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Freedom vs WPA Which UK PMI Provider Suits You Best

Freedom vs WPA Which UK PMI Provider Suits You Best 2025

WeCovr compares two smaller UK providers for value and service

Choosing private medical insurance in the UK can feel like navigating a maze. While giants like Bupa and AXA dominate the headlines, a closer look reveals specialist providers offering exceptional value and service. Here at WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, we believe in looking at the whole market.

This guide shines a spotlight on two such providers: Freedom Health Insurance and WPA (Western Provident Association). Both offer compelling alternatives to the big names, but they cater to very different needs. We'll break down their cover, philosophy, and costs to help you decide which one might be the perfect fit for your health and budget.

Why Look Beyond the Usual Suspects?

While the largest providers offer extensive networks and brand recognition, smaller, more specialist insurers often stand out for different reasons:

  • Personalised Service: Fewer customers can mean more direct, personal contact and a less bureaucratic claims process.
  • Niche Strengths: They often excel in specific areas, such as flexible policy design or ethical, member-focused principles.
  • Competitive Pricing: By focusing their business model, they can sometimes offer more competitive premiums for certain levels of cover.

Let's see how Freedom and WPA stack up.

At a Glance: Freedom vs WPA Comparison

FeatureFreedom Health InsuranceWPA (Western Provident Association)
Company TypeFor-profit, independent insurerNot-for-profit provident association
Core PhilosophyFlexibility and choice. Build your own policy.Member-focused, ethical, and comprehensive.
Key StrengthHighly modular policies. Only pay for what you need.'Shared Responsibility' model, strong customer service.
UnderwritingMoratorium, Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)Moratorium, Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)
Hospital AccessChoice of specified hospital lists.Wide network, 'Freedom of Choice' on specialists.
Digital ToolsCustomer portal.Feature-rich 'WPA Health' app.
Best For...Individuals seeking control over their policy and costs.Families and individuals wanting a trusted, ethical provider.

A Deep Dive into Freedom Health Insurance

Founded in 2003, Freedom Health Insurance entered the UK PMI market with a clear mission: to give customers more control. Their entire model is built around flexibility, allowing you to construct a policy that precisely matches your requirements and budget, rather than buying a pre-packaged plan with benefits you may not need.

Freedom's Core Product: 'Freedom Elite'

Freedom’s main offering is a ‘building block’ style policy. You start with the essential core cover and then add optional benefits as you see fit.

1. Core Cover (The Foundation)

This is the mandatory part of any Freedom Elite policy and covers the most significant medical costs:

  • In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This includes hospital accommodation, nursing care, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, and specialist consultations while you are admitted to hospital.
  • Comprehensive Cancer Cover: This is included as standard and covers diagnosis, surgery, and treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It also includes provisions for bone marrow transplants and stem cell therapy.
  • NHS Hospital Cash Benefit: If you choose to have your in-patient treatment on the NHS, Freedom will pay you a cash amount for each night you spend in an NHS hospital.

2. Optional Out-patient Cover (The Add-ons)

This is where the customisation truly begins. If you want cover for diagnostics and treatment that don't require a hospital stay, you can add one of these modules:

  • Out-patient Consultations: Covers appointments with specialists.
  • Therapies: Includes physiotherapy, osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment.
  • Diagnostics: Covers tests like MRI, CT, and PET scans performed on an out-patient basis.

You can choose different cover limits for these, allowing you to balance the cost against the level of protection you want.

3. Further Optional Benefits

To tailor your policy even further, you can add:

  • Alternative Therapies: Cover for treatments like acupuncture and homeopathy.
  • Dental and Optical Cover: A contribution towards routine dental check-ups, treatment, and eye tests/glasses.
  • Mental Health Cover: Provides access to psychiatrists and psychotherapists.

Underwriting with Freedom

Like most providers, Freedom offers two main ways to underwrite your policy:

  • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide a full history of your health on the application form. The insurer then states upfront what will and won't be covered. It's clear from day one, but the application is longer.
  • Moratorium Underwriting: You don't need to disclose your full medical history. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any condition you've had symptoms of, or sought advice for, in the 5 years before your policy starts. These exclusions can be lifted if you go 2 continuous years without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after your policy begins.

Who is Freedom Health Insurance Best For?

Freedom is an excellent choice for:

  • The Budget-Conscious: By stripping back to just core in-patient cover, you can secure protection against major medical events for a very competitive premium.
  • The Control Seeker: If you know exactly what you want from your private health cover and don't want to pay for frills you'll never use, Freedom's model is ideal.
  • Self-Employed Individuals: The ability to create a bespoke 'catastrophe' plan is often very appealing to those managing their own finances.

A Deep Dive into WPA (Western Provident Association)

WPA has a rich heritage, having been founded in 1901. Crucially, they are a not-for-profit provident association. This is not just a marketing term; it's fundamental to how they operate. Any financial surplus they make is reinvested back into the company to benefit members, for example, by improving services or keeping premiums stable, rather than being paid out to shareholders.

This ethos has earned them a loyal following and a strong reputation for excellent, UK-based customer service.

WPA's Core Products: 'Flexible Health'

WPA's main individual and family product line is 'Flexible Health', which comes in three tiers: Essentials, Premier, and Elite.

  • Flexible Health Essentials: A strong entry-level plan covering in-patient and day-patient treatment, with some out-patient benefits and comprehensive cancer cover.
  • Flexible Health Premier: Builds on the Essentials plan with more extensive out-patient cover and higher benefit limits.
  • Flexible Health Elite: The most comprehensive option, offering extensive benefits across the board, including for mental health, therapies, and dental.

The 'Shared Responsibility' Model

A key feature of many WPA policies is their "Shared Responsibility" or co-payment structure. Instead of a traditional excess where you pay, for example, the first £250 of a claim, you share the cost of the treatment with WPA.

Example: On some plans, for out-patient consultations, WPA might cover 75% of the specialist's fee. This means you contribute the remaining 25%. This approach helps to keep premiums lower and encourages members to be mindful of treatment costs.

WPA also has structured benefit limits. For instance, they might state they will pay up to a certain amount for a specific procedure or consultation. Most specialists' fees fall within these guidelines, but it's an important part of how they manage costs.

Technology and Member Benefits

WPA is known for its investment in technology to improve the member experience. The WPA Health app is a standout feature, allowing you to:

  • Make a claim easily.
  • Check your symptoms.
  • Access health and wellness information.
  • Speak to a GP 24/7.

Their 'Freedom of Choice' approach is also highly valued. While they have an extensive list of participating hospitals, they generally allow you to choose your own specialist, as long as their fees are within WPA's published guidelines.

Who is WPA Best For?

WPA is a fantastic option for:

  • Families: Their comprehensive plans and trusted, ethical reputation provide peace of mind.
  • Those Prioritising Service: If you value a smooth, human-centric claims process and UK-based support, WPA consistently receives high praise.
  • Ethically-Minded Consumers: The not-for-profit structure appeals to many who want their money to be reinvested into the service they receive.

Critical Information: Understanding What UK PMI Covers

It is absolutely vital to understand the core purpose of private medical insurance in the UK. This applies to Freedom, WPA, and all other standard PMI providers.

PMI is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

  • An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include joint replacements, cataract surgery, or hernia repair.
  • A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, requires ongoing management, or is likely to recur. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

Standard private health cover does not cover chronic conditions. It also excludes pre-existing conditions—any health issue you had before your policy started. This is a fundamental principle of the UK market. PMI is a complement to the NHS, not a replacement for it. The NHS provides excellent care for chronic conditions and emergencies. PMI gives you choice and speed for eligible acute conditions.

Head-to-Head Feature Comparison: Freedom vs WPA

This table breaks down some of the most important policy features to help you compare them directly.

FeatureFreedom Health InsuranceWPA (Western Provident Association)
Core PhilosophyBuild-Your-Own: Total flexibility to add or remove benefits.Packaged Tiers: Choose from tiered plans (Essentials, Premier, Elite).
Cancer CoverComprehensive cover included as standard in the core module.Comprehensive cover included as standard across all 'Flexible Health' plans.
Out-patient CoverFully Optional: Add as a module with customisable limits.Included (Varies by Tier): Generous limits, especially on Premier and Elite plans.
Mental HealthOptional Add-on: Can be added to the policy for an extra premium.Included (Varies by Tier): Good cover on Premier and Elite plans. Basic on Essentials.
Excess/Cost ShareTraditional Excess: Choose a fixed amount (£0, £100, £250, etc.) per year.Shared Responsibility: Often involves co-payments (e.g., you pay 25%) and benefit limits.
Digital ToolsStandard online customer portal for policy management.Advanced 'WPA Health' app with claims, symptom checker, and remote GP access.
Customer ServiceGood, direct service from a smaller, focused team.Excellent reputation for UK-based, personal, and efficient service.

How a PMI Broker Like WeCovr Can Help You Choose

Navigating the details of different policies can be complex. The difference between a 'traditional excess' and a 'shared responsibility' model, or the implications of various hospital lists, can be significant. This is where an expert, independent PMI broker becomes invaluable.

At WeCovr, we provide a specialist service at no cost to you. Our job is to:

  1. Understand Your Needs: We listen to what's important to you—your budget, your health priorities, and the level of cover you're comfortable with.
  2. Search the Market: We compare policies from a wide range of insurers, including specialists like Freedom and WPA, to find the best options.
  3. Explain the Details: We translate the jargon and explain the fine print, ensuring you understand exactly what you are buying.

Working with a broker saves you time and provides the confidence that you have the right private health cover for your unique circumstances.

Beyond the Policy: Extra Value and Wellbeing

A good health insurance plan is about more than just paying for treatment. It’s also about promoting a healthy lifestyle to reduce your chances of needing care in the first place.

The Pillars of Good Health:

  • Balanced Diet: The NHS 'Eatwell Guide' is a great starting point, recommending a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, with lean proteins and healthy fats.
  • Regular Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running) a week.
  • Quality Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Good sleep is crucial for mental and physical recovery.

At WeCovr, we believe in supporting our clients' overall wellbeing. When you take out a policy with us, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you stay on top of your diet. Furthermore, clients who buy PMI or Life Insurance through us often receive discounts on other types of cover, adding even more value.

Final Verdict: Which Provider is Right for You?

So, should you choose Freedom or WPA?

Choose Freedom Health Insurance if: ✅ You want maximum control to design your policy from the ground up. ✅ You are on a tight budget and want to secure essential in-patient cover without paying for extra benefits. ✅ You are confident in choosing the specific modules you need.

Choose WPA if: ✅ You value a long-standing, ethical provider with a not-for-profit ethos. ✅ You want a comprehensive, well-regarded plan and appreciate excellent customer service. ✅ You are comfortable with a co-payment model in return for potentially lower premiums.

Both are excellent providers that offer a real alternative to the market leaders. The best choice is the one that aligns with your personal priorities for health, budget, and peace of mind.


Is private medical insurance worth it in the UK?

Generally, yes, for many people it provides significant value. While the NHS is a world-class service, it is facing considerable pressure. As of early 2025, referral-to-treatment waiting lists in England remain a major concern, with millions of people waiting for routine procedures. Private medical insurance provides a way to bypass these queues for eligible acute conditions, giving you fast access to diagnosis and treatment at a time and place of your choosing. It offers peace of mind and control over your healthcare journey.

What is the difference between moratorium and full medical underwriting?

These are the two main ways insurers assess your health history. With **Full Medical Underwriting (FMU)**, you complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer then tells you upfront if any pre-existing conditions will be permanently excluded. It's a longer process but provides total clarity. With **Moratorium (Mori)** underwriting, you don't declare your medical history. Instead, any condition you've had symptoms of or treatment for in the 5 years before your policy starts is automatically excluded. This exclusion can be lifted if you remain symptom and treatment-free for that condition for 2 continuous years after your policy begins. Mori is faster but less certain.

Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

No, standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover new, acute medical conditions that arise *after* you join. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you had before the policy started) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma). This is a fundamental rule of the UK PMI market for all providers, including Freedom and WPA.

Can I switch my private medical insurance provider?

Yes, you can switch providers. This is often done to find a better price or a policy that better suits your current needs. However, it's crucial to do this carefully. You can often switch on a 'continued moratorium' or 'continued personal medical exclusions' basis, which allows you to carry over your existing underwriting terms without losing cover for conditions that developed under your old policy. An expert PMI broker can manage this process to ensure there are no gaps in your cover.

Ready to explore your options? The best way to find the perfect policy is to get a personalised quote. Contact the friendly experts at WeCovr today for free, impartial advice. We’ll compare Freedom, WPA, and many others to find the ideal balance of cover and cost for you.

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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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