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Exeter vs General & Medical Which PMI Is Best for Niche Needs

Exeter vs General & Medical Which PMI Is Best for Niche Needs

As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr understands that choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK can be complex. When standard policies don't fit, specialist insurers like The Exeter and General & Medical offer compelling alternatives for those with specific needs.

WeCovr looks at two specialist UK health insurers and their policies

In the bustling UK private health cover market, dominated by household names, it’s easy to overlook the specialist providers. Yet, for many people, these niche insurers offer a more tailored, flexible, and often more suitable solution. Two such providers are The Exeter and General & Medical.

While one is a historic Friendly Society known for its inclusive approach, the other is a dynamic provider with deep roots in the sports and professional sectors. This article will dissect their offerings, compare their strengths, and help you understand which might be the perfect fit for your unique circumstances.

Understanding Private Medical Insurance in the UK

Before we dive into the specifics, let's clarify what private medical insurance (PMI) is and, crucially, what it isn't.

PMI is an insurance policy designed to cover the costs of private healthcare for 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. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repairs.

The Critical Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the single most important concept to grasp in UK health insurance.

  • Acute Condition: Curable. Examples include appendicitis, a broken bone, or infections that can be resolved with a course of treatment. PMI is designed for these.
  • Chronic Condition: Not curable. These are long-term conditions that can be managed but not cured. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Standard UK PMI policies do not cover the routine management of chronic conditions.

Similarly, pre-existing conditions – any illness or injury you had before taking out the policy – are typically excluded from cover, at least for an initial period. This is a fundamental principle of private health cover in the UK. PMI is there to complement the excellent emergency and chronic care services of the NHS, not to replace them.

Why Choose a Specialist Health Insurer?

With major providers like Bupa and AXA offering a wide range of products, why look to a specialist? The answer lies in focus. Specialist insurers often excel in areas where larger companies may be more rigid.

  • Tailored Underwriting: They may have more flexible criteria for applicants, such as those who are older or have a complex medical history.
  • Niche Expertise: They build deep knowledge in specific areas, like cover for professional athletes or specific industry groups.
  • Personalised Service: As smaller organisations, they can sometimes offer a more personal and responsive customer service experience.
  • Unique Benefits: Their policies often include benefits and features specifically designed for their target audience.

Choosing a specialist can mean finding a policy that feels like it was made just for you, rather than a one-size-fits-all product.

Meet the Contenders: The Exeter and General & Medical at a Glance

Let's introduce our two specialists. While both operate outside the "big four," they have distinctly different origins and areas of focus.

The Exeter is a Friendly Society, which means it's a mutual organisation owned by its members, not shareholders. Established in 1927, its ethos is built around its community of members. Their reputation is built on providing cover to individuals who might be overlooked elsewhere, including older applicants and the self-employed.

General & Medical was founded in the 1980s and has carved out a strong identity providing flexible health insurance solutions for individuals, families, businesses, and particularly, sports professionals and associations. They are known for their tiered policy structure and specialist schemes.

Here is a brief overview of how they compare at a high level:

FeatureThe ExeterGeneral & Medical
Organisational StructureFriendly Society (owned by members)Private Company
Primary NicheOlder applicants, self-employed, flexible underwritingSports professionals, corporate & group schemes
Policy StructureCore cover with optional add-onsMultiple tiers of pre-packaged cover
Upper Age Limit to JoinNoneTypically 74 or 75 for new policies
Key StrengthInclusivity and community-rated renewals for over 70sBespoke schemes and specialist sports cover

A Deep Dive into The Exeter’s Health+ Policy

The Exeter’s flagship private medical insurance UK policy is called Health+. It’s built on a clear, modular principle: a comprehensive core cover to which you can add optional extras.

Core Cover: The Foundation of Your Policy

Every Health+ policy includes the following as standard:

  • In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: Covers hospital fees, specialist charges, and diagnostic tests when you are admitted to a hospital bed (even for a day).
  • Cancer Cover: Comprehensive cover for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and monitoring.
  • Post-operative Consultations: Covers specialist consultations for up to six months after eligible surgery.
  • NHS Hospital Cash Benefit: If you choose to receive eligible treatment on the NHS instead of privately, you receive a cash payment for each night you spend in an NHS hospital.
  • Private Ambulance & Home Nursing: Covers costs for private road ambulances and necessary home nursing after in-patient treatment.
  • Parent Accommodation: Pays for a parent to stay in hospital with a child under 18 undergoing treatment.

Optional Add-ons for Tailored Cover

This is where you can customise the policy to your needs and budget.

Optional ExtraWhat It CoversWho It's For
Out-patient CoverSpecialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans that don't require a hospital bed. Available in different limits (£500, £1,000, or unlimited).Anyone who wants faster diagnosis and access to specialists without waiting for a GP referral to the NHS hospital system.
Therapies CoverPhysiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment, and acupuncture. Can be added if you have selected out-patient cover.Individuals with active lifestyles, those prone to musculoskeletal issues, or anyone who wants fast access to physical therapies.
Mental Health CoverCovers specialist consultations and in-patient/day-patient psychiatric treatment.Anyone wanting to ensure they have robust support for their mental wellbeing.

The Exeter’s Key Differentiators

What makes The Exeter stand out in a crowded market?

  1. No Upper Age Limit: You can apply for a new policy at any age. This is a significant benefit for those seeking cover in later life, as many insurers impose an age cap of 65 or 75 for new members.
  2. Community-Rated Renewals: For members aged 70 and over, The Exeter pools the claims risk across that age group. This helps to protect individuals from sharp premium increases based solely on their own claims history as they get older.
  3. Healthwise Member App: This is a fantastic value-add, providing all members with access to remote GP appointments, mental health support, and physiotherapy triage at no extra cost.
  4. Flexible Underwriting: They are known for taking a more individual approach to applicants with some pre-existing conditions, sometimes offering cover where others might decline.

The Exeter is often the best PMI provider for:

  • Individuals over 60 looking for new cover.
  • The self-employed who value income protection and health insurance from the same provider.
  • People with a minor or well-managed medical history who have struggled to get cover elsewhere.

Unpacking General & Medical’s Policies

General & Medical takes a different approach. Instead of a single core product with add-ons, they offer a range of tiered policies. This allows you to choose a package that most closely matches your desired level of cover and budget from the outset.

Their main policy options include:

  • Essentials: A budget-friendly plan focused on in-patient and day-patient treatment, with some cancer cover.
  • Everyday: Builds on the Essentials plan with the addition of out-patient consultations and diagnostics.
  • Lifestyle: A mid-range comprehensive option with more generous out-patient and therapy limits.
  • Premier: A high-tier plan with enhanced benefits and higher financial limits.
  • Elite: Their top-level cover, offering extensive benefits including private GP, dental, and optical cover.

A Comparison of General & Medical's Policy Tiers

BenefitEssentialsEverydayLifestylePremierElite
In-patient & Day-patientFull CoverFull CoverFull CoverFull CoverFull Cover
Out-patient ConsultationsNot CoveredUp to £750Up to £1,000Up to £1,500Full Cover
Therapies CoverNot CoveredNot CoveredUp to £500Up to £1,000Up to £1,500
Mental Health CoverLimitedLimitedIncludedEnhancedComprehensive
Dental & OpticalNot CoveredNot CoveredNot CoveredNot CoveredIncluded

Note: This table is illustrative. Benefit limits are subject to change and the full policy documents should be consulted. A broker like WeCovr can provide the most up-to-date details.

General & Medical's Specialist Focus

Where General & Medical truly shines is in its specialisms.

  1. Sports Health Insurance: This is their standout niche. They have deep expertise in providing cover for professional and semi-professional athletes, sports clubs, and governing bodies. Their policies can be tailored to cover injuries sustained during training and competition – something explicitly excluded by most standard PMI policies.
  2. Corporate and Group Schemes: They are highly adept at creating bespoke private health cover schemes for businesses and professional associations. This allows organisations to offer a highly valued employee benefit that is tailored to the specific needs of their workforce.
  3. Health and Wellbeing Services: All members get access to a 24-hour GP advice line, stress counselling helplines, and online health resources, providing support beyond just insurance claims.

General & Medical is an excellent choice for:

  • Amateur or professional sportspeople.
  • Sports clubs and associations.
  • Companies seeking a flexible and tailored group PMI scheme.
  • Individuals who prefer a tiered "package" approach to buying insurance.

Head-to-Head Comparison: The Exeter vs General & Medical

Let's put them side-by-side on the features that matter most to UK consumers.

FeatureThe Exeter (Health+)General & Medical (Tiered Policies)WeCovr's Expert Take
Target AudienceOlder applicants, self-employed, those needing underwriting flexibility.Sports professionals, corporate groups, individuals wanting packaged cover.This is the key difference. Your personal profile will heavily influence which is a better fit.
Policy StructureCore policy + optional modules (Out-patient, Therapies, Mental Health).Tiered packages (Essentials, Everyday, Lifestyle, etc.) with increasing benefit levels.The Exeter's model offers more granular control, while G&M's is simpler to understand at a glance.
Cancer CoverComprehensive cover as standard on all policies.Included on all tiers, but the extent of cover (e.g., for monitoring, experimental drugs) can vary by tier.Both offer strong cancer cover, but The Exeter's is more uniformly comprehensive across the board.
Mental HealthAn optional add-on for comprehensive cover. Healthwise app provides initial support.Level of cover depends on the policy tier chosen. Higher tiers offer more extensive psychiatric cover.If mental health is a priority, you need to compare the cost of The Exeter's add-on versus a higher G&M tier.
Member AppHealthwise: A powerful app with remote GPs, physio, and mental health support.Focus is more on telephone helplines and online resources rather than a single integrated app.The Exeter has a clear advantage here with its feature-rich and highly-regarded Healthwise app.
Hospital ListA national list of quality private hospitals. Options to reduce the list for a lower premium.A range of hospital lists tied to different policy tiers and price points.Both offer good access, but checking that your local private hospital is on the list is crucial. WeCovr can do this for you.
Excess OptionsWide range from £0 to £5,000, allowing for significant premium control.Good range of excess options, typically from £100 upwards.Both providers offer great flexibility here, which is a key way to manage the cost of your premium.
No Claims DiscountA straightforward scale, rewarding members for not claiming. Protected NCD is available.A standard NCD structure is in place to reward claim-free years.The mechanics are similar. An independent PMI broker can model how a claim would affect future premiums with each.

The Cost Factor: What Influences Your PMI Premium?

It's impossible to give a single price for PMI, as it's highly personalised. Your premium is calculated based on several factors:

  • Age: Younger applicants pay less.
  • Location: Premiums are often higher in London and the South East due to higher hospital costs.
  • Level of Cover: An all-singing, all-dancing policy will cost more than a basic one.
  • Excess: A higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) means a lower premium.
  • Underwriting Type: Moratorium underwriting is often cheaper initially than Full Medical Underwriting.

To illustrate, a 35-year-old non-smoker in Leeds seeking mid-level cover might pay between £40-£60 per month. A 65-year-old in London seeking comprehensive cover could expect to pay upwards of £200-£300 per month. These are purely illustrative figures.

This is where working with a broker like WeCovr is invaluable. We use our market knowledge to find the provider and policy that offers the best value for your specific needs and budget, saving you time and money.

Beyond the Policy: Wellness, Support, and Added Value

Modern private health insurance isn't just about paying claims. The best PMI providers help you stay healthy.

The Exeter's Healthwise app is a prime example of this. Having on-demand access to a GP can help you deal with health niggles before they become major problems. Getting swift access to a physiotherapist can prevent an ache from becoming a chronic injury.

General & Medical's helplines provide a vital source of support for stress and other wellbeing concerns. Proactive health management is a cornerstone of their service.

At WeCovr, we enhance this further. When you take out a PMI or Life Insurance policy through us, we provide:

  • Complimentary access to CalorieHero: Our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app to help you manage your diet and health goals.
  • Exclusive discounts: You'll receive discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as travel or home insurance, adding even more value.

The world of insurance is full of jargon. Here are some key terms explained in Plain English.

  • Acute Condition: A health condition that comes on suddenly, has a limited duration, and is expected to be cured with treatment. This is what PMI covers.
  • Chronic Condition: A long-term health condition that cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma). PMI does not cover this.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any health issue you had, sought advice for, or experienced symptoms of before your policy start date. These are typically excluded.
  • Moratorium (Mori) Underwriting: A popular option where the insurer doesn't ask for your full medical history upfront. Instead, they will exclude any condition you've had in the 5 years before the policy started. However, if you go 2 full years on the policy without any treatment, advice, or symptoms for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide your full medical history at the start. The insurer reviews it and tells you exactly what is and isn't covered from day one. It provides certainty but can take longer.
  • Excess: The fixed amount you agree to pay towards the cost of any claim you make. For example, if your excess is £250 and your treatment costs £3,000, you pay £250 and the insurer pays £2,750.
  • Hospital List: The list of private hospitals and facilities where your policy will cover you for treatment.

Real-Life Scenarios: Which Insurer Fits Best?

Let's apply our knowledge to some common situations.

Scenario 1: Barbara, the 69-year-old retiree. Barbara is active and healthy but wants the peace of mind of private health cover for the first time. Many insurers have turned her down due to her age.

  • Best Fit: The Exeter. Their policy has no upper age limit for joining, and their community rating for over-70s will protect her from steep individual premium hikes in the future.

Scenario 2: David, the 26-year-old semi-pro rugby player. David's biggest concern is getting injured during a match and facing a long NHS wait for treatment, affecting his career.

  • Best Fit: General & Medical. Their specialist sports cover is designed for exactly this scenario, providing cover for sports-related injuries that standard policies would exclude.

Scenario 3: Sarah, the 42-year-old founder of a 15-person tech start-up. Sarah wants to offer private health cover as a key employee benefit to attract and retain talent. She needs a flexible scheme that can adapt as her company grows.

  • Best Fit: This is less clear-cut and where a broker is essential. General & Medical have a strong reputation for bespoke corporate schemes. However, The Exeter also offers business policies that could be competitive. An expert at WeCovr would compare both, presenting a detailed analysis of the costs and benefits of each to help Sarah make the best decision for her team.

Making the Right Choice with WeCovr

Choosing between two excellent specialist insurers like The Exeter and General & Medical depends entirely on your personal circumstances, health, lifestyle, and budget.

As an independent, FCA-authorised PMI broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, WeCovr’s role is to provide impartial, expert guidance. We don't work for the insurers; we work for you. Our service is provided at no cost to you, and we can often secure the same or better prices than going direct.

We will help you:

  • Understand if The Exeter, General & Medical, or another provider is the right fit.
  • Compare policies and prices across the market.
  • Decipher the jargon and understand the small print.
  • Complete the application and get your cover in place smoothly.

Will my private medical insurance cover my existing asthma?

Generally, no. Asthma is considered a chronic and pre-existing condition. Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy. The day-to-day management of chronic conditions like asthma remains with the NHS.

Is it cheaper to buy a policy directly from The Exeter or General & Medical?

No. An independent broker like WeCovr has access to the same prices as going direct, and sometimes even preferential rates. The key benefit of using a broker is that you receive free, impartial advice across the entire market, not just from one provider, ensuring you get the policy that is genuinely best for you.

Can I add my children or partner to my private health cover?

Yes, both The Exeter and General & Medical offer options to add family members to your policy. It can often be more cost-effective to have one family policy rather than multiple individual ones. We can help you find the most economical way to cover your whole family.

Ready to find the specialist health cover that’s right for your niche needs?

Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our experts guide you to the perfect private medical insurance solution.


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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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