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AXA vs Aviva vs Vitality vs WPA Best Private Health Insurance for Professionals

AXA vs Aviva vs Vitality vs WPA Best Private Health...

Choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK can feel overwhelming. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that for busy professionals, the decision hinges on more than just price. You need clarity, flexibility, and confidence in your cover.

This definitive guide compares four of the UK’s leading insurers—AXA, Aviva, Vitality, and WPA—to help you make an informed choice.

A practical comparison of flexibility, pricing and long-term value

For professionals, time is a valuable commodity. Waiting lists for diagnostics and treatments on the NHS, while an invaluable service, can lead to uncertainty and prolonged absence from work. Private Medical Insurance (PMI) offers a solution: prompt access to private healthcare, greater control over your treatment, and peace of mind.

But not all policies are created equal. We'll dissect the offerings from AXA, Aviva, Vitality, and WPA, focusing on the practical details that matter most:

  • Core Protection: What's covered as standard?
  • Flexibility: How can you tailor the policy to your specific needs and budget?
  • Wellness & Rewards: Do you benefit from staying healthy?
  • Long-Term Value: What will your policy cost in five or ten years, not just today?

Navigating this market alone is complex. Our expert advisers at WeCovr provide no-obligation, whole-of-market comparisons to find the policy that truly aligns with your professional and personal life.

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Understanding the Foundations of UK Private Medical Insurance

Before comparing providers, it’s crucial to grasp a few core principles of UK PMI. Getting these wrong is the most common mistake we see clients make.

The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the most important concept to understand. UK private health insurance is designed to cover acute conditions, which are diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.

Examples of acute conditions covered by PMI:

  • Joint replacements (hip, knee)
  • Hernia repair
  • Cataract surgery
  • Diagnosis and treatment of new, curable cancers
  • Gallbladder removal

Conversely, PMI does not cover chronic conditions. These are long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. The NHS remains your primary provider for chronic care.

Examples of chronic conditions not covered:

  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Crohn's disease
  • Eczema

Pre-existing Conditions: The Underwriting Choice

Insurers will not cover medical conditions you had before taking out your policy. How they determine this is called underwriting. You typically have two choices:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting (The "Wait and See" Approach): This is the most common type. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a waiting period (usually two years). If you remain symptom-free, treatment-free, and advice-free for that condition for two continuous years after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover. It's simpler to set up but can create uncertainty at the point of claim.

  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) (The "Know Where You Stand" Approach): You complete a detailed medical questionnaire. The insurer assesses your history and explicitly lists any conditions that will be excluded from cover from day one. This takes longer to set up but provides absolute clarity on what is and isn't covered.

Adviser Tip: For professionals who value certainty, FMU is often preferable. You know exactly where you stand, which is critical when your health and ability to work are on the line.

The Contenders: A High-Level Overview

ProviderCore Identity & Market PositionBest For...
AXA HealthA global insurance giant with a reputation for traditional, comprehensive cover. Strong focus on mental health support.Professionals seeking a trusted brand with flexible, guided treatment options to manage costs.
AvivaOne of the UK's largest and most recognised insurers. Offers a robust, straightforward policy with extensive options.Professionals wanting solid, all-round cover from a household name with a strong digital offering.
VitalityThe market innovator, known for its unique wellness programme that rewards healthy living with premium discounts and lifestyle benefits.Health-conscious professionals who are motivated to engage with a wellness programme to lower their long-term costs.
WPAA specialist, not-for-profit provider with a strong heritage and a focus on customer service and freedom of choice.Professionals who prioritise choice of specialist and hospital, and value a more personal, member-focused approach.

Core Cover Compared: What Do You Get as Standard?

All four providers offer solid core products covering the most significant medical costs. However, there are subtle but important differences, particularly regarding cancer cover.

FeatureAXA Health (Personal Health)Aviva (Healthier Solutions)Vitality (Personal Healthcare)WPA (Flexible Health)
In-patient & Day-patientStandard (hospital fees, specialist fees).Standard (hospital fees, specialist fees).Standard (hospital fees, specialist fees).Standard (hospital fees, specialist fees).
Cancer Cover (Core)Comprehensive Cancer Cover included as standard. Covers diagnosis and treatment.Comprehensive Cancer Cover included as standard. Covers diagnosis and treatment.Advanced Cancer Cover included as standard. Covers diagnosis and treatment.Cancer Care is an optional add-on for some plans but extensive when included. Always check the policy level.
Digital GP AccessYes, via the Doctor@Hand app (24/7).Yes, via the Aviva Digital GP app (24/7).Yes, via the Vitality GP app (24/7).Yes, via the WPA Health app (24/7).
Mental Health SupportStrong support via a dedicated phone line. In-patient cover is often standard.Access to mental health support line. Further cover is often optional.Access to talking therapies and support. Further cover is often optional.Access to support helplines. Further cover is typically an optional extra.

Key Takeaway: AXA and Aviva lead with comprehensive cancer cover as a standard feature on their flagship policies. With Vitality, it's also a core part of their main offering. With WPA, you must ensure it's included, as it can be an optional benefit on their more modular plans. This is a critical detail an adviser at WeCovr would highlight immediately.

Flexibility and Customisation: Tailoring Your Policy

This is where you can significantly impact your premium and ensure your policy fits your life.

1. Out-patient Cover

Out-patient cover pays for specialist consultations and diagnostic tests that don't require a hospital bed. This is one of the biggest levers for controlling your premium.

  • AXA: Offers various levels, from a simple £500 limit up to full cover. Their "Guided First" option, where AXA helps you choose a specialist from a pre-approved list, can significantly reduce costs.
  • Aviva: Provides a range of limits (e.g., £500, £1,000, unlimited). Their "Expert Select" option also offers a cost-effective guided pathway.
  • Vitality: Offers full out-patient cover as standard but allows you to add an excess specifically for diagnostics to lower the premium.
  • WPA: Highly flexible. You can choose different monetary limits for consultations and diagnostics separately, allowing for very granular control.

2. Hospital Lists

An insurer's hospital list dictates where you can be treated. A more extensive list (e.g., including prime central London hospitals) costs more.

  • AXA & Aviva: Offer tiered lists. You can choose a national list, a list excluding central London, or a local/guided list to save money.
  • Vitality: Uses a "HospitalCare" approach. You select a list based on your needs, with rewards for choosing more cost-effective "Consultant Select" options.
  • WPA: Traditionally prides itself on offering freedom of choice. While they have hospital lists, their ethos is more about allowing you and your GP to choose the best specialist, with fewer restrictions than some competitors.

3. Therapies, Dental & Optical

These are almost always optional add-ons.

  • Therapies (Physio, Osteo, Chiro): All providers offer this as an extra. Vitality often includes a set number of sessions linked to their wellness programme.
  • Dental & Optical: Aviva, AXA, and WPA offer this as a distinct add-on for routine check-ups and treatment. Vitality does not offer a general dental/optical add-on, focusing instead on its core health and wellness rewards.

Scenario: A 35-year-old freelance graphic designer in Manchester wants a policy primarily for "big-ticket" items like surgery but is happy to pay for initial consultations.

  • Solution: They could choose an AXA or Aviva policy with a limited out-patient cover of £500 and a local hospital list. This keeps premiums low while providing robust in-patient protection. A WeCovr adviser can model these options in minutes.

The Wellness Proposition: Vitality's Model vs. The Competition

This is a key battleground in the modern PMI market.

Vitality is the clear leader here. Their entire model is built around the "shared value" concept:

  1. Track Your Activity: You earn points for steps, workouts, health checks, and even mindfulness sessions via their app.
  2. Improve Your Status: Points move you from Bronze to Silver, Gold, and Platinum status.
  3. Get Rewarded: Higher status unlocks bigger rewards, including weekly cinema tickets, coffee, significant discounts on Apple Watches, gym memberships, and most importantly, discounts on your PMI premium at renewal.

Is it for you? For a motivated professional who already exercises or wants an incentive to do so, Vitality can offer exceptional value. The premium savings and lifestyle benefits can be substantial. However, if you are unlikely to engage, you may end up paying a standard premium without reaping the rewards.

The Competition's Response:

  • Aviva: Offers the "Aviva Wellbeing" app with access to health resources, and discounts on gym memberships, but it is not directly linked to your premium.
  • AXA: Provides a "Feelgood Health" hub with resources and member offers, but again, it is separate from the core insurance premium calculation.
  • WPA: As a not-for-profit, their focus is less on lifestyle rewards and more on providing comprehensive medical access and member-focused service.

Adviser Tip: Don't be swayed by rewards alone. If Vitality's underlying cover and hospital list don't suit you, the free coffee is irrelevant. We help clients weigh the real-world value of wellness programmes against the fundamental quality of the insurance policy.

Pricing and Long-Term Value: What's the Real Cost?

Your initial premium is only part of the story. The long-term cost is heavily influenced by your No Claims Discount (NCD) and age-related increases.

How No Claims Discounts Compare

ProviderNCD Structure & Key Features
AXAA strong NCD, typically up to 75%. Some policies offer a protected NCD option for an additional cost. A claim usually drops your NCD by 2 or 3 levels.
AvivaA generous NCD scale, often up to 75% or more. A claim typically reduces the discount by 3 levels. They also offer NCD protection.
VitalityDoes not use a traditional NCD. Instead, your renewal premium is influenced by your age, medical inflation, and your engagement with the Vitality wellness programme. High engagement can offset age-related increases.
WPAOperates a "Community Rating" on some corporate plans, where claims from one individual don't directly impact their premium. On individual plans, they have a "Shared Responsibility" model which functions similarly to an NCD, rewarding claim-free years.

The Vitality Difference: Vitality's approach is a game-changer for long-term value if you stay active. With traditional NCDs, a single large claim can wipe out years of discounts, leading to a sharp premium hike. With Vitality, your premium is more closely tied to your proactive health management.

Long-Term Value Scenario: A 45-year-old manager has a policy for 10 years.

  • With AXA/Aviva: If they don't claim, their NCD will max out, keeping premiums manageable (though they will still rise with age). If they make a £20,000 claim in year 8, their premium could jump by 30-50% at the next two renewals as their NCD resets.
  • With Vitality: If they maintain Gold or Platinum status, they could see much smaller age-related increases each year. A claim has no direct impact on their renewal premium, which is a powerful advantage.

Claims Process and Customer Service: The Moment of Truth

A policy is only as good as its claims service. All four providers have well-established, regulated claims processes.

  1. GP Referral: Your journey almost always starts with a GP. All four providers offer a Digital GP service to speed this up.
  2. Pre-authorisation: Before you receive any treatment, you must get the claim pre-authorised by your insurer. This is a crucial step.
  3. Direct Settlement: In most cases, the insurer pays the hospital and specialist directly. You are only responsible for any excess on your policy.

Reputation & Technology:

  • AXA & Aviva: Have invested heavily in digital portals and apps, making it easy to track claims and find specialists. They are large, efficient operations.
  • Vitality: Their app is central to the entire experience, from booking a GP to tracking activity and starting a claim.
  • WPA: Often praised for its personal touch and UK-based call centres. As a smaller, not-for-profit organisation, they have a strong reputation for member-centric service, often giving you more direct contact with claims assessors.

Get Your Personalised Comparison from WeCovr

This comparison highlights the strengths of each provider, but the "best" private health insurance is the one that's best for you. Your profession, lifestyle, budget, and health priorities will determine the right choice.

This is where WeCovr adds invaluable expertise. As an independent, FCA-authorised broker, we are not tied to any single insurer. Our role is to understand your needs and search the entire market to find the optimal combination of cover, service, and price.

When you get a quote with us, you also benefit from:

  • Expert, Unbiased Advice: We explain the small print and help you avoid common pitfalls.
  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: All our health and life insurance clients receive free access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: We can often provide discounts when you take out PMI alongside other cover like life insurance.

Let us do the hard work for you. Get a clear, personalised quote today and gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the right protection in place.

Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

No, standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice before your policy start date. Insurers use either Moratorium or Full Medical Underwriting to exclude these conditions.

Is private medical insurance worth it for professionals in the UK?

For many professionals, private medical insurance is highly valuable. It provides fast access to diagnostics and treatment for acute conditions, which can minimise time off work and reduce the uncertainty associated with NHS waiting lists. It also offers greater choice over when and where you are treated and by which specialist, giving you more control over your healthcare.

How much does private health insurance cost for a professional?

The cost of private health insurance varies significantly based on several factors. A basic policy for a healthy 35-year-old professional could start from £40-£50 per month, while a comprehensive policy for a 50-year-old in London could be £150 per month or more. Key factors influencing the price are your age, location, the level of cover chosen (especially out-patient limits), the hospital list, and your policy excess.

Related guides

Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

Benefits offered by private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:

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Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.


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