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Cataract Surgery in the UK

Cataract Surgery in the UK 2025 | Free Tailored Quotes

WeCovr explains cataract surgery, waiting times, and how PMI offers faster treatment

As an FCA-authorised expert that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating healthcare options in the UK can be daunting. This is especially true for common conditions like cataracts, where excellent NHS treatment exists but can involve lengthy waits. Our guide explains everything you need to know about cataract surgery, the current waiting times, and how private medical insurance can provide a faster route to clearer vision.

Understanding Cataracts: What Are They and Who Gets Them?

A cataract is a common eye condition where the natural lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. Your lens, which sits just behind your pupil, works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina at the back of your eye. When you're young, this lens is perfectly clear. As we age, proteins in the lens can clump together, creating a cloudy or opaque area—a cataract.

Imagine looking at the world through a foggy window or a piece of frosted glass. That’s what vision with a cataract can be like. It usually develops slowly over many years and can affect one or both eyes.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

The signs of a cataract can be subtle at first but tend to worsen over time. Look out for:

  • Blurred or Misty Vision: Your sight may seem cloudy, making it hard to see fine details.
  • Faded Colours: Colours may appear washed out or have a yellowish or brownish tint.
  • Glare and Halos: You might find bright lights, like car headlights or sunshine, dazzling. You may also see halos around lights, especially at night.
  • Poor Night Vision: Driving or navigating in low light becomes increasingly difficult.
  • Double Vision: You might see a double image in one eye.
  • Frequent Prescription Changes: You may find your glasses or contact lens prescription needs updating more often.

Who is at Risk?

Ageing is the number one cause of cataracts. According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), around a third of people aged 65 and over in the UK have some degree of cataract development in one or both eyes. However, other factors can increase your risk:

  • Family History: A genetic predisposition can play a role.
  • Health Conditions: Diabetes is a significant risk factor.
  • Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can accelerate cataract formation.
  • Sun Exposure: Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light without proper eye protection.
  • Previous Eye Injury or Surgery: Trauma to the eye can lead to cataracts.
  • Long-term use of steroid medication.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Modern Cataract Surgery

The good news is that cataracts are entirely treatable. The only effective treatment is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial one. This procedure, known as phacoemulsification, is the most common operation performed in the UK, with an extremely high success rate.

It's a day-case procedure, meaning you won't need to stay in the hospital overnight. The surgery itself is remarkably quick, typically taking just 15 to 20 minutes per eye.

Here’s what happens on the day:

  1. Preparation: You'll be given local anaesthetic eye drops to completely numb your eye. You will be awake during the procedure, but you won't feel any pain. You may also be offered a mild sedative to help you relax.
  2. The Incision: The surgeon makes a tiny, self-healing incision (around 2-3mm) in your cornea (the front surface of your eye).
  3. Removing the Cataract: A small ultrasound probe is inserted through the incision. This probe emits high-frequency sound waves that break the cloudy lens into tiny fragments. This part of the process is called phacoemulsification. The fragments are then gently suctioned out.
  4. Inserting the New Lens: A clear, foldable artificial lens, called an Intraocular Lens (IOL), is inserted through the same tiny incision. Once inside, it unfolds into position, permanently replacing your natural lens.
  5. Recovery: The tiny incision is self-sealing and rarely requires stitches. A protective shield will be placed over your eye, and after a short rest, you'll be ready to go home.

Choosing Your New Lens (IOL)

A key part of the process is selecting the right IOL. This is an area where private treatment can offer more options than the NHS.

Lens TypeDescriptionBest ForPotential Drawback
Monofocal (Standard)The most common type, especially on the NHS. Corrects vision for one fixed distance, usually long distance.Providing clear distance vision. Ideal for driving or watching TV.You will almost certainly need reading glasses for close-up tasks like reading a book or using a phone.
MultifocalDesigned to provide clear vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far).Reducing or eliminating the need for glasses altogether.Can sometimes cause glare or halos around lights, especially at night. Can be more expensive.
ToricSpecifically designed to correct astigmatism, a common condition where the cornea is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football.People with significant astigmatism, providing sharper vision without glasses.Corrects astigmatism but may still be monofocal, requiring reading glasses.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF)A newer type of lens that creates a single, elongated focal point to enhance the range of vision.Providing good distance and intermediate (e.g., computer) vision with fewer visual side effects than multifocal lenses.May still require weak reading glasses for very fine print.

On the NHS, you will typically be offered a standard monofocal lens. If you opt for private treatment, either through self-funding or private medical insurance, you often have access to a wider range of premium lenses, which could significantly reduce your dependence on glasses after surgery.

The standard of cataract surgery on the NHS is excellent. The surgeons are highly skilled, and the outcomes are overwhelmingly positive. The primary challenge, however, is access. Due to immense pressure on services, waiting times for treatment can be substantial.

The journey on the NHS typically follows these steps:

  1. Visit an Optician: If you have symptoms, your first stop is usually an optician for an eye test. They can detect cataracts.
  2. GP Referral: If a cataract is affecting your quality of life, your optician will write to your GP, who will then refer you to an NHS hospital's ophthalmology department.
  3. Hospital Assessment: You'll be placed on a waiting list for an initial assessment with a hospital specialist (ophthalmologist).
  4. Joining the Surgical List: If the specialist agrees that your cataracts meet the local commissioning group's criteria for surgery (your vision must usually be impaired to a certain level), you will be placed on the waiting list for the operation itself.

UK-Wide Waiting Times in 2025

The official NHS target in England is for 92% of patients to begin treatment within 18 weeks of their referral. Unfortunately, for ophthalmology—the specialty that covers cataracts—this target is consistently missed.

As of early 2025, the picture across the UK remains challenging:

  • Median Wait: The median waiting time from referral to treatment in ophthalmology across England is hovering around 20-25 weeks, but this is just the average.
  • Long Waits: A significant number of patients wait much longer. It is not uncommon for the entire process, from GP referral to surgery, to take 9 to 12 months, and in some areas, even longer.
  • Regional Variation: Waiting times vary dramatically depending on your local NHS Trust. Some areas have much longer backlogs than others.

The Impact of Waiting

A year-long wait might not sound terrible, but for someone whose vision is deteriorating, it can have a profound impact on their quality of life:

  • Loss of Independence: Difficulty with driving can mean losing the freedom to visit friends, go shopping, or attend appointments.
  • Struggles with Daily Tasks: Reading, cooking, and enjoying hobbies can become frustrating or impossible.
  • Increased Risk of Falls: Poor vision is a major contributor to falls in older people, which can lead to serious injury.
  • Social Isolation: If you can no longer participate in activities you enjoy, it can lead to loneliness and a decline in mental wellbeing.

This is where exploring alternatives becomes essential for many.

How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Offers a Faster Path to Clearer Vision

Private medical insurance UK provides a powerful alternative to long NHS queues. It's a policy you pay for—either monthly or annually—that covers the cost of private treatment for eligible, acute conditions like cataracts.

The key benefit is speed. With PMI, the journey to clearer vision is significantly shorter:

  1. Get a Referral: Your GP can provide an open referral, which allows you to choose your specialist.
  2. Choose Your Specialist and Hospital: You can select a leading ophthalmologist and a comfortable, local private hospital from your insurer's approved network.
  3. Fast Consultation: You'll typically see the specialist within days or a couple of weeks.
  4. Swift Surgery: Once you and your consultant agree to proceed, the surgery can be scheduled in a matter of weeks, at a time that is convenient for you.

The entire process, from referral to surgery, can often be completed in 4 to 8 weeks.

A Critical Point: Pre-existing Conditions

This is the most important rule to understand about PMI. Standard UK private health cover is designed for acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

If you have already been diagnosed with cataracts, or are experiencing clear symptoms before your policy starts, the condition will be classed as "pre-existing" and will not be covered.

The purpose of insurance is to protect against future, unforeseen events. This is why it's so important to consider putting a policy in place when you are healthy, as a proactive measure for your future wellbeing. A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand these rules and find a policy that's right for you long before you need it.

NHS vs. Private Cataract Surgery: A Head-to-Head Comparison

To help you decide what's best for you, here’s a clear comparison between the two pathways.

FeatureNHS TreatmentPrivate Treatment (with PMI)
Waiting TimeCan be 9-12 months or longer from referral to surgery.Typically 4-8 weeks from referral to surgery.
CostFree at the point of use.You pay your monthly insurance premiums and a pre-agreed excess on your claim.
Choice of SurgeonYou will be treated by a qualified surgeon, but you have no choice over who it is.You can choose your consultant from a list of approved specialists.
Choice of HospitalYou will be treated at your local NHS hospital or a designated treatment centre.You can choose from a nationwide network of high-quality private hospitals.
Choice of Lens (IOL)A standard, high-quality monofocal lens is typically used.You often have access to premium lenses (multifocal, toric, EDOF) which can reduce your need for glasses.
EnvironmentTreatment is in a busy NHS hospital environment, often on a ward with other patients.Treatment is in a comfortable private hospital, usually with your own private room for recovery.
Post-operative CareFollow-up appointments are standard but can be in busy clinics.Follow-up care is often more personalised, with direct access to your consultant's team.

Understanding the Costs: Self-Funding vs. Using Private Health Cover

If you decide to go private, there are two ways to pay for it.

1. Self-Funding

This means paying for the entire cost of the operation yourself. The price can vary depending on the hospital, the surgeon's fees, and the type of lens you choose.

In 2025, the average cost for private cataract surgery in the UK is between £2,500 and £4,500 per eye.

Choosing a premium multifocal or toric lens will place the cost at the higher end of this scale. While this guarantees fast treatment, it is a significant out-of-pocket expense, especially if you need surgery on both eyes.

2. Using Private Health Cover

This is often a more manageable and predictable way to fund private treatment. Instead of a large one-off payment, you pay regular monthly premiums for your insurance policy. When you need treatment for an eligible condition like cataracts, the insurer covers the cost, and you simply pay a contribution known as the 'excess'.

  • Premiums: The monthly cost of a PMI policy depends on your age, health, lifestyle, and the level of cover you choose.
  • Excess: This is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards any claim. It can range from £0 to £1,000. Choosing a higher excess is a common way to reduce your monthly premiums.

By having private health insurance in place, you are protected against unexpected medical bills, giving you peace of mind and control over your healthcare.

Finding the Best PMI Provider for Your Needs

The UK market has several excellent insurers, but their policies can differ significantly. When searching for the best PMI provider, it's crucial to look beyond just the price.

Key factors to consider include:

  • Level of Cover: Policies are often tiered (e.g., budget, mid-range, comprehensive). A key feature to check is the 'outpatient limit'. You will need outpatient cover for your initial consultation and diagnostic tests, so ensure the limit is sufficient.
  • Hospital List: Insurers have different lists of approved hospitals. Check that the list includes convenient, high-quality private facilities near you.
  • The 'No Claims Discount': Similar to car insurance, many PMI policies reward you with a discount on your premium for every year you don't make a claim.
  • Underwriting Type: You'll choose between 'Moratorium' (simpler to set up, but with a rolling two-year exclusion period for pre-existing conditions) and 'Full Medical Underwriting' (requires a health questionnaire upfront but provides absolute clarity on what is and isn't covered from day one).

Working with an independent broker like WeCovr is invaluable here. We are not tied to any single insurer. Our experts compare policies from across the market, including major names like Aviva, AXA Health, Bupa, and Vitality, to find the one that best matches your needs and budget—all at no cost to you.

Beyond Surgery: Tips for Maintaining Good Eye Health

While you can't always prevent cataracts, a healthy lifestyle can certainly help to delay their onset and support your overall eye health.

  • Eat an Eye-Healthy Diet: Focus on foods rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Excellent choices include leafy greens (spinach, kale), citrus fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, and colourful vegetables like bell peppers and carrots.
  • Protect Your Eyes from the Sun: Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when you are outdoors. A wide-brimmed hat provides extra protection.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking produces free radicals that can damage the cells in your eyes, significantly increasing your risk of cataracts and other eye diseases like macular degeneration.
  • Manage Other Health Conditions: If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels well-controlled is one of the most important things you can do for your eye health.
  • Get Regular Eye Tests: An optician can spot the early signs of cataracts and other conditions long before you notice symptoms. A check-up every two years is recommended, or more frequently if advised.

At WeCovr, we believe in proactive health. That's why customers who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through us receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a fantastic tool to help you make healthier food choices that benefit your whole body, including your eyes. Furthermore, our clients often enjoy discounts on other types of insurance cover, providing even greater value.

Can I get private medical insurance if I already have cataracts?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) does not cover pre-existing conditions. If you have already been diagnosed with cataracts or are experiencing symptoms before taking out a policy, the condition and its treatment will be excluded from your cover. The key is to secure PMI when you are in good health to protect yourself against future, unforeseen acute conditions.

How much does private cataract surgery cost in the UK?

If you are paying for it yourself (self-funding), the cost of private cataract surgery in the UK typically ranges from £2,500 to £4,500 per eye. The final price depends on the hospital, the consultant, and the type of artificial lens (IOL) you choose. If you use private health insurance, the insurer covers the cost, and you just pay your agreed policy excess.

Does private health insurance cover premium multifocal lenses?

This depends entirely on your specific policy. Some comprehensive private health cover plans will cover the full cost of premium lenses like multifocal or toric IOLs. Other policies may cover the cost of a standard monofocal lens, and you pay the difference to upgrade. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you find a policy that includes the level of lens cover you want.

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

The speed of access is the primary benefit of PMI. Once you have a GP referral, you can often see a specialist within a week or two and have the surgery scheduled within a few weeks after that. The entire process from referral to surgery can be completed in as little as 4 to 8 weeks, compared to many months, or even over a year, on the NHS.

Ready to take control of your future health and ensure fast access to treatments like cataract surgery? WeCovr’s friendly, FCA-authorised experts are here to help. We compare the UK’s leading insurers to find you the best private medical insurance at a competitive price. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to clear, impartial advice.

Contact WeCovr today for your free, no-obligation quote and secure your peace of mind.

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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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