

Getting a Diagnosis: The Journey from GP to Cardiologist

If you experience symptoms of angina, your first port of call should be your GP. They will ask about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle.

Based on this initial assessment, they may refer you for further tests to confirm a diagnosis. The pathway, whether on the NHS or privately, involves several key diagnostic tools:

  1. Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the electrical activity of your heart. It can show if your heart muscle is damaged or not receiving enough blood. A resting ECG can sometimes be normal, so an exercise ECG might be needed.
  2. Exercise Tolerance Test (Treadmill Test): You walk on a treadmill while being monitored with an ECG to see how your heart performs under stress.
  3. Blood Tests: To check for levels of cholesterol, sugar (for diabetes), and certain proteins that can indicate heart muscle damage.
  4. CT Coronary Angiogram: A sophisticated CT scan that uses dye to create detailed images of your coronary arteries, revealing any narrowing or blockages. This is now a very common first-line investigation.
  5. Invasive Coronary Angiogram: A more detailed test where a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is passed into your coronary arteries from your wrist or groin. Dye is injected to show up any blockages on an X-ray.

The main difference between the NHS and private pathways often comes down to timing.

The NHS vs. Private Cardiology: Understanding Your Options

While the NHS is committed to providing high-quality care, it faces significant pressure. Current NHS England waiting list data (as of early 2025) shows that millions of people are waiting for consultant-led elective care, with cardiology being a busy specialism.

Here’s how the two pathways typically compare for diagnosing chest pain:

FeatureNHS PathwayPrivate Pathway (via PMI)
Initial ConsultationAppointment with your GP.Appointment with your GP (some policies offer a private GP service).
Referral to SpecialistReferral to an NHS cardiologist. Waiting time can be several weeks or months.GP provides an open referral. You choose a specialist from your insurer's approved list.
Diagnostic TestsTests are scheduled at an NHS hospital. Waiting times for specific scans like a CT angiogram can vary significantly by region.Tests are booked at a private hospital or clinic, often within days of the specialist consultation.
Choice of SpecialistYou are usually referred to the local NHS cardiology department and assigned a consultant.You can research and choose a specific cardiologist based on their expertise and location.
Choice of HospitalTreatment is at your local NHS hospital.You can choose from a nationwide network of private hospitals included in your policy.
Overall SpeedThe entire diagnostic process can take several months from GP visit to confirmed diagnosis.The process can be completed in a matter of weeks, sometimes even days.

This speed can be incredibly reassuring when dealing with worrying symptoms like chest pain. A PMI broker like WeCovr can help you find a policy that gives you this rapid access when you need it most.

How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Works for Angina

This is a critical point to understand: Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

Angina is a chronic condition. This means if you have already been diagnosed with angina, or have symptoms of it before buying a policy, it will be classed as a pre-existing condition and will not be covered.

However, PMI is invaluable for the diagnosis of new symptoms.

Here's a real-life example:

Sarah, 52, has a clean bill of health and takes out a private health cover policy. Six months later, she starts experiencing chest tightness when jogging. Worried, she visits her GP, who suspects it could be angina and recommends a cardiology referral.

Instead of waiting for an NHS appointment, Sarah calls her PMI provider. They authorise a consultation with a private cardiologist. Within a week, she sees the specialist, and three days later, she has a CT coronary angiogram at a private hospital. The scan confirms she has a narrowed artery.

Because the symptoms and the condition began after her policy started, the PMI covered the entire diagnostic process—the specialist fees, the scan, and the follow-up consultation. This swift diagnosis allowed her to start treatment and make lifestyle changes immediately, without weeks of worry.

Treatment Pathways for Angina: From Lifestyle Changes to Surgery

Once diagnosed, managing angina involves a multi-faceted approach aimed at reducing symptoms, slowing the progression of coronary artery disease, and lowering the risk of a heart attack.

1. Lifestyle Modifications

This is the foundation of angina management. Small changes can make a huge difference.

  • Diet: Adopting a heart-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
  • Exercise: Regular, moderate activity helps strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
  • Quit Smoking: The single best thing you can do for your heart health.
  • Manage Weight: Losing excess weight reduces the strain on your heart.
  • Reduce Alcohol: Sticking to recommended limits.
  • Control Stress: Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through mindfulness or hobbies.

To support our clients on their wellness journey, WeCovr provides complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you make informed choices about your diet.

2. Medications

Medications are essential for managing symptoms and tackling the underlying causes.

Medication TypeHow It HelpsCommon Examples
NitratesRelaxes and widens blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the heart. Used to relieve or prevent angina pain.Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN) spray or tablets
StatinsLowers "bad" LDL cholesterol to slow down the build-up of fatty plaques in your arteries.Atorvastatin, Simvastatin
AntiplateletsMakes your blood less sticky to prevent blood clots from forming.Low-dose Aspirin, Clopidogrel
Beta-blockersSlows your heart rate and reduces the force of its contractions, so it needs less oxygen.Bisoprolol, Atenolol
Calcium Channel BlockersRelaxes the artery walls, increasing blood flow to the heart muscle.Amlodipine, Diltiazem

3. Medical Procedures and Surgery

If lifestyle changes and medication aren't enough, or if your arteries are significantly blocked, your cardiologist may recommend a procedure to restore blood flow.

  • Coronary Angioplasty (and Stenting): A balloon is used to widen the narrowed artery, and a small mesh tube called a stent is often inserted to keep it open. This is a common, minimally invasive procedure.
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG): This is open-heart surgery. A blood vessel is taken from another part of your body (like the chest or leg) and used to create a new route, or "bypass," around the blocked section of the artery.

These procedures, when deemed necessary for an eligible acute condition, are typically covered by comprehensive private medical insurance policies.

Living Well with Angina: Practical Tips for Daily Life

A diagnosis of angina is not a life sentence. It's a call to action. With the right management, you can continue to lead an active and fulfilling life.

  • Know Your Triggers: Understand what brings on your angina—whether it's walking uphill, cold weather, or a stressful meeting—and plan accordingly.
  • Carry Your GTN Spray: Always have your nitrate medication with you. Don't be afraid to use it before an activity you know might trigger your symptoms.
  • Pace Yourself: Listen to your body. It's better to do a little bit of activity often than to overdo it.
  • Stay Warm in Winter: Cold weather can constrict your arteries and trigger angina. Wrap up warm when you go outside.
  • Travel Smart: If you're planning a holiday, speak to your GP. Ensure you have enough medication, a letter detailing your condition, and comprehensive travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions.

Choosing the Best PMI Provider for Cardiac Care in the UK

When considering private medical insurance for potential cardiac issues, you need a policy that offers robust cover for diagnosis and treatment. As an independent PMI broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, WeCovr helps you compare the market to find the right fit.

Here's what to look for in a policy:

  1. Comprehensive Diagnostics: Ensure the policy has full cover for diagnostic tests like CT scans, MRI, and angiography without low annual limits.
  2. Outpatient Cover: A generous outpatient limit is vital, as you'll need it for specialist consultations, tests, and follow-ups. Some policies offer it in full.
  3. Choice of Hospitals: Look for a policy with a broad hospital list that includes renowned centres for cardiac excellence, such as the London Bridge Hospital, The Cromwell Hospital, or The Cleveland Clinic London.
  4. Clear Underwriting: Understand the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting to ensure you know how pre-existing conditions are handled.

WeCovr makes this process simple. We compare policies from all the leading UK insurers, explaining the fine print in plain English, ensuring you get the best private health cover for your needs and budget, at no extra cost to you. Furthermore, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through us may be eligible for discounts on other types of cover.

Does private medical insurance cover angina?

Generally, no. Angina is a chronic condition. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. However, if you develop symptoms like chest pain *after* your policy starts, PMI is invaluable for covering the rapid diagnosis to determine the cause. If that cause is found to be angina, the initial diagnostic phase would be covered, but the ongoing, long-term management would typically revert to the NHS.

Can I get PMI if I have a family history of heart disease?

Yes, you can. A family history of a condition is a risk factor, not a pre-existing condition in itself. You will need to declare it during the application process, but it won't usually prevent you from getting cover. Insurers assess your personal health at the time of application, not the health of your relatives.

What is the main benefit of using a PMI broker like WeCovr?

The main benefits of using an expert broker like WeCovr are choice, clarity, and cost-effectiveness. We compare policies from across the market to find the one best suited to your needs and budget. We explain the complex terms in simple language and provide impartial advice, all at no cost to you. Our service ensures you get the right cover without the hassle of doing all the research yourself.

How quickly can I see a private cardiologist with PMI?

One of the key advantages of PMI is speed. After getting a GP referral, you can typically see a private specialist within a few days to a week. Subsequent diagnostic tests are also arranged very quickly, often within the same week. This dramatically reduces the waiting and uncertainty associated with non-urgent NHS referrals.

Navigating health concerns is easier with the right partner by your side. At WeCovr, we're dedicated to helping you understand your options and secure the peace of mind that comes with first-class private medical insurance.

Ready to explore your options? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and discover how private health cover can protect you and your family.

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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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