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General & Medical Health Insurance Niche Provider or Hidden Gem

General & Medical Health Insurance Niche Provider or Hidden Gem

As an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 750,000 policies, WeCovr delves into General & Medical, a key player in the UK private medical insurance market. Our expert review will determine if they are a respected niche provider or a true hidden gem for individuals, families, and businesses.

WeCovr reviews General & Medical's policies for individuals, families, and businesses

In the crowded UK private medical insurance (PMI) landscape, dominated by giants like Bupa, Aviva, and AXA, it can be easy to overlook the smaller, more specialist providers. Yet, these insurers often provide exceptional value, personalised service, and flexible policies that can be a perfect fit.

General & Medical is one such provider. With a history stretching back decades, they have carved out a reputation for quality and reliability. But how do their policies stack up in 2025? Are they a viable alternative to the household names?

This comprehensive WeCovr review will explore every facet of General & Medical’s health insurance offerings. We will break down their policies, analyse their key features, compare them to the wider market, and give you our expert verdict. Our goal is to provide you with the clarity you need to decide if they are the right choice for your health and peace of mind.

Who are General & Medical? A Closer Look at the Provider

Founded in the 1980s, General & Medical has a long and established history in the UK insurance sector. Unlike many of its larger, corporate-owned competitors, it has maintained a family-run ethos, which often translates into a more personal and customer-centric approach.

Initially known for their specialism in providing cover for professional sports clubs and associations, they have since expanded their expertise to offer a wide range of health insurance products for:

  • Individuals: Single people, young professionals, and retirees.
  • Families: Covering parents and children under one straightforward policy.
  • Businesses: From small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large corporations.

Their underwriting is handled by their own authorised and regulated firm, General & Medical Insurance Ltd, giving them direct control over their products and claims process. While they may not have the same brand recognition as the "big four," their deep experience and commitment to service make them a serious contender in the private health cover market.

Understanding the Core of Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Before we dive into the specifics of General & Medical's policies, it's vital to be crystal clear on what private medical insurance is designed for. Misunderstanding this fundamental point is the single biggest source of confusion for new policyholders.

PMI is for Acute Conditions, Not Chronic Ones

Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions that arise after your policy has started.

  • 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 conditions like cataracts needing surgery, joint pain requiring a replacement, or hernias.
  • A chronic condition is an illness that cannot be cured and is managed over a long period. This includes conditions like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and Crohn's disease. The NHS provides ongoing management for these.

Crucially, private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions or chronic conditions. If you have received medication, advice, or treatment for a condition in the years leading up to taking out a policy, it will almost certainly be excluded from your cover.

The primary benefit of PMI is speed of access. With NHS waiting lists in England reaching 7.54 million cases in early 2025, according to NHS England data, having a PMI policy can mean the difference between getting a diagnosis and treatment in days or weeks, versus waiting for many months or even years.

General & Medical Insurance Policies: A Detailed Breakdown

General & Medical offers a tiered range of policies, allowing you to balance the level of cover you need with your budget. Let's examine their offerings for different customer groups.

For Individuals & Families

General & Medical's individual and family plans are designed to be flexible. They offer several core options which can be tailored with add-ons.

Here is a comparison of their typical individual policy tiers:

FeatureEveryday Plan (Entry-Level)Lifestyle Plan (Mid-Range)Premier Plan (Comprehensive)
In-patient & Day-patient CoverFull CoverFull CoverFull Cover
Out-patient ConsultationsOptional Add-onUp to £1,000Full Cover
Out-patient DiagnosticsOptional Add-onUp to £1,000Full Cover
Cancer CoverComprehensiveComprehensiveComprehensive
Mental Health CoverOptional Add-onIncluded (limits apply)Included (higher limits)
Therapies (Physio, Osteo etc.)Optional Add-onIncluded (limits apply)Included (higher limits)
Hospital NetworkSpecified ListExtended ListNational Choice
Private GP & PrescriptionsIncluded (limited)IncludedIncluded

Real-Life Example:

Mark, a 42-year-old self-employed plumber, starts experiencing persistent knee pain. His NHS GP suspects a torn meniscus but warns the waiting time for an MRI scan is over six months. Mark has a General & Medical 'Lifestyle' policy. He gets a referral, has a private MRI within a week, and is booked in for keyhole surgery three weeks later. His policy covers the consultation, scan, and surgical procedure, getting him back to work and pain-free in a fraction of the time.

For Businesses (SME & Corporate)

Business health insurance is a highly valued employee benefit that can help companies attract and retain top talent. It demonstrates a commitment to staff wellbeing and can significantly reduce productivity losses from long-term sickness absence.

General & Medical's business policies are highly customisable and offer:

  • Scalability: Cover can be provided for businesses with as few as two employees up to large corporations.
  • Modularity: Employers can create different levels of cover for different groups of staff (e.g., directors vs. general employees).
  • Group Leaver Options: Employees leaving the company often have the option to continue their cover on a personal policy without further medical underwriting.
  • Wellbeing Support: Access to services like Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), mental health support lines, and virtual GP services.

Offering a PMI scheme can be a powerful tool for SMEs competing with larger firms for skilled workers. It's a tangible benefit that directly impacts an employee's quality of life.

Key Features & Benefits of General & Medical Policies

Beyond the core cover, the details are what make a policy stand out. Here’s what you get with General & Medical.

  • Comprehensive Cancer Cover: This is often a non-negotiable for policyholders. General & Medical provides extensive cover for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. They typically cover the costs of new, licensed cancer drugs even if they aren't yet available on the NHS, subject to policy terms.
  • Mental Health Support: Recognising the growing mental health crisis, their mid-tier and top-tier plans include cover for psychiatric treatment, consultations with psychologists, and therapy sessions. This is a vital feature for both individual and business customers.
  • Hospital Lists: Like most insurers, General & Medical uses a hospital network system to manage costs. You can choose a more restricted list for a lower premium or a comprehensive national list for maximum choice. Their lists include high-quality private facilities across the UK.
  • Added Value & Wellness: General & Medical policies often come with access to a 24/7 GP helpline, allowing you to get medical advice quickly without leaving your home.

When you arrange your policy through an expert broker like WeCovr, you gain even more. We provide all our PMI clients with complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to support your health goals. Furthermore, our clients enjoy exclusive discounts on other types of insurance, such as life or home insurance, adding extra value to your relationship with us.

How Does General & Medical Compare to the 'Big Four' Providers?

To understand where General & Medical sits in the market, it's helpful to compare them to the largest UK PMI providers.

ProviderTypical Market FocusKey StrengthPotential Drawback
General & MedicalIndividuals, families, and SMEs seeking value and personal service.Flexibility, competitive pricing, customer-focused approach.Smaller hospital network on entry-level plans; less brand recognition.
BupaComprehensive cover for individuals and large corporates.Huge brand trust, extensive direct-settlement hospital network.Can be one of the more expensive options.
AvivaBroad market, strong in corporate and individual PMI.Very comprehensive policies, strong digital tools.Premiums can be at the higher end of the scale.
AXA HealthIndividuals and businesses, focus on clinical pathways.Excellent clinical support, good mental health pathways.Policy structure can feel complex to some.
VitalityIndividuals and businesses focused on health and wellness.Innovative rewards for healthy living (e.g., gym discounts).You must engage with the wellness programme to get the best value.

This table shows there is no single "best PMI provider." The right choice is deeply personal. General & Medical excels for those who prioritise a straightforward relationship, good value, and solid, reliable cover without the bells and whistles of a complex rewards programme.

Understanding Underwriting: The Key to Your Cover

When you apply for health insurance, the insurer needs to assess the risk you pose. This process is called underwriting. General & Medical, like other insurers, primarily uses two methods.

  1. Full Medical Underwriting (FMU):

    • How it works: You complete a detailed health questionnaire, declaring your entire medical history. The insurer's medical team reviews this and decides what, if anything, to exclude from your policy.
    • Pros: You know exactly what is and isn't covered from day one. There are no grey areas.
    • Cons: It requires more initial paperwork and can take longer to set up.
  2. Moratorium Underwriting (Mori):

    • How it works: You don't fill out a medical questionnaire. Instead, the policy automatically excludes treatment for any condition for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the 5 years before the policy start date.
    • The '2-Year Rule': If you go for 2 continuous years on the policy without needing treatment, advice, or medication for one of those pre-existing conditions, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Pros: Quick and simple to set up.
    • Cons: There can be uncertainty. You might think a condition is covered, only to have the claim declined after the insurer reviews your medical history.

Choosing the right underwriting method is a critical decision. A specialist PMI broker can provide invaluable guidance here, helping you select the path that best suits your medical history and desire for certainty.

How to Customise Your General & Medical Policy and Control Costs

One of the great strengths of General & Medical is the flexibility to tailor your policy. This allows you to control your monthly premium without sacrificing the cover that matters most to you.

  • Choose Your Excess: The excess is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards the cost of your first claim each year (or for each claim, depending on the policy). Choosing a higher excess (e.g., £250 or £500) will significantly lower your premium.
  • Add the 6-Week Option: This is one of the most effective ways to reduce your costs. With this option, if the NHS can provide the in-patient treatment you need within six weeks of when it is required, you will use the NHS. If the wait is longer, your private policy kicks in. As the NHS is excellent for many elective procedures, this can be a very savvy choice.
  • Select Your Hospital List: Opting for a more limited list of local, high-quality private hospitals instead of a full national network will reduce your premium.
  • Adjust Out-patient Cover: You can choose to limit the financial cover for out-patient consultations and diagnostic tests. While full cover provides complete peace of mind, a limit of £1,000 or £1,500 is often sufficient for most new conditions and can lower the price.

Navigating these options can be complex. The team at WeCovr can model these different scenarios for you, instantly showing you how each choice affects your premium. This free, no-obligation service ensures you build a policy that's perfectly matched to your needs and budget.

The WeCovr Verdict: Is General & Medical a Niche Provider or a Hidden Gem?

After a thorough review, our expert verdict is that General & Medical is both.

They are a niche provider in the sense that they don't try to be all things to all people. They have a clear focus on providing solid, understandable, and fairly-priced health insurance, backed by a personal service ethos that larger corporations can struggle to replicate.

They are a hidden gem for the discerning UK consumer who values this approach. For individuals, families, and SMEs who want robust cover for the essentials, particularly for cancer, surgery, and diagnostics, without paying for features they may not use, General & Medical represents outstanding value. Their high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to their success in this area.

They are a strong and credible alternative to the big-name insurers and should be on the shortlist for anyone considering private health cover in the UK.

Wellness Corner: Simple Steps for a Healthier You

While insurance is there for when things go wrong, the best strategy is always prevention. Here are some simple, evidence-based tips to support your long-term health and wellbeing.

  • Balanced Nutrition: You don't need a restrictive diet. Focus on incorporating a variety of whole foods. Aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reducing processed foods, sugar, and excessive saturated fats can lower your risk of developing many conditions.
  • Daily Movement: The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. This doesn't have to mean hitting the gym. A brisk 30-minute walk five days a week is enough. It's fantastic for your heart, joints, and mental health.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a weakened immune system and poor mental health. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screens an hour before bed, and ensure your bedroom is dark and cool.
  • Mindful Moments: Chronic stress is detrimental to your health. Taking just five minutes a day to practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or simply sitting quietly can help manage stress levels and improve your focus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Private Medical Insurance

Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

No. Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses you knew about or had treatment for before taking out cover) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma) that require ongoing management rather than a cure.

How much does private health insurance cost in the UK?

The cost varies significantly based on your age, location, lifestyle (e.g., whether you smoke), and the level of cover you choose. Basic policies can start from as little as £30 per month for a young, healthy individual, while comprehensive policies for an older person or a family can be £150 per month or more. The best way to know the cost is to get a personalised quote based on your specific circumstances.

Is it worth getting private health insurance in the UK?

Whether PMI is worth it depends on your personal priorities and financial situation. The main benefit is peace of mind and rapid access to diagnosis and treatment for eligible conditions, bypassing long NHS waiting lists. The NHS remains excellent for emergencies and managing chronic conditions. Many people see PMI as a valuable complement to the NHS, providing choice and control over their healthcare.

Can I buy a policy directly from General & Medical or should I use a broker?

You can purchase a policy directly from General & Medical. However, using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr costs you nothing extra and provides significant advantages. A broker offers impartial advice, compares policies from across the market (including General & Medical and its main competitors), and uses their expertise to help you find the most suitable cover at the best possible price. They do the hard work for you.

Ready to explore your options and see if General & Medical is the hidden gem for you? The expert team at WeCovr can compare policies from them and other leading UK providers to find the perfect cover for your needs and budget.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today and take the first step towards greater peace of mind.


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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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