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DEXA Scans in the UK

DEXA Scans in the UK 2025 | Free Tailored Quotes

As an FCA-authorised expert with over 750,000 policies arranged, WeCovr helps UK consumers navigate the complexities of private medical insurance. This guide explores DEXA scans, a key diagnostic tool, explaining their purpose, how to access them, and crucially, how they are covered by private health insurance in the UK.

Learn what a DEXA scan is, why it's used, and PMI coverage

A DEXA scan is a powerful imaging test used to measure bone density and body composition. While it's a vital tool for diagnosing conditions like osteoporosis, understanding when and how it's covered by private medical insurance (PMI) can be confusing. This article breaks down everything you need to know, from the science behind the scan to the practicalities of insurance coverage.

What Exactly is a DEXA Scan?

DEXA stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. It's a highly accurate type of medical scan that uses two low-dose X-ray beams to measure the density of your bones.

Think of it as a very precise, specialised X-ray. While a standard X-ray is excellent at showing fractures, a DEXA scan provides detailed information about the internal strength and mineral content of your bones. The procedure is quick, non-invasive, and completely painless. You simply lie on a padded table while a scanning arm passes over your body. The entire process usually takes between 10 to 20 minutes.

How is a DEXA Scan Different from an MRI or CT Scan?

It's easy to get imaging tests confused. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Scan TypeHow it WorksBest ForRadiation Dose
DEXA ScanTwo low-dose X-ray beamsMeasuring bone mineral density and body composition.Very Low
Standard X-raySingle X-ray beamDetecting fractures, infections, and some tumours in bones.Low
CT ScanMultiple X-ray beams from different anglesCreating detailed cross-sectional images of bones, organs, and tissues.Higher
MRI ScanPowerful magnets and radio wavesImaging soft tissues like ligaments, muscles, and the brain.None

The key takeaway is that DEXA is the gold standard for assessing bone health and the risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.

The Primary Uses of DEXA Scans: A Closer Look

DEXA technology has two main applications in the UK: diagnosing bone conditions and analysing body composition for health and fitness.

Assessing Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk

The most common reason for a DEXA scan is to test for osteoporosis.

What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to fracture.

According to the Royal Osteoporosis Society, over 3.5 million people in the UK are living with the condition. Staggeringly, one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture, primarily due to poor bone health.

A DEXA scan measures your Bone Mineral Density (BMD). The results are then compared to the average BMD of a healthy young adult and someone of your own age and gender.

Your results are given as a T-score and a Z-score:

  • T-score: Compares your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old. This is the main score used to diagnose osteoporosis.
  • Z-score: Compares your bone density to the average for someone of your age, sex, and ethnicity.
T-Score ResultWhat It Means
-1.0 or aboveYour bone density is considered normal.
Between -1.0 and -2.5You have low bone mass, known as osteopenia.
-2.5 or belowYou have osteoporosis.

This simple score helps doctors predict your risk of a fracture and decide on the best course of action, which might include lifestyle changes or medication.

Monitoring Body Composition for Health and Fitness

Beyond bone health, a DEXA scan is also the most accurate way to measure body composition. While a standard scale only tells you your total weight, a body composition DEXA scan breaks it down into:

  • Lean Muscle Mass: The weight of your muscles.
  • Fat Mass: The total amount of fat in your body.
  • Bone Mass: The weight of your skeleton.

This type of scan provides incredibly valuable data, including:

  • Total Body Fat Percentage: A far more accurate indicator of health than Body Mass Index (BMI).
  • Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT): This is the dangerous fat stored around your internal organs in the abdomen. High levels of VAT are strongly linked to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
  • Muscle and Fat Distribution: The scan shows exactly where you store fat and build muscle, helping to identify imbalances.

This information is invaluable for:

  • Athletes: To optimise training and nutrition for peak performance.
  • Weight Management: To track fat loss and muscle gain accurately, ensuring you're losing the right kind of weight.
  • General Health: To identify risks like high visceral fat or sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) early on.

How to Get a DEXA Scan in the UK: NHS vs. Private Routes

There are two main ways to get a DEXA scan in the UK: through the National Health Service (NHS) or by paying for it privately.

The NHS Pathway

To get a DEXA scan on the NHS, you will need a referral from your GP. The NHS typically offers scans to people considered to be at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Key risk factors include:

  • Having had a fracture after a minor fall or injury.
  • Being a woman over 65 or a man over 75.
  • Having a family history of osteoporosis, particularly a hip fracture in a parent.
  • Taking certain medications, such as long-term steroid tablets.
  • Having other medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, or an overactive thyroid.
  • Being a woman who had an early menopause (before age 45).

While the care is excellent, one potential drawback can be waiting times. According to NHS England statistics, waiting times for diagnostic tests can vary significantly by region and demand.

The Private Pathway

You can also choose to self-fund a DEXA scan at a private hospital or clinic.

The benefits of going private include:

  1. Speed and Convenience: You can often book an appointment within days, at a time that suits you.
  2. No Referral Needed (for some services): For body composition scans, a GP referral is usually not required. For diagnostic bone density scans, a referral may still be needed depending on the clinic's policy.
  3. Wider Access: Anyone can book a scan for wellness or fitness purposes, which isn't an option on the NHS.

The cost of a private DEXA scan can vary, but here are some typical price ranges for 2025:

Type of DEXA ScanTypical Private Cost (UK)
Bone Density Scan (Osteoporosis)£150 – £350
Body Composition Scan£125 – £250
Combined Scan (Bone & Body)£200 – £400

These prices usually include the scan itself and a detailed report from a radiographer or consultant.

Does Private Medical Insurance Cover DEXA Scans?

This is the most important question for many, and the answer requires understanding the fundamental principle of private medical insurance UK.

PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

What does this mean?

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a joint injury, appendicitis, or diagnosing the cause of new symptoms).
  • Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-lasting and often has no cure. It can be managed but not resolved (e.g., diabetes, asthma, or diagnosed osteoporosis).
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before your policy started.

Crucially, standard UK private health cover does not cover pre-existing conditions or the routine monitoring and management of chronic conditions.

When Might PMI Cover a DEXA Scan?

Your PMI policy is likely to cover a DEXA scan when it is part of the diagnostic process for a new, acute condition. A specialist consultant must deem the scan medically necessary to figure out what is wrong.

Real-Life Example:

  • Scenario: A 55-year-old woman with no prior history of bone issues has a fall. She experiences persistent, severe pain in her hip that doesn't resolve. Her GP refers her to a private orthopaedic consultant through her PMI policy.
  • Action: The consultant suspects a possible stress fracture or sudden-onset bone weakness. To get a clear diagnosis, they request a DEXA scan.
  • Outcome: In this case, the PMI provider will almost certainly cover the cost of the consultation and the DEXA scan because it is an essential step in diagnosing the cause of new, acute symptoms.

What is Typically NOT Covered by PMI?

There are several scenarios where a DEXA scan will almost certainly be excluded from your policy:

  1. Screening and Preventative Checks: If you have no symptoms but want a scan "just in case" or as part of a general health check-up, this is considered screening and is not covered by standard PMI.
  2. Lifestyle or Fitness Scans: A DEXA body composition scan to track your fitness progress, muscle gain, or fat loss is a lifestyle choice and will be excluded.
  3. Monitoring a Pre-existing or Chronic Condition: If you were diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis before you took out your policy, any future DEXA scans to monitor the condition will be excluded as both pre-existing and chronic.

PMI Coverage for DEXA Scans: A Simple Guide

ScenarioLikely Covered by PMI?Why?
Diagnosing unexplained pain after an injuryYesPart of a specialist-led diagnostic pathway for a new, acute condition.
Body composition scan for a new diet planNoConsidered a lifestyle/wellness choice, not medically necessary for an acute condition.
Annual scan for known osteoporosisNoThis is routine monitoring of a chronic and pre-existing condition.
Investigating bone health due to a new, covered conditionYesIf a new, covered illness (e.g., a hormonal disorder) requires a DEXA scan for diagnosis, it would likely be covered.

Finding the Right Private Health Cover for Your Needs

Navigating the details of what is and isn't covered can feel overwhelming. The level of diagnostic cover is one of the most important features of any private health insurance policy.

Policies are often tiered:

  • Basic: May have limits on diagnostics or only cover them if you are admitted to hospital (inpatient).
  • Mid-Range: Usually offers a good level of outpatient cover, which would include specialist consultations and diagnostic tests like DEXA scans, up to an annual limit (e.g., £1,000).
  • Comprehensive: Typically offers unlimited or very high limits for outpatient diagnostics, providing the most complete peace of mind.

This is where using an expert PMI broker is invaluable. An independent broker like WeCovr can help you cut through the jargon. We compare policies from all the leading UK providers—including Aviva, Bupa, AXA Health, and Vitality—to find a plan that matches your specific needs and budget. Our advice is impartial, and our service comes at no extra cost to you.

A Holistic Approach to Bone and Body Health

While a DEXA scan is a fantastic measurement tool, true health comes from proactive, daily habits. Taking care of your bones and body composition is a lifelong journey.

Diet for Strong Bones and a Healthy Body

  • Calcium: This is the main building block of bone. Excellent sources include milk, cheese, yoghurt, leafy greens (like kale), and calcium-fortified foods like bread and plant-based milks.
  • Vitamin D: Often called the "sunshine vitamin," Vitamin D is essential for helping your body absorb calcium. In the UK, sunlight is only strong enough from April to September. During autumn and winter, the NHS recommends most people consider a daily 10-microgram supplement. Oily fish, red meat, and egg yolks are also good food sources.
  • Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in protein is vital for muscle maintenance, while plenty of fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals. To help you stay on track, WeCovr customers get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, which makes tracking your intake simple and effective.

The Role of Exercise

Exercise not only builds muscle but also strengthens bones. The best types are:

  • Weight-Bearing Exercise with Impact: These are exercises where you support your own body weight. Examples include jogging, brisk walking, dancing, aerobics, and tennis. The impact stimulates your bones to grow stronger.
  • Resistance Exercise: This involves working your muscles against resistance. Examples include lifting weights, using resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats.

Lifestyle Factors

  • Smoking and Alcohol: Both are known to be detrimental to bone health. Smoking can reduce the blood supply to the bones, while excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being underweight can increase your risk of osteoporosis, while being significantly overweight puts extra strain on your joints and is often linked to higher visceral fat.

By purchasing your PMI or Life Insurance policy through WeCovr, you may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, helping you protect your health and finances in a holistic way.

Do I need a GP referral for a private DEXA scan?

It depends. If you want to use your private medical insurance to pay for the scan, you will almost certainly need a referral from a specialist consultant, who you would typically see after a GP referral. If you are self-funding the scan, many private clinics allow you to book directly without a referral, especially for body composition scans.

Is a DEXA scan safe?

Yes, a DEXA scan is considered very safe. It uses a very low dose of radiation—significantly less than a standard chest X-ray and even less than the natural background radiation you're exposed to on a transatlantic flight. The procedure is not suitable for women who are or might be pregnant.

Will my private health cover pay for a DEXA scan if I just want to check my body fat?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover tests for lifestyle, wellness, or screening purposes. A body composition scan for fitness tracking falls into this category and would need to be self-funded. PMI is for diagnosing and treating new, acute medical conditions.

How can a PMI broker like WeCovr help me find the right policy?

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr acts as your advocate. We use our market knowledge to compare policies from leading UK insurers to find the one with the right level of cover, especially for diagnostics, that fits your budget. We explain the complex terms, handle the application, and provide ongoing support, all at no cost to you. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to finding the best possible outcome for our clients.

Ready to explore your private medical insurance options and ensure you have the right diagnostic cover in place?

The friendly, expert team at WeCovr is here to provide clear, independent advice. We'll help you compare the UK's best PMI providers and find a policy that gives you peace of mind.

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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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