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Best Private Health Insurance for Over-50s

Best Private Health Insurance for Over-50s 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr specialises in helping UK consumers find the right private medical insurance. This guide focuses on securing affordable, comprehensive cover for those over 50, navigating the unique considerations that come with age to ensure you get the peace of mind you deserve.

WeCovr's expert advice on securing affordable, tailored PMI later in life

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) can feel complex, especially as you move into your 50s, 60s, and beyond. You might be thinking about retirement, enjoying more travel, or simply wanting the reassurance that you can access first-class healthcare quickly if you need it.

The good news is that securing excellent private health cover later in life is not only possible but also a smart way to protect your health and wellbeing. At WeCovr, we believe that age should be a reason for better planning, not a barrier to quality care. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from how premiums are calculated to the clever ways you can tailor a policy to fit your budget.

Why Consider Private Medical Insurance When You're Over 50?

While we are incredibly fortunate to have the NHS, the system is under undeniable pressure. For those over 50, the potential for longer waits for consultations, diagnostics, and treatments can be a significant concern.

  • NHS Waiting Times: According to NHS England data from early 2025, the median waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led treatment was over 18 weeks. For some specialisms, such as orthopaedics (hip and knee replacements), waits can be considerably longer.
  • Choice and Control: PMI gives you control over your healthcare journey. You can choose your specialist, select a hospital that is convenient for you, and schedule treatment at a time that minimises disruption to your life.
  • Comfort and Privacy: A significant benefit of private treatment is the access to a private, en-suite room, which can make a huge difference to your comfort and recovery.
  • Access to Specialist Drugs and Treatments: Some advanced drugs or treatments, particularly for cancer, may not be available on the NHS due to cost or NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines. PMI policies often provide access to a broader range of options.

For many, private medical insurance isn't about replacing the NHS – it's about complementing it. The NHS remains the best place for accidents, emergencies, and managing chronic conditions. PMI is your key to unlocking rapid access for new, eligible health concerns.

The Golden Rule of UK PMI: Understanding Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Before we go any further, it is vital to understand the single most important principle of private medical insurance in the UK.

Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. They do not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions.

Let’s break this down:

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repair, or treatment for an infection.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, requires palliative care, has no known cure, or is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any condition for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment in the years leading up to your policy start date (typically the last 5 years).

If you have high blood pressure managed by your GP, your PMI policy will not cover its management. However, if you develop a new, unrelated acute condition like a hernia after taking out the policy, your PMI would cover the diagnosis and surgery.

Understanding this distinction is the key to having realistic expectations and appreciating the true value of your cover.

How Insurers Assess Your Health: Underwriting Explained

When you apply for PMI, the insurer needs to assess the risk. This is done through a process called underwriting. For over-50s, the two main types are:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting (The "Wait and See" Approach) This is the most common and straightforward method. You don't need to provide a detailed medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a general exclusion for any condition you've had in the 5 years before your policy started.

    However, if you then go for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts without needing any treatment, medication, or advice for that specific condition, the insurer may then agree to cover it in the future.

    • Pros: Quick and easy application process.
    • Cons: Lack of certainty at the point of claim, as the insurer will investigate your medical history then.

  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU) (The "Full Disclosure" Approach) With FMU, you complete a detailed health questionnaire as part of your application. You disclose your full medical history. The insurer then assesses this information and tells you from day one precisely what is and isn't covered. Any specific conditions you have will be listed as exclusions on your policy documents.

    • Pros: Complete clarity and certainty from the start. You know exactly where you stand.
    • Cons: A longer, more involved application process.

Which is better for over-50s? There's no single right answer. If you have a clean bill of health, a moratorium policy can be simple and fast. However, if you have a complex medical history or simply want absolute certainty, FMU is often the preferred choice. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can discuss your personal circumstances and help you decide which path is best.

What Determines the Cost of Your PMI Premium?

Insurers calculate your monthly or annual premium based on several key risk factors. Understanding these helps you see where you can make adjustments to find a more affordable price.

FactorHow It Affects Your PremiumWeCovr's Expert Tip
AgeThis is the most significant factor. As we age, the statistical likelihood of needing medical treatment increases, so premiums are higher.You can't change your age, but you can lock in a policy sooner rather than later. Premiums will still rise with age, but starting earlier is always cheaper.
LocationWhere you live matters. The cost of private treatment varies across the UK, with central London being the most expensive.If you don't live or work near central London, ensure your hospital list doesn't include expensive city-centre hospitals to reduce your premium.
Level of CoverA comprehensive policy with extensive outpatient cover, therapies, and mental health support will cost more than a basic plan.Start with the core cover (in-patient and day-patient treatment) and only add the extras you genuinely believe you will need.
ExcessThis is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer pays the rest. A higher excess leads to a lower premium.Choosing an excess of £250 or £500 is a highly effective way to make your policy more affordable without sacrificing the quality of core cover.
LifestyleInsurers will ask if you smoke or use nicotine products. Smokers pay significantly higher premiums due to the associated health risks.Quitting smoking is the single best lifestyle change for your health and your wallet. Some insurers may reduce your premium after you've been nicotine-free for 12 months.

7 Smart Ways to Tailor Your Policy and Reduce Costs

Finding the best private health insurance for over-50s is about striking the perfect balance between comprehensive cover and an affordable premium. Here are the most effective levers you can pull:

  1. Increase Your Excess: As mentioned above, this is the quickest win. Agreeing to pay the first £250, £500, or even £1,000 of a claim can slash your monthly premium. Think of it as self-insuring for smaller issues while protecting yourself against the high cost of major surgery.

  2. Opt for the '6-Week Wait' Option: This is a clever feature that significantly reduces your premium. With this option, if the NHS can provide the in-patient treatment you need within six weeks, you agree to use the NHS. If the NHS wait is longer than six weeks, your private cover kicks in. It's a fantastic compromise, protecting you from long waits while leveraging the NHS for speedier treatments.

  3. Be Selective with Your Hospital List: Insurers offer tiered hospital lists. A list that includes only local private hospitals and excludes the premium-priced central London facilities will be much cheaper. Unless you have a specific reason to need access to a London hospital, choosing a regional or national list is a smart saving.

  4. Limit Your Outpatient Cover: Outpatient cover pays for consultations and diagnostic tests before you are admitted to hospital. While valuable, it can add a lot to the premium. You can choose to:

    • Limit the financial value (e.g., to £500 or £1,000 per year).
    • Remove it entirely and pay for initial consultations yourself, keeping the PMI to cover the high cost of the actual surgery and hospital stay.

  5. Consider a Co-payment Option: Some policies allow you to share the cost of a claim with the insurer, typically on a 75%/25% basis up to a certain limit. This reduces your premium as you are taking on a small part of the risk.

  6. Review Your Therapy Cover: Do you need extensive cover for osteopathy, chiropractic, and physiotherapy? If not, reducing or removing this add-on can trim your costs.

  7. Ask About Guided Options: Some of the best PMI providers, like Aviva and AXA, offer 'guided' plans. With these, the insurer provides a shortlist of approved specialists and hospitals for your condition. Because this helps them manage costs, they pass the savings on to you in the form of a lower premium.

Comparing the Best PMI Providers for Over-50s

The UK private medical insurance market is dominated by a few key players, each with its own strengths. Here’s a high-level comparison of features often valued by those over 50.

Note: Costs are illustrative for a 55-year-old non-smoker in a mid-cost UK region with a £250 excess and will vary based on individual circumstances.

ProviderIndicative Monthly CostKey Benefits for Over-50sUnique Selling Point
Aviva£95 - £140Strong core hospital cover, excellent digital GP service, comprehensive cancer cover as standard ('Cancer Pledge').The '6-Week Wait' option is well-regarded, and their 'Expert Select' guided option offers significant savings.
AXA Health£100 - £150Strong focus on mental health support, access to a wide range of therapies, flexible outpatient options.'Personalised Customer Support' provides a dedicated case manager for complex claims, which is reassuring.
Bupa£110 - £160Extensive network of own hospitals and clinics, direct access for cancer and mental health claims (no GP referral needed).Bupa's 'Direct Access' is a market-leading feature that speeds up access to specialist care significantly.
Vitality£85 - £130Focus on wellness and prevention, rewarding healthy habits with premium discounts and other perks.The Vitality Programme. If you're active and engaged with your health, you can earn rewards that offset the cost of the policy.

This table provides a snapshot, but the "best" provider truly depends on your priorities. Do you value a wellness programme? Is direct access to cancer care your main concern? This is where talking to an independent PMI broker is invaluable.

The WeCovr Advantage: Why Use a Broker?

You can go directly to an insurer, but you will only hear about their products. Using an expert, independent broker like WeCovr gives you a significant advantage, at no extra cost to you.

  • Whole-of-Market Comparison: We compare policies from all the leading UK insurers to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
  • Expert, Unbiased Advice: We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our job is to represent your best interests, not the interests of any single insurer. We have helped thousands of clients navigate the market and enjoy high customer satisfaction ratings for our service.
  • Tailoring Your Policy: We do the hard work for you, explaining the jargon and helping you adjust the different policy levers—excess, hospital lists, 6-week wait—to build the perfect plan.
  • Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange your private medical insurance with WeCovr, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. Furthermore, our clients often receive discounts on other insurance products, such as life or travel insurance.

A Focus on Wellbeing: Healthy Ageing in Your 50s and Beyond

Private health cover is about treating illness, but a proactive approach to your health is the best insurance of all. Here are some tips to support a healthy and active life after 50.

  • Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. As we age, ensuring adequate calcium and Vitamin D is crucial for bone health (NHS guidance 2025). Our CalorieHero app can help you track your intake and make healthier choices.
  • Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or tennis) a week, as recommended by the NHS. Strength-training exercises are also vital for maintaining muscle mass and bone density.
  • Sleep: Prioritise 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a range of health issues. Establishing a regular sleep routine in a cool, dark room can significantly improve sleep quality.
  • Social Connection: Staying connected with friends, family, and your community is a powerful tool for mental wellbeing. Loneliness can have a physical impact on health, so make time for social activities.
  • Regular Health Checks: Don't skip your NHS health checks, cancer screenings, and eye tests. Early detection is key to better outcomes.

Real-Life Example: How PMI Made a Difference

Meet Susan, a 62-year-old retired librarian. Susan had been paying for a mid-range PMI policy for several years. She developed severe pain in her knee that made walking difficult. Her GP suspected she needed a knee replacement and referred her to an NHS orthopaedic surgeon, but the waiting list was nearly a year long.

Susan called her PMI provider. Within three days, she had an appointment with a private consultant. An MRI was performed the following week, confirming the need for a total knee replacement. The surgery was scheduled for three weeks later at a private hospital near her home. She recovered in a private room and had her post-operative physiotherapy sessions covered by her policy.

For Susan, her policy meant the difference between a year of pain and restricted mobility and getting back to her active life of gardening and walking her dog within a few months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PMI for Over-50s

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.

1. Is there an age limit for taking out private health insurance? No, most major UK insurers do not have an upper age limit for new applicants. However, premiums will be significantly higher for those starting a policy in their 70s or 80s compared to their 50s. The best time to get cover is always now.

2. Will my premium go up every year? Yes, you should expect your premium to increase each year for two main reasons. Firstly, due to your age moving into the next age bracket, and secondly, due to medical inflation – the rising cost of private healthcare treatments, drugs, and technology. An annual review with your broker can help manage these increases.

3. Does private medical insurance cover cancer? Yes, comprehensive cancer cover is a core feature of virtually all private medical insurance UK policies. It typically covers diagnosis, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Many policies also provide access to specialist drugs not available on the NHS, as well as support services like wigs and prostheses. Always check the specifics of the cancer cover in your policy documents.

4. Can I add my partner to my policy? Yes, you can usually add a partner or spouse to your policy. This can sometimes be slightly cheaper than two individual policies, but not always. It's worth comparing the cost of a joint policy versus two separate ones.

5. What happens if I want to switch my PMI provider? You can switch providers, but it's crucial to do so with care, especially if you have developed new conditions on your existing policy. You should seek advice on "continued medical exclusions" (CME) underwriting, which allows you to transfer your underwriting terms to a new insurer, ensuring you remain covered for conditions that arose under your old plan. An expert broker is essential for this process.

Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind

Choosing the right private medical insurance is one of the most important decisions you can make for your future health. It provides the reassurance that should you need it, you can access high-quality medical care quickly, on your own terms.

The key is not to overpay for cover you don't need but to build a smart, affordable policy that protects you where it matters most.

Ready to explore your options? The expert team at WeCovr is here to help. We provide free, no-obligation quotes and impartial advice to help you compare the market and find the perfect private health cover for you.

Contact WeCovr today to get your personalised quote and secure your health for tomorrow.

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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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