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Does Health Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions in the UK

Does Health Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions in the UK

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr is a leading expert in the UK private medical insurance market. In this guide, we tackle one of the most common questions we hear: are pre-existing conditions covered? We’ll explain the rules, your options, and how to find the right cover for you and your family in 2025.

WeCovr explains whats excluded, whats included, and your options in 2025

Navigating the world of private medical insurance (PMI) can feel complex, especially when it comes to understanding what is and isn't covered. The single biggest point of confusion for many is how insurers treat medical conditions you've had in the past.

The short answer is that standard UK private health insurance is designed to cover new, unforeseen medical issues that arise after your policy begins. It does not typically cover pre-existing or long-term (chronic) conditions.

But don't let that put you off. Understanding the landscape is the first step to making an informed decision. PMI can still offer immense value as a complement to the NHS, providing fast access to specialists and treatments for future health concerns. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know.

What is a Pre-Existing Condition in Health Insurance?

Before we go any further, let's define our terms in plain English. For a health insurer, a pre-existing condition is any disease, illness, or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, or sought advice or treatment from a medical professional.

Most UK insurers look back at your medical history over the past five years before the start date of your policy.

Here are some real-life examples of what would be considered a pre-existing condition:

  • Asthma: You were diagnosed with asthma three years ago and use an inhaler when needed.
  • Joint Pain: You saw your GP about knee pain 18 months ago, even if you didn't receive a formal diagnosis.
  • Anxiety or Depression: You have taken antidepressants or received therapy for anxiety at any point in the last five years.
  • High Blood Pressure: You were diagnosed with hypertension two years ago and now take daily medication to manage it.
  • Skin Conditions: You've used a prescription cream for eczema or psoriasis within the last five years.

The key takeaway is that a condition doesn't need a formal diagnosis to be considered pre-existing. If you've had symptoms or sought advice for it, an insurer will count it.

Acute vs. Chronic Conditions: The Critical Difference

It's also vital to understand the difference between acute and chronic conditions, as this is fundamental to how PMI works.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a broken bone, appendicitis, a cataract, or a hernia. Private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, arthritis, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Private medical insurance does not cover the day-to-day management of chronic conditions.
FeatureAcute ConditionChronic Condition
DurationShort-termLong-term, often lifelong
OutlookCurable, full recovery expectedIncurable, requires ongoing management
TreatmentA single course of treatment (e.g., surgery)Continuous monitoring and treatment (e.g., medication)
PMI CoverageYES - This is the primary purpose of PMI.NO - Routine management is excluded.

The Golden Rule: Does UK Private Medical Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?

Let's be direct: No, standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover pre-existing conditions. It also doesn't cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions.

This isn't a loophole or a hidden clause; it's the foundational principle of how health insurance works in the UK. Insurers calculate premiums based on the statistical risk of a person needing future, unknown treatment. Covering conditions that already exist would be like insuring a car after it has already crashed – the costs would be astronomical, and premiums would become unaffordable for everyone.

PMI is designed to be a safety net for the unexpected, complementing the excellent care the NHS provides for emergencies, chronic conditions, and pre-existing issues. With NHS waiting lists for elective treatment in England involving around 7.5 million treatment pathways (according to early 2024 NHS data), having PMI provides peace of mind that you can bypass these queues for new eligible conditions.

How Do Insurers Know About My Health History? Underwriting Explained

When you apply for health insurance, the provider needs to understand your health status to determine your premium and what they can cover. This assessment process is called underwriting. There are two main types in the UK.

1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)

With FMU, you complete a detailed questionnaire about your medical history and that of your family. You must disclose any conditions, consultations, and treatments you've had. The insurer may also ask for permission to contact your GP for more information.

  • Pros: You know from day one exactly what is and isn't covered. There are no grey areas when you need to make a claim.
  • Cons: The application process is longer and more intrusive. It requires you to remember and declare your medical history accurately.

2. Moratorium Underwriting (MORI)

This is the most common type of underwriting for individual policies because it's simpler and faster. You don't need to fill out a health questionnaire. Instead, the insurer applies a blanket exclusion for any pre-existing conditions you've had in the five years prior to your policy start date.

This exclusion can, however, be lifted. This is often called a "rolling moratorium."

  • How it works: If you go for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts without having any symptoms, needing any treatment, or seeking any medical advice for that specific pre-existing condition, it may become eligible for cover.

  • Pros: Quick and easy application process with no upfront medical forms.

  • Cons: There's a degree of uncertainty. You won't know for sure if a condition is covered until you make a claim and the insurer investigates your medical history at that point.

Moratorium vs. Full Medical Underwriting: A Comparison

FeatureMoratorium (MORI)Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Application ProcessFast & simple. No health questionnaire.Slower. Requires a detailed health questionnaire.
Upfront CertaintyLow. Cover is determined at the point of claim.High. Exclusions are clearly stated from the start.
Cover for Pre-ExistingExcluded for at least the first 2 years.Permanently excluded, unless specified otherwise.
Best ForPeople who want a quick start and have few or no recent health issues.People who want absolute clarity on their cover from day one.

An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can talk you through which underwriting option is best for your personal circumstances, ensuring you get the right policy for your needs.

Are There Any Exceptions? When a Pre-Existing Condition Might Be Covered

While the general rule is no, there is one key scenario where a pre-existing condition could eventually be covered: the rolling moratorium.

Let's use an example to see how this works in practice.

Example: Sarah's Knee Pain

  1. The Condition: In 2024, Sarah visited her GP for persistent knee pain. She was advised to rest and take painkillers.
  2. The Policy: In January 2025, Sarah takes out a new private health insurance policy with moratorium underwriting. Her knee pain is automatically excluded as a pre-existing condition.
  3. The Moratorium Period: For the next two years, Sarah's knee is fine. She has no symptoms, doesn't see a doctor about it, and takes no medication for it.
  4. Potential Cover: In February 2027, over two years after her policy started, the knee pain returns. Because she has completed the two-year clear period, she can now make a claim. Her insurer will investigate and, provided the two-year rule has been met, they will likely cover her specialist consultations and treatment.

Important Note for Switchers: If you already have private health cover and are looking to switch providers, you may be offered "Continued Personal Medical Exclusions" (CPME) underwriting. This allows you to carry over the terms of your existing policy, meaning you can keep cover for conditions that would be excluded if you were a brand-new customer. This is a complex area where advice from a broker is invaluable.

What Is Typically Excluded from Private Health Insurance?

Beyond pre-existing and chronic conditions, there are other standard exclusions you'll find in most UK PMI policies. It's important to know these so you have a realistic expectation of what your cover is for.

  • Emergency Services: Any treatment in A&E is handled by the NHS. PMI is for planned, non-emergency care.
  • Normal Pregnancy & Childbirth: Routine maternity care is not covered, though some policies may cover complications.
  • Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures done purely for aesthetic reasons are excluded. However, reconstructive surgery after an accident or eligible cancer treatment may be covered.
  • Organ Transplants: These are highly complex and costly and are typically managed by specialist NHS centres.
  • Self-Inflicted Injuries: Including those resulting from dangerous hobbies or substance abuse.
  • Professional Sports Injuries: Standard policies exclude injuries sustained while playing a sport for payment.
  • Infertility Treatment: IVF and other fertility procedures are generally not covered.
  • Mental Health: Cover for mental health can vary significantly. Basic policies may offer no cover, while comprehensive policies can provide extensive support for therapy and psychiatric treatment. This is a key area to compare.

Your Options in 2025 if You Have Pre-Existing Conditions

So, if PMI doesn't cover your existing conditions, what are your options? The good news is you have several, and a combination is often the best approach.

1. Rely on the NHS for Pre-Existing and Chronic Care

The NHS is world-class at managing long-term conditions and providing emergency care. It should remain your first port of call for any pre-existing issues. Don't think of PMI as a replacement for the NHS, but as a partner to it.

2. Get PMI for New Acute Conditions

This is the smartest way to view private health cover. By taking out a policy, you are protecting yourself against future health problems. Should you be diagnosed with a new, acute condition, you'll have the power to:

  • Bypass NHS waiting lists.
  • Choose your specialist or surgeon.
  • Get treated in a private hospital with a private room.
  • Access drugs and treatments that may not be available on the NHS.

3. Consider a Health Cash Plan

A health cash plan is not insurance, but a different type of plan that can work alongside PMI or NHS care. You pay a monthly premium and can then claim cash back on routine healthcare expenses, up to an annual limit.

Crucially, cash plans often cover pre-existing conditions. They are great for budgeting for predictable costs.

ServiceNHSPrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)Health Cash Plan
Pre-Existing ConditionsYESNOYES (usually)
Chronic ConditionsYESNO (for routine management)NO (for management)
New Acute ConditionsYES (with waiting lists)YES (fast access)NO (doesn't cover surgery)
Dental & OpticalLimited cover (charges apply)Usually an optional add-onYES (core benefit)
PhysiotherapyYES (with waiting lists)YES (often included)YES (up to annual limits)

4. Focus on Proactive Health and Wellness

The best way to manage your health is to be proactive. Many of the best PMI providers now include a wealth of wellness benefits to help you stay healthy. These can include:

  • Discounted gym memberships.
  • Mental health support apps.
  • Wearable tech deals.
  • Access to virtual GPs, often 24/7.

At WeCovr, we support this proactive approach. When you take out a policy with us, we provide complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to help you achieve your health goals.

How WeCovr Can Help You Find the Best PMI Provider

Trying to compare policies, underwriting types, and exclusion lists from different insurers can be overwhelming. That's where we come in.

WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised PMI broker. Our job is to do the hard work for you.

  1. We Listen: We take the time to understand your needs, budget, and any concerns you have about your health history.
  2. We Compare: We use our expertise to compare policies from across the UK's leading insurance providers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality.
  3. We Explain: We'll explain your options in simple, jargon-free English, making sure you understand the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting and what it means for you.
  4. Our Service is Free: We are paid by the insurer you choose, so you get our expert advice at no cost.
  5. Added Value: As well as finding you the right cover, we offer discounts on other insurance products and access to exclusive wellness tools like our CalorieHero app. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to helping our clients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to declare every single cold or minor ache on a health insurance application?

Generally, no. Insurers are concerned with conditions for which you have sought professional medical advice or treatment within the last five years. For a 'Full Medical Underwriting' application, you should be thorough, but you don't need to list every transient sniffle. The focus is on anything that required a GP visit, a prescription, or a referral. For 'Moratorium' underwriting, you don't declare anything upfront, but the same five-year history rule will be applied if you make a claim.

What happens if I don't disclose a pre-existing condition?

Non-disclosure is a serious issue. If you deliberately hide a pre-existing condition and later make a claim for it (or a related condition), your insurer will almost certainly reject the claim. They have the right to investigate your medical records. Worse, they could void your entire policy from the start, meaning you will have paid premiums for no cover. It's always best to be honest and transparent.

Is high blood pressure considered a pre-existing condition?

Yes. If you were diagnosed with or received medication for high blood pressure (hypertension) before taking out your policy, it is a pre-existing condition. Because it's also a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, your PMI policy will not cover the cost of your check-ups or blood pressure medication. However, if you were to suffer a new, acute event like a heart attack or stroke (which can be linked to hypertension), your PMI policy may cover the acute treatment, depending on your specific policy terms.

Can I get private health cover if I have had cancer in the past?

Yes, you can still get private health cover. However, the cancer you had, and any related conditions, will be excluded as pre-existing. You would still be covered for new, unrelated acute conditions that might arise in the future (e.g., needing a hernia operation or a joint replacement). Some insurers may consider covering a past cancer after a long period (e.g., 5-10 years) has passed with no treatment or recurrence, but this would require specialist underwriting.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Health Insurance Match?

Understanding the rules around pre-existing conditions is the key to unlocking the true value of private medical insurance. It's not about replacing the NHS; it's about adding a powerful layer of choice, speed, and comfort for your future healthcare needs.

Let WeCovr guide you through your options. Our friendly, expert advisors are ready to help you compare quotes and build a plan that gives you peace of mind for 2025 and beyond.

Click here to get your free, no-obligation PMI quote from WeCovr today!

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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.

How does it work?

Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:

• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment

Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

Just ask yourself:
👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?

Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
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Benefits offered by private medical insurance

Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:

Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.

Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.

Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.

Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.

Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.

Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.

Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.

Important Fact!

There is no need to wait until the renewal of your current policy.
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.

👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.

Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.

It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.

You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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Any questions?

Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

Health insurance covers conditions that develop after your policy starts. Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered, and insurers may exclude related issues. Some policies may cover symptoms of pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances. Always review your policy's exclusions. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available if you currently hold a medical insurance policy or are transitioning from a company scheme. However, if you have never had medical insurance before or if your policy is not active at the moment, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. This limitation exists because health insurance is primarily intended to protect against unexpected health issues. To simplify, it's akin to getting into a car accident and then trying to obtain insurance coverage afterward to repair the vehicle — insurance companies typically do not cover such claims. Nevertheless, there is an option to gain coverage for pre-existing conditions after a two-year waiting period, subject to specific rules and conditions.

If you prefer to get straight into treatment in the private sector without the long waiting times with the NHS, or you just prefer the private sector anyway, without having to pay it all yourself, then you would need to have Private Medical Insurance to cover it. Sometimes treatments and drugs that are not covered by the NHS can be covered by Private Medical Insurance.

It's free to use WeCovr to find health insurance - we never charge you for quotes. Health or private medical insurance is an investment that can pay for itself the first time you might need medical treatment.

It depends on your personal choice and preferences. If you are prepared to limit yourself to NHS-covered treatments only and can or want to endure long waiting times to get into treatment, then yes, NHS might work for you. Your cover there is free. If you don't want to be exposed to long waiting times or if your treatment is not covered by the NHS, then you would benefit from Private Medical Insurance.

Private Medical Insurance is an important financial product that insurance companies take a lot of care and diligence so speaking to real human beings ensures that they understand your requirements fully so that you can get the right cover.

All of our partners are carefully vetted and authorised by the FCA, which means they are held to the highest standards that the FCA expects from them and treat all customers fairly!

Our revenue comes from commissions paid by the insurance providers when a policy is taken out through us. Essentially, when you choose to secure a policy from one of the providers we work with, they compensate us for facilitating the transaction. It's important to note that this commission does not impact the premium you pay. We remain committed to providing transparent and unbiased quotes to help you find the best insurance options tailored to your needs.

The cost of private health insurance depends on several factors, including your age, location, smoking status, and the type of policy you choose. Your health insurance policy is tailored to your needs, and the cost can vary based on the level of cover you require, such as the amount of excess and specific treatment allowances.

Private health insurance covers you for conditions that arise after your policy begins. You pay a monthly fee and can make claims for private healthcare covered by your policy. One of the main benefits of private healthcare is quicker access to treatment compared to the NHS, along with access to new drugs or specialist treatments.

Most health insurance covers private hospital stays and may include outpatient treatments like scans, tests, or appointments. Policies vary in coverage, and exclusions often include emergency treatment, maternity care, cosmetic surgery, and ongoing conditions present before the policy started.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay extra to have a pre-existing condition covered as part of your health insurance policy. However, you have access to support from a nurse or digital GP. If you have questions about what is covered under your policy, please contact us for clarification.

Your health insurance policy begins once you've selected your policy and set up your payment. After setup, you'll receive your cover documents detailing what is and isn't covered. It's important to review these details carefully as policies differ.

An excess is the amount you contribute towards treatment when you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your policy's monthly cost but requires a larger contribution when claiming. WeCovr's experts will offer you flexible excess options depending on your preferences.

To reduce health insurance costs, consider choosing a higher excess, which lowers the monthly premium. However, ensure the plan still meets your needs. Other factors affecting cost include lifestyle choices like smoking and potential savings for couples or family plans.

There is no age limit for taking out health insurance, but age influences the policy's cost. The benefits of health insurance are consistent regardless of age. If you're considering health insurance, you can get a quote from WeCovr's experts regardless of your age.

Let WeCovr's experts do the legwork for you and compare health insurance plans at no cost to you to find the best fit for your needs. Consider individual, couple, or family plans and review coverage details thoroughly before choosing. WeCovr provides transparent information on coverage options for easy comparison.

Yes, you can add your partner (if you live at the same address) or dependents to your policy at any time. The cost of couple's or family health insurance depends on factors like location, age, health, and chosen excess. Contact WeCovr or your insurer for assistance in adding someone to your policy.

While WeCovr's private health insurance plans are tailored for the UK, we offer global health insurance options for those living or working abroad. For holiday coverage, travel insurance is recommended.

Comprehensive cover provides extensive benefits, including full outpatient services such as consultations, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies. Our team at WeCovr can assist in understanding the various coverage levels available.

Private health insurance typically does not cover dental treatment. However, WeCovr's experts can guide you to dental insurance policies offered by our partner insurers. Reach out to us to explore these options.

Yes, private health insurance covers cancer treatment from diagnosis through treatment. At WeCovr, we can help you navigate the cancer cover options that suit your needs.

At WeCovr, you have flexibility in adjusting your cover. Speak to our experts within 21 days of receiving your paperwork or at policy renewal to make changes.

Accessing a private GP appointment is fast and convenient with WeCovr's services, available through your digital platform provided under your chosen insurance plan.

Yes, family members on the same policy can potentially have different levels of cover tailored to their individual needs.

WeCovr works with insurers offering a range of cover levels to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our experts can discuss these options with you.

Discovering healthcare facilities and specialists is easy with WeCovr's resources. Contact us for personalised assistance by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Fee-assured consultants provides transparency and no hidden costs for clients.

WeCovr prioritises mental health support with comprehensive coverage and access to specialist advice and services.

Children up to a certain age can be included in your policy, and we offer discounts for family coverage.

Like most health insurance plans, premiums may increase annually due to factors such as age and medical cost inflation.

The cost of health insurance varies based on several factors. Connect with our experts by tapping a button below and get your own personalised quote.

Private health insurance offers quicker access to consultations, treatments, and personalised care compared to the NHS.

Yes, WeCovr's experts can guide you which health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy treatments.

Immediate access to certain services like our digital GP app is available upon enrolment.

You can obtain a range of suitable quotes easily by tapping one of the buttons above or below and filling in a few details for personalised assistance.

Health insurance covers new conditions that arise after the policy starts. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may apply.

WeCovr's experts help you arrange health insurance that simplifies access to private healthcare services, including consultations and treatments.

Outpatient cover includes consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health therapies outside hospital admissions.

Yes, you can use your health insurance cover immediately. You have access to a nurse through your helpline and can consult with a GP using the digital GP app. If you need to make a claim right away, we may require a medical report from your GP. Health insurance is designed to cover new conditions that arise after the policy has started.

No, health insurance does not cover A&E (Accident and Emergency) visits. Private hospitals do not typically have the facilities for handling A&E cases. In case of an emergency, please dial 999 or use the NHS emergency services. However, if you require follow-up treatment after an emergency situation, your private medical insurance may be able to assist.

Yes, many insurers offer rewards in leisure, wellbeing, and health. Speak to WeCovr's experts or visit your insurer's website for more details on member rewards.

You may continue your cover or get another own personal policy. If you continue your cover, existing or ongoing medical conditions might be covered depending on the level of cover you choose. Contact our friendly experts to discuss your options and find the right option for you.

You can tap one of the buttons above or below and fill in a quick form to arrange a call with us to discuss your options.

Your cover may be similar but not identical. We will help you find the right level of cover that suits your needs, and ongoing medical conditions may be covered. Contact our friendly advisers to explore all available options.

No, the price won't be the same as before since employers often contribute to the cost of employee cover. Additionally, different cover levels and medical histories may affect the price. Contact WeCovr's experts for detailed information.

You have a few weeks or months from leaving your job to decide to continue with your insurer or change to another one. Your policy may start the day after you left your work policy, and our experts can guide you through other available options.

After leaving your job, contact WeCovr's experts with your leave date to discuss available options.

Yes, ongoing treatment may be covered on your new personal policy, although it could affect the price. Contact our experts for personalised advice on your options.

Details on paying excess fees will be provided when you contact your insurer for treatment authorisation.

No, there is no excess fee for utilising these services.

Excess adjustments can be made at specific intervals during your policy term.

No claims discounts can impact renewal costs based on claims history.

Pre-existing conditions typically aren't covered but can be discussed with our healthcare specialists.

This involves health-related questions before policy enrolment to determine coverage.

Moratorium underwriting simplifies enrolment but may require health disclosures during claims.

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

Pre-existing conditions refer to medical issues existing before policy inception. A pre-existing condition is anything you've previously had medical treatment for, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Most insurance providers consider any condition you've had symptoms or treatment for in the past five years as pre-existing. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how pre-existing conditions affect your policy options.

While some insurance providers automatically renew your private healthcare cover, it's beneficial to compare policies when yours is about to end. This ensures you're still getting the best deal for the coverage you need. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in finding the right policy for you.

Typically, you must be over 18 to take out your own policy, but minors can usually be included in a family policy. There may also be an upper age limit for private health insurance, and premiums typically increase with age. Our experts at WeCovr can provide guidance on age-related policy aspects.

Paying for health insurance annually often results in savings compared to monthly payments. However, this depends on your insurance provider. For help determining the most cost-effective option, consider consulting our experts at WeCovr.

If your employer offers private health insurance as part of your benefits package, you likely don't need additional cover. However, there may be limits on the cover you receive, and it may not extend to your entire family. Remember, any insurance you get through work only covers you while you're employed there.

If you don't have pre-existing conditions, a medical exam is usually not required. You'll just need to complete a medical history form and select your level of cover. However, if you're older, have a pre-existing condition, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, a medical exam may be necessary. Our experts at WeCovr can clarify the requirements of different policies.

Many private health insurance providers now offer GP services, either digitally or face-to-face. This means you can often get a private GP appointment quickly, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer GP services.

With private health insurance, you can often secure a GP appointment much quicker than with traditional methods, sometimes even on the same day. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer quick GP appointment services.

Inpatient care refers to any treatment requiring a stay in a hospital or clinic for at least one night. Outpatient care refers to treatments or tests that don't require hospital admission, such as minor diagnostic tests or physiotherapy sessions. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand the different types of care and find a policy that suits your needs.

Private health insurance covers your medical treatment if you fall ill, while critical illness cover provides additional financial help if you develop one of the critical illnesses listed in the policy, such as covering loss of income if you're unable to work. For assistance in understanding the differences and finding the right coverage, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Health insurance policies are designed for cover in the UK. For cover abroad, consider travel insurance for short trips or international health insurance for longer stays or if you have a holiday home overseas. Our experts at WeCovr can guide you in finding the appropriate coverage for your travel needs.

If your employer provides health insurance, it's considered a 'benefit in kind' and is not tax deductible. Your employer should calculate the tax you owe for your health insurance premiums and deduct it from your pay. There are some exceptions for small companies. For more information on tax implications, consider reaching out to our experts at WeCovr.

When you purchase a policy, you choose how much excess you pay, which is your contribution to the cost of treatment if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your premium is likely to be. Our experts at WeCovr can help you understand how excess works and choose the right level for you.

These are two methods of underwriting a health insurance policy, relating to how insurance providers consider your pre-existing medical conditions when you take out cover. For help understanding the differences and choosing the right option for you, consult our experts at WeCovr.

Some private health insurance providers offer a no-claims discount, similar to car insurance. Every year you don't make a claim gives you an extra year of no-claims discount, potentially reducing your premium when you renew. Our experts at WeCovr can help you find policies that offer no-claims discounts.

To find the best health insurance for you, compare various policies to find one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Consider your personal circumstances and what you want from your policy. Our experts at WeCovr can assist you in evaluating your options and selecting the right coverage for you.

If you need treatment, a GP referral is not always necessary. However, this depends on how you plan to pay for your treatment. Most hospitals will allow you to book appointments with a consultant without a GP referral if you are paying out-of-pocket. If you have private medical insurance, you'll need to check the terms of your policy to see whether your insurer requires you to consult with a GP first (most insurers do). Some policies offer a direct booking system without a referral for certain conditions, such as counseling for mental health issues.

Yes, you can obtain financing for a loan to cover the cost of surgery. Many private healthcare companies have partnerships with finance companies to allow you to spread the cost of private treatment over time. You could also explore getting an ordinary loan from your bank if this option proves to be more cost-effective for you.

WeCovr has conducted extensive research into the cost of private health insurance in the UK. Click the link to find out more detailed information.

Yes, you can continue to receive treatment through the NHS even if you have private health insurance and have received private treatment in the past. This could be for rehabilitation after private surgery or for treatment that is not covered by your health insurance policy. For example, some cosmetic surgeries may be available through the NHS but are generally not covered by private medical insurance.

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. There are certain services that cannot be obtained privately, such as emergency treatment at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Many NHS consultants also practice privately, so you could potentially see the same consultant regardless of whether you choose private or public healthcare. However, private healthcare typically offers shorter waiting times, guaranteed private rooms, and more relaxed visiting hours. Additionally, you may have access to treatments and drugs that are not routinely available through the NHS.

Yes, you can self-refer to a private specialist without the need for a GP referral. However, the British Medical Association believes that in most cases, it is best practice to start with your GP, as they are familiar with your medical history.

Yes, if you have a health concern and pay for private tests and scans but cannot afford to have private surgery, you should be able to have your test results transferred to an NHS provider for treatment.

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