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Endometrial Ablation Explained

Endometrial Ablation Explained 2025 | Free Tailored Quotes

WeCovr explains endometrial ablation procedures and PMI coverage

Struggling with heavy periods can be debilitating, affecting everything from your work life to your social confidence. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr understands the need for swift, effective solutions. This guide explores endometrial ablation and how private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can provide a fast-track route to treatment.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common issue, but it doesn't have to control your life. Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure designed to significantly reduce or stop heavy periods, offering a long-term solution for many women.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know:

  • What endometrial ablation is and who it's for
  • The different types of procedures available
  • What to expect during recovery
  • How private medical insurance can cover the cost and help you bypass NHS waiting lists
  • The critical rules around pre-existing conditions and PMI coverage

What is Endometrial Ablation? A Simple Guide

In simple terms, endometrial ablation is a medical procedure that destroys the endometrium—the lining of your womb (uterus). Each month, it's this lining that thickens to prepare for a potential pregnancy and then sheds during your period if you don't conceive.

For women with abnormally heavy periods (a condition called menorrhagia), this lining can be overly thick, leading to excessive bleeding. Endometrial ablation aims to solve this by permanently removing most of this lining. Think of it like carefully removing the old wallpaper from a room so it can't peel off anymore. By doing this, menstrual flow is dramatically reduced, and in some cases, periods stop altogether.

It's a much less invasive alternative to a hysterectomy (the complete removal of the womb) and is typically performed as a day-case procedure, meaning you can usually go home the same day.

Who is a Suitable Candidate for Endometrial Ablation?

Endometrial ablation isn't for everyone. A gynaecologist will only recommend it after a thorough assessment. You are likely a good candidate if you meet the following criteria:

  • You suffer from severe menorrhagia: Your periods are so heavy they interfere with your daily life. This could mean soaking through sanitary products every hour, passing large blood clots, or experiencing symptoms of anaemia like fatigue and dizziness.
  • Other treatments have not worked: You've already tried less invasive options, such as medication (like tranexamic acid) or a hormonal IUD (intrauterine device), without success.
  • You have completed your family: This is a crucial point. Endometrial ablation is only for women who do not wish to have any more children. While the procedure significantly reduces fertility, pregnancy can still occur, and it carries very high risks for both mother and baby, including miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. You will need to use reliable contraception until after menopause.
  • Other causes have been ruled out: Your doctor has confirmed that your heavy bleeding isn't caused by other conditions like uterine cancer, active infections, or large fibroids that would require a different treatment.

The procedure is most commonly performed on women in their late 30s and 40s who are approaching the end of their reproductive years.

Understanding Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)

It's easy to dismiss heavy periods as "just one of those things," but menorrhagia is a recognised medical condition. According to the NHS, around 1 in 5 women between the ages of 30 and 49 are affected by it.

Signs of Menorrhagia include:

  • Needing to change your tampon or pad every one to two hours.
  • Bleeding for more than seven days.
  • Passing blood clots larger than a 10p coin.
  • Bleeding through your clothes or bedding.
  • Feeling constantly tired, weak, or short of breath (symptoms of anaemia).
  • Having to cancel social or work commitments because of your period.

The impact goes far beyond physical discomfort. It can cause significant emotional distress, anxiety, and a loss of productivity. For many, finding an effective treatment is life-changing.

The Endometrial Ablation Procedure: What to Expect

The journey from consultation to recovery involves several clear steps. Understanding the process can help reduce any anxiety and prepare you for what's ahead.

Step 1: Consultation and Diagnosis

Your journey will start with a referral from your GP to a consultant gynaecologist. During your consultation, the specialist will:

  • Discuss your symptoms and medical history in detail.
  • Perform a pelvic exam.
  • Arrange for diagnostic tests to get a clear picture of your womb.

These tests often include:

  • Ultrasound Scan: To check for fibroids, polyps, or other structural issues.
  • Hysteroscopy: A thin, camera-equipped tube is inserted into your womb to get a direct view of the lining.
  • Biopsy: A small sample of the endometrial lining is taken during the hysteroscopy to be tested for abnormal or cancerous cells. This is a vital safety check.

Step 2: The Different Types of Ablation

Once you're confirmed as a suitable candidate, your consultant will discuss the best type of ablation for you. Techniques have evolved over the years, and modern methods are quick and effective.

Ablation MethodHow It WorksTypical Procedure TimeAnaesthesia
Radiofrequency AblationA fine mesh is placed inside the womb, and a controlled burst of radiofrequency energy destroys the lining. (e.g., NovaSure)2–5 minutesLocal or General
Heated Balloon AblationA balloon is inserted into the womb and filled with heated sterile fluid, which cauterises the lining. (e.g., Thermachoice)8–10 minutesLocal or General
Microwave Ablation (MEA)A thin probe emits microwave energy to heat and destroy the endometrium.3–5 minutesLocal or General
Hydrothermal AblationHeated saline solution is circulated inside the womb to gently wash away and destroy the lining.~10 minutesGeneral
Resectoscopic AblationA more traditional method using a hysteroscope with an electrical loop or rollerball to physically remove the lining.15–30 minutesGeneral

The second-generation methods (radiofrequency, balloon, microwave) are now the most common as they are faster, often require only local anaesthetic, and have excellent success rates.

Step 3: Recovery and Aftercare

Endometrial ablation is usually a day-case procedure, but recovery experiences vary.

  • Immediately After: You'll likely feel period-like cramps, which can be managed with standard painkillers. You may feel a little groggy if you had a general anaesthetic.
  • First Few Days: Cramping may continue for a few days. You can expect a watery, sometimes blood-tinged, discharge. This is normal and can last for a few weeks as the womb heals. It's best to use sanitary pads instead of tampons to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Returning to Normal: Most women feel able to return to work and light activities within 2-4 days. You should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and sexual intercourse for a couple of weeks, or as advised by your consultant.

The full results can take up to three months to become apparent. Many women experience a dramatic reduction in bleeding, while some find their periods stop completely.

Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Endometrial Ablation

This is where having the right private health cover can make all the difference. While endometrial ablation is available on the NHS, waiting lists for gynaecology consultations and procedures can be lengthy. Latest NHS England data shows that gynaecology is one of the specialisms with the longest waiting times, with many patients waiting over a year for treatment.

PMI allows you to bypass these queues and get treated quickly. However, understanding how coverage works is essential.

The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic and Pre-existing Conditions

Private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.

PMI does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.

  • A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma).
  • A pre-existing condition is any ailment for which you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment before you took out your insurance policy.

This is the most important factor for endometrial ablation coverage.

If you have already seen your GP about heavy periods before buying a PMI policy, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover. However, if you develop symptoms of menorrhagia after your policy is active, your PMI is very likely to cover the entire diagnostic and treatment process.

Real-Life Example:

  • Sarah has been suffering from heavy periods for two years and has discussed it with her GP. She buys a PMI policy in January 2025. Her policy will not cover endometrial ablation for this issue, as it's pre-existing.
  • Chloe buys a PMI policy in January 2025. In July 2025, she starts experiencing unusually heavy periods for the first time. She sees her GP, gets a referral, and is diagnosed with menorrhagia. Her PMI policy will cover her consultations, diagnostic tests, and endometrial ablation procedure.

How PMI Underwriting Affects Your Cover

The way your policy is underwritten determines how pre-existing conditions are handled.

  1. Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your full medical history at the start. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last five years. However, if you go for a set period (usually two years) without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
  2. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer assesses your history and explicitly lists any conditions that will be permanently excluded from your policy. This provides clarity from day one but may result in more permanent exclusions.

A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand which underwriting type is best for your circumstances and find a policy that offers the most suitable terms.

Key Benefits of Using PMI for Your Treatment

FeatureNHS TreatmentPrivate Treatment (with PMI)
CostFree at the point of care.Covered by your insurance premium. You may need to pay an excess.
Waiting TimesCan be very long (months or even over a year for gynaecology).Very fast access, typically within weeks.
Choice of HospitalLimited to your local NHS trust.Wide choice from your insurer's approved national hospital network.
Choice of ConsultantYou are usually assigned a consultant.You can research and choose a specific specialist you want to see.
Comfort & PrivacyUsually treated on a shared ward.A private, en-suite room is standard for inpatient procedures.
ConvenienceAppointment times are fixed and can be inflexible.More flexibility to schedule appointments and your procedure around your life.

How a PMI Broker Like WeCovr Can Help

Navigating the world of private medical insurance UK can feel complex. That's where we come in. WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised broker with years of experience and high customer satisfaction ratings. Our service is provided at no cost to you.

We help by:

  • Explaining the Jargon: We break down complex terms like 'moratorium', 'excess', and 'hospital lists' into plain English.
  • Comparing the Market: We compare policies from all the leading UK providers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality, to find the best PMI provider for your budget and needs.
  • Tailoring Your Policy: We help you understand the options for outpatient cover, cancer care, and other benefits to build a policy that's right for you.
  • Assisting with Claims: Should you need to make a claim, we can offer guidance and support throughout the process.

Our goal is to give you the clarity and confidence to choose the right private health cover.

Beyond the Procedure: Wellness and Long-Term Health

Your health journey doesn't end after the procedure. Focusing on your overall wellness can support your recovery and improve your quality of life in the long run.

  • Diet and Nutrition: If you were anaemic due to heavy bleeding, focus on rebuilding your iron stores. Include iron-rich foods like lean red meat, poultry, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals in your diet. Vitamin C helps with iron absorption, so pair these foods with citrus fruits, peppers, or tomatoes.
  • Gentle Exercise: Once your consultant gives you the all-clear, gradually reintroduce exercise. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga can improve circulation, boost your mood, and aid recovery.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Good quality sleep is vital for healing. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your bedroom is a calm, dark, and quiet space.
  • Contraception is Still Necessary: Remember, endometrial ablation is not a sterilisation procedure. It is crucial to use a reliable form of contraception until you have gone through menopause to prevent a dangerous pregnancy.
  • Mental Wellbeing: Living with menorrhagia can take a toll on your mental health. Acknowledge the relief that effective treatment can bring. Don't hesitate to speak to a professional if you're struggling with anxiety or low mood.

Exclusive WeCovr Member Benefits

We believe in supporting our clients' overall health. When you purchase a private medical insurance or life insurance policy through WeCovr, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. Maintaining a healthy weight can have a positive effect on your hormonal health, making it a great tool to support your long-term wellness.

Furthermore, our clients often benefit from discounts on other types of cover, such as income protection or critical illness insurance, when they bundle policies with us.

Will my private medical insurance cover endometrial ablation if I've already been diagnosed with heavy periods?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover pre-existing conditions. If you have sought advice, had symptoms, or been treated for heavy periods before your policy started, it will be excluded from cover. PMI is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after you join.

How much does a private endometrial ablation cost in the UK without insurance?

The cost of a private endometrial ablation in the UK typically ranges from £3,000 to £6,000. This price can vary significantly depending on the hospital, the consultant's fees, the specific type of ablation procedure used, and your location in the country. This fee usually includes the consultation, the procedure itself, anaesthetist fees, and one follow-up appointment.

Is endometrial ablation a permanent cure for heavy periods?

For most women, endometrial ablation is a highly effective and long-term solution. Studies show that over 90% of women have significantly lighter periods or no periods at all following the procedure. However, it is not a 100% guarantee. In a small number of cases, the endometrial lining can regrow over time, and a repeat procedure or alternative treatment like a hysterectomy may be needed years later.

What are the main risks associated with endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is considered a very safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it carries some small risks. These can include infection, bleeding, cramps, or minor burns to the cervix or vagina. More serious but very rare complications include perforation (a tear) of the uterine wall or damage to nearby organs. Your consultant will discuss all potential risks with you in detail before you consent to the procedure.

Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind

Don't let heavy periods or the prospect of long waiting lists dictate your life. Taking control of your health starts with having the right information and the right support.

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our friendly experts will help you compare private medical insurance from the UK's leading providers, ensuring you find a policy that gives you fast access to the best care when you need it most.


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Why private medical insurance and how does it work?

What is Private Medical Insurance?

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

How does it work?

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

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

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

Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Fact!

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

Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?

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

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

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

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

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

By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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Life Insurance and Private Medical Insurance cover you for two different purposes, so you will need to assess your needs but may wish to consider holding the two policies. Private Medical Insurance covers you if you get sick or need treatment and want or need to go privately. Life Insurance covers you in the case of death, giving a payout to family/those left behind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims may require additional information if under moratorium underwriting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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