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Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Dementia with Lewy Bodies 2025 | Free Tailored Quotes

As an FCA-authorised expert that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr explains Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), a complex condition often misdiagnosed. We'll explore how UK private medical insurance can be a powerful tool for securing a fast and accurate diagnosis, helping you find clarity during a confusing time.

WeCovr explains this type of dementia and how private healthcare can help with diagnosis

Dementia with Lewy Bodies, often shortened to DLB, is the third most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. According to The Lewy Body Society, it affects over 100,000 people in the UK. Yet, despite its prevalence, it remains widely misunderstood and is frequently mistaken for other conditions, leading to distressing delays in diagnosis and treatment.

This article will break down what DLB is, its unique symptoms, the challenges of getting a diagnosis through the NHS, and crucially, how private health cover can provide a faster path to answers.

What is Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)?

Imagine your brain is a complex electrical circuit. In a healthy brain, messages zip along pathways smoothly. In DLB, tiny, abnormal clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein start to form inside brain cells. These clumps are called "Lewy bodies."

These Lewy bodies disrupt the brain's normal functioning, particularly affecting chemicals like dopamine and acetylcholine, which are vital for movement, thinking, mood, and sleep. The result is a unique and often confusing mix of symptoms that overlap with both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

DLB vs. Alzheimer's vs. Parkinson's

  • Alzheimer's Disease: Primarily affects memory and language first. Lewy bodies are not the main feature.
  • Parkinson's Disease: Primarily a movement disorder. Cognitive problems and dementia can develop, but usually many years after the motor symptoms begin.
  • Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB): Cognitive and movement problems tend to appear much closer together, often within the same year. The symptom profile is also distinct, with features like fluctuating cognition and vivid hallucinations being common early on.

Think of it this way: if Alzheimer's primarily affects the brain's "filing cabinet" (memory) and Parkinson's affects the "motor control" system, DLB disrupts both, along with the "perception" and "sleep-wake" centres, all at once.

The Key Symptoms of DLB: A Complex and Fluctuating Picture

One of the most challenging aspects of DLB is its wide range of symptoms, which can vary dramatically from person to person and even from day to day. Understanding these is the first step toward seeking the right help.

Core Features of DLB

Symptom CategoryDescriptionReal-Life Example
Fluctuating CognitionUnpredictable changes in concentration, attention, and alertness. Can range from near-normal clarity to severe confusion within hours."Yesterday, Dad was sharp, doing the crossword. Today, he's staring blankly and seems completely lost. It's like a switch is being flicked on and off."
Visual HallucinationsSeeing things that aren't there. These are often detailed, recurring, and can involve people or animals. The person may or may not find them distressing."Mum keeps telling me there's a small cat sitting on the armchair. She talks to it. It's not frightening for her, but it's very real."
Parkinsonism (Motor Symptoms)Features similar to Parkinson's disease, including slowness of movement, muscle stiffness (especially in the limbs and torso), tremors (shaking), and a shuffling walk."My husband has become very slow and stiff when he walks. He sometimes freezes in doorways and has had a couple of unexplained falls."
REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD)Physically acting out dreams during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep. This can involve shouting, flailing, or even falling out of bed."My wife thrashes around in her sleep, shouting and kicking. She told me she was dreaming she was being chased. It started years before any other symptoms."
Severe Neuroleptic SensitivityAn extreme, sometimes dangerous, negative reaction to certain medications used to treat hallucinations (antipsychotics). This can cause a dramatic worsening of Parkinsonism or confusion.

Beyond these core features, individuals may also experience:

  • Autonomic Dysfunction: Problems with the body's automatic functions, leading to dizziness, falls due to blood pressure drops, bladder issues, and constipation.
  • Cognitive Issues: Problems with planning, decision-making, and visual perception (e.g., judging distances).
  • Depression and Anxiety: Significant changes in mood are very common.

Why is Diagnosing DLB So Challenging on the NHS?

The journey to a DLB diagnosis can be long and fraught with uncertainty. The NHS provides excellent care, but the system can be slow to navigate, especially for a condition with such a complex and overlapping symptom profile.

Key Challenges:

  1. Symptom Overlap: A GP might initially suspect Parkinson's due to tremors, Alzheimer's due to memory issues, or a psychiatric condition due to hallucinations. This can lead to referrals to the wrong type of specialist, delaying an accurate diagnosis.
  2. Long Waiting Times: Getting an appointment with a specialist neurologist or a consultant in elderly care can take months. According to NHS England data, as of early 2025, waiting lists for consultant-led elective care remain a significant challenge, with many patients waiting over 18 weeks for their first appointment.
  3. Access to Specialist Scans: A crucial diagnostic tool for distinguishing DLB from Alzheimer's is a DaTscan (Dopamine Transporter Scan). This brain scan measures the level of dopamine-producing cells, which are significantly reduced in DLB. Access to these specialised scans on the NHS can be limited and subject to long waits.

This "diagnostic odyssey" can be incredibly stressful for both the individual and their family, who are left grappling with frightening symptoms without a clear explanation or management plan.

How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Can Help with DLB Diagnosis

This is where private medical insurance (PMI) can be invaluable. It’s vital to understand a critical point first: standard UK private medical insurance does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions. Dementia, once diagnosed, is a chronic condition.

The power of PMI lies in providing rapid access to the specialists and diagnostic tests needed to investigate new, acute symptoms and arrive at a diagnosis swiftly.

Here’s how a private healthcare pathway can make a difference:

  1. Fast-Track Specialist Referrals: With PMI, you can get a GP referral and often see a private consultant neurologist or geriatrician within days or weeks, not months. This speed is crucial for getting on the right track early.
  2. Prompt Access to Advanced Diagnostics: Your PMI policy can cover the cost of essential scans without the long NHS wait. This includes:
    • MRI and CT Scans: To rule out other causes like tumours or strokes.
    • DaTscan: This is the key benefit. A private DaTscan can be arranged quickly, providing your consultant with the information needed to confirm or rule out DLB.
  3. Choice and Continuity of Care: Private health cover gives you a choice of leading consultants and hospitals. You will see the same specialist throughout your diagnostic journey, building a relationship and ensuring continuity of care.

NHS vs. Private Diagnostic Pathway for Suspected DLB

StageTypical NHS PathwayTypical Private Pathway (with PMI)
Initial ConcernVisit GP. Initial assessment.Visit GP for an open referral.
Specialist ReferralPlaced on NHS waiting list for a Neurologist or Geriatrician. Wait time: several months.Choose a consultant from your insurer's approved list. Appointment within days/weeks.
Diagnostic ScansFurther waiting lists for MRI/CT scans. DaTscan access may be restricted or delayed. Wait time: weeks to months.Consultant books scans at a private hospital. DaTscan can be arranged promptly. Scans performed within a week.
Follow-up & DiagnosisWait for a follow-up appointment to discuss results. Total time from GP to diagnosis can be 6-12 months or more.Follow-up appointment shortly after scans. A clear diagnosis and initial management plan is established. Total time can be a matter of weeks.

As you can see, private medical insurance UK can transform the diagnostic experience from a prolonged, anxious wait into a fast, efficient, and reassuring process.

Understanding the Limits of PMI for Dementia

It is essential to have realistic expectations. While PMI is a game-changer for diagnosis, its role changes significantly once a chronic condition like DLB is confirmed.

  • Diagnosis is Covered: The consultations, tests, and scans to find out what is wrong are covered under the "acute investigation" part of your policy.
  • Chronic Care is Not: Once DLB is diagnosed, the day-to-day management, ongoing medication, long-term care, and support services are considered chronic. These are not covered by standard PMI policies and fall back to the NHS and social care systems.
  • What about "Acute Flare-ups"? Some policies may offer limited cover for acute flare-ups of a chronic condition (e.g., a chest infection requiring hospitalisation). However, the underlying management of the dementia itself remains excluded.

Think of PMI as the key that unlocks the door to a fast diagnosis. Once you are through that door, the long-term journey is primarily supported by the NHS. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand these distinctions and find a policy with the best possible diagnostic benefits.

Choosing the Right Private Health Cover for Diagnostic Support

Not all PMI policies are created equal. If you are concerned about future neurological health and want the best possible cover for diagnostics, here are the key features to look for:

  • Comprehensive Outpatient Cover: Diagnosis happens on an outpatient basis (consultations and scans without an overnight hospital stay). Ensure your policy has a high level of outpatient cover, or even an unlimited option, to cover the full cost of consultations and multiple scans.
  • Full Diagnostics: Look for policies that explicitly state they cover advanced imaging like PET, CT, and MRI scans without financial limits. Check the policy wording for specific inclusions like DaTscans.
  • Hospital List: Choose a policy with a broad list of hospitals that includes centres of excellence for neurology. This gives you access to the best specialists and facilities.
  • Mental Health Support: Given the high rates of depression and anxiety associated with DLB, having good mental health cover can provide valuable support during and after the diagnostic process.

Navigating these options can be complex. WeCovr's team of experts can compare policies from the best PMI providers in the UK, ensuring you get the right level of cover for your needs and budget, all at no extra cost to you.

Living Well with a DLB Diagnosis: Practical Advice

Receiving a DLB diagnosis is life-changing, but it is not the end of the road. The focus shifts to managing symptoms, maintaining quality of life, and adapting the environment to support the individual.

  • Create a Routine: Predictability helps reduce confusion and anxiety. Stick to regular times for meals, activities, and sleep.
  • Adapt the Home:
    • Safety: Remove trip hazards like rugs, improve lighting, and install grab bars in bathrooms.
    • Simplicity: Reduce clutter to create a calm and easy-to-navigate environment.
    • Visibility: Use clocks with large displays and calendars to help with orientation.
  • Nutrition and Diet:
    • Swallowing can become difficult (dysphagia). A speech and language therapist can provide advice on food textures.
    • A balanced diet is crucial for overall health. Consider using a tool to monitor intake. As a WeCovr client, you get complimentary access to our CalorieHero AI app, which can help track nutrition easily.
  • Exercise and Activity:
    • Gentle, regular exercise like walking or seated yoga can help with motor symptoms, mood, and sleep.
    • Engaging in hobbies, music, or art can provide mental stimulation and enjoyment.
  • Managing Sleep:
    • For REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder, make the bedroom safe. Consider a mattress on the floor or bed rails.
    • A calm, screen-free bedtime routine can promote better sleep.

Support for Carers and Families

Caring for someone with DLB is exceptionally demanding. The fluctuating nature of the illness can be emotionally and physically draining. It is vital for carers to seek support.

  • The Lewy Body Society: The UK's leading charity dedicated to DLB, offering fantastic resources, information, and a helpline.
  • Dementia UK and the Alzheimer's Society: Both offer Admiral Nurses and support networks that are invaluable for families affected by any type of dementia.
  • Respite Care: Look into local authority or private respite services to get a much-needed break. Taking care of your own health is not selfish; it's essential.

How WeCovr Can Help You Prepare

While no one wants to think about dementia, being prepared can make all the difference. Securing private health cover while you are healthy is the best way to ensure you have access to rapid diagnostics if you ever need them.

At WeCovr, we provide:

  • Expert, Independent Advice: As an FCA-authorised broker, we work for you, not the insurers. We compare the market to find the best policy for your unique situation.
  • Access to Top Insurers: We partner with all the major UK private health insurance providers.
  • Value-Added Benefits: When you take out a policy with us, you not only get peace of mind but also potential discounts on other insurance products like life or income protection, and complimentary access to our CalorieHero wellness app.
  • Trusted Service: Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to providing clear, honest, and helpful guidance.

The journey with Dementia with Lewy Bodies is challenging, but a swift and accurate diagnosis is the first and most critical step. It provides clarity, unlocks the right support from the NHS, and allows families to plan for the future. Private healthcare is the fastest way to get there.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does private medical insurance cover dementia in the UK?

Generally, no. Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of new, acute conditions that arise after your policy starts. Dementia is a chronic, long-term condition. Therefore, while PMI is incredibly valuable for covering the costs of consultations and specialist scans (like a DaTscan) to get a rapid diagnosis, it does not cover the ongoing, long-term care, management, or medication for the diagnosed dementia itself. That care is provided by the NHS.

Can I get health insurance if I already have symptoms but no diagnosis?

It can be difficult. If you apply for a policy with "moratorium underwriting," any symptoms you've experienced in the last five years will be automatically excluded for a set period (usually two years). If you apply with "full medical underwriting," you must declare all symptoms, and the insurer will likely place a specific exclusion on investigating those symptoms. The best time to get private health cover is when you are healthy, before any symptoms begin.

What is a DaTscan and will my private health cover pay for it?

A DaTscan is a highly specialised brain imaging technique that helps doctors see the level of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. It is very effective at helping to distinguish Dementia with Lewy Bodies from Alzheimer's disease. Most mid-range to comprehensive private medical insurance policies with good diagnostic cover will pay for a DaTscan when recommended by a consultant to investigate new symptoms. It's a key reason why PMI is so helpful for getting a swift, accurate DLB diagnosis.

What happens to my PMI policy after a chronic condition like DLB is diagnosed?

Your policy remains active. You can continue to use it for any new, eligible acute conditions that are unrelated to your diagnosed DLB. For example, if you needed a hip replacement or cataract surgery, your PMI would cover this as normal, subject to your policy's terms. The policy simply will not cover the ongoing management of the now-diagnosed chronic condition (DLB).

Take the first step towards peace of mind. Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts help you find the right private medical insurance for you and your family.

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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.

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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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