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Genomics and Personalised Medicine in UK PMI

Genomics and Personalised Medicine in UK PMI 2026

As an FCA-authorised broker that has arranged over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert analysis on the evolving UK private medical insurance market. This article explores the intersection of genomics and personalised medicine with PMI, examining how insurers are adapting to this new frontier of healthcare for UK consumers.

Analysis of how leading policies include or exclude genomic and personalised healthcare, and the regulatory landscape

The worlds of healthcare and technology are merging at an incredible pace. Two of the most exciting advancements are genomics and personalised medicine, which promise a future where treatment is tailored specifically to you. But how does this revolutionary approach fit into the established framework of private medical insurance in the UK?

For many, PMI is about gaining peace of mind and faster access to treatment for unexpected health issues. The question now is whether this cover extends to cutting-edge, gene-based diagnostics and therapies. This article will demystify the current landscape, explaining what's typically covered, what's excluded, and the crucial regulations that protect you as a consumer.

What Are Genomics and Personalised Medicine? A Plain English Guide

Before we dive into insurance policies, let's clarify what these terms mean. While they sound complex, the core ideas are quite straightforward.

Genomics: Your Body's Instruction Manual

Think of your body as an incredibly complex machine. Genomics is the study of its complete instruction manual – your genome. Your genome is made up of all your DNA, which contains the genes that determine everything from your eye colour to how your body processes medication.

Genomics doesn't just look at single genes in isolation. It studies how all your genes interact with each other and with your environment (like your diet, lifestyle, and exposure to pollutants) to influence your health.

Personalised Medicine: Healthcare Designed for You

Personalised medicine, also known as precision medicine, uses the information from your unique genomic profile to make healthcare decisions. It's the opposite of a "one-size-fits-all" approach.

Instead of giving everyone with the same disease the same drug, doctors can use personalised medicine to:

  • Predict Risk: Identify if you have a higher genetic risk of developing certain conditions, such as heart disease or specific cancers.
  • Diagnose More Accurately: Pinpoint the exact molecular cause of a disease, leading to a more precise diagnosis.
  • Select the Best Treatment: Choose the most effective drug and the right dose for you, based on your genetic makeup. This can maximise a drug's effectiveness while minimising side effects. This is a field called pharmacogenomics.
  • Prevent Disease: Offer tailored lifestyle advice (e.g., on diet and exercise) based on your genetic predispositions to help you stay healthier for longer.

A classic example is the treatment of certain breast cancers. Genetic testing can identify if the cancer is "HER2-positive." If it is, a targeted drug called Herceptin can be used, which is highly effective against that specific type of cancer cell but wouldn't work for others.

The Core Principle of UK PMI: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

To understand how private medical insurance UK providers view genomics, we must first grasp the fundamental principle upon which all policies are built. This is the single most important concept to understand when buying private health cover.

Private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.

Let's break this down:

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Think of conditions like appendicitis, a broken arm, cataracts, or a hernia repair. They have a clear beginning and end.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is long-lasting. It may have no known cure and requires ongoing management, monitoring, or treatment. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
  • Pre-existing Condition: Any medical condition for which you have experienced symptoms, received advice, or had treatment before your policy's start date.

Standard UK PMI policies exclude cover for chronic and pre-existing conditions. This is because insurance is designed to protect against unforeseen events, not to manage long-term, known health issues.

This is where the challenge with genomics arises. Many conditions with a known genetic basis are, by their nature, chronic and have been present since birth. This places them outside the scope of what standard PMI is designed to cover. However, the picture becomes more nuanced when we look at diagnostics and treatments for new acute conditions.

How Leading UK PMI Providers Approach Genomics and Personalised Medicine

While the core principle of "acute vs. chronic" remains, insurers are not ignoring the advance of genomic medicine. Their approach is cautious and evolving, focusing on where these technologies can help diagnose and treat eligible, acute conditions more effectively.

General Stance: Diagnosis and Treatment, Not Screening

The consensus among leading insurers like Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality is clear: PMI is for treating illness, not for predictive screening.

  • Covered: Genetic tests and personalised medicines are most likely to be covered when they are an integral part of diagnosing or treating a new, eligible acute condition, most commonly cancer.
  • Excluded: Elective or speculative genetic testing is not covered. You cannot use your PMI to fund a test like 23andMe or an advanced genomic screen just to see what you might be at risk of in the future.

Targeted Cancer Therapies: A Key Area of Cover

Cancer treatment is where personalised medicine has made its biggest impact, and it's the area where PMI providers are most likely to offer cover. Most comprehensive private health cover policies include an extensive cancer care promise.

This often includes funding for:

  1. Specialist Consultations: Seeing an oncologist who may recommend genetic testing of a tumour.
  2. Genetic Testing of Tumours: To identify specific mutations that can be targeted by advanced drugs.
  3. Targeted Drug Therapies: Funding for expensive, NICE-approved personalised medicines that target those specific mutations.
  4. Access to Drugs on the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF): Many insurers promise to fund drugs that are available through the CDF in England, even if they are not yet approved for routine NHS use, giving patients faster access to the latest treatments.

Provider Approaches to Genomics and Personalised Medicine

Policies differ in the detail, which is why working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr is essential to compare the small print. Below is a general overview of the typical stance of major UK providers as of 2025.

ProviderStance on Genetic TestingStance on Targeted TherapiesKey Exclusions & Considerations
BupaGenerally covered if used to guide treatment for an eligible condition (e.g., cancer). Not covered for predictive screening.Extensive cover for NICE-approved targeted cancer drugs as part of their comprehensive cancer cover.Excludes monitoring of genetic conditions and any treatment for conditions identified through a genetic test if no symptoms were present.
AXA HealthCovered as part of the diagnostic pathway for an eligible, acute condition. Excludes preventative or screening tests.Strong cancer cover often includes funding for targeted therapies recommended by a specialist.Focus is on treating active disease. Genetic counselling or testing for family members is typically not covered.
AvivaFollows the principle of covering tests that are essential for diagnosing or treating a new, acute condition.Their 'Expert Select' and comprehensive cancer options typically provide good access to approved targeted therapies.Explicitly excludes genetic testing for predisposition to a condition. Chronic conditions arising from a genetic fault are not covered.
VitalityWill fund genetic tests if they are a recognised part of the treatment path for an eligible condition.Known for innovative cover. Their cancer benefit includes access to the latest approved targeted drugs and treatments.Vitality's model is focused on promoting wellness, but core insurance principles on chronic/pre-existing conditions still apply.

Disclaimer: This table is a general guide. Policy terms and conditions are subject to change and vary significantly. Always refer to the specific policy documents for full details.

The Regulatory and Ethical Landscape: The Concordat and Moratorium

One of the biggest worries for consumers is whether discovering a genetic predisposition could make it harder or more expensive to get insurance. In the UK, you are protected by a powerful agreement.

The Concordat and Moratorium on Insurance and Genetics is a voluntary agreement between the UK Government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI). This agreement has been in place since 2001 and was extended indefinitely in 2019, providing long-term reassurance.

Here's what it means for you when applying for private medical insurance:

  1. No Obligation to Test: Insurers cannot ask you or require you to take a predictive or diagnostic genetic test to get cover.
  2. Non-Disclosure of Predictive Tests: For PMI, critical illness, and income protection policies, you do not need to tell the insurer about the result of any predictive genetic test. A predictive test is one taken when you have no symptoms, to see if you are at risk of a future illness (e.g., a BRCA gene test for cancer risk).
  3. The Huntington's Exception (Does Not Apply to PMI): The only exception in the entire Moratorium relates to life insurance applications over £500,000. For these specific policies, insurers can ask about a predictive test result for Huntington's disease. This exception does not apply to private medical insurance.

What You Must Declare vs. What You Don't

This is a critical distinction that can cause confusion. The Moratorium protects you from having to disclose the results of predictive tests. It does not change the rules about declaring diagnosed conditions.

ScenarioDo I need to declare this for a UK PMI application?Why?
I took a 23andMe test that showed a higher risk of developing Condition X. I have no symptoms.NoThis is a predictive test result. Under the Moratorium, you do not have to declare it for PMI.
My doctor sent me for a genetic test, which confirmed a diagnosis of Condition Y. I am now on medication.YesYou must declare the diagnosis of Condition Y. It is now a diagnosed, pre-existing medical condition, regardless of how it was discovered.
My sister has a BRCA1 gene mutation. I'm worried I might have it too but haven't been tested.NoYou do not have a diagnosis or a test result to declare. Family history may be asked about, but you have no specific condition yourself.
I had a predictive test for the Huntington's disease gene and it was positive.NoFor a PMI application, you do not have to declare this. The exception only applies to high-value life insurance.

The message is clear: the UK insurance industry wants to encourage people to engage with NHS genomics programmes and take proactive steps for their health without fearing insurance penalties.

The Future of Personalised Wellness in PMI

While the current focus is on treating acute illness, the future of PMI is likely to embrace the "prevention is better than cure" aspect of personalised medicine. We are already seeing a shift towards wellness and proactive health management.

Providers like Vitality have pioneered a model that rewards members for healthy living—tracking activity, eating well, and completing health checks. Genomics is the logical next step in this evolution.

In the near future, we may see PMI providers offering:

  • Nutrigenomics Services: Voluntary access to services that analyse your genetic profile to provide highly personalised nutrition advice to help prevent disease.
  • Personalised Fitness Plans: Using genetic markers related to muscle type and endurance to create optimised workout routines.
  • Proactive Health Monitoring: Combining genetic risk data with wearable tech data to provide early warnings and lifestyle nudges.

At WeCovr, we support our clients' health and wellness goals today. When you arrange a PMI or life insurance policy through us, we provide complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. We also offer discounts on other types of insurance, helping you protect your health and finances in a holistic way.

The NHS and Genomics: The Bigger Picture

It's impossible to discuss genomics in the UK without acknowledging the world-leading role of the National Health Service. The NHS Genomic Medicine Service is a cornerstone of this effort, aiming to integrate genomics into routine patient care.

Key NHS initiatives include:

  • The 100,000 Genomes Project: A groundbreaking project that has now been successfully completed, paving the way for the routine use of genomics.
  • Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS): The NHS is increasingly offering WGS for children with suspected rare genetic disorders and for patients with specific types of cancer, enabling faster diagnosis and more targeted treatments.

Private medical insurance acts as a complement to the NHS. A patient might receive a diagnosis through an NHS genomics programme, then use their PMI policy to access a specialist or a specific targeted drug more quickly than might otherwise be possible. The two systems often work in parallel to achieve the best outcome for the patient.

The world of genomics is complex, and so are the insurance policies that are adapting to it. The language can be full of jargon, and the differences between what is and isn't covered can be hidden in the fine print. This is where an independent PMI broker is invaluable.

At WeCovr, we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our expert advisors work for you, not for the insurers.

  • We Understand the Market: We know the subtle differences between policies from all the leading UK providers.
  • We Decipher the Jargon: We can explain exactly what a policy's stance on genetic testing and targeted therapies means for you.
  • We Save You Time and Money: We do the research and comparison for you, finding the best PMI provider to fit your needs and budget at no extra cost to you. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to clear, honest advice.

Choosing the right private health cover is a significant decision. In an age of personalised medicine, ensuring your policy is fit for the future is more important than ever.


Do I need to declare a 23andMe or AncestryDNA test result when applying for UK private medical insurance?

No. In the UK, you are protected by the Concordat and Moratorium on Insurance and Genetics. This agreement means you do not have to declare the results of predictive genetic tests (like those from 23andMe) when applying for private medical insurance, critical illness cover, or income protection. These tests are considered predictive as they only indicate a potential risk, not a diagnosis.

Will my PMI cover a genetic test if my doctor recommends it?

It might, under specific circumstances. If the genetic test is a necessary part of the diagnostic process or is needed to guide the treatment for a new, acute medical condition that is eligible for cover under your policy (such as a specific cancer), it is often covered. However, private health cover will not fund elective, lifestyle, or purely predictive genetic screening.

Are targeted cancer drugs like Herceptin covered by private health cover?

Generally, yes. Most comprehensive private medical insurance policies in the UK with good cancer cover will fund targeted therapies like Herceptin. These drugs are used to treat an active, diagnosed condition. Insurers will typically cover drugs that are approved by NICE or are available through England's Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF), providing access to the latest treatments.

Why doesn't PMI cover chronic genetic conditions?

UK private medical insurance is fundamentally designed to cover acute conditions — illnesses or injuries that are short-term and curable. Chronic conditions, which by definition require long-term management rather than a cure, are excluded from standard policies. Since many genetic disorders are chronic in nature and have been present since birth, they fall outside the scope of what PMI is intended to cover.

Ready to explore your private medical insurance options in the UK? Let the experts at WeCovr help you navigate the complexities of modern healthcare cover. Get your free, no-obligation quote today and find a policy that gives you peace of mind.

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Related guides

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.

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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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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