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Bupa vs Aviva Which Is the Better Private Medical Insurer

Bupa vs Aviva Which Is the Better Private Medical Insurer

Choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK can feel daunting. As an independent brokerage that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that clarity is key. This definitive 2025 guide compares two of the UK's biggest names, Bupa and Aviva, to help you make an informed decision.

Comparing two major UK insurers on hospital lists, outpatient cover, and pricing

When you're deciding between Bupa and Aviva for your private health cover, you're looking at two of the most established and respected providers in the UK market. Both offer excellent levels of care, but they differ in crucial ways that can significantly impact your experience and your wallet.

This comparison will cut through the marketing noise and focus on the three pillars of any great PMI policy:

  1. Hospital Access: Where can you actually be treated?
  2. Outpatient Cover: How are you covered for diagnostics and consultations before a hospital stay?
  3. Pricing & Value: What will it cost, and what do you get for your money?

Let's break down how they stack up.

Bupa vs Aviva: At a Glance Comparison for 2025

For those short on time, this table provides a high-level overview of the key differences between Bupa's 'By You' policy and Aviva's 'Healthier Solutions' policy.

FeatureBupa (By You)Aviva (Healthier Solutions)Broker Insight
Overall ReputationA household name with a very strong brand. Historically seen as the premium choice.Major UK insurer with a reputation for flexibility and competitive pricing.Both are 'Big 4' insurers with excellent financial strength. The choice often comes down to policy structure, not brand quality.
Core CoverComprehensive inpatient and day-patient cover as standard.Comprehensive inpatient and day-patient cover as standard.The core offerings are very similar. The real difference is in the optional extras.
Hospital ListTiered system: Essential Access, Extended Choice, Extended Choice + London.Tiered system: Key, Extended, and options for specific London hospitals.Aviva's 'Key' list is more restricted than Bupa's 'Essential'. Always check your local private hospital is on your chosen list.
Outpatient CoverOptional. Choose from a monetary limit (£500, £750, £1,000) or Full Cover.Optional. A standard £1,000 limit is often included, with an option to upgrade to Full Cover.This is the key area for customisation. Underestimating your outpatient needs is a common and costly mistake.
Cancer CoverComprehensive cancer cover is standard on the 'Comprehensive' plan. No financial or time limits.Extensive cancer cover is standard. No financial or time limits on eligible treatment.Both offer outstanding cancer care. Nuances exist in approved drug lists and experimental treatments.
Mental HealthStrong focus. Often included as standard for inpatient and day-patient care.Good cover available, often as an add-on or on higher-tier plans.Bupa has historically led in this area, but Aviva's offering is robust and increasingly comprehensive.
Digital GPDigital GP service available 24/7.Digital GP service available 24/7.Both services are excellent for getting quick advice and prescriptions, reducing the strain on your local GP.
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Understanding the Fundamentals: What is Private Medical Insurance?

Before we dive deeper, it's vital to be clear on what private medical insurance (PMI) is designed for.

PMI is for acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and allow you to return to your previous level of health. Think cataracts, joint replacements, or hernia surgery.

Crucially, standard UK private medical insurance does not cover:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury you had before taking out the policy will be excluded, at least initially.
  • Chronic conditions: Long-term conditions that cannot be cured, only managed. This includes things like diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure.

PMI is your key to bypassing long NHS waiting lists for eligible treatments, gaining access to private hospitals, and getting specialist care quickly.

Core Cover Breakdown: What’s Included as Standard?

Both Bupa and Aviva build their policies on a foundation of "core cover." This is the non-negotiable part of your plan that covers you if you need to be admitted to a hospital.

Both Bupa and Aviva's core policies will typically cover:

  • Hospital Charges: The cost of your room, nursing care, and meals in a private hospital.
  • Specialist Fees: Fees for the surgeons and anaesthetists involved in your treatment.
  • Diagnostic Tests: Scans like MRI, CT, and PET when you are an inpatient.
  • Cancer Treatment: Both providers include extensive cancer cover for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery as part of their core offering.
  • Ambulance Costs: For private ambulance transport to a private facility when medically necessary.

The standard cover for both is excellent and broadly similar. You will not be left wanting for inpatient care with either provider. The real choice and customisation come from the hospital lists and optional extras.

Hospital Lists Compared: Where Can You Be Treated?

A common mistake is assuming all private hospitals are included in every policy. They are not. Insurers use "hospital lists" or networks to manage costs. Choosing the right list is a balance between choice and price.

Bupa Hospital Lists

Bupa operates a tiered system designed to offer different levels of access and price points:

  1. Essential Access: Bupa's value-oriented list. It includes a good network of private hospitals across the UK but excludes some of the premium-priced facilities, especially in Central London.
  2. Extended Choice: This is the most popular option. It provides a comprehensive list of several hundred private hospitals and clinics nationwide.
  3. Extended Choice with Central London: The premium tier. This adds the exclusive and expensive hospitals in Central London (e.g., The Lister, The London Clinic). This option carries a significant price increase.

Aviva Hospital Lists

Aviva also uses a tiered approach, though with different naming conventions:

  1. Key: Aviva's budget-friendly list. It's more restricted than Bupa's Essential Access and relies heavily on a network of private wings within NHS hospitals and select private hospital groups.
  2. Extended (Hospital Options): This allows you to choose from a wide range of national private hospitals. You can also opt for their "Trust" network, which focuses on private patient units in NHS Trust hospitals, often at a lower premium.
  3. London Upgrades: Like Bupa, Aviva requires you to add a specific upgrade to get access to the top-tier London hospitals.

Adviser's Tip: Don't just pick the cheapest hospital list. Before you buy, check that your preferred local private hospital is included in the list you choose. People living outside major cities can sometimes find their nearest facility is not on a budget list, making the policy less useful. An adviser at WeCovr can check this for you in minutes.

Outpatient Cover: The Most Important Customisation

This is arguably the most critical decision you will make when building your policy. Outpatient cover pays for the diagnostic journey before you are admitted to hospital.

  • What it covers: Specialist consultations, blood tests, and diagnostic scans (like MRI or CT) that do not require a hospital bed.
  • Why it's important: Without it, you would have to pay for all your pre-admission diagnostics yourself, which can run into thousands of pounds, or rely on the NHS for this stage.

Bupa Outpatient Options

Bupa gives you a clear choice:

  • No Outpatient Cover: Relies on the NHS for all diagnostics. The cheapest option, but can lead to long waits.
  • Monetary Limits: You can choose a limit of £500, £750, or £1,000 per policy year. This is a popular middle ground.
  • Full Outpatient Cover: No financial limit on eligible consultations and diagnostics. The most comprehensive and expensive option.

Aviva Outpatient Options

Aviva's approach is slightly different:

  • Standard Outpatient (£1,000 limit): Many 'Healthier Solutions' policies come with a £1,000 outpatient limit as a default.
  • Full Outpatient Cover: You can upgrade to have unlimited cover for eligible outpatient treatment.
  • Reduced Options: You can also choose to reduce or remove the outpatient limit to lower your premium.

Real-Life Scenario: Imagine you have persistent knee pain.

  • You see a GP who refers you to an orthopaedic specialist.
  • Outpatient: The specialist consultation (£250), an MRI scan (£800), and a follow-up consultation (£150) are all outpatient services. Total: £1,200.
  • Result: With a £1,000 outpatient limit, you'd have a £200 shortfall to pay yourself. With Full Cover, it would all be paid. This is why choosing the right limit is vital.

Cancer Cover: A Critical Comparison

Peace of mind around cancer treatment is a primary reason many people buy private health insurance. The good news is that both Bupa and Aviva provide outstanding, market-leading cancer cover as standard.

Key Features of Both Bupa and Aviva's Cancer Cover:

  • Full Cover for Treatment: No financial or time limits on eligible cancer surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
  • Advanced Therapies: Access to specialist treatments and drugs that may not be available on the NHS.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Cover for regular check-ups following your treatment.
  • Support Services: Dedicated cancer support teams, helplines, and access to nurses.

The Nuances

  • Bupa: On their 'Comprehensive' plan, full cancer care is included by default. They have a strong reputation for their Bupa Cancer Promise and support networks. They provide access to breakthrough drugs and treatments, often as soon as they are licensed.
  • Aviva: Aviva's cancer cover is equally extensive. Their 'Expert Select' option gives you access to a curated list of cancer specialists and hospitals. They also have a strong focus on providing access to the latest licensed treatments.

Broker Insight: While both are excellent, there can be subtle differences in their lists of approved experimental drugs or access to specific niche treatments. For clients with specific concerns, a broker can examine the fine print of each policy to ensure the best possible fit.

Mental Health Cover: A Growing Priority

Awareness of mental health has rightly grown, and insurers have responded.

  • Bupa: Bupa has made mental health a cornerstone of its offering. Many of its policies include a good level of mental health cover as standard, covering both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment. They provide direct access to their mental health support network without needing a GP referral.
  • Aviva: Aviva also offers a solid range of mental health benefits. While it's often an optional add-on rather than standard, the cover is comprehensive once selected. Their mental health pathways are designed to get members fast access to the right support, from therapy to specialist consultations.

For those who see mental health support as a top priority, Bupa's "included as standard" approach on their comprehensive policies may be more appealing. However, Aviva's optional cover is just as robust if you choose to add it.

Pricing and Excess: How Much Will It Cost?

Price is influenced by your age, location, medical history, and the level of cover you choose. Central London postcodes are always more expensive than rural ones.

To give you an idea, here is an illustrative table of monthly premiums. These are examples only – your quote will be personal to you.

PersonaBupa 'By You'Aviva 'Healthier Solutions'Policy Details
35-year-old, Manchester£75£68£250 excess, £1,000 outpatient, Extended hospital list
50-year-old, Bristol£120£110£500 excess, £1,000 outpatient, Extended hospital list
45-year-old, London£155£145£250 excess, Full outpatient, London hospital list

Illustrative prices as of Jan 2025. Actual premiums will vary.

What is an Excess? An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim each year. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will significantly lower your monthly premium. A £0 excess means the insurer pays everything, but your premiums will be higher. Both Bupa and Aviva offer a flexible range of excess options from £0 up to £1,000 or more.

Generally, Aviva can often come in slightly cheaper on a like-for-like basis, particularly for younger customers or those looking for a more modular policy. Bupa is often perceived as the premium brand, and its pricing can sometimes reflect that. However, the only way to know for sure is to get a direct comparison quote.

Digital Tools and Member Benefits

Your policy isn't just about hospital treatment. Both insurers offer a suite of modern digital tools.

  • Digital GP: Both Bupa and Aviva provide 24/7 access to a virtual GP via an app. This is incredibly convenient for getting quick medical advice, prescriptions, or referrals without waiting for a face-to-face appointment.
  • Wellness Apps & Discounts: Both providers offer member discounts on gym memberships, health screenings, and other lifestyle products.
  • WeCovr Member Benefits: When you take out a policy through WeCovr, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. Plus, our clients often receive exclusive discounts on other types of cover, like life or income protection insurance.

Which is Better for You: Bupa or Aviva? A Broker's Verdict

There is no single "better" insurer; there is only the insurer that is better for you.

Choose Bupa if:

  • You value the reassurance of a household brand name.
  • You want comprehensive mental health cover included as a core benefit.
  • You prefer a straightforward "all-in" comprehensive plan without too many moving parts.

Choose Aviva if:

  • You want maximum flexibility to build a policy that fits your exact needs and budget.
  • You are price-conscious and want to explore all options to get the most competitive premium.
  • You are comfortable with a slightly more restricted hospital list (like their 'Key' network) in exchange for a lower price.

The truth is, comparing these giants on your own can be complex. The best approach is to define your priorities—be it a specific hospital, full outpatient cover, or the lowest possible price—and then compare tailored quotes.

An independent private medical insurance broker like WeCovr does this for you at no cost. We are not tied to any one insurer. Our job is to understand your needs and search the market to find the policy that offers you the best value and protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (Bupa vs Aviva)

Can I switch from Bupa to Aviva (or vice versa)?

Yes, you can switch insurers. It's crucial to do this on a "Continued Medical Exclusions" (CME) basis. This means the new insurer agrees to continue covering conditions you were already covered for under your old policy. An adviser can manage this process for you to ensure there are no gaps in your cover. Switching without advice can lead to new exclusions being applied.

Does Bupa or Aviva cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance, from both Bupa and Aviva, is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after you join. Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded. If you remain symptom and treatment-free for a set period (usually 2 years), your insurer may agree to cover that condition in the future under a "moratorium" underwriting plan.

Is Aviva generally cheaper than Bupa?

Aviva often has more competitively priced options, particularly due to its highly flexible policy structure and more restrictive entry-level hospital list. However, this is not always the case. For some demographics and cover combinations, Bupa may be cheaper. The only way to know for sure is to get a like-for-like quote based on your personal circumstances.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Policy?

Navigating the private medical insurance market is what we do best. Let our expert, FCA-authorised advisers take the hard work out of comparing Bupa, Aviva, and other leading UK providers. We'll give you impartial advice and a free, no-obligation quote to ensure you get the right cover at the best possible price.

Contact WeCovr today to secure your health and peace of mind.


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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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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