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Cigna Global Health Insurance Is It Worth It for UK Residents

Cigna Global Health Insurance Is It Worth It for UK Residents

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert analysis of the UK private medical insurance market. This guide examines Cigna Global's international health plans and whether they are a suitable choice for residents whose healthcare needs are primarily within the UK.

WeCovr reviews Cigna's international health cover and how it compares locally

Navigating the world of private health insurance can feel complex. You'll encounter a vast array of providers, policy types, and terminology. One name that often appears is Cigna, a global health services giant. However, their primary UK offering, Cigna Global, is an international plan. But what does that mean for someone living permanently in the United Kingdom?

Is Cigna Global the right choice for you, or would a domestic UK private medical insurance (PMI) policy from a provider like Bupa, Aviva, or Vitality be a better and more cost-effective fit?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down:

  • The crucial difference between international and UK domestic health insurance.
  • What Cigna Global's plans actually cover.
  • How Cigna compares to traditional UK PMI providers.
  • The specific circumstances where Cigna might be worth it for a UK resident.
  • The likely cost difference and why it exists.

Our goal is to give you the clarity you need to make an informed decision about protecting your health.

Understanding the Difference: International vs. UK Domestic PMI

Before we dive into Cigna specifically, it's essential to grasp the fundamental difference between the two main types of private health insurance available. They are built for entirely different purposes.

UK Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is designed for one primary reason: to provide UK residents with fast access to high-quality private medical treatment within the UK. Its main benefit is bypassing NHS waiting lists for eligible, acute conditions. Think of it as a domestic service that complements the care provided by the NHS.

International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI), like the plans offered by Cigna Global, is designed for people who live, work, or travel across different countries. This includes expatriates, digital nomads, and frequent business travellers. Its core strength is providing seamless, comprehensive medical cover across international borders.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the key differences:

FeatureUK Domestic PMIInternational PMI (e.g., Cigna Global)
Coverage AreaPrimarily United Kingdom only.Regional or Worldwide.
Primary PurposeBypass NHS waiting lists for acute conditions.Provide comprehensive health cover for expats and global citizens.
Typical CostMore affordable.Significantly more expensive.
Core FocusAccess to UK private hospitals and specialists.Access to a global network of healthcare facilities.
Key FeaturesCancer cover, outpatient options, mental health support.Medical evacuation, repatriation, cross-border care continuity.
Ideal UserA permanent UK resident.An expat, frequent traveller, or someone splitting time between countries.

The Golden Rule of UK PMI: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

It is vital to understand a core principle of standard UK private medical insurance: it is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for hernias.
  • A chronic condition is a long-term illness that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and arthritis. Standard UK PMI does not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.
  • Pre-existing conditions – illnesses or injuries you had before your policy started – are also excluded.

This is the fundamental trade-off of private health cover in the UK. It provides fast access to treatment for new, curable conditions, but it is not a replacement for the NHS, which provides comprehensive care for all conditions, including chronic and pre-existing ones.

Who is Cigna? A Look at the Global Giant

Cigna is a formidable name in global healthcare. With a history stretching back over 200 years, it's one of the largest health services organisations in the world, serving millions of customers across the globe. Their expertise lies in providing health insurance and related services on an international scale.

In the UK, their most visible brand is Cigna Global, which is their international private medical insurance arm. It's important to note that Cigna's focus isn't on the mainstream UK domestic PMI market, which is dominated by names like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality. Instead, Cigna caters to the expatriate community and multinational corporations that need to provide health benefits to employees stationed in different countries, including the UK.

This global focus shapes every aspect of their plans, from the price to the features included.

A Deep Dive into Cigna Global Health Insurance Plans

Cigna Global policies are typically modular. This means you start with a core plan and then add optional benefits to tailor the cover to your specific needs.

Here’s a typical structure:

1. Core Inpatient Plans (e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum)

This is the foundation of your cover and is mandatory. It covers the most expensive treatments, primarily those requiring a hospital stay.

  • Hospitalisation: Semi-private or private room costs.
  • Surgery: Fees for surgeons and anaesthetists.
  • Advanced Cancer Care: Comprehensive cover for diagnostics, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.
  • Mental Health Support: Often includes cover for inpatient and day-patient psychiatric care.
  • Medical Evacuation: This is a key IPMI feature. If you can't get the necessary treatment locally, it covers the cost of transporting you to the nearest suitable medical facility.

The level of cover (Silver, Gold, Platinum) determines the annual limits for these benefits. Platinum plans often have no overall annual limit.

2. Optional Outpatient Module

This is one of the most common add-ons. Without it, you are only covered for treatment that requires a hospital bed. This module typically covers:

  • Consultations with specialists and physicians.
  • Prescribed outpatient drugs and dressings.
  • Pre- and post-hospitalisation care.
  • Physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment.
  • Diagnostic tests and scans (X-rays, MRI, CT scans).

3. Other Optional Modules

To create a fully comprehensive plan, you can add further benefits:

  • Health and Wellbeing: Covers routine health checks, screenings, and vaccinations.
  • Vision and Dental: Covers routine eye tests, glasses, and dental treatments, from check-ups to major restorative work.
  • Medical Repatriation: Covers the cost of returning you to your home country for treatment if desired.

Real-Life Example: Who Uses Cigna Global?

Imagine David, an American IT consultant on a three-year assignment in London. His US-based employer provides him with a Cigna Global policy.

  • When he needs to see a specialist for a persistent knee problem in London, his policy covers the consultation and MRI scan (Outpatient module).
  • Later, while on a business trip to Dubai, he develops a severe infection requiring hospitalisation. His Cigna Global plan covers his treatment there seamlessly.
  • If his condition required complex surgery not available to the required standard in Dubai, the policy's medical evacuation benefit would cover his transport to a top hospital in Germany or back to the UK.

For David, a traditional UK PMI policy would be insufficient as it wouldn't cover him outside the UK. Cigna Global is built for his lifestyle.

How Does Cigna Global Compare to UK Private Medical Insurance Providers?

This is the crucial question for a UK resident. If your life is based in the UK, how does an international plan stack up against a dedicated domestic one?

Let's compare Cigna Global to what we'll call "Typical UK PMI" (representing major providers like AXA, Bupa, Aviva, etc.).

FeatureCigna GlobalTypical UK PMI (e.g., Bupa, AXA, Aviva)WeCovr's Analysis
Best ForExpats, frequent world travellers, global citizens.Permanent UK residents.The right choice depends entirely on your geographical footprint.
Geographic CoverWorldwide or Worldwide excluding USA.UK only (some offer limited overseas emergency cover).Overpaying for global cover is pointless if you don't need it.
Indicative CostHigh to Very High.Moderate to High.UK PMI is almost always the more affordable option for UK-based care.
Core BenefitSeamless cross-border healthcare access.Fast access to private UK hospitals, bypassing NHS waits.The core value propositions are fundamentally different.
Medical EvacuationA standard, key feature.Not included or a very niche add-on.Essential for an expat, but irrelevant for most UK residents.
Wellness ProgrammesBasic (e.g., health screenings).Advanced and integrated (e.g., Vitality's reward system).UK providers are leading the way in incentivising healthy behaviour.
Hospital NetworkGlobal network of hospitals.Curated list of UK private hospitals.UK PMI providers have deep partnerships with UK hospital groups.
UnderwritingFull Medical Underwriting is common.Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting are both common.A broker like WeCovr can advise on the best underwriting for you.

As the table shows, the two types of policies are not really direct competitors. They serve different markets. Using Cigna Global for purely UK-based health needs is like using a expedition-grade arctic parka for a walk in a London park – it's over-specified and comes with a much higher price tag.

Is Cigna Global Health Insurance the Right Choice for a UK Resident?

The answer is almost always no, but there are a few specific exceptions.

When Cigna Global might be a good fit for you:

  • You are an expat in the UK: You are a foreign national living in the UK and want a single policy that covers you here, on trips home, and during international travel.
  • You are a "global citizen": You genuinely split your time between the UK and one or more other countries and need continuous, borderless cover.
  • You plan to emigrate soon: You live in the UK now but plan to move abroad in the near future and want a portable policy that can move with you without needing new underwriting.
  • Your employer provides it: Many multinational companies offer Cigna Global as a standard benefit to their employees, regardless of their nationality.

When a UK Domestic PMI policy is almost certainly a better choice:

  • You are a UK citizen living permanently in the UK.
  • Your primary goal is to get treated faster than on the NHS for new, acute conditions.
  • You are budget-conscious and want the most cost-effective way to access private healthcare in the UK.
  • You want a policy that rewards a healthy lifestyle with perks like gym discounts, free coffee, or cinema tickets (a key feature of providers like Vitality).
  • You travel abroad only for standard holidays, where a good travel insurance policy provides sufficient emergency medical cover.

For the vast majority of people searching for private medical insurance in the UK, a domestic policy is the logical, appropriate, and financially sensible option. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can instantly assess your needs and confirm which type of policy is right for you, saving you time and money.

Cost Analysis: Cigna Global vs. UK PMI

The most significant difference you will notice is the price. International health insurance is substantially more expensive than domestic cover. This is due to several factors:

  • Broader Coverage Area: Covering healthcare in countries with very high medical costs (like the USA, Switzerland, or Hong Kong) dramatically increases the premium.
  • Medical Inflation: IPMI has to account for varying rates of medical inflation across the globe.
  • Complex Administration: Managing a global network of hospitals and claims in multiple currencies is administratively costly.
  • High-Cost Features: Benefits like medical evacuation and repatriation are expensive to provide.

To illustrate, here are some hypothetical monthly premium examples. These are for illustrative purposes only and are not quotes.

ScenarioCigna Global (Worldwide excl. USA Cover)Typical UK Domestic PMI
30-year-old individual, London (Comprehensive Cover, £250 excess)£250 - £350£60 - £90
45-year-old couple, Manchester (Mid-level Cover, £500 excess)£600 - £800£150 - £220
55-year-old individual, Bristol (Comprehensive Cover, £0 excess)£700 - £950£200 - £280

The difference is stark. For the cost of a comprehensive Cigna Global plan, a UK resident could often buy a top-tier domestic PMI policy for their entire family.

The WeCovr Advantage: Navigating Your Health Insurance Options

Choosing the right health insurance is a major decision. It’s easy to get lost in the jargon or choose a policy that isn't right for your needs. This is where an independent, expert broker is invaluable.

At WeCovr, we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our service is provided at no cost to you.

  1. We Listen: We take the time to understand your unique situation – your lifestyle, your health priorities, and your budget.
  2. We Compare: We use our expertise and technology to compare policies from across the UK PMI market, including the leading names like Aviva, AXA, Bupa, and Vitality. We'll quickly determine if your needs point towards domestic or international cover.
  3. We Advise: We explain your options in plain English, ensuring you understand the cover you're getting. We'll guide you on crucial choices like hospital lists, excess levels, and underwriting methods.
  4. We Add Value: When you arrange a private medical or life insurance policy through WeCovr, you gain complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. You may also be eligible for discounts on other types of insurance you arrange with us.

Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to finding the right cover for every client.

Wellness and Lifestyle: A Holistic Approach to Health

Modern private health insurance is about more than just treating you when you're ill. The best PMI providers actively encourage and reward a healthy lifestyle, recognising that prevention is better than cure.

The UK is facing significant health challenges. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around two-thirds of adults in England are overweight or obese. The NHS recommends adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, but many fall short of this goal.

A good PMI policy can help bridge this gap with:

  • Discounted gym memberships.
  • Rewards for tracking daily activity.
  • Access to online GPs and mental health support.
  • Nutrition consultations and health screenings.

Taking proactive steps to manage your health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep (7-9 hours per night for adults) can have a profound impact on your long-term wellbeing and reduce your reliance on medical services, whether public or private.

Do I need private medical insurance if I have the NHS?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is not a replacement for the NHS, which provides excellent emergency and chronic care. PMI is a complementary service. Its main purpose is to give you choice and control over your healthcare, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists for eligible, non-urgent (acute) conditions and receive treatment in a private hospital at a time that suits you.

Does Cigna Global or UK PMI cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute medical conditions that arise *after* your policy begins. It explicitly excludes pre-existing conditions (ailments you had before cover started) and the long-term management of chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma. While some international plans may offer limited cover for pre-existing conditions subject to strict underwriting and higher premiums, it is not a standard feature.

Can I buy Cigna Global if I live permanently in the UK?

Yes, you can purchase a Cigna Global policy while being a UK resident. However, it is likely to be a poor value proposition unless you are an expatriate or travel extensively for work. For the high cost of a Cigna Global plan, you would be paying for worldwide cover that you may not use, when a more affordable and tailored UK domestic PMI policy would likely serve your needs better.

What is the main difference between Cigna Global and a provider like Bupa or AXA in the UK?

The main difference is their focus and geographic scope. Cigna Global provides international private medical insurance (IPMI) designed for expatriates and global citizens, offering cover in multiple countries. UK providers like Bupa and AXA Health offer domestic private medical insurance (PMI) specifically for UK residents to receive treatment within the UK private healthcare system. Consequently, Cigna is significantly more expensive and includes features like medical evacuation, whereas UK PMI is more affordable and focuses on bypassing local NHS waiting lists.

Your Next Step to a Healthier Future

In conclusion, while Cigna Global is a leading provider of high-quality international health insurance, it is a specialist product for a global audience. For the vast majority of UK residents, a domestic private medical insurance UK policy offers more appropriate and far more cost-effective cover.

Ready to find the right private health cover for your unique needs? Navigating the market can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone.

Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our FCA-authorised advisors are ready to compare top UK providers to find a policy that fits your life, protects your health, and respects your budget.

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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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