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Are There Age Limits for Private Health Insurance in the UK

Are There Age Limits for Private Health Insurance in the UK

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can feel complex. One of the most common questions we hear is about age—is there a point where you become "too old" for health insurance?

WeCovr reviews typical age limits and options for older applicants

The short answer is reassuring: while most insurers set an upper age limit for new customers, options for obtaining private health cover in your later years absolutely exist. Furthermore, once you have a policy, it is typically renewable for life, regardless of your age or how many claims you make.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about age and private health insurance. We'll explore typical age limits, why age impacts your premiums, what your options are as an older applicant, and how you can manage costs effectively.

What Are the Typical Age Limits for New UK Private Health Insurance Policies?

When you first apply for a private medical insurance policy, most of the UK's mainstream providers do have an upper age limit for entry. This limit is the maximum age at which they will accept a new application.

It's crucial to distinguish between the age limit for joining a scheme and the age limit for staying on one. For nearly all providers, once you are accepted, your policy is renewable annually for the rest of your life, provided you keep up with your premium payments.

The entry age limit varies significantly between insurers. Some set the bar around 65, while others are happy to welcome new applicants up to their 80th birthday or even beyond.

Here is a general guide to the typical upper age limits for new applicants at some of the UK's leading PMI providers.

InsurerTypical Maximum Entry Age for New PoliciesNotes
AvivaGenerally up to 79Policies can be renewed for life after joining.
AXA HealthOften up to 79 for their main individual plansKnown for comprehensive cover options.
BupaVaries by plan, often around 74-79As one of the largest providers, they have various schemes.
VitalityUsually up to 79Unique for its wellness programme that rewards healthy living.
WPAOften up to 65 for some plans, but flexibleSpecialist provider with a focus on customer service.
Saga HealthNo upper age limit for joiningSpecialises in products for the over-50s market.
Freedom HealthNo upper age limit for joiningA specialist insurer offering flexible underwriting.

Disclaimer: These age limits are for illustrative purposes and are subject to change. They can vary depending on the specific policy and underwriting criteria. It's always best to get an up-to-date quote.

Why Do Insurers Impose Age Limits?

From an insurer's perspective, setting an age limit for new customers is a matter of risk management. Health insurance operates on a principle of "risk pooling," where the premiums paid by many healthy policyholders cover the medical costs of the few who fall ill and need to claim.

As we age, the statistical likelihood of developing health problems and needing medical treatment increases. Data from the Office for National statistics (ONS) consistently shows that the prevalence of long-term health conditions rises sharply with age. For instance, in 2023, reports indicated that over 60% of people aged 65 and over in England live with at least one long-term health condition.

By setting an entry age limit, insurers aim to balance their portfolio of risk, ensuring they have a sustainable mix of younger, lower-risk members and older, higher-risk members.

The Critical Point: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions Explained

This is arguably the most important concept to understand about private medical insurance in the UK. Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

They are not designed to cover:

  1. Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness, injury, or symptom you have had, sought advice for, or received treatment for in the years leading up to your policy start date (typically the last 5 years).
  2. Chronic Conditions: Long-term conditions that require ongoing management and have no known cure.

Let's break this down with clear examples:

  • Acute Condition (Covered): You develop appendicitis, need a hip replacement for arthritis that was diagnosed after you got insurance, or require surgery for a hernia. These are conditions that have a clear treatment path and are expected to be resolved.
  • Chronic Condition (Not Covered): Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, Crohn's disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. These require regular monitoring, medication, and management but are not 'curable' in the traditional sense. Your PMI will not cover the routine management of these conditions.
  • Pre-existing Condition (Not Covered, at least initially): You had physiotherapy for a bad back two years before buying your policy. If your back pain flares up again, it will likely be excluded from cover.

How Do Insurers Handle Pre-existing Conditions?

Insurers use a process called "underwriting" to assess your medical history and determine what they will and won't cover. There are two main types:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting (Most Common): This is the simpler option. You don't have to declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a blanket exclusion for any condition you've experienced in the 5 years before your policy began. However, if you go for a set period (usually 2 years) without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): This requires you to complete a detailed health questionnaire, disclosing your entire medical history. The insurer will then review this and state explicitly in your policy documents what conditions are excluded from cover, usually permanently. While more admin-heavy, it provides absolute clarity from day one.

Understanding this principle is vital. It means that while you can get PMI at an older age, it won't cover health issues you already have. The value lies in providing fast access to treatment for new, unexpected acute health problems.

Why Does Age Affect Private Medical Insurance Premiums?

It's an unavoidable fact that private health cover costs more as you get older. This isn't arbitrary; it's a direct reflection of risk. As we age, we are statistically more likely to need medical care, leading to a higher probability of making a claim.

Insurers use sophisticated actuarial data to set their prices. Premiums are typically set in age bands, and you can expect your premium to increase each year at renewal for two main reasons:

  1. Age-Related Increase: You will move into a new, more expensive age bracket.
  2. Medical Inflation: The cost of medical treatments, new drugs, and advanced technology rises each year, typically at a rate far higher than general inflation.

Here’s an illustrative table showing how a hypothetical premium might change across different age decades for a non-smoker on a mid-range policy.

Age BandIllustrative Monthly PremiumCommon Health Concerns Driving Costs
30-39£45Musculoskeletal issues, minor surgeries, mental health support.
40-49£65Early diagnostic tests, hernia repairs, joint problems.
50-59£90Increased cancer risk, cataracts, joint replacements.
60-69£140Major joint surgery (hips/knees), cardiac procedures, cancer treatment.
70+£200+Comprehensive cancer care, stroke recovery, complex surgeries.

Note: These figures are purely for demonstration and are not quotes. Actual premiums depend on the insurer, your location, your chosen cover level, and your medical history.

The key takeaway is that planning for PMI is a long-term financial commitment. The earlier you start, the lower your initial premiums will be, but you must be prepared for these costs to rise over time.

Options for Older Applicants: Finding Cover Over 65, 70, or even 80

If you're looking for private medical insurance UK in your later years, don't be discouraged. The market is more accommodating than many people think.

  1. Specialist Insurers: Companies like Saga and Freedom Health Insurance have built their business model around catering to older demographics. They have no upper age limits for joining and their underwriting is designed with the health profiles of older individuals in mind. Their policies might focus on the conditions that are most concerning in later life, such as comprehensive cancer care and rapid access to surgery.

  2. Mainstream Providers: Don't rule out the big names like Aviva and AXA Health. As shown in our table, many will accept new applicants up to the age of 79. Their comprehensive plans often include extensive hospital lists and access to the latest medical technologies.

  3. Group Leaver Policies: If you had PMI through your employer, you can often continue this cover on an individual basis when you retire, without any new medical underwriting. This is one of the best ways to secure cover into old age, as any conditions that were covered under the group scheme will continue to be covered.

The Role of a Specialist PMI Broker

This is where working with an expert broker like WeCovr becomes invaluable. The market for older applicants is nuanced. Some policies may look good on the surface but have hidden limitations in the small print, such as caps on certain treatments.

Our team of FCA-authorised advisors can:

  • Access the whole market: We compare policies from mainstream and specialist insurers to find the ones that will accept your application.
  • Explain the complexities: We'll help you understand the differences in underwriting, cover levels, and cancer care provisions.
  • Tailor a policy to you: We listen to your priorities—whether it's budget, cancer cover, or a specific hospital—and find a plan that fits.
  • Save you time and money: Our service is completely free to you. We do the research so you don't have to, ensuring you get the right cover at a competitive price.

How to Manage the Cost of PMI as You Get Older

Rising premiums can be a concern, but you are not powerless. There are several levers you can pull to keep your private health cover affordable without sacrificing the core benefits.

1. Customise Your Policy

Think of a PMI policy as a set of building blocks. You can add or remove them to suit your needs and budget.

  • Increase Your Excess: The excess is the amount you agree to pay towards the cost of any claim. Increasing it from £250 to £500 or £1,000 can reduce your monthly premium significantly.
  • Choose the '6-Week Option': This is a popular cost-saving feature. It means that if the NHS can treat you for an eligible condition within six weeks, you will use the NHS. If the NHS waiting list is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in. This can lower your premium by 20-30%.
  • Limit Your Hospital List: Opting for a list that includes local private hospitals rather than a nationwide list with premium central London facilities will make your policy cheaper.
  • Adjust Outpatient Cover: Full outpatient cover (for consultations and diagnostics before hospital admission) is expensive. You can choose to cap this cover at a certain amount (e.g., £1,000 per year) or remove it entirely and pay for consultations yourself, keeping the insurance for major inpatient treatment.

Table: Impact of Policy Choices on Premiums

Customisation ChoicePotential Premium ReductionKey Consideration
Increase Excess (e.g., from £100 to £500)15-25%Can you afford to pay this amount if you need to claim?
Add a 6-Week Option20-30%Are you comfortable using the NHS if the wait is short?
Select a Limited Hospital List10-20%Does the list include good quality private hospitals near you?
Reduce Outpatient Limit10-30%Are you prepared to self-fund initial consultations and scans?

2. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle

While good health habits won't stop age-related premium increases, they are the single best investment you can make in your long-term wellbeing. Some providers, like Vitality, actively reward you for staying healthy with premium discounts, retail vouchers, and other perks for tracking your activity, getting health checks, and eating well.

Beyond a specific scheme, maintaining good health reduces your risk of needing to claim in the first place.

  • Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can help manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
  • Activity: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week for adults aged 65 and over. This could be brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Strength exercises are also vital for maintaining bone density and muscle mass.
  • Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Good sleep is essential for immune function, mental clarity, and physical recovery.
  • Social Connection: Staying engaged with friends, family, and community groups is proven to boost mental and emotional health.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you stay on top of your health goals.

WeCovr's Added Value: More Than Just a Comparison Service

Choosing a private health insurance policy, especially in later life, is a significant decision. At WeCovr, we provide a holistic service to support you.

  • Expert, Human Advice: Our advisors are specialists in the UK PMI market. They provide jargon-free guidance tailored to your personal situation.
  • High Customer Satisfaction: We pride ourselves on the positive feedback we receive from our clients, reflecting our commitment to clear, honest, and helpful service.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy through WeCovr, you not only get expert advice but also unlock discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as travel or home insurance. You also receive free access to our CalorieHero wellness app.

We believe that everyone deserves peace of mind. Our mission is to make finding the right protection as simple and transparent as possible.

Is there a maximum age to keep my private health insurance?

Generally, no. Once you have a private medical insurance policy in the UK, it is usually offered on a 'yearly renewable' basis for the rest of your life. While most insurers have a maximum age for new applicants to join, they will not cancel your cover simply because you've reached a certain age, as long as you continue to pay your premiums.

Do I have to declare all my medical history when applying for PMI?

It depends on the type of underwriting you choose. With 'Full Medical Underwriting' (FMU), you must complete a detailed health questionnaire. With 'Moratorium' underwriting, the most common type, you don't declare your history upfront. Instead, any condition you've had in the 5 years before the policy starts is automatically excluded for an initial period (usually 2 years).

Can I get private health insurance if I already have a chronic condition like diabetes or arthritis?

Yes, you can still get private health insurance. However, the policy will not cover the chronic condition itself, nor will it cover the routine management, check-ups, or medication related to it. The purpose of the insurance is to provide cover for new, unforeseen acute conditions that are unrelated to your pre-existing chronic illness. For example, if you have diabetes, your PMI would not cover your insulin or glucose monitoring, but it would cover you if you needed a hip replacement for a new issue.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Age should not be a barrier to accessing the peace of mind that private medical insurance can provide. Whether you're 55, 65, or 75, there are quality, affordable options available that can give you fast access to diagnosis and treatment when you need it most.

The key is to get expert advice from a specialist who understands the market for older applicants.

Ready to explore your options? The expert team at WeCovr is here to help. Get your free, no-obligation quote today and find the right private health cover for your needs, whatever your age.

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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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