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Cataract Surgery with Private Health Insurance

Cataract Surgery with Private Health Insurance 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr provides this definitive guide to private medical insurance for cataract surgery in the UK. We explain your options, how cover works, and how to get the fast, high-quality treatment you deserve.

WeCovr explains options for cataract surgery and how cover works

Cataracts are a common and natural part of ageing, but they don't have to mean a permanent decline in your vision. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be long. This is where private health insurance comes in, offering a fast track to clear vision and a choice of advanced treatment options.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about using private medical insurance for cataract surgery in the UK. We’ll cover what cataracts are, the difference between NHS and private treatment, how insurance cover works, and the crucial details about pre-existing conditions.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye. Think of the lens like the one in a camera; it focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye to create a sharp image. When this lens becomes cloudy, light can't pass through as easily, and your vision becomes blurry, misty, or dim.

Cataracts usually develop slowly over many years and are a very common condition, particularly in older adults.

Key Facts About Cataracts in the UK:

  • According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), cataracts are the leading cause of sight impairment in the UK.
  • It's estimated that around 2.5 million people aged 65 and over in England and Wales have some degree of visual impairment due to cataracts.
  • Cataract surgery is the most common operation performed in the UK, with the NHS carrying out over 450,000 procedures each year.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts:

  • Cloudy or blurry vision
  • Colours appearing faded or washed out
  • Seeing halos around lights, especially at night
  • Increased difficulty with vision in low light
  • Needing brighter light for reading
  • Frequent changes to your glasses or contact lens prescription

The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Cataract Treatment: NHS vs. Private Care

You have two main pathways for cataract surgery in the UK: the National Health Service (NHS) or private treatment, which can be self-funded or paid for by private health insurance.

The NHS Pathway

The NHS offers high-quality cataract surgery free at the point of use. The typical journey involves:

  1. Optician Visit: If you notice symptoms, your first stop is usually an optician who can detect the cataracts.
  2. GP Referral: Your optician will write to your GP, who will then refer you to an NHS ophthalmology (eye specialist) department.
  3. Consultation: You'll have an appointment with an ophthalmologist or a member of their team to confirm the diagnosis and assess your suitability for surgery.
  4. Waiting List: This is the most significant challenge. According to the latest NHS England data, the waiting list for ophthalmology is one of the largest, with many patients waiting several months—and sometimes over a year—from referral to treatment.
  5. Surgery: The surgery itself is usually a day case procedure using a standard, high-quality monofocal lens.

While the clinical care is excellent, the wait can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your ability to drive, read, and enjoy daily activities.

The Private Pathway

Choosing private treatment offers several key advantages:

  • Speed: Avoid long NHS waiting lists and have your surgery within weeks of your consultation.
  • Choice of Surgeon: You can research and select a leading consultant ophthalmologist who specialises in cataract surgery.
  • Choice of Hospital: You can choose a comfortable, modern private hospital at a time and location that suits you.
  • Advanced Lens Options: The private sector provides access to premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) that can correct other vision issues like astigmatism or the need for reading glasses.
  • Personalised Care: You benefit from longer consultation times and a more personal, tailored experience.

This is where private medical insurance becomes invaluable, covering the costs of this superior service and getting you back to living life in high definition, faster.

How Private Health Insurance Covers Cataract Surgery

Understanding how private medical insurance (PMI) covers cataract surgery is crucial. Insurers have specific rules, but the good news is that cataract surgery is one of the most commonly covered procedures on most mid-range and comprehensive policies.

The "Acute Condition" Rule: The Most Important Thing to Know

Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions. 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.

Crucially, PMI does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

  • Chronic Condition: A condition that is ongoing, long-term, and has no known cure (e.g., diabetes, asthma).
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, injury, or symptom you had before your policy start date, whether you were diagnosed or not.

So, how do cataracts fit in? While the development of cataracts is a slow, gradual process (making it seem chronic), insurers classify the need for surgery as an acute event. The surgery is a one-off procedure that resolves the problem, fitting the definition of acute treatment.

This means that if you develop cataracts after you purchase your health insurance policy, the surgery will almost certainly be covered, subject to your policy's terms.

Pre-existing Cataracts: The Exclusion

If you have already been diagnosed with cataracts, or have clear symptoms and have discussed them with a doctor or optician before taking out a policy, this will be considered a pre-existing condition and will not be covered. This is the single most important rule to understand.

This is why it's wise to consider private health cover before you need it.

Types of Underwriting and How They Affect Cataract Cover

When you buy a PMI policy, the insurer assesses your medical history. This is called underwriting.

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer applies a blanket exclusion for any condition you've had symptoms, treatment, or advice for in the last 5 years. Cover for that condition can be added later, but only if you remain symptom-free and treatment-free for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer reviews your medical history and may permanently exclude specific conditions, such as cataracts, if you've had them before. FMU provides certainty from day one about what is and isn't covered.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand which underwriting type is best for your circumstances.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your PMI for Cataract Surgery

Let's walk through a typical real-life example of the claims process:

  • Patient: David, 67, has a comprehensive private medical insurance policy with WeCovr's help. He has had the policy for three years.
  • Step 1: Symptoms Appear: David notices his vision is becoming blurry and driving at night is difficult. He has never had these issues before.
  • Step 2: GP Visit: He visits his GP, who suspects cataracts. The GP gives him an "open referral" to see a private ophthalmologist.
  • Step 3: Contact the Insurer: David calls his insurance provider to open a claim. He provides his policy number and the referral details.
  • Step 4: Pre-authorisation: The insurer confirms his policy covers cataract surgery and pre-authorises a consultation and any initial diagnostic tests (like an eye scan). They provide a list of approved specialists and hospitals in his area.
  • Step 5: Private Consultation: David books an appointment with a consultant of his choice from the approved list. The consultant confirms cataracts and recommends surgery.
  • Step 6: Authorise the Surgery: The consultant's office sends the treatment plan and costs to the insurer. The insurer issues an authorisation number for the surgery, confirming they will cover the costs.
  • Step 7: The Procedure: David has his surgery at a private hospital just three weeks after his GP visit. The insurer pays the hospital and surgeon directly.
  • Step 8: Follow-up: His policy also covers a post-operative consultation to ensure his recovery is on track.

The Critical Role of Outpatient Cover

To get to the surgery stage, you first need a diagnosis. This requires a consultation with a specialist and potentially some scans. These are considered "outpatient" services.

Your policy's level of outpatient cover is therefore very important:

Outpatient Cover LevelWhat It Typically CoversImpact on Cataract Journey
None / BasicCovers only treatment once you are admitted to hospital (inpatient/day-patient).You would need to pay for the initial consultation and diagnostic scans yourself.
Limited CoverOften provides a fixed financial limit (e.g., £500 or £1,000) for outpatient services.This should be sufficient to cover the initial consultation and tests for cataracts.
ComprehensiveCovers all outpatient consultations, tests, and scans in full.Provides complete peace of mind, covering the entire journey from diagnosis to recovery.

When choosing a policy, it's vital to ensure you have adequate outpatient cover to avoid unexpected costs.

Advanced Lenses: What Does Your Insurance Cover?

One of the biggest advantages of private treatment is the choice of intraocular lenses (IOLs). The NHS typically provides monofocal lenses as standard. Private insurance will always cover the cost of a standard monofocal lens as part of the procedure, but you may have the option to upgrade.

Here’s a comparison of the main types of IOLs:

Lens TypeWhat It DoesBest ForHow Insurance Covers It
Monofocal (Standard)Corrects vision for one distance only (usually long distance).Patients who are happy to wear reading glasses for close-up tasks.Fully covered by most policies as the standard of care.
ToricCorrects astigmatism (an imperfection in the curve of the eye) as well as long or short-sightedness.Patients with significant astigmatism who want clearer distance vision.Often requires a patient shortfall. The insurer pays the cost of a standard lens, and the patient pays the difference for the premium Toric lens. Some top-tier policies may cover it.
Multifocal/TrifocalProvides clear vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far), reducing or eliminating glasses.Patients who want the greatest freedom from glasses after surgery.Almost always requires a patient shortfall/co-payment. The patient pays the additional cost of the lens, which can be several hundred pounds per eye. The surgery and hospital costs are still covered by the insurance.

Always check with your insurer before agreeing to a premium lens to understand exactly what they will contribute.

Finding the Best Private Medical Insurance UK for Cataract Cover

Choosing the right policy can feel complex, but focusing on a few key areas makes it easier. Here’s how leading UK PMI providers typically approach cataract surgery:

ProviderTypical Cataract Cover ApproachKey Considerations
BupaGenerally excellent cover for cataracts on mid-to-high-tier plans. Bupa has a large network of recognised hospitals and consultants.Check the specific outpatient limits on your chosen plan. Bupa often works with a network of "Bupa-approved" consultants.
AXA HealthStrong cover for cataract surgery. Their "Guided Option" can reduce premiums if you agree to use a curated list of specialists.Ensure your policy has sufficient outpatient cover. The guided option offers value but less choice of specialist.
AvivaComprehensive cover is standard on most policies. Aviva is known for its clear policy wording and strong customer service.The "Expert Select" option directs you to a specialist for diagnosis and can provide a cashback incentive.
VitalityCovers cataracts fully on most plans and uniquely integrates wellness rewards, encouraging a healthy lifestyle to protect eye health.Cover is often linked to engaging with their wellness programme. Check for any excess or co-payment clauses.

This is where an independent broker like WeCovr adds immense value. We are not tied to any single insurer. Our experts compare the entire market for you, finding a policy that provides robust cataract cover at the most competitive price, saving you time and money. Our advice is completely free.

Cost of Private Cataract Surgery (Without Insurance)

To appreciate the value of PMI, it's helpful to know the cost of paying for treatment yourself. In 2025, the typical cost for private cataract surgery in the UK is:

  • Per Eye (Standard Monofocal Lens): £2,500 – £3,500
  • Per Eye (Premium Multifocal/Toric Lens): £3,500 – £4,500+

These costs typically include the surgeon's fee, anaesthetist's fee, hospital costs, the lens itself, and one follow-up appointment. With private medical insurance, these costs are covered (minus any excess or shortfall for premium lenses).

Lifestyle, Diet, and Protecting Your Eye Health

While cataracts are often age-related, you can take steps to promote long-term eye health and potentially slow their progression.

  • Protect from UV Light: Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
  • Eat a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants may help. Include plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and berries. Vitamins C and E are particularly beneficial for eye health.
  • Don't Smoke: Smoking produces free radicals that can damage the cells in your eyes and accelerate cataract formation.
  • Manage Health Conditions: Keep conditions like diabetes under tight control, as high blood sugar can damage the lenses of your eyes.
  • Regular Eye Tests: Have your eyes checked by an optician at least every two years. This allows for early detection of cataracts and other conditions like glaucoma.

As a WeCovr client, you also get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, making it easier to manage a healthy diet for your overall wellbeing and eye health. Customers who buy PMI or life insurance with us also benefit from exclusive discounts on other types of cover, such as home or travel insurance.

Is cataract surgery covered by all private health insurance policies in the UK?

Generally, yes. Most mid-range and comprehensive private medical insurance policies in the UK cover cataract surgery, as it is classified as an acute procedure. However, basic policies that only cover inpatient treatment may require you to pay for the initial outpatient consultation and diagnostics yourself. It is not covered if it is a pre-existing condition. Always check the specific terms of your policy.

What if I had symptoms of cataracts before I bought my private health cover?

If you had symptoms, received advice for, or were diagnosed with cataracts before your policy start date, it will be treated as a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover. UK private medical insurance is designed for new, unforeseen acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. This is a fundamental principle of how PMI works.

Will my health insurance pay for premium multifocal or toric lenses?

Most standard insurance policies cover the full cost of the surgery including a standard monofocal lens. If you choose a premium lens, like a toric or multifocal one, the insurer will typically contribute the amount a standard lens would cost. You would then pay the difference directly to the hospital or clinic. This is known as a "patient shortfall" or "co-payment." Some top-tier policies may offer enhanced cover for these lenses, but you must check with your provider first.

Take the Next Step to Clearer Vision

Navigating the world of private health cover can be daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. At WeCovr, our friendly, expert advisors are here to help.

We'll take the time to understand your needs, compare policies from the UK's leading insurers, and find the perfect plan to protect your health. Get fast access to treatments like cataract surgery and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with first-class care.

Ready to protect your sight and your health? Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today.

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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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