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From Diagnosis to Treatment in 3 Days A Real PMI Story

From Diagnosis to Treatment in 3 Days A Real PMI Story 2025

As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr understands the value of peace of mind. This article tells a real-world story of how private medical insurance in the UK can provide rapid access to care when you need it most, bypassing long waiting lists.

WeCovr tells the story of how private health insurance fast-tracked urgent treatment

For many of us, the NHS is a cherished institution, a safety net we rely on. But with unprecedented pressure on its services, waiting times for specialist consultations and treatments can stretch into months, even years. This is a source of profound anxiety for anyone facing a worrying health issue.

This is where private medical insurance (PMI) steps in, not as a replacement for the NHS, but as a complementary service offering speed, choice, and comfort. To illustrate this, let's follow the journey of "David," a 45-year-old project manager from Manchester whose story is a powerful example of PMI in action.

David's Story: From Worrying Symptom to Reassuring Diagnosis in 72 Hours

David's experience, while specific to him, mirrors that of thousands of individuals in the UK who use their private health cover each year to get the answers and treatment they need, fast.

Day 1: A Nagging Worry and a Long Wait

It started with a persistent, dull ache in his abdomen. At first, David dismissed it as indigestion. But after two weeks, the pain was more frequent and starting to affect his sleep and concentration at work. He called his local GP surgery and, like many, was offered a telephone consultation that afternoon.

His GP was thorough and professional but concluded that without a physical examination and further tests, it was hard to be certain. He suspected it could be gallstones or a stomach ulcer and wrote a referral to a consultant gastroenterologist.

The problem? The GP informed David that the current NHS waiting list for a routine gastroenterology appointment in his area was approximately 18 weeks. An urgent referral might be quicker, but his symptoms didn't meet the "red flag" criteria.

The thought of waiting over four months for a diagnosis, with the worry gnawing away at him, was distressing.

Day 1 (Afternoon): Remembering His Safety Net

While discussing his concerns with his wife that evening, she reminded him about his private medical insurance, provided through his employer and arranged by the expert brokers at WeCovr. It was a benefit he'd never had to use before.

He found his policy documents, called the dedicated 24/7 helpline provided by his insurer, and explained the situation. The process was surprisingly straightforward:

  1. Provide the GP Referral: The claims advisor asked for a copy of the GP's referral letter, which he had received by email.
  2. Authorise the Claim: Within an hour, his claim was pre-authorised for an initial consultation and diagnostics.
  3. Choose a Specialist: The insurer provided him with a list of three approved gastroenterologists at a private hospital just a 20-minute drive from his home. He chose one with excellent reviews and an appointment available the very next day.

The sense of relief was immediate. David had gone from facing a four-month wait to having a specialist appointment booked in less than 24 hours.

Day 2: The Specialist Consultation

The next morning, David met the consultant at a clean, modern private hospital. There was no crowded waiting room; his appointment started on time. The consultant spent 40 minutes with him, taking a detailed history and performing a physical examination.

Based on the symptoms, the consultant suspected gallstones but wanted to perform an endoscopy to rule out other issues like an ulcer or inflammation. The hospital's diagnostics department could fit him in the following morning.

Day 3: A Clear Diagnosis and a Treatment Plan

On the third day, David had his endoscopy. The procedure was quick, and the staff were reassuring. A few hours later, the consultant met with him to discuss the results.

The diagnosis was clear: multiple small gallstones that were causing biliary colic. While not life-threatening at that moment, they posed a risk of leading to more serious complications like jaundice or pancreatitis if left untreated.

The recommended treatment was a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder). The consultant explained the procedure, the recovery time, and answered all of David's questions. He then checked the surgical schedule and offered David a date for the operation the following week.

In just 72 hours, David had gone from a worrying symptom to a specialist consultation, a definitive diagnosis, and a scheduled treatment date. The contrast with the potential 18-week NHS wait for just the initial consultation was staggering.

How Private Medical Insurance Unlocks Rapid Healthcare Access

David's story isn't magic; it's the result of how the private healthcare system is structured to work alongside the NHS. PMI gives you the key to unlock this parallel system.

The GP Referral: Your Key to Unlocking Private Care

In most cases, you still need a referral from a GP to see a private specialist. This ensures the NHS remains the gatekeeper and that you're seeing the right type of doctor. Many modern PMI policies now include a Digital GP or Virtual GP service, allowing you to have a video consultation within hours, often 24/7. This can be even faster than waiting for an appointment at your local surgery.

Your GP can provide an "open referral," which names the type of specialist you need (e.g., a cardiologist) rather than a specific doctor. This gives you and your insurer the flexibility to choose from their approved network of consultants.

Bypassing the Queues: The Reality of UK Waiting Lists

The primary benefit of PMI is speed. While the NHS provides excellent emergency care, planned (elective) care is where the delays are most acute.

According to the latest data from NHS England, the challenges are significant:

  • The total waiting list for consultant-led elective care stands at over 7.5 million treatment pathways.
  • The median waiting time for treatment is around 14 weeks, but hundreds of thousands of patients wait much longer, with over 300,000 waiting more than a year.

A private policy allows you to bypass these queues entirely.

NHS vs. Private Health Cover: A Comparison of Typical Timelines (2025 Estimates)

Procedure / AppointmentTypical NHS Wait TimeTypical PMI Wait Time
Specialist Consultation10–22 weeks1–7 days
MRI / CT Scan4–8 weeks2–5 days
Hip or Knee Replacement40–52+ weeks4–6 weeks
Cataract Surgery20–30 weeks3–5 weeks
Hernia Repair25–40 weeks2–4 weeks

Sources: NHS England RTT Data, Private Hospital Group publications. Times are illustrative and can vary by region and speciality.

The Claims Process: Simple Steps to Swift Treatment

Insurers have worked hard to make the claims process as painless as possible. While it varies slightly between providers, the typical journey is:

  1. See Your GP: Visit your NHS or a private Digital GP to discuss your symptoms and get a referral.
  2. Contact Your Insurer: Call your insurer's claims line or use their app to get your treatment pre-authorised.
  3. Choose Your Specialist: Your insurer will provide a list of approved specialists and hospitals.
  4. Book Your Care: You book your appointment and any subsequent treatment.
  5. Direct Settlement: The insurer settles the bills directly with the hospital and specialists. You only pay your pre-agreed excess.

What Does a Typical UK Private Health Insurance Policy Cover?

Not all policies are the same. They are designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance the level of cover with your budget. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these options to find the perfect fit.

Core Cover: The Essentials of Every Policy

Nearly all PMI policies start with a core foundation that covers the most expensive treatments.

  • In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs when you are admitted to hospital for a bed overnight (in-patient) or just for the day (day-patient). It includes surgery, accommodation, nursing care, drugs, and dressings.
  • Comprehensive Cancer Cover: This is a cornerstone of modern PMI. It often provides access to drugs and treatments not yet available on the NHS due to funding decisions. Cover typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and ongoing monitoring.

Optional Extras: Tailoring Your Policy to Your Needs

This is where you can customise your plan. The most important optional extra, and the one that enabled David's rapid diagnosis, is out-patient cover.

  • Out-patient Cover: This pays for services where you aren't admitted to hospital. It includes specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (like David's endoscopy, MRI scans, CT scans), and blood tests. You can choose a full-cover option or a capped limit (e.g., £1,000 per year) to manage your premium.
  • Mental Health Cover: Provides access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists to help with conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress.
  • Therapies Cover: Pays for a set number of sessions with specialists like physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors.
  • Dental and Optical Cover: A less common add-on that can contribute towards routine check-ups, emergency dental work, and the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

This is the most critical concept to understand about private medical insurance UK. Standard policies are designed to cover acute conditions that begin after you take out the policy.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include gallstones, hernias, cataracts, and joint injuries.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires palliative care. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

The NHS remains the best place for managing chronic conditions. PMI does not cover them. Likewise, pre-existing conditions (any condition for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the 5 years before your policy started) are also excluded.

The UK market is competitive, with major providers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality all offering excellent products. Comparing them can be complex, which is why using an independent broker is so beneficial. A broker works for you, not the insurer, and their service is free.

Key Factors to Compare

When working with a broker like WeCovr, they will help you compare policies based on:

  1. Underwriting Type:

    • Moratorium: This is the most common. You don't declare your medical history upfront. The insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last 5 years. However, if you go 2 continuous years without symptoms or treatment for that condition after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a full health questionnaire. The insurer assesses it and tells you exactly what is excluded from day one. This provides more certainty but can be more complex.

  2. Hospital List: Insurers have tiered lists of private hospitals. A more restricted list (e.g., local hospitals only) will result in a lower premium than a comprehensive national list that includes prime central London hospitals.

  3. Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim each year. A higher excess (e.g., £500) will significantly lower your monthly premium compared to a lower excess (e.g., £100).

  4. No Claims Discount (NCD): Similar to car insurance, your premium can reduce each year you don't make a claim. Conversely, it will likely increase if you do claim.

Comparing Hypothetical PMI Policy Options

FeatureSensible StartComprehensive ChoiceBudget-Friendly
UnderwritingMoratoriumFull Medical UnderwritingMoratorium
Out-patient Cover£1,000 annual limitFull coverNo out-patient cover
Hospital ListLocal networkNational (incl. London)Local network
Excess£250£100£500
Estimated Monthly Premium*£65£105£40

*Premiums are for a healthy 40-year-old and are for illustrative purposes only.

More Than Just a Safety Net: Wellness and Digital Health Perks

Modern PMI has evolved beyond simply paying for treatment. The best PMI providers now include a host of value-added benefits designed to keep you healthy.

  • Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via your smartphone for consultations, advice, and prescriptions.
  • Mental Health Support: Most policies now include access to helplines and often a certain number of therapy sessions as standard.
  • Wellness Programmes: Many insurers incentivise healthy living. You can earn rewards like free cinema tickets, coffee, or discounts on your premium for tracking your activity, getting health checks, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

At WeCovr, we enhance this further. All our health and life insurance clients receive:

  • Complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, to help you stay on top of your dietary goals.
  • Exclusive discounts on other types of cover, such as life insurance or income protection, when you take out a PMI policy with us.

Our commitment to client value is reflected in our consistently high customer satisfaction ratings across major review platforms.

Proactive Steps for a Healthier Life: WeCovr's Top Tips

While insurance provides a crucial safety net, the best strategy is always prevention. Here are some simple, evidence-based tips for improving your health and well-being.

The Foundations: Diet and Nutrition

What you eat is the cornerstone of your health. Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods. The Mediterranean diet is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest, emphasising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein (especially fish), and healthy fats like olive oil. Try to limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive red meat.

The Power of Movement: Staying Active in the UK

The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk, cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or HIIT) a week. The key is consistency. Find something you enjoy. Take the stairs, go for a walk on your lunch break, or join a local parkrun.

The Unsung Hero: Why Sleep Matters

Sleep is when your body repairs itself. A lack of quality sleep is linked to a host of health problems, from a weakened immune system to an increased risk of chronic disease. Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, and ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.

Managing Stress for a Healthier Mind

Chronic stress can have a significant physical impact on your body. Incorporate stress-management techniques into your day. This could be a 10-minute mindfulness meditation using an app, practising deep breathing exercises, or simply making time for hobbies that you love.

Frequently Asked Questions about Private Medical Insurance UK

Do I need a GP referral to use my private health insurance?

Generally, yes. Most UK private medical insurance policies require a referral from a GP before you can see a specialist. This ensures your treatment path is clinically appropriate. However, many modern policies now include a Digital GP service, allowing you to get this referral quickly and conveniently via a video call, often 24/7. For some services, like physiotherapy or mental health support, a GP referral may not be necessary.

Is private medical insurance worth it in the UK with the free NHS?

This is a personal decision based on your priorities and financial situation. While the NHS provides excellent care, particularly for emergencies and complex conditions, it is facing significant pressure, leading to long waiting lists for routine diagnostics and elective surgery. Private medical insurance is "worth it" for those who value speed of access, choice over their specialist and hospital, and the comfort of private facilities. It provides peace of mind that, like David in our story, you can bypass queues and get diagnosed and treated in days or weeks, not months or years.

What is not covered by private health insurance?

Standard UK private health insurance is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you already had or had symptoms of before joining). It also excludes chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma that require ongoing management), emergency care (A&E visits, which are handled by the NHS), organ transplants, and issues related to drug or alcohol abuse.

Can I get cover if I have a pre-existing condition?

Yes, you can still get a private medical insurance policy, but it will not cover your pre-existing conditions from the start. Most people choose 'moratorium underwriting'. With this, any condition you've had in the 5 years before the policy starts is excluded. However, if you then go for a continuous 2-year period without any treatment, symptoms, or advice for that condition, the insurer may agree to cover it in the future.

Your Health, Your Choice: Take the Next Step Today

David's story is a testament to the power of choice. His private medical insurance didn't just buy him treatment; it bought him time, reduced his anxiety, and gave him control over his health journey. In a world of uncertainty, that peace of mind is invaluable.

Navigating the private health cover market can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. An expert, independent PMI broker can compare the entire market for you, explaining the jargon and finding a policy that fits your needs and your budget perfectly, all at no cost to you.

Ready to explore your options? Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and discover how affordable peace of mind can be.

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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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