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Bunion Surgery in the UK

Bunion Surgery in the UK 2025 | Free Tailored Quotes

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 750,000 policies arranged, WeCovr helps you understand the UK’s private medical insurance market. This guide explores bunion surgery, explaining how private health cover can provide faster access to treatment, helping you get back on your feet sooner.

WeCovr explains bunion removal and PMI coverage for quicker access

Living with a painful bunion can be debilitating, affecting everything from your choice of footwear to your ability to enjoy a simple walk. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting lists for elective procedures like bunion removal can be lengthy. This is where private medical insurance (PMI) can be a game-changer.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about bunion surgery in the UK. We'll cover what bunions are, the treatment options available, the realities of NHS waiting times, and how a PMI policy can help you bypass the queue for faster, more flexible treatment.

What Exactly is a Bunion (Hallux Valgus)?

A bunion, known medically as 'hallux valgus', is a common foot deformity. It appears as a bony lump at the base of the big toe. This lump forms when your big toe starts to point inwards, towards your other toes, forcing the joint at its base—the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—to stick out.

While they look like a simple growth, bunions are a complex structural issue involving the bones, tendons, and ligaments of your foot.

Common Causes of Bunions:

  • Genetics: The biggest factor is your inherited foot type. If your parents or grandparents had bunions, you're more likely to develop them too.
  • Footwear: While not a direct cause, wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can worsen the condition and accelerate its development by squeezing the toes into an unnatural position.
  • Foot Stress or Injuries: Certain activities that put a lot of stress on the feet can contribute to their formation.
  • Medical Conditions: Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk.

According to orthopaedic studies, bunions are incredibly common, affecting an estimated 23% of adults under 65 and over 35% of those over 65 in the UK.

Recognising the Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice

Bunions develop slowly over time, and you might not notice any issues initially. However, as the deformity progresses, you may experience:

  • A visible bony bump on the side of your big toe joint.
  • Pain and soreness, which can be constant or intermittent.
  • Swelling, redness, or inflammation around the big toe joint.
  • A burning sensation or numbness in the big toe.
  • Difficulty walking or finding shoes that fit comfortably.
  • Corns or calluses developing where the first and second toes overlap.
  • Restricted movement of your big toe.

If foot pain is impacting your daily life, it's time to see your GP. They can diagnose the bunion and discuss the best course of action.

First Steps: Non-Surgical Bunion Treatments

Surgery is usually the last resort. Before recommending an operation, your doctor or a podiatrist will suggest conservative, non-surgical treatments to manage your symptoms.

Common Non-Surgical Options:

  • Changing Your Footwear: This is the most important step. Opt for wide-fitting, comfortable shoes with a low heel and a soft sole. Avoid anything that squeezes or puts pressure on your toes.
  • Bunion Pads and Taping: You can buy soft, gel-filled pads from a chemist to cushion the bunion and prevent rubbing. Your podiatrist might also show you how to tape your foot to keep it in a more normal position.
  • Orthotics: Custom or over-the-counter shoe inserts (orthotics) can help to control abnormal foot motion and relieve pressure on the big toe joint.
  • Pain Relief: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce swelling. Always follow the packet instructions.
  • Ice Packs: Applying an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel for 5-10 minutes several times a day can soothe inflammation.
  • Foot Exercises: Specific stretches can help maintain joint mobility and relieve some discomfort.

These methods can be very effective at managing symptoms, but they won't correct the underlying bone deformity. If the pain and deformity become severe despite these measures, surgery becomes the next logical step.

A specialist will typically recommend bunion surgery, or a 'bunionectomy', when conservative treatments have failed and the bunion is causing significant problems, such as:

  • Severe and persistent pain that limits your daily activities.
  • Chronic inflammation and swelling that doesn't improve with rest or medication.
  • Increasing deformity of the toe, leading to other foot problems like hammertoe or crossover toe.
  • Difficulty finding shoes that you can wear without significant pain.

The goal of surgery is not cosmetic. It is a functional procedure designed to relieve pain, correct the deformity, and improve your quality of life.

Bunion Surgery on the NHS: The Reality of Waiting Times

The NHS provides bunion surgery for patients who meet specific clinical criteria. However, as a non-urgent, elective procedure, it is subject to significant waiting lists.

According to the latest NHS England statistics for Referral to Treatment (RTT), the trauma and orthopaedic surgery specialty—which includes bunion removal—faces some of the longest delays. While the target is for 92% of patients to be treated within 18 weeks of a GP referral, this target has not been met for several years.

In reality, many patients can wait well over 18 weeks, with some waiting for a year or even longer for their operation. These delays can lead to prolonged pain and a further decline in mobility and quality of life.

FeatureNHS PathwayPrivate Pathway
ReferralGP refers you to a local NHS hospital.GP provides an 'open referral' or refers you to a specific private consultant.
Wait for ConsultationCan take several months.Typically within 1–2 weeks.
Wait for SurgeryCan be over a year in some areas.Typically scheduled within 4–6 weeks of consultation.
Choice of SurgeonYou will be treated by the available surgeon/team.You can choose your consultant surgeon based on expertise and reputation.
Choice of HospitalLimited to your local NHS trust.You can choose from a nationwide list of high-quality private hospitals.
FacilitiesWard accommodation (often mixed-sex).Private, en-suite room with TV, Wi-Fi, and a la carte menu.

Private Bunion Surgery: The Faster, More Flexible Alternative

For many, waiting in discomfort for over a year is not a viable option. This is why thousands of people in the UK choose to use private medical insurance or self-fund their bunion surgery each year.

The primary benefits of going private are:

  1. Speed of Access: This is the most significant advantage. You can typically see a specialist within a couple of weeks of your GP referral and have your surgery scheduled just a few weeks after that.
  2. Choice and Control: You can research and choose your preferred consultant orthopaedic surgeon and select a hospital that is convenient for you and known for its excellent facilities.
  3. Comfort and Privacy: Treatment takes place in a clean, modern private hospital, where you will have your own en-suite room to recover in comfort.

How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Covers Bunion Surgery

This is the key question for many: "Will my private health cover pay for bunion surgery?"

The answer is yes, most comprehensive PMI policies in the UK do cover bunion surgery, provided the condition is not pre-existing.

In insurance terms, a bunion that develops and is diagnosed after your policy has started is considered an acute condition. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health. This is precisely what PMI is designed for.

The process for getting treatment through your PMI is straightforward:

  1. Visit Your GP: Your journey always starts with your GP. Explain your symptoms and they will provide a referral to a specialist.
  2. Contact Your Insurer: Call your PMI provider to get pre-authorisation for a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon. They will give you an authorisation code and confirm your cover.
  3. See the Specialist: You attend your private consultation. The surgeon will confirm the diagnosis and recommend surgery if appropriate.
  4. Authorise the Procedure: The consultant's secretary will send the treatment plan and costs to your insurer. Your insurer will review it and provide a second authorisation code for the surgery.
  5. Schedule Your Surgery: Once authorised, you can book your operation at a time that suits you.

A Critical Point: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions

This is the most important rule to understand in UK private medical insurance. Standard PMI policies do not cover pre-existing conditions.

A pre-existing condition is any disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment before the start date of your policy.

What does this mean for bunions?

  • If you already have a bunion, have seen a doctor about it, or are experiencing symptoms before you take out a PMI policy, it will be excluded from cover.
  • If your bunion develops and is diagnosed for the first time after your policy has been active for a period (usually defined by the underwriting terms), it will be covered.

Similarly, PMI does not cover chronic conditions—illnesses that cannot be cured and require long-term management, like diabetes or osteoarthritis. While a bunion itself isn't chronic, if it's caused by a chronic condition like rheumatoid arthritis, there may be complexities in the cover.

An expert PMI broker, like WeCovr, can help you navigate these rules and understand exactly what is and isn't covered before you buy.

Choosing the Right PMI Policy for Bunion Surgery

When looking for a policy, several features are particularly important if you want comprehensive cover for procedures like a bunionectomy.

PMI FeatureWhy It's Important for Bunion SurgeryWhat to Look For
Outpatient CoverYou'll need this for your initial consultation with the surgeon, any diagnostic tests like X-rays, and your post-operative follow-up appointments.Look for policies with a generous outpatient limit (£1,000+) or full cover. Basic policies may have very low limits or no cover at all.
Hospital ListThis determines which private hospitals you can use. Different insurers have different networks.Ensure the list includes high-quality hospitals near you that specialise in orthopaedics. A 'nationwide' or 'premium' list offers the most choice.
Excess LevelThis is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim. A higher excess lowers your monthly premium.Choose an excess you are comfortable paying. Common options are £0, £100, £250, or £500. You only pay the excess once per policy year, per person.
Underwriting TypeThis determines how pre-existing conditions are assessed. The two main types are 'Moratorium' and 'Full Medical Underwriting'.A broker can explain which is best for your circumstances. Moratorium is simpler; Full Medical Underwriting provides more certainty from day one.

Comparing policies from providers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality can be complex. WeCovr's expert advisors can do the hard work for you, comparing the market to find the best private medical insurance UK has to offer for your specific needs and budget, at no extra cost to you.

What Happens During Bunion Removal Surgery?

There are over 100 different surgical techniques for correcting a bunion, but they all share the same goals: realigning the joint, correcting the deformity, and relieving pain.

The most common type of surgery in the UK is an osteotomy.

  1. Anaesthesia: The surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, but sometimes a local anaesthetic that numbs the leg is used.
  2. The Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision along the side of your foot over the big toe joint.
  3. Realigning the Bone: The surgeon cuts the metatarsal bone (the osteotomy) and shifts it into a correct, straight position.
  4. Fixation: The repositioned bone is held in place with small, specially designed screws or sometimes a staple or wire. These are typically left in place permanently.
  5. Soft Tissue Repair: The surgeon may also need to release some tight ligaments and tighten others to help balance the joint.
  6. Closing the Wound: The incision is closed with stitches, and a dressing and bandage are applied.

In recent years, Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) for bunions has become more popular. This involves making several tiny 'keyhole' incisions instead of one larger one. The potential benefits include less scarring, reduced pain, and quicker recovery, though it's not suitable for all types of bunions.

Recovery After Bunion Surgery: What to Expect

A successful outcome depends heavily on following your surgeon's post-operative instructions. Recovery is a gradual process.

  • First 2 Weeks: You will need complete rest with your foot elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling. You'll wear a special surgical shoe or boot and may need crutches to move around.
  • 2 to 6 Weeks: Swelling will start to go down. You can begin to put more weight on your foot, but you'll still be in the surgical shoe. You may be able to return to a desk-based job after 2-4 weeks, but a manual job will require more time off.
  • 6 to 12 Weeks: You will likely have a follow-up appointment with an X-ray around the 6-week mark. If the bone is healing well, you can transition into a wide, supportive trainer. Gentle, low-impact activities like swimming and cycling can be reintroduced.
  • 3 to 6 Months: Most of the swelling should have resolved, and you can gradually return to more strenuous activities and sports.
  • Up to 1 Year: It can take up to a year for all the swelling to disappear completely and for you to feel the full benefit of the surgery.

The Cost of Private Bunion Surgery in the UK (Self-Pay)

If you don't have private medical insurance, you can choose to 'self-fund' your treatment. This gives you the same benefits of speed and choice, but you pay for it directly. The cost of private bunion surgery varies depending on the surgeon, hospital, and the complexity of the procedure.

Here is a typical breakdown of self-pay costs in 2025:

Cost ComponentEstimated Price Range (per foot)
Initial Consultation£200 – £300
Diagnostic X-Rays£100 – £200
Surgeon & Anaesthetist Fees£2,000 – £3,500
Hospital Fees (theatre, room, nursing)£2,500 – £4,500
Follow-up Consultation£150 – £250
Total Estimated Cost£4,950 – £8,750

Many private hospitals offer a fixed-price package that includes the surgery, hospital stay, and one follow-up appointment. This provides peace of mind by ensuring there are no unexpected bills. When you consider these costs, the value of a comprehensive private health cover policy becomes clear.

How WeCovr Can Help You Find the Best PMI

Navigating the world of private medical insurance can feel overwhelming. With so many providers, policy types, and confusing jargon, it's hard to know where to start. That's where we come in.

WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised PMI broker. Our mission is to make health insurance simple, transparent, and accessible.

  • Expert, Unbiased Advice: We are not tied to any single insurer. Our expert advisors provide impartial advice and search the market to find the policy that truly fits your needs and budget.
  • We Do the Work for You: We handle the comparisons, explain the key differences, and help you with the application process from start to finish.
  • No Cost to You: Our service is completely free. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, so you get expert advice without paying a penny extra.
  • Added Value: When you take out a PMI or life insurance policy through WeCovr, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your wellness journey. You also gain access to exclusive discounts on other types of cover.

We are proud of our high customer satisfaction ratings, which reflect our commitment to providing clear, friendly, and professional service.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bunion Surgery and PMI

Will my private medical insurance cover bunion surgery if I already have a bunion?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. If you have been diagnosed with a bunion or have experienced symptoms before taking out your policy, it will be excluded from cover. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins.

Is bunion surgery considered a cosmetic procedure by insurers?

No, bunion surgery is not considered cosmetic. It is a medically necessary procedure performed to correct a painful and progressive deformity (hallux valgus), restore function, and improve quality of life. Insurers cover it on these grounds, provided the condition is not pre-existing and you have been referred by a GP.

How quickly can I get bunion surgery with private medical insurance?

The process is much faster than on the NHS. Typically, you can get a referral from your GP and see a private orthopaedic consultant within one to two weeks. If surgery is recommended, it can usually be scheduled to take place within four to six weeks of that consultation, at a time and hospital that is convenient for you.

Take the Next Step Towards a Pain-Free Future

Don't let bunion pain hold you back or let long waiting lists dictate your life. With the right private medical insurance, you can access leading specialists and state-of-the-art hospitals quickly, helping you get back to the activities you love.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our friendly team of experts will help you compare the best PMI providers in the UK and find a plan that's right for you.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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