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General & Medical vs WPA Which UK PMI Suits Your Needs

General & Medical vs WPA Which UK PMI Suits Your Needs 2025

WeCovr compares cover and cost across two specialist insurers

Choosing the right private medical insurance in the UK can feel like a daunting task. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, we believe in clarity. This guide cuts through the noise, focusing on two highly respected specialist insurers: General & Medical and WPA.

While many are familiar with the "big four" providers, General & Medical and WPA have carved out unique reputations for their distinct approaches to private health cover. They offer a compelling alternative for individuals, families, and businesses seeking a more tailored or values-driven service.

But which one is right for you? We'll break down their cover levels, costs, and core philosophies to help you make an informed decision.

First, What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?

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

PMI is a type of insurance policy designed to cover the costs of private healthcare for acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of things like joint replacements, cataract surgery, or treatment for a hernia.

The primary benefit of PMI is speed. With NHS waiting lists in England consistently exceeding 7 million patient pathways, according to late 2024 NHS data, private health cover offers a way to bypass long waits for diagnosis and treatment. This means getting back on your feet and back to your life, faster.

A Critical Point on Exclusions

It is vital to understand that standard UK private medical insurance, including policies from General & Medical and WPA, is not designed to cover two specific categories of conditions:

  1. Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury you had symptoms of, or received advice or treatment for, before your policy start date.
  2. Chronic Conditions: Long-term illnesses that cannot be cured, only managed. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and high blood pressure. PMI may cover the initial diagnosis of a chronic condition, but it will not cover the ongoing, long-term management.

Introducing the Contenders: General & Medical and WPA

These two insurers stand apart from the mainstream market, each with a rich history and a unique approach to providing health cover.

About General & Medical

Founded in the 1980s, General & Medical is a family-run business based in Peterborough. They have built a strong reputation for offering a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to private medical insurance. They pride themselves on excellent customer service, aiming to provide a more personal touch than some of the larger, more corporate providers.

Their policies are often structured in clear tiers, making it easy for customers to understand what they are buying. They cater to individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes, with a particular strength in providing schemes for professional associations and sports clubs.

About WPA (Western Provident Association)

WPA has a much longer history, founded in 1901. Based in Taunton, Somerset, they are a 'provident association', meaning they operate on a not-for-profit basis. Any surplus they make is reinvested back into the company to benefit their members, rather than being paid out to shareholders.

This not-for-profit ethos is central to their identity. WPA is known for its commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and a focus on "shared responsibility," where members might co-pay for certain treatments to keep overall premiums down. They are also champions of giving patients extensive "Freedom of Choice" when it comes to selecting their specialist or hospital.

Head-to-Head: A Detailed Comparison of Cover

To understand the real differences, we need to look at the core components of their policies. Here’s how General & Medical and WPA stack up across key areas.

FeatureGeneral & MedicalWPAWeCovr's Expert Take
Core PhilosophyTraditional tiered insurance model. Clear, easy-to-understand cover levels.Not-for-profit, member-focused. Emphasis on freedom of choice and shared responsibility.G&M suits those who want a simple, "what you see is what you get" product. WPA appeals to those who value the ethical, not-for-profit structure.
In-patient & Day-patientCovered in full on all core policies. This includes surgery, accommodation, and nursing fees.Covered in full on all core policies. WPA places a strong emphasis on this being the foundation of cover.Both providers are excellent here. This is the bedrock of any credible PMI policy, and both deliver comprehensively.
Cancer CoverComprehensive cover is standard, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Advanced Cancer Cover can be added for access to more experimental drugs.Very comprehensive cancer cover is standard. They often provide access to treatments not readily available on the NHS, including certain types of Proton Beam Therapy.WPA's not-for-profit status often allows them to be very generous with their cancer pledge. G&M's add-on provides flexibility for those wanting to manage costs.
Out-patient CoverOffered as an optional add-on with various limits, typically from £500 to £1,500. This covers specialist consultations and diagnostic tests before hospital admission.Offered as an optional extra. Some plans feature a unique "Shared Responsibility" model, where WPA pays 75% of the first £1,000-£2,000 of out-patient costs, encouraging cost-awareness.WPA's shared model is unique and can be a great way to access out-patient care while keeping premiums lower. G&M's fixed limits are more traditional and predictable.
Mental Health CoverAvailable as an optional add-on. Cover levels vary, from out-patient therapies to more extensive in-patient psychiatric treatment.A strong focus on mental health. Many policies include access to counselling and therapies, with options to upgrade to full in-patient psychiatric cover.Both recognise the importance of mental health. The best choice depends on the level of cover you need. WPA's standard inclusion of some therapies is a valuable starting point.
TherapiesTypically included within the out-patient limit. Covers physiotherapy, osteopathy, etc. required after surgery.Often included as standard, even on policies without full out-patient cover. This can be for a set number of sessions (e.g., up to £350 for physio).WPA's approach of including some therapies as standard is a significant benefit, as this is one of the most commonly claimed-for benefits on a PMI policy.
Hospital ListA range of hospital lists are available, from local networks to extensive national lists including prime London hospitals. This directly impacts the premium.Renowned for their "Freedom of Choice" approach. They have an extensive list of recognised hospitals and specialists, giving members more control over their care pathway.Both offer good flexibility. WPA's "Freedom of Choice" is a major selling point for those who have a specific consultant or hospital in mind.
UnderwritingMoratorium, Full Medical Underwriting (FMU), and Continued Personal Medical Exclusions (Switch).Moratorium, Full Medical Underwriting (FMU), and Switch.Both offer the standard industry options, making it easy to switch to them from another provider. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can advise on the best underwriting for your circumstances.

Deep Dive: Key Policy Features Explained

Let's explore some of those features in more detail to see what they mean for you.

Cancer Cover: Your Safety Net

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of life's most challenging moments. Private medical insurance can provide peace of mind that you'll have access to treatment quickly, with more choice over your care.

  • General & Medical provides robust cancer cover as standard on their policies. This will typically cover the costs of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy using NICE-approved drugs. For those wanting an even higher level of protection, their "Advanced Cancer Cover" bolt-on can provide access to treatments and experimental drugs that may not yet be approved for widespread NHS use.
  • WPA has an outstanding reputation for its cancer care. As a not-for-profit, they are committed to providing extensive support. Their policies often include access to groundbreaking treatments and a wider range of approved drugs than the NHS. They are also known for supporting eligible members with access to advanced radiotherapy techniques like Proton Beam Therapy, which is only available in a few specialist centres in the UK.

Out-patient Cover: The Path to Diagnosis

Most health journeys start not with a hospital admission, but with a visit to a specialist and diagnostic tests. This is what out-patient cover is for.

  • General & Medical keeps it simple. You choose a set financial limit for your out-patient cover, for example, £500, £1,000, or £1,500 per year. Every consultation, blood test, X-ray, MRI, CT, or PET scan you have comes out of this pot. It's predictable and easy to track.
  • WPA offers a more innovative approach on some of its plans with its Shared Responsibility model. For example, on a £1,000 out-patient benefit, WPA might pay for 100% of MRI/CT/PET scans, and for other diagnostics and consultations, they might pay 75% of the cost, with you paying the remaining 25%. This encourages members to be mindful of costs, which in turn helps WPA keep premiums affordable for everyone. It's a key part of their community-focused ethos.

Mental Health: A Growing Priority

Awareness of mental wellbeing has never been higher, and insurers have responded.

  • General & Medical offers mental health support as a selectable add-on. This allows you to tailor the policy to your needs. A basic level might cover a number of out-patient therapy sessions, while a more comprehensive option will include cover for in-patient treatment at a psychiatric facility.
  • WPA often includes a level of mental health support as standard, such as access to a set number of counselling or CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) sessions. You can then choose to upgrade this to a more comprehensive benefit covering residential treatment if needed.

Cost Comparison: What Might You Pay?

The cost of private health cover is highly personal. It depends on your age, location, smoking status, the level of cover you choose, and your excess (the amount you agree to pay towards any claim).

To give you an idea, here is an illustrative table of potential monthly premiums for a mid-tier policy with £1,000 of out-patient cover and a £250 excess.

Please Note: These are example costs for 2025 and are for illustrative purposes only. The only way to get a precise quote is to speak with an advisor.

ProfileGeneral & Medical (Mid-Tier)WPA (Flexible Health Plan)Key Considerations
30-year-old, non-smoker, living outside London£45 - £60£40 - £55WPA's shared responsibility model can often lead to slightly lower starting premiums.
45-year-old, non-smoker, living outside London£70 - £90£65 - £85Costs increase with age, reflecting the higher likelihood of claiming.
Family of four (40-year-old parents, two children under 10)£160 - £200£150 - £190Both insurers offer competitive family pricing. WPA's community focus is often attractive to families.

Working with a specialist PMI broker like WeCovr is the best way to get a true picture of the cost. We can run a full market comparison for you in minutes, ensuring you see quotes from G&M, WPA, and others, all tailored to your specific needs and budget—at no extra cost to you.

Beyond the Core Cover: The Extras

A good PMI policy is about more than just hospital treatment. Both insurers offer valuable extra services to support your day-to-day health.

  • Digital GP Services: Both G&M and WPA provide access to a 24/7 remote GP service, usually via a smartphone app. This allows you to get medical advice, prescriptions, and referrals from the comfort of your home, often within hours.
  • Health & Wellness Support: Both offer telephone helplines for stress and anxiety, providing a valuable first port of call for mental health concerns.
  • WeCovr's Added Value: When you purchase a policy through WeCovr, we provide more than just expert advice. All our PMI and Life Insurance clients receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you stay on top of your health goals. Furthermore, our clients often receive exclusive discounts on other insurance products, such as home or travel cover.

WeCovr's Verdict: Which Insurer Is Right for You?

The best provider for you depends entirely on your priorities.

You should consider General & Medical if:

  • You value a simple, traditional insurance structure with clear tiers of cover.
  • You want a predictable policy where your out-patient cover is a fixed annual amount.
  • You appreciate the personal touch and customer service of a long-standing, family-run business.
  • You are part of a professional association or sports club that may have a dedicated G&M scheme.

You should consider WPA if:

  • You are drawn to their not-for-profit, member-first ethos.
  • You want maximum freedom to choose your own specialist and hospital.
  • You are comfortable with a "shared responsibility" model to help manage costs.
  • You want strong, inclusive cancer cover and some therapies included as standard.

Ultimately, both are fantastic specialist providers offering a high-quality alternative to the mainstream market. The best way to make a final decision is to compare personalised quotes.

Your Health & Wellness: Small Steps, Big Impact

While PMI is there for when things go wrong, proactive health management is key to a long and happy life. Here are a few evidence-based tips:

  1. Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. The NHS highlights that regular poor sleep can increase the risk of serious medical conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
  2. Move Your Body: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This could be a brisk 30-minute walk five days a week. It's one of the most effective ways to boost both physical and mental health.
  3. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods. A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, is consistently linked to better health outcomes. Staying hydrated is also crucial.
  4. Manage Stress: Find healthy coping mechanisms that work for you, whether it's mindfulness, yoga, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does WPA or General & Medical cover pre-existing conditions?

Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK, from any provider, is designed to cover new, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Pre-existing conditions (illnesses you had before joining) and chronic conditions (long-term manageable illnesses like diabetes) are typically excluded from cover.

What is a 'provident association' like WPA?

A provident association is a not-for-profit organisation. Unlike a traditional insurance company that has shareholders to pay, a provident association like WPA reinvests any financial surplus back into the business. This is often used to enhance benefits for members, improve services, or keep premiums as low as possible, all while focusing on the wellbeing of its members rather than on maximising profits.

How does the excess on a PMI policy work?

An excess is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim in each policy year. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your first claim for treatment costs £3,000, you would pay the first £250 and your insurer would pay the remaining £2,750. You only pay the excess once per policy year, regardless of how many claims you make. Choosing a higher excess is a common way to lower your monthly premium.

Why should I use a broker like WeCovr instead of going direct to an insurer?

Using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr offers several advantages at no extra cost to you. We provide impartial, expert advice and compare policies from across the market, including specialists like General & Medical and WPA, to find the one that truly fits your needs and budget. We handle the paperwork, explain the jargon, and can often find deals or cover options that aren't available if you go direct. It's a simpler, more informed way to buy private medical insurance.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Navigating the world of private medical insurance UK can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. The expert, friendly team at WeCovr is here to help.

We'll compare policies from General & Medical, WPA, and a wide panel of other leading UK insurers to find the perfect private health cover for your needs and budget. Our advice is completely free and impartial.

Get your free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and take the first step towards faster healthcare.

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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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