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Hospital Waiting Lists vs Private Healthcare Access

Hospital Waiting Lists vs Private Healthcare Access 2025

WeCovr explains how PMI can help bypass long NHS waits

In the UK, the NHS is a source of national pride, but facing a long hospital waiting list can be a daunting experience. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, we believe understanding your options is key. This guide explores how private medical insurance can offer a fast-track alternative.

Waiting for medical treatment can be stressful, impacting your work, family life, and overall well-being. While the NHS provides exceptional care, current pressures mean that waiting times for non-urgent procedures have grown significantly. For many, this has sparked an interest in private healthcare as a way to regain control over their health journey.

This comprehensive article will walk you through the current landscape of NHS waiting lists, explain what private medical insurance (PMI) is, how it works, and whether it could be the right choice for you and your family.

The Sobering Reality of UK Hospital Waiting Lists in 2025

To understand the value of private healthcare access, we must first look at the current situation within the NHS. The term 'waiting list' refers to the number of people who have been referred by a GP for consultant-led elective care but have not yet started treatment.

According to the latest data from NHS England, the challenge is substantial.

  • The Overall Figure: As of early 2025, the number of people on the waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England remains in the millions. While figures fluctuate, the list has consistently stayed above 7 million referral-to-treatment (RTT) pathways for a considerable period.
  • Long Waits: A significant portion of these individuals are waiting longer than the 18-week target. Tens of thousands have unfortunately been waiting for over a year for necessary procedures.
  • Regional Disparities: Waiting times can vary dramatically depending on where you live in the UK and the specific hospital trust.
  • Impacted Specialities: Certain medical fields are under more pressure than others.

Here’s a look at some of the specialities with the longest waiting lists, illustrating the scale of the delays for common procedures.

Medical SpecialityCommon ProceduresTypical NHS Wait Times (Illustrative)
Trauma & OrthopaedicsHip replacements, knee replacements, ACL surgery9 - 18+ months
OphthalmologyCataract surgery6 - 12+ months
GastroenterologyEndoscopy, Colonoscopy4 - 9 months
GynaecologyHysterectomy, endometriosis treatment6 - 15+ months
General SurgeryHernia repair, gallbladder removal5 - 12+ months

Source: Based on publicly available NHS performance data, 2024-2025. Wait times are illustrative and can vary widely.

These are not just statistics; they represent people living with pain, discomfort, and uncertainty, unable to live their lives to the fullest. This is the core problem that private medical insurance aims to solve.

What Exactly is Private Medical Insurance (PMI)?

Private Medical Insurance, often called private health cover, is an insurance policy that pays for the costs of private medical treatment for specific conditions. Think of it as a healthcare safety net. You pay a monthly or annual premium, and in return, if you fall ill with a new, eligible condition, the insurer covers the bill for your private care.

This allows you to be diagnosed and treated quickly in a private hospital, bypassing the NHS queue.

The Crucial Distinction: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions

Understanding this difference is the single most important part of understanding UK private medical insurance.

  • Acute Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery. Examples include a broken bone, a hernia, appendicitis, or cataracts. PMI is designed to cover acute conditions.
  • Chronic Condition: A disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs ongoing or long-term monitoring, is incurable, has no known cure, or is likely to come back. Examples include diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Standard PMI policies do NOT cover the routine management of chronic conditions.
Condition TypeCharacteristicsExamplesCovered by PMI?
AcuteShort-term, curable, sudden onset.Joint replacement, cataract surgery, hernia repair, tonsillitis.Yes, for diagnosis and treatment.
ChronicLong-term, manageable but not curable.Diabetes, asthma, Crohn's disease, high blood pressure.No, for routine management.

A very important note on pre-existing conditions: PMI is designed for medical issues that arise after you take out the policy. It does not cover conditions you had, or had symptoms of, before your cover began. We'll explore this further in the underwriting section.

How PMI Lets You Bypass NHS Queues: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, how does it work in practice? The journey from feeling unwell to getting treated is remarkably streamlined with private health cover.

Let's follow a real-life example:

Meet David, a 45-year-old self-employed plumber with a mid-range PMI policy.

  1. The Initial Problem: David develops persistent, sharp pain in his knee after a weekend of hiking. It’s affecting his ability to work.
  2. The GP Visit (NHS): David visits his local NHS GP. The GP examines his knee and suspects a torn meniscus. He tells David he needs an MRI scan and a consultation with an orthopaedic specialist. He explains the NHS wait for an MRI could be several weeks, and the wait to see the specialist could be many months after that.
  3. Activating the PMI Policy: David thanks his GP and asks for an 'open referral' letter. He then calls the dedicated claims line for his private medical insurer.
  4. Authorisation: David provides his policy number and details of the GP's referral. The insurer confirms his policy covers diagnostics and specialist consultations for musculoskeletal issues. They authorise the claim and provide a pre-authorisation number.
  5. Choice and Speed: The insurer provides David with a list of approved orthopaedic specialists and private hospitals near his home. He chooses a consultant with excellent reviews who can see him at a private clinic the following week.
  6. Diagnosis: David attends his private consultation. The specialist agrees an MRI is needed and books him in at the same private hospital for two days later. The results are back within 24 hours.
  7. Treatment Plan: The MRI confirms a torn meniscus requiring keyhole surgery (arthroscopy). David meets his consultant again, who explains the procedure. He is booked in for surgery in two weeks' time.
  8. The Procedure: David has his surgery as a day-patient in a comfortable private hospital. He has his own room to recover in before going home. The hospital sends all the invoices directly to his insurance company. David only has to pay the £250 excess he chose when he bought his policy.
  9. Recovery: His policy also includes six sessions of post-operative physiotherapy, which he starts the week after his operation, helping him get back to work much faster.

The Outcome: From GP visit to surgery, David's journey took just over three weeks. The equivalent journey on the NHS could have taken over a year, causing him significant loss of income and a prolonged period of pain.

What Does a Typical Private Medical Insurance Policy Cover?

Policies are flexible and can be tailored to your budget and needs. They are usually built around a core foundation with optional extras you can add on.

Core Cover (Usually included as standard):

  • In-patient and Day-patient Treatment: This covers costs when you are admitted to hospital for a bed overnight (in-patient) or for the day (day-patient). It includes:
    • Hospital accommodation and nursing care.
    • Surgeon and anaesthetist fees.
    • Specialist consultations.
    • Operating theatre costs.
    • Advanced drugs and treatments, including some not yet available on the NHS.

Common Optional Add-ons:

  • Out-patient Cover: This is one of the most popular and valuable add-ons. It covers diagnostic tests and consultations that don't require a hospital bed.
    • Specialist consultations.
    • Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, PET scans, X-rays, blood tests).
    • Without this, you would rely on the NHS for diagnosis and could only use your PMI once a diagnosis was confirmed and you needed surgery.
  • Therapies Cover: Covers treatment from physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors.
  • Mental Health Cover: Provides access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. This has become an increasingly sought-after benefit.
  • Dental and Optical Cover: A less common add-on that can contribute towards routine check-ups, glasses, and dental treatment.
  • Alternative Therapies: May include cover for treatments like acupuncture.

Here’s a simplified look at how policy levels can differ:

FeatureBasic "In-patient Only" PolicyMid-Range "Full Cover" PolicyComprehensive "Premium" Policy
In-patient/Day-patient✅✅✅
Out-patient Diagnostics❌ (or capped at a low limit)✅ (often up to a set limit, e.g., £1,000)✅ (often unlimited)
Therapies Cover❌✅✅
Mental Health Cover❌Optional Add-on✅ (often with higher limits)
Hospital ListLimited 'local' listNationwide list (excl. Central London)Unrestricted, including top London hospitals
Wellness BenefitsBasic (e.g., nurse helpline)Good (e.g., gym discounts)Excellent (e.g., health screenings)
Indicative Monthly Cost£30 - £50£60 - £90£100 - £150+

Note: Costs are illustrative for a healthy 40-year-old and vary based on personal factors.

What is Generally NOT Covered by Private Health Cover?

It's just as important to know what isn't covered to avoid any surprises.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition you had symptoms of, or received treatment for, before your policy started (typically in the 5 years prior).
  • Chronic Conditions: As discussed, the long-term management of conditions like diabetes or asthma is not covered. However, an acute flare-up of a new condition, even if you have a chronic illness, may be covered. For example, if a diabetic person needs a hip replacement, the hip replacement would be covered.
  • Emergencies: For a heart attack, stroke, or serious accident, you must always call 999 and use the NHS A&E. Private hospitals are not equipped for major trauma or emergencies.
  • Normal Pregnancy & Childbirth: Routine maternity care is not covered, though some policies may cover complications.
  • Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures done purely for aesthetic reasons are excluded.
  • Self-inflicted Injuries and issues related to substance abuse.

How Much Does Private Medical Insurance UK Cost?

There's no single answer to this, as your premium is unique to you. It's calculated based on a range of risk factors.

Key Factors Influencing Your PMI Premium:

  1. Age: This is the most significant factor. The older you are, the higher the statistical likelihood of needing treatment, so the premium increases.
  2. Location: Treatment costs more in certain areas, particularly Central London. Having a policy that includes expensive London hospitals will cost more.
  3. Level of Cover: A basic, in-patient-only policy is the cheapest. Adding comprehensive out-patient cover, therapies, and mental health support will increase the price.
  4. Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim, similar to car insurance. A higher excess (e.g., £500) will lower your monthly premium.
  5. Hospital List: Insurers offer different lists of hospitals. A restricted list of local hospitals is cheaper than a nationwide one.
  6. Underwriting Type:
    • Moratorium: This is the most common. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last 5 years. If you then go 2 continuous years without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, it may become eligible for cover.
    • Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire. The insurer reviews it and lists specific, permanent exclusions from your policy. It's more work upfront but provides absolute clarity on what is and isn't covered from day one.
  7. No-Claims Discount: Like car insurance, if you don't claim, you build up a discount on your premium at renewal.

Illustrative Monthly Premiums (2025):

ProfileBasic CoverMid-Range CoverComprehensive Cover
30-year-old, non-smoker£35£55£75
45-year-old, non-smoker£50£80£110
Couple, both aged 55£130£190£260

Disclaimer: These prices are for illustrative purposes only. For an accurate price, you need a personalised quote.

How a PMI Broker Like WeCovr Can Help You Choose

The UK private medical insurance market is complex, with dozens of providers and hundreds of policy variations. Trying to compare them yourself can be overwhelming. This is where an independent broker is invaluable.

Working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr provides several key advantages:

  • Expert, Unbiased Advice: We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our primary duty is to you, the client, not the insurance company. We find the policy that best fits your needs.
  • Whole-of-Market Comparison: We compare policies from a wide panel of the UK's leading insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality, saving you the time and hassle of getting multiple quotes.
  • No Extra Cost: Our service is free to you. We are paid a commission by the insurer you choose, which is already built into the premium price. You don't pay more by using us; in fact, we often secure better rates than going direct.
  • Jargon-Busting: We explain complex terms like 'moratorium underwriting' and 'out-patient limits' in plain English, ensuring you know exactly what you're buying.
  • Tailored Solutions: We take the time to understand your specific health concerns, lifestyle, and budget to recommend the most suitable private health cover.

The Added Value of a WeCovr Policy

We believe in providing more than just an insurance policy. When you arrange your private medical insurance through WeCovr, you gain access to exclusive benefits designed to support your long-term health and financial well-being.

  • Complimentary Access to CalorieHero: All our health and life insurance clients receive free access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero. It’s a fantastic tool to help you manage your diet, achieve fitness goals, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Multi-Policy Discounts: We value your loyalty. When you take out a PMI or life insurance policy with us, you become eligible for exclusive discounts on other types of cover you might need, such as home or travel insurance.

Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to providing clear, friendly, and professional service from start to finish.

You and the NHS: A Partnership

It is vital to see private medical insurance not as a replacement for the NHS, but as a complement to it. You will still be a UK resident, you will still pay your National Insurance contributions, and you will still rely on the NHS for many things:

  • GP Services: Your NHS GP remains your first port of call.
  • Accident & Emergency: For any life-threatening situation, the NHS is the only option.
  • Chronic Condition Management: The NHS will continue to manage any long-term conditions you have.

By using PMI for eligible acute conditions, you are not just getting faster treatment for yourself; you are also helping to ease the burden on the NHS. Every person who uses a private option for a hip replacement or cataract surgery frees up a space on the NHS waiting list for someone who may not have another choice. It's a system that can, when used correctly, benefit everyone.

What happens if I develop a chronic condition after I take out my PMI policy?

This is an excellent question. Your private medical insurance policy would typically cover the initial diagnosis of the new condition. For example, it would pay for the specialist consultations and diagnostic tests needed to identify the illness. However, once it is diagnosed as a chronic condition requiring long-term management, the routine care would revert to the NHS. Your PMI would not cover the day-to-day medication or check-ups for it.

Will my private medical insurance premium go up if I make a claim?

Generally, yes. Most UK PMI policies operate with a No-Claims Discount (NCD). When you don't make a claim, your NCD increases at renewal, helping to keep your premium down. If you do make a claim, your NCD will likely be reduced or reset, which means your premium will be higher at renewal, in addition to any age-related increase. This is why some people choose to pay for smaller costs themselves to protect their NCD.

Can I add my family to my private health cover?

Yes, absolutely. Most providers allow you to add your partner and dependent children to your policy. While this increases the overall premium, insurers often provide a discount for family or couple policies compared to buying individual plans for everyone. It's a popular way to ensure your whole family can get prompt medical care when they need it.

Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind

The reality of long NHS waiting lists means taking a proactive approach to your health has never been more important. Private medical insurance offers a powerful solution, providing the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can access high-quality treatment quickly.

If you're tired of worrying about waiting lists and want to explore your options, the team at WeCovr is here to help.

Get Your FREE, No-Obligation PMI Quote from WeCovr Today →

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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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