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Crohns Disease Explained

Crohns Disease Explained 2025 | Free Tailored Quotes

As an FCA-authorised expert that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr is a leading UK authority on private medical insurance. This guide explains Crohn's disease and how PMI can provide a vital lifeline for rapid diagnosis, bypassing long waiting lists for specialist care.

WeCovr's guide to Crohns disease and how PMI supports quicker access to gastroenterology specialists

Living with unexplained gut symptoms can be a distressing and anxious experience. If you're facing persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, you might be worried about conditions like Crohn's disease. In the UK, while the NHS provides excellent care, the journey to getting a diagnosis can be long.

This is where private medical insurance (PMI) plays a crucial role. It’s not about replacing the NHS, but about complementing it, offering you speed, choice, and peace of mind when you need them most. This guide will walk you through what Crohn's disease is, how it's diagnosed, and critically, how private health cover can unlock faster access to the gastroenterology specialists who can give you the answers you need.

What Exactly is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn's disease is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). In simple terms, it's a long-term (chronic) condition where parts of the digestive system become inflamed.

Think of your immune system as your body's security guard. Normally, it attacks harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. With Crohn's disease, the immune system gets confused and mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues of your gut, causing inflammation.

This inflammation can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the back passage, but it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine (the ileum) or the large intestine (the colon). It can affect small patches of the gut while leaving the sections in between healthy.

According to Crohn's & Colitis UK, it's a significant health issue, affecting at least 1 in every 350 people in the UK. It's often diagnosed in young people, between the ages of 10 and 40, but it can appear at any age.

The Common and Uncommon Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

The symptoms of Crohn's disease vary widely from person to person and depend on which part of the gut is inflamed. They can also come and go in periods known as 'flare-ups' and 'remission'.

Common Symptoms Include:

  • Diarrhoea: Often persistent and can sometimes contain blood or mucus.
  • Abdominal Pain and Cramping: This is a hallmark symptom, often worse after eating.
  • Fatigue: A deep, draining tiredness that isn't relieved by sleep.
  • Unexplained Weight Loss: Caused by a loss of appetite and the body not absorbing nutrients properly.
  • Blood in Stools: This can be bright red or darker, mixed in with the stool.
  • A Feeling of General Unwellness: Simply feeling 'off' or unwell for a prolonged period.

Here is a breakdown of symptoms you might experience:

Symptom CategoryExamples
Gut-Related SymptomsAbdominal pain, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation, urgent need to go to the toilet, blood in stool, mouth ulcers.
Systemic Symptoms (Whole Body)Extreme tiredness (fatigue), fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, anaemia (low red blood cells).
Extra-Intestinal SymptomsJoint pain and swelling (arthritis), inflamed eyes (uveitis), skin rashes and sores, liver inflammation.

It's important to remember that having these symptoms doesn't automatically mean you have Crohn's. Many other conditions, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or an infection, can cause similar issues. That's why getting a prompt and accurate diagnosis is so vital.

The Diagnostic Journey: NHS vs. Private Pathways

Getting to the root of your symptoms is a process of elimination. Here’s how the journey typically unfolds in the UK.

The Standard NHS Pathway

  1. GP Appointment: Your journey starts with your GP. You'll discuss your symptoms, their duration, and their impact on your life.
  2. Initial Tests: Your GP will likely order initial tests to rule out other causes. These include blood tests (to check for inflammation and anaemia) and stool sample analysis (to check for infection or markers of inflammation like calprotectin).
  3. Referral to a Specialist: If these initial tests suggest IBD could be a possibility, your GP will refer you to an NHS gastroenterology department.
  4. The Wait: This is often the most frustrating part of the process. According to NHS England statistics from early 2025, waiting lists for routine specialist appointments can stretch for many months. The target is 18 weeks from referral to treatment, but this is often missed for diagnostics.
  5. Specialist Consultation & Further Tests: Once you see the NHS gastroenterologist, they will likely schedule more definitive tests like a colonoscopy or endoscopy to visually inspect your gut and take small tissue samples (biopsies). You may also need an MRI or CT scan. These tests also have their own waiting lists.
  6. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: After all tests are complete, you'll have a follow-up to receive your diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan.

The entire process, from GP visit to a final diagnosis on the NHS, can take anywhere from a few months to over a year in some cases.

The Critical Point: Private Medical Insurance and Chronic Conditions

This is the most important section of this guide. It is essential to understand the role of private medical insurance in the context of long-term conditions.

Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions, not chronic ones.

  • An acute condition is a disease or illness that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a hernia repair, cataract surgery, or treatment for a joint injury.
  • A chronic condition is an illness that continues for a long time, often for life. It cannot be cured, only managed. Crohn's disease is a classic example of a chronic condition, alongside others like diabetes, asthma, and arthritis.

Crucially, once Crohn's disease is diagnosed, it is classified as a chronic condition. Therefore, standard PMI policies will not cover the ongoing management, medication, or routine check-ups for it. This care will be provided by the NHS.

So, where does PMI provide its incredible value?

PMI's Power Lies in Rapid Diagnosis

The power of PMI is its ability to bypass the NHS waiting lists for the diagnostic process itself.

If you develop symptoms after your PMI policy has started, you can use your insurance to get diagnosed quickly. Instead of waiting months, you could have answers in a matter of weeks.

Let's look at a real-life example:

Fictional Case Study: "David's Story"

David, a 32-year-old marketing manager, started experiencing severe stomach cramps and fatigue. He had a PMI policy through his employer.

  • NHS Path: His GP told him the wait for an NHS gastroenterologist was around 28 weeks in his area, with a further wait for a colonoscopy. David was facing the prospect of almost a year of uncertainty and discomfort.
  • PMI Path: David called his PMI provider. They approved a private consultation with a gastroenterologist of his choice, which he got within 5 days. The specialist immediately booked him for a private colonoscopy and MRI scan the following week.
  • The Result: Within two weeks of his first GP visit, David had a confirmed diagnosis of Crohn's disease. While his ongoing care would now be managed by his excellent local NHS IBD team, he had avoided a year of pain, anxiety, and uncertainty. He knew what was wrong and could start on the right treatment path immediately.

This speed is the core benefit of having private health cover when facing potential signs of a serious condition.

How PMI Accelerates Your Access to Specialist Care

The difference between the NHS and private pathways is stark when it comes to speed and choice.

Stage of DiagnosisTypical NHS PathwayTypical Private Pathway (with PMI)
GP to Specialist ReferralWait for referral letter and appointment.Get an open referral letter from your GP.
Wait for SpecialistMonths (e.g., 18-30+ weeks).Days (often within a week).
Wait for DiagnosticsWeeks to Months for procedures like colonoscopy or MRI.Days (often within the same week as the consultation).
Diagnosis & PlanFollow-up appointment can take several more weeks.Often discussed at or immediately after the diagnostic tests.
Total Time to Diagnosis4 - 12+ Months1 - 3 Weeks

With private medical insurance, you gain:

  • Speed: Go from symptoms to diagnosis in weeks, not months or years.
  • Choice: Select the specialist and the hospital you want to be treated at from your insurer's approved list.
  • Convenience: Schedule appointments at times that suit you, minimising disruption to your work and family life.
  • Comfort: Access to private hospital rooms with ensuite facilities.

Understanding PMI Underwriting: Pre-existing Conditions

When you apply for private medical insurance, insurers need to know about your health history. This is called underwriting. It's especially important regarding conditions like Crohn's.

If you have already been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, or have symptoms that are under investigation, it will be considered a pre-existing condition. All standard PMI policies will exclude cover for pre-existing conditions.

There are two main types of underwriting:

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer will automatically exclude any condition you've had symptoms of, or received treatment for, in the last 5 years. However, if you go 2 full years without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide your full medical history when you apply. The insurer reviews it and tells you upfront exactly what is and isn't covered. Any pre-existing conditions, like Crohn's, will be permanently excluded from the policy.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these options and understand which type of underwriting is best for your circumstances. Our advice comes at no cost to you and ensures you get a policy that meets your needs without any nasty surprises.

Living Well with Crohn's Disease: A Holistic Approach

Receiving a Crohn's diagnosis is life-changing, but it's not a life sentence. With the right medical care and lifestyle adjustments, many people with Crohn's live full and active lives. Here are some tips for managing the condition.

Diet and Nutrition

There is no single 'Crohn's diet', as trigger foods are highly individual. However, some strategies can help:

  • Keep a Food and Symptom Diary: This is the best way to identify your personal triggers.
  • Low-Fibre/Low-Residue Diet during a Flare-Up: During a flare, foods that are easy to digest (like white bread, rice, lean protein, and well-cooked vegetables) can reduce symptoms.
  • Small, Frequent Meals: Eating 5-6 small meals a day can be gentler on your system than 3 large ones.
  • Stay Hydrated: Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, so it's vital to drink plenty of water.
  • Consult a Dietitian: Ask your NHS IBD team for a referral to a specialist dietitian who can provide tailored advice.

As a WeCovr customer, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI app. While designed for calorie tracking, its powerful food logging feature can be an invaluable tool for tracking your meals and linking them to your symptoms, helping you and your dietitian build a clearer picture of your dietary needs.

Managing Stress and Mental Health

The link between stress and Crohn's flare-ups is well-documented. While stress doesn't cause Crohn's, it can certainly make symptoms worse.

  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Apps like Calm or Headspace can teach valuable techniques to manage stress.
  • Gentle Exercise: Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can reduce stress and improve mood.
  • Psychological Support: Talking therapies like CBT can be very effective. Your IBD team can often refer you.
  • Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can be incredibly helpful. Crohn's & Colitis UK has a network of local groups.

Travel and Other Considerations

  • Plan Ahead: Always pack more medication than you need. Carry it in your hand luggage with a doctor's note.
  • "Can't Wait" Card: A special card from Crohn's & Colitis UK can help you discreetly explain your need for urgent toilet access.
  • Travel Insurance: You must declare Crohn's disease to your travel insurer. Specialist providers are available who understand the condition.

Choosing the Best Private Health Cover in the UK

Selecting the right PMI policy can feel overwhelming. The key is to focus on what matters most for diagnosis: outpatient and diagnostic cover.

Here’s a simplified look at typical PMI tiers:

Policy TierOutpatient CoverDiagnostic CoverKey Use Case
Basic (Inpatient Only)None or very limited.Covered only if you are admitted to hospital.Covers the cost of a hospital bed and surgery. Not ideal for diagnosis.
Mid-RangeA set limit (e.g., £1,000) for consultations and tests.Often fully covered, including scans.A good balance of cost and cover. Excellent for securing a rapid diagnosis.
ComprehensiveFull cover for consultations, tests, and therapies.Fully covered.The highest level of cover, providing complete peace of mind for diagnosis and eligible treatments.

How WeCovr Can Help

As an independent, FCA-authorised PMI broker, WeCovr's job is to make this process simple.

  • We Compare the Market: We work with all the UK's leading insurers, like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality.
  • Expert, Free Advice: Our specialists understand the fine print. We'll help you find a policy with the robust diagnostic cover you need, at a price that fits your budget.
  • Save Money: Not only is our service free, but we can also offer exclusive discounts. Customers who buy PMI or Life Insurance through us can get discounts on other types of cover.
  • Trusted Service: We are proud of our high customer satisfaction ratings, which reflect our commitment to clear, honest, and helpful advice.

Private medical insurance is an investment in your health and wellbeing. For conditions like Crohn's disease, it's the key to unlocking the fast diagnosis that sets you on the path to effective management and a better quality of life.


Will private medical insurance cover my Crohn's disease treatment?

Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) does not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions like Crohn's disease. Once diagnosed, Crohn's is considered chronic, and its long-term care, including medication and regular check-ups, is managed by the NHS. The primary benefit of PMI is covering the costs of a swift diagnosis (specialist consultations, scans, and procedures) if you develop symptoms *after* your policy starts.

Can I get private health cover if I already have Crohn's disease?

Yes, you can still get private health cover, but the Crohn's disease itself will be excluded as a pre-existing condition. This means the policy will not pay for any consultations, tests, or treatments related to your Crohn's. However, the policy will still cover you for new, unrelated acute conditions that arise after you join, giving you peace of mind for other health concerns.

What is the most important feature in a PMI policy for diagnosing conditions like Crohn's?

The most important feature is comprehensive outpatient and diagnostic cover. You need a policy that provides generous, if not full, cover for initial specialist consultations, blood tests, stool analysis, and advanced imaging like MRI and CT scans, as well as procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies. These are the tools that lead to a fast and accurate diagnosis, and a good policy will ensure you don't face significant shortfalls.

Ready to take control and ensure you have fast access to specialists when you need it most?

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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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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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