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Cervical Artery Dissection

Cervical Artery Dissection 2025 | Free Tailored Quotes

Navigating a serious medical event like a cervical artery dissection requires swift, expert care. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, we believe understanding your condition is the first step towards recovery and securing the right private medical insurance in the UK for your future health needs.

Understand cervical artery dissection symptoms and urgent treatment needs

A Cervical Artery Dissection (CAD) is a serious and often misunderstood medical condition. It is one of the most common causes of stroke in people under the age of 50. While the term sounds alarming, understanding the symptoms and the need for immediate medical attention can dramatically improve outcomes. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of CAD, from its causes and symptoms to treatment pathways and how private health cover can support your recovery journey.

What Exactly Is a Cervical Artery Dissection (CAD)?

To understand CAD, let's first look at the arteries in your neck. You have four main arteries that supply blood to your brain:

  • Two Carotid Arteries: Located at the front of your neck, one on each side. You can often feel their pulse.
  • Two Vertebral Arteries: These run up the back of your neck, protected by the bones of your spine (the vertebrae).

Each of these arteries has walls made of several layers. Think of it like a reinforced hosepipe. A dissection happens when a tear forms in the innermost layer of the artery wall. Blood can then leak between the layers, causing them to separate.

This separation can lead to two major problems:

  1. Stenosis (Narrowing): The bulge created by the blood between the layers can press inwards, narrowing the artery and reducing blood flow to the brain.
  2. Thrombosis (Clotting): The rough, damaged surface of the tear can cause blood clots to form. These clots can break away, travel to the brain, and block a smaller vessel, causing a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA or 'mini-stroke').

CAD is an acute condition. It happens suddenly and requires emergency care. It is not a chronic illness, which is a key distinction when considering private medical insurance.

Spotting the Warning Signs: Key Symptoms of CAD

The symptoms of CAD can be varied and sometimes subtle, which can make diagnosis tricky. They often begin with pain, which can be the only symptom for hours or even days before neurological signs appear. Recognising these signs early is critical.

The most common symptoms are headache and neck pain, often described as unusual, severe, and different from any pain experienced before.

Symptom CategoryDescription & Common Signs
Pain
  • Headache: Often severe, sudden ('thunderclap' headache), and persistent. It can be on one side of the head, face, or around the eye.
  • Neck Pain: Typically a sharp, stabbing, or tearing pain in the upper neck or at the base of the skull.
Neurological SignsThese are signs of a stroke or TIA and require immediate 999 attention.
  • Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking.
Horner's SyndromeA classic sign associated with carotid artery dissection. It involves a combination of symptoms on one side of the face:
  • A drooping eyelid (ptosis).
  • A smaller pupil (miosis).
  • Decreased sweating on that side of the face (anhidrosis).
Other Key Signs
  • Pulsatile Tinnitus: A 'whooshing' or pulsing sound in one ear, in time with your heartbeat.
  • Scalp Tenderness: The skin on your scalp may feel sore to the touch.
  • Dizziness or Vertigo: A spinning sensation, particularly common with vertebral artery dissection.
  • Taste Disturbance: A metallic or unusual taste in the mouth.

If you or someone you know experiences a sudden, severe headache or neck pain, especially when combined with any of the neurological symptoms listed above, you must call 999 immediately. This is a medical emergency.

What Causes a Tear in the Neck Artery?

CAD can occur in two main ways: spontaneously or as a result of trauma.

1. Spontaneous Dissection In many cases, a dissection happens without any clear cause. It's thought that some individuals may have an underlying weakness in their artery walls, making them more susceptible to tears. Known risk factors include:

  • Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (vascular type) and Marfan Syndrome can weaken blood vessel walls.
  • Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD): A condition that causes abnormal cell growth in artery walls, making them weaker and more prone to dissection or aneurysm.
  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Puts constant strain on artery walls.
  • Recent Infections: Some studies suggest that infections, particularly respiratory ones, can cause inflammation that may temporarily weaken arteries.

2. Traumatic Dissection Sometimes, a tear is caused by an injury to the neck. This doesn't have to be a major accident. Even minor or sudden movements can, in rare cases, trigger a dissection. Examples include:

  • Sudden head or neck movements (e.g., during sports, yoga, or even forceful coughing/sneezing).
  • Chiropractic neck manipulation (a known but rare cause).
  • A direct blow to the neck or a whiplash injury from a car accident.

It is important to note that these activities are extremely common, and dissection is very rare. For a dissection to occur, there is often a pre-existing vulnerability in the artery wall.

The primary danger of a cervical artery dissection is its potential to cause an ischaemic stroke. According to the Stroke Association in the UK, CAD is responsible for a significant proportion of strokes in younger adults, accounting for up to 25% of cases in those under 50.

Here’s how it happens:

  1. A tear occurs in the artery's inner lining.
  2. The body's natural response is to form a blood clot at the site of the injury to "plug the hole."
  3. A piece of this clot (an embolus) can break off.
  4. It travels with the blood flow up into the brain.
  5. It lodges in a smaller brain artery, cutting off the blood supply to a part of the brain.
  6. Without blood and oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes. This is an ischaemic stroke.

This is why time is so critical. The sooner a dissection is diagnosed and treatment begins (usually with medication to prevent clots), the lower the risk of a stroke or a second stroke.

The Diagnostic Journey: How Doctors Confirm CAD in the UK

If a doctor in A&E suspects you have a CAD, they will act quickly to get a clear picture of the arteries in your neck and brain.

Your journey will likely involve:

  • A Neurological Examination: A doctor will test your strength, sensation, reflexes, and coordination to check for signs of a stroke.
  • Blood Tests: To check for clotting issues and other health markers.
  • Advanced Imaging Scans: This is the most crucial part of diagnosis. The main techniques used are:
    • CT Angiogram (CTA): A fast and widely available scan. It involves injecting a special dye (contrast agent) into a vein in your arm. A CT scanner then takes detailed X-ray images of your blood vessels to reveal any tears, bulges, or blockages.
    • MR Angiogram (MRA): This uses powerful magnets and radio waves (not X-rays) to create highly detailed images of your arteries. It is excellent at showing the blood vessel wall itself and can be used with or without a contrast dye.
    • Doppler Ultrasound: A non-invasive scan that uses sound waves to check blood flow through the neck arteries. It can sometimes detect signs of dissection but is less definitive than a CTA or MRA.

In the NHS, these scans are typically performed on an emergency basis through the A&E department and the hospital’s stroke unit.

Treatment Pathways: From A&E to Long-Term Recovery

The goal of treatment for CAD is to prevent a stroke from happening or to stop another one from occurring.

1. Immediate Medical Treatment The frontline treatment is medication to stop blood clots from forming. The choice of drug depends on your specific situation:

  • Antiplatelet medication: Drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel make platelets (a type of blood cell) less sticky, reducing the chance of them clumping together to form a clot. This is the most common treatment.
  • Anticoagulant medication: Drugs like warfarin, or newer direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like apixaban or rivaroxaban, work on different clotting factors in the blood. They are sometimes used, particularly if a clot has already formed.

Recent large-scale clinical trials have shown that for most CAD patients, antiplatelets are just as effective and safer (carrying a lower risk of bleeding) than anticoagulants.

2. Endovascular or Surgical Treatment In a very small number of cases where medication is not effective or the artery is severely damaged, a more invasive procedure may be needed. This is rare and is performed by specialist teams.

  • Stenting: A small mesh tube (a stent) is inserted into the artery via a catheter to hold it open and cover the tear.
  • Surgery: Direct surgical repair of the artery is very rarely performed.

3. Rehabilitation and Recovery If the dissection has caused a stroke, rehabilitation is a vital part of recovery. This is a multidisciplinary effort involving:

  • Physiotherapists: To help with movement, balance, and strength.
  • Occupational Therapists: To help you regain the skills needed for daily living, such as dressing, cooking, and working.
  • Speech and Language Therapists: To help with communication or swallowing problems.
  • Psychologists: To provide support for the emotional impact of stroke and CAD, including anxiety and depression.

How Private Medical Insurance Supports Your CAD Recovery

It's essential to understand the role of private medical insurance UK in an acute emergency like CAD.

The Golden Rule: Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you already have when you take out the policy) or chronic conditions (illnesses that require long-term management rather than a cure).

A cervical artery dissection is an acute medical emergency. Your initial care—the 999 call, A&E visit, and admission to an NHS stroke unit—will always happen through the NHS. This is the best and fastest pathway for emergency treatment.

However, a good private health cover plan can be invaluable for the next stages of your journey: diagnosis confirmation, specialist consultation, and, crucially, your rehabilitation.

Here’s how a private medical insurance policy can enhance your care pathway:

Care StageStandard NHS PathwayEnhanced PMI Pathway
Urgent DiagnosticsScans (CTA/MRA) are performed in A&E. Follow-up scans might have waiting times depending on urgency and resources.Your policy can cover prompt access to follow-up diagnostic scans (e.g., a follow-up MRA in 3 months) at a private hospital or scanning centre, avoiding potential NHS waits and providing peace of mind.
Specialist AccessYou will be seen by an NHS consultant neurologist or stroke specialist. Follow-up appointments may have long waits.You can choose your consultant from a list of approved specialists. Your PMI policy may provide faster access to follow-up appointments with leading neurologists to discuss your progress, long-term management, and any concerns.
RehabilitationThe NHS provides excellent rehab, but the number of sessions and location may be limited by local commissioning.Many comprehensive PMI policies offer extensive benefits for post-stroke rehabilitation, including more intensive physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy sessions in a private setting, potentially accelerating your recovery.
Mental Health SupportAccess to psychological support may be available but can involve waiting lists.Most top-tier PMI plans now include access to mental health support, including counselling or therapy sessions to help you cope with the anxiety and emotional trauma that often follows a major health event like CAD.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you find a policy with strong outpatient benefits, comprehensive therapy cover, and access to a wide network of specialists and hospitals. This ensures that once you are past the initial emergency, you have the resources for the best possible recovery.

Life After CAD: Navigating Recovery and Wellness

The good news is that the outlook for most people after a CAD is very positive. The artery usually heals itself over a period of about 3 to 6 months. The risk of the same artery dissecting again is very low (around 1% per year).

Here are some tips for managing your health and wellness during recovery:

  • Follow Medical Advice: Take your prescribed medication without fail. This is the single most important step in preventing a stroke.
  • Manage Blood Pressure: If you have high blood pressure, work with your GP to manage it through lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.
  • Gentle Return to Activity: Your consultant will advise you on when it’s safe to return to exercise. Most recommend avoiding high-impact sports or activities that involve straining or sudden neck movements for at least a few months. Gentle activities like walking are usually encouraged.
  • Listen to Your Body: Fatigue is very common after CAD and stroke. Don't push yourself too hard. Rest is an essential part of healing.
  • Diet and Nutrition: A balanced, heart-healthy diet can support your recovery and overall vascular health. As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you make healthy choices.
  • Travel: Discuss any travel plans, especially long-haul flights, with your doctor. They may have specific advice regarding hydration and movement to reduce clot risk.
  • Address Anxiety: It is completely normal to feel anxious about your health after a dissection. Talking to a professional, joining a support group, or using mindfulness techniques can be very helpful.

Comparing the UK's Best PMI Providers for Comprehensive Cover

Choosing the right private medical insurance provider is key to ensuring you have the support you need. While prices vary based on age, location, and level of cover, here's a look at what the leading UK providers offer.

ProviderKey Strengths for Post-CAD RecoveryWhy It Stands Out
BupaExtensive network of hospitals and specialists. Strong mental health support and comprehensive therapy options (physio, etc.).Well-established brand with a focus on holistic health and rehabilitation services.
AXA HealthExcellent outpatient cover options, allowing for prompt follow-up scans and consultations. Strong digital GP service.Flexible policies that can be tailored to include high levels of diagnostic and therapy cover.
VitalityFocus on wellness and rewarding healthy living. Offers good therapy and mental health benefits, often linked to their wellness programme.Unique approach that incentivises you to stay active and healthy during your recovery, which can be psychologically beneficial.
WPAHighly regarded for customer service and a flexible approach to claims. Offers shared responsibility options to manage costs.A not-for-profit ethos and a reputation for paying claims fairly and efficiently.

Finding the best PMI provider for your needs can be complex. At WeCovr, we take the time to understand your priorities and compare policies from across the market, ensuring you get the right cover at a competitive price, with no fee for our service. Plus, when you purchase PMI or life insurance through us, you can get discounts on other types of cover you may need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about CAD and Health Insurance

Does private medical insurance cover a stroke caused by CAD?

Yes, but it's important to understand how. The initial emergency treatment for a stroke will always be handled by the NHS. However, once you are stable, your private medical insurance policy can be activated to cover subsequent care. This includes things like follow-up diagnostic scans (MRA/CTA), consultations with private neurologists, and comprehensive rehabilitation like physiotherapy and occupational therapy at a private facility. The policy must have been in place *before* the CAD event occurred.

If I've had a cervical artery dissection, can I still get private health cover?

Generally, you can still get cover, but the CAD and any related conditions (like a resulting stroke) would be considered pre-existing and would be excluded from your new policy. Insurers will not cover conditions you have already had. However, a new policy would cover you for future, unrelated acute medical conditions. An expert broker can help you navigate the application process and understand the specific exclusions that would apply.

What are the main benefits of using a PMI broker like WeCovr?

Using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr has several key benefits. We provide impartial advice and compare policies from a wide range of top UK insurers to find the best fit for your needs and budget. We do the hard work for you, explaining the jargon and helping with the application. Crucially, our service is free to you, as we are paid by the insurer. We also offer added value, like access to our CalorieHero app and discounts on other insurance products.

A cervical artery dissection is a serious event, but with prompt diagnosis, effective treatment, and dedicated rehabilitation, the prognosis is excellent for most people. Understanding your condition is the first step, and securing the right support for your recovery journey is the next.

Ready to explore how private medical insurance can provide peace of mind for your future health? Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our expert advisors help you find the perfect cover.

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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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